John Newton says, "Young Christians think themselves
little; growing Christians think themselves nothing;
full-grown Christians think themselves less than
nothing." -Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) _Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit_, Volume 7 [1861]

It is a mark of self confidence: the English have not spent a great
deal of time defining themselves because they haven't needed to. - Jeremy Paxman, The English, 2002

I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. - Chuck Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life

, Zondervan, 1994, p. 61.

Let it never surprise true Christians if they are slandered and misrepresented in this world. They must not expect to fare better than their Lord. Let them rather look forward to it as a matter of course, and see in it a part of the cross which all must bear after conversion. Lies and false reports are among Satan's choicest weapons. When he cannot deter men from serving Christ, he labors to harass them and make Christ's service uncomfortable. Let us bear it patiently, and not count it a strange thing. The words of the Lord Jesus should often come to our minds - "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you." [Luke 6:26] "Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake." [Matt. 5:11]~ J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Mark, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1985], 329. {Mark 14:53-65}

Nothing like other folks' sin for distraction.- Toni Morrison