Our Father Is ALWAYS Pursuing Us

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Our Father Is ALWAYS Pursuing Us SCOTTY SMITH    “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.” (Ps.19:1) “God’s Spirit speaks to our spirit proclaiming our sonship and belovedness” (pp Rom.8:16)   Heavenly Father, I’m leaving today to spend (invest) the next 5 days in the wonders of your creation and the wonders of your love. 10 brothers—some I’ve known and loved for decades, and some I’ll meet for the first time, will gather to fish and fellowship in Lake of the Woods. We’ll fish both in Minnesota and Canadian waters—excited that Muskie season opens this Saturday. The good news is, it’s always “open season” on our hearts for you, and you’re always pursuing us. Hallelujah, and thank you. My prayer is that you speak to each of us in clear, specific, and transforming ways. Perhaps a better prayer is that you make it impossible for us not to hear and listen to you. For you are always speaking, but we are not always listening. Show and tell us more about yourself through sunrises and sunsets, through the fun of catching fish and the honor of seeing your image in one another. Slow us down, for we live way too fast and stay way too busy. Soften and gentle us—for it has been easy to get crusty and rigid in recent years. Free us—for none of us are as free as you intend, Father. Speak to us through words from your Word, through dancing flames around a campfire and through each other’s stories–through through meals and shared hearts. May we find more joy in encouraging each other than catching the biggest fish of our lives. May we reconnect with your heart that we might connect afresh with our own—and with our wive’s, kid’s, grandkid’s, and friends’. Life is too short and precious to do otherwise. Thank you Father. So Very Amen.     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition 8520 Allison Pointe Boulevard,  Suite 220 Indianapolis,  IN  46250  United States You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Take control of your inbox. Manage your preferences and choose which newsletters you want to receive or unsubscribe from all emails.

Registration Closes Soon for The ’Youth Ministry Leadership’ Cohort

Get Practical Training for Pivotal Years ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 7 Youth ministry is tough work. It takes a whole church.   In this practical seven-week cohort, experienced leaders will help you navigate youth culture and your local context while developing a gospel-centered approach to discipling students and supporting families—so young people are better prepared for the challenges ahead, and you’re better equipped for the work God has called you to do.   Want to take your youth team through the cohort together? Email us at cohorts@thegospelcoalition.org to inquire about discounts. REGISTER TODAY YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN Upcoming cohorts by TGC The Gospel Coalition 8520 Allison Pointe Boulevard, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN, 46250   Take control of your inbox Manage your preferences and choose which newsletters you want to receive or unsubscribe from all emails.

Are We a Jar of Clay or a Showcase of Swagger?

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Are We a Jar of Clay or a Showcase of Swagger? SCOTTY SMITH    God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will most gladly boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That’s why I   delight in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2Cor.12:9–10)    Heavenly Father, why do I celebrate this for Paul but still find it hard for myself? Maybe it’s because of bad teaching I got as a young believer. I wasn’t taught to delight in weakness, but rather to decry, dismiss—even demonize limitations, frailty, and inadequacy. It was all about “the victorious Christian life”—always overcoming and never underachieving. I didn’t think in terms of sufficient grace; I wanted replacement grace—getting rid of anything unpleasant in my life.    Thank you for rescuing me from this and other destructive distortions of life in Christ. I know we’re not defined by our weakness and brokenness but that’s where you meet us as our Father of compassion and God of all comfort (2 Cor.1:20). And that’s how you free us to enter more graciously into the weakness of others—growing hearts of empathy and compassion.    Most importantly, through acknowledging our weaknesses and accepting our limitations we also begin to understand what Paul meant about treasuring the Gospel in our “ jar-of-clay-ness” (2Cor.4:7-9). Jesus becomes way more precious to us and worship-worthy. Our grasp and gratitude for the ways he loves us get supersized. Your power begins to flow through our lives—not like an overpowering thunder and lightning storm, but more like an irrepressible stream of your mercy, grace, and kindness. May it be so, loving Father. Thank you and So Very Amen. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition 8520 Allison Pointe Boulevard,  Suite 220 Indianapolis,  IN  46250  United States You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Take control of your inbox. Manage your preferences and choose which newsletters you want to receive or unsubscribe from all emails.

We Will Never Out Serve Or Out Joy Jesus

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH We Will Never Out Serve Or Out Joy Jesus SCOTTY SMITH “Diotrephes loves to be first...” (3Jn.9). “Jesus came to serve—not be served… ” (Matt.20:28). “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” (Phil.2:3). “I (Jesus) am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)   Lord Jesus, these passages present a most striking, shocking contrast. Diotrephes loved to be first; but you love to serve. Diotrephes thought of getting and keeping; but yet you became poor to enrich us beyond all comprehension (2Cor.8:9). There is no servant like you Jesus and you always serve with such astonishing joy. It was because of the joy set before you that you endured the cross (Heb.12:2). By your Spirit, send that deep into our hearts. Your joy in redeeming us was greater than the pain and cost of doing so. Jesus, you have only and always served us—as our Creator, and by your life, death, and resurrection (Phil.2:1-11). And now you ever live to serve us as our Advocate, Intercessor, and King. Even when you return, you will serve us—Bridegroom to bride (Luke 12:37) and Shepherd to sheep (Rev. 7:17). This boggles our minds, humbles our hearts, and compels us to worship and adore you. Jesus, we are never more like you than when we are serving and putting others first—finding more joy in giving than hoarding, sharing rather than grabbing, encouraging others rather than being appreciated. Give us a fresh portion of this kind of freedom and joy. Thank you for who you are, all you have done on our behalf, and what you are eternally committed to be to us. We are astonished. We are grateful. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition 8520 Allison Pointe Boulevard,  Suite 220 Indianapolis,  IN  46250  United States You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Take control of your inbox. Manage your preferences and choose which newsletters you want to receive or unsubscribe from all emails.

We Are Loved This Much All the Time by Our Heavenly Father

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH We Are Loved This Much All the Time by Our Heavenly Father SCOTTY SMITH  “ While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. He RAN to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20    Heavenly Father, we’re still tempted to think this PDA (public display of affection) is hyperbole, metaphor, or reserved for those who are worthy of your joyful love and great delight. Even we who have a great theology of the Gospel struggle to personalize this part of the Bible. It seems too good to be true.    Our grace allergies, early-onset Gospel amnesia, and performance-based wiring each wage war against our enjoyment of your love. And then there’s the lies of the enemy who accuses us and misrepresents you. Continue to heal, free, and renew us, Abba.    This story reveals the way you love each of your daughters and sons all the time, no exceptions. Hallelujah, and thank you! You see us—whether we have run far from you geographically, emotionally, theologically, morally, or by nothing more than busy indifference. You feel compassion—not disappointment, disapproval, or disgust. You run to us in the Gospel—our only hope and perpetual welcome. You embrace us—not a pat on the shoulders, the “right hand of fellowship,” or an awkward side hug. You kiss us. If it wasn’t in your Word, Father—if Jesus himself hadn’t given us this revelation of who you are… we wouldn’t believe it’s for us.    Right now, you are running towards us. And you’re also pursuing our loved ones and friends who remain strangers to your grace and love. Thank you, Abba. Indeed, because of Jesus’ finished work on our behalf, you greatly delight in us, are committed to quiet us with your love, and rejoice over us with singing (Zeph. 3:17). Hallelujah, SO Very Amen, and heal our unbelief. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition 8520 Allison Pointe Boulevard,  Suite 220 Indianapolis,  IN  46250  United States You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Take control of your inbox. Manage your preferences and choose which newsletters you want to receive or unsubscribe from all emails.