faith

"God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call
good. God's refusals are always merciful- "severe mercies" at times but
mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to
give us something better."
—
Elisabeth Elliot

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

—How Deep the Father's Love for Us, Stuart Townend

"O holy night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of Our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining,
Til He appear'd
And the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn."

"You were bought at a price."  1 Corinthians 7:23a

This Christmas, remember what your soul was worth to God: His son.

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us;
we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be."

— C.S. Lewis

feeling discouraged?

read this.

"What is the reason that some believers are so much brighter and holier than others? I believe the difference, in nineteen causes out of twenty, arises from different habits about private prayer. I believe that those who are not eminently holy pray little, and those who are that those who are eminently holy pray much."

— J.C. Ryle (1818-1900)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:22

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

James 4:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

On my bed I remember you;
       I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
       I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you;
       your right hand upholds me.

                Psalm 63:6-8