
David Brainerd
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David Brainerd's Life Text
2PSA 42:1PSA 63:1ISA 55:1ISA 58:11MAT 11:28JHN 4:14JHN 6:35JHN 7:37REV 21:6REV 22:17David Brainerd, a missionary pioneer, reflects on the powerful message of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.' Initially, Brainerd struggled to understand the concept of faith and coming to Christ, feeling irritated and bewildered. However, upon a divine revelation, he was captivated by the infinite wisdom and excellency of salvation in Christ, leading to a profound transformation in his life. This encounter ignited a passion in Brainerd to share the gospel with a thirsty world, particularly among the Native American tribes, where he dedicated his life to preaching the message of Jesus' invitation to quench the spiritual thirst of humanity.
Missionary to American Indians
02CO 4:16PHP 3:132TI 4:7HEB 12:11PE 4:19David Brainerd, a missionary to the American Indians, faced expulsion from Yale College due to his support of the 'New Lights' during the Great Awakening. Despite hardships and suffering, he displayed heroic fortitude and self-devotion while laboring among the Indians at various locations. His life was marked by dedication to spreading the Christian faith, even as his health deteriorated, leading to his death from consumption. Brainerd's journals and writings, including accounts of his work and experiences, were published posthumously, leaving a legacy of faith and perseverance.
Useful to God
0JOB 42:6EZK 36:262CO 12:9PHP 4:131PE 5:6David Brainerd reflects on his unworthiness and struggles with feeling vile and inadequate to preach the gospel, expressing a deep sense of repentance and self-abhorrence. Despite his inner turmoil, he acknowledges his need for God's special help to be faithful in his ministry and experiences God's goodness and enabling power during a challenging preaching session. Brainerd's journey highlights the constant battle between personal unworthiness and divine empowerment in serving God.
Renewal
0PSA 42:5PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 6:6PHP 4:6David Brainerd reflects on a moment of divine encouragement during secret prayer, where he found peace and assurance in God's plan for his future service. He prayed fervently for the salvation of souls and the expansion of Christ's kingdom, feeling calm and fully surrendered to God's will. Brainerd's faith in God's favor lifted him above worldly concerns and obstacles, allowing him to trust in God's wisdom and guidance for his life and ministry.
Passionate Prayer
0PSA 84:7MAT 5:5ROM 8:29COL 3:13HEB 12:141JN 3:2David Brainerd preaches about the believer's journey from strength to strength, appearing before God in Zion, emphasizing the importance of meekness, forgiveness, and conformity to Christ. He shares his experiences of agonizing for souls, seeking divine calmness, and feeling divine love, longing for sanctification and restoration of the image of Christ to be fit for heavenly enjoyments.
David Brainerd Missionary
0ACT 20:24ROM 8:181CO 15:582CO 4:16PHP 3:14David Brainerd, a missionary born in 1718, faced many challenges and oppositions in his life, including expulsion from college and struggles with his health. Despite these trials, he remained resolute in his calling to the Christian ministry and dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, particularly among Native American tribes. His work among the Indians at Crossweeksung, New Jersey, led to significant spiritual impact and transformation in the lives of many. Brainerd's unwavering faith, perseverance, and sacrificial dedication to his mission serve as an inspiration for all believers to wholeheartedly pursue God's calling in their lives.
Pray Constantly
02CH 31:20David Brainerd emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly and keeping His testimonies, highlighting the need for intense and persevering prayer, engaging with divine things, and maintaining a good conscience as preparation for approaching God. He distinguishes between self-confidence based on personal achievements and the confidence that comes from a good conscience before God, as seen in the example of Hezekiah. Brainerd encourages filling up time with profitable spiritual labor and secret duties to experience spiritual peace and boldness in God's presence.
Keep Hoping
0EXO 3:5EXO 14:13EXO 15:11KI 17:12KI 2:9PSA 28:7PSA 34:4David Brainerd reflects on the faith, zeal, and power of Elijah the prophet, longing for a deeper faith and a 'double portion of that spirit' to rest on him. He experiences a revival of hope in being used by God for special service, despite feeling unworthy. Through prayer and reading the story of Moses in Exodus, he is moved by the glory and majesty of God, finding unspeakable sweetness in the Scriptures and rejoicing in God's deliverance.
Conformity to God
0ROM 8:29ROM 12:2PHP 2:51PE 1:151JN 2:6David Brainerd preaches about the soul's conformity to God, emphasizing the importance of loving God with a supreme love, acting above selfish desires for His glory, and finding contentment in surrendering to the divine will. He shares his personal experience of clarity of thought and serenity of mind during illness, leading to a deeper understanding of divine truths and the essence of religion.
It's All Worth It
0GEN 5:24David Brainerd reflects on a morning filled with longing desires for God's conformity, experiencing sweet quickening in secret prayer, and offering praises amidst inward trials. His heart ascribes glory to God and welcomes further distress if it serves God's purpose, with a deep sense of the brevity of time and the nearness of eternity. Brainerd finds strength to rise above worldly distractions and disappointments, meditating on Enoch's walk with God and finding comfort in the day's experiences.