We’re Always in Gospel-Rediscovery Mode

October 31, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH We're Always in Gospel-Rediscovery Mode SCOTTY SMITH For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph. 2:8-9 Lord Jesus, it’s October 31, 2020. The same day in 1517, Martin Luther began a fresh chapter in the back-to-the-Gospel story—a story which preceded him, and will continue till you return. For we suffer from truth-dementia, Gospel-amnesia, grace-allergies, and faith-forgetfulness—with a big dose of insufferable pride. The Gospel declares us to be in greater need that we want to admit, and more loved than we can possibly imagine. We needed a new heart, not a fresh start; to be a new tree, not turn over a new leaf; your perfect righteousness, not our tearful resolve; your saving grace, not our sweaty grit. Thank you for exhausting our guilt, taking our shame, and breaking our chains. Today we re-affirm our hope is built on nothing less, other, and more than you and your finished work. All other saviors are “snake-oil salesmen.” All other hopes are empty-nothings. All other kings are barking puppies. All other riches are “fool’s gold.” All other peace is evaporating-dew. Keep bringing us back to the Gospel of grace, Jesus. Keep bringing us back to Gospel-sanity. So very Amen we pray, in your most holy and gracious name.   Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Jesus, Thank You for Saving Us

October 30, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Jesus, Thank You for Saving Us SCOTTY SMITH Slander no one … be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us… (Titus 3:2-5) Lord Jesus, this passage is so timely and convicting, but mostly, it’s gratitude-fueling. The last three words, “he saved us,” are now the center of our universe, the core of our freedom, our fuel for change and reason to hope. Jesus, thank you for being the kindness-bomb the Father dropped into our lives—the love-explosion that leveled us, saved us, and is now remaking us. Though we see it more easily in others, Paul says “foolishness, pleasure-seeking, malice, envy, and hate” marked us. We’re naive to disagree. Again we say, thank you for saving us, thank you. And now we’re called to a slander-free, peace-making, considerate, always-gentle way of relating to everyone. One Day, we will see you and be made like you, and we’ll do all this effortlessly (1 John 3:1-3). Hasten that Day. But today, through next Tuesday, and for the foreseeable future, live your life in us and though us. Grant us quick repentances, real humility, and super-size our kindness and gentleness. Again, thank you for saving us, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your great and grace-full name. Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Hope Invading the Weeds of Our Fears

October 29, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Hope Invading the Weeds of Our Fears SCOTTY SMITH When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Ps. 94:19 Heavenly Father, our pile of heart-cares will never be greater than your supply of grace-consolations. As our Father of mercy and God of all comfort, you know exactly what we need, and you give generously. Thank you. Thank you for the consolation of knowing You will complete your Story to your glory, in your time on your dime. Life is much less random than it feels. Sovereignty is always happening. When we get lost in the weeds of our fears, you shatter the darkness with the North Star of our hope. Jesus is “the bright Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16), leading us into the Day of all things new. “Light and life to all he brings; Ris’n with healing in His wings.” Father, thank you for the consolation of knowing you love us as much as you love Jesus. We are your beloved children. Granted, some days, like Esau, we’d settle for the “oatmeal” of an eradicated virus, the national ruler of our choice, lower taxes and polite children. But on this Thursday, we choose resting in you, over rusting in our worry. We choose to believe the Gospel, rather than some other groundless, graceless, Christ-ignoring narrative. So very Amen we pray with relief, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.     Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Eternal Discretion > Any Election

October 28, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Eternal Discretion > Any Election SCOTTY SMITH Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. Isa. 9:7 King Jesus, your righteousness is our surety, your love is our freedom, and your sovereignty is our sanity. Only your government and will ever meet the needs of our sinful hearts and restless world. Make this more real to us than ever. Through your resurrection and ascension, you’ve already been installed as “the ruler of kings on earth” (Rev. 1:5). King David’s throne has become your throne of grace, from which you are actively ruling the world with your truth and grace. Eternal discretion, not any election, determines our future. Hallelujah. No one and nothing can derail, deter, or distract you from bringing to completion your good work of redemption and restoration. You never promised to do all things acceptable to us, but you have promised to do all things good for us. Forgive us when we get impatient with your timing, doubt your engagement, or don’t like your “style.”—as silly as that sounds. You are the King we always wanted—the King of kings and Lord of lords. Lord Jesus, as the Gospel continues its transforming work in our lives, may it advance through our lives. Free us to show up joyfully, love boldly, and hope patiently. You WILL finish making all things new and beautiful. So very Amen we pray, in your mighty and merciful name. Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Jesus Won the War. Trust Him in the Battles

October 27, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Jesus Won the War. Trust Him in the Battles SCOTTY SMITH The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. (1 Sam. 17:47) This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.“ (2 Chron. 20:15) Lord Jesus, with you fighting our battles, faith, hope, and love are the order of the day—not fear, anger, and despair. We are especially grateful you fought and won the most important conflict we’ll ever face—the war for our hearts and our eternity. The Gospel is the end of the war between us and God. As rebels, we’ve been reconciled to Abba, Father. As independents, we’ve been adopted into a big grace-family. Jesus, you are the author and perfecter of our faith—our “wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30-31). Thank you! Your cross was our Judgment Day, your return will be our Wedding Day, and your present enthronement is our Peace for Every Day. Surely we can trust you in every other battle we face, this side of life in the new heaven and new earth. Keep giving us faith-pebbles for real Goliaths. When we forget the battle belongs to you, quickly bring us back to worship expressing itself in trust, and faith expressing itself in love (Gal. 5:6). So very Amen we pray, in your loving and triumphant name.   Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Living Hope in a Stressful World

October 26, 2020 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Living Hope in a Stressful World SCOTTY SMITH Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 1:3 Heavenly Father, this week could easily devolve into a pool of fear and combativeness, given the issues before us—whether we call the USA or the UK, China or India home. By your grace and for your glory, we choose living hope and great mercy. The issues in Peter’s day were a precursor of ours. Political stressors and cultural pressures abounded. It wasn’t easy to be a follower of Jesus. Yet living hope invaded a decaying world. Jesus’ resurrection was more compelling than the threat of insurrection. May it be so in our hearts, and in the coming weeks as well. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give us the same praise and peace that flooded Peter’s heart. May your covenant faithfulness interrupt our constant fearfulness. Turn our worries into worship. Thank you for your unrelenting commitment to reassure us of your love, grace, and sovereignty. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ loving and powerful name.   Wish you had roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2020 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe