Just as the oak tree converts all chemistry into oak by the peculiar quality of its oak life, so the pure in heart, he that lives the Christ life, will from the dark chemistry of this world—its disappointments and suffering—turn all things into glory and praise.

When Jesus said, "My Father is the husbandman," He was communicating to His disciples that the care of their lives is in the hands of God, whose name is Love.... There is no "chance"—all things are under control of God's infinite wisdom and love.

There is a wide difference between being anxious about coming troubles and being prepared beforehand for troubles that may come.... Those only can truly live in quiet peace... who have already made preparation for anything that may come to them.

Too many people think their weakness is a barrier to their usefulness, or make it an excuse for doing little with their life. Instead of this, however, if we give it to Christ, He will transform it into strength.

What is our daily cross? It is those things in our lives that produce suffering of body, mind, or heart. It is those things which in our poor judgment seem to hinder the easy flow of our religious life.... Were there no suffering at all, then there would be no cross at all.

Christ in heaven sympathizes with His friends on the earth in all their experiences.... We believe all this as a doctrine, but what meaning has it for us in our own lives? What is Christ in heaven to us in a personal, practical way?