I am off to Kansas City today—a very brief visit to speak at MBTS. I hope to meet some of you there!

There was a huge list of Kindle deals yesterday and there is another good one today. Have at it!

Very Cool Birds (Video)

I love the videos from the John 10:10 project. The latest one looks at penguins.

Consider the Birds: The Jesus Way to Combat Anxiety

And speaking of birds, here’s at why Jesus spoke about birds when he told us how to combat anxiety. “Imagine waking up each morning with a constant knot in your stomach, worrying about what the day will bring—will you have a job, will you have enough, will you measure up, or will things fall apart? For many, the imagination is not necessary; this is your reality. Well, you’re not alone in this.”

Do Not Hinder Yourself

Rachel considers her experience as a schoolteacher in relation to Jesus’ love for children. “Hugs galore. The other day I was curious, wondering how many hugs I get from my 2nd graders on average. I was thinking maybe ten or fifteen, but I was wrong. Aim a little higher and you will hit the target of 20-30 hugs per day.”

The Story of Bread

I enjoyed this look at the bread motif we find throughout the Bible. “I feel like this is a biblical theme—along with its counterpart of wine—which is not considered often enough. There are few ‘biblical theologies’ which consider hospitality as one of the primary threads of the Bible. Fewer which chart bread and wine as key signs, symbols, metaphors, and ‘meanings you can eat’ throughout the Bible’s story. We should probably publish some more.”

The Sacred Mundane

“What about the ordinary and mundane tasks of the homemaker? Can they possibly be more than they are? the making of breakfasts, of lunches and dinners, the folding of laundry, wiping of counters, changing of diapers, the picking up, and the dropping off. Can these have meaning beyond the day after day ‘sameness?'”

Thriving in Women’s Ministry Leadership

Kendra Kammer explains some of what she has learned about leading a women’s ministry.

Flashback: Why Those Who Seem Most Likely to Come, Never Come At All

‘I cannot come’ is the alleged reason, but ‘I will not come’ is the real one; for when the heart is true the duties of the farm never interfere with the privileges of the feast, nor is it ever found that there is any necessary antagonism between family joys and the joy of the Lord.

The best way of manifesting our affection to our friends is by praying and giving thanks for them.

—Matthew Henry

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Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

Today’s Kindle deals include several good books by and/or for women. There are titles there by Melissa Kruger, Rosaria Butterfield, and others.

How to Lose Your Leaders

“If your leaders leave, what are you left with? Followers. And the growth of your organisation will quickly hit a ceiling. Being left with followers is fine if you are satisfied with substandard sycophants, or a revolving door of new leaders recruited, used and burned out. But if you want a team with initiative, wise long term decisions, and a healthy ministry culture, you need teams of genuine leaders.”

What if He’s Faithful?

This one hits close to home. “It only takes a few experiences of loss or long-deferred hopes to become a person bent on protecting yourself from future sorrows. You begin to view every potential good thing in life as the harbinger of your next greatest loss. Rather than bringing your desires and concerns to the Lord with hope that He will intervene or work things together for good, you worry at the Lord, certain everything will soon fall apart.”

Three Pounds of Wonder (Video)

The John 10:10 has a new video, this one about the marvelous human brain.

Dear Pastor, Sermon Prep Is Worth the Effort

Here’s an article/letter for pastors to ponder. “Plenty of people to set your agenda, innumerable demands pastorally, increasing amounts of administration, personal family concerns—they all have the potential to send stress levels rocketing. But perhaps the greatest danger is their ability to divert us from our main priority, memorably encapsulated in Paul’s parting charge to Timothy.”

The Good Life

Ruth writes about the good life.

Breaking the Anger Chain

Darryl explains how he once struggled with anger and how he learned to identify and break the “anger chain.”

Flashback: When Jesus Says “Stay”

Instead of telling him “come,” Jesus told him “stay.” He told him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” This man was to have a ministry, after all, but it was a ministry at home, not a ministry away. 

I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them: “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden.”

—Augustine

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By way of FYI, I’ve been posting some short-form articles on Instagram. If you are on IG, you may enjoy them. So far I’ve got Don’t Be Reckless With Others Count Precious, You Just Can’t Have It All, and, most recently, Lessons on Parenting Little Ones. These are condensed forms of longer articles.

Some great books are coming out in the months ahead and Westminster Books already has some of their top picks on sale.

I added a couple of new Kindle deals yesterday and will press on in the search today.

How to Persevere in Winter Seasons

Stephanie Armstrong tells how to persevere even in those tough winter seasons (whether literal or figurative). “Some seasons in life can feel like a harsh winter. Maybe you’ve invested in a relationship only to be rejected without explanation. Perhaps the financial provision that once flowed freely suddenly dried up. Or maybe you’re facing life without a loved one this year and can’t imagine a day without the ache of loss.”

The Paper Dolls of Polyamory

Anne Kennedy explains how polyamory is now being lauded as a legitimate lifestyle choice (and why that’s so ridiculous). “If we have discovered anything in the past few years, it should be how quickly the thirst for knowledge goes sideways. It’s like everyone is Eve, chomping on every apple, even the ones that wormy and disgusting.”

Fish Story (Video)

Give me the John 10:10 Project over David Attenborough any day.

The Shame of a Prodigal Daughter

This is a fascinating look at the shame of a prodigal daughter and the goodness of God (in a culture that is not our own).

Seven Things Church Leaders Need to Consider

You may not agree with everything in this article, but I think it will provoke some thought. The author wants us to remember that while marriage will end, Christian brotherhood and sisterhood will remain forever. He thinks this should impact the matters we focus on and the ways we speak in the life of the church.

Seek God’s Face Before You Seek His Hand

This is a good little saying to keep in mind, isn’t it? “Seek God’s face before you seek his hand.” Sarah Walton explains it.

Flashback: How Much Money Am I Supposed to Give Away?

How much am I to give? Enough that it matters. Enough that I am sacrificing some comforts and some experiences I would otherwise enjoy. 

Take away from the minds of men the fear of hell, and there are a great many of them who would very soon turn this world into a hell.

—De Witt Talmage

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My thanks goes to Mitch Maher for sponsoring the blog this week to tell you about Clarifying the Bible & Clarifying The Apostle Paul. Both are tremendous resources.

Today’s Kindle deals include Thomas Schreiner’s excellent title on the spiritual gifts as well as several other good books and commentaries. I also added a list of historical and general market titles that caught my eye.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Truth About Lies)

I’m Adopted

Malinda shares a sweet and vulnerable article on her adoption. “I still struggle with depressive cycles. At times, I still feel unwanted, unloved and discardable. At times, I’m triggered by events and people in my present that reinforce the trauma of my past. And yet, God is faithful. He continues to reveal places of hurt and anguish and there’s still weeping. But there’s also rejoicing. I’ve even come to the place of being able to rejoice in my earthly adoption—looking at it beyond “being lucky.” In the process of learning to see my earthly adoption as a gift, I’ve learned a few things.”

G. K. Beale on the Expected Universalization of the Old Testament Land Promises

TGC has a clarifying trio of articles here. “On the one-month anniversary of the war between Hamas and Israel, we asked three senior evangelical statesmen—G. K. Beale, Darrell Bock, and Gerald McDermott—to explain the depths of this biblical relationship between Israel and the land and to consider whether it continues to be relevant to the church in our time.” You can read the other entries here: Darrell Bock | Gerald McDermott

What Does John 10:10 Mean?

“Jesus’ mission statement in John 10:10 states, ‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’ If your interpretation of ‘abundantly’ doesn’t go beyond fine dining, designer clothes, or a luxury car, then you are missing His point.” Tyler Kenney explains.

Peace Near the End of the Road

Andy writes very movingly about his wife’s final days. “Robyn’s disease has progressed significantly. She sleeps most of the day now. When she is awake she has very little energy. We have had to stop all visits as it’s been just too much for her. We don’t know how much longer she will be with us.”

Natural Landscape Photo Awards

There are some tremendously beautiful photos to admire in this list of competition winners.

Work Hard To Be Encouraged

“‘What’d you think of that sermon?’ An innocent question with zero ill intent, but one I’m trying to avoid.” It’s worth reading Jacob’s reasoning.

Flashback: Set Loose in a Mud Pit

When your heart is at peace, so too can be your hands, your feet, and your mouth. In times of difficulty, then, display in your outward demeanor the peace that rules within.

God sometimes drives a very straight nail with a very poor hammer.

—De Witt Talmage

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Good morning. Grace and peace to you today.

Today’s Kindle deals include a selection meant specifically for teens and/or their parents. There are several other interesting titles as well.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Beauty of Gender Difference)

Her Present Absence

Karen reflects on the nature of sorrow. “There is no sin in the sorrow we feel in our loved one’s present absence, and there is no wrongdoing or shame in acknowledging its reality. It’s simply a testimony of our enduring love for them, and our certainty that we will soon see them again.”

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ and Christmas Cringe

“Faith-based movies have been enjoying something of a renaissance lately—gaining ground not only in commercial viability but also in artistic credibility. To be sure, the bar has been low. Most of these movies are still not great; they’re just better than what we’ve come to expect. Sadly, the faith-based genre’s latest holiday movie sets the genre back—considerably.”

Aayan Hirsi Ali says she’s now a Christian (but only if that’s okay with the rest of us)

Aayan Hirsi Ali, who famously abandoned Islam in favor of atheism, recently explained how she became a Christian. Stephen McAlpine isn’t pleased with the skepticism of many believers.

The Super Generation (Video)

The John 10:10 Project celebrates one of nature’s wonders. “Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies travel up to 2500 miles to reach a dozen small patches of forest in central Mexico. There, they spend the winter safe from the freezing temperatures in Canada and the midwestern United States. These fragile insects have no idea where they are headed on their migration. Yet, with ingenious navigational systems stored within their eyes, brains and antennae, they locate the same forests and trees that provided sanctuary to their ancestors for generations.”

Church Planting Is Rarely Rapid

Matthew Spandler-Davison has traveled more than just about anyone I know and says, “I have come to believe there are two great threats to gospel work in the world’s poor and unengaged communities today: the prosperity gospel and the encouragement toward rapid multiplication.”

Realistic Expectations From a Life of Ministry

Mathew Santhosh Thomas: “Earlier, I wanted to serve God and ‘do ministry.’ But later God changed the way we thought. Ministry is not about us doing great things for God. It is understanding what God is doing in his world. We simply align our lives with what he is doing, to abide in him and walk with him.”

Flashback: The Happiest Christians and the Happiest Missionaries

Who are the happiest Christians? Who are the happiest missionaries? And what is it that makes them so happy?

Not only is all your affliction momentary, not only is all your affliction light in comparison to eternity and the glory there. But all of it is totally meaningful…Therefore, therefore, do not lose heart.

—John Piper

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May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you on this fine day.

Amazon has fabricated yet another couple of Prime Days. My main interest in it is Kindle deals, but unfortunately I couldn’t find too many. You can, however, find Kindle devices discounted today, along with board games, AirPods Pro, and lots of other stuff.

(Yesterday on the blog: Add a Little Extra Beauty)

5 Myths about Gender Identity

This article addresses 5 modern-day myths about gender identity.

Are Sinners Worthless?

“He respectfully asked how I could say that humans are worthwhile if the Bible tells us we’re worthless. I was thrown off guard, because I could see how I appeared to be directly contradicting Scripture.” After all, the Bible seems to say that human beings are both exceedingly valuable and exceedingly depraved.

Extraordinary Engineers (Video)

The John 10:10 Project has released another great little video, this one celebrating the humble bee.

On Leviticus and Living for God through Christ

“Leviticus is perhaps the most underrated book of the Bible. Despite its importance, it is often considered difficult to read and even more difficult to derive any benefit. I hope to contribute to changing that perspective.” Good idea!

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters

“Sometimes … I can only view God’s sovereignty through the lens of suffering. When things are hard or there is some trial in my life, I (rightly) turn to God and confess that He is right in how He orders His universe. He is not simply aware of the trial, but He is over it too. Where I struggle to apply the truth of God’s total sovereignty is in His goodness.”

The Pastoral Training of a Growing Up in a Christian Home

I appreciate this celebration of growing up in a Christian home. “What I realize now is that the Lord had begun depositing ministry insights into my soul years before through the lives of my parents. Both of my parents are committed followers of Jesus and faithful servants in his Church, who, in both the deeply spiritual moments of conversation about God’s Word and in the relatively mundane moments, were sowing seeds of pastoral development.”

Flashback: What I Love To Ponder at 10:01 AM on Sunday Morning

For one day—one day out of the week—the whole earth will have joined to give God the honor due his name.

Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.

—J.I. Packer

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Blessings to you today, my friends.

There are some new Kindle deals today (and some from yesterday I forgot to mention).

(Yesterday on the blog: Glorifying God and Glorifying Mountains)

Tempering our Tempers

This is a really helpful look at anger that is sinful and anger that is pure.

The Difference Between Optimism and Biblical Hope

“The Bible speaks a lot about hope, not so much about optimism. That doesn’t mean optimism is necessarily bad! (The Bible doesn’t mention pie, and only a monster would insist we avoid that.) However, both inside and outside of the church, there is confusion about hope and optimism.”

What Is Reformed Theology?

What is Reformed theology? There’s a modern answer and a traditional answer, as this article points out.

There Is Something Greater Than The Great Commandment

“Christians throughout all time have been, rightly, energized to love God more through this high calling. But I have to say this: There is something greater than the Great Commandment. Before you strike me off as a heretic, hear me out.”

Wings of Wonder (Video)

The John 10:10 Project is back with another great video, this one focusing on hummingbirds.

Tabernacles, Grief & My Greatest Hope

“When my dear April died, more than one friend asked me if I found solace in the fact that her death had brought an end to her suffering. In one sense, yes: I’m glad that she is no longer shivering in pain and rejoice that she is with Christ for he is a far better husband than I ever was. Even in death, God is faithful. But in another sense, ‘no.'”

Flashback: 10 Common but Illegitimate Reasons to Divorce

It is clear in the Bible that God’s intention for marriage is that it remain in effect until the death of one spouse. I believe it is also quite clear that God has provided a limited set of circumstances in which a marriage can legitimately be severed. However, many people—even Christians—offer reasons to divorce that are not sanctioned by God.

The gospel provides the only true remedy for sexual brokenness. The theological and pastoral challenges we face in the transgender revolution are indeed enormous, but they are not beyond the sufficiency of Christ’s cross and resurrection.

—Al Mohler

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Be sure to take a look at the “Blue Friday” sale this week at Logos. There is lots of good material on sale—books, commentaries, reference works, series, and more.

(Yesterday on the blog: She Died Too Soon)

Why You Don’t Need to Worry (So Much) about Your Schooling Choices

“Some parents seem to know exactly how they’re going to school their children from a very early age—whether homeschool, private school, or public school—never second-guessing themselves at any point from kindergarten through twelfth grade. That’s awesome. Terrific! I applaud those parents and commend them for their commitment to whichever school choice they’ve made for their kids. But this article isn’t for those parents. This article is for the rest of us…”

Let The Fire Fall (Video)

The John 10:10 Project has such neat videos: like this new one that celebrates “Firefall,” the phenomenon that takes place in February at Yosemite.

Charles Spurgeon on Social Justice

In the past century, one question has constantly plagued the church: How should the people of God respond to social issues? Rather than buying in to the “social gospel,” Alex DiPrima looks back to an unexpected source for biblical clarity: Charles Haddon Spurgeon. (Sponsored Link)

Why Baptists Can’t Be Theonomists

“Two recent events highlight that being a Baptist is incompatible with being a theonomist or Christian nationalist.” Joe Carter explains why these two things tend to be incompatible.

What Is Mormonism?

Ligonier Ministries offers a really helpful introduction to Mormonism. “Mormonism teaches that there are many gods, with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit being three separate gods among many others. Furthermore, it is also possible for humans to ascend to godhood. Obedience to moral laws and observance of religious rituals are central to the Mormon faith.”

13 Pieces of Unconventional Preaching Advice

I don’t agree with all of this advice, but do think each of the 13 pieces is worth considering.

‘Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall’ Is No Longer a Fairy Tale

Trevin Wax: “Your phone is designed every day, every hour, to tell you that you’re the center of the universe. If your phone is your world, and if the settings and apps are tailored to you and your interests, then with you at all times is a world that revolves around you. No wonder we find it hard to set the phone aside. Nothing else has the same effect of putting us at the center. Nothing else makes us feel more in control, more Godlike, more knowledgeable, more connected.”

Flashback: The Beauty of Duty

In former days Christians…longed to be dutiful in devotion, dutiful in obedience, dutiful in every responsibility and every role. They believed that from their duty would grow a deepening delight.

Like Daniel in the Old Testament, we are called to live out the lifestyle of the Jerusalem (above) to which we belong, even when we live in the Babylon (below) where we don’t really belong.

—Sinclair Ferguson

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March Matchups at Logos has wrapped up for the year and lots of great deals are ready for the taking. You’ll find 50% off Preaching the Word Commentary Series, 57% off Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary, 60% off Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Collection, and so on. Get them all here.

I did add just a couple of new Kindle deals to the list as well.

(Yesterday on the blog: Behind-the-Scenes: Endorsements)

Midlife, Christ Is

Jared Wilson reflects on midlife. “Midlife brings new insecurities and awakenings to long-dormant regrets. Many of us face empty nests and the prospect of, in effect, starting over with spouses we’ve only related to for so long as co-parents rather than as partners or friends. Many of us face the reality of aging parents and any fears or worries or responsibilities that come with that.”

Pastors and Social Media

“If I were on a church’s pastoral search committee, one question I would have for each candidate is: What social media accounts do you use, how often do you publish on them, and who in your life has total access to your page and your private messages and could confront you, if necessary, about anything on there?” Samuel James explains.

Wood Wide Web

The John 10:10 Project has another of their fascinating videos.

The Great Reunion Awaits: Reflections a Year After Nanci Entered Heaven

Randy Alcorn: “A year ago … on March 28, 2022, I said goodbye—for now—to my wife, Nanci, who was also my partner, soulmate, and best friend. The pilgrimage of grief, though full of learning and enrichment, is one I would gladly exchange to have my wife with me again. And yet…not really, because I recognize God’s sovereignty and love, and His perfect plan, and the fact that my wife is now happier than she has ever been.”

What Is Lust?

What is lust? That’s a good question…

When Did Jesus Die? (Do We Know the Day and Time?)

“Ever wondered, ‘When did Jesus die?’ It’s a perfectly reasonable question as we near the celebration of Easter. The good news is there’s a fairly straightforward answer.”

Flashback: It’s Better To Suffer Wrong

Whatever we have suffered has not taken place outside of his will, beyond his providence, or past the jurisdiction of his sovereignty. This injustice was not unforeseen by God and did not catch him by surprise.

We forget too easily the words of the Lord Jesus; but He never forgets a promise He makes!

—J.R. Miller

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Blessings to you today, my friends.

(Yesterday on the blog: What Does Your Faith Do For You?)

Dolphins

The latest video from the John 10:10 Project looks at some of God’s most incredible creatures.

The New Testament Explosion

Mitch Chase considers the significance of the NT being written over just 50 years or so (where the OT was written over about 1,000).

What to Do Before You Read the Bible

Joe Holland shares the prayer he prays before he reads the Bible. “Father, as I approach your Word today, would you comfort me, confront me, and use it your Word to conform me more and more into the image of your Son, through the power of your Spirit, Amen.”

‘I Don’t Want to Die’

This such a tragic yet important article. “Since Canada legalized euthanasia in 2016, there has been a strange balancing act at the heart of its medical system. There is a national suicide prevention hotline you can call 24/7, where sympathetic operators will try to talk you out of killing yourself. But today there are also euthanasia hotlines, where operators will give you the resources you need to carry out your wish. Doctors and nurse practitioners are now in the business of saving the lives of some patients while providing death to others.”

Where Do You Draw Lines for Ministry Partnerships?

I enjoyed John Piper’s explanation of where he draws lines when it comes to ministry partnerships.

What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God?

Harry Reeder explains the well-known (but perhaps not well-understood) words of Romans 12:1.

Flashback: When the Battlefield Goes Quiet

We have scorned what God loves and loved what God scorns. Yet in his mercy God has saved us and indwelled us by his Spirit and begun to give us new desires, new longings for holiness.

The best moment of a Christian’s life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven. And then it is that he begins to strike the keynote of the song which he shall sing to all eternity.

—C.H. Spurgeon

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Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

Today’s Kindle deals include some good picks from Jen Wilkin.

(Yesterday on the blog: We Do Not Know Until…)

My Anchor Holds

“Waves crashed against the steel hull. Winds whipped around as the frame of the ship lurched back and forth. A rusty chain stretched from the aft side of the vessel and disappeared below the foaming waters. Yet as the rain pelted through the treacherous night—the anchor held.”

It’s a Wonderful Telescope (Video)

This video from the John 10:10 Project combines astronomy, Scripture, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

God Does Not Forget Prayers or Promises

Barbara Harper has a sweet devotional about prayers and promises.

Alistair Begg on Romans 1

Alistair Begg has been preaching through Romans 1 and I am finding it tremendously beneficial. I highly recommend it. You can watch it, listen to it, or read it at the link.

Stay Awake!

“What is the action we are looking for that requires us to steer clear of bedclothes and keep the energy bills high? What are we being charged to do? What is required of us in this text? Such questions deserve our mental energy. So, take a minute to open your Bible to Luke 12:35-40 and ask yourself, “What is the action for which I am to be prepared?” What is the thing I must do?”

Five Truths You Must Consider When You Are Angry

I’d probably suggest you should consider these five truths before you are angry (so you have them available when you’re actually angry).

Flashback: Do Not Be Surprised if the World Hates You

My friend, the more you love and honor God, the more you expose the evil of those who do not. The more you expose the evil of those who dishonor God, the more they’ll hate you. They’ll hate you because of who you love, because of who you resemble. They hated Jesus and they’ll hate those who are like Jesus.

Some Christians make the mistake of pitting love against law, as if the two were mutually exclusive. You either have a religion of love or a religion of law. But such an equation is profoundly unbiblical.

—Kevin DeYoung

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For those who have been looking for it, the song “In the Valley (Bless the Lord)” which was written to go along with Seasons of Sorrow has now made its way to Spotify, Apple Music, and so on. You should now be able to listen to it wherever you listen to good music!

Speaking of the book, if you have been wondering what it’s all about, there are now a few reviews out there you can read: Donna Evans; The Palest Ink; Lisa LaGeorge.

Westminster Books is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Piper’s classic Let the Nations Be Glad by putting it and other similar titles on sale. At Amazon you’ll find some Kindle deals.

One Last Magnificent Porous Day

This is really good: “For one brief day the world was porous again. For one brief day we recognised that the invisible world still leaks into the visible. For one brief day – perhaps one final day – transcendence was admitted into the public square in the modern Western world, and we all stood and acknowledged it.” (See also Intermission: Last Post for Christian England)

Sharpshooter

The John 10:10 Project has another neat video. “It’s not particularly big, fast, or strong, yet the archerfish is one of the most proficient hunters in all of nature. Inhabiting shallow estuaries from India to Australia, the archer generates powerful jets of fluid that routinely dislodge insects clinging to branches up to six feet above the water line.”

Remembering Rich Mullins

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Rich Mullins died. Lisa remembers him in this article.

Conservative Theology Marks many new Canadians

I’m so thankful that my church has also been blessed in the ways Clint describes here. “The encouraging feature of many of the new Canadians at my church is the fact that they are bringing their theology with them. And the theology is good.”

Raising Emotional Healthy Ministry Kids

Eliza Huie: “This article is written for parents who are serving in ministry, and it is for the church. We all have a part in raising emotionally healthy ministry kids. Below are three issues ministry kids face and what parents and the church can do.”

Something to Eat

Andrea expresses a matter of caution here that we’d do well to consider.

Flashback: No Hand But His Ever Holds the Shears

If it is our loving gardener who does the pruning, we can be sure there are never any unwise or careless cuts. Though we may not know why this branch has had to be trimmed or that one removed, we do know the one who wields the blade.

A person may not allow us to talk to them about God, but they cannot keep us from talking to God about them. The power of Intercession!

—Paul Washer

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May the God of love and peace be with you today.

It’s Zondervan who is headlining today’s list of Kindle deals.

(Yesterday on the blog: Prayers That God Will Not Answer)

Fantastic Fireflies (Video)

The John 10:10 Project continues its stellar series of videos on the wonders of God’s creation.

God’s Sovereignty, Our Suffering, and Robots

“Christianity faces a tough question regarding the conflict between the Bible’s claim toward God’s sovereignty and our suffering. This question can be asked in a variety of ways—from skeptics’ challenges (‘How can you say there is a God?’) to saints’ laments (‘Why God, why?’). In this article, written more to the saint than to the skeptic, I’d like to address one weak answer to this question and offer three better ones.”

The First Lesson of Prayer

“Prayer is essential to our spiritual lives. That’s probably not a surprise to anyone. But what is a surprise is how many of us think we are terrible at praying.” J.A. Medders addresses this well.

Heap burning coals on his head?

What does the Bible mean when it speaks of heaping burning coals on a person’s head? This article offers a plausible explanation.

The Miseducation of the Pastor

“When it comes to theological education, this means most students enter seminary thinking that what they need above all is to master theological truths, when what they chiefly need is to be mastered by these truths. To say this another way, what seminary students most need to learn is the way of life that emerges among those who have received scriptural truths not merely as facts to be memorized, preached, and defended, but as theological givens, as bricks in a foundation upon which they live and move and have their being.”

20 Scriptures to guide our online speech

Just like the title says, here is Scripture that can help guide our online speech.

Flashback: Accomplishments as High as Heaven, Character as Low as Hell

No one ever resigns. No one ever steps aside. No one ever has such integrity that he counts himself disqualified and removes himself from public ministry. Or very few, anyway.

The price of victory is constant vigilance. Yes, there is grace to cover all our sin; but that grace leads us to mortify it, not to tolerate it. —Sinclair Ferguson

Good morning, my friends. Grace and peace to you today.

In case you missed it, there was a very good list of Kindle deals on Saturday.

I just wanted to offer the reminder that my latest book, Knowing and Enjoying God, is available and perhaps a reasonable gift or devotional option.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Tail End of our Tale)

12 Observations on Spiritual Authority

Samuel James makes some interesting observations about spiritual authority here.

Deconstructing Deconstructionism

“Conversations about deconstruction seem to be ubiquitous. Legion are the number of articles, social media links, sermon series, and videos dedicated to critiquing existing theological traditions, parachurch platforms, or public religious figures. While those engaging in this phenomenon have done so from several vantage points, two common approaches are taken by those leaving churches that teach historic Christian doctrine and ethics. Simply put, those approaches are exaggeration and ambiguity.”

An Open Letter to Listeners of “The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill”

I expect some will vociferously disagree with this article, but we’re rarely harmed by a thoughtful challenge, are we? “Mark Driscoll, based upon the charges brought against him from Mars Hill leaders and members, was unfit to be a pastor, but, if you didn’t attend Mars Hill, is that any of your business? What is your role (if any) in this painful experience?”

Watch Keith & Kristyn Getty’s Irish Christmas Concert FREE

Join Ireland’s own Keith & Kristyn Getty for a one-night-only livestream of Sing! An Irish Christmas—live from the Museum of the Bible! Gather your family and sing the songs of Christmas together again through soaring melodies and foot-stomping Irish-American renditions of your favorite Christmas hymns. RSVP today and receive a FREE digital download of our keepsake hymnal and program book featuring new songs from the Gettys, devotional material and advent readings, and more! (Sponsored Link)

‘Tis the Season for Topigetical Sermons

“The Christmas season is upon us, which gives us Reformed Christians another reason to fight. Huzzah! Or less cynically, it’s time for the annual intramural debates which have other Christians scratching their heads about all the fuss” I suppose the more Reformed you are, the more this may make sense to you.

Advent & Christmas Videos for 2021

Here’s a roundup of some advent and Christian videos you may enjoy and may wish to share.

Conservatives in both Parliament and the Senate allow Canada’s conversion therapy ban to pass with zero opposition

This one is largely for the Canadians who are trying to better understand what happened with Bill C-4 (and how all the parties let us down so badly). “It came as a nasty and heartbreaking shock when on the afternoon of December 1, the Conservative Party presented a motion to fast-track Bill C-4, skipping the entire deliberative process entirely to send the bill directly to the Senate. The motion passed with unanimous consent — not a single MP stood up to say ‘nay.’”

Come Let Us Adore Him (Video)

This is a neat little video from the John 10:10 Project.

Flashback: When God Goes Big And I Go Small

God gives us his commands but also gives us wisdom to apply them in all the intricacies of life—especially life in a messy, sin-stained world.

As soon as a penitent appears in the doorway of God’s throne-room, the golden sceptre of His royal forgiveness is stretched out for him to touch.

—F.B. Meyer

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May the God of love and peace be with you today.

(Yesterday on the blog: Helpful Things You Can Say to Grieving Parents)

Do We Really Want Everything That Technology Can Give Us?

Gene Veith asks, “Do we want technology that overrides our agency as human beings? That babysits us? That keeps us in line? My sense is that we want technology that extends what we can do. Not technology that imposes itself upon us, or that creates conditions that we have to submit to, or that goes against the grain of our humanness.”

WHAT-A-WING!

Here’s a neat new video from the John 10:10 Project.

Eikon Fall 2021

CBMW has released a new edition of their journal Eikon. There are lots of good articles and reviews to read.

Does Mathematics = Western Imperialism?

Here, from Nancy Pearcy, is one of those articles from Eikon. She looks at the charge that math is a form of Western imperialism.

Practicing

Just on time for Thanksgiving, Susan Lafferty reflects on gratitude. (See also Thankfulness Is God’s Will for You by Jonathan Landry Cruse.)

It’s Too Loud in Here

“Is it just my elderly thirtysomething ears, or is popular music significantly louder than it used to be? Even coffee shop music seems able to drown our my thinking nowadays, much less the thunderous synth beats that assault me while shopping or eating. Movie soundtracks feel turned up to 100. And it’s not just music. People seem louder than before.” Quite right!

Flashback: A Simple But Life-Changing Realization

You may not see your sin so completely and utterly vanquished that it never raises its ugly head again. But you can see massive, unbelievable success against that sin.

When you do relationships through the love of God, you learn over and over again that love has a lot less to do with feelings and a lot more to do with forgiveness.

—Jared C. Wilson

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May the God of love and peace be with you today.

There are, as usual, a few Kindle deals for those who are interested.

I also noticed Hasbro has a lot of games on sale at Amazon today.

(Yesterday on the blog: Extending the Borders and Enlarging the Territory)

Cultivating a Gracious Climate in Your Church

“A message of grace may attract people, but a culture of grace will keep them. What our churches need, not in exchange for a gospel message but as a witness to it, is a gospeled climate. But how do you get that? How do you develop in your church community a safe space to confess, be broken, be ‘not okay’? What are some ways to cultivate a climate of grace in your church?” Jared Wilson explains.

Skeleton Keys (Video)

This new video from The John 10:10 Project is a wee bit unusual, but still informative.

The Hard Blessing of Conjoined Twins

“Dwight and Stephanie Castle’s twin babies don’t sleep at the same time. When one is resting, the other is moving around, kicking and wiggling and babbling. The problem is, the girls are attached—from chest to belly button. The awake baby is constantly bumping her sleeping sister.” Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra reports.

Commercialising Church

“I won’t speculate what their problems may be, but this is a terrible idea. So terrible it surely only needs to be laughed at. What we offer we offer for free. Yes, we ask for people’s money, that’s how all churches exist and continue to run, but these are generous offerings in response to what they received from God.” This article explains why Facebook’s proposed options for churches may be a terrible idea.

Peace. Be Still.

Susan Lafferty explains the importance of the time Jesus said these words.

The Search For Answers And Two Responses When You Find Them

“We look not only for lost or misplaced items, we’re also looking for answers. Truths to address our feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and hurt; the reasons for our pain and suffering, or the next step to take when we face a fork in the road. Trying to fit the pieces of our puzzle together, we look desperately to the world around us for solutions and try different methods of escape or resolution.”

Flashback: 5 Bad Substitutes for Discipline

In her book Parenting Against the Tide, Ann Benton lists five poor substitutes for disciplining our children—five poor substitutes that fail to address the heart.

You are sanctified by remembering and believing afresh that you are justified by what Jesus did on the cross for you.

—David Powlison

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Good morning. May grace and peace be with you today.

(Yesterday on the blog: Richer Blood Than Ours)

What the Seasons Say

Glenna Marshall: “Sometimes I’ve wondered why God created things the way He did. Why day and night? Why four seasons? Why the divisions in days and years?” I like her answer.

God Is in the Details (Video)

You may enjoy this latest video from the John 10:10 Project.

For Better, for Worse…

“Last week I came across a remarkable story. Jean-Pierre Adams was a French footballer in the 1970s and 80s, and he passed away on the 6th September, aged 73. He was capped 22 times for France, and was part of a formidable defensive duo for the national side. He played over 250 games for Nice, Nimes and Paris Saint-Germain. But what makes this story remarkable is that for the past 39 years he has been in a coma, looked after tirelessly by his wife.”

Signaling Our Consumption

John Beeson: “We no longer just buy things. A choice to purchase your groceries at Whole Foods, to take your family to Chic-Fil-A, to wear Patagonia clothing, or eat Ben & Jerry’s ice cream communicates something to everyone watching. Brands are tripping over themselves to signal the loudest.”

You Need Christ to Put Your Sin to Death

Dane Ortlund writes about putting sin to death. “There is the kind of pain that comes to us without our permission—suffering, anguish, frustration, washing into our lives contrary to what we want or expect. But alongside this kind of pain in which we are passive is another kind of pain in which we are active. I refer to the age-old discipline that theologians call mortification.”

The Frustrating Paradox of Serving with an Amiable Autocrat

I appreciate this term: amiable autocrat. “It’s possible to be a pleasant tyrant. Nice dictators exist, at least in the leadership sense. I refer to these types of leaders in the church as amiable autocrats. Friendly church dictators rule from their positional authority. They order everyone around because their title enables them to do so, and they do it with a smile.”

Flashback: How To Lose Your Zeal for Christ

Are you zealous for Christ? Do you have a genuine zeal to live for him and to advance his cause in the world? Or have you lost the zeal that once marked you?

There is no lesson that husbands and wives need more to learn, than instantly and always to seek forgiveness of each other whenever they are conscious of having in any way caused pain or committed a wrong.

—J.R. Miller

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Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians. I hope and trust you enjoy your holiday while celebrating the country God has called us to serve.

Today’s Kindle deals include a pretty good list of women’s titles from Crossway.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Canada Day Family Update)

Hard to Offend, Easy to Please

Hard to offend and easy to please–that’s a good way to live. “Cynicism. It’s now in the air we breathe, the thoughts we indulge, the words we whisper, the comments we post. Is this really avoidable, though?”

Find the Way Home (Video)

I thoroughly enjoy videos like this one from the John 10:10 Project. “Of all the epic animal migrations on earth, the sea turtle’s odyssey is one of the most remarkable. After hatching, baby sea turtles instinctively race to the sea where they float, swim, and grow for many years. Then, after reaching maturity, each uses a sophisticated navigational system embedded in its brain to chart the precise course back to the exact beach where it was born. There, the turtles lay their eggs and ensure future generations of their species.”

The Word of God in the Quiet Voice

“Most of us would love to have a clear, personal experience of God. Wouldn’t it be great to see a vision, or be visited by an angel, or to have some miracle happen in front of us? We’d all like the spectacular things we see sometimes in the Bible to happen to us. There are streams of Christianity that actively aim for these kinds of experiences, trying to find some special feeling of God and powerful demonstration of his power.”

10 Reasons to Read the Bible Aloud in Church

Here are 10 solid reasons to prioritize reading the Bible aloud during church services.

Is the Devil Really in the Details?

“‘The devil is in the details.’ I’ve often seen the validity of that phrase in politics. It makes perfect sense when reading the small print at the bottom of a contract, or if one is faced with a major decision and sometimes even in relationships.” But is the devil really in the details?

The Turning Tide of Intellectual Atheism

This is a very interesting look at the turning tide of intellectual atheism. “Not so long ago, the atheists who retreated to their Darwinian towers and bricked themselves up to fire arrows at the faithful wanted to be there. Their intellectual silos were a refuge from faith because they didn’t want Christianity to be true. They hated it and thought we’d be better off without it…”

Did Jesus Say He’d Return within His Disciples’ Lifetimes?

Craig Blomberg answers the question on behalf of TGC.

Flashback: Does Your Church Truly Care for True Widows?

Today, God still provides for his needy people, and does so particularly through his church. God is spiritually present in this world through his Spirit, but he’s physically present through his church.

The Bible makes it clear that we live in a world with endless threats. In this world getting rid of all of your worries is not an option. Instead the Lord counters your fear with comfort.

—Ed Welch

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Good morning! The Lord be with you and bless you today.

If We Don’t Love, We Won’t Last

Jon Bloom: “In recent years, I have watched churches I love dearly fracture, and even break apart. And in the cases I have in mind, the breaks weren’t over doctrinal disagreements or gross immorality, but over offenses given and taken. Longtime friends, having lost trust in one another, could no longer fellowship together.”

What Does It Mean For God to Be Our Father?

Justin Huffman briefly explores some of what it means that God is our Father.

4 More Reasons Planned Parenthood Should Apologize

Planned Parenthood has begun to confront the notorious racism of its founder. Joe Carter suggests there are some other things it ought to apologize for as well.

The Book Of Acts, Mark Dever And John Piper (JUNE 23-24TH)*LIVE*

Join Radius International at Bethlehem Baptist for this live conference. You won’t want to miss the main sessions and the breakouts (Parenting in missions, Movement methodology, Business for Missions, etc.). Free books from Banner of Truth, Desiring God and 9Marks will also be a highlight. We hope you can join us. (Sponsored Link)

Vacuuming Lines

“As the oldest of six and a mother of six, I have done my share of house cleaning. My hands have scrubbed many a toilet, dusted countless surfaces and mopped more kitchen floors than I’d care to count.”

An Open Letter to the Christian at a Secular College

Students at secular colleges would do well to read Michael Kruger’s open letter.

God Doesn’t Make Junk (Video)

You’ll probably enjoy this latest video from the John 10:10 Project. “On a planet filled with living organisms that are wonderfully equipped to travel though water, one surprising creature stands out as the most efficient swimmer of them all…”

Flashback: The Worst Consequence of Skipping Church

This passage does not warn us that when we skip church we put ourselves at risk. Rather, it warns us that when we skip church we put other people at risk. The first sin of skipping church is the sin of failing to love others.

It is in sin that the only delight of natural men is; but in holiness they have no more delight than a fish upon the earth, or a sow in a palace.

—Thomas Boston

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Here’s a final reminder that the good folk at Faithlife have asked me to let you know about an upcoming free webinar for church leaders who are preparing for fall ministry in light of COVID.

It’s not the best day ever for Kindle deals, but I did unearth a few at least.

Enjoying Imperfection

“Only God does all things perfectly. In a world that has written God out of the story, we have written ourselves into the role of perfection-attainment. And it is killing us—our dusty little frames, our finite abilities can’t handle it. It’s not that we shouldn’t ever aim to be the best—it’s about what we do when we fall short. And what failing does to us. It’s realising that not all things need to be the ‘best’, but can simply be enjoyed for what they are.”

18 Trillion Feet of You (Video)

The John 10:10 Project produces some neat videos, like this new one about DNA. “Through extraordinary computer animation you’ll discover how the more than 18 trillion feet of DNA in your body is organized, stored and processed.”

Joshua Janavel and the Plight of the Waldensians

I’ve always thought the Waldensians haven’t gotten as much attention in church history as they should have. This is a good little look at a part of their history.

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

There are some great, comical shots in this year’s collection.

What Makes a Man — or a Woman? Lost Voices on a Vital Question

This has always been an important question, but perhaps never more so than today. “When it comes to understanding what it means to be a man or a woman, we live in a confused and confusing time. Distinctions that were obvious to previous generations are no longer so clear. The reasons for this confusion are complex, and addressing the question requires not only wisdom but also courage.”

The Other Side of the Coin

I think Eddie addresses a genuine concern here, in his call for confident and passionate prayer.

How Costco Became A Massive “Members Only” Retailer (Video)

I enjoyed this video explaining how Costco got so respected and so big.

Flashback: What Makes the Spiritual Gifts Discussion Different

We cannot allow the apparent lack of gifts to make us turn to Scripture already determined to prove their cessation; we cannot allow the apparent existence of gifts to make us turn to Scripture already determined to validate their continuation.

Fiery trials make golden Christians.

—Theodore Cuyler

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