Daily Reads - 1/7/17

5 Takeaways From Pew Research Center's 2016 Social Media Update
Facebook continues to be the main social media platform...

Christians the Most Persecuted Group in World for Second Straight Year: Study
We should continue to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters who endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

4 Ministry Lessons I Learned From a Small Town Saint
Often the greatest ministry legacy is left by those who quietly go about loving and serving God and people. They may not be in the "lime-light," but their reward in heaven is great.

National Geographic's "Gender Revolution": Bad Argument and Biased Theology
In it's January 2017 issue, National Geographic ran an article that explored what it called the "Gender Revolution." One article in particular, "Rethinking Gender" evidenced a thinking that is not only unbiblical, but also counter to natural law.

Stay Strong to Serve
A good reminder of a more proper motivation to exercise and stay healthy.

7 Writing Tips From Charles Spurgeon

Possibilities in Spare Moments
Imagine how much we could accomplish if we made better use of our spare and passive moments.

Photo credit: Lightstock

Daily Reads - 1.6.17

8 Tips for Taking Good Sermon Notes
Notetaking can sometimes really help me listen carefully and remember better what a pastor or speaker says. We should all learn to be better listeners.

I'm Better Than You
It is so easy for me to fall into the trap of this mindset of superiority. Not only is it not true... it unbiblical. Reminds me of the Spurgeon quote: "If any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he thinks you to be." "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5)

Essential Truths for Your Everyday Work
Following Christ gives significance, meaning, and purpose even in the every day tasks of our lives.

Photo credit: Lightstock

Daily Reads - 1/5/17

5 Reasons to Eat Together As a Family
Consistently eating together as a family created a special bond for us growing up, and it is something that my wife and I desire to do well when we have kids. In this article, Tim Challies does a good job articulating several reasons to make the effort.

Biblical Archaeology's Top 10 Discoveries of 2016
Including the unsealing of the Tomb of Christ!

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Wife
Tim Challies did a series a few years back on "18 Things." There are a couple more below...

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Husband

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids

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