For some mysterious reason, yesterday’s A La Carte was not included in the daily email. If you would like to see it, you can find it here.
his week, Westminster Books has a sale on the ESV One Story Bible, a product I very much appreciate and recommend.
The highlight of today’s Kindle deals is Perfect Rest for Weary Pilgrims, though you’ll find lots of other good options as well.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Power of a Single Snowflake)
Awaken Your Hunger
Glenna Marshall: “The more I feed on the Word of God, the more I hunger for Christ. The more I feed on the things of the world, the more restless my heart becomes. If I’m consistently feeding my heart the wrong thing, I will see the anemic fruit of that malnourishment. Too much scrolling? Distracted prayer time. Too much entertainment? Constant desire to be entertained. Too much self-indulgence or feasting without ever fasting? Weakness and grumbling at the first sign of spiritual discomfort.”
More Than a Welcome: Why Calling Your Congregation to Worship Really Matters
I enjoyed this article on the importance and uniqueness of a church’s call to worship.
Abortion Pills and Emergency Contraception: A Position Paper
This is a helpful position paper on abortion pills and emergency contraception—crucial issues in the church and culture today.
Cybersecurity for Churches
Speaking of crucial issues, churches should make sure they are taking cybersecurity seriously. “While this article touches on some of the online risks, the goal isn’t to scare churches away from technology. In a growing digital age, we need to be aware of changing threats to church life and guard against them. It is also good to recognise that when used wisely, digital technology can offer many blessings; it can enhance ministry, as well as aid our connections and our communication.”
Renewed Commitment to the Public Reading of Scripture
We focus (rightly) on the preaching of the Word of God. But the Bible also commands that we simply read the Word publicly. This article shows how effective that can be.
Delighting in God Isn’t Dependent on Favorable Circumstances
Randy Alcorn: “Happiness in God involves an act of will toward the God who’s there and who loves us, even in sickness, hunger, war, and prison cells. It’s built on His all-encompassing sovereignty, love, goodness, grace, gladness, and redemptive purposes in our lives. By choosing happiness in Christ, we’re gratefully receiving God’s grace and His own happiness.”
Flashback: Would It Be Better to Take a Pay Cut Than a Church Cut?
…if you do choose to move, let me plead with you to put more attention into your church than your job, neighborhood, home, or school.