Don’t Let Your Stuff Own You – They're just possessions. Hold onto them loosely.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Loving Muslims Enough to Reach Out, Globally and Locally
Loving Muslims Enough to Reach Out, Globally and Locally – What
would it look like for Christians to love Muslims enough to share Jesus with
them?
Where Satan Will Attack You Today
Where Satan Will Attack You Today - Do you know where the front of the battle is? It’s in
your head.
Happy Are Those…
Happy Are Those… - In
Matthew 5:1-12 we learn of ten marks of those who experience true happiness.
The 6 Ingredients of Jesus’ Bitter Cup
The 6 Ingredients of Jesus’ Bitter Cup – Isaac Ambrose captured so well the meaning of the cup
when he set out what he believed to be the 6 ingredients that made it so
burdensome a sight to the soul of the sinless Son of God.
Six Reasons to Live More Simply—and Give More Generously
Six Reasons to Live More Simply—and Give More Generously – A good word from Randy Alcorn.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Why We Neglect Our Bibles
Why We Neglect Our Bibles – This article is well done. It answers typical issues raised as excuses
for not reading our Bibles.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
A Prayer for Humbling Ourselves without the “Buts”
A Prayer for Humbling Ourselves Without the “Buts” – This prayer focuses on “no excuses”
confession from Psalm 51.
Liberty, Knowledge & Love
Liberty, Knowledge & Love - John MacArthur shares a good word on grace and truth in our relationships with one another.
Coercing a Christian Couple to Host a Gay Wedding
Coercing a Christian Couple to Host a Gay Wedding – Such things are becoming increasingly common. The couple
shares their story in a brief video.
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Unnatural Art of Contentment
The Unnatural Art of Contentment – A few ways to cultivate contentment in any circumstance.
10 Truths from Second Forgetting by Benjamin Mast
10 Truths from Second Forgetting by Benjamin Mast - Remembering
the power of the Gospel during Alzheimer's disease
Three Things to Remember When You Read the Bible
Three Things to Remember When You Read the Bible – You can never just read
the Bible.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
4 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Christian Persecution
4 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Christian Persecution – We've become experts at directing
our attention away from a real, horrible problem.
Encourage One Another: Giving Grace with Your Words
Encourage One Another: Giving Grace with Your Words - How can we create an environment of encouragement. The author offers up some good places to start.
How Busy People Make Time to Read
How Busy People Make Time to Read – “Haven’t finished a book since college? Between work,
family, and social lives, trying to find time to read can be more effort than
relaxing hobby. Here’s how to make more time for your favorite page-turners.”
When Someone Reaches Out, Reach Back
When Someone Reaches Out, Reach Back {Advice for When You're New} – Encouragements for connecting
to a new church and connecting well.
Homosexuality as Dividing Line — The Inescapable Issue
Homosexuality as Dividing Line — The Inescapable Issue – “Homosexuality and same-sex
marriage now loom as the great dividing line that will tear some denominations
apart and lead others to define the terms of their convictional cooperation.”
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
6 Ways to Benefit from Reading Genealogies
6 Ways to Benefit from Reading Genealogies - This was an interesting article on a unique topic.
Busy is Blasphemy
Busy is Blasphemy – “The
word busy is the symptom not of commitment but of betrayal. It
is not devotion but defection. The adjective busy set as a
modifier to pastor should sound to our ears like adulterous to
characterize a wife or embezzling to describe a banker. It is
an outrageous scandal, a blasphemous affront.”
Is Marriage “Just a Piece of Paper”?
Is Marriage “Just a Piece of Paper”? – R.C. Sproul writes, “The signing of a piece of
paper is not a matter of affixing one’s signature in ink to a meaningless
document. The signing of a marriage certificate is an integral part of what the
Bible calls a covenant.”
Police Stop ISIS Attack in Australia: Are Americans Next?
Police Stop ISIS Attack in Australia: Are Americans Next? - When the news is so disturbing, how should a Christian respond?
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Two Big Reasons Evangelism Isn’t Working
Two Big Reasons Evangelism Isn’t Working – Why do most people find our evangelism
unbelievable?
Sobering Up: The Prerequisite To A Good Prayer Life
Sobering
Up: The Prerequisite To A Good Prayer Life – “Sobering up means that we
see reality as it really is; that we recognize that time is short.”
Two Fruits of True Forgiveness
Two Fruits of True Forgiveness – In this
devotional from Psalm 32 we find a litmus test for true forgiveness.
Monday, September 22, 2014
How Parachurch Ministries Can Serve the Church
How Parachurch Ministries Can Serve the Church - Ed Stetzer writes, “I often find myself a bit frustrated
when parachurch organziations forget that the local church matters. This
article gives a helpful corrective.” I agree.
when parachurch organziations forget that the local church matters. This
article gives a helpful corrective.” I agree.
Why I’m Absolutely Not Islamophobic
Why I’m Absolutely Not Islamophobic - A Presbyterian minister calling Christians to wage war
against our Muslim neighbors has Jesus all wrong - Bob Smietana
4 Reflections: Are We Using the Word “Brokenness” Biblically?
4 Reflections: Are We Using the Word “Brokenness” Biblically? - When speaking of “brokenness” and suffering, my
“brokenness” motivates me to turn to God as my only source of hope.
“brokenness” motivates me to turn to God as my only source of hope.
Thank God For a Messy Church
Thank God For a Messy Church – This is a good word on the church on a Monday.
More Churches Accepting Gays Than Ever Before
More Churches Accepting Gays Than Ever Before - Helpful commentary from Jim Denison.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Praying for God’s Servants
Praying for God’s Servants – As we prepare for the Lord’s day, this prayer from Scottie Smith
may help give words as you pray for those who serve in ministries around the
world.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Lay Aside the Weight of Irritability
Lay Aside the Weigh tof Irritability - The reason irritability is unloving, unrighteous anger is
that it is a selfish response to an obstacle to our desire.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
What To Do When Your Church Changes
What To Do When Your Church Changes - For an old guy like me who doesn't really enjoy change, this article was convicting (and inspiring).
Life and Hope in a World of Loss
Life and Hope in a World of Loss – “The only sure thing about our lives is that we will lose
many things—and eventually we’ll lose our lives. Life in a fallen world is
essentially characterized by the experience of loss. And a world of losses is
the world that Jesus Christ steps into—the world that ministry steps into.”
Don’t You Know Jesus Is Real?
Don’t You Know Jesus Is Real? – Whatever you are facing today, Jesus is real!
You Can’t Catch Sin Like a Cold
You Can’t Catch Sin Like a Cold – “And many Christians do live in cultural quarantine, shutting
themselves off from what they see as sinful influences.”
Friendless Millennials in a Digital Age
Friendless Millennials in a Digital Age - This is an interesting article on generational issues.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Loving the Lost: Churches Without the Broken are Broken Churches
Loving the Lost: Churches Without the Broken are Broken Churches – It's easy for Christians to love each other, but it's important for
believers to love others as well.
Do You Hate to Wait?
Do You Hate to Wait?
– “Anxiety is the slave song of the human heart under the tyranny of
insignificance. Impatience is an acute strand of anxiety — played in a certain
key — that can mesmerize and trap a soul in an infinite loop of hypnotized
idolatry.”
Survey: Church Congregations More Racially Diverse, Open to Homosexual Members
Survey: Church CongregationsMore Racially Diverse, Open to Homosexual Members - An new survey reports
several interesting and concerning trends in American church life.
The Art of Being Ungrateful
The Art of Being Ungrateful - Because it is so easy to forget what God has done.
Gospel Affection
Gospel Affection – Here
are ten ways to show love for other believers. It has much in common with our
current “Love Challenge”. Go for it!
Biblical Theology and the Sexuality Crisis
Biblical Theology and the Sexuality Crisis – Western society is currently experiencing what can
only be described as a moral revolution.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
What’s All This ‘Gospel-Centered’ Talk About?
What’s All This ‘Gospel-Centered’ Talk About? - I don't mean Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Monday, September 15, 2014
The Ninth Commandment is About Much More Than Lying
The Ninth Commandment is About Much More Than Lying - In our digital age of pervasive punditry,
instant analysis, and perpetual outrage, surely the breach of the ninth
commandment is one of our besetting sins.
How God Cares for Those Who Don’t
How God Cares for Those Who Don’t - Apathy does not trump the Redeemer. God engages apathy in
a few surprising ways.
What If the Worst Happens?
What If the Worst Happens? – an article about “what if” questions and “even if” answers.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Gospel Ripples
Gospel Ripples - This is a good word on why we should share and listen to the Gospel again and again.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Timing Isn’t Everything
Timing Isn’t Everything – We love to focus on “what time?” and “when?” God has bigger
plans. The article contains this quote, “Since such matters are in his hands,
his disciples are in no position to predict the time of the end, and it should
not concern them. How foolishly this warning has been ignored across the
centuries. What should preoccupy believers is the mission plan that Jesus goes
on to reveal.”
Can it Still Be Heaven?
Can it
Still Be Heaven? - Randy Alcorn answers one of the most common questions
people ask about heaven.
The Foolishness of Waiting Until Tomorrow
The Foolishness of Waiting Until Tomorrow – “The promise of tomorrow deceives
because tomorrow always becomes today.”
An Unsusual 9/11 Devotional
An Unsusual 9/11 Devotional - It is an interesting story with strong applications.
Why Not Sin?
Why Not Sin? - "As a Christian, why not sin? We could give a myriad of
answers to that question. However, the best answer is supplied by Paul in
Romans 6. Paul could have talked about the misery that sin brings, the pain
that it inflicts upon others, the consequences which flow from it, or the
penalty that Christ had to pay for it. But that is not where he first turns. He
wants Christians to understand that we cannot easily entertain sin, because of
our identity."
answers to that question. However, the best answer is supplied by Paul in
Romans 6. Paul could have talked about the misery that sin brings, the pain
that it inflicts upon others, the consequences which flow from it, or the
penalty that Christ had to pay for it. But that is not where he first turns. He
wants Christians to understand that we cannot easily entertain sin, because of
our identity."
Thursday, September 11, 2014
7 Leadership Quotes from Truett Cathy
7 Leadership Quotes from Truett Cathy - A great businessman who loved Jesus more than anything else.
Christianity's Uniqueness
Christianity's Uniqueness – In reply to the critics who claim Christianity was just a
copy-cat religion among the ancient religions, it's helpful to take a look at
how an ancient adherent of these pagan religions viewed Christianity.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
What People Who Are New to Your Church Want You to Know
What People Who Are New to Your Church Want You to Know – Here are some good things to remember
about the people who aren’t a part of the church yet.
The Church and Violence Against Women
The Church and Violence Against Women - Russell Moore to this issue making headlines.
"All the Law and the Prophets..." in a piece of fruit
"All the Law and the Prophets..." in a piece of fruit – What’s the big deal with the
fruit?
How to Love People You Don't Even Like
How to Love People You Don't Even Like – 4 questions to ask when you're having a hard time
loving someone else.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Regarded as ‘Intolerant Haters’: What’s New?
Regarded as ‘Intolerant Haters’: What’s New? – “In the midst of the high-octane
cultural wars of the last several years—particularly the debate over homosexual
marriage—evangelical Christians have been slapped with all sorts of pejorative
labels. Words such as bigoted, arrogant, exclusive, dogmatic, and homophobic are
just a few.” This article shows this isn’t a new thing.
Help for Those Who Feel “Disconnected” at Church
Help for Those Who Feel “Disconnected” at Church – This article ties in well with our “Love
Challenge” from last Sunday.
The Op-Ed (Oprah Edited)
The Op-Ed (Oprah Edited) – Theologically edited
java jacket quotes. This was really good.
9 Questions to Help You Steward All of Life for God’s Glory
9 Questions to Help You Steward All of Life for God’s Glory -
Brad Hambrick shares some helpful personal, spiritual evaluation questions.
Monday, September 8, 2014
New Every Morning, New Every Moment
New Every Morning, New Every Moment – A reflection on Jeremiah 3:22-23.
Getting Better at Meditation
Getting Better at Meditation – This article shares a helpful prompt for growing in the
spiritual discipline of meditation.
The Abomination of Desolation
The Abomination of Desolation – Here is some food for
thought on one of the Bible’s difficult passages. The author addresses the
question, “What is the abomination of desolation referred to in
Matthew 24?”
Saturday, September 6, 2014
InterVarsity Now "Derecognized" at California State University's 23 Campuses
InterVarsity Now "Derecognized" at California State University's 23 Campuses – Will students with actual beliefs be allowed
to have organizations on campus?
Six Major Implications of the Growth of Multisite Churches
Six Major Implications of the Growth of Multisite Churches - The trend continues to grow and it's important to pay attention to it.
7 Signs You’re Spending Too Much Time Looking at Your Phone
7 Signs You’re Spending Too Much Time Looking at Your Phone – A few warning signs that are
not to be ignored.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
11 Ways to Know You’re on Facebook Too Much
11 Ways to Know You’re on Facebook Too Much – Social media can help build community, but
like many areas of life, there can be too much of a good thing.
Most Followers of Major Religions Are Concentrated in Just a Few Countries
Most Followers of Major Religions Are Concentrated in Just a Few Countries – The brief
article contains a helpful set of world maps on the topic.
4 Things Jesus Didn’t Die For
4 Things Jesus Didn’t Die For – This will give you some things to think about.
Tim Keller on the Disappearing Umbrella Over Conservative Christians
Tim Keller on the Disappearing Umbrella Over Conservative
Christians – Keller has some good insights here into the cultural
shifts conservative Christians are experiencing.
Love That Will Complete You
Love That Will Complete You – He who began a good work in you — saving you and beginning
to make you more like Jesus — he will complete that work.
A Gospeled Church
A Gospeled Church - Jared Wilson at his best: “You
cannot grow in holiness and holier-than-thou-ness at the same time.”
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Signs You May be Addicted to Busyness
Signs You May be Addicted to Busyness – 4 signs you need to learn to slow down.
A Prayer for Waiting on the Lord When Evil Seems to Win
A Prayer for Waiting on the Lord When Evil Seems to Win – As with most of Scottie Smith’s
written prayers, he shares a good discipleship thought today.
10 Wise Leadership Lessons I’ll Never Forget
10 Wise Leadership Lessons I’ll Never Forget – Good reminders
from Faith Whatley
5 Things Not to Do in Your Marriage
5 Things Not to Do in Your
Marriage – Good and godly marriage advice is always helpful.
The Osteen Predicament
The Osteen Predicament: Mere Happiness Cannot Bear the Weight of the Gospel - Al
Mohler writes, “If our message cannot be preached with credibility in Mosul, it
should not be preached in Houston. That is the Osteen Predicament.”
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
7 Truths About Marriage You Won’t Hear in Church
7 Truths About Marriage You Won’t Hear in Church – This is an interesting read and you may have heard some of these at church. It begins, 'The Church provides a good foundation
for marriage, but here are a few of the things you might not always hear."
4 Things God Says to Singles
4 Things God Says to Singles – This list is not the beginning and the end but it’s a start.
How to Find Strength in the Strength of God
How to Find Strength in the Strength of God – John Piper asks the question and addresses it, “How
do you do a task in the strength of another? How do you exert your will to do
something in such a way that you are relying on the will of another to make it
happen?”
Jesus Cares About Your Words
Jesus Cares About Your Words - Jesus is Lord over all. And as the Cosmic Emperor, he reigns
over Neptune, pinwheel galaxies, birds, blades of grass, and our words.
Monday, September 1, 2014
The Role of Singing in the Life of the Church
The Role of Singing in the Life of the Church - Christianity is a singing faith.
How the Church Could Help End Global Poverty
How the Church Could Help End Global Poverty – Mobilizing the Church's untapped resources to
empower, educate and change the face of poverty.
Are We Passionate for People?
Are We Passionate for People? - In what ways might the “God who comforts” actually comfort his
people?