A La Carte (September 20)

Today’s Kindle deals include a few minor deals that may be worth a quick peek.

Westminster Books has a selection of Reformation-related titles on sale. You should probably read at least one book on the Reformation before October 31!

Speaking of which, you can get a copy of the classic biography of Luther Here I Stand for a gift of any amount to Ligonier Ministries.

Setting the Tone in Your Home

“Mamas, you have been granted a special gift in the life of your family: you are the tone setter. It doesn’t matter if you have fancy decor or an immaculately clean house. It doesn’t matter if you work long hours or stay home all day long. When you are with your family, you guide the atmosphere.”

Remembering My Friend Nabeel Qureshi

You may enjoy this tribute to Nabeel Qureshi from a friend who knew him for a long time.

We Are Called to Be Faithful, But Only God Can Make our Efforts Fruitful

“As strong, capable, goal-driven women are wont to do, I also see my sisters and myself constantly reevaluating our calendars and our efforts. We routinely ask: am I spending myself in the way God would have me? Are my activities useful and effective? Am I actually getting anything accomplished with this task/ministry/activity/habit? Is it working?”

Puzzling Gravestones

Here’s a quirky one: “When Canadian doctor Samuel Bean lost his first two wives, Henrietta and Susanna, within 20 months of each other, he decided that the was best way to honor them would be to create a tombstone dedicated to a hobby they both enjoyed —solving puzzles.”

Young Men and Pastoral Qualifications (Video)

“Whether a young man desires to be a pastor or not, he should pursue the qualifications listed for pastors in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 because they describe lives that honor God and bring him glory.”

Five Lessons after 30 Years of Pastoring in Zambia

I enjoyed reading Conrad Mbewe’s reflections on 30 years of pastoring Kabwata Baptist Church.

What Christians Should Know About Cremation

I find more and more Christians considering cremation as an alternative to burial, at least in part because of the high cost of the latter. Joe Carter has a helpful FAQ on cremation here.

Flashback: How To Lose Your Zeal for Christ

Are you zealous for Christ? Do you have a genuine zeal to live for him and to advance his cause in the world? Or have you lost the zeal that once marked you? Here are 9 ways you may lose your zeal.