Skip to content ↓

A La Carte (December 29)

Today’s Kindle deals include a list of three classics by Francis Schaeffer. They are nice and short which is ideal if you’re participating in a reading challenge this year. Yet they also pack a punch.

Borrowed Convictions

This is a helpful reflection from Jeremy Walker. “A list of gurus is not the same as a developed set of theological convictions. Neither is it the same as having a spiritual home with true shepherds caring for your soul.”

The Great American Word Mapper

This is brilliant. You can plug in words and see where in the US those words are used. Be sure to click the “foods” button (and probably avoid the swear button).

Pro-Lifers Look Forward to 2017

Whatever else 2017 has brought, it’s brought a new sense of optimism to the American pro-life movement. WORLD explains.

One Reason To Dedicate Yourself to Bible Reading in 2017

Here’s just one more good reason to commit yourself to reading your Bible in 2017.

Suffering is a Doorway, Not a Dead End

In that moment of suffering, “one of the most helpful things is to remember what is on the other side of that door. Suffering for Christ is not a dead end (though it might feel like it!). Rather, it is always a doorway to greater joy and life. Here are three ways that is so.”

Did Ellis Island Officials Change the Names of Immigrants?

Smithsonian takes on the persistent myth that officials at Ellis Island changed the names of immigrants.

This Day in 1876. 140 years ago today hymnwriter Philip P. Bliss and his family died when a bridge collapsed under the train they were riding. Bliss composed ‘Man of Sorrows—What a Name!’ and the music for ‘It is Well.’ *

We Need To Talk About Church Scheduling

Here’s a challenging article about church scheduling and how a church can unintentionally harm its people by demanding or expecting too much of them.

Of Golf Balls and Badminton Birdies

This is a good little analogy that is particularly appropriate to pastoral ministry.

How To Protect Your Children From Abuse

I dislike the clickbait headline for this one, but it’s still worth reading as a pediatrician tells parents how to protect against sexual abuse.

Flashback: How Should Christians Use Guns?

John Piper sparked a firestorm in a response to Jerry Falwell Jr. on Christians and guns. Then a whole lot of other people added to the conversation.

challies_dec25-31-04

A single day in hell will be worse than a whole life spent in carrying the cross.

—J.C. Ryle

  • Kids Books

    Aileen’s Picks: Books for the Littlest Ones

    Aileen has spent many years overseeing the Early Years program at our church. I asked if she would provide some occasional reviews or recommendations of books and other resources that have stood out to her and proven a blessing to the children. Here is her first roundup.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (September 18)

    A La Carte: God’s purposes in suffering / Shatter your kid-centered kingdom / I’m triggered / Praying for the dead / 3 reasons to take your kids to church / Meditation / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Thoughtful Responses To Charlie Kirks Death

    One Week Later: Thoughtful Christian Responses To Charlie Kirk’s Death

    I did not know Charlie Kirk, and, in fact, barely knew of him until his death. Like so many others, I was horrified by his murder and have been attempting to understand its significance. As a committed curator of distinctly Christian content, I have had many articles come through my app, and each of them…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (September 17)

    A La Carte: The comfort I did not understand / Charlie Kirk / Walking with a friend through chronic illness / What is a confession of sin? / Asking excellent Bible study questions / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (September 16)

    A La Carte: Understanding your Mormon neighbor / Your first discipleship meeting / The virtue of unread books / A critical spirit / The church and Charlie Kirk / Kindle deals / and more.

  • God did it

    God Did it! God Did it!

    You have probably had the experience of going from a very bright room into a very dark room. Maybe you arrive home late, and after you get ready for bed, you have to tiptoe into a bedroom where someone else is already fast asleep. You find that when you go from the brightness of the…