April 19

Godlikeness through prayer

“They looked unto him, and were radiant: and their faces were not ashamed” (Psa. 34:5—N.K.J.V.).
“And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15).

He who wrestles most earnestly with God in his closet is most likely to go forth to his converse with men anointed for his mission. His garments smell of the spices of Paradise. His face shines as the face of an angel, and he unavoidably becomes in his sphere “the light of the world.”
—Stephen Olin.

The more familiar acquaintance we have with God the more do we partake of Him. He that passes by the fire may have some gleams of heat, but he that stands by it hath his color changed. It is not possible that a man should have any long conference with God and be no whit affected. If we are strangers to God it is no wonder our faces become earthly, but he that sets himself apart to God shall find a majesty and awful respect put upon him in the mind of others.
—Bishop Hall.

How lovely are the faces of
The men who talk with God,
Lit with an inner sureness of
The path their feet have trod.

How gentle is the manner of
A man who walks with Him,
No strength can overcome him,
And no cloud his courage dim.

Such lives are free from doubt and fear,
While others merely plod.
But lovely faces mark the men
Who walk and talk with God.
—Prosser Thomson.

We are often surprised at the outward calmness of men who are called upon to do unpleasant and most trying deeds, but could we have seen them in secret, we should have known the moral preparation which they underwent before coming out to be seen by men. Be right in the sanctuary. Be steadfast in prayer if you would be calm in affliction. Start your race from the throne of God itself if you would run well and win the prize.
—Joseph Parker.

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