Today’s Kindle deals include an especially good option: Robert Cara’s excellent commentary on Hebrews (which has endorsements from Tom Schreiner, Kevin DeYoung, and others). It’s ideal for pastors or non-pastors alike. There are several other books to look at as well.
(Yesterday on the blog: Books about the Challenges of Parenting in a Modern World)
Love Your (Actual) Neighbor
This is probably the best piece of prose you will read today. “Together we are young, we are old, we are alcoholic, we are poor, we are sometimes rotund, we are childlike, we are childish, we are black, we are white, we are divorced, we are Irish, we are atheist, we are Chinese, we are Jewish, we are widowed. We also take out the dog several times a day, nurture the geraniums on the windowsill, and feed the ornamental fish after breakfast. In short, we are singularly human.”
Whiteness: An African Translation
The Cripplegate has a really interesting article about Africa and whiteness.
Prioritize Family Discipleship in the Year Ahead
I know I have to protect family discipleship as a priority because it’s one of those commitments that falls in the category some time management experts describe as “important, but not urgent.” Like building relationships, exercising, and serving others, it’s important to do, but doesn’t come with the same urgency of deadlines, contractual obligations, and other pressures that make it seem time sensitive. (Sponsored)
How Jesus Helps My Unbelief
Here’s another powerful piece of writing. “If I’m honest, I have felt a bit like I need to be brought back to life. My spirit has been heavy, weighed down by depression that has returned after a long hiatus, and it has left me sad and discouraged and so very defeated. I must remind myself daily (sometimes hourly) that my life is a good life, that I am loved, that it will not always feel this way.”
Could You Be a “Global Nomad” for the Gospel?
Did you know that more and more countries are offering “global nomad” visas? These and other ways of entering countries can provide fascinating opportunities for the gospel.
God Doesn’t Work for Me
You have probably heard someone say something like this about your faith: I’m glad that works for you. But, as Seth says here, God doesn’t merely work for us!
Improving Our Listening to Sermons
Though we hear many sermons over the course of our lives, we may not truly listen to many of them. Here are some helpful tips on becoming a better listener.
Flashback: When the Battlefield Goes Quiet
Though we are not nearly as holy as we long to be, we are certainly far more holy than we once were, for God is at work in us and through us.
Without prayer, our sermons may look good on paper — they may even sound good in the pulpit — but you can bet that they will never leave the church parking lot.
—Michael Fabarez
