As well as reading a lot of books, I also read a ton of articles every week. Here are some of the articles that I’ve read recently and have found interesting, helpful, challenging and encouraging. I hope that they will be the same for you, my dear readers…
Countering ‘Love Is Love’ and Other Secular Creeds
Here is a review of Rebecca McLaughlin’s book The Secular Creed. I’ve not yet read the book but have heard great things. It’s a helpful review.
ACCOUNTABILITY IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS
“The Bible offers very different counsel. First, faithfulness is not the absence of temptation. Second, demonstrating faithfulness does not come by running toward temptation and not giving in, but by putting as much space between you and the temptation as possible. Third, using means of grace like accountability or filters to help us fight sin is not weakness, but wisdom.”
Expectations
“The truth is that as life changes, our way of being with the Lord will also change. Our expectations need to match where we are in life. We might not have the opportunity to read for 30 minutes and journal each day, but we can stick some verses or quotes to the bathroom mirror to dwell on, or we can set reminders throughout our day to stop and pray.”
You’re never truly alone
“Relationship and community are important, and we need to pursue them as much as possible. However, if you’ve dealt with true loneliness, you know that sometimes that’s easier said than done. But what if there is Someone who sees and knows us like no one else ever could? Could it be that there’s a God who wants to draw near in the messiness of our grief and loneliness, unlike those who shrink back in discomfort?”
Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year
Very interesting read. Think if there are ways you can support your pastor as he continues to support you and the wider church family.
Debunking the ‘Work-Life Balance’ Myth
“It’s a myth because “balance” suggests a static state of being, whereas life is constantly changing. But it’s also a myth because work is not the opposite of life—it isn’t something separate from life. It’s an integral part of life, or at least it should be.”
Deconstruction, Evangelicals, and Jumping Overboard from an Ocean Liner
“We hear a lot about “deconstruction” these days and a lot about “exvangelicals.” And though the terms may be new, the reality is as old as the church itself—some will profess faith for a time and then fall away. There was a time when Christians referred to such people as “infidels,” those who had come to reject the faith they once professed.”