Just as a person doesn’t make themselves spiritually alive, they also can’t keep themselves spiritually alive. They can feed on spiritual nourishment and maintain their spiritual strength; they can follow God’s commandments and enjoy rest and peace, but the inner life still depends on the Holy Spirit

just as much for its ongoing existence as for its initial creation. No one, not even a converted person, has any power except what is continually given to them by the Spirit.

The driving force behind a believer’s actions is the realization that God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven their sins.

The greatest heroes in battle are often tender-hearted like little children; their swords are sharp against their enemies, but their hands are gentle toward the weak. It’s the mark of a noble nature to be as majestic as a lion in the face of enemies,

roaring with strength in the midst of conflict, yet having the eyes of a dove and the heart of a maiden. Such is our Lord Jesus Christ; He is the victorious Captain of salvation, but He is also meek and humble of heart.