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J.R. Miller
James Russell Miller (1840 - 1912). American Presbyterian pastor, author, and editor born near Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania, to Irish-Scottish parents. Educated at Westminster College and Allegheny Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1867, serving First United Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington. He pastored Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia, growing it from 75 to 1,200 members by 1878, then led churches in Illinois and at Hollond Mission and St. Paul Church in Philadelphia, reaching 1,397 members by 1912. Miller served as a U.S. Christian Commission agent during the Civil War, later becoming Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication in 1880. He authored over 80 books, including In Green Pastures, selling over two million copies in his lifetime. Married to Louise King in 1870, they had three children. His devotional writings, emphasizing practical faith and pastoral care, influenced millions globally.
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Sermon Summary
J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of seeking more than just temporary comforts from God, urging believers to recognize the vastness of His blessings beyond mere earthly needs. He points out that many approach God with small requests, focusing on physical relief and material possessions, while neglecting the spiritual riches available to them. Miller encourages Christians to elevate their prayers, asking for the deeper, heavenly gifts that God desires to bestow upon them. He reminds us that God is capable of providing abundantly beyond our limited expectations, inviting us to seek the eternal rather than the transient.
Scriptures
Fleeting Earthly Comforts and Worldly Trinkets!
"Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20 God often does better for us — than we ask. We go to Him — with our little requests. We are in need — and ask for temporal relief. We are suffering — and ask that our pain may cease. We are poor — and ask Him for more money. We are just like the beggar, holding out our hands for paltry alms to eke out the day's need. Then God looks down upon us and says, "My child, are these little trifles all you want Me to give to you — daily bread, clothing, fuel for your fire, medicine for your sickness, comfort for your grief? The small things to supply your common needs — are these the only gifts and blessings you want and ask from the hand of your heavenly Father, who has infinite treasures to give to you?" Yet thousands never get beyond just such requests in their praying! Bowing daily before a God of infinite power and love, in whose hands are unsearchable riches — they never ask for anything but fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets! They ask only for things for their bodies, or to beautify their homes — making no requests for the heavenly and spiritual gifts that God has for their souls! We should learn to ask for the best things in all God's treasure house! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
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James Russell Miller (1840 - 1912). American Presbyterian pastor, author, and editor born near Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania, to Irish-Scottish parents. Educated at Westminster College and Allegheny Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1867, serving First United Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington. He pastored Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia, growing it from 75 to 1,200 members by 1878, then led churches in Illinois and at Hollond Mission and St. Paul Church in Philadelphia, reaching 1,397 members by 1912. Miller served as a U.S. Christian Commission agent during the Civil War, later becoming Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication in 1880. He authored over 80 books, including In Green Pastures, selling over two million copies in his lifetime. Married to Louise King in 1870, they had three children. His devotional writings, emphasizing practical faith and pastoral care, influenced millions globally.