John Piper

I love the CROSS Conference for 18–25-year-olds and their leaders. My life was profoundly and permanently shaped at this age. I am praying that the Lord of the harvest raise up thousands of Goers and World Christians next January. Join us. crosscon.com

Πάντοτε χαίρετε, ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε, ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε· Three maximums. Always rejoice, ceaselessly pray, in everything give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

But it feels so right and just to get the last word. “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Pastors, beware of overstressing wounded language, or warfare language. The church *is* not a hospital. It *has* a hospital. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.…

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 11:23 No neutral stance toward Jesus. No middle ground. No fence-sitting. No lukewarm between hot and cold. No moderation. No wait-and-see.

“For three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.” 2 Chronicles 11:17 The only ultimately secure path is the path of obedience.

The tragedy of Rehoboam’s folly “was a turn of affairs brought about by God.” 2 Chronicles 10:15 Such purposes of providence are often hidden from our eyes. “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” Acts 1:7

“I cry to you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” Psalm 142:5 Protection from the outside. Satisfaction from the inside.

Receiving (the fullness of) the Holy Spirit. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13

Come, Lord Jesus. “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The good portion. “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. . . . So the Lord said, ‘Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39–42

“O, Lord, forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind.” 2 Chronicles 6:30 Judgment will include 1) all our ways 2) real heartfelt faith 3) forgiveness

“Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot.” Psalm 140:8 The power of prayer in the hands of Providence.

God-taught! “Concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9

“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 “…before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.” Revelation 13:8

Still true for every Christian. “Turning to the disciples Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!’” Luke 10:23

My tribute to John MacArthur. desiringgod.org/articles/oh-ho…

Recapture the oral tradition of Scripture. Join Damian Leverett at Godward Life this Sept. 26-27! Registration is live at godwardlife.com. #goinggodward

“Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly.” Psalm 138:6 It is glorious to be high. It is more glorious to be high and regard the lowly.

“If you seek the Lord, he will be found by you.” 1 Chronicles 28:9