The problem is that almost everyone is looking for something other than Christ.
They want the Holy spirit, the gifts, the experience, the prophecy, the word of knowledge, the healing, etc, but very few pursue growing in Godliness and Christlikeness.
HIMSELF
by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once ‘twas painful trying, Now ‘tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once ‘twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once ‘twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.
Once ‘twas busy planning, Now ‘tis trustful prayer;
Once ‘twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once ‘twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once ‘twas constant asking, Now ‘tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.
Beautiful!
I thought it pretty funny that an article decrying the current state of the church and wanting to remedy things has that advertisement stuck in the middle of the article.
“MIRACLE MONEY is coming, discover WHEN now! PROFITABLE CONNECTIONS are yours, discover WHO now! GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES will be found, discover WHERE now!”