now that's good stuff

"a christian values every service of God so much that though some may be in the eyes of the world and of natural reason a slight and empty business, beggarly elements, or foolishness, yet since God calls for it, the authority of the command so overawes his heart that he is willing to spend himself and to be spent in discharging it. it is an expression of Luther's that ordinary works, done in faith and from faith, are more precious than heaven and earth."

now there's some impetus and joy in changing diapers and sweeping floors after three toddlers have eaten above them. mindless? mundane? without the worldview of jeremiah burroughs, definitely. but with it...glorifying and an honor. remind me of this tomorrow.

"it is, indeed, the top and the height of this art of contentment to come to this pitch and to be able to say, "well, my condition and afflictions are so and so, and very grievous and sore; yet, through God's mercy, i am in a good condition, and the hand of God is good upon me notwithstanding."

i dare you to read rare jewel of christian contentment. i have been putting it off for a while now and it is too bad i did. jeremiah burroughs uncovers every excuse, every murmur, every hidden rebellious thought in your heart and leaves no room to wiggle. but he does it with love and grace and it is a cup of fresh water. it is like talking to doug about sin and afterwards thinking, "i just got my ass kicked. man, i feel great!"