Is a Tranquil Heart Even Possible?

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Is a Tranquil Heart Even Possible? SCOTTY SMITH "I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion—(my inheritance, treasure, 'portfolio,' and future); therefore, I will hope in him—(in who God is, not in what I have)!'" "I've learned to be content in every situation—in want and wealth, in leanness and muchness, in a pup tent or a penthouse." (Phil.4:11-12). "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh" (Prov.14:30).   Dear Jesus—how much would having "a tranquil heart" cost us? That's a really good question, because every day we show what we're willing to pay for one by our drivenness, fears, busyness, stressed relationships, and inability to rest. We foolishly think a day is a coming when we'll kick back and say to ourselves: "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"' (Lk.12:19). The problem is that illusive category of "have enough" is ever changing. "Enough" becomes more, a little more, maybe just a little more. Jesus, what must you do in our lives for us to really believe: All we need—in life and in death, is you, plus what you chose to give us? How do you become our whole inheritance, not just one among our many treasures? By your kindness and providence, keep showing us how our drivenness and restlessness are leading to shallow hearts, superficial relationships, and soul-depletion. You put this question "on the table" a long time ago: "What's the profit margin of gaining the world and losing your soul?" (Mk.8:36). Jesus, we want to say and mean with Paul, "Christ is now my life and death has become my gain" (Phil.1:21). You're worthy of a lot more than simply being the opening and closing prayer of our days. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

For Those (Like Me) Who Hate Waiting and Not Knowing

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH For Those (Like Me) Who Hate Waiting and Not Knowing SCOTTY SMITH "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits…" (Psalm 130:5)   Lord Jesus, if getting into heaven depended on being excellent at fretless, patient, waiting, I'd have trust 100% on your grace. Thankfully, that's the only way to have a relationship with you—no matter our failures, weaknesses, lack of righteousness. Indeed, salvation can't be achieved, only received, for eternal life is a free gift. Thank you, Jesus. Why do I hate waiting? For one thing, I'm impatient and like to get "in and out." I'm also selfish, and like to finish stuff quickly and move on to what I really want to do. But I'm also fearful—especially about things over which I don't have control, in the lives of people I do know and love. It's really hard—not knowing what the lab tests are going to say, what the scan is going to reveal, what the MRI is going to confirm. It's vulnerability fueling—having good probabilities, but no guarantees—having other people's stories of good outcomes, while the ink of our own stories is still wet. What will the procedure produce? What will rehab regain? Jesus, though I am impatient, selfish, and fearful—more than anything else, I am yours. You are the LORD of tendons and tissue, tears and traumas, bones and brokenness, every stage of the "c"-word and ruptured relationships. Disks and spines, dark spots and deep longings are your domain. In fact, there's nothing over which you aren't sovereign. That doesn't make life easy, but it does keep us sane. We know in eternity we will loudly, joyfully proclaim, "Our God has done all things well!" But in this vulnerable moment, we look to you for grace and peace… but above all, we look to you and for you, Jesus. We trust and hope in you, not in statistical possibilities, or pleasant outcomes. So Very Amen. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

You’re reaching people with the gospel around the world

Help us renew the contemporary church

View in browser Dear First,   Your support is making a difference. With your help, The Gospel Coalition is equipping believers to apply the gospel to all of life, all over the world.    Mark Wickersham, director of spiritual formation at Evansville Christian School in Indiana, recently shared with us how TGC has been instrumental in his ministry. "The world is changing," Mark explained, "and the articles I read on The Gospel Coalition website helped me apply God's Word when I served in northeastern China."   The need is great for gospel-centered, biblically faithful resources to disciple believers and witness to non-Christians worldwide. We've never seen more demand, and more opportunity, for this ministry. So we hold fast to our mission. Support This Crucial Work We at TGC continue to cling to these words from Nehemiah:  I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? (6:3)   Just as Nehemiah was called to a vital work, you stand with us in our commitment to a great and urgent project: advancing the gospel message in our world today.    What will your gift enable us to do? Reach people with the saving message of the gospel Address doubts and other discipleship challenges facing those who already believe Build up the church through trusted, timely resources and biblical training  Develop resources for responding to a changing world, helping church leaders and everyday Christians answer challenging questions and share the good news Mark shared, "From Gospel Coalition conferences to using TGC videos to teach high schoolers in Sunday school, I've been able to point people to the life-changing content TGC produces. But perhaps the most impactful way TGC has helped is through the church directory. Our family is so thankful for you helping us find a church family."   We love hearing this because TGC doesn't seek to replace or compete with local churches. We exist to support them. Helping people like Mark find a healthy church, and become more equipped to serve within a local church, is the heartbeat of what we do.   As we approach the end of the year, would you continue to help us reach more people like Mark, strengthening their faith so they can then strengthen the faith of others?   Bless you for your generosity and partnership in the gospel. Give Now Anthony Alphin Vice President   PS Please join us with a generous year-end gift to see more people reached—and more churches renewed—by the gospel. Your support is changing lives! The Gospel Coalition, PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO 65205 Unsubscribe

The Over-Joy of Our Father to Give Us His Kingdom

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The Over-Joy of Our Father to Give Us His Kingdom SCOTTY SMITH  "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev.11:15). "Do not be afraid little flock, for it has overjoyed the Father to give you his kingdom" (Lk.12:32)   Lord Jesus, before long Christmas music will begin filling our malls, hearts, and homes. Personally, it's never too early for me—especially in a presidential election year. I especially love to crank up this portion of Handel's Messiah: "And He (Jesus) shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! The good news, best news, heart-centering news is your reign has already begun. We long for the fullness of your reign and Kingdom, but not its inception. For Jesus, you are already King of kings and Lord of lords—the ruler of the kings of the earth and everything else. No premier or president, emperor or autocrat, dictator or potentate is a threat to your kingdom—and none is necessary to your purposes. Demons tremble at your name, Jesus, and stars sing your praise. Fierce hurricanes become gentle zephyrs, and placid lakes become roaring oceans … all in keeping with your purposes, timing and glory. You, personally, set up kings and you sit them down—not on a whim, but in keeping with your will. That's your domain, discretion, and delight. On this October Thursday, you are actively making all things new, working in all things for our good, redeeming your Bride from among the nations of the world, and are primed to usher in the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah, and thank you, Jesus. In 12 days the USA will elect a new president. We will exercise the privilege of our dual citizenship—being citizens of heaven and citizens of the United States. But our 1st citizenship takes precedent over the 2nd by a margin of a gazillion to one. We say that, and we want to mean it more than we ever have before, Jesus. Faith, not fear—hope, not hysteria is the order of the day. We will cast our vote, but more so we'll cast ourselves on the floor in loving adoration, joyful trust, and deep craving for your return, Jesus. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

Thousands Already Registered—Don’t Miss TGC25 Next April

Price Increases Next Week

View in browser Learn from Gospel-Centered Teaching. Worship Alongside Thousands. Be "Alive Together" at TGC25.   Stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands who have already registered for TGC25 (April 22 to 24, Indianapolis). We'll consider the rich blessings of our union with Christ by studying Ephesians and what it means to be "alive together." We'll mark The Gospel Coalition's 20th anniversary as we celebrate the glorious good news of the gospel: how it saves us, how it shapes us, and how it sends us, together, on mission in the world. The early-bird rate of $229 ends next week and the holiday rate of $259 kicks in. Register soon! I'LL BE THERE Secure Your Seat for 3 Days of Deep Connection   Keynote sessions: Learn from expositional teaching through the book of Ephesians. Breakouts: Study a wide variety of topics in lecture-style presentations, with hundreds (even thousands) of attendees in the room. Seminars [NEW!]: Connect and learn about a specific topic in a more intimate, interactive setting. Limited to approximately 100 people. These seminars will fill up quickly, so register early! EXPLORE THE FULL SCHEDULE If you're hungry to be "alive together"—with God and with fellow believers—join us for three days of gospel-centered teaching, worship, learning, and connection.   I can't wait to see you there!   Melissa Kruger Vice President of Discipleship Programming The Gospel Coalition, PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO, 65205, Unsubscribe

When We Feel, Think, and Say Unkind Things

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH When We Feel, Think, and Say Unkind Things SCOTTY SMITH   "When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant—I acted like a wild animal before you." Ps. 73:21-22   Gracious Father, thank you for including this record of "temporary insanity" in your Word. Such is the reach and riches of the Scriptures. There are times when I forget I'm living in a fallen world, with a fragile heart, among people who need your grace just as much as I do. When my buttons get pushed and my traumas get triggered—when my stress is high and my "tank" is low, I'm capable of acting out in unkind, unthinking, unremarkable ways. I lose perspective and love poorly—like Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, I am apt to feel, think, say things I later regret. How do you relate to us in the middle of our "moments"? You're never shocked, but you always care. When we say hurtful words—you convict us, but you'll never condemn us. When we react poorly, you respond redemptively. When we "lose it"—you find us, recenter us, and gentle us. Your kindness leads us to repentance, and repentance is always a fresh collapsing on Jesus—who is our "righteousness, holiness, and redemption" (1Cor.1:30). The Gospel really is this big and this good. Such mercy melts my icy heart. Such love corrals my racing thoughts. Such grace humbles my proud, rigid soul. Hallelujah, and thank you. On this October Wednesday, free me (us) to love as Jesus loves us. May we speak 100 encouraging words for every unkind word. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.