Ephesians 2:4 The evidence of Christ’s mercy toward you is not your life. The evidence of his mercy toward you is his - mistreated, misunderstood, betrayed, abandoned. Eternally. In your place. ______________________________________ Dane Ortlund: Gentle & Lowly. p179

If every day of the Christian life were just a walk on easy street, we would have scant cause to lean on God. That’s why, odd as it may seem, God uses our suffering and trials to draw us closer to his heart. The Apostle Peter says not to be surprised when we face a “fiery trial” (1 Pet. 4:12-13). Such a trial does not mean that we have done something wrong or that God is somewhere else. We should expect spiritual opposition in a fallen world, but that push back should push us into our Saviour’s arms. Peter encourages a mature understanding, telling us not to think it’s strange that the world opposes Christians, but also not to waste our trials. When you learn that God’s presence is strength for trial, his promises are comfort in trouble, and assurance of his sovereign care provides peace that passes understanding, then cry out to him. He will give you sight of his heart – and nearness to it. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Bryan Chapell. Devotional. June 2024

"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:12-13) There is an old story about a son who was tasked with removing some stones from his father’s garden. Try as he might, the boy couldn’t remove the boulders. He returned to his father, saying, “I can’t do it.” The father told him to give it another try. Then, after a few more unsuccessful attempts, the boy said, “Father, I’ve tried with all I have, and I still don’t have the strength to do what you require.” At this, the boy’s father replied, “You haven’t tried with all your resources, because you haven’t asked me to help.” That’s a good reminder for us all: We can do all that God requires of us through His strength! Apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5), but through Him who strengthens us we can do all things. ____________________________________________ Bryan Chapell. Devotional. May 2024

Corporate worship is designed to once again clear up our confusion as to what is truly important in life. In grace, God has designed us to regularly gather together and remember the things that are worth living for. Corporate worship reminds us of his power, glory, and grace. It reminds us of the depth of our spiritual needs. It reminds us of the eternity that is to come. It reminds us of salvation past, present, and future. And as it reminds us of these things, it clears up our values confusion once again, rescuing us from our wandering and often-fickle hearts, and pointing us to the One, who, rightly commands our allegiance and in grace gives us every important thing that we would ever need. For further study and encouragement: Hebrews 10:19–25 ----------------------------------------------- Paul Tripp - New Morning Mercies.

Don’t buy the false gospel of self-reliance. If you could make it without help, Jesus would not have needed to come. Paul Tripp. New Morning Mercies