The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you today.
I have tried to collect all the commentary deals I could find (on print rather than Kindle editions). There’s a large collection of them spanning most of the major series. You can find the collection here.
It’s an especially strong day for Kindle deals. Deals include Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett, God of All Things by Andrew Wilson, Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower, and many more.
The Pastor and the Pundit
Trevin Wax has an important word here about pastors and pundits. Thank God for pastors. Thank God for pundits. Thank God for pastors who are not pundits.”
Why Non-Christians Oppose Transgender Ideology
Alan Shlemon explains why it’s not only Christians who oppose transgender ideology. “Some people are confused. They think only Christians are opposed to transgender ideology because of a bigoted, Bible-thumping hatred towards people who identify as transgender. This is false.”
Savor the First Songs of Christmas this Advent
Designed to make your heart sing, these Advent devotions by Tim Chester reflect on the songs surrounding Christ’s birth in Luke’s Gospel: Mary’s song, Zechariah’s song, the angels’ song, and Simeon’s song. Come, pause, and marvel at the wonder of Jesus’ coming and respond with heartfelt praise. Get 30% off With Heart and Soul and Voice by using code CHALLIES. (Sponsored)
The Mercy of Grief
“The mercy of grief” may seem like a contradiction in terms, but Kirsten explains it well. “I find comfort in knowing that despite the loudness of grief’s song this week, I recognize now that it will also become quiet once again.”
The Gift of Midlife Friendship
Staci explains what is different in midlife friendship when compared to earlier in life. “Friendship as a young mom is often difficult. At least it was for me. Don’t get me wrong, I had wonderful women who I still count as my closest friends. But there are so many choices we make for our young families. Even in a grace-filled church setting, we are often pricked by the sharp edges of others’ parenting choices.”
Am I Overdiscipling My Children?
Chap Bettis creates a term, “overdiscipling,” to describe a phenomenon I have seen as well. (Note: It’s not “overdisciplining” which is also a concern, but a different one.)
What to Consider When a Loved One Is Critically Ill
Kathryn Butler: “The medicalization of dying often thrusts loved ones into harrowing ordeals. Up to 70 percent of people can’t vouch for themselves at the end of life, and in such cases, the burden of decision-making falls to loved ones already reeling with fear and grief. The toll on families is heavy; loved ones often suffer from depression, anxiety, and even PTSD for up to a year after making end-of-life decisions.”
Flashback: The Beauty of Gender Difference
We must celebrate the goodness of God’s design, that we are our bodies, that our gendered bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit, made to glorify God (1 Cor. 6:19–20), and that this is anything but restrictive—it’s beautiful.
If we flinched from the plow and the yoke, what would become of us if we faced a cross?
—Maltbie Davenport Babcock
