Bailey

“Joy in our trials can begin to take root in our hearts when we understand the magnitude of grace God has given us. Unless we stand in Barabbas’s sandals and find they fit us, we won’t see the gravity of God’s love for us. This is our story. You and I are Barabbas. We needed someone to take our place, and Jesus has done that for us. He willingly took the wrath of God upon himself. On the cross, Jesus absorbed all our wickedness. He has poured out his perfect love upon us.”
― Dave Furman, Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials

“Confession divorced from repentance reduces holiness to half-hearted morality.”
― Jonathan K. Dodson, Gospel-Centered Discipleship (Foreword by Matt Chandler): Revised and Expanded

“How many times have we rationalized away an opportunity to communicate the gospel? “They are in a hurry.” “She would think I’m weird.” “I don’t even know that person.” These rational objections didn’t stop Philip with the Ethiopian, or Peter with Cornelius’s family, or Paul with Lydia. Instead of assuming that your thoughts are a dialogue with your reason, enter into dialogue with the Spirit. Ask him for clarity, direction, and power to believe the gospel. In a word, surrender! Surrender to the Spirit’s promptings, follow his nudging, and talk to him about it along the way. When we surrender to the Spirit, we become more like Jesus. Communion with the Spirit releases the power of the Spirit to follow Jesus and make disciples.”
― Jonathan K. Dodson, Gospel-Centered Discipleship (Foreword by Matt Chandler): Revised and Expanded

“As one prone to depression, I find comfort in remembering that Jesus went through the most depressing state possible: being separated from God the Father on the cross. When the nerve damage in my arms is unbearable, I think about the nails that pierced Jesus’s arms right through the nerves. When I go through difficult family circumstances, I recall that Jesus’s family didn’t believe he was Lord. When I miss my friends who live half the world away from me, I remember that Jesus left his throne in heaven to come to earth. When money is tight, I remember that Jesus was poor and didn’t own more than the clothes he wore. When I am facing endless temptation, I know Jesus can sympathize with my weaknesses because he was tempted just like we are. Friend, Jesus knows.”
― Dave Furman, Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials