For this “Thursday Thought for the Day” I wanted to take the opportunity to draw your attention to two resources I have found useful to me in deepening my understanding and appreciation of God’s grace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Firstly, I want to point you towards a great music resource – the “NEXT 2009 Live” worship album.  This live worship album was recorded at the Sovereign Grace-hosted conference “NEXT” in May 2009.

It’s an album full of really wonderful, truth-filled songs of joyful praise to God.  We’ve been learning, singing and enjoying some of the songs from this album in our Sunday gatherings for a few months now.

You can download (download only, no actual CD I’m afraid)  this album from the Sovereign Grace Store for an unbelievably low $6, which in real money works out at a shade over £3 (depending on the exchange rate).  Hop over there now and download it and get it on your iPod and saturate your soul in theologically rich, gospel centred worship songs! (You can even download 2 FREE songs, if you’re too scrooge-like to part with £3!!!!)

Secondly, I want to recommend the blog, “Of First Importance” to you.  This blog was born out of the authors’ need to live each day in the good of the gospel.  Each day this blog provides a thoughtful quote to help you remember what’s “of first importance”: the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I’ve found it a wonderful resource to help me “preach the gospel to myself everyday“, and commend it to you.

Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

Stand close to the cross of Jesus!
“Once more heed the exhortation- stand close to the cross of Jesus! It is the most accessible and precious spot this side of heaven- the most solemn and awesome one this side of eternity. It is the focus of divine love, sympathy, and power. Stand by it in suffering, in persecution, in temptation. Stand by it in the brightness of prosperity and in the gloom of adversity. Shrink not from its offence, humiliation, and woe. Defend it when scorned, despised, and denied. Stand up for Jesus and the gospel of Jesus. Oh, whatever you do, or whatever you endure, be loyal to Christ’s cross. Go to it in trouble, repair to it in weakness, cling to it in danger, hide beneath it when the wintry storm rushes fiercely over you. Near to the cross, you are near a Father’s heart, a Savior’s side.”
– Octavius Winslow, The Foot of the Cross

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May these resources edify your soul!