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Weekend A La Carte (July 18)

My gratitude goes to Westminster Books for sponsoring the blog this week with news of their new referral rewards program.

Today’s Kindle deals include a handful of classics as well as at least one newer book.

Logos users will want to check out the sale on Zondervan products. There are some great deals!

(Yesterday on the blog: How To Talk About God in a Skeptical Age)

J. I. Packer (1926–2020)

J.I. Packer went to be with the Lord yesterday and Justin Taylor has written a thorough obituary. (See also: Christianity Today’s article, WORLD’s article D.A. Carson’s tribute, and John Piper’s tribute.)

Lord of the Rings: The Peter Jackson Remix

If you’ve read and watched The Lord of the Rings you’ll enjoy Keith Mathison’s reflections on what worked and what didn’t work in the transition from page to screen.

To the Friends Who Tell Me “No”

“Our culture is quick to assume that consistent and encouraging friendships must necessarily also be affirming. As I consider each of my closest friendships, however, I see clearly that this is not the case. My best and oldest friends are those who tell me ‘no.’”

Seven Lessons for Productivity

As he reaches the 1500th(!) episode of Ask Pastor John, John Piper offers seven lessons for productivity.

How to More Wisely Consume News

This is a valuable reflection on consuming news. “As much as the media landscape is a minefield of misinformation, manipulative clickbait, and partisan rants, good journalism remains. Finding it requires intentionality and discipline, yet it can guard us against a frenzy that undermines our ability to trust anything. To this end, I believe it’s helpful to assess media sources through a grid of biblical virtues.”

Spreading the Worst Infection

“This difficult time of Coronavirus provides an opportunity to consider what actions we are taking to avoid sin and to limit the impact of our sin upon others.” There is, after all, an even worse contagion out there…

The Fruit of the Spirit Are Ingredients of Happiness

Randy Alcorn: “What’s our greatest source of joy? Paul pointed to the Holy Spirit: ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control’ (Galatians 5:22-23).”

Flashback: Doers and Delegators

If you are called to lead, you need to display godly character in your acts of service. Go low! Serve God by serving others! But understand that you can only lead skillfully and successfully if you are willing to delegate.

Humans are those strange creatures who can never be fully satisfied by anything created—though that never stops us from trying.

—James K. A. Smith

  • To Fail in Our Commitment

    Nowhere does the Bible command a daily “quiet time.” Yet often does the Bible commend an earnest commitment to reading the Bible, meditating upon it, and diligently applying its truths. Often does it commend those who lived according to it.

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    Weekend A La Carte (August 24)

    A La Carte: Sanctification explained simply / What is a hyper-cessationist? / When life feels crushing / “OK, Boomer” / Being rather than doing daily devotionals / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Zondervan Reflective)

    This weeks Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Zondervan Reflective. They are giving away book bundles to three winners. Each winner will receive: One (1) hardcover copy of Pilgrim Prayers by Tim Challies. Estimated retail value $26.99. One (1) hardcover copy of Seasons of Sorrow by Tim Challies. Estimated retail value $26.99. One (1) hardcover…

  • How Jesus Really Feels About You

    How Jesus Really Feels About You

    I am often surprised and dismayed when I hear Christians speak about the way God feels about them. So many believers live with the conviction that God is generally displeased with them, that he regards them with a sense of disappointment. They may even believe he has a sense of regret that he reached out…

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    A La Carte (August 23)

    A La Carte: The exultant nature of today’s abortion advocacy / The God of small things / Six words of advice for seminarians / A parent’s guide to talking with kids about technology / The Olympic opening ceremony / and more.

  • Pilgrim Prayers

    Have You Ever Tried Praying Poetically?

    There are many ways to pray. There are many ways to pray that are good, appropriate, helpful, and honoring to God. Christians have often found it a blessing to pray words that others have written. Perhaps you have prayed the words of The Book of Common Prayer or The Valley of Vision. But I ask,…