The most profound revelations of Jesus’ love and grace often come to believers during times of grief. It is in these moments that He lifts them up from His feet, where they love to sit like Mary, and draws them close like John, inviting them to rest on His chest and lean on His heart.

The love of Christ,

in its sweetness, fullness, greatness, and faithfulness, is beyond human understanding.

Experiencing Heaven on earth is about overflowing love for Jesus. This is the essence of true joy—to love Him who is the beginning and the end. Loving Jesus is another name for paradise.

We rely on Christ daily, but in times of intense trial, we find that He is both our defense and our sustenance. Not long ago, brave men successfully defended themselves against thousands by using stacks of biscuit boxes and corn bags as barricades. By

God’s grace, we will do the same. The precious truths of the gospel, which are our spiritual nourishment, will also be our stronghold. Come on, you who oppose us with your free thought or superstition; with Christ between us and you, we defy your anger!