This Thing Is From Me

Presented by Mr. Penrose

in a Baptismal Discourse,

Indiana University, 1969



Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

This Thing Is From Me


My beloved, I have a message for you today.

Let me whisper it in your ear,

That it may gild with glory any storm cloud which may arise

And smooth the rough places upon which you will tread.


It is short and only five words ...

But let it sink deeply into your heart and mind,

And use it as a pillow to rest your weary head.

"This thing is from Me."


Have you ever thought of it? All that concerns you from now on, concerns Me too.

For he that touches you — touches "the apple of My eye" (Zech. 2:8).

You will be very precious in my sight. (Isa. 43:4)

Therefore it will be My special delight to educate you.


I want you to learn when temptations assail you, and the enemy comes in like a flood, (Isa. 59:19)

That ... "This thing is from Me,"

That your weakness will need My might,

And your safety will lie in letting Me fight for you.


You will be in difficult places, surrounded by people who will not understand you,

Who will not consult your taste,

Who will put you in the background...

"This thing is from Me."


I am the God of circumstances. You will not come to this place by accident —

It is the very place meant for you. Have you not asked to be humble?

See then, I will place you in the very school where this lesson is taught.

Your surroundings and companions will be only working out My will.


You may find yourself in money difficulties. It may be hard to make both ends meet.

"This thing is from Me."

For I will be your purse-bearer, and you will have your draw and depend upon Me. (Phil. 4:19)

I want you to prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this, you did not believe the Lord your God." (Deut. 1:32)


You may have a night of sorrows. "This thing is from Me."

I am the "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." (Isa. 53:3)

I will have earthly comforters fail you,

That, by turning to Me, you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess. 2:16)


Some friends may disappoint you, one to whom you opened your heart.

"This thing is from Me."

I will allow this disappointment to come,

That you may learn that the best friend to have — is Jesus.


I will hear you when you call, I will keep you lest you fall, I want you to learn to be dependent.

Some one may repeat things about you that will be untrue.

Leave that to Me and draw close to ME. I will be your shelter — out of reach of strife and tongues.

"For I will bring forth righteousness as the light and thy judgment as the noonday sun." (Psa. 37:6)


All your plans may be upset. You may become bowed down and weary. — "This thing is from Me."

You may make your plans — then come to Me to bless them.

But I would have you let Me plan for you, and then I will take the responsibility.

For ... you are not able to perform it yourself alone. You will be only an instrument, not an agent.


You may long to do some great work for Me, and, instead, you may be laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness.

"This thing is from Me."

I may not be able to get your attention in your busy days,

And I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons — "They also serve who only stand and wait." (1 Sam. 25:13; 30:24)


I want you to learn to sing.

"I am not eager, bold, strong; all that is past! ... I am ready to do ... at last."

Some of My greatest workers are those shut off from active service

That they may learn to wield the weapon of prayer.


You may suddenly be called to occupy a different and difficult and responsible position;

Launch out on Me.

I am trusting you with the possession of difficulties.

And "for this thing, the Lord your God shall bless you in all your works, and in all you put your hand to." (Deut. 15:10)


I am now placing in your hands this pot of Holy oil ...

Make use of it freely, My Beloved;

Let every circumstance, as it arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient,

Every revelation of your weakness, be anointed with it.


Remember, interruptions are divine instructions.

The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

Therefore set your heart unto all the words which I testify unto you this day for it is not a vain thing for you ...

It is your life! — "This thing is from Me."

Adapted in part from a piece by C.A. Fox, This is my doing. (1 Kings 12:24) and "The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love." by Laura A. Barter Snow.