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A La Carte (9/14)

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It’s a good thing that I’m a morning person, or this 6:30 meeting would be downright painful. Ah, the things we do to serve our churches.

The Secret of Rhonda’s Success – As I was writing a review of Rhonda Byrne’s new book The Power (check back shortly for that review) I came across this rather interesting article from 2008. “Could the universe be restoring the balance against Rhonda Byrne, the former Melbourne TV producer behind the self-help phenomenon of The Secret? Richard Guilliatt investigates.” It seems that it has taken a little bit more than the law of attraction to make Rhonda rich.

Visual Latin – I learned Latin back in high school and still rely on it more often that I would have imagined. I was glad to see this new series of videos from Compass Cinema which looks like a great way of learning the language. (Use the coupon code TIMCHALLIES and you’ll get a 25% discount on your order of these videos or Modern Parables).

Mac Freeware – Here’s a roundup of some great Mac freeware for the Apple users among us. Sorry Windows people–you can only look at it and long for it all.

On the VMA’s – Walt Mueller penned some good thoughts about the recent VMA’s and their value in understanding contemporary youth culture. I don’t agree with all he says, but still found much of it useful. (HT:Z)

Ministry Advice – Peter Scholl: “I think one of the best pieces of advice I received as I began to get involved in Christian ministry was this: ‘Make sure you are involved in some ministry outside your own patch.'(By ‘patch’, my advisor meant my normal sphere of ministry—be it my neighbourhood / campus / school / workplace … whatever. In my case, my patch was my local parish, and the outside ministry I got involved in was teaching Moore College ThC courses to pastors in Kenya.)” Read why he feels this is important.

We cannot be changed by altering a few of our bad habits. Reformation will not do, for the disease of sin has captured our very life system. We need regeneration, a new heart.

—Will Metzer

  • A Moving Picture of the Gospel

    A Moving Picture of the Gospel

    As we gather on Sundays, we preach the Bible, read the Bible, pray the Bible, and sing the Bible. But that is not all, for we also “see” the Bible. Here’s how Mark Dever expresses it: “The ordinances are the dramatic presentations of the gospel. They are the moving pictures that represent the spiritual realities…

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    Weekend A La Carte (December 13)

    A La Carte: No one drifts into godlIness / Your subscriptions are holding you captive / Fighting sexual temptation / An orderly case for raising hands in worship / Kirk Cameron and remodeling hell / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Harvest House Publishers)

    This week, the blog and this giveaway are sponsored by Harvest House Publishers. Meet 52 Unsung Heroes Throughout history, the stories of brave Black believers and their remarkable contributions to the Christian faith and our nation have too often gone overlooked. Passionate writer and educator Jasmine L. Holmes brings 52 notable Black Christians’ stories to life…

  • Top Ten

    My Top Ten Books from 2025 (+ a Bonus)

    As another year draws to a close, I wanted to take some time to consider the books I read in 2025 and to assemble a list of my top picks. Apart from the first book, which I consider the best I read this year, the rest are in no particular order. In each case I’ve…

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    A La Carte (December 12)

    A La Carte: How to fight your phone idolatry / The weakness of God / Strong and fearless faith / Loving aging parents well / Changed by love / and more.

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    A La Carte (December 11)

    A La Carte: Gift giving in an age of abundance / Canada’s Bill C-9 / In memory of Jubilant Sykes / Motherhood is a refining fire / A gentle pastor isn’t a weak pastor / When God’s plans leave us distressed / and more.