Beauty for Ashes

Proven Character “This thing has come from Me” (1 Kings 12:24). How many times have we faced difficulties and wondered, “Why did this happen? Surely, God knew all about it.” And He does. Job wrote, “He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (23:10). These words remind us of what James wrote to the believers who had fled their homes because of persecution. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so

Briar Hook Theology It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to [Elijah] saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath . . . and stay there” (1 Kings 17:7-9). Have you ever noticed how everything has an ending? Things we deem as being indispensable and invaluable on this earth may not be with us tomorrow. God led Elijah to the brook of Cherith, but He never intended for him to stay there forever. His residence by the cool, flowing waters was for a season. It

Are You Available to be Used by God? Recently, we were going through some letters in Dr. Forrest’s file when we ran up on one from A. W. Tozer. It was written on September 21, 1936. Dear Brother Forrest: Here is another one of those hurry-up letters asking you to “come over and help us.” Would it be possible for you to come up to Chicago for a three or four day meeting between Sundays some time in November? We want to begin on Thanksgiving Day if at all possible and run over the following Sunday. . . . Your

The Blessings of A New Beginning By Dr. R.A. Forrest Consecrate [sactify] yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. Joshua 3:5 Happy New Year! Usually, I read the above passage from Joshua to the students at the opening of school. I remind them that this book is a signal: it marks the ending of one era and the new beginning of another. Moses had died and Joshua had been chosen to take his place. The struggles of the past were behind them along with many successes and victories but new ones were on the horizon. Miracle after

My First Christmas at Toccoa Falls CHRISTMAS EVE WAS the wedding anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. Forrest. Every year they came down from their home on the hill and ate supper with the students, staff, and faculty who remained on campus during the holidays. After we had eaten and had a time of devotions with Dr. Forrest, gifts were distributed and the Forrests would return home. As a student, I thought the evening was over, and I could return to an empty dormitory and a cold bed and feel sorry for myself. But thankfully some of the single staff members

The Path We Travel The writings of Amy Carmichael continue to be a source of encouragement. She reminds us, “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness. All, not some; not only those we would naturally choose, but all.” There are times when we may want to balk at the notion that God has allow some heartache or pain to filter in where we believe only sunshine should reign. The truth is there are times when adversity can actually do more for us than a bounty of joy. It reminds us that we are vulnerable, needy people, whose hope is

Obedience Over Sacrifice All of us can imagine the excitement Paul felt as he traveled through Lystra and Iconium. In fact if you have been on the mission field, you probably can identify with him. He was on his second missionary journey and was excited about the way things were going. Luke wrote, “The churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily” (Acts 16:4-5). More than likely, Paul had a plan in mind for the ministry he believed God had given his team. Mapping out the details of their proposed journey probably increased their enthusiasm.

Opening Rough Packages He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 “Sometimes diamonds are done up in rough packages, so that their value cannot be seen,” wrote Dr. A. B. Simpson. “When the Tabernacle was built in the wilderness there was nothing rich in its outside appearance. The costly things were all within, and its outward covering of rough badger skin gave no hint of the valuable things which it contained. “God may send you, dear friends, some costly packages. Do not worry if they

We Are Capable through Jesus Christ In one of her journal entries, Evelyn Forrest wrote, “Lord, we need You because we are not equal to the task.” We probably can surmise she was thinking about the college and all that needed to be done. Her words were a humble and honest confession. Just working with students, who are preparing to enter God’s service can be overwhelming. She had done so much with her life. But the reality of her greatest need never escaped her: she could do nothing apart from Christ. And in a way, her prayer reminds us of

What Is Your Life Message? Dr. and Mrs. Forrest had contacts all over the world. Doors were open to them that were closed to many people yet they never lost their humble hearts. Whether they were teaching or preaching in New York City or in the smallest of mountain towns in Northeast Georgia, people knew and loved them because they could identify with these two godly people, who demonstrated the same love and care for all people. “The uniqueness of the man is evidence in the fact that [Dr. Forrest] served as Moderator of the Athens Presbytery and on various