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A La Carte (December 9)

wednesday

It was a year ago today that my father unexpectedly went to be with the Lord—the start of what has been the most difficult 12-month period we’ve known. Yet through it we’ve experienced so much of the Lord’s kindness—so many of his blessings. And it’s somehow comforting to know that my dad was waiting in heaven when my Nick arrived…

There are lots of Kindle deals to look at today, including a bunch for those who are more academically inclined.

Sorrow and Joy All Tangled Up

I’m so very proud of the nearby Strickland family who have so faithfully represented Jesus through the terrible loss of their young son. “As a mother, I want you to be with me for the rest of my life, but if I truly believe being with Jesus in heaven is far better than we can ever imagine, then there’s joy I can experience knowing that. I want him here but I also want the best and I truly believe where he is right now is the best for him. It’s that sorrow and joy all tangled up together…”

Roosevelt and the Lonely Missionary

I’ve read a number of accounts of Roosevelt and the lonely missionary. It’s an anecdote worth knowing.

Obscurity

In a not dissimilar vein, here’s a word on obscurity. “There was a flurry of excitement in the beginning. Dreams and angelic visitation; a strange new star; foreigners bearing gifts. Then slaughter, a desperate escape and exile. And finally, returning to settle into an average place in a poor village.”

Samuel M. Zwemer and the Glory of Christ

And speaking of missionaries, here’s a great little profile of another missionary.

5 Myths about Spiritual Gifts

This article addresses some of the myths surrounding spiritual gifts.

How Do We Deal With The End Of The World?

“Last week, my barber asked me about a prophecy preacher on Youtube. He was sincere in asking me questions. It would have been easy for me to push it aside, but it got me thinking about what should be our response to people thinking about the end of the world. In fact, over the last few weeks, several people have been asking me about the end of the world. The Pandemic, coupled with social and political unrest, have Christians thinking about Christ’s Second Coming. For many, it is a scary time.” But there’s a problem with such thinking…

Thomas Jefferson Tried to ‘Fix’ the Bible. He Only Succeeded in Making It Sad.

This is a very interesting article about Thomas Jefferson’s famous “fixed” Bible.

Flashback: Momentary Obedience, Forever Honor

How do we show honor to our parents, especially when we are adults?

Thou needest to be saved from thyself, not by thyself.

—Charles Spurgeon

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    Are you looking for accessible faith-based resources that can help you serve your church community with confidence? Check out Redeemer University’s online church leadership microcredentials—available anytime, anywhere. #Sponsored

  • Discernment

    What Does a Discerning Person Do?

    Some Christians seem to be specially gifted when it comes to spiritual discernment. Others take a special interest in discernment and expend the hard effort of growing in the discipline of it. But they may sometimes wonder: What should I do with this discernment?

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  • Prayer

    The Reward They Longed for They Received

    Jesus, who knew what was in the heart of men, warned of the hypocrisy of those whose prayer life is only ever public. “When you pray,” he said, “you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen…

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