Daily Reads - 1/31/17

But I Do, Dad
Wow, this was an emotional read! I really appreciate this poem. It reminds me to value the moments that I still get to enjoy with my dad. It also provides me with perspective as I look forward to being a dad myself!

7 Questions to Ask Before Posting About Politics on Social Media
Timely.

7 Ways to Do Political Punditry Wrong
Fellow Christians, lets be shrewd, wise, and gracious in how we address issues and truth. The world IS watching!

Choose Courage Over Outrage
"We don't admire courage anymore; at least not real courage. In our culture, the quiet, settled resolve to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming opposition has been drowned in a sea of manufactured outrage. Outrage should not be confused with courage, even though it often tries to dress in courage's clothing."

Daily Reads - 1/24/17

Photo Credit: Pixabay

5 Cheap But Meaningful Ways to Make the Most Out of Date Night
What a privilege to date my wife! There are some good reminders and suggestions in this article.

Why and How My Wife and I Give to the Church
Giving can be a difficult and sensitive topic for pastors and the church to talk about. In this article Chuck Lawless demonstrates a healthy perspective on giving to the local church.

Solitary Ruminations on Trump's Inaugural
One of my college professors offers some thoughts on President Trump's inaugural.

The Value of Christian Protest
"Prayer is an under-estimated resource for affection social change. Therefore, prayer is a powerful form of protest for Christians..."

Planned Parenthood's Most Misleading Statistic

Biblical Success
I need this reminder regularly.

Words Matter: Recovering Godly Speech in a Culture of Profanity
"God created our mouths to be fountains of blessing, not gutters of cursing. He exhorts us to build up others with our words, 'giving grace to those who hear' (Eph. 4:29). How can we do this in a culture inundated with profanity and unwholesome speech?"

John 10:11-15 - I Am the Good Shepherd

My message from Sunday: I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15)

Daily Reads - 1/19/17

Pray For Your Church Leaders
Yes please!

Divine Words for Desperate Parents
"To raise a child toward godliness, we need much more than the good advice parenting experts have to offer. We need what only the Scriptures have to offer."

The Danger of Entertaining Lies
Somehow, Satan has found a way to often engage my mind in what he has to say. To listen to his lies is to play with fire. I am reminded of how Jesus responded to Satan's temptations: "It is written..."

Breaking Down the Dividing Wall of Hostility: The Unifying Impact of the Gospel Across Cultures
God is doing amazing things in India and around the world!

When the Beloved of God Are Hated by the World
How do we endure hatred and persecution of the world?

Love & Irritability
Love... is not easily provoked (1 Cor. 13:4)

Daily Reads - 1/16/17

How Martin Luther King, Jr Overcame 'Christian' White Supremacy
Written by Russell Moore, this article is full of conviction on MLK Day.

4 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Church
I'm afraid that some people don't consider these questions as intently as they ought. I might add another one that appropriately questions my own motives: "Will I serve others at this church?"

12 Reasons I Love My "Small" Church
I love to see this perspective in God's people: "I am so thankful to the Lord for my (church)."

A Pastor's Letter To His Young Self: Why Community Isn't Enough
A good reminder that a friendship community is not the same as a church community.

More than Hashtags: Fight for Human Dignity
Even as we hear more and more news of murder, war, genocide, and refugees camps, here are some simple steps to get you thinking about what you can do.

Reading King's Letter From Birmingham Jail
Justin Taylor provides some good background and commentary on a highly influential letter written by Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Prayer for MLK Day
The pastoral prayer that Kevin DeYoung gave yesterday at University Reformed Church.

Being Sensitive in Sharing Scripture with the Suffering
When is it appropriate to use Romans 8:28 when trying to comfort someone going through a difficult time?

Daily Reads - 1/12/17

How to Prioritize Family Prayer as a Leader
Amen. "One of the most obvious signs of the primacy of God in the Christian home is prayer."

How to Get the Strength You Need to Be a Mom
Hopefully this is an encouragement to all you moms out there!

How Do I Use My Dinner Table for Evangelism?
This is something good to think about: how can I use my home to reach out and welcome others in, and to give them a safe place to hear the Gospel and see the grace of God lived out?

6 Ways to Stir Your Affections for Weekly Preaching
Encouraging for me today.

What Does the World's Oldest Piano Sound Like?
I think that the piano is a wonderful instrument. This video is fun!

Daily Reads - 1/10/17

Photo credit: Lightstock

This Year, The Psalms - Psalm 1
A short devotional on Psalm 1.

Why Kids Ask Why (And How to Respond Lovingly)
It is important that we discern the motive behind a child's "why." Sometimes, we can miss a golden opportunity to help shape our child's worldview and encourage them towards a biblical perspective.

Five Ways to Flourish in Journaling
Journaling is a valuable tool that when done right, can be a real encouragement to you and to others.

Six Questions to Diagnose Subtle Gossip
Ahh, the subtle but hurtful sin of gossip. This is a helpful reminder to be careful with our words.