“The Elims of Life” by J. D. Jones

Notes from Chapter 11 of Paul’s Certainties by J. D. Jones. This chapter contains the sermon “The Elims of Life” based on Exodus 15:27, «Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.”

God “has his Elims ready for tired and discouraged hearts. Were it not for these Elims of life, few of us could travel life’s dusty and weary ways successfully.”

“Do you thank God for your homes? Do you thank God for this Elim at the close of everyday’s pilgrimage? Do you thank God for the love of wife and the caress of your little child?”

“Do you thank God that, whatever the world may think of you, and however poor and mean a creature you may be, there are some within the walls of your house who think the whole world contains no one like you, who love you with an undying love?”

“I know something worse than a tired hand, and that is a tired heart. I know something worse than a weary brain, and that is a weary soul.”

“It is not enough to listen to the preacher ; it is not enough to come within the four walls. Your presence in the building, your listening, will not bring you the refreshing of soul you need. But if you seek Christ—and He is to be found here—He will give you the rest you seek.”

“Do you often seek the place of private prayer? Do you enter into your closet and shut to the door? Do you delight in quiet, loving fellowship with your Master?”

“What kind of a tale does the carpet at your bedside tell?”

“I am convinced one reason of our rather feeble and joyless Christian life is that we are not often enough in the place of secret prayer.”

“Where will your journey end?»