"Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance). Indeed, 'only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross', wrote Canon Peter Green, 'may claim his share in its grace.'"--John Stott, The Cross of Christ, page 60
My friends Ben and Nancy shared this quote from Nancy Guthrie's book "Holding on to Hope." In it she recounts losing her baby to a rare genetic disorder: "The day after we buried Hope, my husband said to me, 'You know, I think we expected our faith to make this hurt less, but it doesn't. Our faith gave us an incredible amount of strength and encouragement while we had Hope, and we are comforted by the knowledge that she is in heaven. Our faith keeps us from being swallowed by despair. But I don't think it makes our loss hurt any less.'"
My friend Lucy shared this quote on prayer by E.M. Bounds to encourage me regarding the passing of my mother. Mom truly was a woman of prayer this truth blessed me: "The [woman] who has done the most and the best praying is the most immortal, because prayers do not die. Perhaps the lips that uttered them closed in death, or the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God's heart is set on them. Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them-outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world."
My publisher has very kindly given me permission to post another free, downloadable chapter from Dug Down Deep. But I'd love to get your help deciding which chapter to use. Here's the table of contents. Just leave a comment telling me which one you'd choose. Thanks!
Mark Batterson writes, "Numbers are a dangerous thing. They help us measure things, but measuring in the spiritual realm isn't always a healthy or holy thing. In one sense, we count people because people count. I get that. But there is a great danger when it comes to churches. Numbers tend to produce pride or jealousy. And both of those things will eat you alive spiritually." His summary: "Be careful how you count. And if it results in pride or jealousy, stop counting. The Lord will not share his glory!" Read more.
I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I live in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with an amazing wife and three wacky, fun kids. I'm a pastor at Covenant Life Church. I’m also a writer.
3 Comments
Very good. Excellent reflection.
If it weren't for us (me) the cross would not be needed.
I have been helped in those reflections by Driscoll's expositions on the cross in Vintage Jesus. I know I am weak in my comprehension of the cross and must plead for grace over that in order to brought to a place of repenting well - and to not become and Esau who found no place for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. Wretched man that I am....but thanks be to GOD.
wow! what a powerful message our God is awesome this morning im just enjoying His presence and rejoicing even during times of trials His truly great...Sindi South Africa. Durban
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