Christian minds have been conformed to the modern spirit: the spirit, that is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God.
J. I. PackerI never get to the end of mortifying sin because sin in my heart, where it's still marauding even though it's no longer dominant, sin in my heart is constantly expressing itself in new disorderly desires.
J. I. PackerGod uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your โthornโ uncomplainingly โ that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak โ is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.
J. I. Packer