GEORGE MULLER

Comprehensive Biographical Sketch of Muller

2012-01-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

Henry Craik, Muller's Good Friend

Leader in the Plymouth Brethren movement; founder of Christian orphanages.

Among the greatest monuments of what can be accomplished through simple faith in God are the great orphanages covering thirteen acres of ground on Ashley Downs, Bristol, England. When God put it into the heart of George Muller to build these orphanages, he had only two shillings (50 cents) in his pocket. Without making his wants known to any man, but to God alone, over a million, four hundred thousand pounds ($7,000,000) were sent to him for the building and maintaining of these orphan homes. When the writer first visited them, near the time of Mr. Muller's death, there were five immense buildings of solid granite, capable of accommodating two thousand orphans. In all the years since the first orphans arrived the Lord had sent food in due time, so that they had never missed a meal for want of food.

Although George Muller became famous as one of the greatest men of prayer known to history, he was not always a saint. He wandered very deep into sin before he was brought to Christ. He was born in the kingdom of Prussia, in 1805. His father was a revenue collector for the government, and was a worldly-minded man. He supplied George and his brother with plenty of money when they were boys, and they spent it very foolishly. George deceived his father about how much money he spent, and also as to how he spent it. He also stole the government money during his father's absence.

At ten years of age, George was sent to the cathedral classical school at Halberstadt. His father wanted to make a Lutheran clergyman of him, not that he might serve God, but that he might have an easy and comfortable living from the State Church. "My time," says he. "was now spent in studying, reading novels, and indulging, though so young, in sinful practices. Thus it continued until I was fourteen years old, when my mother was suddenly removed. The night she was dying, I, not knowing of her illness, was playing cards until two in the morning, and on the next day, being the Lord's day, I went with some of my companions in sin to a tavern, and then, being filled with strong beer, we went about the streets half intoxicated."

"I grew worse and worse," says he. "Three or four days before I was confirmed (and thus admitted to partake of the Lord's supper), I was guilty of gross immorality; and the very day before my confirmation, when I was in the vestry with the clergyman to confess my sins (according to the usual practice), after a formal manner, I defrauded him; for I handed over to him only a twelfth part of the fee which my father had given me for him."

A few solemn thoughts and desires to lead a better life came to him, but he continued to plunge deeper and deeper into sin. Lying, stealing, gambling, novel-reading, licentiousness, extravagance, and almost every form of sin was indulged in by him. No one would have imagined that the sinful youth would ever become eminent for his faith in God and for his power in prayer. He robbed his father of certain rents which his father had entrusted him to collect, falsifying the accounts of what he had received and pocketing the balance. His money was spent on sinful pleasures, and once he was reduced to such poverty that, in order to satisfy his hunger, he stole a piece of coarse bread, the allowance of a soldier who was quartered in the house where he was. In 1821 he set off on an excursion to Magdeburg, where he spent six days in "much sin." He then went to Brunswick, and put up at an expensive hotel until his money was exhausted. He then put up at a fine hotel in a neighboring village, intending to defraud the hotel-keeper. But his best clothes were taken in lieu of what he owed. He then walked six miles to another inn, where he was arrested for trying to defraud the landlord. He was imprisoned for this crime when sixteen years of age.

After his imprisonment young Muller returned to his home and received a severe thrashing from his angry father. He remained as sinful in heart as ever, but in order to regain his father's confidence he began to lead a very exemplary life outwardly, until he had the confidence of all around him. His father decided to send him to the classical school at Halle, where the discipline was very strict, but George had no intention of going there. He went to Nordhausen instead, and by using many lies and entreaties persuaded his father to allow him to remain there for two years and six months, till Easter, 1825. Here he studied diligently, was held up as an example to the other students, and became proficient in Latin, French, History, and his own language (German). "But whilst I was outwardly gaining the esteem of my fellow-creatures," says he, "I did not care in the least about God, but lived secretly in much sin, in consequence of which I was taken ill, and for thirteen weeks confined to my room. All this time I had no real sorrow of heart, yet being under certain natural impressions of religion, I read through Klopstock's works, without weariness. I cared nothing about the Word of God."

"Now and then I felt I ought to become a different person," says he, "and I tried to amend my conduct, particularly when I went to the Lord's supper, as I used to do twice every year, with the other young men. The day previous to attending that ordinance I used to refrain from certain things, and on the day itself I was serious, and also swore once or twice to God with the emblem of the broken body in my mouth, to become better, thinking that for the oath's sake I should be induced to reform. But after one or two days were over, all was forgotten, and I was as bad as before."

He entered the University of Halle as a divinity student, with good testimonials. This qualified him to preach in the Lutheran state church. While at the university he spent all his money in profligate living. "When my money was spent," says he, "I pawned my watch and part of my linen and clothes, or borrowed in other ways. Yet in the midst of all this I had a desire to renounce this wretched life, for I had no enjoyment in it, and had sense enough left to see, that the end one day or other would be miserable; for I should never get a living. But I had no sorrow of heart on account of offending God."

At the University he formed the acquaintance of a miserable backslider, named Beta, who was trying by means of worldly pleasures to drown out his conviction of sin. They plunged into sin together, and in June, 1825, George was again taken sick. After his recovery they forged letters purporting to be from his parents. With these they obtained passports and set out to see Switzerland. Muller stole from the friends who accompanied him and the journey did not cost him so much as it did them. They returned home to finish up the vacation and then went back to the University, Muller having lied to his father about the trip to Switzerland.

At the University of Halle there were about nine hundred divinity students. All of these were allowed to preach, but Muller estimates that not nine of them feared the Lord. "One Saturday afternoon, about the middle of November, 1825," says he, "I had taken a walk with my friend Beta. On our return he said to me, that he was in the habit of going on Saturday evenings to the house of a Christian, where there was a meeting. On further inquiry he told me that they read the Bible, sang, prayed, and read a printed sermon. No sooner had I heard this, but it was to me as if I had found something after which I had been seeking all my life long. I immediately wished to go with my friend, who was not at once willing to take me; for knowing me as a merry young man, he thought I should not like this meeting. At last, however, he said he would call for me."

Describing the meeting, Muller said: "We went together in the evening. As I did not know the manners of the brethren, and the joy they have in seeing poor sinners, even in any measure caring about the things of God, I made an apology for coming. The kind answer of this dear brother I shall never forget. He said: 'Come as often as you please; house and heart are open to you."' After a hymn was sung they fell upon their knees, and a brother, named Kayser, who afterwards became a missionary to Africa, asked God's blessing on the meeting. "This kneeling down made a deep impression upon me," says Muller, "for I had never either seen any one on his knees, nor had I ever myself prayed on my knees. He then read a chapter and a printed sermon; for no regular meetings for expounding the Scriptures were allowed in Prussia, except an ordained clergyman was present. At the close we sang another hymn, and then the master of the house prayed." The meeting made a deep impression upon Muller. "I was happy," says he, "though if I had been asked why I was happy, I could not clearly have explained it."

"When we walked home, I said to Beta, all we have seen on our journey to Switzerland, and all our former pleasures, are as nothing in comparison with this evening. Whether I fell on my knees when I returned home I do not remember; but this I know, that I lay peaceful and happy in my bed. This shows that the Lord may begin his work in different ways. For I have not the least doubt that on that evening He began a work of grace in me, though I obtained joy without any deep sorrow of heart, and with scarcely any knowledge. But that evening was the turning point in my life. The next day, and Monday, and once or twice besides, I went again to the house of this brother, where I read the Scriptures with him and another brother; for it was too long for me to wait until Saturday came again."

"Now my life became very different, though not so, that my sins were all given up at once. My wicked companions were given up; the going to taverns was discontinued; the habitual practice of telling falsehoods was no longer indulged in, but still a few times more I spoke an untruth... I now no longer lived habitually in sin, though I was still often overcome and sometimes even by open sins, though far less frequently than before, and not without sorrow of heart. I read the Scriptures, prayed often, loved the brethren, went to church from right motives and stood on the side of Christ, though laughed at by my fellow students."

For a few weeks after his conversion Muller made rapid advancement in the Christian life, and he was greatly desirous of becoming a missionary. But he fell in love with a Roman Catholic girl, and for some time the Lord was well nigh forgotten. Then Muller saw a young missionary giving up all the luxuries of a beautiful home for Christ. This opened his eyes to his own selfishness and enabled him to give up the girl who had taken the place of Christ in his heart. "It was at this time," says he, "that I began to enjoy the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. In this my joy I wrote to my father and brother, entreating them to seek the Lord, and telling them how happy I was; thinking, that if the way to happiness were set before them, they would gladly embrace it. To my great surprise an angry answer was returned."

George could not enter any German missionary training institution without the consent of his father, and this he could not obtain. His father was deeply grieved that after educating him so that he could obtain a comfortable living as a clergyman he should turn missionary. George felt that he could no longer accept any money from him. The Lord graciously sent him means with which to complete his education. He taught German to some American college professors at the University, and they handsomely remunerated him for his services. He was now the means of winning a number of souls to Christ. He gave away thousands of religious tracts and papers, and spoke to many persons concerning the salvation of their souls.

Although, before his conversion, Muller had written to his father and told him about sermons he had preached, he never really preached a sermon until some time after his conversion. He thought to please his father by making him believe that he was preaching. His first sermon was a printed one which he had memorized for the occasion. He had but little liberty in preaching it. The second time he preached extemporaneously and had some degree of liberty. "I now preached frequently," says he, "both in the churches of the villages and towns, but never had any enjoyment in doing so, except when speaking in a simple way; though the repetition of sermons which had been committed to memory brought more praise from my fellow creatures. But from neither way of preaching did I see any fruit. It may be that the last day will show the benefit even of those feeble endeavors. One reason why the Lord did not permit me to see fruit, seems to me, that I should have been most probably lifted up by success. It may be also because I prayed exceedingly little respecting the ministry of the Word, and because I walked so little with God, and was so rarely a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use."

The true believers at the University increased from six to about twenty in number before Muller left. They often met in Muller's room to pray, sing and read the Bible. He sometimes walked ten or fifteen miles to hear a really pious minister preach.

In 1827 Muller volunteered to go as a missionary pastor to the Germans at Bucharest, but the war between the Turks and Russians prevented this. In 1828, at the suggestion of their agent, he offered himself to the London Missionary Society as a missionary to the Jews. He was well versed in the Hebrew language and had a great love for it. The Society desired him to come to London that they might see him personally. Through the providence of God he finally secured exemption for life from serving in the Prussian army, and he went to England in 1829, at twenty-four years of age. He was not able to speak the English language for some time after he landed in England and then only in a very broken manner at first.

Soon after coming to England Muller received a deeper Christian experience which entirely revolutionized his life. "I came weak in body to England." says he, "and in consequence of much study, as I suppose, I was taken ill on May 15, and was soon, at least in my own estimation, apparently beyond recovery. The weaker I got in body, the happier I was in spirit. Never in my whole life had I seen myself so vile, so guilty, so altogether what I ought not to have been, as at that time. It was as if every sin of which I had been guilty was brought to my remembrance; but at the same time I could realize that all my sins were completely forgiven -- that I was washed and made clean, completely clean, in the blood of Jesus. The result of this was great peace. I longed exceedingly to depart and to be with Christ..."

"After I had been ill about a fortnight my medical attendant unexpectedly pronounced me better. This, instead of giving me joy, bowed me down, so great was my desire to be with the Lord; though almost immediately afterwards grace was given me to submit myself to the will of God."

That Muller always regarded the above experience as one which deepened his whole spiritual life is clearly shown by a letter of his which appeared in the British Christian, of August 14, 1902. In this letter Muller says: "I became a believer in the Lord Jesus in the beginning of November, 1825, now sixty-nine years and eight months. For the first four years afterwards, it was for a good part in great weakness; but in July, 1829, now sixty-six years since, it came with me to an entire and full surrender of heart. I gave myself fully to the Lord. Honors, pleasures, money, my physical powers, my mental powers, all were laid down at the feet of Jesus, and I became a great lover of the Word of God. I found my all in God, and thus in all my trials of a temporal and spiritual character, it has remained for sixty-six years. My faith is not merely exercised regarding temporal things, but regarding everything, because I cleave to the Word. My knowledge of God and His Word is that which helps me."

Being advised to go into the country for his health, he prayed about it and finally decided to go. He went to Devonshire, where the great blessing he had already received was greatly augmented by his conversations and prayers with a Spirit-filled minister whom he first heard preach at Teignmouth. Through the conversations and sermons of this minister he was led to see as never before "that the Word of God alone is our standard of judgment in spiritual things; that it can be explained only by His Holy Spirit; and that in our day, as well as in former times, He is the teacher of His people. The office of the Holy Spirit I had not experimentally understood before that time," says he. "The result of this was, that the first evening that I shut myself into my room to give myself to prayer and meditation over the Scriptures, I learned more in a few hours than I had done during a period of several months previously." Again, he says: "In addition to these truths, it pleased the Lord to lead me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I had seen before."

On his return to London, Muller sought to lead his brethren in the training seminary into the deeper truths he had been brought to realize. "One brother in particular," says he, "was brought into the same state in which I was; and others, I trust, were more or less benefited. Several times, when I went to my room after family prayer, I found communion with God so sweet that I continued in prayer until after twelve, and then being full of joy, went into the room of the brother just referred to, and finding him also in a similar frame of heart, we continued praying until one or two, and even then I was a few times so full of joy that I could scarcely sleep, and at six in the morning again called the brethren together for prayer."

Muller's health declined in London and his soul was also now on fire for God in such a way that he could not settle down to the routine of daily studies. His newly acquired belief in the near coming of Christ also urged him forward to work for the salvation of souls. He felt that the Lord was leading him to begin at once the Christian work he was longing to do, and as the London Missionary Society did not see proper to send him out without the prescribed course of training, he decided to go at once and trust the Lord for the means of support. Soon after this he became pastor of Ebenezer Chapel, Teignmouth, Devonshire. His marriage to Miss Mary Groves, a Devonshire lady, followed. She was always of the same mind as her husband and their married life was a very happy one. Not long after his marriage he began to have conscientious scruples about receiving a regular salary, and also about the renting of pews in his church. He felt that the latter was giving the "man with the ring on his finger" the best seat, and the poorer brother the footstool, and the former was taking money from those who did not give "cheerfully" or "as the Lord had prospered them." These two customs were discontinued by him. He and his wife told their needs to no one but the Lord. Occasionally reports were spread that they were starving; but though at times their faith was tried, their income was greater than before. He and his wife gave away freely all that they had above their present needs, and trusted the Lord for their "daily bread."

Muller preached in many surrounding towns, and many souls were brought to Christ in his meetings. In 1832 he felt profoundly impressed that, his work was ended in Teignmouth, and when he went to Bristol the same year he was as profoundly impressed that the Lord would have him work there. When the Spirit, the Word, and the providence of God agree, we may be quite certain that the Lord is leading us, for these three are always in harmony and cannot disagree. Not only did Muller feel led of the Lord to work in Bristol, but the providence of God opened the way, and it seemed in harmony with the Word of God.

Muller began his labors in Bristol in 1832, as co-pastor with his friend Mr. Craik, who had been called to that city. Without salaries or rented pews their labors were greatly blessed at Gideon and Bethesda Chapels. The membership more than quadrupled in numbers in a short time. Ten days after the opening of Bethesda there was such a crowd of persons inquiring the way of salvation that it took four hours to minister to them. Subsequently Gideon Chapel was relinquished, and in the course of time two neighboring chapels were secured. These churches, though calling themselves non-sectarian, were usually classed with the people commonly known as "Plymouth Brethren." Muller continued to preach to them as long as he lived, even after he began his great work for the orphans. At the time of his death he had a congregation of about two thousand persons at Bethesda Chapel.

In 1834 Mr. Muller started the Scripture Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. Its object was to aid Christian day-schools, to assist missionaries, and to circulate the Scriptures. This institution, without worldly patronage, without asking anyone for help, without contracting debts; without committees, subscribers, or memberships; but through faith in the Lord alone, had obtained and disbursed no less a sum than £1,500,000 ($7,500,000) at the time of Mr. Muller's death. The bulk of this was expended for the orphanage. At the time of Mr. Muller's death 122,000 persons had been taught in the schools supported by these funds; and about 282,000 Bibles and 1,500,000 Testaments had been distributed by means of the same fund. Also 112,000,000 religious books, pamphlets and tracts had been circulated; missionaries had been aided in all parts of the world; and no less than ten thousand orphans had been cared for by means of this same fund.

At the age of seventy, Mr. Muller began to make great evangelistic tours. He traveled 200,000 miles, going around the world and preaching in many lands and in several different languages. He frequently spoke to as many as 4,500 or 5,000 persons. Three times he preached throughout the length and breadth of the United States. He continued his missionary or evangelistic tours until he was ninety years of age. He estimated that during these seventeen years of evangelistic work he addressed three million people. All his expenses were sent in answer to the prayer of faith.

Greatest of all Muller's undertakings was the erection and maintenance of the great orphanages at Bristol. He began the undertaking with only two shillings (50 cents) in his pocket; but in answer to prayer and without making his needs known to human beings, he received the means necessary to erect the great buildings and to feed the orphans day by day for sixty years. In all that time the children did not have to go without a meal, and Mr. Muller said that if they ever had to go without a meal he would take it as evidence that the Lord did not will the work to continue. Sometimes the meal time was almost at hand and they did not know where the food would come from, but the Lord always sent it in due time, during the twenty thousand or more days that Mr. Muller had charge of the homes.

Copied by Stephen Ross for WholesomeWords.org from Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians... by J. Gilchrist Lawson. Anderson, Ind.: Warner Press, 1911.

George Muller Said...

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"What a difference grace makes!"

"Who am I that I should despise my brother?"

"Through faith in Jesus we are now the sons of God."

"Above all things, see to it that pour souls are happy in the Lord."

"Where Faith begins, anxiety ends; Where anxiety begins, Faith ends."

"Love is of God. God is love; and he who loves most is most like God."

"The word of God is our only standard, and the Holy Spirit our only teacher."

"In the Scriptures, by the power of the Holy Ghost, He makes Himself known unto our souls."

"God is the Author of salvation, and this salvation is to be obtained entirely in the way of grace."

"There will be no difference in heaven. There all are of one mind. Let us aim at the heavenly condition."

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings."

"Every instance of obedience, from right motives, strengthens us spiritually, whilst every act of disobedience weakens us."

"Then let us remember that we are His stewards. Our time, our health, our strength, our talents, our all, are His, and His alone."

"In the whole work we desire to stand with God, and not to depend upon the favourable or unfavourable judgment of the multitude."

"What an evil it is that keeps sinners from coming to Jesus Christ? And that evil is unbelief: for by faith we come; by unbelief we keep away."

"In gratitude to that blessed One, who laid down His life that I might be saved, let me obey; and if I find pride keeps me from it, let me seek grace to subdue it."

"Believing in Jesus, we have one common life; the precious blood of Jesus has purchased us; we are the children of God by faith as assuredly as we trust in Him for salvation."

"We ought to love one another in spite of the weaknesses and infirmities we see in one another. My brethren have their infirmities, I have my infirmities; God knows them all..."

"Prayer and faith, the universal remedies against every want and every difficulty; and the nourishment of prayer and faith, God's holy word, helped me over all the difficulties."

"My aim now is, to bear with those who may be less instructed; and, in the measure in which I am able to follow the example of my adorable Lord, the result is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."

"Let there be more prayer, more study of the Word, more humility, more acting out what we already know; thus shall we be more united together, not only in love, but in one mind and in one judgment."

Closet Communion

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"But let none think that public prayer will make

up for closet communion..." - George Muller

Simple Faith

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Treasure Found

2011-07-29T18:46:00.001-04:00

Recently I found a clothbound copy of Roger Steer's excellent book, George Muller: Delighted in God!, at a sale at our local public library.

I already had several paperback copies but finding this copy was a real "find".

I met Roger when I went to England to visit the Muller buildings and museum and he treated me well.

Be sure to pick up a copy for an excellent account of God's dealings with a man who trusted Him wholly.

God Still Provides

2011-07-28T08:05:00.007-04:00

Recently I received the following e-mail from Kim Powell who was responding to my recent post £300 Plus. Please check out the link which Kim refers to. It will take you to her excellent blog entitled Via Peregrini.

Yes, God still provides for His own in remarkable ways. He has NOT changed.

Here's that e-mail:

"Thank you for this post. For quite awhile now I have been completely dependent upon God to provide all that I need. George Muller is, obviously, part of that great cloud of witnesses that provide encouragement on such a narrow path.

On more than one occasion I'm sure someone gave me money they needed for themselves. This post reminded me that when God leads us to give, even out of our own neediness, he will provide.

A relatively recent blog post of mine shares my experience of following in the footsteps of George Muller. I send this link along in case it's of interest.

Thanks for your service!"

Kim

£300 PLUS

2011-07-26T17:02:00.004-04:00

Recently I was encouraged as I read Joseph Stowell's account of a moving story from the 1800's in his excellent devotional book, Strength for the Journey.

He related how the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, had been preaching a series of meetings in Bristol, England hoping to raise money for his orphanage back in London.

The week was drawing to a close and Spurgeon had already reached his goal of £300. He was thrilled with the response but couldn't sleep that night. God prompted him to give the money to George Muller to help with his orphanages right there in Bristol. "But Lord?" No, Spurgeon felt he must go to see Muller.

Arriving at Muller's home he found George on his knees in prayer. Spurgeon handed over the £300 and Muller acknowledged that he had been seeking God for that exact amount. They embraced and marvelled at the provision of God.

Upon his return to London, Spurgeon found an envelope containing £300 plus 300 shillings. God had provided what Spurgeon had passed on to Muller...with interest.

As another great servant of God once said, "I shovel out and God keeps shoveling back but God has a bigger shovel."

Why do we doubt God's promises to provide? He is Jehovah-Jireh...our Provider.

Simple Trust

2011-07-13T22:21:00.002-04:00

Notes like the following e-mail which I received today encourage me but I sometimes feel a little hypocritical for not always living by the principles encouraged and practiced by George Muller (and espoused on this blog). May we learn to trust God daily and experience His provision in remarkable ways. - David

Mr. Fisher:

Just wanted to drop you a note and say that I enjoy your George Muller blog very much. Muller is one of my all-time favorite Christians to read about, and I do look forward to meeting him someday on the other side of Jordan. He inspires me (and shames me) with his total commitment to Christ and with his laserlike trust in the Ever-Living God. Your blog has served to emphasize many things about this godly man and the lessons he taught with his life.

May the Lord bless you and your family as you seek to serve Him in sincerity.

In Christ's bonds,

Stephen

Something Better

2011-07-02T20:30:00.002-04:00

Having experienced multiple losses over the past 6-7 years, I appreciated the following quote when I came across it today.

I wonder what the Father has in store for YOU.

"Our heavenly Father never takes anything from his children unless he means to give them something better." - George Muller

A Life Well Lived

2011-06-21T16:25:00.003-04:00

Much of what is posted here on the George Muller site is taken from other sources and is included here for the sake of those who may not be familiar with the life and lasting legacy of this man of God. The following summary is taken from the Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement by Thomas Boston Johnstone.

MÜLLER, GEORGE (1805-1898), preacher and philanthropist, born at Kroppenstadt near Halberstadt on 27 Sept. 1805, was the son of a Prussian exciseman. Though a German by birth, he became a naturalised British subject, and for over sixty years was identified with philanthropic work in England. When four years of age his father received an appointment as collector in the excise at Heimersleben.

When ten years of age he was sent to Halberstadt to the cathedral classical school to be prepared for the university. His mother died when he was fourteen, and a year later he left school to reside with his father at Schoenebeck, near Magdeburg, and to study with a tutor. After two and a half years at the gymnasium of Nordhausen he joined the university of Halle.

Though he was intended for the ministry, Müller was a profligate youth, but at the end of 1825 a change came over his disposition, and he was thenceforth a man of self-abnegation, devoting himself exclusively to religious work. For a brief period Miiller gave instructions in German to three American professors, Charles Hodge of Princeton being one of them.

In 1826 he resolved to dedicate himself to missionary work either in the East Indies or among the Jews in Poland. In June 1828 he was offered an appointment by the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, and he arrived in London in March 1829 to study Hebrew and Chaldee and prepare for missionary service. But in 1830, finding that he could not accept some of the rules of the society, he left, and became pastor of a small congregation at Teignmouth, at a salary of 55l. a year.

In the same year he married Mary Groves, sister of a dentist in Exeter, who had resigned his calling and 1,500l. a year to devote himself to mission work in Persia. Towards the close of the same year Müller was led to adopt the principle with which henceforth his name was associated, that trust in God, in the efficacy of sincere prayer, is sufficient for all purposes in temporal as well as in spiritual things. He accordingly abolished pew-rents, refused to take a fixed salary, or to appeal for contributions towards his support — simply placing a box at the door of the church for freewill offerings — and he resolved never to incur debt either for personal expenses or in religious work, and never to lay up money for the future.

After about two years in Teignmouth Müller went to Bristol, where he remained for the rest of his life. There he and others carried on a congregation, schools, a Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and other organisations, but the work among orphans was that by which he was chiefly known. The suggestion and the pattern of the Bristol orphanages were taken from the orphanages which Müller had visited in early life at Halle; these were erected in 1720 by a philanthropist named Francke, whose biography greatly influenced Müller.

Beginning with the care of a few orphan children, Müller's work at Bristol gradually grew to immense proportions, latterly no fewer than two thousand orphan children being fed, clothed, educated, cared for, and trained for useful positions in five enormous houses which were erected on Ashley Down. These houses cost 115,000 pounds all of which, as well as the money needed for carrying on the work — 26,000 pounds annually — was voluntarily contributed, mainly as the result of the wide circulation of Müller's autobiographical ‘Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George Müller’ (London, pt. i. 1837, pt. ii. 1841; 3rd edit. 1845) which was suggested to him by John Newton's ‘Life.’ This book conveyed to people in all parts of the world knowledge of Müller's work, his faith, and his experiences. As a consequence, gifts of money and goods flowed in without direct appeal.

In 1838 the biography of the great evangelist, George Whitfield, helped to intensify Müller's religious fervour, and, after he had passed his seventieth year, he set out on a world-wide mission, which, with brief intervals at home, covered seventeen years. He travelled over much of Britain and of the continent of Europe, made several journeys to America, and visited India, Australia, China, and other parts to preach the gospel.

In the course of his life Müller received from the pious and charitable no less than 1,500,000l.; he educated and sent out into the world no fewer than 123,000 pupils; he circulated 275,000 bibles in different languages, with nearly as many smaller portions of Scripture; and he aided missions to the extent of 255,000l. He supported 189 missionaries, and he employed 112 assistants. The record of his life seems to associate itself more closely with primitive and puritan periods of history than with modern times.

Müller was found dead in his room on the morning of 10 March 1898.

Müller was twice married. His first wife died in 1870. In 1871 he married Miss Susannah Grace Sangar, who accompanied him in his missionary tours; she died in 1895. From 1832 till his death in 1866 Henry Craig assisted Müller. In 1872 Mr. James Wright, who married Müller's only child, Lydia, became his assistant, and the work is still being carried on under Mr. Wright's superintendence.

[The Lord's Dealings with George Müller (London), 5 vols. 1885; Annual Reports of Scriptural Knowledge Institution; Memoir of George Müller, reprinted from the Bristol Mercury, 1898; Pierson's George Müller of Bristol, with introduction by James Wright, 1899.]

Looking for the Author of This Story

2011-06-13T18:37:00.000-04:00

The following story was posted in December 2008. I believe I received it by e-mail but we lost many of our e-mails when our computer crashed. A representative from the George Muller Charitable Trust has contacted me to ask if I know the name of the person who submitted this story.

If you are reading "this" and YOU are the one who sent me the story, please e-mail me and I will forward your contact information to the man who got in touch with me.

Thanks so much!

David Fisher

Here is the story that I posted:

In 1939 my mother died; I was eight at the time. There were four children in our family, and we lived in Highley Nr Bridgenorth in Shropshire . It was war time and my father was in his sixties. He was too old to look after us and needed to find somewhere for us to go together to be looked after. My Aunty went to church at a little Mission Hall in Birmingham where they supported an orphanage called George Müller's Homes. My Aunty felt this would be the right place for us to go and persuaded my father to send us there. My brother and one sister went in 1939 and I followed a year later in 1940. My other sister stayed home with them.

I arrived at Müller's very excited and wondering what life would be like, but missing my mum and my other sister, as we had been very close. I had been fostered for a year, which had been a very unhappy experience when I often went hungry. George Müller's Homes seemed like heaven to me, with regular meals, plain and simple, clean clothes, baths (I hadn't had many of them) good shoes, discipline and education. We read the Bible and sang children's songs. We had our own hymn book, a copy of which I still have today. I did not know anything at all about Jesus. I was so hungry for love and in such need of reassurance that as I heard the stories of Jesus, who loved me, a little orphan, my heart just opened up to him. I was nine then, and Jesus and those truths are still with me at the age of 74.

What was life really like there? Fun and hard. It was wartime, and we had to share everything. We slept 60 to a dormitory, made our own beds, scrubbed and polished floors, worked in the laundry (for about a thousand children and the staff). Imagine the washing for all of us! We were taught to clean our own shoes, brush our hair, knit our own stockings and socks darn them too. We used scrubbing boards in the laundry, learned how to lay tables, wait at tables, clean silver and polish furniture. We learned how to make our own clothes, stitch samplers, write letters, to sing and recite poetry, march to music, skip to music, sing the alphabet and other songs. My favourite was reciting poetry, and I write it and love it to this day thanks to Mullers dedicated teaching staff. People came from far and wide to see us perform. We were taught to write properly with nib pens and ink Although the teaching staff could not really show affection because they mustn't be seen favouring one more than another they were very kind. We did miss out on cuddles which made me miss my mum more, but I was fortunate I had a big sister and a brother in the boy's department who we saw once a month. When we left Müller's it was hard to get close to him as we'd missed out on the growing up and together times.

The highlight for me was Sunday afternoons when the book cupboard was opened. I was an avid reader then and still am. We were encouraged to read all good books and it taught me to choose carefully what things I read and I vetted all my children's books and comics as they were growing up. I read 'Pilgrim's Progress', and 'The Holy City' by John Bunyan, and was fascinated in later life to see the cage on Bedford bridge where he was imprisoned. I now have my own copy of 'The Holy War'. I always had a copy of 'Pilgrims Progress' as we were given a Bible and a copy of Pilgrims Progress when we left the home.

There is so much more I could tell! Such is my love for Müller's and the happy times I had there that I go up there every year to our reunion and am on the committee which runs it. Old boys and girls come from all over the world. George Müller and his Faithful God live on in his family, of which I am proud to belong. We sing the song 'We Love This Family of God' and one line in it says 'We are family, we are one' - and that's how we feel!

Wikipedia

2011-06-11T10:52:00.005-04:00

Have you checked out the Wikipedia page on George Muller for additional information on his life and work?

They try to ensure that the material posted there is accurate.

It, at least, will give you more links to him and you can research this godly man's impact on his generation and those to follow.

Here's the link to the George Muller page in Wikipedia:

Muller's Maturity

2011-05-09T20:00:00.007-04:00

The following steps to Christian maturity that shaped George Muller's life should spur us on to a Christ-like life. All too often we look at the life of "one of God's choicest servants" and reluctantly decide that we could never achieve such godliness. By God's empowerment every follower of Christ can mature into a vessel of honour for his purpose.

A. T. Pierson in his classic work, George Muller of Bristol, recounts the following points:

It will be well, even if it involves some repetition, to pass in review the more important steps in the process by which the divine Potter had shaped His vessel for His purpose, educating and preparing George Mueller for His work.

1. First of all, his conversion. In the most unforeseen manner and at the most unexpected

time God led him to turn from the error of his way, and brought him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Next, his missionary spirit. That consuming flame was kindled within him

which, when it is fanned by the Spirit and fed by the fuel of facts, inclines to

unselfish service and makes one willing to go wherever, and to do whatever, the Lord will.

3. Next, his renunciation of self. In more than one instance he was enabled to

give up for Christ's sake an earthly attachment that was idolatrous, because it

was a hindrance to his full obedience and single-eyed loyalty to his heavenly

Master.

4. Then his taking counsel of God. Early in his Christian life he formed the habit, in things great and small, of ascertaining the will of the Lord before taking action, asking guidance in every matter, through the Word and the Spirit.

5. His humble and childlike temper. The Father drew His child to Himself,

imparting to him the simple mind that asks believingly and trusts confidently,

and the filial spirit that submits to fatherly counsel and guidance.

6. His method of preaching. Under this same divine tuition he early learned how to preach the Word, in simple dependence on the Spirit of God, studying the Scriptures in the original and expounding them without wisdom of words.

7. His cutting loose from man. Step by step, all dependence on man or appeals to man for pecuniary support were abandoned, together with all borrowing, running into debt, stated salary, etc. His eyes were turned to God alone as the Provider.

8. His satisfaction in the Word. As knowledge of the Scriptures grew, love for

the divine oracles increased, until all other books, even of a religious sort, lost

their charms in comparison with God's own text-book, as explained and

illumined by the divine Interpreter.

9. His thorough Bible study. Few young men have ever been led to such a

systematic search into the treasures of God's truth. He read the Book of God

through and through, fixing its teachings on his mind by meditation and

translating them into practice.

10. His freedom from human control. He felt the need of independence of man in order to complete dependence on God, and boldly broke all fetters that hindered his liberty in preaching, in teaching, or in following the heavenly Guide and serving the heavenly Master.

11. His use of opportunity. He felt the value of souls, and he formed habits of

approaching others as to matters of salvation, even in public conveyances. By a word and witness, a tract, a humble example, he sought constantly to lead some one to Christ.

12. His release front civil obligations. This was purely providential. In a strange way God set him free from all liability to military service, and left him free to pursue his heavenly calling as His soldier, without entanglement in the affairs of this life.

13. His companions in service. Two most efficient co-workers were divinely

provided: first his brother Craik as like-minded with himself, and secondly, his

wife, peculiarly God's gift, both of them proving great aids in working and in

bearing burdens of responsibility.

14. His view of the Lord's coming. He thanked God for unveiling to him that

great truth, considered by him as second to no other in its influence upon his

piety and usefulness; and in the light of it he saw clearly the purpose of this

gospel age, to be not to convert the world but to call out from it a believing

church as Christ's bride.

15. His waiting on God for a message. For every new occasion he asked of Him

a word in season; then a mode of treatment, and unction in delivery; and, in

godly simplicity and sincerity, with the demonstration of the Spirit, he aimed to

reach the hearers.

16. His submission to the authority of the Word. In the light of the holy oracles he reviewed all customs, however ancient, and all traditions of men, however popular, submitted all opinions and practices to the test of Scripture, and then, regardless of consequences, walked according to any new light God gave him.

17. His pattern of church life. From his first entrance upon pastoral work, he

sought to lead others only by himself following the Shepherd and Bishop of

Souls. He urged the assembly of believers to conform in all things to New

Testament models so far as they could be clearly found in the word, and thus

reform all existing abuses.

18. His stress upon voluntary offerings. While he courageously gave up all fixed salary for himself, he taught that all the work of God should be maintained by the free-will gifts of believers, and that pew-rents promote invidious distinctions among saints.

19. His surrender of all earthly possessions. Both himself and his wife literally

sold all they had and gave alms, henceforth to live by the day, hoarding no

money even against a time of future need, sickness, old age, or any other

possible crisis of want.

20. His habit of secret prayer. He learned so to prize closet communion with

God that he came to regard it as his highest duty and privilege. To him nothing

could compensate for the lack or loss of that fellowship with God and

meditation on His word which are the support of all spiritual life.

21. His jealousy of his testimony. In taking oversight of a congregation he took

care to guard himself from all possible interference with fulness and freedom of

utterance and of service. He could not brook any restraints upon his speech or

action that might compromise his allegiance to the Lord or his fidelity to man.

22. His organizing of work. God led him to project a plan embracing several

departments of holy activity, such as the spreading of the knowledge of the word of God everywhere, and the encouraging of world-wide evangelization and the Christian education of the young; and to guard the new Institution from all

dependence on worldly patronage, methods, or appeals.

23. His sympathy with orphans. His loving heart had been drawn out toward

poverty and misery everywhere, but especially in the case of destitute children

bereft of both parents; and familiarity with Francké's work at Halle suggested

similar work at Bristol.

24. Beside all these steps of preparation, he had been guided by the Lord from his birthplace in Prussia to London, Teignmouth, and Bristol in Britain, and thus the chosen vessel, shaped for its great use, had by the same divine Hand been borne to the very place where it was to be of such signal service in testimony to the Living God.

Meditate...Then Pray

2011-04-04T21:12:00.001-04:00

Christian meditation (thinking deeply on Scripture) is "the missing link between Bible intake and prayer." If there was a "secret" to George Müller's prayer life, it was his discovery of the connection between meditation and prayer. Müller's discovery was that after meditating on Scripture he was more able to experience a meaningful prayertime.

-Donald S. Whitney, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" (partial quote and partial paraphrase).

Salary and Solicitation

2011-03-13T22:34:00.001-04:00

Bethesda Chapel in Bristol, England

On the subject of a set salary and asking for money this was George Muller's stand:

Shortly before his marriage the thought of a stated salary worried Mr. Muller, for he felt that his should be a life of trust in God and not in the promise of the brethren. He found three reasons why he should give up a fixed remuneration.

A salary implies a fixed sum, generally made up of pew rents. But according to James 2:1-6, "pew rents are against the mind of the Lord."
A fixed pew rent may at times become a burden to the follower of Christ and Mr. Muller did not wish to lay the smallest straw in the way of the church's spiritual progress.
The whole system of pew rents and salary are liable to become a snare to the minister, in that he works for hire rather than for spiritual reasons.

At the end of October, within a month after his marriage, he announced to the Teignmouth congregation that henceforth he would receive no regular salary, and would trust wholly in the Lord for his needs.

He asked that a box be placed in the chapel where whoever desired to help him might leave his offering. Henceforth he was to ask no one, "not even my beloved brethren and sisters, to help me...For unconsciously I had been led to trust in an arm of flesh, going to man instead of going to the Lord at once."

One morning when their money had been reduced to eight shillings (about $2.00, a shilling equaling approximately 25c), Muller asked the Lord for money. For four hours the preacher waited but still no reply. Then a lady came to the house.

"Do you want any money?" she asked.

Faith was tested, yet remained triumphant, and the minister replied, "I told the brethren, dear sister, when I gave up my salary, that I would for the future tell the Lord only about my wants." "But," she replied, reaching for her purse, "He told me to give you some money," laying in his hand two guineas...

Pen In Hand

2011-03-13T22:27:00.001-04:00

"Within the last fifty years, I have found it the most profitable plan to meditate with my pen in my hand, writing down the outlines, as the Word is opened to me."

- A Narrative of Some of the Lord's Dealings with George Müller Written by Himself, First Part.

Where Is Namibia?

2011-03-02T18:12:00.002-05:00

Greetings, friends, from the George Muller web site! I just checked to see where the last 100 visitors to this site are from.

What did I find? I found that a visitor from Namibia (where is that?) just spent 20 minutes browsing the George Muller site. I hope that visitor was blessed and encouraged. If you are reading this post, please let us know where Namibia is.

We had guests who dropped by for a visit from:

Philippines

Puerto Rico

Denmark

The United Kingdom

The United States of America

Canada

Kuwait

Latvia

South Africa

Ghana

Kenya

India

Singapore

That's just the last 100 visitors. Thank you for paying us a visit.

Here's my challenge...

For all visitors to the George Muller site over the next week or two, please leave us a comment and let us know if this site was helpful to you and how the Lord has challenged you to place your faith and trust in Him.

Let's make the next month...the month of March...COMMENT MONTH.

Thanks again for your visit and please leave a comment or send us an e-mail here.

Every blessing in Christ,

David Fisher/The George Muller blog

Speaking Well of HIS Name

2011-03-01T23:05:00.006-05:00

I may have included this quote in a previous post but when I saw it tonight it spoke volumes to me and, therefore, I trust that it will do the same for you. The phrase that really caught my attention was the final sentence...which I have bolded.

Muller stated:

"In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust Him He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His name." - George Muller

Do you delight in speaking well of His name? Do I?

God Hasn't Changed...He's Still Faithful

2011-02-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

A reader of our George Muller blog gives powerful testimony to the fact that God still provides today.

He writes:

Hi David:

When I said we have no money, I guess it sounded negative in a way. We have been in operation for almost a year.We have NEVER been short on ANY need we have ever had. God has amazingly provided everything. Our van, our car, our website, toiletries, a work-out station. Even the men who come have the skills we need. I have also started a "building fund" in following with George Mueller's methods. We are so very blessed in every way. I am so excited to be a part of Gods kingdom. I read George Mueller's book when I was in a similar program to mine. They however charged a substantial amount of money to be there. We DO NOT charge to be in our program. Several people have come to know Christ through the witness of Gods provision for us. The statement " What happened with George Mueller is not a one time event, it will happen for anyone who trusts as he did". Well, my board of Directors even thinks I am a bit crazy, but now are seeing the power of a mighty God at work. Keep the Scriptures and quotes coming......I NEED IT DAILY.

Love in Jesus...

Powerful Words

2011-02-27T16:19:00.002-05:00

Could I truthfully voice the same sentiments that George Muller uttered when the only source of income and provision was God Himself?

Muller stated:

"But God, our infinite rich Treasurer, remains with us. It is this which gives me peace. Moreover if it pleases Him, with a work requiring about $264,000 a year...would I gladly pass through all these trials of faith with regard to means, if He only might be glorified, and His Church and the world benefited...I have placed myself in the position of having no means at all left; and 2,100 persons, not only daily at the table, but with everything else to be provided for, and all the funds gone; 189 missionaries to be assisted, and nothing whatever left; about one hundred schools with 9,000 scholars in them, to be entirely supported, and no means for them in hand; about four million tracts and tens of thousands of copies of the Holy Scriptures yearly now to be sent out, and all the money expended...I commit the whole work to Him, and He will provide me with what I need, in future also, though I know not whence the means are to come."

Muller Book Collection

2011-02-26T09:13:00.005-05:00

Recently I took a photo of some of my George Muller book collection to use as the header for this blog. Some readers have asked which biography of Muller is the best. I'm not certain but I've enjoyed A. T. Pierson's "George Muller of Bristol" a lot. I have several editions of this.

I've met Roger Steer, author of book, "George Muller - Delighted in God", and his biography is excellent.

For those who'd like a list of books by and about George Muller I will post my list and my "want" list on this blog. Stay tuned...

Keep trusting God!

Note: Click on the photo on this post to get a larger, more readable image so you can see the titles and authors more clearly.

Faith Quotes YouTube Video

2011-02-24T00:04:00.001-05:00

Here are some excellent quotes on faith by some of the Lord's faithful servants.

Click here for the YouTube video.

True Trust

2011-02-23T23:32:00.002-05:00

The following quote by George Muller was exactly what I needed today. Our trust must be placed in God ALONE. We are so prone to look elsewhere but if we do, we will be disappointed. - David

“Only let it be trust in God, not in man, not in circumstances, not in any of your own exertions, but real trust in God, and you will be helped in your various necessities... Not in circumstances, not in natural prospects, not in former donors, but solely in God. This is just that which brings the blessing. If we say we trust in Him, but in reality do not, then God, taking us at our word, lets us see that we do not really confide in Him; and hence failure arises. On the other hand, if our trust in the Lord is real, help will surely come.”

The Quotable George Muller

2011-02-23T22:50:00.001-05:00

Here is a random selection of some of George Muller's quotes:

"What a difference grace makes!"

"Who am I that I should despise my brother?"

"Through faith in Jesus we are now the sons of God."

"Above all things, see to it that pour souls are happy in the Lord."

"Where Faith begins, anxiety ends; Where anxiety begins, Faith ends."

"Love is of God. God is love; and he who loves most is most like God."

"The word of God is our only standard, and the Holy Spirit our only teacher."

"In the Scriptures, by the power of the Holy Ghost, He makes Himself known unto our souls."

"God is the Author of salvation, and this salvation is to be obtained entirely in the way of grace."

"There will be no difference in heaven. There all are of one mind. Let us aim at the heavenly condition."

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings."

"Every instance of obedience, from right motives, strengthens us spiritually, whilst every act of disobedience weakens us."

"Then let us remember that we are His stewards. Our time, our health, our strength, our talents, our all, are His, and His alone."

Interesting Site

2011-01-04T00:28:00.002-05:00

Tonight I stumbled across a page on a web site that I found fascinating. Check out a page with some Muller pictures and sermons here. Of course the sermons are read by present-day readers but the messages are rich and profitable.

Also, I have been receiving e-mails recently asking questions that, at times, I am unable to answer. I am not connected with the Muller Foundation or any other group connected with George Muller.

I am just a fellow pilgrim on the journey "home" whose life has been impacted by the life and ministry of George Muller. I'm a collector of his books and anything concerning Muller.

I'd be pleased to help anyone with questions about Mr. Muller but I DO NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. By the way, thank you so much for your e-mail today, Chris!

Please visit the http://www.mullers.org for more information about this man who simply trusted God.

Thank you and God bless!

David Fisher

Note: The picture posted is of Muller's study room!

Money Principles

2010-12-28T09:47:00.001-05:00

The following account of George Muller's "Money Principles" is taken from a short biography of Muller written by John Dunn. For more excerpts from this book, click here.

Dunn writes:

1830 was also an important year for Müller in that he defined in his heart many principles of living which came to be foundational for the remainder of his days. He decided never to receive a salary as a minister of God but to trust the Lord implicitly for all his financial needs. He believed that being on a salary placed a wrong burden on others and led some—especially the poor—into a bondage in their obligation to support him. “A brother may gladly give something towards my support if the choice is up to him. But when he has other expenses, I do not know whether he pays his money grudgingly or cheerfully, and God loves a cheerful giver.... Fear of offending those who pay his salary has kept many ministers from preaching the uncompromising Word of God”.

Müller therefore determined that any monies provided for him should be entirely voluntary. Moreover, since he did not want people to be handing him money publicly he instituted a gift box at the rear of the church. Giving would thus be in the sight of God alone.

There would be no risk of ‘sinful pride or false humility’. Further, Müller determined not to ask anyone for money. In no way would he even hint at his needs to others. His requests for financial and material needs would be directed to the Lord alone. He noted in his journal that “to come to this conclusion before God required more grace than to give up my salary”.

An example will illustrate Müller’s principle of not asking anyone for money. He records an occasion when he and his wife had only a few shillings in hand. “I had asked the brethren to please let me have the money in the [gift] box every week. But either they forgot to take it out weekly or were ashamed to bring such small sums. It was generally taken out every three to five weeks. I explained that I desired to look neither to man nor the box but to God. Therefore, I decided not to remind them of my request to have the money weekly, lest it hinder the testimony I wished to give of trusting in God alone. On January 28, we had little money again although I had seen a brother open the box and take out the money four days earlier. But I would not ask him to let me have it. When the coals for our fire were almost gone, I asked the Lord to incline the brother’s heart to bring the money to us. Shortly afterwards, it was given to us,

and our temporal needs were supplied”.

Müller’s journal records numerous occasions during which his faith was stretched to the limit. There were times when the Müllers had nothing—not one penny to their name—and yet never a day closed with them in want. He recorded story after story of money arriving just as they needed it, and in just the right amount. Driven more and more to prayer, the Müllers were discovering the great blessing of trusting the Lord alone for all their temporal needs.

Of course many criticised Müller for living in this way, saying that such an emphasis on asking the Lord daily for money must, of necessity, take his thoughts away from the important spiritual issues of life. He replied to his critics: “Trusting the Lord for the supply of my temporal needs keeps me from anxious thoughts like: ‘Will my salary last and will I have enough for the next month?’ In this freedom I am able to say: ‘My Lord is not limited. He knows my present situation, and He can supply all I need’. Rather than causing anxiety, living by faith in God alone keeps my heart in perfect peace”. At the end of the first year of his ‘experiment of faith’ he testified that the Lord had “richly supplied all our temporal wants, though at the commencement we had no certain human prospect of a single shilling, so that......we have not been in the smallest degree a loser in acting according to the dictates of conscience. The Lord dealt bountifully with me, and condescended to use me as an instrument in doing His work”.

Another principle of life which formed in his mind was that he would never go into debt. He always paid in cash and if he could not afford something then he would go without. He would never borrow, and he would therefore owe no man anything.

He also came to regard money in hand as being for a designated purpose. It was not to be diverted to other so-called ‘emergencies’. He would not therefore save up money for a ‘rainy day’. He would not hoard funds for any unforseen contingency. He reasoned that ‘with God no emergency is unforseen and no want unprovided for’.

These principles, intelligently and prudently adopted, became the trademark of Müller’s life work from that point onwards. He put great emphasis on the matter of conscience, determining to keep his clear before God and man in everything regarding money and material wealth. In this regard, his life of faith was no less a life of conscience. He exercised faith and trust in God, but at the same time he exercised truth and faithfulness towards his fellow man.

Fresh Encounter

2010-12-11T09:59:00.006-05:00

I found the following account of a "crisis experience" in George Muller's life that will be interpreted, I'm sure, according to the theological leanings of our readers. As far as I'm concerned, the key word he used is "like". Muller says the change the Holy Spirit wrought in his life was "like a second conversion". We know that conversion is a once and for all work of God's grace in the life of a believer. Subsequent encounters with the living God can be life-changing but conversion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read Muller's account here. Oh that we might experience the living God as Muller did and come to a full appreciation of the power and importance of the Scriptures.

Here's the account, complete with quotes from Muller himself:

In the life of George Miller of Bristol there was an epoch, four years after his conversion, to which he ever after looked back, and of which he often spoke, as his entrance into the true Christian life.

In an address given to ministers and workers after his ninetieth birthday, he spoke thus of it himself: "That leads to another thought—the full surrender of the heart to God. I was converted in November 1825, but I only came, into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July 1829.

The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God.

I ask,affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you are taken up irrespective of God?

I read a little of the Scriptures before, but preferred other books, but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being.
Oh! be not satisfied until in your inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!"

The account he gives of this change in his journal is as follows. He speaks of one whom he had heard preach at Teignmouth, where he had gone for the sake of his health. "Though I did not like all he said, yet I saw a gravity and solemnity in him different from the rest. Through the instrumentality of this brother the Lord bestowed a great blessing upon me, for which I shall have
cause to thank Him throughout eternity. God then began to show me that the Word of God alone is to be our standard of judgment in spiritual things; that it can only be explained by the Holy Spirit, and that in our day, as well as in former times, He is the Teacher of His people. The office of the Holy Spirit I had not experimentally understood before that time. I had not before seen that the Holy Spirit alone can teach us about our state by nature, show us our need of a Saviour, enable us to believe in Christ, explain to us the Scriptures, help us in preaching, etc.

"It was my beginning to understand this point in particular which had a great effect on me; for the Lord enabled me to put it to the test of experience by laying aside commentaries and almost every other book, and simply reading the Word of God and studying it. The result of this was that the first evening that I shut myself into my room to give myself to prayer and meditation over the Scriptures, I learned more in a few hours than I bad done during a period of several months previously. But the particular difference was that I received real strength in my soul in doing so.

"In addition to this, it pleased the Lord to lead me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I had seen before. He led me, in a measure, to see what is my glory in this world, even to be despised, to be poor and mean with Christ . . . . I returned to London much better in body. And as to my soul, the change was so great that it was like a second conversion."

In another passage he speaks thus: "I fell into the snare into which so many young believers fall, the reading of religious books is preferred to the Scriptures. Now the scriptural way of reasoning would have been: God Himself has condescended to become an author, and I am ignorant of that precious Book which His Holy Spirit has caused to be written; therefore I ought to read
again this Book of books most earnestly, most prayerfully, and with much meditation. Instead of acting thus, and being led by my ignorance of the Word to study it more, my difficulty of understanding it made me careless of reading it, and then, like many believers, I practically preferred for the first four years of my Christian life, the works of uninspired men to the oracles of the Living God. The consequence was that I remained a babe, both in knowledge and grace. In knowledge, I say, for all true knowledge must be derived by the Spirit from the Word. This lack of knowledge most sadly kept me back from walking steadily in the ways of God. For it is the truth makes us free, by delivering us from the slavery of the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and
the pride of life. The Word proves it, the experience of the saints proves it, and also my own experience most decidedly proves it.

For when it pleased the Lord, in August 1829, to bring me really to the Scriptures, my life and walk became very different. "If anyone would ask me how he may read the Scriptures most profitably, I would answer
him:—

1. Above all he must seek to have it settled in his own mind that God alone, by the Holy spirit, can teach him, and that, therefore, as God will be inquired for all blessings, it becomes him to seek for God's blessing previous to reading, and also while reading.

2. He should also have it settled in his mind that though the Holy spirit is the best and sufficient Teacher, yet that He does not always teach immediately when we desire it, and that, therefore, we may have to entreat Him again and again for the explanation of certain passages; but that He will surely teach us at last, if we will seek for light prayerfully,patiently, and for the glory of God."

Just one more passage, from an address given on his ninetieth birthday: "For sixty-nine years and ten months he had been a very happy man. That he attributed to two things. He had maintained a good conscience, not wilfully going on in a course he knew to be contrary to the mind of God; he did not, of course, mean that he was perfect; he was poor, weak, and sinful. Secondly, he
attributed it to his love of Holy Scripture. Of late years his practice had been four times every year to read through the Scriptures, with application to his own heart, and with meditation; and that day he was a greater lover of God's Word than he was sixty-six years ago. It was this, and maintaining a
good conscience, that had given him all these years peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."

In connection with what has been said about the New Covenant being a ministration of the Spirit this narrative is most instructing. It shows us how George Miiller's power lay in God's revealing to him the work of the Holy Spirit. He writes that up to the time of that change he had "not experimentally understood the office of the Holy Spirit." We speak much of George Muller's
power in prayer; it is of importance to remember that that power was entirely owing to his love of,and faith in, God's Word. But it is of still more importance to notice that his power to believe God's Word so fully was entirely owing to his having learned to know the Holy Spirit as his Teacher.

When the words of God are explained to us, and made living within us by the Holy Spirit, they have a power to awaken faith which they otherwise have not. The Word then brings us into contact with God, comes to us as from God direct, and binds our whole life to Him. When the Holy Spirit thus feeds us on the Word, our whole life comes under His power, and the fruit is seen, not only in the power of prayer, but as much in the power of obedience. Notice how Mr. Muller tells us this, that the two secrets of his great happiness were, his great love for God's Word, and his ever maintaining a good conscience, not knowingly doing anything against the will of God.

In giving himself to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, as he tells us in his birthday address, he made a full surrender of the entire heart to God, to be ruled by the Word. He gave himself to obey that Word in everything, he believed that the Holy Spirit gave the grace to obey,and so he was able to maintain a walk free from knowingly transgressing God's law. This is a point he always insisted on.

So he writes, in regard to a life of dependence upon God: "It will not do—it
is not possible—to live in sin, and at the same time, by communion with God, to draw down from heaven everything one needs for the life that now is." Again, speaking of the strengthening of faith:" It is of the utmost importance that we seek to maintain an upright heart and a good conscience, and therefore do not knowingly and habitually indulge in those things which are contrary to the mind of God. All my confidence in God, all my leaning upon Him in the hour of trial, will be gone if I have a guilty conscience, and do not seek to put away this guilty conscience, but still continue to do things which are contrary to His mind."

A careful perusal of this testimony will show us how the chief points usually insisted upon in connection with the second blessing are all found here. There is the full surrender of the heart to be taught and led alone by the Spirit of God. There is the higher standard of holiness which is at once set up. There is the tender desire in nothing to offend God, but to have at all times a good
conscience, that testifies that we are pleasing to God. And there is the faith that where the Holy Spirit reveals to us in the Word the will of God, He gives the sufficient strength for the doing of it.

"The particular difference," he says of reading with faith of the Holy Spirit's teaching, "was that I received real strength in my soul in doing so." No wonder that he said: The change was so great, that it was like a second conversion.
All centres in this, that we believe in the New Covenant and its promises as a ministration of the Spirit. That belief may come to some suddenly, as to George Muller; or it may dawn upon others by degrees. Let all say to God that they are ready to put their whole heart and life under the rule of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, teaching them by the Word, and strengthening them by His grace. He enables us to live pleasing to God.

It's Amazing

2010-12-11T09:38:00.002-05:00

It's amazing what you find when you trace back the visits to this Muller blog and discover where the people are from and how they got to this site.

A recent visitor from Romania enabled me to check out a Romanian site where George Muller was mentioned. I found this artist's pen and ink sketch of Muller plus the cover of a book in another language.

I'm also posting a picture of Muller's gravestone.

Interesting "stuff" concerning a man who shaped history...by trusting God implicitly. What difference are you making in "your" world?

Scriptural Knowledge Institution

2010-11-20T20:29:00.001-05:00

The Scriptural Knowledge Institution was the first trust established by George Müller in 1834. It is now an office within the George Müller Charitable Trust and is used for sending gifts to those serving the Lord at home and overseas. We link this with daily prayer and are always delighted to receive letters and emails with news of God’s work around the world. It has been exciting to see the timing of particular gifts meeting specific needs at just the right moment. We have seen the principle of simple faith at work as God hears the cry of those in need, prompts those who give, and joins these together through prayer.

Gifts sent for the general purposes of SKI will be sent to those we know to be in particular need. It is possible to use various tax efficient giving schemes and further details can be obtained from Müller House. We do not deduct any charges but we are thankful to God for gifts that help with our costs. Each year we receive gifts that come with a request that we consider making a similar gift to Christian missionaries and organisations throughout the world. In order both to ensure that the charity’s objects are fulfilled and that Charity Commission guidance is followed, we must enquire of those workers and organisations concerning the nature of their work.

These workers are found in every continent, including the United Kingdom. Most are involved in long-term Christian service and are living by faith, not supported or employed by a large missionary organisation. Their activities embrace a variety of caring and evangelistic ministries and some are indigenous. In the past few years we have seen an amazing expansion in the activities of SKI, particularly our involvement with child sponsorship schemes and those caring for orphans and children in need. Indeed, SKI is probably funding the care of more orphans and needy children today than were being cared for in the Homes in the 19th century.

The work of SKI is now in its 175th year and its record of supporting workers over the years by the grace and provision of God has been exciting and challenging.

Thank You For Your Visit

2010-10-02T09:48:00.013-04:00

Dear Friend:

Thank you for visiting our George Muller site today. Each week I get a list of countries from which our visitors have contacted us or viewed this site. It's amazing to see where you are from. All corners of the world.

This morning when I checked the most recent 100 visits, there were visitors from the following countries:

Singapore

Korea

United Arab Emirates

Australia

South Africa

Portugal

England

Anguilla

Bahrain

Venezuela

Germany

Nigeria &

Mexico plus Canada, of course.

Each one of you must have an interest in this unique man from the 19th century who simply trusted God.

I'm very grateful for your visits but I would like to know more about you. What caused you to visit? Tell us more about where you are from. Where did you hear about George Muller? How has he impacted your life?

Please leave us a comment regarding your visit. Tell us more about what you'd like to read concerning our hero of the faith, George Muller.

Thanks again for your visit! I hope to hear from you soon!

Leave a comment or e-mail me at: dwfisher@nexicom.net

God bless you richly!

David W. Fisher

George Muller on Answered Prayer

2010-09-11T15:36:00.004-04:00

In George Muller’s book, Answers to Prayer, Muller tells of a young Irishman by the name of McQuilkin who was brought to the knowledge of God in November of 1856 in Ireland. Two months after his conversion, he got hold of one of Muller’s early books and became aware of the fact that things could be obtained from God through prayer, so he began to pray that God would give him a spiritual friend.

Very soon God led him to another Christian young man and they began to meet for prayer each week. They prayed that God would lead them to others who knew the Lord. Soon, by autumn of 1857, one year after his conversion, the Lord brought them two more young men who were also Christians. Young McQuilkin believed that God had brought that group of four men together by believing prayer. He proposed to the other three that they should meet on Friday nights to pray for their work in the Sunday schools and in the prayer meetings and for the preaching of the gospel. So, in the autumn of 1857, they met for prayer every Friday evening. On January 1, 1858, they had their first answer to prayer. A young farm servant was converted and joined them. There were now five of them agreeing to meet and pray. Not long after, another young man, age 20, was converted and now there were six of them meeting and praying. This really encouraged the first four.

About Christmas of 1858, now this is two years into their adventure of prayer, a young man from a nearby community had been converted through the testimony of this group of men, and he went back to his little town and told his friends what had happened and this friend wanted these men to come over and preach the gospel to them and tell them about Jesus Christ. So on February 2, 1859 they all went together and held meetings in one of the churches there and as a result of those meetings, some people believed and wanted them to come back and minister again. So they came back two weeks later.

Muller wrote, “From that time on, the Spirit of God began to work and to work mightily. Souls were converted and conversions multiplied rapidly. Some of these converts went to other places and carried the spiritual fire with them. The blessed work of the Spirit of God spread in many places. Such was the beginning of that mighty work of the Holy Spirit, which has led to the conversion of hundreds of thousands. Some of my readers will remember how, in 1859, this fire was kindled and spread through Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. How the continent of Europe was more or less partaking of this mighty working of the Holy Spirit. How it led thousands to give themselves to the work of evangelism and how, in the year 1874, not only the effects of this work first begun in Ireland was felt, but that new, more, blessed work was going on in Europe in general. It is almost needless to add that in no degree was the honor due to the instruments (which is these young men), but to the Holy Spirit alone. Yet these facts are stated in order that it may be seen what delight God has in answering abundantly the believing prayer of His children.”

How big is our praying? What are we asking God to do? Let me challenge you with something. If God were to promise you that tonight at 12:00 o’clock midnight, all of your prayers would be answered -- every one of them -- what would change? What would change in your family? What would change in your church? What would change in your life -- if all of your prayers could be answered at midnight tonitght?

Taken from: www.praybold.org

Robber of the Cruel Streets

2010-06-27T21:50:00.005-04:00

Check out this YouTube clip from the excellent video Robber of the Cruel Streets. George Muller certainly was used mightily of God.

Check out our earlier post which reviewed this video.

Excellent Summary of Muller's Life

2010-03-20T10:10:00.004-04:00

For an excellent summary of George Muller's life an ministry, Waitsel Smith has an excellent post regarding this.

He includes a link to our web site as part of his post. Thanks, Waitsel.

You can check out his post here

Small Beginnings...

2009-11-20T22:29:00.012-05:00

Bristol had very poor sanitation, and soon after Muller arrived, the city was devastated by an epidemic of cholera, and many hundreds of people died. George and Henry (Craik) visited the sick people, trusting God to keep them from catching the disease.

So many people had died that there were hundreds of orphans with no-one to care for them; many were reduced to begging in the streets. George Müller wanted to do something to help, and it was this that started his life's work for God.

After George, Mary and Henry had prayed about this great need for some weeks, they shared their concern with other Christians. Müller also saw this as an opportunity to prove to the people of Bristol the reality of faith in God, who answers the prayers of those who trust him.

In December 1835, George Müller wrote in his diary, "If I, a poor man, simply by prayer and faith, obtained without asking any individual the means for establishing and carrying on an Orphan-House then this would provide visible proof that God is FAITHFUL STILL and HEARS PRAYER STILL."

George Müller's diary tells the story of what happened next: (December 7) "Today I received the first shilling for the Orphan House"; (December 9) "This afternoon the first piece of furniture was given - a large wardrobe".

Who's Who In Christian History

2009-10-03T20:32:00.001-04:00

A.B. Simpson: A Desperate Situation

Andrew Murray: An Impacted Life

Aurelius Augustine: A Sinful Life

Charles Finney: A Proud Heart

Charles Spurgeon: A Seeking Heart

George Muller: Indifference towards God

George Whitefield: A Religious Life

Hannah W. Smith: A Discovery of God

J. Hudson Taylor: Ignorance of the Gospel

John Calvin: An Arrested Life

John Bunyan: Mental Conflict

John Wesley: A Defeated Life

Jonathan Edwards: Miserable Seeking

Madame Guyon: A Searching Heart

Martin Luther: A Troubled Conscience

Watchman Nee: A Successful Life

Worldwide Interest

2009-06-06T19:46:00.003-04:00

Each week I receive a report on how many visitors we get here at the Muller site. Of course I wish we could generate much more traffic but we do get 10-12 visits per day. Oh that it could be 100 or more!

It's interesting to note that of the last 75 visits to the Muller blog, we had visitors from the following countries:

United States
Trinidad & Tobago
England
New Zealand
Switzerland
Canada
Australia
Norway
Hong Kong
France
Kuwait
South Africa
Taiwan
Germany

Truly there is a worldwide interest in the life of this man who simply trusted God!

Summarizing a Life of Faith

2009-06-06T19:31:00.004-04:00

The following summary appeared on a web site which I found today. This gives a good overview of a life well-lived. Oh that we might live for His glory as George Muller did. This summary was found here.

The Life and Ministry of George Muller:

George Mueller was a man of faith. George Mueller was a prayer warrior.

His ministry was blessed because he trusted God completely.

His 63 year ministry included: the supported missionaries, the establishment of the Scriptural Knowledge Institute in England, teaching Sunday school and day school, distributing Bibles and Christian tracts, and caring for England's orphans.

He financially supported missionary operations in 26 different countries.

He was directly involved in the Christian instruction of 121,683 pupils.

He distributed: 281,652 Bibles:

1,448,662 New Testaments; 21,343 copies of the Book of Psalms; 222,196 other portions of the Holy Scriptures.

He distributed 111,489,067 Christian tracts, booklets and pamphlets.

He was directly involved in the conversion of 2,813 orphans.

He mastered 6 languages: French, German, Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and English.

Mr. Mueller was a native of Prussia, born in Kroppenstaedt, on September 27, 1805.

After his conversion, he saw beyond the present to a greater goal. He realized that God alone was able to supply his every need by faith. He took God at His Word and boldly came before the throne of grace to receive.

Mr. Mueller never found the throne vacant nor the supplies exhausted. He asked, knowing that God was able.

Near the end of his life he admitted to reading the entire Bible about 200 times; 100 times on his knees. He found God's promises, believed them, and acted accordingly.

Mr. Mueller mastered the lesson of outlooks: living by the heavenly uplook rather than the earthly outlook.

"The Lord pours in, while we seek to pour out."

He asked God to pour in the supplies, so that they might be distributed to others.

As Mr. Mueller faithfully distributed God's abundance of money and supplies; God poured in more needed materials.

Mr. Mueller testimony includes the specific answers of 50,000 prayers; 5,000 prayers had been answered on the day of asking!

He diligently kept records and his prayer request records indicate a 2-page entry format. On one page he wrote the petition and date; on the opposite page he recorded the answer date. He recommended this form to believers who desired specific results to their prayers.

"…I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk about, when I lie down and when I rise up. And the answers are always coming. Thousands and tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered. When once I am persuaded that a thing is right and for the glory of God, I go on praying for it until the answer comes. George Mueller never gives up!"

"Let not Satan deceive you, in making you think you could not have the same faith, but that is only for persons situated as I am. When I lose such a thing as a key, I ask the Lord to direct me to it, and I look for an answer to my prayer; when a person with whom I have an appointment does not come…I ask the Lord to be pleased to hasten him to me, and I look for an answer…Thus in all my temporal and spiritual concerns I pray to the Lord and expect an answer to my request; and may not you do the same dear believing reader?"

His Christian advice and rules to strengthen faith were simple:

1. Read the Bible and meditate upon it. God has become known to us through prayer and meditation upon His Word.

2. Seek to maintain an upright heart and a good conscience.

3. If we desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and therefore, through trial, be strengthened.

4. Give God time to work.

Mr. Mueller believed that nothing was too insignificant to take to the Lord in prayer. He believed the scriptures to be literal.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

…the Mueller's set off for the United States in August 1877 aboard the Sardian…Off Newfoundland the weather turned cold and the ship's progress was seriously retarded by fog. The captain had been on the bridge for 24 hours when something happened which was to revolutionize his life. George Mueller appeared on the bridge.

"Captain, I have come to tell you I must be in Quebec by Saturday afternoon."

"It is impossible," said the captain.

"Very well, " said Mueller, "if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way--I have never broken an engagement for 52 years. Let us go down into the chart-room and pray."

The Captain wondered which lunatic asylum Mueller had come from.

"Mr. Mueller," he said, "do you know how dense this fog is?"

"No, my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God."

Mueller then knelt down and prayed. When he had finished the captain was about to pray, but Mueller put his hand on his shoulder, and told him:

"First, you do not believe He will and second, I believe He has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it."

The captain looked at Mueller in amazement.

"Captain," he continued, I have known my Lord for 52 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up, captain, and open the door, and you will find the fog is gone."

The captain walked across to the door and opened it. The fog had lifted. It was the captain himself, who later told the story of this incident, and who was subsequently described by a well known evangelist as "one of the most devoted men I ever knew."

It was prayer that kept Mr. Mueller's soul free of doubt, worry, and fear. As a result, he could write such entries as on March 9, 1847, "The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith." And a later one, "The greater the trial, the sweeter the victory."

Mr. Mueller's victories came through prayer and his trust in the Lord's unfailing promises.

"It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believingly continue in prayer, until we obtain an answer; and further, we have not only to continue in prayer unto the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing."

During just the last year of Mr. Mueller's life are recorded these gifts to feed and care for thousands of England's orphans.

7, 203 loaves of bread

5,222 buns

20 boxes of soap

9 tons of coal

26 haunches of venison

112 rabbits

312 pheasants

5 bags of oatmeal

26 cases of oranges

5 boxes of dates

4,013 pounds of meat

...hundreds of other essentials

Mr. Mueller's faithful prayers brought into the orphan houses $2.5 million.

George Mueller was faithful.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Answers to Prayer by George Mueller; Moody Press

George Muller Delighted in God by Roger Steer; Harold Shaw Publishers

George Muller, Man of Faith & Miracles by Basil Miller; Dimension Books

The Autobiography of George Muller by George Muller; Whitaker House

Real Heroes

2009-05-16T07:29:00.003-04:00

Each week we receive a report which indicates the number of visitors we have had here at the George Muller site.

It's fascinating to see how many different countries these hits have been from. This morning I received notification of a "hit" from a web site entitled "Real Heroes".

The people at this site have a link to this blog for which I'm grateful. Check out their George Muller page here.

Stretching Our Faith

2009-04-24T06:47:00.004-04:00

The following devotional from A. W. Tozer refers to the faith which George Muller exhibited. We can trust God the same way Muller did. God has NOT changed.

...yet you do not have because you do not ask. - James 4:2

It was a saying of George Mueller that faith grows with use. If we would have great faith we must begin to use the little faith we already have. Put it to work by reverent and faithful praying, and it will grow and become stronger day by day. Dare today to trust God for something small and ordinary and next week or next year you may be able to trust Him for answers bordering on the miraculous. Everyone has some faith, said Mueller; the difference among us is one of degree only, and the man of small faith may be simply the one who has not dared to exercise the little faith he has.

According to the Bible, we have because we ask, or we have not because we ask not. It does not take much wisdom to discover our next move. Is it not to pray, and pray again and again till the answer comes? God waits to be invited to display His power in behalf of His people. The world situation is such that nothing less than God can straighten it out. Let us not fail the world and disappoint God by failing to pray. taken from The Set of the Sail, pp. 33-34

"Lord, I think I can do that! I know my faith needs to grow, but today I'll exercise what faith I have and anticipate that growth and stretching. Amen."

Scripture Texts That Moulded George Müller

2009-02-14T17:38:00.003-05:00

CERTAIN marked Scripture precepts and promises had such a singular influence upon this man of God (George Muller), and so often proved the guides to his course, that they illustrate Psalm 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path."

Those texts which, at the parting of the way, became to him God's sign-boards, showing him the true direction, are here given, as nearly as may be in the order in which they became so helpful to him. The study of them will prove a kind of spiritual biography, outlining his career. Some texts, known to have been very conspicuous in their influence, we put in capitals. The italics are his own.

The first verse I've listed is the principal text that guided Muller's life:

"open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. " (Psalm 81.10)

"GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." (John iii.16.)

"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm." (Jeremiah xvii.5.)

"O, fear the Lord, ye His saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him." (Psa. xxxiv.9.)

"Owe no man anything, but to love one another." (Rom. xiii.8.)

"SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU." (Matt. vi.33.)

"The holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." (2 Tim. iii.15.)

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matt. vii.7,8.)

"WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME, THAT WILL I DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON: IF YE SHALL ASK ANYTHING IN MY NAME I WILL DO IT." (John xiv.13,14.)

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body what ye shall put on... Take, therefore, no thought for the morrow." (Matt. vi. 25-34.)

"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." (John vii.17.)

"If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John viii.31,32.)

"And the eunuch said, See, here is water: what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." (Acts viii.36-38.)

"Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death." (Rom. vi.3, 4.)

"Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread." (Acts xx.7.)

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a man in vile raiment; and ye have respect unto him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool, are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?" (James ii.1-6.)

"Having, then, gifts differing according to the grace that is given us." (Rom. xii.6.)

"All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (1 Cor. xii.11.)

"Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philip. iv.17.)

"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body what ye shall put on"... "Behold the fowls of the air... Consider the lilies of the field... For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." (Matt. vi.25-32.)

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." (Matt. vi.19.)

"SELL THAT YE HAVE AND GIVE ALMS." (Luke xii.33.)

"A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven." (John iii.27.)

More "Faith" Quotes

2009-01-31T07:08:00.009-05:00

Note: This is our 100th post on this George Muller web site since we started this blog to help acquaint 21st century Christians with this faithful servant of God.

"Why should we limit either the goodness or the power of God by our own knowledge of what we call the laws of nature?"

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings."

"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time."

"The province of faith begins where probabilities cease and sight and sense fail."

"If I, a poor man, simply by prayer and faith, obtained without asking any individual the means for establishing and carrying on an Orphan-House then this would provide visible proof that God is FAITHFUL STILL and HEARS PRAYER STILL."

"I hope in God, I pray on, and look yet for the answer. They are not converted yet, but they will be."

The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans

2009-01-31T06:58:00.005-05:00

I'm always on the lookout for new books or new editions of books on the life of George Muller, Here's another one with the accompanying description. I found this one in a listing of OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) books. - David

“God has given me a mission field right here, and I will live and die in it.”

With scarcely enough food or money for his own family, George Müller opened his heart and home to orphans who had no other place to go. Sustained by God’s provision, the Müller house “Breakfast Club” of thirty orphans grew to five large houses that ultimately over ten thousand children would call home.

George Müller trusted God with a depth rarely seen. Let his faith and generosity challenge you to an unshakable commitment to share Christ's love, no matter the cost.

An Orphan's Story

2008-12-27T07:23:00.004-05:00

Muller Miscellany

2008-12-22T12:27:00.004-05:00

Without ever asking anyone other than God, he received over $7,200,000 dollars (in 1800's money) through prayer alone.

Born in Prussia in 1805, by age 10 George was inventing plans to embezzle the government monies his father had charge of. His school years were years of drunkenness and immorality. At age sixteen he was jailed for failing to pay his bills.

The University he attended had 900 Divinity students. George said that there were only about nine who truly feared God. He continued in sin until at age 20 he received Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour.

George married and became a Pastor, but refused his salary when he found out it was collected from "pew-rents." He decided to live on faith from that time forward.

Müller established Orphanages in Bristol, England, and founded the "Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad." His life was characterized by prayer, faith, and self-denial in the cause of Christ.

During his lifetime, he established 117 schools which educated more than 120,000 young persons, including orphans.

In 1875, at the age of 70, and until age 87, he had a 17-year ministry of world-wide Evangelistic tours, which also raised money for his orphanages and the thousands of children in them.

He would live for another six years. At the time of his death at age 93 in 1898, the Church that he pastored in Bristol had about 2,000 members.

An Hour With George Muller

2008-12-22T08:45:00.006-05:00

Here's a link to a very interesting interview with George Muller entitled An Hour With George Muller. Check it out. You'll be encouraged to trust God more! This interview was conducted by a Mr. Charles Parsons.

Here are some of his reflections concerning his time with Muller:

"From another room Mr. Muller fetched a copy of his life, in which he inscribed my name. His absence afforded me an opportunity of looking around the apartment. The furniture was of the plainest description, useful and in harmony with the man of God who had been talking to me. It is a great principle with George Muller that it does not become the children of God to be ostentatious in style, appointments, dress, or manner of living. He believes that expensiveness and luxury are not seemly in those who are the professed disciples of the meek and lowly One who had not where to lay His head. On a desk lay an open Bible, of clear type, without notes or references.

This, I thought, is the abode of the mightiest man, spiritually considered, of modern times—a man specially raised up to show to a cold, calculating, selfish age the realities of the things, of God, and to teach the Church how much she might gain if only she were wise enough to take hold the Omnipotent Arm."

Check out the link for more!

The Scriptural Knowledge Institution

2008-12-14T21:16:00.006-05:00

There are several reasons why the life and ministry of George Muller have been such an inspiration to me.

One of these was his establishment of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Here's what the Muller Foundation web site has to say about this worthwhile ministry:

"The Scriptural Knowledge Institution, or SKI, as it is known was founded on March 5th, 1834. George Müller laid down four main objectives, which are shown here. In addition, he felt that since this was of God, there would be no patronage, appeals or requests for subscription and that the Institution should never contract any debts. He was convinced that God would provide all resources and meet every need.

Within the first seven months £167 had been received and by May 1894 the figure had risen to half a million pounds. The institution still flourishes today with the same principles, although there are some changes to meet today's needs. Just over one hundred years later, in 1997, over three hundred thousand pounds was sent to missionaries working both at home and overseas for their support. Most of that money resulted from donations being channelled through SKI by individuals, Trusts, and churches.

The objects of SKI are expressed as follows:-

1 To assist Day-schools, Sunday-schools and Adult-schools, in which instruction is given upon Scriptural principles, and, as far as the Lord may graciously give the means and supply us with suitable teachers, to establish Schools of this kind.

2 To put the children of poor persons to such Day-schools, in order that they may be truly instructed in the ways of God, besides learning those things which are necessary for this life.

3 To circulate the Holy Scriptures.

4 To aid in supplying the wants of Missionaries and Missionary Schools.

Note: These objectives are as printed in a document entitled 'First Report of the Operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Society for Home and Abroad' and was signed by both George Müller and Henry Craik on the 7th October, 1834.

The Bethesda Chapel was the next pastoral ministry for George Müller. The large Chapel was run down and the congregation of six looked extremely small, but with a year's guarantee of rent George Müller committed the future needs of the church to God. The membership grew, financial support came and the Bethesda Chapel prospered both materially and spiritually.

Mary Müller had now given birth to daughter Lydia and it was at the time when Bristol was stricken with cholera. The effects of the cholera resulted in a death rate of high proportions, especially among the adults, and countless children became orphaned.

George Müller, as always, committed the whole problem to God and sought guidance as to what should be done."

New Features

2008-12-13T21:05:00.006-05:00

A new friend and partner Douglas Case from Risingline, a web design and marketing company, has added some features to this George Muller blog that some of our faithful readers have requested.

Now you can subscribe by e-mail or by an RSS feed. Check out the new features on the right margin of this blog. By subscribing you'll automatically be informed of any new posts. And, with these new features, I'll attempt by God's enabling to be more diligent about adding new stories and reflections about this man who simply trusted God.

Those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true.

Check out Doug's web site here. Thanks, Doug!

God bless you all richly!

Not Sent...Yet

2008-12-07T09:03:00.004-05:00

The following quote, taken from The Autobiography of George Muller was posted here on the web site for the Abba Fund.
"My gracious Lord has not sent me help yet. Yesterday and today I have been pleading with God, giving reasons why He would be pleased to send help. The arguments I used are:
I began the work for the glory of God that there might be visible proof of God supplying, in answer to prayer only, the necessities of the orphans. He is the living God and eager to answer prayer.
God is the “Father of the fatherless,” and as their Father, He should be pleased to provide (see Psalm 68:5).
I have received the children in the name of Jesus. Therefore, He, in these children, has been received, fed, and clothed (see Mark 9:36-37).
The faith of many of the children of God has been strengthened by this work. If God withheld the means for the future, those who are weak in faith would be discouraged. If the ministry was continued, their faith might still further be strengthened.
Many enemies would laugh if the Lord withheld supplies and say, “We knew that this enthusiasm would come to nothing.”
Many of the children of God, who are uninstructed or in a carnal state, would feel justified to continue their alliance with the world in their ministries. They would continue in their unscriptural proceedings to raise money if He did not help me.
God knows that I cannot provide for these children in my own strength. Therefore, He would not allow this burden to lie on me long without sending help.
My fellow-laborers in the ministry also trust in Him.
I would have to dismiss the children from under our scriptural instruction to their former companions if He does not help me.
He could prove wrong those who said, “In the beginning supplies might be expected while the ministry is new, but after a while, people will lose interest and stop supporting it.”
If He did not provide, how could I explain the many remarkable answers to prayer which He had given to me previously which have shown me that this work is of God?
In some small measure I now understand the meaning of that word, “how long,” which frequently occurs in the prayers of the Psalms. But even now, by the grace of God, my eyes are on Him only, and I believe that He will send help.”

Muller's Continued Global Impact

2008-11-01T08:23:00.005-04:00

It's amazing to note the global impact that George Muller's life and ministry still has on people all over the world. When I check the visits to this blog and see the countries where they originate, it excites me. Christians around the world are still fascinated by this godly man who "simply trusted God".

Just in the last several days there have been visitors to this blog from:

Nigeria
France
Belgium
United Kingdom
Germany
Australia
USA
China
India
Singapore
Hong Kong
United Arab Emirates
Philippines
New Zealand

What God wrought through the life of this "ordinary man" back in the 1800's is still challenging and encouraging believers today.

PRAISE GOD!

Thanks for your visit today, friend! You can trust Him too!

R. A. Torrey on Muller

2008-08-20T08:11:00.005-04:00

"One of the mightiest men of prayer of the last generation was George Mueller of Bristol, England, who in the last sixty years of his life (he lived to be ninety-two or ninety-three) obtained the English equivalent of $7,200,000.00 by prayer.

But George Mueller never prayed for a thing just because he wanted it, or even just because he felt it was greatly needed for God's work. When it was laid upon George Mueller's heart to pray for anything, he would search the Scriptures to find if there was some promise that covered the case.

Sometimes he would search the scriptures for days before he presented his petition to God. And then when he found the promise, with his open Bible before him, and his finger upon that promise, he would plead that promise, and so he received what he asked. He always prayed with an open Bible before him."

- R. A. Torrey on George Müller; "The Power of Prayer," 1924 (P. 81)

FAITH...In the Eyes of a Child

2008-07-30T16:59:00.015-04:00

While doing a GOOGLE search for more interesting information on George Muller I came across the following picture.

As a project the children in this family made lap-books (as opposed to scrap books). This one was on the life and ministry of George Muller. Check out this web site here.

An acrostic was written on the word FAITH. In the eyes of this child, this is what Muller's faith involved.

F - Father of many orphans
A - Always in prayer
I - Improvising daily
T - Thankful for everything
H - Happy with little or nothing

Muller's was a simple faith in a sovereign God. We can exhibit the same faith today. God has not changed. Will we trust Him fully for..."those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true."

Note: Click on the picture for a larger view of this project.

George Muller on Rising Early to Meet With God

2008-07-29T15:02:00.003-04:00

Here's another thought-provoking and, hopefully, life changing selection from George Muller's writings. O that we would heed his challenge.

September, 1839 [34 years old]

Muller writes:

I want to encourage all believers to get into the habit of rising early to meet with God. How much time should be allowed for rest? No rule of universal application can be given because all persons do not require the same amount of sleep. Also the same persons, at different times, according to the strength or weakness of their body, may require more or less. Most doctors agree that healthy men do not require more than between six or seven hours of sleep, and females need no more than seven or eight hours.

Children of God should be careful not to allow themselves too little sleep since few men can do with less than six hours of sleep and still be well in body and mind. As a young man, before I went to the university, I went to bed regularly at ten and rose at four, studied hard, and was in good health. Since I have allowed myself only about seven hours, I have been much better in body and in nerves than when I spent eight or eight and a half hours in bed.

Someone may ask, “But why should I rise early?” To remain too long in bed is a waste of time. Wasting time is unbecoming a saint who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus. His time and all he has is to be used for the Lord. If we sleep more than is necessary for the refreshment of the body, it is wasting the time the Lord has entrusted us to be used for His glory, for our own benefit, and for the benefit of the saints and unbelievers around us.

Just as too much food injures the body, the same is true regarding sleep. Medical persons would readily agree that lying longer in bed than is necessary to strengthen the body actually weakens it.

It also injures the soul. Lying too long in bed not merely keeps us from giving the most precious part of the day to prayer and meditation, but this sloth leads also to many other evils. Anyone who spends one, two, or three hours in prayer and meditation before breakfast will soon discover the beneficial effect early rising has on the outward and inward man.

It may be said, “But how shall I set about rising early?” My advice is: Do not delay. Begin tomorrow. But do not depend on your own strength. You may have begun to rise early in the past but have given it up. If you depend on your own strength in this matter, it will come to nothing. In every good work, we must depend on the Lord. If anyone rises so that he may give the time which he takes from sleep to prayer and meditation, let him be sure that Satan will try to put obstacles in the way.

Trust in the Lord for help. You will honor Him if you expect help from Him in this matter. Pray for help, expect help, and you will have it. In addition to this, go to bed early. If you stay up late, you cannot rise early. Let no pressure of engagements keep you from going habitually early to bed. If you fail in this, you neither can nor should get up early because your body requires rest.

Rise at once when you are awake. Remain not a minute longer in bed or else you are likely to fall asleep again. Do not be discouraged by feeling drowsy and tired from rising early. This will soon wear off. After a few days you will feel stronger and fresher than when you used to lie an hour or two longer than you needed. Always allow yourself the same hours for sleep. Make no change except on account of sickness. Autobiography, 117-119.

Hudson Taylor, Muller's Impact

2008-06-27T09:12:00.023-04:00

One evening while watching a video on the life of J. Hudson Taylor produced by Ken Anderson Films I was thrilled by one particular scene. Taylor and his wife Maria were sorting through the incoming mail for that day when Maria commented that a cheque had arrived from England, generous financial support from George Muller. I had known of Muller's impact on the life of the man who opened up inland China to the gospel but seeing this scene excited me.

George Muller, over his lifetime, was one of the primary supporters of J. Hudson Taylor and what was then known as the China Inland Mission.

God not only supplied the needs of Muller and his orphanage work but provided for many others around the world through Muller's obedience and stewardship.

"God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him." - J. Hudson Taylor

More Muller Musings

2008-05-31T08:05:00.004-04:00

In an address given to ministers and workers after his ninetieth birthday, George Muller spoke these words:

"I was converted in November, 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July, 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you are taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the Scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!"

Extraordinary God

2008-05-27T21:09:00.002-04:00

George Muller's life of explicit faith has caused many who followed after him to seek after a similar lifestyle.

Somehow we have made Muller into a folk hero who we try to emulate. That's exactly the opposite to what this ordinary man would have wanted. He would rather we seek to honor God, obey Him and simply trust Him with every detail of our lives.

We have set Muller on such a high pedestal that we could never rise to that same level.

And yet Muller said his faith was not extraordinary at all. He simply trusted God and took Him at His Word.

God has not changed. We can trust Him too and..."those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true."

Ordinary Men

2008-05-27T20:53:00.005-04:00

The following appears on the web site for the George Muller Foundation. I'm so grateful that God often chooses ordinary men - like me - to accomplish His purposes.

Read on...

God often chose ordinary men, sometimes men with an inglorious and doubtful past, men who often mocked the faith and men with whom a great deal of patience was needed because of their reluctance to turn away from the 'good life'. George Muller had been all of these types.

George Muller was born in Kroppenstaedt, a Prussian village, on the 27th September 1805. The son of a Tax Collector, he did not become a

Christian until he was twenty years of age. His father wanted him to enter the ministry but only so that he could retire to the ease of his son's manse. Despite kindness and generosity continually shown by his father, George Muller was an habitual thief, inveterate liar and indeed he later said there was almost no sin into which he had not fallen. He even had the audacity to become a confirmed member of the Lutheran Church and take Communion in spite of being well aware of his sinful ways.

George Muller's conversion was dramatic! Many of his sinful ways he relinquished at once and as understanding of the Christian way of life increased so he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. When he came to England in 1829 he formed a friendship with a quiet, godly and scholarly Scotsman named Henry Craik. This became a life-long friendship and under God's guidance they formed a great spiritual partnership in the Gospel and in children's work.

Through the work of the Orphan Homes and the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, both of which Mr Muller founded, many responded to the gospel and heard the call to dedicate their lives to God. The work continues today on the same principles - and the witness to God's faithfulness is still used to the glory of God.

Note: The George Muller Foundation is headquartered in the pictured house. This museum displays many artifacts from Muller's life of faith. I had the pleasure of visiting the Muller House in 2007 and spent an afternoon with Julian Marsh the Executive Director.

Modern Day Mailbox Miracles

2008-05-25T22:23:00.013-04:00

The mail box at my office often seems to be the centerpiece of my life. Our livelihood depends on what the mailman deposits there. Epistle Sports Ministries trusts God to meet our needs through the kind and generous gifts of His people.

Recently I was speaking to one of my colleagues who shares our office complex. I had stressed the dire necessity that something substantial by way of support for our ministry be in the mail box that morning. Then I added, “if there’s nothing there, the Lord can still send someone into my office with a donation.”

Several minutes later I went to check the mail and returned dejected. Nothing! Not even junk mail! Now what would I do?

Within a matter of minutes a dear friend knocked on my door, came in and began to tell me about an unexpected cheque he had just received. The mailman had been good to him at least. He said, “I’m just going to sign it and give it to you.”

Being an emotional guy who wears his feelings close to the surface, tears came quickly. I felt that my friend needed to know about the conversation I had only moments before.

He was encouraged, my financial need that was pressing that morning was met and all parties involved were blessed. God was glorified in the transaction and that’s what matters most.

Does God still work in miraculous ways? There’s no doubt in my mind. Trust Him to do what you could never do on your own. He’s waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to thosewhose heart is blameless toward Him.” ~ 2 Chronicles 16:9(a) (ESV)

Early Refreshing

2008-05-24T16:04:00.002-04:00

"How different, when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when, without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, and the temptations of the day come upon one!" - George Muller

Muller Moments

2008-05-18T21:30:00.003-04:00

Here are two more quotes from George Muller. Be encouraged as you read these, dear friends. God has never failed us yet and HE WILL NOT! - David

"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time."

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings."

An Orphan's Story

2008-05-18T21:18:00.002-04:00

In 1939 my mother died; I was eight at the time. There were four children in our family, and we lived in Highley Nr Bridgenorth in Shropshire . It was war time and my father was in his sixties. He was too old to look after us and needed to find somewhere for us to go together to be looked after. My Aunty went to church at a little Mission Hall in Birmingham where they supported an orphanage called George Müller's Homes. My Aunty felt this would be the right place for us to go and persuaded my father to send us there. My brother and one sister went in 1939 and I followed a year later in 1940. My other sister stayed home with them.

I arrived at Müller's very excited and wondering what life would be like, but missing my mum and my other sister, as we had been very close. I had been fostered for a year, which had been a very unhappy experience when I often went hungry. George Müller's Homes seemed like heaven to me, with regular meals, plain and simple, clean clothes, baths (I hadn't had many of them) good shoes, discipline and education.

We read the Bible and sang children's songs. We had our own hymn book, a copy of which I still have today. I did not know anything at all about Jesus. I was so hungry for love and in such need of reassurance that as I heard the stories of Jesus, who loved me, a little orphan, my heart just opened up to him. I was nine then, and Jesus and those truths are still with me at the age of 74.

What was life really like there? Fun and hard. It was wartime, and we had to share everything. We slept 60 to a dormitory, made our own beds, scrubbed and polished floors, worked in the laundry (for about a thousand children and the staff). Imagine the washing for all of us! We were taught to clean our own shoes, brush our hair, knit our own stocking and socks darn them too. We used scrubbing boards in the laundry, learned how to lay tables, wait at table, clean silver and polish furniture. We learned how to make our own clothes, stitch samplers, write letters, to sing and recite poetry, march to music, skip to music, sing the alphabet and other songs.

My favourite was reciting poetry, and I write it and love it to this day thanks to Mullers dedicated teaching staff. People came from far and wide to see us perform. We were taught to write properly with nib pens and ink Although the teaching staff could not really show affection because they mustn't be seen favouring one more than another they were very kind. We did miss out on cuddles which made me miss my mum more, but I was fortunate I had a big sister and a brother in the boy's department who we saw once a month. When we left Müller's it was hard to get close to him as we'd missed out on the growing up and together times.

The highlight for me was Sunday afternoons when the book cupboard was opened. I was an avid reader then and still am. We were encouraged to read all good books and it taught me to choose carefully what things I read and I vetted all my children's books and comics as they were growing up. I read 'Pilgrim's Progress', and 'The Holy City' by John Bunyan, and was fascinated in later life to see the cage on Bedford bridge where he was imprisoned. I now have my own copy of 'The Holy War'. I always had a copy of 'Pilgrims Progress' as we were given a Bible and a copy of Pilgrims Progress when we left the home.

There is so much more I could tell! Such is my love for Müller's and the happy times I had there that I go up there every year to our reunion and am on the committee which runs it. Old boys and girls come from all over the world. George Müller and his Faithful God live on in his family, of which I am proud to belong. We sing the song 'We Love This Family of God' and one line in it says 'We are family, we are one' - and that's how we feel!

Another Muller Quote

2008-05-18T20:59:00.005-04:00

"At last I saw Christ as my Saviour. I believed in Him and gave myself to Him. The burden rolled from off me, and a great love for Christ filled my soul. That was more than fifty years ago (at age 20). I loved Jesus Christ then, but I loved Him more the year after, and more the year after that, and more every year since." - George Müller

Modern Day Miracles

2008-04-23T07:01:00.000-04:00

If you take note of the comments that readers post on Pilgrim Scribblings you will have read the following testimony. If not, be blessed as you read this current account of God's provision:

A good friend of mine writes:

"I've been learning a lot about prayer from men like Hudson Taylor and George Muller who pursued God and trusted in Him. Prayer, over the last 3 months, has been a focus of mine (or rather of God with me) and I have been blessed incredibly by a new and greater passion for it.

Just today a very cool answer to prayer (akin to the work God did in the lives of Taylor and Muller). I have a friend who is going to Columbia to work among orphans and I wanted to support him. Sunday I asked how much was still lacking. He responded "$200", which I very much wanted to cover. He leaves Thursday, and I could not make the money available by then - however God has blessed both of us!

This morning I received a phone call (very unexpected) from a company in Ajax who wishes to hire me for a Scuba dive. $250 for ten minutes work - cash paid on site! After my expenses, this will leave $200 for the work! (I made no effort on my own to obtain this work and I only do about 8 dives a year in Peterborough, an hour away - God clearly is the provider)."

Yes, God is still Jehovah Jireh - our Provider.

New Edition

2008-03-30T12:44:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I picked up a copy of the latest edition of George Muller of Bristol, a classic biography of the Father of Orphans, penned by Arthur T. Pierson. This clothbound volume includes a generous Appendix at the conclusion of the book and I highly recommend it. It is published by Hendrickson and can be ordered through your local Christian bookstore.

Even though I have two earlier editions of this comprehensive account of Muller's life, this latest edition is a welcome addition to my collection. The price is right, too, for a hardcover book - only $17.95 U.S. or $19.95 Cdn.

ENJOY!

A Good Start

2008-03-30T12:36:00.004-04:00

George Muller read through the Bible over 100 times in his lifetime. No wonder his relationship with his God was so intimate!

He once stated, "I look upon it as a lost day when I have not had a good time over the Word of God. I have always made it a rule never to begin work until I have had a good season with God and His Word. The blessing I have received has been wonderful."

Therein lies much of the "secret" of Muller's success. He was in touch with the Provider!

Portrait of a Man of Faith

2008-02-08T23:45:00.001-05:00

George Muller - He trusted God in the face of seemingly impossible situations and God was faithful.

He still is today!

Enough Faith

2008-02-04T07:46:00.000-05:00

The following thoughts appeared recently on David Jeremiah's TURNING POINT online devotional:

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." -Luke 17:6 NIV

Many Christians know that George Müller cared for more than 10,000 orphans in his lifetime in England and was a man of astounding faith. But not all know that he was not always such a faithful man. His early life in Prussia was marked by lying, gambling, drinking, and imprisonment for fraud. At age fifteen, he gave his attention to cards and drinking with friends while his mother lay dying.

This is also the same George Müller who, later in life, would sit his orphans down at a table with empty bowls and thank God for the food He would provide. And God always did. George Müller's life goes to show that faith is a learned discipline. Faith does not come naturally but supernaturally. The natural man believes when he sees, but the supernatural man sees when he believes. And Jesus taught that it does not take as much faith to see as we might think - faith as small as a tiny seed can see mountains moved.

If you are lacking great faith today, exercise the faith you have and then ask God for more. Faith, fruit, more faith, more fruit - believing God is a self-perpetuating experience.

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. - D. Elton Trueblood

Living Legacy

2007-12-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

Simple trust in a sovereign God.
Faith the size of a mustard seed.
Starving thousands clothed and fed.
Missions work supported worldwide.
Passionate about his quiet time.
Devoted to his Provider, God.
Preached with power and fervor.
Still renowned for his faith.
George Muller.

Stones of Remembrance

2007-12-13T15:37:00.000-05:00

Lest I forget that God is faithful, I have many reminders throughout my office. For this post I've assembled some of these "stones of remembrance" that serve to assure me that God will provide and that He knows my needs.

In the accompanying photo you can see the portrait of George Muller that graces my desk. The photo on the right of one of the orphanage buildings was taken when I visited Bristol, England earlier this year. Note: Click on photo for larger image.

The rock on the left was taken from a crumbling stone wall in front of one of the buildings. The other piece on the left is from the foundation of one of the orphanage buildings. The college that presently occupies these buildings was doing some renovations and I took this piece as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision.

The book in the center is written by Roger Steer, Muller's biographer. Roger and I met in Exeter in March and enjoyed a wonderful time of Christian fellowship.

So, when I wonder if God will provide for our present needs I just need to look around my office. Of course His word declares His faithfulness and I just need to trust His promises.

Speaking Well of His Name

2007-11-14T17:18:00.001-05:00

I just discovered this incredible quote by George Muller. I had never read this one before or, if I have, I had forgotten it. - David

“In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust Him He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His name.”
- George Muller

Monument to God's Faithfulness

2007-11-14T17:12:00.000-05:00

What a thrill to visit Bristol, England earlier this year and see these buildings which Muller erected and God used to house and feed thousands of orphaned children. What monuments to the faithfulness of a loving, holy God! - David Fisher

Not Natural...Supernatural

2007-11-14T16:54:00.000-05:00

"I've always believed that the God who created grain, wheat and yeast would have no difficulty in creating a loaf of bread or a truckload of bread if it was really needed. He could also rain down milk from heaven if He sovereignly chose to do so. Why do we struggle so much, wondering how the Father will provide? Isn't He the great Creator? If He doesn't chose to create bread He can create the desire in a man's heart to give a bakery full of goods. Simple faith? Maybe! But that's how I choose to live." - David Fisher

George Muller must have felt the same way for him to say the following:

"Why should we limit either the goodness or the power of God by our own knowledge of what we call the laws of nature?"

Two More Quotes

2007-11-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings."

"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time."

Robber of the Cruel Streets

2007-11-13T21:14:00.000-05:00

Click here for a clip from the excellent DVD, Robber of the Cruel Streets. I've watched the DVD in its entirety and it's worth buying.

Check it out!

A Joyfully Dedicated Life

2007-11-06T22:37:00.000-05:00

Confidence in God – The Life and Ministry of George Muller of Bristol.

Like many Christians I was somewhat familiar with the ministry of George Muller to the orphans of Bristol, England. I knew of his commitment to living by faith and had heard illustrations from his life from time to time as I sat under good preaching. For instance, more than once I had heard of the time Muller prayed for breakfast provision with the orphans seated at empty tables. During the prayer, a bread wagon broke down near the orphanage and rather than let the bread be spoiled, the merchant donated the bread which was put to immediate use – breakfast! To my shame, this story along with his reputation for piety and prayer were about all I really knew of George Muller. This summer I finally read my copy of the classic biography on his life written by his son-in-law, A. T. Pierson entitled George Muller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith and gained a new appreciation for Muller’s passionate faith and simple complete trust in God. In his own words, “There was a day when I died, utterly died; died to George Muller . . . died to the world . . . and since then I have studied to show myself approved unto God.” This sentence more than any other expresses the confidence in God that was the secret to Muller’s amazing ministry. Pierson noted that Muller’s life was, “living proof that a life of faith is possible; that God may be known, communed with, found, and may become a conscious companion in the daily life. . . that the days of divine intervention and deliverance are past only to those with whom the days of faith and obedience are past – in a word, that believing prayer still works the wonders which our fathers told of in the days of old.”

George was born on September 27, 1805 in what was then called Prussia. He was raised in a wealthy family who had little or no time for God. He was the favorite son of his father who spoiled him and excused or overlooked all manner of evil behavior in young George. Pierson notes, “Before he was ten years old he was a habitual thief and an expert at cheating; even government funds entrusted to his father, were not safe from his hands.” He continued down this wayward path to the point that he spent the evening of his mother’s death in drunken carousing through the city streets. However, God had other plans for this wayward worlding and in his 21st year, George Muller came to know the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Somehow he found himself at a worship service where a simple servant of God knelt in prayer to ask God’s blessing on the meeting. It was the first time George had ever seen any kneel to pray and it made a profound impact. He recorded these thoughts in his journal – “I am much more learned than this illiterate man, but I could not pray as well as he.” This would not be true for long; in the years ahead, he would excel in the discipline of prayer and it would become the cornerstone of all his life-work!

Two years later, in 1827 Muller applied to the London Missionary Society to serve as a missionary to the Jews and traveled to London to prepare. He remained in preparation for the better part of eighteen months. In 1829 he wrote to the Society and declared his intentions to serve only on the condition that he serve without salary and that he labor only where and when the Lord should direct. This was unacceptable to the Society and so his missionary endeavor was cut short before it officially began. In 1830, Muller became the pastor of a small church at Teignmouth. He insisted in taking no salary trusting only on Jehovah-Jireh for his daily provision. It was here that Muller set down as a firm life principle that he would never receive a fixed salary for any service rendered to God’s people. At the end of his life he would summarize this decision in these words: “I have joyfully dedicated my whole life to the object of exemplifying how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith.”

Accordingly, Muller kept meticulous daily records of all that God did for him and the orphanages. In 1865 after 31 years of serving over 10,000 orphans and meeting their daily needs, he recorded that he had been able during the entire time to remain true to the original principles upon which the work had been established. He had never gone into debt, he had never made others aware of his needs or those of the orphanages, and he had never accepted help or resources from unbelievers. When asked what would happen to all of his work and the orphan houses after his death he replied, “My business is, with all my might, to serve my own generation by the will of God: in so doing I shall best serve the next generation, should the Lord tarry.” Pierson noted, “This man of God had staked everything upon one great experiment – he had set himself to prove that the prayer which resorts to God only will bring help in every crisis, even when the crisis is unknown to His people whom He uses as the means of relief and help.”

For over sixty years he saw God provide for five large orphan houses and for the daily needs of over 10,000 orphans. During that time he personally gave over 110,000 British pounds to Sunday schools and day schools where over 150,000 children were instructed. He gave an additional 90,000 pounds for the purchase and circulation of over 2 million Bibles and 3 million books and tracts. Besides all this, he gave over 260,000 pounds to missionaries in foreign fields. When you add all the money that was given to him for the orphanages to this amount, he gave away almost 1.5 million pounds to the Lord’s work! No wonder A. T. Pierson said, “such a life and such a work are the result of one habit more than all else, -- daily and frequent communion with God.” May the Lord raise up in our day, men of like faith and prayer.

He Never Gave Up

2007-11-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

George Mueller said this of himself:

Murray on Muller

2007-10-29T16:13:00.000-04:00

Andrew Murray on George Müller:

"This implicit surrender to God’s Word led him to certain views and conduct in regard to money, which mightily influenced his future life. They had their root in the conviction that money was a Divine stewardship, and that all money had therefore to be received and dispensed in direct fellowship with God Himself. This led him to the adoption of the following four great rules:

1. Not to receive any fixed salary, both because in the collecting of it there was often much that was at variance with the freewill offering with which God’s service is to be maintained, and in the receiving of it a danger of placing more dependence on human sources of income than in the living God Himself.

2. Never to ask any human being for help, however great the need might be, but to make his wants known to the God who has promised to care for His servants and to hear their prayer.

3. To take this command (Luke 12: 33) literally, ‘Sell that thou hast and give alms,’ and never to save up money, but to spend all God entrusted to him on God’s poor, on the work of His kingdom.

4. Also to take Romans 8: 8, ‘Owe no man anything,’ literally, and never to buy on credit, or be in debt for anything, but to trust God to provide.

This mode of living was not easy at first. But Muller testifies it was most blessed in bringing the soul to rest in God, and drawing it into closer union with Himself when inclined to backslide.

"For it will not do, it is not possible, to live in sin, and at the same time, by communion with God, to draw down from heaven everything one needs for the life that now is.’" - Muller

Freed From Fog

2007-10-04T08:44:00.000-04:00

Norman Harrison in his In a Life of Prayer tells how Charles Inglis, while making the voyage to America a number of years ago, learned from the devout and godly captain of an experience which he had had but recently with George Muller of Bristol. It seems that they had encountered a very dense fog. Because of it the captain had remained on the bridge continuously for twenty-four hours, when Mr Muller came to ham and said, "Captain, I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec on Saturday afternoon." When informed that it was impossible, he replied: "Very well. If the ship cannot take me, God will find some other way. I have never broken an engagement for fifty-seven years. Let us go down into the chartroom and pray."

The captain continues the story thus: "I looked at that man of God and thought to myself, What lunatic asylum could that man have come from. I never heard such a thing as this. 'Mr. Muller,' I said, 'do you know how dense this fog is?' 'No,' he replied, 'my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life.' He knelt down and prayed one of those simple prayers, and when he had finished I was going to pray; but he put his hand on my shoulder and told me not to pray. 'Firstly,' he said, 'because you do not believe God will, and secondly, I believe God has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it.' I looked at him, and George Muller said,'Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up and open the door, and you will find that the fog has gone.' I got up and the fog was indeed gone. George Muller was in Quebec Saturday afternoon for his engagement."

-from I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Glenn Clark

In Retrospect

2007-09-28T10:44:00.000-04:00

George Muller...

Finally in 1898 he died a blessed servant of the Lord. Throughout his life God had never let him down. He was blessed with the funds to found and run Ashley Downs, which included five houses. God allowed him to establish 117 schools and train 123,000 pupils. Over the years God enabled him to pass out 275,000 Bibles. All this and more was donated without Mueller mentioning a single word to anyone but the Lord.

As he neared his later years he described his faith saying, “I have never been permitted to doubt during the last sixty-nine years that my sins were forgiven, that I am a child of God, that I am beloved of God, and that I shall be finally saved; because I am enabled, by the grace of God to exercise faith upon the word of God, and I believe what God says in those passages which settle these matters.”

In faith the prodigal son was led home.

Visible Proof

2007-09-28T10:34:00.000-04:00

In December 1835, George Müller wrote in his diary,

"If I, a poor man, simply by prayer and faith, obtained without asking any individual the means for establishing and carrying on an Orphan-House then this would provide visible proof that God is FAITHFUL STILL and HEARS PRAYER STILL."

Ordinary Man...Extraordinary God

2007-09-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

Taken from the Muller Foundation Web Site:

GEORGE MÜLLER THE MAN

George Müller was an ordinary man, but his undeniable faith, implicit trust and love for God has the same impact on the world today as when he died in 1898. This continues to be an inspiration and witness to all who commit their lives to God.

One of the many fascinating aspects of George Müller's life is that it illustrates very simply the power of God. There are those who find it difficult to accept the authenticity of much of the scriptures and view many of the remarkable stories with scepticism. George Müller received £1,500,000 in answer to prayer without ever needing to ask for funds. At present day prices, this would be well over £75,000,000. Had this happened two or three thousand years ago the same sceptics would, undoubtedly, have questioned its authenticity. As it happened in the latter part of the nineteenth century with modern records and factual evidence, the facts can be challenged but certainly not disputed.

What is perhaps even more remarkable is that it is the SAME TODAY. The George Müller Foundation makes no appeals, yet through the same trust in God, money is received almost daily for the Homes, for the Elderly work and also for The Scriptural Knowledge Institution, which aids the work of missionaries world-wide.

George Müller was the faithful servant whom God used. This fact has an intriguing parallel with many Biblical characters.

David's note: Has God changed since Muller's homecall? Is His arm shortened that He cannot provide? I must answer with a resounding NO!

Sage & Godly Counsel

2007-08-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

Many asked Mr. Muller how he sought to know the will of God, in that nothing was undertaken, not even the smallest expenditure, without feeling certain he was in God's will.

In the following words he gave his answer:

I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impressions. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

I seek the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also.

Next I take into account providential circumstances. These plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.

Thus through prayer to God, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters and transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective."

And did this plan work?--one asks.

Let Mr. Muller's testimony answer:

"I never remember," he wrote three years before his death, "in all my Christian course, a period now (in March 1895) of sixty-nine years and four months, that I EVER SINCERELY AND PATIENTLY sought to know the will of God by the teaching of the Word of God, but I have been ALWAYS directed rightly. But if honesty of heart and uprightness before God were lacking, of if I did not patiently wait upon God for instruction, or if I preferred the counsel of my fellow men to the declarations of the Word of the living God, I made great mistakes." (Italics his.)

More Muller Musings

2007-08-28T22:58:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more George Muller quotes to mull over:

"A servant of God has but one Master. It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honored in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised."

"I hope in God, I pray on, and look yet for the answer. They are not converted yet, but they will be."

"If honest of heart and uprightness before God were lacking or if I did not patiently wait on God for instruction, or if I preferred the counsel of my fellow-men to the declarations of the Word of God, I made great mistakes."

"It is a common temptation of Satan to make us give up the reading of the Word and prayer when our enjoyment is gone; as if it were of no use to read the Scriptures when we do not enjoy them, and as if it were no use to pray when we have no spirit of prayer."

"The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray."

Note: The picture is of Bethesda Chapel in Bristol, England where Muller pastored and worshiped.

The Spirit of Prayer

2007-08-27T08:03:00.000-04:00

More powerful words from a man who trusted his God to meet every need:

I live in the spirit of prayer.
I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise.
And the answers are always coming.
Tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered.
When once I am persuaded that a thing is right,
I go on praying for it.
The great point is never to give up till the answer comes.
The great fault of the children of God is,
They do not continue in prayer;
They do not persevere.
If they desire anything for God's glory,
They should pray until they get it.

~ George Muller

Conferring With the Giants

2007-08-23T17:00:00.001-04:00

This afternoon I sat by the lake with two excellent books by my two heroes, men of faith whose lives have shaped mine since I was a young man. My companions were HUDSON TAYLOR'S CHOICE SAYINGS and SPIRITUAL SECRETS of GEORGE MULLER (by Roger Steer).

As I perused the pages, fretting about pressing issues, I sensed a refreshing relief...an assurance that I would be alright, that Jehovah-Jireh would provide. The breeze was brisk, the air cool, raindrops occasionally sprayed on the reader from the leaves of nearby trees. But my heart was warmed.

As I rested there I wrote:

Today I sat with friends of old,
Men of purpose, mighty, bold;
As I mused I was refreshed
Reminded that this present test
Will work for my eternal good
And glory bring to our great God.

I rose determined to press on
Regardless of the raging storm,
Knowing that He will provide
Every pressing need supply;
Today, I may the answer see
But, if not, He'll steady me.

Mighty God, I watch and wait
In Your hands I place my fate,
You alone can turn the tide
Setting fear and doubt aside.
I look to You, naught else will do
Lord, my help cometh from You.

- David Fisher, Elim Lodge, August 23/07

A Brief Biography

2007-08-04T01:47:00.000-04:00

George Mueller 1805 - 1898

"At last I saw Christ as my Saviour. I believed in Him and gave myself to Him. The burden rolled from off me, and a great love for Christ filled my soul. That was more than fifty years ago. I loved Jesus Christ then, but I loved Him more the year after, and more the year after that, and more every year since."Born in Prussia in 1805, George Mueller began running from God early in life. By age ten he had devised a scheme to embezzle government money entrusted to his father. He spent his schooldays in drunken immorality. He even served time in jail at age sixteen for failing to pay his bills.

The university he attended had some 900 divinity students, but Mueller said there were not nine of them who truly feared God. He continued his sinful habits during his college days until finally at age 20 the burden of his sins overcame him and he trusted Christ as Saviour.

Soon he committed himself to a full-time gospel ministry. When Mueller was twenty-five, he went to Teignmouth, England, with his new wife, Mary, to pastor a small church. He gave up the small salary offered when he discovered it was paid through the rental of church pews. From that time on he resolved to live by faith.

Mueller moved in 1832 to Bristol, England, to be the pastor of another church. There his famous work with the orphans began when two young children were thrown upon the church's care. Mueller had only two shillings to his name when he began the orphanage work, but over the next sixty years God sent more than $7,500,000 to supply their needs. New buildings were built or purchased, staff was hired, and the hundreds of children never missed a meal. Many times prayers were said over empty plates only to have food arrive at the last moment.

Mueller resolved never to tell anyone what his needs were. He told them to God and confidently expected them to be met.

During his life, Mueller started 117 schools which educated over 120,000 young people and orphans. He became pastor of Bethesda Chapel in Bristol. The church had some 2,000 members at his death.

Spurgeon said, "Of flowers of speech he has none, and we hardly think he cares for them; but of the bread of Heaven he has abundance."

Muller's Boys and Girls

2007-03-14T18:08:00.000-04:00

What a thrill to visit the George Muller Foundation office in Bristol, England recently and to be shown the original intake records when the boys and girls came to the orphanage.

Julian Marsh, the Executive Director of the Foundation, took me to the vault where records are kept and showed me the original book where George Muller himself recorded in his own handwriting the particulars concerning the first orphan who came to him.

Records are kept of all the thousands of boys and girls who subsequently came to the Muller orphanages.

I can only imagine the stories behind some of these dear children who were provided for by a sovereign God and His servant, George Muller. Here are a couple of pictures of some of the children in Muller's care. Everyone's name was recorded and, praise God, many of their names are in the Lamb's Book of Life as a result of their stay at Mullers and their commitment to Jesus Christ.

Disrepair But He's Not There!

2007-03-07T14:06:00.001-05:00

On Monday afternoon when Julian Marsh, Executive Director of the George Muller Foundation, drove me to Arno's Vale Cemetery in Bristol to view George Muller's grave he warned me that this burial grounds had fallen into serious disrepair (see photo) and is being restored. Julian told me ahead of time to lessen the shock of seeing huge trees growing up through old grave and tombstones broken and toppled over. It was like walking through a graveyard on a dreary, rainy Hallowe'en night.

We walked down a muddy incline to Mr. Muller's grave. The area around his tombstone and those of his first and second wife was kept up...thanks for the efforts of the Foundation.

Seeing Arno's Vale reminded me afresh that it's only the decaying body of the Christian believer that is placed in these cemeteries. Our spirits are "absent from the body, present with the Lord".

Thank you, Julian, for taking me to Arno's Vale and for the wonderful hospitality and love you extended to me during my visit.

I look forward to a future day when I can ask George Muller about his life of faith and obedience. My first priority, though, will be to stand before Jesus and fall at His feet in grateful adoration for loving me and saving me.

What a day that will be!

My Long-Awaited Visit To Bristol

2007-03-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! This morning (Monday) I took a taxi from my beautiful bed & breakfast home to the site of the five (5) Muller homes where thousands of orphans were cared for in a bygone day. What a thrill when the first building came into view! I've waited over 50 years to see those five gray, architectural masterpieces. These were state of the art buildings when there were erected in the 1800's. The City of Bristol College is now using the buildings. My taxi driver knew nothing of George Muller and neither did the receptionist in the college. I was quick to tell of his work and God's faithfulness!

They are renovating some of the buildings and I got a piece of stone from the corner of a building and another piece from a stone fence. I'll proudly display them in my office when I get home.

In the afternoon I was royally hosted at the Muller House at 7 Cotham Park by the Executive Director of the Muller Foundation, Julian Marsh, and his assistant, Wendy Clacker. What a joy to speak with them about the legacy that Mr. Muller left for the rest of the Body of Christ!

Julian and I spoke for a long time about God's faithfulness and His provision. I'll relate a story later (perhaps on my George Muller site) that Julian shared with me. It will thrill your heart. Julian gave me a wonderful tour of Bristol and took my to Arno's Vale Cemetary where George Muller was laid to rest.

Thanks so much Julian, Wendy and Liz. My visit was unforgettable!

Bristol, Here I Come

2007-02-27T11:50:00.001-05:00

Dear blogging buddies:

Thank you for your prayers, your comments, your best wishes and your kind thoughts as I prepare to leave tonight on my Pilgrimage to England. I've been too busy to respond to your comments but they are greatly appreciated!

Please check my blog daily for updates on how things are going. It has become a jam-packed itinerary but it will be a rewarding journey. Thanks again, dear friends, and please pray daily for me and also for Carol and my family here at home.
Much love in Christ,

David

If You're Into Numbers

2007-02-15T17:19:00.000-05:00

Just thought you might be interested in some of these figures:

In reviewing the 63 years he spent in a faith ministry, the results are staggering.

The schools collectively had 121,683 students.

The orphanage had five (5) mammoth buildings.

He accommodated the needs of 10,000 orphans.

It is believed that 2,813 orphans left the institution as believers, and they in turn led thousands more to Christ.

It is believed that of the 2,000 students in the orphanage, when Mr. Muller closed his diary, 609 of them were believers.
The institution also distributed over 281,000 Bibles, nearly 1.5 million New Testaments, and over 111 million tracts.

Several hundred missionaries received financial assistance.

Sixty-three (63) foreign missionaries were sent out from his church alone.

He built 10 other churches.

Guess what! God can still do that today! O that we would exercise simple faith in a mighty God!

Just Wondering...

2007-02-15T06:43:00.000-05:00

The following post appears on my "Pilgrim Scribblings" and "the Barnabas Blog" web sites today. I wonder if George Muller ever wrote something similar. O that might might trust HIM more!

I wrote:

Greetings, my friends! This morning I went digging in the Pilgrim Scribblings archive mine and came up with a post that evoked more response than most of my other writing. As I read it I realized that I am still "there". I still haven't learned to trust Him more implicitly. I'm still edgy as I "wait for the salvation of the Lord".

During these uncertain days I'm cast upon the Lord like never before. May I learn to trust Him more, the One who is completely trustworthy, the One who changes not and always keeps His word.

Here is that post. May the God of all grace use it to challenge you today!

I wrote:

Time and time again I go back to a book, Bright Days, Dark Nights, penned by a favorite writer of mine, Elizabeth Skoglund (see my links). She writes on subjects such as confidence, depression, anxiety, change and transition using the writings of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, to illustrate her point.

The following quote by Spurgeon mirrors a statement that I used to make quite honestly and quite often. But now, I must confess, I don't know that I'm able to truthfully say it any more. The ravages of uncertainly, the stresses of being "down to the wire", the scariness of "not knowing" have played havoc with "all I once held dear".

Admitting this is difficult! What I once declared may have sounded very "noble", very "spiritual", very "right" but the years have taken their toll.

Let me give you Spurgeon's quote before I continue... "If I might have any choice between having abundant wealth, or being brought to absolute dependence upon daily supplies, if, in the latter case, I could have greater power to exhibit and to exert faith in Christ, I must confess that I should prefer the mode of living which would give me most room to enjoy the luxury of depending upon my God. I believe it is more happy and more divine a life to live from hand to mouth, dependant upon the provinces of God, and having the confidence to trust Him, than it is to have all the abundance of this world, but to have nothing about which faith may exercise itself." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

There it is! As I said, I used to echo these thoughts although not so eloquently. Do I want to trust God implicitly? Of course! Do I believe that He can provide all I need? Absolutely! Do I want abundant wealth in a worldly way? Definitely not!

So, as I find myself in uncertain waters, I am crying out to God to be the Great Provider. He has been that in the past for me and He will never change.

Living on the edge has made me edgy and that can be a good thing.

For example...

Positively speaking:

1. I could be on the edge of another God-thing...another miracle that has no explanation other than that God did it!
2. I could be on the edge of a breakthrough where I experience deeper intimacy with God than ever before.
3. I could be on the edge of a new career path...a new vocation where God continues to be at the center.

Or, in a negative sense:

1. I could be on the edge of financial ruin.
2. I could be on the edge of unexpected grief or pain.
3. I could be on the edge of something that could shatter hope.

So, as I begin a new day with my hand held firmly by a Sovereign God I will say, "Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid." - Isaiah 12:2

Yes, the unknown is scary! Yes, I want to truthfully say what Spurgeon said! But, for now, I will say this, "Moment by moment I'm kept in His love."

I'll choose to look at the positive "edges" and "expect great things from God."

Thanks for your prayers during my bumpy pilgrimage!

Transparently,

David

February 15th, 2007 note: I trust that you will be encouraged after reading this post in which I bared my heart and soul. Step out by faith and trust Him wholly. Because... "those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true" as the hymnwwriter has so ably written.

Trust Him today!

Secret of George Muller's Spiritual Peace

2007-02-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

Click on the following link for an excellent article by Roger Steer (pictured) entitled "Seeking First the Kingdom...the secret of George Müller's spiritual peace." This article appeared in Discipleship Journal, a great magazine published by The Navigators. Roger wrote the biography, Delighted in God concerning Muller's life.

http://www.navpress.com/EPubs/DisplayArticle/1/1.31.1.html

Gallery From the Past

2007-02-12T22:39:00.001-05:00

As I look forward to my trip to Bristol, England I've been checking out various web sites pertaining to this city.

Click on the Ashley Down section of this link for some pictures of the district of Bristol where George Muller built the five (5) large orphanages that cared for thousands of homeless children.

ENJOY!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=2988320&uid=570503

Thrilling

2007-02-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

Recently I watched the Ken Anderson Films video on the life of J. Hudson Taylor.

At one point in the film, Taylor and his wife were opening their mail. It was at a time of great need and they had been trusting God to provide. The scene shows them opening the envelopes that had arrived that day. They reach for one envelope and exclaim, "this one's from George Muller!"

It thrilled my heart because I know that Muller was one of Taylor's biggest financial supporters and Taylor had been largely influenced by Muller's life of implicit trust in the God who provides.

The same God provides today!

The Ticket Is Paid For

2007-02-03T22:54:00.000-05:00

Well friends, I did it! I bought my ticket for London, England and will fly February 27th, Lord willing, to Gatwick airport to begin 8-9 days of reliving history.

I've dreamed of this for over 50 years and now it's coming to pass!

One of the highlights will be a trip from London to Olney to see the Cowper/Newton Museum. Of course John Newton wrote the famed hymn, Amazing Grace and William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper")wrote There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood, which is in my top 10 of all time favorite hymns.

Thanks for your prayers as I plan this trip. I'll be blogging throughout my travels to keep you up to date on what I'm experiencing. Hopefully you'll vicariously take the trip with me.

Stay posted!

Getting Closer

2007-01-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Dreams DO come true. I'm just a click of my mouse away from booking my long-awaited trip to England. It's been a dream of mine since I was a young boy. I learned about George Muller and his life of faith when I was in Sunday School and have looked forward to the day when I would get to see Bristol first hand.

My passport is being expedited quickly and, Lord willing, I will fly from Toronto to London on February 27th. My plan is to spend a couple of days in London, go up to Oxford University where my friend Nathan Betts is studying and then spend several days in Bristol with a side trip to Bath.

Please pray that this will be a fruitful trip. Although the buildings that housed the orphans are not longer owned by the Muller Foundation, I can't wait to go up to Ashley Down and see them.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." - Psalm 37:4 (KJV)

George Mueller, Orphanages Built by Prayer

2006-11-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this link for a brief account of George Muller.

Remember, God can still do in our lives what He did for Mr. Muller and the thousands of orphans who were the beneficiaries of His love and care!

One Of These Days

2006-10-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

A guy can dream can't he?

Earlier last week I stood at one of the easternmost parts of Canada and looked across the Atlantic (by faith) to Bristol, England.

One of these days I'll hop on a plane, fly to London, rent a car and drive to Bristol. 'Til then I'll continue dreaming of the day I arrive on Ashley Down in Bristol where George Muller's orphanages stood.

Praise God for the legacy Mr. Muller left!

Note: The buildings that Muller used for his orphanages (pictured) are still standing but they are now used by the City of Bristol College. It will still be exciting to see them!

More Comments on Muller's Autobiography

2006-10-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

I thought the following quotes regarding Muller's autobiography were worth sharing. What an excellent, comprehensive volume!

George Muller: An Autobiography - George Muller

"I am so pleased that Westminster Literature Resources has published this new edition of George Muller's Autobiography. The story you will read in these pages is one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the Christian church. As you read through its pages, you will see something of the growth of the man and his ideas. His conviction was that God is the living God and the secret of life is to delight yourself in Him." - Roger Steer, Author and Trustee of the British and Foreign Bible Society

"George Muller has for years been a pace-setter for me in prayer. His Autobiography is a veritable orchard of faith-building fruit. I have found Muller's way absolutely crucial in my own life: to be with the Lord before I am with anyone else and let Him speak to me first." - John Piper, Bethlehem Baptist Church

ISBN 0-9647552-0-3 Clothbound, 736 pages

Summary of Muller's Life

2006-09-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

For a brief but inclusive portait of George Muller's life by Ed Reese, check out the following link:

GEORGE MULLER