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The Master's indwelling
Vintage paperback
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1977
374 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Murray
1,235 books550 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 10, 2018
This book contains SO many truths, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a clear and concise outline and overview of what followers of Christ strive for and seek to incorporate into their daily lives.
February 11, 2021
It's Andrew Murray, so it goes without saying... this book was beautiful. A joy to read, but a theologically robust joy that comes with surgical blades to refashion your longing heart more into His likeness.
Especially Andy's early chapters - addressing the carnal life and the need for its uprooting - were of impact for me.
Very good. Much recommendation.
Especially Andy's early chapters - addressing the carnal life and the need for its uprooting - were of impact for me.
Very good. Much recommendation.
September 16, 2018
This is a wonderful book blessed by the Lord. Please read more of Andrew Murray, and AW Tozer
This book blesses your soul. Helps you understand how to be in Gods presence all day. Teaches importance of being humble, and less prideful. I recommend to anyone wanting to truly be closer to the Lord.
This book blesses your soul. Helps you understand how to be in Gods presence all day. Teaches importance of being humble, and less prideful. I recommend to anyone wanting to truly be closer to the Lord.
July 24, 2018
This is an extremely well done book concerning pitfalls that most Christians encounter. There are a couple of theological points that he doesn't get quite right, but those should not detract from the extremely pithy observations that the author makes.
March 6, 2021
In light of a culture and mindset so driven by SELF and self-gratification, this book and author would not be normally embraced. But the results of so many flames of mini-gods igniting the torches of violence and hatred, this volume IS a VERY welcome message and alternate view. Religion and the systems set up to proclaim a message from God often have self-perpetuating machinations("feed my organization and i will grant you miracles, peace, etc.") Andrew Murray writes from the belief that we "are not our own, but we have been bought with a price,...,the precious blood of Christ" therefore by LOVE serve one another. NOT a religious system, but Christ AND therefore one another. The step-by-step dissertation was excellent and my husband and i wonderfully profited from daily sharing/reading together and discussing in detail its riches. 5 stars. The next study we hope to delve into is the book entitled *WHOLLY FOR GOD; The True Christian Life* by William Law (purchased thru Amazon)
December 4, 2017
This is an amazing book, written in such a way as to make you feel the urgency in the author's words. I am always deeply stirred in my spirit when I read Andrew Murray's books and this one certainly didn't let me down!
If you're looking for something out of the norm, in the way of Christian living, you'll definitely want to pick up anything by this author. Having been written so long ago, and out of circulation for so long, it feels amazingly fresh. It actually has the feel of one long devotion.
If you're looking for something out of the norm, in the way of Christian living, you'll definitely want to pick up anything by this author. Having been written so long ago, and out of circulation for so long, it feels amazingly fresh. It actually has the feel of one long devotion.
July 11, 2025
This book was meaty. There wasn’t much about it that wasn’t convicting. As it ended I even thought to myself, “This is the kind of conviction so many of us in the modern church want to avoid.” And then came the credits, “Copywright 1895.” So, yeah. The modern church of the past 130 years.
If I read this one again, it will be the hard copy as part of my Bible Study time. Listening to the audiobook required more brain power than I usually give to audiobooks and this book deserves ALL the attention and focus.
If I read this one again, it will be the hard copy as part of my Bible Study time. Listening to the audiobook required more brain power than I usually give to audiobooks and this book deserves ALL the attention and focus.
April 28, 2022
This brought a sense of confirmation to me
Andrew Murray writes so beautifully, the calling we are all called to, but only few actually answer, because it seems so undoable! what we forget is that in ourselves we can do nothing, but with Christ we can do all things as He gives us strength. Andrew Murray writes with great passion encouraging all who reads to surrender our all, letting God be our all. Oh what a beautiful world it would be if we would!
Andrew Murray writes so beautifully, the calling we are all called to, but only few actually answer, because it seems so undoable! what we forget is that in ourselves we can do nothing, but with Christ we can do all things as He gives us strength. Andrew Murray writes with great passion encouraging all who reads to surrender our all, letting God be our all. Oh what a beautiful world it would be if we would!
July 1, 2023
I wanted to love this book.
I have tried to read Andrew Murray a few times over the years. After trying Abide in Christ a couple of times over the years and not being able to pay attention, I thought maybe I just needed to try one of his other books, so I picked up The Master's Indwelling. People love his writing, but I guess they aren't for me. My friends that have read his work rave about them.
After listening to half the book, I put this one aside, too and did not finish it.
I have tried to read Andrew Murray a few times over the years. After trying Abide in Christ a couple of times over the years and not being able to pay attention, I thought maybe I just needed to try one of his other books, so I picked up The Master's Indwelling. People love his writing, but I guess they aren't for me. My friends that have read his work rave about them.
After listening to half the book, I put this one aside, too and did not finish it.
January 30, 2021
Just like with Tozer's The Pursuit of God, I want to recommend this to every Christian reader following me. Each of these essays is deceptively easy to follow for containing such rich teaching and meditations on a single verse or short passage. So much food for thought and growth here regarding what it really means to be surrendered to Christ and have Him dwell in us.
December 22, 2021
Into God's Presence
Brand new insight in a 125 year old work. Murray grasps and tells the reader the truth that the way into the presence of God is not about learning something new, but to abandon everything you thought you knew and throw yourself on the altar as a sacrifice to Him. Prepare to be broken.
Brand new insight in a 125 year old work. Murray grasps and tells the reader the truth that the way into the presence of God is not about learning something new, but to abandon everything you thought you knew and throw yourself on the altar as a sacrifice to Him. Prepare to be broken.
March 23, 2022
This book really inspires and motives you to fully commit your life to Christ and to live for him every day. Almost every chapter says that in different ways. It’s a great book to read to get you into a deeper relationship with God. I would consider that it is worth rereading regularly, or reading a chapter a month every year (plus an extra chapter, as there are 13 chapters!).
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December 23, 2022A wonderful book somewhat spoiled by a small amount of racial comments that I am sure were common in South Africa at the time. I have always wondered at Murray’s involvement in what would later become apartheid. Here he uses a story about a “dark savage” with an “ugly exterior” to illustrate a point. It’s a jarring moment in an otherwise beautiful and balanced book on spiritual life.
June 13, 2022
great book!
I love reading books written by the great men who have passed on in the previous years. I consider Andrew Murray a great man of God who wrote books that are very inspiring and encouraging.
I love reading books written by the great men who have passed on in the previous years. I consider Andrew Murray a great man of God who wrote books that are very inspiring and encouraging.
September 1, 2018
You can feel the urgency of the author whilst reading the book. His books are uplifting and provoking. This was no exception. All Glory belongs to God.
September 12, 2018
I found this book which was written long ago still holds true today. God never changes! Enjoyed this book!
January 14, 2021
This one of best devotional reads I've come across. I highly recommend.
February 19, 2021
Excellent Reading for the Disciple of Jesus
If you can get beyond the old English, this book will take you to new heights in your relationship with God through Jesus.
If you can get beyond the old English, this book will take you to new heights in your relationship with God through Jesus.
September 9, 2021
God be all in all
I know that self is always my enemy when it comes to living a victorious life. Yet Andrew explained it so well on how I need to die to self if I want to be in Him.
I know that self is always my enemy when it comes to living a victorious life. Yet Andrew explained it so well on how I need to die to self if I want to be in Him.
July 17, 2025
Awesome Book
I need to apply every last word to my life. Yield my entire life to The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
I need to apply every last word to my life. Yield my entire life to The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
January 2, 2026
This was a great book. Full of so many explanations that have helped me understand the full surrender to Christ.
March 4, 2021
This is the kind of book which can be really encouraging when I can read it slowly and meditatively, and allow what he says to affect my spirit, when I read it almost prayerfully, but when I rush through it to grasp the content quickly, much of it seems relatively straightforward. Murray is so steeped in scripture that much of his writing comes straight from it, so though I won't get many new insights from it, it is an encouragement.
Here is an example: 'Dearly beloved Christians, say in your heart, "I never, by any effort, can take hold of God, or seize this for myself; it is God who must give it." Cherish this blessed impotence.' Sure, I know this from 2 Corinthians, but it is encouraging for me to hear it from him, it is almost like having a spiritual conversation with a friend.
Here is an example: 'Dearly beloved Christians, say in your heart, "I never, by any effort, can take hold of God, or seize this for myself; it is God who must give it." Cherish this blessed impotence.' Sure, I know this from 2 Corinthians, but it is encouraging for me to hear it from him, it is almost like having a spiritual conversation with a friend.
May 16, 2021
Very insightful
Gives a great biblical basis for the desire God has to rule and live through your life. Very practical for spiritual living.
Gives a great biblical basis for the desire God has to rule and live through your life. Very practical for spiritual living.
April 8, 2025
Good short book, but the author's Calvinism sadly came through.
PROS
+ Great teaching on continual self-denial.
CONS
- Once-Saved-Always-Saved doctrine: "G-d does not disinherit any of His children." THEOS does indeed not disinherit any of His true children, but surely many who were once children, but shipwrecked their faith.
- Typical Calvinist teaching that a believer is impotent to do anything and that THEOS must do everything: "Dearly beloved Christians, say in your heart: "I never, by any effort, can take hold of G-d, or seize this for myself ; it is G-d must give it." Cherish this blessed impotence. It is He who brought us out, who Himself must bring us in. It is your greatest happiness to be impotent. Pray G-d by the Holy Spirit to reveal to you this true impotence, and that will open the way for your faith to say, "Lord, Thou must do it, or it will never be done." G-d will do it." This teaching is not biblical, because it denies Works of Faith and downplays Sanctification.
- Scriptural interpolations: "What was it that led Peter to deny Jesus? Christ had warned him; why did he not take warning? Self-confidence. He was so sure: "Lord, I love Thee, For three years I have followed Thee. Lord, I deny that it ever can be. I am ready to go to prison and to death."
- Problematic exegesis: "Remember that the whole world, with perhaps the exception of Mary and the women, was turned against Christ that day." This is obviously wrong, because we have a lot of examples in Scripture who held to CHRISTOS at any given point (e.g. the two travellers He met on the road; Joseph of Arimathea; most of His disciples ...)
- Questionable speech: "I deserve nothing but the cursed cross; I give myself over to it." Humility is one of the great marks of a crucified man."
- Endorsement of the highly problematic Martin Luther (Augustinian, extraordinarily devoted to the 'Blessed Virgin Mary, Antisemitism, execution of Anabaptists, rejection of biblical inerrancy, rejection of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation, Non-Sabbatarianism, rejection of free will).
- Endorsement of the problematic Keswick Convention.
PROS
+ Great teaching on continual self-denial.
CONS
- Once-Saved-Always-Saved doctrine: "G-d does not disinherit any of His children." THEOS does indeed not disinherit any of His true children, but surely many who were once children, but shipwrecked their faith.
- Typical Calvinist teaching that a believer is impotent to do anything and that THEOS must do everything: "Dearly beloved Christians, say in your heart: "I never, by any effort, can take hold of G-d, or seize this for myself ; it is G-d must give it." Cherish this blessed impotence. It is He who brought us out, who Himself must bring us in. It is your greatest happiness to be impotent. Pray G-d by the Holy Spirit to reveal to you this true impotence, and that will open the way for your faith to say, "Lord, Thou must do it, or it will never be done." G-d will do it." This teaching is not biblical, because it denies Works of Faith and downplays Sanctification.
- Scriptural interpolations: "What was it that led Peter to deny Jesus? Christ had warned him; why did he not take warning? Self-confidence. He was so sure: "Lord, I love Thee, For three years I have followed Thee. Lord, I deny that it ever can be. I am ready to go to prison and to death."
- Problematic exegesis: "Remember that the whole world, with perhaps the exception of Mary and the women, was turned against Christ that day." This is obviously wrong, because we have a lot of examples in Scripture who held to CHRISTOS at any given point (e.g. the two travellers He met on the road; Joseph of Arimathea; most of His disciples ...)
- Questionable speech: "I deserve nothing but the cursed cross; I give myself over to it." Humility is one of the great marks of a crucified man."
- Endorsement of the highly problematic Martin Luther (Augustinian, extraordinarily devoted to the 'Blessed Virgin Mary, Antisemitism, execution of Anabaptists, rejection of biblical inerrancy, rejection of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation, Non-Sabbatarianism, rejection of free will).
- Endorsement of the problematic Keswick Convention.
March 5, 2018
In this book, the author describes the Christian life as one that utterly dependant on and surrendered to God in every detail. HUMILITY, DEATH to self, and SURRENDER are the marks of a Christian CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST. Then, by God’s grace and the indwelling of His Spirit, JOY and FAITH grow in a maturing Christian. Mr. Murray ends with the point that GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL. By this he means that gradually CHRIST MUST INCREASE WHILE I MUST DECREASE.
Though the author failed to consistently give book, chapter, and verse Scripture references, he did support his thoughts with numerous direct Scripture quotes. Overall, I found this to be a very solid book that yielded significant personal benefit.
Though the author failed to consistently give book, chapter, and verse Scripture references, he did support his thoughts with numerous direct Scripture quotes. Overall, I found this to be a very solid book that yielded significant personal benefit.
January 17, 2014
Andrew Murray is always solid and practical. This is book is no exception. He focuses on the central issues of how the Spirit helps lead us into God's presence. Most of the chapters begin with a key Scripture so there is a treatment of the text and several key observations/applications are drawn from that text.
There is a consistency to Murray that makes you desire more of God. I've read several of his books (some of which I prefer more than this one) and have never been disappointed with the decision to invest the time.
There is a consistency to Murray that makes you desire more of God. I've read several of his books (some of which I prefer more than this one) and have never been disappointed with the decision to invest the time.
September 15, 2010
While a disagreed with a few aspects of theology, this book is an incredibly challenging and insightful survey of the path to truly living in the reality of one's identity in Christ and indwelling of the Spirit. The passion and resoluteness of men like Andrew Murray is simultaneously inspiring, humbling, and concerning when juxtaposed with the ethos of today's average Christian.
If you feel the slightest twinge of apathy in your life, this book will do you well.
If you feel the slightest twinge of apathy in your life, this book will do you well.
July 5, 2018
For whoever is willing to give time to thinking and searching the deeper things of God it is a rewarding book to both read, seek to understand and apply to life.
Union life, deeper life, higher life - call it what you will - has knowing Christ as it’s ultimate reward. The book won’t take you there in, and of itself, but it does provide the reader/searcher with some very helpful tools to aid him/her in their journey.
Highly recommended!
Union life, deeper life, higher life - call it what you will - has knowing Christ as it’s ultimate reward. The book won’t take you there in, and of itself, but it does provide the reader/searcher with some very helpful tools to aid him/her in their journey.
Highly recommended!
October 6, 2014
Have you ever considered how superlatives are used in the Bible to describe the Gospel and the marks of a Christian? This book made the connections from them to my present-day circumstances possible. Murray hits on humility & prayer in this book as well, & one can tell very easily how he relied on the Holy Ghost's leading while writing. That God may be all in all...
January 10, 2015
Inspiring and full of information as well instructions!
I enjoyed this book. Reading it left me with with and increasing desire to insure that God is my all in all, and to pray and intercede more for others.
I enjoyed this book. Reading it left me with with and increasing desire to insure that God is my all in all, and to pray and intercede more for others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews