My family had a quiet weekend—but I expect that is true of the great majority of people who read this site. Thankfully, we continue to stay healthy and remain (relatively) united as a family as we remain for a long time in close quarters.
Today’s Kindle deals include a long, long list of books, commentaries, and other good material. Also, most volumes in the New American Commentary series are on sale.
(Yesterday on the blog: More Tips on Living in Lockdown from Christians in Italy)
Are You Storm-Tossed And Weary?
Barbaranne Kelly writes about a common fear. “I love my children dearly, but God’s word assures me that he loves them more. Furthermore, his wisdom and power to do for them what they need far outstrips my own abilities. And his will for them is perfect. I just want them home safe—God wants to conform them to the image of his Son. I want them to be shielded from harm—he wants them to be holy. So, in prayer, I lay them at his feet, entrusting them to his care, and asking for wisdom for them and myself.”
A Christian Doctor Answers Questions about COVID-19
Crossway interviewed Bob Cutillo to get some answers to questions about COVID-19. (See also Crisis, Christ, and Confidence for an interview with a prominent Christian doctor, How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus? with John Piper, and God Be with Us till We Meet Again by Albert Mohler.)
How the Virus Got Out
This is an incredible graphic from the NY Times which has removed their paywall for COVID-19 coverage, though you may still need to register for a free account. (See also: The Week that America Changed, Fake Animal News Abounds, and Why the Coronavirus Has Been So Successful.)
16 Ways Pastors Can Work for Unity in Politically Divisive Times
Andy Naselli: “It is not the case that, as a culture becomes increasingly anti-Christian, all the moral issues become clearer. Some do. But knowing how to live and engage in such a culture can become more complex as we’re faced with lots of new questions, whether we’re talking about resisting school policies on gender pronouns or safety regulations on robots designed for sex. Christians will reach different conclusions amid all these new challenges. Our consciences will respond differently to this and that gray area. What’s important is how we respond to those who vote or believe differently, to learn how to make at least some space for them, and to encourage charity and forbearance.”
Rainy Night, NYC: Portraits
It is always a pleasure to read whatever Jennie Cesario writes.
We Don’t Know What to Do … COVID-19 and 2 Chronicles 20
As we all grapple with the effects of COVID-19, let’s not forget to pray for those who are far from world-class medical care. “Yesterday the US Department of State issued their most dire, war-like, travel warning ever: If you’re an American on a trip, come home now. If you’re an American that lives abroad, stay put and don’t travel. Which means that there was a sudden calculation by and for 151 souls, do I live here or am I visiting? What is my risk? Should I leave? And these are not simple questions.”
Seeing the People in Front of You
“There are many days when I am distracted and don’t notice the people around me. My eyes are open, but my brain is elsewhere. There are other days when I choose to look past the people around me and toward something I deem more essential or enchanting.”
Flashback: 8 Ways God Works Suffering for Our Good
Suffering never comes our way apart from the purpose and providence of God and for that reason, suffering is always significant, never meaningless. Here are some ways that God brings good from our suffering.
Every story of every figure in every corner of every book of the Bible is chanting this call. Be holy, for he is holy.
—Jen Wilkin
