This post is an excerpt from Living at the Mercy Seat by R.C. Chapman.

It is Christ’s hold upon us that enables us, by faith, tolay hold on and to keep hold of Him. “Not as though I had already attained,either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend thatfor which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).

They who seem the most tried are not always those that havethe sharpest warfare.

Sometimes things appear to us so difficult that we aredaunted; at other times so easy that we think we are equal to them; and thus ineither case we fail.

He that is running a race looks not at witnesses admiring,but only at the mark.

We need to “discern the Lord’s body,” i.e., Christ havingbeen crucified (1 Cor. 11:29) for steadfastness of communion with God, no lessthan to trust in His blood to obtain salvation from wrath to come (John 6:54,56).

The fulfilling of God’s promises depends not upon thecreature’s strength, and cannot be prevented by the creature’s weakness.

We need a close walk with God, a having respect to all Hiscommandments, if we would obtain of Him whatsoever we ask.

True persevering diligence in spiritual things always beginsin self-abasement.

It is one mark of growth in spirituality to be moreafflicted by the pleasing—than by the distressing—temptations of Satan.

We should always take great trials and great temptations asthe forerunners of great blessings and growth of fellowship with God.

The obedience of grace obtains for us the profitable knowl­edgeof truth, and teaches us to prize it more than much fine gold. Mere knowledgepuffeth up, and the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury (Prov. 14:23).

Deep spirituality of mind is only obtained by a thoroughcrucifixion of self: self-denial is discipline for life—the work of every hour.

To make a good soldier, put him in front of the battle; agood seaman, let him brave the storm: so with the Christian.

True readiness to confess sin, and joy in self-abasement,mark a growth in grace and knowledge of the character of God.

I know of no one who, with so little promise in hisbeginnings of faith, had a sunset so glorious as had Jacob (Gen. 48, 49).

It is the constant crucifying the flesh in little thingsthat makes a giant in the Christian warfare. But true self-crucifix­ion is athing impossible, save by grace; and to have the needful supplies of that gracewe must be in perpetual communion with God: it is only thus we shall overcomein little things.

It is a great salvation wrought for us, if the soul beresolved to suffer the will of God, cost what it may.

Do you desire a humble mind, a soft heart, an obedientspirit? Ask and receive, that your joy may be full. But remember, “The soul ofthe sluggard desireth, and hath nothing” (Prov. 13:4). Be the clean vessel thatGod delights to fill and use.

Not God’s answering prayer in respect of earthly things andearthly gifts, but growth of the new man, is the true proof that we please God.

We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin thatdoes so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter—that isunbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former? We have every one inhimself his own peculiar hindrances—weights which, if not laid aside, will clogthe soul in her race. 

How shall I run my race and not stumble? How shall I haveChrist’s approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put byevery child of God to his own soul.

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