We’re starting off the 25 Books reading journey with The Imitation of Christ.  This is the book that Lyle SmithGraybeal, managing editor of the 25 Books project, believes is a good first step. He says, “Imitation is squarely on the topic of Christian formation, the chapters are short, and it’s an easy read. “

Click on The Imitation of Christ tab to learn about the version we will be using. For the next two weeks, we will be reading short selections from each section in The Beatitudes Edition to give you an overview of this wonderful book. After that, we will discuss Imitation in more detail.   Please share your reactions, questions and observations along the way in the comments box.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

The assignments I give shouldn’t wear you out. Always, let my promises strengthen and encourage you. I am able to reward you beyond measure and without limit.

In a little while, your limitations will be gone forever. Toil, trouble, and struggles with discouragement will cease when time is no more. Persevere for now.

+ + +

God has given you a mission. He warns against too much leisure, so make the most of your time. He honors you with gifts to invest in Kingdom work and then wants you to give him the results with thanks for the privilege. . . . Serve the Kingdom faithfully.

+ + +

Appreciate whatever God gives you, and he will give you more. Receive the smallest gift as if it were the most desired. No gift from him is trivial or ordinary; the Divine Giver never gives an insignificant gift. He chooses from his storehouse the right gift for you at the right time.

+ + +

There will be future blessings. Your reward throughout eternity will be greater than you can imagine:

Then, your focus will be identical to mine.

Then, you will have all you desire.

Then, you will have no selfish thoughts.

Then, you will possess what is good without fear that it will end.

Then, no one will oppose you or complain about you.

Then, no one will hinder you or stand in your way.

Then, I will give you glory for any rejection you endured on earth.

Then, I will replace your sorrow with praise.

Then, you will enjoy the fruit of your obedience.

Then, you will be completely satisfied.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

O God, to know you is to know goodness and joy. Your promises thrill me. I can hardly wait to join the countless saints who reverently lived lives that honored you. When I think of those who have lived before me, I feel unworthy to join them.

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Lord, I thank you for interacting with me, guiding my steps each day, and giving me understanding of what you want me to do. Help me to appreciate your blessings with awe and gratitude—both for the gifts you give to everyone and for the gifts you have given especially to me—so that my thanks for your goodness goes beyond the words I am able to express, however heartfelt and genuine they may be.

+ + +

You give gifts wisely and freely. All do not receive the same gifts, and not to the same extent. If it’s best not to give me much, I will be content knowing you honor those who gratefully receive little with other blessings: your presence, a strong faith, the expectancy of what is up ahead. Many a time you have enabled me to be joyful when I’ve been overlooked.

Doing your will, fulfilling the purpose for which you have made me, takes precedence over everything.

I will praise you in all things, at all times, in every circumstance.

You, Lord, are more precious to me than your blessings—yes, more precious than the blessings you will bestow on me in the future. Amen.

 

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

 

 

 

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Godly peacemakers bring an extra dimension to conflict resolution that counselors who have no understanding of God’s precepts aren’t able to do. They look for the best in people, complimenting them on their strengths, encouraging them to change a negative into a positive, affirming rather than criticizing. Peacemakers are at peace with themselves and with others.

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Peacemakers need to relate well to troublemakers before they will listen to advice. If you aspire to be a peacemaker, you must show them what peace is like before you attempt to explain it to them.

When you make a mistake, don’t come up with excuses and then refuse to accept the excuses of others. Accept the excuses of others while taking responsibility for your own failings. Before asking anyone to forgive you, you must forgive first. Overlook the flaws of others if you don’t want them to pay attention to yours. Be an example of the authentic humility that is impatient with yourself but not with others when things go awry.

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The Father says, “I will go before you and smooth out the rough places. I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places.”

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Do it, Lord. May all disturbing thoughts subside. I ask you to calm me down. I will confide in you, pour out my heart to you, and then quietly await your words to me.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Your days won’t be peaceful until your longings merge into my plans. You need to stop thinking about your frustrations. Focus instead on imitating my ways. Simply ask me for wisdom when you need it and you will have it.

When yearning motivates you, even if it’s to expand my Kingdom, do you pause to consider whether that is what I want you to do? What is your motive? Is it selfish? If you are doing it because it’s my assignment, it will be rewarding. If not, it will be tiring for you.

Wisdom from heaven is peace loving, gentle, courteous. It listens to others, is willing to yield, and is full of mercy and good deeds. It is merciful, straightforward, sincere.

+ + +

True spirituality comes as you turn over every circumstance to my will, not seeking honors for yourself in anything. Weigh what you do against eternal values, and be thankful and serene in both times of peace and times of adversity.

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Why are some of my followers so godly and tuned into contemplative prayer that doesn’t ask God for anything, but only basks in his presence? It’s because they refuse to allow the clutter of circumstances to control them. They focus on their spiritual well-being.

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Every morning, thank God for his kindness. Every evening, praise him for his faithfulness. Devote time every day to contemplative prayer when you do very little talking and instead just listen for God to speak.

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Because you love me, endure hard times cheerfully. Work, sorrow, temptation, trials, anxiety, poverty, weakness, injury, slander, rebuke, humiliations, confusion, discipline, contempt—all these appear undesirable, but my faithful followers use these situations to develop character. In exchange for times of difficulty, a reward awaits you in heaven.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

O Lord, your scrutiny overwhelms me. I understand why Job trembled at the sound of your voice. If you charge your angels with error, why would you spare me? The stars in the sky will someday fall. If the heavens are not pure, what am I? What should you do with me then, a creature of dust? So many times I have seen the innocent fall. There is no righteousness anywhere if you withdraw your purifying presence. There’s no wisdom if you don’t guide. There’s no courage if you don’t defend. There’s no purity if you don’t protect it.

 # # #

I want to live a transparent life in private and in public. Negative attitudes reflect a damaged spirit. Ungodly behavior comes from inward weakness. Is that true of me? Do I have hidden agendas that I implement without realizing it? Amen.

THE CHRIST SPEAKS: 

Even if you had the purity of angels, you still wouldn’t be worthy to serve a holy God. Merit doesn’t give you the privilege of representing God’s Kingdom. It’s all grace. God has chosen you, and designated you as a priest to show the world his goodness. He has assigned to you tasks not granted to the angels. Your calling is high and your responsibility is great.

# # #

You have been set apart to represent God. See to it that you linger with him regularly and honestly. Keep a close watch on how you live and what you teach. Serve God with reverent wonderment. Bound to a strict discipline and to a high degree of purity, your attitude should be like mine, a servant. Be a light in a darkened world.

Keep the cross constantly in view to remind you of my Passion. Regret your wrongdoing. Mourn the sins of others. Plead for sinners. Be disciplined when weary in prayer and in your commitment to Kingdom work. You are my representative.

When you serve the Father God, you honor him, gladdening my heart and the hearts of angels. You encourage me as you lovingly aid the living and comfort the dying.

THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

You are my secure Anchor, tethering me to the Father. You honor me with an ambassadorship to represent the Kingdom of Heaven. I will tell everyone who will listen how you deliver me from darkness as your Word lightens my way. Lord, may I always serve you with a clear conscience and a pure heart.

# # #

The reality is that you serve me. You made this world for my enjoyment as well as for yours. Your angels stand by this very moment to protect me wherever I am. You know when I sit down or stand up. You watch me as I travel and when I stay home. You not only go before me; you follow behind heaping blessing upon blessing on me. Such kindness is too wonderful, too great for me to comprehend.

Precious Savior of all humanity, you alone are worthy to receive glory, honor, and eternal praise. For you created all that exists. Amen.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Learn how to relate to another’s struggles. No one is without faults. Everyone carries private burdens. Make allowances for one another by comforting, helping, and encouraging each other.

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Accept criticism silently; if it has already knocked you down, why stay there? Get back up. If you can’t endure it cheerfully, at least endure it patiently. How did I respond to those who rejected me? Read the Gospels. Study my reactions.

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I know why an exchange of angry words takes place. I know who causes the injury and who suffers because of it.

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To enjoy the prize, be ready for the struggle. Athletes don’t win unless they follow the rules. Present yourself as one I’m able to approve, a pilgrim who has no need for shame. To be part of the heavenly celebration, endure patiently. If you refuse to suffer, choosing instead to retaliate, you relinquish the crown. Where there is no conflict, there is no victory.

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Under attack by his enemies, King David knew that God was on his side, yet he prayed, “O Lord, don’t turn away from me; don’t reject me; don’t abandon me. Don’t turn me over to evil men.” What is notable about David as he cried to God for mercy is that as he continued to pray, his despair subsided and he strongly asserted, “I am still confident of this: I will yet see the goodness of the Lord.” His faith was intact. He prayed earnestly and waited confidently.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Yours, O Lord, is greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. I adore you. May I increasingly become more like you—sensitive, loving, tender, reaching out to help those who struggle.

I commit to you all the good that happens as I serve you, although what I do seems insignificant and flawed. Help me correct any attitudes that grieve you so they are pleasing and acceptable to you. May I, a procrastinating and often undependable servant, become useful in your Kingdom.

I commit all my hopes to you; your plan far exceeds my dreams. I bring you the desires and needs of my extended family, my friends who are so dear, and those who encourage me. I commit to you those who have sought my help and asked me to pray for them and their families. May they know that you are always ready to help them. Comfort them, ease their pain, protect them from danger, keep them from error. May they, with joy, gratefully embrace you.

I pray for reconciliation with those who have hurt, grieved, or insulted me. I pray for those whom I have offended, troubled, upset, or scandalized, by my words or deeds, knowingly or in ignorance. Grant us all forgiveness for our offenses against each other.

Take from my heart suspicion, irritation, anger, and contention, all that hinders love and lessens harmony. Have mercy on those who seek your mercy. Grant your grace to those who reflect your merciful ways. Amen.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

My followers are to be real, wholesome, emotionally balanced—the same privately as publicly. My standards are high: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These fruits of righteousness should be your trademarks.

+  +  +

Search your soul. Is your faith genuine? Do you pass the test? Is it necessary for you to be selective in what you say publicly because what you’re thinking doesn’t honor me? You are well aware that God looks at the heart. He sees your motive. He knows the recesses of your subconscious. Nothing escapes him; he notes the unspoken thought, the most private longing. Shouldn’t you consult me at all times, in every place, with no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives?

+  +  +

You belong to the family of God. You are a citizen of the heavenly Kingdom. You are one of the chosen, a royal priest, my beloved follower. As such, you are also my ambassador. Prepare yourself well. Pursue holiness diligently. Think thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, commendable. The Kingdom of Heaven is not what we eat, drink, wear, or do. It is goodness, peace, joy—a tranquility that the Holy Spirit gives. He is your Enabler; he makes it happen.

+  +  +

To see what is, not what seems to be, is possible with the wisdom and perceptiveness that God gives. As the Holy Spirit instructs you in the ways of righteousness, peace will increasingly emerge to grace your days. To respond to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit within you requires no special place to meditate, no specific time to pray. Always, everywhere, at all times, the soul is capable of communicating with God.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Oh, what unspeakable grace you bestow. Oh, how endearing your presence. Oh, what boundless love you shower on me. What can I give you in return? Your sacrifice demands my all. I give it gladly. I want to be with you, to be like you.

+  +  +

Is someone really better because people think so? Doesn’t the deceiver deceive the deceitful? Isn’t it true that the proud elevate the proud, the blind lead the blind, the weak hobble side by side with the weak? Those who think alike gather together to enforce their weaknesses, flattering each other with deceptive words.

Grant me, O Lord, to know what I should know, to love as I should love, to praise what pleases you, to honor what is precious to you, to reject what is unacceptable. May I always remember what St. Francis said: “We are only as great as you see us to be—no more and no less.”

+  +  +

O God, may your blessings fill my being. Turn sour every alluring activity that entices me away from focusing on eternity. Give me courage to resist, patience to endure, and steadfastness to persevere. I seek, not my agenda, but to obey your precepts. I covet the anointing of your Holy Spirit, not glory.

+  +  +

No one is like you, O Lord. No one is more powerful. You rule the universe and all that is beyond. May all who love you unite with me to praise you, King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Lord, how great is your goodness to all who love you. When I observe people who really know you, I’m ashamed of my fluttery faith. They are so devoted to you that they move peacefully through their days in an attitude of prayer that determines all they do and say.

Why am I so lukewarm? Why am I not more attuned to your way of thinking? Why do I not worship with the same intensity they do? Their love for you brings tears to their eyes. These pilgrims yearn for you as the deer pants for water. They hunger and thirst for righteousness.

THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

To everyone I teach basic truths that my followers need to know. I teach through both circumstances and symbolism. To some, I teach the way of the cross. For others, I go beyond the cross to teach deep truths. Then there are the few to whom I reveal my mysteries and secrets. When you learn from me, because I know your heart, I teach the truth you need. As I listen to you pray, I sort out your thoughts for you, gently nudging you in the right direction. I custom design my teaching individually for each person.

+  +  +

I am the One who teaches you to reject faulty perceptions, to ignore what is temporary, and to embrace the wisdom of heaven. I will teach you to forget worldly honors. I will teach you how to endure humiliation courageously. I ask you to trust me totally, to be content with what I give you, and to love me more than anyone or anything else.

+  +  +

Only a few take this step. Most believers choose to live tangled in a web of conflicting emotions and poor decision-making. They live without fully tapping into God’s grace that enhances life with me.

+  +  +

When God begins to stir a longing within your soul, allow that yearning to propel you forward. Many describe the vacuum that God has given you as “something’s missing in my life.” That “something missing” is a close relationship with the Triune God. I wish it were already so with you and that you were well on the way to maturity. I want your days to be peaceful, joyful. You, however, have much to give up.

+  +  +

With my arms outreached, I willingly died in agony on the cross, committing myself to the will of God the Father. I gave my life. Will you do the same? Will you give everything you are to me? Will you follow me with all your heart, soul, and mind? Will you withhold nothing, not even a tiny facet of time, abilities, or wealth? Will you abandon your self-serving dreams?

+  +  +

I am yours; I want you to be mine. I want a friendship that keeps nothing back. Without that whole-hearted relationship, our friendship is imperfect. Few believers are perceptive; still fewer are unencumbered. It’s because a total surrender of time and dreams is not something they are prepared to do.

My mandate is firm: If you don’t give up everything you have, you cannot be my disciple.

God saves you from sin, but you must protect yourself from possessiveness. Are you willing to do that?

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Lofty matters you will never understand. Why does someone receive a coveted honor while another, who equally deserves recognition, is overlooked? Why does a disabled person struggle to live independently while others enjoy excellent health? Why do some live in squalor while you have a comfortable bed to sleep in? Those questions are beyond human reasoning—no one can fathom the inscrutable plans of God.

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Instead of becoming curious about situations beyond your ability to discern what is really going on, your concern should be rather that you yourself are maturing in the faith. Tune into God’s assignment for you and be willing to be the least. Many have asked who is the greatest. The question they should ask is “Will I be counted worthy to be among the least?”

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The most brilliant mind cannot reach its full potential without the wisdom of God. A humble chicken farmer who serves God is greater than the proud astronomer who spends a lifetime studying the expansion of the universe but sees no need to tap into my omniscience. Those who understand this don’t care about the praise of colleagues. They know that knowledge of all things without love and humility won’t count on Judgment Day when everyone must give an account to God.

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Is anyone wise enough to know everything? No, not one. Those who are wise listen to the ideas of others. Your ideas may be best, but at times it’s expedient to lay it aside to implement someone else’s plan. Don’t be rigid. Refusing to cooperate reflects stubborn pride.

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For his sake, relinquish your will. Why should you not do this? Why shouldn’t you do as I have done? I, who created the world out of nothing, subjected myself to the ruling authorities of my time. Learn from my example how to conquer pride.

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Most important by far is to know who you are before God, measuring your assessment by biblical standards. Reject any tendency you have to think highly of yourself. You’re on the right track when you focus on the goodness of others instead. If you see someone involved in wrongdoing, remember that except for the grace of God it could be you.

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If you’re above average in intelligence, put it aside if it keeps you from the true wisdom of heaven. What do you have that God hasn’t given to you? If all you have is from him, why think you have accomplished something on your own?

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Don’t boast about your appearance, fitness level, or good health. Disease can change all that quickly. Since God is the One who has given you your DNA, be very cautious about drawing attention to your talents or skills.

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If God has blessed you with wealth, don’t show it off with high standards of living that strut your net worth. Glory in him alone who gives you the ability to become prosperous, and who wants even more to make you holy. If you are poor and own little, hold your head high. God has his ways of giving heavenly riches to those who must live frugally.

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I love you and you are precious to me. I want you to enjoy my love and blessings. Be thankful. Learn authentic humility and patiently endure whatever people say or do.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper. All rights reserved. Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Be thankful if a deeper depth of understanding grieves you because you have become more acutely aware of sin.

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Sorrow refines. Repentance enriches. To ignore sin is to continue in soul poverty. Learn to recognize the perils surrounding you that endanger your well-being. You will progress spiritually when you respond to the nudges of the Holy Spirit who convicts you of sin.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

When I think about your holiness and my sinfulness, Lord, I tremble. What shall I do, my Lord, my Helper, my Adviser in every circumstance? Teach me the right way to approach you. How should I prepare my heart?  Amen.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Approach me with a spirit of humility and reverence, confession and repentance.

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Examine your conscience. Acknowledge any festering sin the Holy Spirit reveals to you so that with no anxiety or guilt, you are free to approach a holy God. Let the recognition of sin grieve you, leading you to confession of your sins.

In the privacy of your deepest longings, known only to me, confess to God all the miseries your failings have caused. Name them one by one. Be specific. Pay special attention to daily flaws that mar your relationships.

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Come to me often for mercy and pardon. I will forgive you.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Lord, I’m not worthy of the mercies you extend to me.

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I know that sorrow must precede forgiveness. I’m learning that contrition reconciles my troubled conscience and protects me from sin.

As I confess my sins, Lord, you have promised to purify me from unrighteousness—you will not reject a repentant sinner. You forgave the sinful woman who poured perfume on your feet. It is there, as I kneel at your feet, that you mend my brokenness and cleanse me from my sins.

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Confident of your goodness, Lord, I come. When sick, I come for healing. When hungry and thirsty, I come to drink from your fountain of life. When needy, I come to the King of heaven as a servant to the master. When sorrowing, I come for comfort.

I confess to you my unworthiness. I acknowledge your goodness, thankful for your tender mercy. How admirable are your works, Lord, how great your power, how infallible your truth. You spoke, and the world came into being at your command.

Savior of all humanity, true God and true man, may my heart be uncluttered, my conscience at peace. Unhindered by sin, may my praise be acceptable to you. Amen.

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 THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Start viewing life with a different outlook.

Don’t let the gift of salvation grow stale. It should always be as fresh as the day you first realized that it was for you I died.

My love will never diminish. My mercies will be new each morning. My resurrection will never lose its purpose.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper.  All rights reserved.  Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Come to me when you are weary and carrying heavy burdens. I will give you rest.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Lord, you make the poor in spirit rich. That’s how I feel right now, poor—overcome with fatigue and gloom. Come to me like early morning dew to encourage and energize me. Should I lose everything I own, will you not be enough for me? Hold my hand, and I won’t be afraid when tested by adversity. Your grace, stronger than those who oppose me and wiser than the wise, will give me strength I desperately need.

Your grace, so loving:

                        ◊ enlightens my mind,

                        ◊ teaches me discipline,

                        ◊ encourages devotion,

                        ◊ produces cleansing tears,

                        ◊ evicts fear,

                        ◊ encourages me when I suffer,

                        ◊ provides a refuge for me when I grieve.

            Savior of all, to you I come because you are the only one who knows exactly what I need. Refresh me. Warm my coldness with the flames of your love. Lighten my darkness with the glow of your presence. Make worldly enticements bitter to me. Help me to endure hard times with patience. Sustain me with your truth and goodness. You are my meat and drink, my love and joy. Focus my thoughts heavenward so I no longer wander aimlessly, searching for answers where they are not to be found.  Amen.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

I came down to earth from heaven to die for your sins, to show you how to live. I am standing by to help with your problems because I love you. My love will enable you to accept reality patiently, without complaining.

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THE PILGRIM PRAYS:

Lord, if I want to follow you, I must learn to cope with hard times and be obedient to the Father’s wishes. I am your follower, which means accepting the demands, as you did, of living patiently in a corrupt world. Amen.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

I am your friend, and I am going to make the difficult times easier for you. Without my help, everything seems complicated. With just one word, one touch, I am able to change your day.

I know how to wipe away tears and restore joy. Joy awaits everyone who delights in my Word, meditating on it day and night. Those who trust me are like trees planted along a river with roots that reach deep into the water. Unaffected by heat or long months of drought, their leaves never wither. It is like that for those who follow me. With their faith firmly grounded in the Word, my followers prosper in whatever I intend for them to do.

God’s grace gives strength to face every circumstance. Does this mean that discouraging days will never come? No. Adversity is part of life’s mosaic. You need to be still to observe the ways I help you. After winter, summer comes; after the darkness, light dawns; after a storm, calm arrives.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper.  All rights reserved.  Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.

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THE CHRIST SPEAKS:

Follow me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Without the Way, you will go in the wrong direction.

Without the Truth, you lack a foundation to discern reality.

Without the Life, there is no hope.

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To know truth, believe my words.

To be my disciple, forget your ambitions.

To be unencumbered, be willing to part with possessions.

To live joyfully, reject worldly values.

To be exalted in heaven, be humble here on earth.

To reign with me, carry the cross with me.

Those who are willing to do this will know peace and freedom.

+ + +

I long for you to fix your thoughts on things eternal rather than temporary, to see beyond visible things to the invisible, look ahead to your permanent homeland. Separate yourself from the values of those who love this world. Resolve to pursue a close relationship with God. It isn’t too late.

Why delay? Now is the time to change your thinking. Athletes suffer bruising pain for a fading trophy. Your goal should be an imperishable crown that will sparkle throughout eternity. Pursue it.

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Without God, human nature is crafty and seductive. It ensnares and deceives to achieve its goals. The grace of God enables fallen human nature to become like me, loving and blameless, doing what is right with pure motives.

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The day is coming when you will be personally accountable to Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, who knows you inside out and who accepts neither bribes nor excuses. Instead, he judges righteously. On that day, the devout will be glad; the wicked will weep.

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All will be on their own when the all-knowing God reveals dark secrets. He doesn’t allow defense lawyers to plead adverse circumstances. The opportunity to admit guilt, to regret wrongdoing, to ask for forgiveness and receive pardon, will have passed.

Those whom God has forgiven will remember and celebrate setbacks as stepping-stones. They will forget times of distress. Rough garments will become brilliant while silks and satins lose their sheen. The humble cottage will be more desirable than a palatial home. Patience will be more honorable than power. Obedience will count more than knowledge.

A pure conscience will give more satisfaction than profound philosophy. Prayer will bring more contentment than gourmet pleasures. Simple living will be more enriching than all the treasures of the world. Silence will be more exhilarating than empty chatter. An act of kindness will be more rewarding than flattery. A disciplined life with modest means will bring more enjoyment than an acclaimed performance.

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Pursue righteousness: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Fight for the faith. Persevere without wavering so no one can find fault with you from now until I come again.

Excerpt from: The Imitation of Christ: The Beatitudes Edition. © 2012 by Edythe Draper.  All rights reserved.  Click on The Imitation of Christ tab for more information and a link to Amazon.