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A La Carte (November 11)

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Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

Crossway has recently begun publishing an excellent series of reader-friendly books that explain the themes in each of the New Testament books. Westminster Books has the series on sale now if you want to get started with it.

Today’s Kindle deals include some great picks like the Getty’s book Sing! and a devotional book that will lead you through the Psalms.

Why Am I So Spiritually Dry?

Glenna Marshall considers times of spiritual dryness. “As I crunched my way through my neighborhood and watched the clouds for rain, I realized that dry seasons can be for our good. Sometimes spiritual dry spells come with a diagnosis and sometimes they don’t, but the only way through them is through them.”

Holy Imposter Syndrome

I think we have all encountered holy imposter syndrome, have we not? “It’s easy for Christians to experience a form of imposter syndrome. As we look around at the other people at church, it can seem as though they all belong here. They have the Christian life figured out. They know what they’re doing. But it’s a different story for ourselves.”

Longings

Kenneth Berding expresses how the joy we experience in creation provokes a kind of longing.

Responding When Those We Respect Disappoint Us

“The most complicated people to forgive are those who have had the most profound personal impact on us. As pastors and counselors, we’re intimately familiar with disappointment, disloyalty, and even flagrant sin. While we understand intellectually that every person we meet is fallen and desperately needs God’s grace, that knowledge gets tested when someone we deeply respect disappoints us. The pain cuts deeper because we, as shepherds, feel emotions at a depth few experience—our hearts are uniquely invested in people and their spiritual well-being.”

Through Many Tribulations

Blake offers the timely reminder that we ought to be ready to pass through many tribulations on our journey to heaven.

Maybe You Are Answering a Question That Has Not Been Asked

“Christian evangelists often initiate a gospel presentation in the format of offering an answer to one of life’s big questions. This approach is not only relevant to the hearer, it also provides the opportunity to challenge a person’s worldview and provide an answer from a biblical perspective, ultimately offering the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. However, life’s big questions vary from culture to culture, and context to context.”

Flashback: Keep a Close Watch on Yourself!

Crumbling behavior and crumbling beliefs, a shipwrecked life or a shipwrecked faith, both result from a lack of vigilance. 

Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!

—Andrew Murray

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