A Bible Reading Plan for Readers

A Bible Reading Plan for Readers - You can do this!

10 Things on Thinking Ahead in the New Year

10 Things on Thinking Ahead inthe New Year – Ed Stetzer offers up good questions to give focus to your priorities in the new year.

Your Most Courageous Resolution for 2014

Your Most Courageous Resolution for 2014 – Jon Bloom suggests making love your aim and then offers suggestions for how to do it.

4 Godly Disciplines Unique to this Decade

4 Godly Disciplines Unique to this Decade - These are worth pursuing for all ages.

Trading One Dramatic Resolution for 10,000 Little Ones

Trading One Dramatic Resolution for 10,000 Little Ones – Paul Tripp shares an important observation on how change really happens.

40 Resolutions to Consider Making in 2014

40 Resolutions to Consider Making in 2014 – If you need some suggestions, this isn’t a bad list to explore.

Our Year with the Bible – Infographic

Our Year with the Bible – Infographic – Interesting stats from the YouVersion Bible App.

Evangelizing Prosperity Gospel Adherents

Evangelizing Prosperity Gospel Adherents - The Prosperity Gospel is false teaching, it's popular, and it finds its way into our hearts more than we realize.

Your First Christmas Without Him/Her

Your First Christmas Without Him/Her – A good reminder with a strong conclusion.

How to Read the Whole Bible in 2014

How to Read the Whole Bible in 2014 - This article offers a variety of Bible reading helps and resources for your 2014 reading plans.

How Do We Know the Holy Spirit Is a Person?

How Do We Know the Holy Spirit Is a Person? - A good, simple doctrinal lesson on the Holy Spirit.

Five Truths About the Incarnation

Five Truths About the Incarnation – Jesus came in the flesh. What does the incarnation say to us?

Five Things We Can Learn from our Children at Christmas

Five Things We Can Learn from our Children at Christmas – "There’s a reason Jesus tells us to come to him like children. Trust is at the heart of how children experience Christmas. Here are five ways we can learn this from our children."

A Prayer of Awe on Christmas Eve

A Prayer of Awe on Christmas Eve - Let this prayer prepare your heart for Christmas worship.

Christmas: The Isaiah 9:6 Savior

Christmas: The Isaiah 9:6 Savior – He has come!

None Like Christ, None Like Christ, None Like Christ

None Like Christ, None Like Christ, None Like Christ - From John Brown of Haddington (1722-1787).

The Shocking Implications of Incarnation

The Shocking Implications of Incarnation - "The incarnation is shocking. It is outrageous to think that an infinite and holy God would voluntarily become finite to live with unholy sinners. In fact, the incarnation is so appalling that it separates Christianity from Islam and Judaism." 

9 Things You Should Know About Christmas

9 Things You Should Know About Christmas - You should know.

A Prayer for More Christmas Hush, Less Christmas Rush

A Prayer for More Christmas Hush, Less Christmas Rush - A prayer appropriate for this day.

World, Get With the Program: Joy! Joy! Joy!

World, Get With the Program: Joy! Joy! Joy! – John Piper writes a devotional thought on Joy to the World by Isaac Watts. “The song is indeed about the Christmas coming — and the present reigning, and the final future coming to renovate the world.”

See the article…

5 Things Christians Should Stop Saying

5 Things Christians Should Stop Saying – This is a familiar list of sayings and worth considering.

Celebrating Christmas in the Face of Grief and Sorrow

Celebrating Christmas in the Face of Grief and Sorrow – Al Mohler addresses those who know grief and loss this Christmas. He writes, “The sentiment and joy of the season is often accompanied by very different emotions and memories. At some point, every Christian home is invaded by the pressing memory of loved ones who can no longer gather—of empty chairs and empty arms, and aching hearts.”

See the full article….

It's Not Us Against Them

It's Not Us Against Them – “If we are going to be hated, it should be for the sake of Christ, not because we are obnoxiously insisting on our freedom. Our freedom is not of this world. We have a greater liberty than any nation or legislation could give us.”   See the article...

Mary’s Model for Mothers

Mary’s Model for Mothers – “God chose Mary, set this peculiar favor on her, and gave all moms a model to study closely.”

9 Reasons to Pray

9 Reasons to Pray - The reasons may be more far-reaching than you realize.

The Soil of the Prosperity Gospel

The Soil of the Prosperity Gospel - How did an unbiblical teaching come to be so widely embraced in our culture?

Must Christians Believe in the Virgin Birth?

Must Christians Believe in the Virgin Birth? – Al Mohler speaks to this key biblical doctrine that is often discarded. Why is it important?

Race, Reconciliation, and Phil Robertson

Race, Reconciliation, and Phil Robertson - The GQ interview stirred considerable controversy regarding homosexuality in America. Less press has been given to Robertson's comments about racism in the South during his early years. The author of this article reminds readers of the responsibility Christians have for consistent testimony and always being prepared to share the truth in love..

The Greatest Blessing Mary Received

The Greatest Blessing Mary Received – Jon Bloom shares a devotional thought on Mary’s blessings.

Christmas According to Luke

Christmas According to Luke - What does Luke teach us in his gospel account about the story of Jesus' coming?

Duck Dynasty?

Duck Dynasty? – David Moore speaks well to the cultural issues surrounding Phil Robertson’s suspension from Duck Dynasty.

The Cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas

The Cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas – This is an infographic to get you up to date.

For Christmas - 3 Quotes on God Becoming Man – Great quotes from great men on the Incarnation of Christ.

When Nothing Created Everything

When Nothing Created Everything - Joe Carter writes, “This is what our culture has been missing for far too long—a creation story for young atheistic materialists.” It's a fun read.

The “Duck Dynasty” Controversy

The “Duck Dynasty” Controversy– Al Mohler weighs in on the larger issues of the current controversy.

Survival Tips for the Divided Family Christmas

Survival Tips for the Divided Family Christmas – The article provides helpful advice for navigating complicated family gatherings this Christmas.

15 Ways to Bless Your Missionaries This Christmas without Paying Postage

15 Ways to Bless Your Missionaries This Christmas without Paying Postage - Many of us have personal relationships with missionaries. This list is a good starting point for encouraging them in service to the Lord.

Pope Francis, TIME's Person of the Year, and What Evangelicals Might Learn

Pope Francis, TIME's Person of the Year, and What Evangelicals Might Learn – Ed Stetzer provides a good perspective on what draws the world’s attentions.

What Joseph Can Teach Us About Biblical Manhood

What Joseph Can Teach Us About Biblical Manhood - The article by Justin Neeley makes several good points for men to consider.

You Will Never Be the Same

You Will Never Be the Same – “Most evangelicals these days just want a gospel Snuggie. Wrap us up. Hold us tight. Numb us until we can feel nothing but hazy contentment.” The message of this article by Owen Strachan is that God has more and better for you than that.

Can You Name These Christmas Songs?

Can You Name These Christmas Songs? – Here’s a list to test your Christmas music skills. There are twenty-four of these. The answers are below. No cheating.

1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas

2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres

3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling

4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors

5. The apartment of two psychiatrists

6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist

7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis

8. Decorate the entryways

9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element

10. Oh small Israel urban center

11. Far off in a haybin

12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole

13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season

14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation

15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season

16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully

17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in the dark hours

18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction

19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe

20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense organ?

21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck

22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster

23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans

24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation, darling

ANSWERS

1. Oh Holy Night

2. Jingle Bell Rock

3. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

4. All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

5. The Nutcracker Suite

6. Little Drummer Boy

7. Silent Night

8. Deck the Halls

9. Silver Bells

10. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

11. Away in a Manger

12. We Three Kings

13. The Twelve Days of Christmas

14. Go Tell It on the Mountain

15. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

16. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

17. While the Shepherds Guarded Their Flocks By Night

18. I Saw Three Ships

19. Joy to the World

20. Do You Hear What I Hear?

21. Carol of the Bells

22. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

23. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

24. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

A Bible Reading Strategy for 2014

A Bible Reading Strategy for 2014 - This is a good article on ways to enrich and encourage your Bible reading for the new year. 

Consider Your Ways in the New Year

Consider Your Ways in the New Year – This is a good self-evaluation planning tool as you seek God’s direction for the new year.

Five Ways to Love Your Neighbor This Christmas

Five Ways to Love Your Neighbor This Christmas – “The whole Christmas season celebrates God with us. Because God is with us and for us, we are not alone. And neither should our neighbors be, as we have great opportunities during this season to connect with them.”

You Can Be Hospitable Even with Little

You Can Be Hospitable Even with Little - Christians need to elevate the biblical value of hospitality.

Insisting Jesus Was White Is Bad History and Bad Theology

Insisting Jesus Was White Is Bad History and Bad Theology – This article is partly a response to the statement earlier this month of a Fox News host.

My Preferred Way to Read the Bible

My Preferred Way to Read the Bible – Jim Elliff provides some helpful direction and encouragements for your Bible reading and how to make the most of it.

A Fair Analysis of the New NIV

A Fair Analysis of the New NIV - WORLD magazine shares a simple comparison of the 1984 NIV with the new NIV. I mentioned in recent weeks my decision to move to the ESV as my preaching Bible. This is largely due to Zondervan’s decision to stop producing the 1984 version. The author writes:

“It has been seen that the NIV 2011 has many improvements and many regressions over the NIV 1984. While the improvements make the NIV 2011 a valid comparison Bible, the imposed egalitarianism and extreme gender-neutral translations makes this an unhelpful and perhaps misleading reading/study Bible.”

Moral Mayhem Multiplied—Now, It’s Polygamy’s Turn

Moral Mayhem Multiplied—Now, It’s Polygamy’s Turn – Al Mohler writes about the next step in the erosion of marriage.

A Prayer of Praise for John’s Advent Account

A Prayer of Praise for John’s Advent Account - Don't miss the Christmas story from the Gospel of John this season. It is my favorite account of the coming of Christ in the Gospels.

What We Get Wrong About Gift-Giving

What We Get Wrong About Gift-Giving – This is a good perspective on our Christmas madness.

The Scandal of the Semi-Churched

The Scandal of the Semi-Churched - “These aren’t unchurched folks, or de-churched, or under-churched. They are semi-churched.”

Grace for Our Weakness and Need

Grace for Our Weakness and Need – “From birth to regeneration through sanctification, all the way to ultimate glorification–from the cradle to the grave–we are utterly, absolutely, entirely, always dependent on His grace! God’s grace is His all-sufficient provision for every need we will ever have.”

How to Get People to Read the Bible Without Making Them Feel Dumb

How to Get People to Read the Bible Without Making Them Feel Dumb - As you consider plans to read through the Bible in the new year, this article makes several good points to help.

Seven Messages In The Meals

Seven Messages In The Meals – “To the family to whom we are giving a meal because they are going through a challenging time.”

Christmas Generosity

Christmas Generosity – “How can we reflect God’s generosity toward our family, our church, and our world at Christmas?”

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus - Nabeel Qureshi aims to help Christians better love their Muslim neighbors by providing an insider's perspective into a Muslim's heart and mind. This article is an interview with Qureshi about his book.

9 Things You Should Know About The Hobbit

9 Things You Should Know About The Hobbit - I'm glad I know.

The Greatest Obstacle to Personal Happiness

The Greatest Obstacle to Personal Happiness – “Most people think that sinning is the best way to happiness. Otherwise, why would so many spend their days figuring out how to sin bigger and better? However, sin is the greatest enemy to our happiness.”

Rethinking Our Holly-Jolly Christmas Songs

Rethinking Our Holly-Jolly Christmas Songs – Russell Moore writes, “Even in the best of times, we all know that we live in a groaning universe, a world of divorce courts and cancer cells and concentration camps. Just as we sing with joy about the coming of the Promised One, we ought also to sing with groaning that he is not back yet (Rom. 8:23), sometimes with groanings too deep for lyrics.”...

Analysis of Wikipedia Data Has Determined that Jesus Is ‘The Most Significant Person Ever'

Analysis of Wikipedia Data Has Determined that Jesus Is ‘The Most Significant Person Ever' – I could have told them that…

Grace has Arrived on the Scene

Grace has Arrived on the Scene – A good word on the gift of God’s Son.

A Moral Revolution at Warp Speed—Now, It’s Wedding Cakes

A Moral Revolution at Warp Speed—Now, It’s Wedding Cakes – Just so you know, same-sex marriage will affect you and your biblical beliefs. Here’s another example…

Leviticus, the Read Through the Bible in One Year Widow Maker

Leviticus, the Read Through the Bible in One Year Widow Maker – a funny article from Jon Acuff.

The Allure of Middle-Earth

The Allure of Middle-Earth – This one is for my fellow Tolkien fans. The author of the article writes, “We were built for a king.”

Do Tummy Aches Disprove God?

Do Tummy Aches Disprove God? - This article is a part of a series on apologetics and biblical worldview.

A Prayer for Trusting God with the Impossible

A Prayer for Trusting God with the Impossible - Why not? We worship a God of the impossible.

Answering Four Street-Level Arguments for Sexual Immorality

Answering Four Street-Level Arguments for Sexual Immorality - Matt Chandler addresses four common things we hear about issues of sexual morality.

The Hopes and Fears of All the Years

The Hopes and Fears of All the Years – A devotional thought on the little town of Bethlehem.

How Can Jesus Not Know But Still Be Divine?

How Can Jesus Not Know But Still Be Divine? - This article is from a series on Bible questions addressed by The Gospel Coalition writers. At the end, you can decide if the question has been answered. It’s complicated.

Nelson Mandela and the Ironies of History

Nelson Mandela and the Ironies of History – Al Mohler writes about Mandela’s life and avoids the extremes we sometimes run into.

A Prayer for the Second Sunday of Advent

A Prayer for the Second Sunday of Advent

Lay Aside the Weight of Christmas Expectations

Lay Aside the Weight of Christmas Expectations – “At Christmastime, it’s good for us to remember just how dangerous fantasies are.”

Why Hobby Lobby’s Case Matters

Why Hobby Lobby’s Case Matters - Business people shouldn't be required to check their faith at the door. This is a well-done op-ed piece from the Los Angeles Times.

12 Reasons You Should Pray Scripture

12 Reasons You Should Pray Scripture – It is a great practice to learn.

Errors of the Prosperity Gospel

Errors of the Prosperity Gospel - This false teaching is popular, common, and tempting. It also has a growing worldwide presence.

Nelson Mandela Has Died: Thoughts and Reaction from South African Pastors

Nelson Mandela Has Died: Thoughts and Reaction from South African Pastors – A unique perspective on Mandela’s life and legacy.

9 Things You Should Know About the Council of Trent

9 Things You Should Know About the Council of Trent - Yesterday marked the 450th anniversary of the closing of the Council of Trent, one of the most significant series of meetings in Christian history. Here are nine things evangelicals should know about the Council and the decrees that it issued.

Today’s Cost to Purchase the ’12 Days of Christmas’ Gifts

Today’s Cost to Purchase the ’12 Days of Christmas’ Gifts  - You know you want to know.

Let a Little Lent into Your Advent

Let a Little Lent into Your Advent – “We cannot keep Bethlehem and Golgotha apart without losing what Christmas really is. There’s a place for focusing on the stable, the shepherds, and the wonder of the incarnation, but to appreciate the depth of what is happening here, we must keep Calvary’s hill on the horizon.”

Adultery Prevention

Adultery Prevention - Rebecca VanDoodewaard writes from a woman’s perspective on how to prevent adultery in marriage.

Finals Week, First Things and Unfavorable Times

Finals Week, First Things and Unfavorable Times – This article hits several key themes with insights from C.S. Lewis. Here is one of his quotes in the article, “Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future.”

The 5 Gossips You Will Meet

The 5 Gossips YouWill Meet – Likely you have met them. If not, you may be them.

A Prayer in Praise of Jesus–the Lord of Advent

A Prayer in Praise of Jesus–the Lord of Advent - a prayer of reflection on Isaiah 9:6-7.

What Will You Say to Jesus?

What Will You Say to Jesus? – In this article from Jonathan Parnell, it’s all about grace.

Defending the Faith – “How Can Jesus Be the Only Way?”

Defending the Faith – “How Can Jesus Be the Only Way?” – This is the first in a series of brief videos by Michael Horton addressing common apologetics questions.

Raising Kids in a Sex-Filled Culture

Raising Kids in a Sex-Filled Culture - “I believe the porn pandemic and other forms of illicit sex are really a result of our failure to love God and our neighbors. Consequently, we cannot merely fixate on ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that’ instruction or on isolating our children. They need to know deep down why we do what we do or don’t do.”

Stopping An Affair Before It Begins

Stopping An Affair Before It Begins - 6 “e’s” to describe the “ease” with which people fall into extra-marital affairs. They are worth considering. 

10 Secrets You Should Know About Marriage

10 Secrets You Should Know About Marriage – The things no one tells you, but that everyone should know.

10 Ways to Show Gratitude the Rest of the Year

10 Ways to Show Gratitude the Rest of the Year - Simple suggestions for cultivating a thankful heart.

You Can't Turn Lemons into Lemonade

You Can't Turn Lemons Into Lemonade - A good spiritual perspective on an old saying.

Wholly Bible: Preaching Parables

Wholly Bible: Preaching Parables – This is a good article for those of us who teach and preach from the parables of Jesus.

Countries That Are Bad for Christians Are Good for Distributing Bibles

Countries That Are Bad for Christians Are Good for Distributing Bibles - Where did demand for Scripture surge last year? Try Syria, Iraq, and Laos, for starters.

Spelling Out Your Views for End-of-Life Care is a ‘Spiritual’ Act

Spelling Out Your Views for End-of-Life Care is a ‘Spiritual’ Act – This article highlights some preparations every person should make…and not just when they are “old”. If you love your family, you will get this settled.

The Expected One Advent Guide

The Expected One Advent Guide - Another advent guide you might consider for family devotions.

Five Things to Teach Your Children This Christmas

Five Things to Teach Your ChildrenThis Christmas – Simple lessons everyone needs to be reminded of.

Four Accounts, One Savior

Four Accounts, One Savior - The significance of Jesus' birth is best understood in the totality of his life, teachings, death, and resurrection.

The Freedom to Be Slaves

The Freedom to Be Slaves - Phil Colgan writes about spiritual maturity.

Four Little Words

Four Little Words - What is the likelihood you’ll be at church on Sunday? 50%? 25%?

Entitlement and Thanksgiving

Entitlement and Thanksgiving - The article gives simple examples of times we are either one or the other.

A Prayer for Overflowing with Thankfulness

A Prayer for Overflowing with Thankfulness - Be generously thankful.

The Spiritual Discipline That Impacts Everything

The Spiritual Discipline That Impacts Everything - As you look toward God's work in your life in 2014, you can't leave this one out.

Ten Times It's Wise to Hold Your Tongue

Ten Times It's Wise to Hold Your Tongue - The Bible tells us to be "slow to speak". Here are examples of such times.

Know Your Christianese: Prayer Edition

Know Your Christianese: Prayer Edition - Interesting article on common prayer lingo.

Happy Thanksgiving from ‘America’s Funniest Videos’

Happy Thanksgiving from ‘America’s Funniest Videos’

Putting Thankfulness Into Practice

PuttingThankfulness Into Practice – There's more to thankfulness than being thankful.

Five Truths About Thanksgiving

Five Truths About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving is a pervasive and essential concept in Scripture. And although it is good to set aside a Thursday each November to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, the Scriptures have more to say about giving thanks than one day a year can handle. Here are five biblical truths about thanksgiving.

True Woman | Five Ways to Make the Holidays More Peaceful

Five Ways to Make the Holidays More Peaceful - Practical advice for Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends.

How to Deal with Holiday Family Tensions

How to Deal with Holiday Family Tensions – Russell Moore writes on a timely topic for Thanksgiving.

10 Days of Simple and Strategic Prayer for Your Church

10 Days of Simple and Strategic Prayer for Your Church - God would do amazing things in such a praying church.

How to Share the Gospel With an Atheist

How to Share the Gospel With an Atheist – This article is simple and covers sharing the Gospel with most people.

9 Things You Should Know About C.S. Lewis

9 Things You Should Know About C.S. Lewis - Today is the 50th anniversary of the death of Clive Staples Lewis, one of the most well known, widely read, and often quoted Christian author of modern times. Here are nine things you should know about the author and apologist who has been called "The Apostle to the Skeptics."

How Can We Give Thanks in All Circumstances?

How Can We Give Thanks in All Circumstances? – Jon Bloom addresses the “all circumstances” part of 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

A Plea to Prospective University Students

A Plea to Prospective University Students - This is a good word on students choosing the place they will attend college. There is much focus on academics and amenities while the spiritual environment and opportunities or deficits are not considered.

Getting Things Done

Getting Things Done - This article gives good summary points of David Allen's book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

5 Things God Teaches Us in the Tragic Deaths of Ananias & Sapphira

5 Things God Teaches Us in the Tragic Deaths of Ananias & Sapphira – J.D. Greear writes, “The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 lets us know that despite the explosion of growth in the early church, they had moments of weakness, even gross sin. I believe that their deaths serve as a warning to the Church today, and that God has a lot to teach us—if we are willing to hear.”

Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

Should Christians Drink Alcohol? - Jim Denison takes on a hot topic and handles it well. He give three reasons why he abstains personally – all reasons I share and have shared with others as well.

12 Reasons Why a Pastor Quit Attending Sporting Events

12 Reasons Why a Pastor Quit Attending Sporting Events – I’ve seen these before but having encountered most of them this week, I thought I’d share.  

1. The coach never came to visit me.
2. Every time I went, they asked for money.
3. The people sitting in my row didn’t seem very friendly.
4. The seats were very hard.
5. The referees made a decision I didn’t agree with.
6. I was sitting with hypocrites—they only came to see what others were wearing!
7. Some games went into overtime and I was late getting home.
8. The band played some songs I had never heard before.
9. The games are scheduled on my only day to sleep in and run errands.
10. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.
11. Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches, anyway.
12. I don’t want to take my children because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.

Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent

Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent - Advent is just around the corner. It starts the fourth Sunday before Christmas — this year, that’s December 1 — and is a season of preparation for Christmas Day. Follow this link to multiple options for downloading these daily devotionals for free.

A Prayer for Those Battling Sin

A Prayer for Those Battling Sin - Puritan theologian John Owen wrote the classic work The Mortification of Sin in 1656 to analyze and apply what Paul meant in Romans 8:13 when he said, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you “put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” This prayer is based on that work.

Why You Can’t Push Your Kids into the Kingdom

Why You Can’t Push Your Kids into the Kingdom – This is a good article for Christian families.

Why You Need to Get Real About Your Weaknesses

Why You Need to Get Real About Your Weaknesses – A good word from Rick Warren’s own testimony. It’s true for pastors and true for us all.

5 Things Mistaken for Evangelism

5 Things Mistaken for Evangelism - Mark Dever notes some things that cause confusion when we are thinking about sharing the Gospel message.

Living a Life with Margins

Living a Life with Margins – This article provides helpful suggestions for creating margin in your life. We need it for our own well-being and for our availability to God purposes.

Do You Have a Bias Toward Action?

Do You Have a Bias Toward Action? - Author and consultant Tom Peters popularized the phrase a “bias toward action” to describe organizations that are led with a posture to execute rather than a posture to evaluate constantly. The opposite of a bias toward action is the dreaded state of “paralysis by analysis.”

4 Questions To Ask Your Money

4 Questions To Ask Your Money – These are worthwhile questions in considering the use of our money.

Forgotten Christmas

Forgotten Christmas - This article from James Denison incorporates a video we will share on Sunday, December 1. It may change how you think and practice Christmas this year.

Six Leadership Lessons from a Coach Whose Team Never Punts

Six Leadership Lessons from a Coach Whose Team Never Punts - The applications are meant for pastors but any person in leadership would be challenged by the video.

How To Live in a Secular Culture

How To Live in a Secular Culture - How should Christians relate to a secular society that does not know Jesus? Paul’s letter to Titus sheds light on this scenario, showing us how God’s grace should motivate Christians to be good citizens and neighbors.

Why You Need to Be in a Bible Fellowship Group

We Are Far Too Easily Displeased

We Are Far Too Easily Displeased – Jon Bloom writes about our inclination toward grumbling and how to overcome it.

Effective Personal Evangelism: Summary

Effective Personal Evangelism: Summary - This is the summary of a series on personal evangelism with links to the previous lessons by Jeremy Walker.

Why The Gay Rights Issue Is Not Like Prohibition

Why The Gay Rights Issue Is Not Like Prohibition - The American Conservative:

The tide change on homosexuality is no roll-back of a temporary experiment, as was the case for making alcohol a controlled substance. Instead, it has been absorbed into a powerful progressive narrative about the way that “history bends” (in [President] Obama’s formulation), and thus has been joined strongly in Democratic rhetoric to causes (like slavery and civil rights) that don’t (and logically can’t) stop at simple mockery. Racial supremacists today aren’t just silly and ignorable; they’re evil, and need to be aggressively denied any chance to participate in public life, ever.

They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets

They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets – This New York Times article is an important reminder for college applicants and a lot of other people.

What Good Is God?

What Good Is God? - This is a good note regarding the bestseller, Good Without God.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for “Thornbushes”

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for “Thornbushes” - This prayer really resonated with me today.

If Jesus Had Not Come

If Jesus Had Not Come - Jesus was, is, and always will be in a league of his own. Many are happy to honor him as a good teacher and social reformer, and some religions even admit that he was a great prophet of God. But none of them go far enough.

Did the Devil Make Me Do It?

Did the Devil Make Me Do It? - This article helps to "right-size" our view of Satan's influence.

What Is Unique About Christianity Among The World Religions?

What Is Unique About Christianity Among The World Religions? - This article clearly addresses religious pluralism (all religions are the same and lead to the same end results).

The FAQs: ENDA

The FAQs: ENDA - What is Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and how does it affect me?

20 Verses for God-Centered Administrators

20 Verses for God-Centered Administrators – “God doesn’t need us. We need him. Don’t get the roles reversed. We are not indispensable. He is. This is an essential reminder for all of us — and especially those of us in heavily administrative and “executive” roles.” 

The Primary Activity of the Early Church

The Primary Activity of the Early Church - The church of today needs to remember this and practice it.

Osteen Keeps Using God’s Band-Width

Osteen Keeps Using God’s Band-Width – I mentioned Osteen last Sunday. Here's a good explanation of my concerns. 

Erik Raymond writes, “Our church building is right next to a high school. Several months ago we noticed our wi-fi was ridiculously slow. After some investigation we found out that many of the students were cutting class and sitting on our stoop watching movies and other network demanding activities. The ministry of the church was being slowed by the student’s entertainment. I feel like this is what Joel Osteen does. He just kind of hangs out on the stoop of Christianity with his God-talk giving hat-tips to Jesus and a Bible story every now and then. But you know what? He is dragging down our bandwith. He is convoluting the message. He is hindering communication.”

 See the full article…

How to Soak The Next Generation in God's Word

How to Soak The Next Generation in God's Word – Jani Ortlund writes on the topic and why and how the next generation need a good soaking in God’s word. (Spoiler Alert: It has a lot to do with how this generation lives God’s word).

3 Ways to Help with Disaster Relief in the Philippines

3 Ways to Help with Disaster Relief in the Philippines – Ed Stetzer shares a variety of ways to be involved in ministry in the Philippines.

Going Out of Business for Jesus

Going Out of Business for Jesus – Several high-profile discrimination cases around the world raise the question: Will twenty-first-century society honor the Christian’s conscience, or destroy the Christian’s livelihood?

Several cases like this one have arisen in our own country. The video is an interview with a couple in Great Britain who lost their business because of their commitment to a biblical worldview. The interview is interesting as the hosts of the program seem to be completely confused by anyone actually living by the Bible. The husband and wife who “went out of business for Jesus” give a strong and well-stated Christian testimony.

Comfort Food

Comfort Food – This article is an important reminder regarding our ministry to one another. The author shares her testimony, “No one brings dinner when your daughter is an addict.”

Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Date Night

Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Date Night - As the author notes, "Sorry for the cheesy title" but the list is a helpful encouragement to couples.

Modesty Matters

Modesty Matters – This is a good article on a complicated topic. It is also a topic we need to discuss in these times

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The Robertsons to Tell Their Story on 'I Am Second'

The Robertsons to Tell Their Story on 'I Am Second' - Duck Dynasty’s Phil, Jep and Reed Robertson will appear on a special edition of the video testimony series I Am Second, that will be released on Nov. 21. If this brief trailer is any indication, no matter what you think about the reality show that has made them famous, the family’s first-person story of redemption and faith, will be pretty compelling …

God Desires You Far More Than You Desire Him

God Desires You Far More Than You Desire Him - Christianity is not so much about you desiring God as it is about God desiring you. I wonder if you believe that.

Watch Parents and See God

Watch Parents and See God - If you want a picture of God's unconditional, sacrificial love, watch parents care for an infant in the first weeks of life. 

A Prayer for Repenting of Self-Preoccupation

A Prayer for Repenting of Self-Preoccupation - ...and we need to pray such.

10 Reasons Why We Must Love Unlovable Church Members

10 Reasons Why We Must Love Unlovable Church Members - One good reason is that there will be plenty of times when we are unlovable.

A Mommy’s To-Do List

A Mommy’s To-Do List – Courtney Reissig shares insights from her first year as a mother.

Jesus Spoke English

Jesus Spoke English – It’s good to have Jon Acuff back.

Five Ways to Refresh the Saints in Your Life

Five Ways to Refresh the Saints in Your Life – Paul’s letter to Philemon has some warm applications to refreshing the saints around you.

The Cross - Billy Graham's Message To America

When Trust is Broken

When Trust is Broken – Can trust be rebuilt? Absolutely. Here are some key steps.

9 Things You Should Know About Orphans

9 Things You Should Know About Orphans - You may be surprised by what you don't know.

Five Truths About Christian Suffering

Five Truths About Christian Suffering - Here are five important biblical truths about suffering every Christian should have ready.

Are Smartphones Turning Us Into Bad Samaritans?

Are Smartphones Turning Us Into Bad Samaritans? – This article from the Wall Street Journal is worth a look.

Is All Sin Equal in God's Eyes?

Is All Sin Equal in God's Eyes? – Tim Challies gives a good answer to a common question.

The Idols of a Mother’s Heart

The Idols of a Mother’s Heart – Christina Fox writes, “When you are upset because you can’t do something you’ve wanted to do, it might be because that thing has become an idol in your heart.”

The Myth of Magic Neutral Time

The Myth of Magic Neutral Time - The article is about college students but the application reaches all age groups. There are seasons throughout life when Christians decide to "take time off from God." There will be consequences...

The Active Work of Waiting on God

The Active Work of Waiting on God – Waiting on God doesn't mean we don't do anything.

A Prayer for Grace to Love Difficult People

A Prayer for Grace to Love Difficult People - As a reminder, if you don't feel the need for this prayer, you may be the difficult person. 

Satan’s Permission to Sift You like Wheat

Satan’s Permission to Sift You like Wheat – Some helpful observations on what Jesus told Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31).

10 Love Challenges

10 Love Challenges - All Christians want to bless the church, witness to the world, and grow in assurance of faith. But did you know that there’s one thing you can do that accomplishes all three of these aims at once? Love other Christians.” Here are ten ways…

Three Signs Worship Wars May Be Ending

Three Signs Worship Wars May Be Ending - Interesting observations from Thom Rainer on worship.

Why I Am a Single Issue Voter

Why I Am a Single Issue Voter - “In America political campaigning is a never-ending process. But Tuesday is Election Day, a time when the political horse race pauses long enough for us to cast ballots for the candidates. I won't say who I plan to vote for, though I will confess that I'm a single-issue voter. The single issue that determines my vote -- and I believe should determine how all Christians vote -- is justice.”

World Watch List Countries

World Watch List Countries – Yesterday we took time in our worship hours to pray for the persecuted church. Our prayers yesterday should continue regularly. This map shows the levels of concern for persecution around our world.

3 Things Muslims Can Teach Christians About Prayer

3 Things Muslims Can Teach Christians About Prayer – This a challenging, encouraging article on prayer.

Lay Aside the Weight of Discontentment

Lay Aside the Weight of Discontentment - We often want to blame circumstances for our discontent, but that’s barking up the wrong tree.

Prayer for the Persecuted

Prayer for the Persecuted - Anticipating the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church this Sunday.

Did Christmas Really Happen?

Did Christmas Really Happen? - Attacks on Christmas will begin soon. This resource series will help you be ready to stand strong in your faith.

Advent Devotional

Advent Devotional - The Denison Forum is offering this devotional as a free download to grow and bless your Christmas season.

The Complex Problem of the Persecuted Church

The Complex Problem of the Persecuted Church - During the month of November we are encouraged to pray for the persecuted church around the world. Sometimes we need to focus on things we would rather ignore.

A Prayer for the Power of the Gospel to Change Me

A Prayer for the Power of the Gospel to Change Me - Pray for the power of the Gospel.

How High is Your Cultural Intelligence?

How High is Your Cultural Intelligence? – Valuing the incredible diversity that God has created across humankind requires that we step out of our comfort zones.

9 Things You Should Know about Halloween and Reformation Day

9 Things You Should Know about Halloween and Reformation Day - Halloween and Reformation Day, a secular and a religious holiday, exist uncomfortably side-by-side on the calendar. Here are 9 things you should know about the October 31 holidays.

Jesus Saves

Jesus Saves - Christianity is summed up in these words: Jesus came to seek and save the lost. If we were asked to describe in a sentence the heart of the gospel, there it is.

Halloween: Trick or Treat

Halloween: Trick or Treat – We associate Halloween with ghosts, devils and darkness. This video offers a different take.

Halloween: Trick or Treat? from 10ofthose.com on Vimeo.

The Gift of Fasting

The Gift of Fasting – “Fasting” isn’t usually a word that conjours up ideas of blessing. In western cultures, it’s more associated with hair shirts, self-flagellation, and shaved heads. In the Protestant church, we look at it more as a tool to refocus. But it’s a whole lot more than that.

Coffee in Heaven?

Coffee in Heaven? - Randy Alcorn addresses the question many people really want to know about heaven. The answer does lead to bigger issues to consider.

Halloween Roundup

Halloween Roundup – With Halloween upon us, and more controversial for Christians than ever in light of the cultural fascination with vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies, I thought it might be helpful to post a variety of articles on Halloween from divergent perspectives. I do not agree with every one, but think they are helpful to see the various perspectives on this ghoulish celebration. 

5 differences Between Catholic Theology and the Gospel

5 differences Between Catholic Theology and the Gospel - With Reformation Day this week, it is a good time to remind ourselves of what exactly the differences are between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestants. We often hear people say that we really believe the same things. Is that true? Here are five significant differences between Roman Catholic theology and the Gospel of grace in the Bible.

Christianity and the Dark Side—What about Halloween?

Christianity and the DarkSide—What about Halloween? – Al Mohler weighs in on Halloween.

Three Tips for Discipling Your Kids Through Halloween

Three Tips for Discipling Your Kids Through Halloween - Because this holiday can be a complicated one to disciple your children through, here are three tips to help you lead well during this season.

Why We Must Love Unlovable Church Members

Why We Must Love Unlovable Church Members - Sometimes I need to love and sometimes I'm the unlovable.

9 Things You Should Know About Persecution of Christians in 2013

9 Things You Should Know About Persecution of Christians in 2013 - Christians are the single most widely persecuted religious group in the world today. As we pray for the persecuted church, here are nine things you should know about the plight of believers around the globe...

A Prayer of Restoration to Gospel Sanity and Peace

A Prayer of Restoration to Gospel Sanity and Peace - If you are "news weary" this prayer may bring just what you need for today.

Family, the Original Small Group

Family, the Original Small Group – Timothy Paul Jones writes, “In my research for the book Family Ministry Field Guide, I found that only one-third of churched parents read or discussed Scripture with their children at least once a week. If that’s the predominant pattern, it seems unlikely that the typical teenager in an evangelical church would identify his or her parents first as teachers of God’s Word.”

See the article…

"One-Anothering"

"One-Anothering" - This phrase describes the activity of the early church very well.

Our History | FBC Allen

Our History | FBC Allen - Our church celebrates its 135th birthday this month. This video tells some of the church's great story.

Three Core Dimensions of Unity

Three Core Dimensions of Unity - Our unity in Christ with each other is an imperfect reflection of the perfect unity experienced by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, but it’s what Jesus intends for us as Christians. Unity within our churches is essential, and there are three core dimensions to it.

Reflections on Money Mistakes

Reflections on Money Mistakes – This is a great list of common money errors noted in the Bible.

When Jesus Haunts Your Halloween

When Jesus Haunts Your Halloween – This is a great devotional thought on this week when many focus on Halloween. Jesus captures the day.

Verbal Backspacing

Verbal Backspacing – Wouldn’t it come in handy when you need to take back a thoughtless word or comment?

Three Prayers for Facing Monday

Three Prayers for Facing Monday (Or Any Tomorrow) – Get the right focus for the day and watch for what God can do.

8 Lessons from the Life of John Knox

8 Lessons from the Life of John Knox – Knowing a little church history is a good thing.

Satan’s Permission to Sift You like Wheat

Satan’s Permission to Sift Youlike Wheat - “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). Did Jesus ever speak more startling words to Peter? Surely all of the Twelve were within earshot of Jesus’ words and would be attacked by the devil but, as their leader, Peter was addressed by name and, most obviously, singled out by the Evil One. Just as Satan would succeed—temporarily—in scattering the disciples by striking down the Chief Shepherd, so he would succeed, but only temporarily, in striking down Peter.

See the article…

Stop Saying Size Doesn’t Matter

Stop Saying Size Doesn’t Matter - 94% of churches are losing ground against the population growth of their communities. In 2050 the percentage of the US population attending church will be half of 1990. Here are some points to ponder…

The Down-to-Earth Gospel for Parenting

The Down-to-Earth Gospel for Parenting - Good, biblical words for parents at all stages of parenting.

A Prayer for Repenting of Arrogance about Grace

A Prayer for Repenting of Arrogance about Grace - A powerful prayer on a timely topic in our world. One line reads, "Forgive us when we talk more about what obedience isn’t, that what obedience is."

Seven Perspectives on Prayer from Randy Alcorn - Blog - Eternal Perspective Ministries

Seven Perspectives on Prayer - Randy Alcorn provides simple, powerful perspectives on prayer.

The "Why" and "How" of Basic Internet Safety at Home

The "Why" and "How" of Basic Internet Safety at Home - This is a topic worth visiting and revisiting.

A Game Plan for New Disciples

A Game Plan for New Disciples – What do we do with someone who has just become a Christian? Having a game plan helps us to make disciples and fulfill the great mission that Jesus has given us. Here are a few instruments Jesus gives us so we can help new believers grow and give them more joy. 

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said We Would Do Greater Work Than He Did?

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said We Would Do Greater Work Than He Did? – This is a big question and R.C. Sproul provides some possible answers.

4 Reasons the Gospels Could Not Be Legends

4 Reasons the Gospels Could Not Be Legends - “The most popular theory today against the Bible is that the gospels are a bunch of myths and legends. As the theory goes, Jesus was a great guy with some commendable teachings, but the stories we have about him in the four gospels are made-up legends intended to beef up Christianity’s claims.” Here are 4 reasons that just can’t be the case.

United Methodist Church’s Court to Discuss Opposition to Anti-Homosexuality Policy

United Methodist Church’s Court to Discuss Opposition to Anti-Homosexuality Policy – Pray for our friends in the United Methodist Church as church leaders determine what they really believe about the Bible.

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids – Tim Challies did a good job with this list and I can “amen” them all.

11 Pieces of Advice Every Millennial Should Hear

11 Pieces of Advice Every Millennial Should Hear – Each of these things would be true for most of us well beyond the Millennial stage of life.

8 Benefits of Forgiving Others

8 Benefits of Forgiving Others - The most painful experience in life is being seriously and deliberately harmed by someone else. What do we get out of forgiveness?

Is God a Pacifist?

Is God a Pacifist? – “Everyone knows the Bible says “Thou shalt not kill”­­—or does it? The sixth commandment is one of the most well-known of the Ten Commandments, but also one of the most misunderstood and misused.”

A Model of How to Speak to Mormons about Common Concerns of Religious Liberty and Yet Eternal Differences

A Model of How to Speak to Mormons about Common Concerns of Religious Liberty and Yet Eternal Differences - An interesting article about Al Mohler's address at Brigham Young University.

God’s Infinite Wisdom Is Displayed in Bringing Good Out of Evil

God’s Infinite Wisdom Is Displayed in Bringing Good Out of Evil – “God’s infinite wisdom then is displayed in bringing good out of evil, beauty out of ashes. It is displayed in turning all the forces of evil that rage against His children into good for them. But the good that He brings about is often different than the good we envision.”

What the Church Can Learn from Chick-fil-A

What the Church Can Learn from Chick-fil-A – “For the Cathy family, it goes deeper than closing on Sundays, playing Christian music, and putting “glorify God” in the corporate purpose statement. For decades, they have tried to apply the biblical worldview and ethic not just to the surface, but to press it into the culture of the chain, not only in the dining room but behind closed doors.”

Doubts: Fatal or Futile?

Doubts: Fatal or Futile? – Most all of us face doubts from time to time. This article notes, “These types of doubts, spiritual in nature, have the ability to unmoor a person. Doubts like these often serve as the doorway towards deeper issues like depression, paralyzing fear, and chronic anxiety.” How do we deal with doubts?

See the article…

A Businessman - A Man of God

R.G. LeTourneau – A good short account of the life of a godly businessman.

Four Keys to Satisfying Your Starving Soul

Four Keys to Satisfying Your Starving Soul - If we’re honest, we’re all hungry. We’re starving for something to sustain us, to preserve our hope, to strengthen us through trials, to help us conquer sin. We’re starving for food that will fill us for the everyday fight of faith. But what does the fight look like? And how do we find the food we need?

3 Ways to Stop Stressing About Giving

3 Ways to Stop Stressing About Giving – The article addresses three common hang-ups that can be easily overcome.

Why Did God Forbid One Tree in Eden?

Why Did God Forbid One Tree in Eden? – Of the many trees in the Garden, God banned Adam and Eve from eating from one — just one (Genesis 2:16–17, 3:1–3, 11). Why?

Miserable Counselors

Miserable Counselors – Just a reminder about giving helpful (or unhelpful) counsel to the people in our lives.

Adoption was Not God’s ‘Plan B’

Adoption was Not God’s ‘Plan B’ - Commenting on Ephesians 1:5, J. Stephen Yuille writes,

Regrettably, many people tend to view the adoption of a child as an afterthought: “Oh, you couldn’t have your own children, so you decided to settle for adoption.” Having adopted, I would never describe it as ‘settling.’ I would never refer to it as an ‘afterthought.’ In terms of God’s adoption of us, he definitely wasn’t settling. God didn’t create the world in the hope that he would have natural children—only to discover that he had a bunch of little rebels on his hands. He didn’t throw his hands into the hair (anthropomorphism intended), crying, “Oh no, what will I do now? What are my options? I suppose I could always adopt!” No. God ‘predestined’ us for adoption. He did so before the foundation of the world. That necessarily means his adoption of us isn’t plan B, but plan A. Moreover, it means that his adoption of us is the revelation of his eternal will.

China Relentless in Persecution of House Churches

China Relentless in Persecution of House Churches – We need regular reminders to pray for the persecuted church around the world. “Washington, D.C. (ICC) -- A recent spate of attacks against Christians and house churches in China underlines the country's relentless habit of persecuting Christians, even at the cost of its own reputation in the international community.”

See the article…

A Prayer for Raising Our Kids by Grace

A Prayer for Raising Our Kids by Grace - This is a prayer for parents - who often take too much credit and take too much blame. It's all by grace.

Look & Live (Worship or Die)

Look & Live (Worship or Die) – This is a strong word on our worship. It’s a lot more than our usual, casual approach.

Five Ways We Should Forgive

Five Ways We Should Forgive – Some in our culture advocate forgiveness, but it is not biblical forgiveness. Why do we really forgive, and how do we put Christlike forgiveness into practice in real life?

What Young Christians Can Learn from the Elderly

What Young Christians Can Learn from the Elderly - Depending on which category you are in (or think you are in) don't miss these opportunities.

Some Quick Tips on Spiritual Growth

Some Quick Tips on Spiritual Growth – Erik Raymond writes, “If you do these things and are in a church that preaches the Bible and emphasizes discipleship and fellowship then I have no doubt you will grow.” The first one begins, “Forbid that you go to bed at night without…”

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Fasting—It's About Time!

Fasting—It's About Time! - God has been stirring my heart in relation to fasting in recent days and toward leading our church in a prayer and fasting focus. It's a good article.

New Research: Bad Choices Burden Americans

New Research: Bad Choices Burden Americans – Many Americans are weighed down by the burden and regret of past mistakes.

The Beauty of Boring Testimonies

The Beauty of Boring Testimonies - Do you think your story of giving your life to Jesus is too ordinary? Just know, it's incredible.

The FAQs: The Debt Ceiling

The FAQs: The Debt Ceiling - Perhaps this will help answer questions about our current national financial situation. It's a big deal.

Three Reasons the American Church is Ignoring Christian Persecution

Three Reasons the American Church is Ignoring Christian Persecution – “While our gazes are set elsewhere, people are being tortured, displaced, and killed. American churches need to wake up to the suffering of their global brothers and sisters.”

A Review of O'Reilly's Killing Jesus

A Review of O'Reilly's Killing Jesus – Here is a simple, sound review of the book. It makes good points about the content.

I Hate Porn

I Hate Porn – You ought to read this article for you and the people you care about. 

How JFK Changed Religion in America

How JFK Changed Religion in America - As the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy's death gets closer, “the media will focus on Kennedy's face-off with the Soviet Union in Cuba, his remarkable eloquence, and his enduring political significance.  One area that will likely receive less attention is his enormous relevance to our religious self-understanding.”

See the article…