The happiness promised us in Christ does not consist in outward advantages—such as leading a joyous and peaceful life, having rich possessions, being safe from all harm, and abounding with delights such as the flesh commonly longs after. No, our happiness belongs to the heavenly life.

Christ enriches his people with all things necessary for the eternal salvation of souls and fortifies them with courage to stand unconquerable against all the assaults of spiritual enemies. From this we infer that he rules—inwardly and outwardly—more for our own sake than his.

Thus it is that we may patiently pass through this life with its misery, hunger, cold, contempt, reproaches, and other troubles—content with this one thing: that our King will never leave us destitute, but will provide for our needs until, our warfare ended, we are called to triumph. (John Calvin)

by Richard Shin

• April 15 is past, which means there’s less than six months before the filing deadline for those who requested an extension (haha). You may want to meditate upon what Clint Archer (and Jesus) says about taxes.
• Paul Tautges continues to share helpful resources on the topic of suicide. I’d like to refer you to them, in chronological order of posting: 11 myths and misconceptions on suicide, helping a suicidal friend, conducting a funeral for someone who died of suicide, and having hope for the suicidal mind.
• Jason Helopoulos posts on Kevin DeYoung’s blog in his absence on the topic of why pastors quit. I appreciate that he not only gives reasons, but encouragement to overcome those difficulties. These can be applied to all of us, not just the pastors.
• Gavin Ortlund shares a short piece on the difference between responding in repentance and responding with defensiveness. You can find it here.
• There are a handful of sensitive, personal topics to which many of us are, quite frankly, idiotically oblivious. Ben Reed shares 18 things you should never say to a woman (or couples, for that matter) in regards to the topic of pregnancy.
• Grace to You is hosting the Strange Fire conference as a continuation of the Truth Matters Bible conferences. John MacArthur gives an introduction here.

Good weekend, y’all.

Coram Deo