Patrick Whitchurch

“How can we be sure we are encountering the real God and not the God we want him to be? Only through the Word. The Bible is “the primary means by which God presents himself to us, in such a way that we can know him and remain in a faithful relationship with him.”
― Timothy J. Keller, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms

“When we embrace the fellowship of his sufferings, it changes everything. Instead of nourishing slights and running from the suffering inherent in life and love, we embrace Christ in the suffering. It’s all about who you know.”
― Paul E. Miller, J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life

“COURAGE FOR HIS SAKE. “Steadfastness” (see verse 1) is courage—standing one’s ground and doing right regardless of fears and consequences. Where does courage come from? Primarily it comes from wanting something more than your own safety. David wants all to see God’s glory (verse 5). True courage is not “I can do it”—that is self-confidence. It is, rather, “This is more important than me.” In the animal kingdom the mother undauntedly faces any size foe, not because she thinks she can win but for the sake of her young. David will face any foe for the sake of his Lord, whom he loves above all. He’s not looking at himself. That is the secret of courage. Prayer: Lord, give me such a sense of your living reality in my life that I live a more fearless life. Fear is just thinking of myself and my abilities instead of having my mind focused on you. Give me enough love for you to be brave. Amen.”
― Timothy J. Keller, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms

“So consider the darkness that remains in your life. The spiritual lethargy. The habitual sin. The deep-seated resentment. That place in your life where you feel most defeated. Our sins loom large. They seem so insurmountable. But Christ and your union with him loom larger still. As far as sin in your life reaches, Christ and your union with him reach further. As deep as your failure goes, Christ and your union with him go deeper still. As strong as your sin feels, the bond of your oneness with Jesus Christ is stronger still.”
― Dane C. Ortlund, Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners