My thanks goes to the Nicea Conference for sponsoring the blog this week. They are hosting an epic conference in October and are eager to have you join them. Be sure to give it a look!
As always, you’ll find a selection of Kindle deals to consider today.
(Yesterday on the blog: Managing Your Household Well)
Diapers of Glory
This is a good article about what God counts as success. “Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, success looks different than it once did—and, like the disciples, I realize I’ve been asking the wrong questions.” (I believe the URL should be unlocked; if not, you may need a free account.)
The Manipulator
“Manipulation, at its core, is lying. It is premeditated selfishness—excessive flattery or temperamental mood swings—toying with another person in order to reap personal gain. When we manipulate, we mirror Satan, the Father of Lies, who masquerades as an angel of light.”
A Censorious Spirit
Nick Batzig sounds the alarm on the terrible consequences of having a censorious spirit.
Know Your (Teenage) Child’s Frame
“As a mother of four, I had no idea how much detective work would go into answering this simple question as my children became teenagers. Should I ask more questions or leave her alone? Will my questions cause her to open up or shut down? Do I have the time (and energy) to dig into this right now? We may wonder if it’s possible to thrive during this season when such basic questions seem rife with potential missteps.”
Even if He Doesn’t
Staci reminds us that “ministry—along with life in general—can break your heart. The soft-focus promos for small group curricula don’t typically emphasis this, but some of the people we try to love and lead will reject the gospel. I’ve always known this, but lately I’ve felt the weight of it.”
How Can I Be a Godly Father?
As we approach Father’s Day, Joel Smit has a word for the fathers among us.
Flashback: 40 More Random Pieces of Advice for the Christian Life
One of the best ways to show love to your friends is to show love to your friends’ children. Take an interest in them, love them, and be a friend to them.
Where a man belongs is at the bedside of his children, leading in devotion and prayer. Where a man belongs is leading his family to the house of God. Where a man belongs is up early and alone with God seeking vision and direction for the family.
—John Piper
