"We are in a wrong state of mind if we are not in a thankful state of mind." —
Charles Spurgeon
Resist ending your sermon with “live like this,” and rather end with some form of “You can’t live like this. Oh, but there’s One who did! And through faith in Him you can begin to live like this too.” -Tim Keller
Theology 101: The pulpit is for preaching, not posturing, politicking, pandering, propagandizing, or promoting products.
Dr. Michael J. Svigel
To be much for God, we must be much with God. —
Leonard Ravenhill
Every pastor must aim to be a Biblical theologian—that is, they must aim to discover how each text they preach fits into the grand narrative of Scripture. -
Benjamin Campbell
"God, we are not ourselves until we are lost in you." —
Charles Spurgeon
"Some mercies are not given to us except in answer to importunate prayer." -
Charles Spurgeon
The believer delights in giving the praise of all that he has, all that he is, and all that he enjoys, to God.
Jonathan Edwards
He who is armed with the power of God will not tremble at the noise raised by the world.
John Calvin
Afflictions come not by casualty, but by counsel. By this counsel of God, they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints.
John Flavel
The highest elevation of a reasonable soul is to enjoy God forever.
Thomas Watson
The strong are not always vigorous, the wise are not always ready, the brave are not always courageous, and the joyous are not always happy.
Charles Spurgeon
"The strongest hearts have the most scars." -
Unknown
No amount of spiritual posturing, religious rituals, or even ministry work can replace the raw humanity of a believer pouring his or her heart out to God. Allowing ourselves, to be honest, and real, we can let God take all the pain, sorrow, and messiness of life, and transform them into blessings, healing, life lessons, and His plan of redemption for our lives.
Ray Bently
Let me say that for comfort, there is no thought more full of sweetness than that of an eternal God engaged in Christ Jesus to His people; to love and bless, and save them all...
~C.H. Spurgeon~
Our gracious God wants to use the trials in our lives ("our light affliction") to produce for us eternal blessings ("eternal weight of glory"). He intends to use our daily difficulties to enlarge our spiritual capacity to experience more fully the glorious eternal realities of knowing, worshiping, and serving God forever! The Lord desires a full, rich inheritance to await us in heaven: "For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:11).
If we don’t wait for the Lord to provide in His way and time, we may make unwise decisions we can’t afford.
~Charles F. Stanley~
Usually, we immediately go and tell other people about the situation, when we need to be quiet––to be still, and know that I am God... (Psalm 46:10). If you have something heavy on your heart today, sit still awhile; give yourself to prayer and seeking the Lord. Wait on the Him. Know He is working behind the scenes to answer.
Raul Ries
Distorted thinking blocks you from relating to others. This essentially causes you to repeat what happened in the past. Challenge the distortions that keep you in bondage. To the extent that you continue to see the world through your childhood eyeglasses, your past will be your future.
To learn new relational skills and the way of attachment, take risks. Listen to Jesus’ invitation:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me. – Rev. 3:20.
Whenever you begin to allow someone to matter to your isolated heart, uncomfortable needy,
and dependent feelings will surface. These are the beginnings of a softening heart.
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