Once or twice a month, I gather up links to some of my favourite reading and resources from the past fortnight. I’d love to know what you’ve been reading in the comments too.
Articles
Steady as the Seasons Change
Brett McCracken comforts us with the reminder that, in the midst of our chaotic lives, the wonders of autumn testify to the sovereign Creator.
Random, Granular Tips for Christian Bloggers
Tim always has great advice for bloggers who want to glorify God through their writing (and there’s a great book recommendation too).
Fearing the Future
“That fear permeates so much of my life: We only have so much time left. A vacation, a long weekend, breaks when I was in college; all were more magical in the time before they happened, and already wilting at the edges once I was in the middle.”
Sisters, You Have Permission to Lead an Ordinary Life
A helpful, countercultural call from Melissa Kruger: “We have so many influencers telling us to make an amazing, groundbreaking difference in the world. Words meant to inspire often exhaust. Can I borrow a moment of your time to give you (and me) permission to lead a quiet, ordinary life?”
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:
How Narnia Helped Me Yearn for Heaven
The Chronicles of Narnia Still Grips Our Imagination, 70 Years Later
Reading Narnia While the World Burns [my article]
Podcasts
Ten Reasons to Read the Bible Every Day (Ask Pastor John)
I think we could always use reminders about why we should be giving ourselves to a regular practice of Bible reading.
Contentment: The Ultimate Life Hack (Redeeming Productivity)
This is a helpful perspective, because productivity advice is so often about striving for the next thing. As Christians, we ought to be content as we are right now, knowing this is where God has placed us.
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Bad about Enjoying the World — Joe Rigney (Crossway Podcast)
This was a really interesting topic, and made me want to grab a copy of Joe Rigney’s new book: “He explains the impact that John Piper and Christian Hedonism have had on his life and theology, the proper place of self-denial in the Christian life, and how to navigate the tension of loving God and enjoying his good gifts.”
Building Friendships with People Unlike Yourself (Let’s Talk)
Jasmine Holmes, Jackie Hill Perry, and Melissa Kruger and help us see the beauty of friendships with people different from us, and how we can cultivate those relationships.
Tweets
Suffering has an end date.
Joy doesn’t.
— John Starke (@john_starke) October 15, 2020
The beautiful thing is that even if you have to repent a thousand times a day, God rejoices a thousand times a day. He never tires of welcoming back repentant sinners—never grows annoyed.
How unlike us He is. And that’s a great thing.
— Kris Sinclair (@krissinclair_) October 14, 2020
“I am busy because I am vain. I am busy because I am lazy.”
—Eugene Peterson pic.twitter.com/EyjSWT2XDD
— Ivan Mesa (@IvanTable) October 14, 2020
Sunset last night. It seems creation isn’t aware that we are scurrying around like ants, worried about what tomorrow might bring.
It just keeps singing praise to its creator! pic.twitter.com/dMAtFBrNBV
— Aaron Duvall (@RevDuv) October 3, 2020
How do I pray when I don’t feel like praying?
1. Never depend upon my feelings.
2. Use a prayer from Scripture.
3. Recite God’s attributes.
4. Thank God for His blessings.
5. Be guided by a prayer list.
6. Focus on the needs of others.
7. Rejoice that Jesus is praying for me.— Dustin Benge (@DustinBenge) October 8, 2020