Never a Christ-Absent Fire

February 24, 2021 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Never a Christ-Absent Fire SCOTTY SMITH Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar… if we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it. But even if he doesn’t, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  Dan. 3:16-18 Heavenly Father, it’s quite obvious. These three friends didn’t worship you as a “Sugar Daddy,” but as a Sovereign Father. It was a “no-brainer.” They would rather come “home” by the fire, than worship a false god just to escape the fire. We want to know and love you with that kind of humility, trust, delight, Father. By the Gospel and your Spirit, make it so. We want to worship you before there’s a “fire,” in our “fires,” and after the “fire.” Because of Jesus, such a longing isn’t wishful thinking. Jesus wasn’t just the fourth man King Nebuchadnezzar saw walking around in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25); he is our faithful Savior who endured the fiery trial of the cross for us. No matter the temptations, trials, or traumas of 2021—Jesus is with us and for us. This side of the new heaven and new earth, life won’t be crisis free. But it will never be Christ-absent. We’ll never experience a Christ-less fire, or day. Hallelujah! May Jesus’ beauty, grace, and peace keep us centered, in every season of life—including this season. So very Amen we pray, in his loving and near 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

Names, Labels, and Cancel-Culture

February 23, 2021 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Names, Labels, and Cancel-Culture SCOTTY SMITH To the one who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Rev. 2:17 Lord Jesus, first and foremost, we offer you loud praise and a huge “Thank you!,” on this February Tuesday. It’s only because you overcame sin and death for us that we humbly wear the label  “overcomers.” It’s only because you drank the cup of our judgment that we’ll feast forever on the “hidden manna” of heaven. We will overcome all the way into the new heaven and new earth, because our lives are hidden in you—the great Overcomer. Now about a “new name”… whether or not we’ll literally discover a new name on our “new birth certificate” or a “white stone,” remains to be seen. But in a world of dismissive labels, demeaning titles, and “cancel culture,” it is more than enough to know that when you look at us—each of us, you say “You are mine! My righteousness is yours, my desire is for you, my delight is in you. I know you, and I love you.” Lord Jesus, we believe, help our unbelief. We are grateful the Gospel renames, renews, and releases us from old destructive labels—no matter their origin. So very Amen we pray, in your all glorious, all grace-full, every-knee-is-going-to-bow-to 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

This Week’s Dress Code

February 22, 2021 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH This Week's Dress Code SCOTTY SMITH “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col. 3:12-13 Lord Jesus, whether we are starting a normal work-week today at “the office,” or from home; or have recently retired. Maybe we’ve just begun a vacation, are taking a few personal days; or are heading to the airport, gym or out for a long walk. In every case, we’re gonna dress accordingly. But every day this week—no matter our context, may we take the Apostle Paul’s “Gospel-dress-code” in this passage very seriously, and very gladly. Because of what you have done for us, Jesus, we are “chosen” (not choice), “holy” (set apart), and “dearly loved”—not “kinda,” but dearly loved. May our union with you, and our standing in grace, define us more than anything else. As for our “clothing” choices, thank you that these grace-garments never go out of style, need altering, replacing, or updating… Compassion Kindness Humility Gentleness Patience Forbearance Forgiveness      Lord Jesus, this is how you relate to us every second, every day, of every week, month, and year. How humbling, freeing, and transforming. As we are loved, so may we love one another all this week long. So very Amen we pray, in your kind and Kingly 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 Gives Peace

February 21, 2021 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Jesus Gives Peace SCOTTY SMITH May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thess. 3:16); Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:17) Lord Jesus, we praise, bless, and adore you for many reasons. Today, in particular, we rejoice and rest in the knowledge that you are our peace. By your finished work, we have peace with God—today and forever. Hallelujah. We are also grateful for your commitment to give us peace—to center, settle, and encourage our hearts, in the middle of “storms.” Thank you for welcoming us in our weakness, fears, and frailties. Our lives never depend on making the right choice, but trusting the only Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign. That is you, Jesus. Help us. Grant us peace… As we trust you with the hearts and futures of our children and grandkids. As we respond to transitions and changes we didn’t see coming. As we navigate strained relationships and financial challenges. As we make time-sensitive decisions. As we care for aging parents, and steward our own health challenges. As we long for your coming, Jesus, more than ever. So very Amen we pray, in your strong and tender 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