I have just completed reading Goforth of China by Roaslind Goforth. This is the second edition published March, 1938 and it was given to me by one of my children. I have read other books about Jonathan Goforth, but this book has made a deep impression on me.
In the appendix are excerpts from letters received after Dr. Goforth went to Heaven. One of these excerpts contained Jonathan Goforth’s seven rules for daily living. These were made by Dr. Goforth in 1894 and were written in the fly-leaf of his Bible.
- Seek to give much – expect nothing.
- Put the very best construction on the actions of others.
- Never let a day pass without at least a quarter of an hours spent in the study of the Bible.
- Never omit daily morning and evening private prayer and devotion.
- In all things seek to know God’s will and when known obey at any cost.
- Seek to cultivate a quiet prayerful spirit.
- Seek each day to do or say something to further Christianity among the heathen.
These seven rules for daily living are certainly worth following for our King.
God bless, Mike
Paul, Thanks for dropping by. I think it is interesting to catch glimpses into the spiritual life of those who served God, like Jonathan Goforth. I read a lot of missionary biographies. It is very inspiring and encouraging.
God bless, Mike
I wonder… there are so many worthy instructions as to what we should do and how we should behave.
Certainly this is a good list.
My own ‘most important books’ of the day, excepting scripture itself, are:
Israel’s New Disciples – Julia Fisher
Secret Believers – Brother Andrew & co-author
Brother Andrew always _teaches_ significant principles.
And, I believe these two books significantly compliment each other. Even more, they may well go hand-in-hand.
I’ve not yet finished either even though I’ve given away about a dozen of each.
Something Brother Andrew says in his book can be applied to us all:
He references Jesus’ _common_ word to each of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3
“Hear what the Spirit is saying…”
Brother Andrew’s comment is that the Spirit has something NEW to say to the church in each time and that we need to be hearing what He is saying NOW.
My mind keeps returning to the TITLE of J.I. Packer’s well-known book “Knowing God” … indeed, nothing is as important as seeking and knowing Him, our Heavenly Father, His Son our Savior, the Holy Spirit.
And, as Charles Stanley preached recently, when we pray we need to cultivate LISTENING because God _wants_ to speak to us… He wants us to LISTEN so we will HEAR what He has to say to us each, individually.
Glad to see the site back! My first opportunity to participate!!
Thanks, Mike!