I don't normally comment on the news of the day, but the shooting of Charlie Kirk is so wicked and so grievous. It's sad to see my own kids affected. Like many Gen Zers, they love his videos. I'm grateful for the many times he clearly and cheerfully made much of Jesus Christ. If you want to honor his legacy, pick up a Bible, read about Jesus, and see what Kirk believed in. May God bless his family. May God bless America.
One of the more helpful pieces of marital advice I heard Dever give a room full of pastors--for learning how to hear a wife when she expresses concerns, frustrations, or personal limitations in ministry:
"Brothers, realize your wife is like God's television antennae for you."
How good a thing it is when experience ripens into joy, passing up through sorrow, prayer, conflict, hope, decision, and holy content into rejoicing! Joy fixes the spirit: when a man's heart rejoices in the divine word, he greatly values it, and is for ever united to it -Spurgeon
Hardship, fear, pressure, conflict all reveal character. It’s not just who you are when no one’s looking, but who you are when everyone is and they’re expecting something.
Consider, dearly beloved, that life’s troubles, even if distressing, are still of short duration, whereas the good things that will come to us in the next life are eternal and everlasting.
Chrysostom
To the Christian in despair, find comfort in God. Paul was able to overflow with joy in affliction (2 Cor 7:4) because He knew God is the one who comforts the depressed (2 Cor 7:6). May Christ help you to rejoice today and may He send someone to help you rejoice (vv. 6-7).
"To come to the word, and not be savingly wrought upon, is that which the devil is pleased with. He cares not though you hear frequently, if it be not effectually; he is not an enemy to hearing, but profiting....
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Christian, despite the difficulties of life and ministry, God guarantees that the sacrifice and troubles will lead to victory and triumph for His name's sake.
Sunday worship starts Saturday night.
Prepare by:
1. Read tomorrow's sermon text
2. Pray for your pastor's preaching
3. Pray for the church to humbly receive God's Word
4. Pray for unbelievers to come and believe
5. Get to bed early so you can show up early to bless others