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A La Carte (December 30)

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Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

Today’s Kindle deals include a really good selection of books. Be sure to check it out!

Honor Your (Elderly) Parents: How Adult Children ‘Make Some Return’

Kathleen Nielson has an article on an important subject. “My friend loves her mom, but she is struggling with the weight of caring for her in her old age. The huge commitment of time, space, money, and emotional support somewhat ambushed her. It’s a story told often these days, in various versions, but with the same theme of figuring out how best to care for aging parents.” (Consider reading her book on the subject.)

Retired From Resolutions

Jana explains why she decided to retire from resolutions. “Do you, like me, need to relinquish perfectionism and the desire for control and experience God’s grace and peace in the midst of transition, trials, and turmoil? Perhaps the goals vs. purpose perspective can help you, as it has me, to simplify our lives and stay focused on what matters most.”

Why We Can’t Focus (Video)

This isn’t a Christian video per se, and isn’t exactly original, but I think it’s a helpful reminder of why we have so much troubling focus these days.

Are Atheists Correct When They Claim Mental States Are Merely Brain States?

J. Warner Wallace: “If our mental states are nothing more than brain states (physical, neurological activities of one kind or another), it would be easy to account for mind from the materials and processes available in the physical universe. But while it’s increasingly popular to think of the mind as nothing more than the activity of the brain, this approach has significant liabilities. Here is a brief summary of the problems related to this explanation:”

Be Committed to Leave a Legacy

“Who do you want to be remembered after you die? What legacy would you want to leave others behind? What kind of impact do you wish to leave others with whom you interacted? As early as now, we should be committed to thinking the answers to these questions because the answers to these questions shape the legacy that we will leave behind.”

A Broken Relationship with Dad

“Over many years I have seen that a person who has a rupture in relationship with his or her father and does not know how to find acceptance and peace with God through Jesus Christ, may be susceptible to many difficulties in this life.” While acknowledging some breaks are beyond repair, I think there’s value in reading this article and pondering it.

Flashback: Strength = Good, Weakness = Bad

Jesus was weak. Paul rejoiced in his own weakness. And yet we are still afraid and ashamed to be weak. We would rather feign strength than admit weakness.

If the Lord should give men a view of the horrid deformity and filthiness of their spirits, it would amaze them and sink their hearts in woeful horror.

—Jeremiah Burroughs

  • Sermon Introduction

    Three Levels of Sermon Introduction

    Though every sermon necessarily needs a beginning, it does not necessarily need a formal introduction. Though it has to begin somewhere, there is no rule that it must begin with some kind of story or illustration. A preacher can jump straight into his text if he so desires. Some do.

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    A La Carte (April 4)

    A LA Carte: Causes of division in the church / Union with Christians / The 1%-er rhetoric / Pray or sleep? / Distinguishing shame from guilt / Many more Kindle deals / and so on.

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    A La Carte (April 3)

    A La Carte: Never too late to learn how to pray / Walking with those who weep / Rethinking the role of pastor’s wife / What does the Bible mean when it teaches wives to submit? / Does God want some to go to hell? / Kindle deals / and more.

  • The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    I rarely review, recommend, or even mention movies and television programs. I rarely do so because I am aware that tastes vary and so too do family rules and personal consciences. Not only that, but I am not very adept at understanding the themes or messages in visual media and wouldn’t wish to inadvertently lead…

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    A La Carte (April 2)

    A La Carte: Our dance with distinction / You are not your theology / The challenges of motherhood / God hates sin / Random thoughts on preaching / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 1)

    A La Carte: John Piper evaluates Jordon Peterson / Church coffee / Disciplines to help your marriage / “Love is Blind” / A knife at her throat / So many Kindle deals / and more.