Daily Reads - 12/31/16

Free DTS Online Courses
Dallas Theological Seminary offers a number of free online courses! Their current offerings are on Genesis, John, Revelation, and How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor.

Bible Reading Plans for 2017
I hope you are planning to read the Bible this year! What a Book: I can never get enough of it no matter how much I read it! As the Psalmist said: "Your Word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). This webpage has a number of great suggestions for reading through the Bible in 2017, that can fit a variety of schedules. I highly encourage you to read the Bible every day this year by yourself, with your spouse, and with your children. If you are dating, read the Bible together with your significant other. It will change your life: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man (or woman) of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

My Daily Reads

10 Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year
Many people are considering New Year's resolutions at this time of year. Don Whitney provides us with a list of questions to ask ourselves to "get our bearings" and "consider our ways."

The Most Important Story of 2016
A good reminder that so often the stories that have the most eternal significance are not found in our newspapers.

Can You Catch Up on Lost Sleep?
Interesting study. A reminder to me of the importance and value of good "wake-up" and "bedtime" habits.

Today's Article Recommendations

Social Media Resolutions for 2017
A good reminder from Samuel James that what we post on social media is a reflection of our hearts, and will have an impact (positive or negative) on others.

John Wesley's Failed Marriage
Nathan Busenitz profiles the said story of John and Molly Wesley's marriage. Family is not a distraction from ministry... your wife and kids ARE your ministry.

Decision Making & "I Have a Peace About It"
How do I know that I made the right decision? (by Eric Davis)

John MacArthur's 9 Tips on Self-Discipline


6 Reasons Why the Church Is Not Singing

Sing a Little Louder

A powerful video about speaking and acting in defense of those who are being led to death...

Video

Why You Should Thank God That Your Kids Are Mediocre Athletes

Thank God that your kids are such utterly unremarkable athletes that they don't have coaches recruiting them to be on the field instead of at church on Sunday mornings, and that you therefore aren't foolishly telling yourself "My kids will still love Jesus" when you habitually drive them past His house to be somewhere else as the worship service takes place.

... Treat the modest athletic gifts God has given your children the way you treat the modest amount of money he's given you: by looking at that sufficient yet unremarkable pile and thanking God that you have enough for food and shelter, enough to be healthy and at peace, but not so much that your heart would be corrupted and allow the cares and riches and pleasures of this life to choke your faith.

Thank God Your Kids are Mediocre at Sports by Hans Fiene

What Does it Mean to Give Thanks?

Thanksgiving is a deeply theological act, rightly understood.

Giving Thanks by Albert Mohler

Get Ready for the Most Super Ordinary Sunday Ever!

After all, it's the God who meets us in the ordinary means of grace that we can get super stoked about.

The Most Super Ordinary Sunday Ever! by Trevin Wax

Are You a Part-Time Churchgoer? You May Be Surprised?

We don't go to church because of guilt. We are the church because of grace.

Are You a Part-Time Churchgoer? by Trevin Wax

7 Ways to Become a Better Sermon Listener

7 Ways to Become a Better Sermon Listener by Christopher Ash

Nabeel's Vlog 007 - The Path I Have Chosen: Jesus

The Path I Have Chosen: Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

3 Truths You Should Remember No Matter What You Do in the Voting Booth

3 Truths You Should Remember by Trevin Wax

The Secret to Giving and Receiving Critique

The Secret to Giving and Receiving Critique by Brandon D. Smith

He Nourishes and Cherishes Her

So when a woman is married to a lonvingly Christlike man who cherishes her, she feels warmth in her heart at being valued by her husband and held dear above all others, second only to Christ himself.

He Nourishes and Cherishes Her by Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

How Churches in America's Least Religious Region Talk About Sexuality

I tell people this is a wonderful opportunity to winsomely and charitably speak into the public square.


How Churches in America's Least Religious Region Talk About Sexuality by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra

The Cracks Begin at the Bottom

What are you doing to actively pursue unity within your church?

The Cracks Begin at the Bottom by Tim Challies

Do You Read the Bible Enough?

Do You Read the Bible Enough? by Jeremy Adelman

Never Harmless, Never Private, Never Safe

Fighting Porn With Superior Pleasure by Marshall Segal

The Three Biggest Idols in Western Churches Today

What idols are plaguing the western church today?

Three Idols by Tim Keller

Open Bibles, Burning Hearts

A Response to Andy Stanley by John Piper

Befriend Those With Disabilities and Special Needs

Befriend Those With Disabilities and Special Needs by Scott Sauls

4 Lessons We Should Learn From 19th- Century Missionaries

Have you ever wondered what missionaries should be doing?

4 Lessons by Travis L. Myers

Is Your Gospel An Urban Legend?

Is Your Gospel an Urban Legend by Jared Wilson

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids

18 things by Tim Challies

105 People Die Each Minute

Hell is real. Time is short. Our King says go.

105 People Die Each Minute by Thabiti Anyabwile

Don't Keep the Gospel to Yourself

Don't Keep the Gospel to Yourself by Steven Lee

Why All Christians Should Care About Systematic Theology

Why All Christians Should Care About Systematic Theology by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum

The Key to Evangelism in the 21st Century

The Key to Evangelism in the 21st Century by David Mathis

Is Your Church Ready for the Future?

Is Your Church Ready for the Future? by Becky Pippert

The Missing Elements of Modern Worship

The Missing Elements of Modern Worship by Tim Challies

9 Attributes of a Real Man

As a man who has been fatherless almost all my life, I have found that defining masculinity is deceptively difficult. I didn't have someone around to demonstrate true and healthy manhood... Finding a clear and precise definition of masculinity is especially difficult if we turn to the world, rather than to the Bible.


9 Attributes of a Real Man by Vince Miller

Why Evangelicals Are Divided Over Trump

Why Evangelicals Are Divided Over Trump by Joe Carter

Competing as a Pastor

"Refuse to think competitively. God has gifted everyone uniquely and distinctively - believe that. He has gifted many in various ways - and that includes you. Let it be. Don't sweat it. Put competition to rest. We can choose not to compare ourselves with others and not surround ourselves with those who have a competitive spirit. We're all in this together - so if one is in need, we all pitch in. And if one rejoices, we all rejoice. Envy is a thief; it will steal your joy."

- Charles R. Swindoll

In Praise of Heavy Providences

Today, I'm struck anew with how contrary to the world is the Christian life. I'm thinking specifically about how the world will almost without fail define the best way forward in life as the way of ease. That is, the path of least resistance is, by definition, the right path to choose.

This is not so in God's economy...


In Praise of Heavy Providences by Mike Pohlman

12 Theses on a Christian Understanding of Economics

Regrettably, many American Christians know little about economics. Furthermore, many Christians assume that the Bible has nothing at all to say about economics...


12 Theses on a Christian Understanding of Economics by Albert Mohler

7 Things Your Church Needs From You

7 Things Your Church Needs From You by Tim Challies

Reclaiming Dignity in Public Discourse

Let's reclaim dignity and renounce belittling others in speech or act. In the rediscovery of dignity and respect, we may just find we end up having a little higher regard for the neighbor Jesus calls us to love.


Reclaiming Dignity in Public Discourse by Darrell Bock and Mark Bailey

5 Ways Persecution in Iran Has Backfired

Scripture is clear that God often uses his people's suffering to advance his kingdom. In his providence, the Islamic regime's strategies to stamp out the Persian-speaking church in Iran have backfired - resulting in further church growth. Here are five examples.

5 Ways Persecution in Iran Has Backfired by David Yeghnazar

Why I Am a Six-Day Creationist

I believe God created the world in six days - six literal twenty-four hour periods. I believe the earth is young - probably less than ten thousand years old. I have always believed this. But why? As I considered this position, I realized there are three main reasons I hold to it.

Why I Am a Six-Day Creationist by Tim Challies

Don't Bring a Plastic Spoon to a Knife Fight

The Christian life has been rightly reckoned as a war. The enemy is clearly defined as a spiritual war headed by Satan (Eph. 6:12). Some of his goals include an unceasing attempt to devour (1 Pet. 5:8), destroy (Job 2:3); kill (Jn. 8:44); blind people from the truth (2 Cor. 4:4); and keep them from coming to God (Gal. 4:8). In other words, the identity, intentions, and capabilities of our enemy are clearly known. We have solid, credible intel on him.

Don't Bring a Plastic Spoon to a Knife Fight by Erik Raymond

Why Planned Parenthood and the Kingdom of Christ are at Odds

Why Planned Parenthood and the Kingdom of Christ are at Odds by Russell Moore

5 Benefits of Regular Family Worship

Five Benefits of Regular Family Worship by Tom Ascol

Set An Example: Don't Surrender To Low Expectations

In what ways do you think you are setting a good example to the people of your church?

Set An Example by Tim Challies

Why Parents' Priorities Are Hurting Students

This article is a simple reminder of a timeless truth... "What gets rewarded gets repeated."

Why Parents' Priorities Are Hurting Students by Tim Elmore

Labor, Delivery, and New Birth

My brother and his wife just had their first baby! This article brings together some of the wonderful thoughts about new life.

Labor, Delivery, and New Birth by Marshall Segal

4 Ways to Discuss the 2016 Election With Your Kids

For families with children, this election year brings unique challenges, since the campaign often feels like a reality show. How do we talk to our kids about what they are seeing and hearing all around them?

Here are a few things we do.

4 Ways to Discuss the 2016 Election With Your Kids by Russell Moore

3 Things to Remember When You Read the Bible

You can never just read the Bible.

3 Things to Remember When You Read the Bible by Jonathan Parnell

Don't Let Nostalgia Overcome Your Hope

Don't Let Nostalgia Overcome Your Hope by Trevin Wax

For the Bible Tells Me So: Biblical Authority Denied... Again

For the Bible Tells Me So by Albert Mohler

Our Father Always Threads the Needle

When we appear to be overmatched by sin, Satan, or the flesh, we must remember the promises of God... We are encouraged and refreshed with the timely word from our heavenly Father. He always threads the needle.


Our Father Always Threads the Needle by Erik Raymond

The Political Magic of C.S. Lewis

Followers of Jesus aren't doing a very good job of living faithfully in a broken world, perhaps because we're looking inward instead of upward. "Aim at heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in,'" Lewis reminded us. "Aim at earth and you will get neither."


The Political Magic of C.S. Lewis by Peter Wehner