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