Contentment is one of the distinguishing marks of the Christian life—but it is also one of the most difficult graces to cultivate. Why is it so hard to gain and so easy to lose?
In the third episode of our “A Life of Joy” series, Justin Miller and Dr. John Snyder examine five of the greatest obstacles to Christian contentment: worldliness, busyness, bitterness, grief, and opposition.
Read MoreA smoldering candle must be handled gently. If you blow too hard, it will go out. However, coax it with a soft breath, and it can be rekindled. Richard Sibbes reminds us of Christ’s kindness toward His wavering children.
Read MoreIf contentment is not something we naturally possess, how do we learn it? In this episode, weexplore Paul’s statement, “I have learned to be content.” Paul wasn't naturally content. He learned contentment as he trusted God through everycircumstance of life. He found contentment in the God who is both sovereign and good.
Read MoreDo you want to be blessed (happy)? Of course you do. Happiness is our most fundamental pursuit. Happiness does not reside in changing conditions or circumstances but in an unchanging God. As the psalmist declares, “Blessed are you, O Lord” (Ps. 119:12). How do we find this blessedness? Dr. Stephen Yuille helps us to understand in today’s devotional.
Read MoreIn this new series, John Snyder is joined by Justin Miller to discuss his upcoming book. Whether you're facing trials, dealing with disappointments, seeking answers, or longing for a deeper joy in Christ, this conversation offersa foundation for understanding a vital yet often overlooked grace in the Christian journey: contentment.
Read MoreIn his book The Godly Family, Phillip Doddridge offers timeless advice on training children. He urges parents to teach their children who God is, the gospel, and what God requires of them. Recognizing that although we are completely dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit to convert our children, Doddridge reminds us not to neglect the duties God has given us. It is good to remember that it is a privilege to teach our children about the blessed and glorious God.
Read MoreIn this final episode on Samuel Rutherford, Dr. John Snyder examines a series of Rutherford’sletters written to stir believers out of spiritual lethargy and call them to earnestness, holiness, and wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Rutherford says, “We are rather dry than thirsty.” His counsel is simple and searching: stop dwelling far from the well and return to Christ.
Read MoreWilliam Gurnall writes about suffering for God and suffering from God and the reality of doing so in this earthly frame. He mentions the comforts peculiar to those who suffer for righteousness and encourages us to be prepared, armored, and ready for a sudden march.
Read MoreWhat happens when a believer discovers that his soul is too small to contain the love of God? Rutherford’s answer is simple: stop standing on the shore and throw yourself into the ocean.
Read MoreWe encourage you to take a moment to read this stirring prayer. We believe you will be glad you did so. This prayer, originally titled “Love Lustres at Calvary,” is from The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions published by Banner of Truth.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode, we continue our study through the letters of Samuel Rutherford by looking at the cost Rutherford paid for following Christ faithfully.
Read MoreHoratius Bonar encourages us to look at and deal with ourselves honestly in all things. To each of us he reminds: you must be careful not to flatter your heart, lie to your conscience, or think you are somehow deceiving God. May we heed his words and deal with ourselves honestly before God.
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