Scotty Smith

Founding Pastor and Pastor Emeritus Christ Community. Teacher in Residence at WECC. Husband, dad, granddad, lover of the gospel, photography and fishing.

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

“I am my beloved's and his desire is for me” (Song of Songs 7:10). BOOM! Microphone drop. Jesus, may knowing we belong to you, and that you both desire and delight in us—may this glorious reality supersize our gratitude, mute our whines, expel our fears, and fuel our joy.

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/6WA3T6hdvT

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

· Followers are for Jesus
· Brands are for cereals
· Platforms are for divers
· Market share is for business
· Foot washing is for believers

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

"God makes us both stand firm in Christ” (2Cor.1:21). In chirpy, stubborn defiance we sometimes say, “You can’t make me!” But Hallelujah a gazillion times over, Abba makes us stand firm in Christ; he doesn't just enable us to do so. Abba finishes what he starts in us (Phil.1:6)

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/N2lsVwCAUq

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

Here’s to a weekend of…
· God’s peace ruling in our hearts
· God’s grace shaping our words
· God’s mercies gentling our reactions
· God’s kindness softening our edges
· God’s sovereignty taming our fears

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

What do we have if Jesus is the Model we follow but not the Substitute we trust, the hint but not the heart of our Gospel, the beginning but not the whole of our salvation, our 2nd chance but not our perfect righteousness? (1Cor.1:30) We have religion but no relationship with God

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

What do we have if Jesus is the Author but not the Perfecter of our faith, the Alpha but not the Omega of our Gospel, the beginning but not the whole of our salvation, our 2nd chance but not our perfect righteousness? (1Cor.1:30) We don’t have “Jack Squat” OR “diddly-squat.”

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

What do we have if Jesus is the Author but not the Perfecter of our faith, the Alpha but not the Omega of our Gospel, the beginning but not the end of our salvation, our forgiveness but not our righteousness? (1Cor.1:30) We don’t have either “Jack Squat” OR “diddly-squat.”

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/lQiU0AQvbU

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

One Day we will be 100% like Christ; until then we are 100% in Christ. This certainly frees us to cease our posing, live non-condemnable but easily-convictable lives, repent with joy, forgive from the heart, and smell like grace.

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/QybYO1eWsR

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

“Those who fear the Lord won’t be afraid of bad news” (Ps.112:6). Jesus, grant us …
· Steadfast hearts in hope-mocking seasons
· Fearless calm in kindness-testing relationships
· Tenacious joy in our crazy-making culture
· Good News hearts in our bad news world

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/1su3EpHb3G

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

3 Things That Give Me Peace/Joy Today
· Abba has left all things to Christ and nothing to chance (Heb.1:2)
· One Day it will be impossible for us to sin and only possible to love (1Jn.3:1-3)
· God is working in all things for our good—no exceptions (Rm.8:28)

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/mupIslYglA

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

All Week Long
· Quicker to rest than to vex
· More grace-hearted less pig-headed
· More Gospel recall less calling down fire
· Slower to make excuses faster to make amends

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

https://t.co/goRk96yNOe

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

God asks all of us the same question he asked Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” Job38:4. He’s not looking for information but humility. It’s not a “shut up pip-squeak” retort, but a “look up in wonder and trust” reproof. Abba is always prior, present, and final.

[Scotty Smith @ScottyWardSmith]

Whether you are preaching/teaching the Gospel today—sharing it as you lead worship, demonstrating it through friendship, praying it into the lives of those who don’t know Jesus yet or have grown cold to his always-hot affection … Thank You. Your love-labors are not in vain.