Pfuel was one of those theoreticians who so love their theory that they lose sight of the theory's object—its practical application. His love of theory made him hate everything practical, and he would not listen to it.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
"If there was none of this magnanimity in war, we should go to war only when it was worth while going to certain death,
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
War is not courtesy but the most horrible thing in life; and we ought to understand that and not play at war. We ought to accept this terrible necessity sternly and seriously. It all lies in that: get rid of falsehood and let war be war and not a game.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
The habits of the military class are the absence of freedom, that is, discipline, idleness, ignorance, cruelty, debauchery, and drunkenness. And in spite of all this it is the highest class, respected by everyone.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
"Simplicity is submission to the will of God;
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Man can be master of nothing while he fears death, but he who does not fear it possesses all.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
If there were no suffering, man would not know his limitations, would not know himself.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
They can't understand that all those feelings they prize so—all our feelings, all those ideas that seem so important to us, are unnecessary. We cannot understand one another,"
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
"Love? What is love?" he thought. "Love hinders death. Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone. Love is God, and to die means that I, a particle of love, shall return to the general and eternal source."
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
The man who does not understand the construction of the machine cannot conceive that the small connecting cogwheel which revolves quietly is one of the most essential parts of the machine, and not the shaving which merely harms and hinders the working.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
like Dokhturov he was one of those unnoticed cogwheels that, without clatter or noise, constitute the most essential part of the machine.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
A man in motion always devises an aim for that motion. To be able to go a thousand miles he must imagine that something good awaits him at the end of those thousand miles. One must have the prospect of a promised land to have the strength to move.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Each of them desired nothing more than to give himself up as a prisoner to escape from all this horror and misery; but on the one hand the force of this common attraction to Smolensk, their goal, drew each of them in the same direction; on the other hand an army corps could not surrender to a company, and though the French availed themselves of every convenient opportunity to detach themselves and to surrender on the slightest decent pretext, such pretexts did not always occur.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
though it is unintelligible why the defeat of an army—a hundredth part of a nation—should oblige that whole nation to submit. An army gains a victory, and at once the rights of the conquering nation have increased to the detriment of the defeated.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
all unhappiness arises not from privation but from superfluity.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
To a lackey no man can be great, for a lackey has his own conception of greatness.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
We imagine that when we are thrown out of our usual ruts all is lost, but it is only then that what is new and good begins.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Pierre's insanity consisted in not waiting, as he used to do, to discover personal attributes which he termed "good qualities" in people before loving them; his heart was now overflowing with love, and by loving people without cause he discovered indubitable causes for loving them.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, the possibility of life is destroyed.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
I do not know why a certain event occurs; I think that I cannot know it; so I do not try to know it and I talk about chance.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
The higher the human intellect rises in the discovery of these purposes, the more obvious it becomes, that the ultimate purpose is beyond our comprehension.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
It is not beauty that endears, it's love that makes us see beauty.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
There were then as now conversations and discussions about women's rights, the relations of husband and wife and their freedom and rights, though these themes were not yet termed questions as they are now; but these topics were not merely uninteresting to Natasha, she positively did not understand them. These questions, then as now, existed only for those who see nothing in marriage but the pleasure married people get from one another, that is, only the beginnings of marriage and not its whole significance, which lies in the family.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
To whatever degree we may imagine a man to be exempt from the influence of the external world, we never get a conception of freedom in space.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
However much we approximate the time of judgment to the time of the deed, we never get a conception of freedom in time.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
However much the difficulty of understanding the causes may be increased, we never reach a conception of complete freedom, that is, an absence of cause.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
training involves learning by experience the divine economy of legitimate, delegated authority. We learn through obedience, submission to Christ, suffering, endurance, and perseverance. That training involves learning to love deeply from the heart. It involves disciple-making and spiritual growth.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We pride ourselves in our Bible knowledge rather than in being who God has called us to be—his sons. We fasten and freeze on the fact that we are saved sinners.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
You must never forget that you are a son and royalty, not by your doing, not by your goodness.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
The God of the Bible is nothing like the warped descriptions of God that many people understandably reject.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
According to Scripture, all the gods of every religion except Judaism and Christianity, are no gods. That doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. It means that they have no authority.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Yahweh—literally, “I am who I will be [reveal myself to be]”
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Christ revealed to the creation that God’s favorite name is “Dad”
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
How many are adventurous enough to come face to face with their mortality by exploring and encountering the Creator, their Father?
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
He has planned ahead for us to know him. He wants us to draw near to him for several reasons (Jam. 4.8). First, he wants us to trust him (Ps. 9.10; 91.14) and to see that we have nothing to fear from him (Isa. 41.10; Josh. 1.9). He wants us to know that we are holy. So we can come near to him, approach him, and serve him without fear!
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
in spite of God’s generosity, we are not to focus on the uncertainty of things. Things come and go. We are not to set our hopes on riches or material possessions; we are to set our hearts and hopes on God
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Contentment is more important to God than our comfort. We need to learn contentment, regardless of what we have.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Wealth and abundance are not our enemies—they come from God. Our enemies are the craving for wealth and the love of money.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Satan said to Jesus that all the authority and glory of all the kingdoms of the world had been delivered over to him and that he had the authority to offer them to whomever he pleased
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We are the Father’s legitimate heirs of this world. But it comes at a cost to us. We must desire our inheritance.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We cannot retake this world if we are too in love with or enamored of the things of this world.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Powerlessness leads to abuse.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
He kept his promise, but not in the way Israel expected. They expected the Messiah to overthrow their political oppressors. His royal reign had indeed broken in on their world in Christ, but Jesus did not have in mind the overthrow of the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. He had in mind something much greater and more significant. In him, God was dealing a deathblow to sin, the real oppressor—the Satanic powers that held his people separate from him and in bondage to sin and fear.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
The One who has all authority has taken aim at all illegitimate authority and is in the process of dismantling and destroying it.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Didn’t it say in the Colossians passage the Christ created all these rulers and powers? Yes, but they did not maintain God’s purposes for their power and authority.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
the servant who loved and served best would be the greater leader (Luke 22:24–27). This type of leadership does not gain its power through title or position but through sacrificial living that is motivated and empowered by love. Yet it is nonetheless hierarchal, but in a reverse sense. This leader has the right to rule over by virtue of having served under.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Often a gentle, thoughtful approach brings more results than mandates and commands.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
they proved themselves illegitimate authorities by the fruit of their leadership and character.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
All those who are legitimate godly leaders in the church have learned to submit to authority. They first submit to God’s authority.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Jesus first commands his followers to love, and then he delegates his authority
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Godly leaders are more like good fathers and mothers than drill sergeants.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
The one who would serve others must allow himself to first be served.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Every true spiritual authority has learned that suffering is part and parcel of leadership in the church.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
This leader sees what people can be in Christ. He sees what they can be as they are being transformed by God. He does not see anyone as hopeless (though he may not see how God will ever get through to the person).
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
This leader is not interested in airing his opinions on every matter under the sun, but rather he points us to the Word of God.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
This leader is publicly and privately forthright and honest about shortcomings and faults.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We are called and commanded to be followers first and leaders second.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We have been saved for a reason. We are to demonstrate the life of Christ, yes. But we can only do that if our minds are like his was when he walked the earth. He had a clear sense of who he was and how he related to the Father and this world. We can have that same degree of clarity.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
“Calling” is the response and destiny of one who has heard the invitation of Christ and the Spirit to “Come!” or to “Go!”
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
—C. S. Lewis from C. S. Lewis on Joy
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
as sons, we understand that we are called to suffer.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
All who trust God and are willing to endure suffering will experience glory.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
never let your happiness depend upon something that can be taken away from you. And everything can be taken away.”
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
God seeks us to respond on the basis of his love not his power.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. He is our all. We have nothing outside of him.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
To obey is better than sacrifice.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We are his glory. We have a responsibility to live in such a way that we bear the image of Christ without spot or blemish
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We can read all the Scripture we want, but unless we believe what it says, it does us no good.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
If you don’t take hold of the high calling, if you don’t see yourself as a son of the living God, then you won’t live, serve, or act as a son.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
How you live reflects on Christ and increases or diminishes the effectiveness of the whole body.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
You say, “No, Lord, I’m not a son. I’m a beggar. I’m a worm that doesn’t deserve to be a son.” Perhaps some people use this view as an excuse for their sin, moral failures, or weaknesses. Or perhaps living in weakness is easier, more comfortable and takes less self-discipline.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
If you finally believe, truly believe, that you are a son of the living God, how does that show itself in your manner of living? How do you treat those you love? Those you can’t stand?
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Make a pact with your soul to never again say that you are impatient or that you “can’t” be or do what you are called to be and do.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
You act upon what you believe. Right belief will lead us to right action and right living.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Crying is an excellent example of the interdependency of our emotions and our body.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
The body significantly impacts the emotions and spirit of a person.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Because body, mind, emotions, and spirit are interrelated and interdependent, temple-maintenance should be of prime importance for every believer.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Most poor health is the result of poor health habits.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
The question is what is God doing? Where is he at?
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
All this will begin in our families. Here is where this ministry has its roots. This is the laboratory for sacrificial love, being modeled first by dad so that the rest of the family sees what it looks like.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
humility means to live as close to the truth as possible:
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Pride is a desire to claim for oneself what exceeds or is beyond truth and reason, to falsely believe something about oneself that is blatantly untrue.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We, all of us who are “sons,” will shine with the same intensity. Why? Because we are reflecting his glory. Mirrors are not a source of light; they simply reflect the Light that they are pointed at. You either reflect, or you don’t. But if you reflect, you reflect the source.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
And only God can do that work as you turn from your way to his and believe that he has raised Jesus from the dead. As we ask him to remake us, he is faithful
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Nothing will short-circuit your sonship like holding someone’s sins against them.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
If Christ is set apart in your heart as Lord, if you are daily walking in obedience to him, then you and your family will receive the grace to face anything.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
We need to be courageous and stand with those who will suffer more than us.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
(nothing worth having comes quickly).
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
16 Swenson, Hurtling Toward Oblivion, 116-117.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Boyd’s book God at War
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves
Surprised by the Power of God and Surprised by the Voice of God.
We're the "sons of God" . . . So What?: Believe God About Who You Really Are!
David Alves