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A La Carte (September 12)

thursday

There’s a nice little collection of Kindle deals to look at today.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Glory of Children Is Their Fathers)

Pastor and Mental Health Advocate Jarrid Wilson Dies by Suicide

Christianity Today covers the sad news of the death of Jarrid Wilson. “Jarrid Wilson, a California church leader, author, and mental health advocate, died by suicide Monday evening at age 30.” (See also: Andrew Roycroft)

Depressed

Stephen McAlpine: “I was just finishing a sermon when it all came crashing down. Not my sermon. Me. I came crashing down. I remember the moment exactly. Sunday morning, Parkerville Baptist Church, 2005. It was the morning of the church open day. It was a hive of activity. A buzz. Marquees, tents, food, drinks, performances. And me, standing there like a zombie in the midst of it all.”

The Many Faiths of Alex Trebek

Here’s a fascinating look at the many faiths of Alex Trebek. “Some conservative evangelicals though, wanting to claim him, have contended that media moguls at CBS and NBC have edited out or ignored comments Trebek has made about prayers helping his recovery. If these conservative media watchdogs are right, perhaps he is more evangelical than we know.” However…

Apple is Bringing Back Crazy Colors after Years of Minimalism

There are some interesting insights here about how phones are accessories more than technologies. “Apple is thinking about its iPhones as accessories, not technologies. And color is currently on trend—perhaps no surprise for a time when many of us need something to feel better about the world.”

Younger Pastors and Senior Adults

This is such a good article for younger pastors to read as they care for senior adults.

The Troubling Case of Purdue Faculty Trying to Kick Out Chick-fil-A

Troubling, indeed. “This is especially troubling on a university campus. Making snap judgments stifles the free exchange of ideas and viewpoints that is such a necessary aspect of collegiate education. Chick-fil-A’s detractors might learn a thing or two about customer service and wise business practices if they look beyond their differences and practiced thoughtful communication.”

Treasures in the Trash (Video)

There are some fascinating people in the world. Like this one who spent his career collecting New York City trash while saving the best of it in a collection.

Flashback: The Greatest Burden of Leadership

Though I long to lead perfectly, because of Jesus my joy, my success, and my salvation do not depend on it.

Too much of our Sunday morning worship sets the cart of affections before the horse of belief.

—Jared Wilson

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    A La Carte (November 21)

    A La Carte: Lessons from Trump’s and Harris’s social media campaigns / What is my spiritual gift? / The messages we receive / 10 mistakes I’ve made in preaching / Big Kindle and book sales / and more.

  • Finn

    I’m a Grandfather!

    Yesterday Abby and Nathan welcomed their first child into the world: Finnegan Safir Nicholas Elfarrah. Because they live just minutes away, Aileen and I were able to be there shortly after his birth to rejoice with them and to meet our first grandchild. We are thrilled beyond measure. And he is cute beyond belief. They…

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    A La Carte (November 20)

    A La Carte: Pray till you pray / Do children need to consent to puberty? / Pleading for Sodom / A thought experiment / 10 mistakes when reading the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.

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    A La Carte (November 19)

    A La Carte: Good night, my son / The longing for justice following sexual assault / Daughter of encouragement / Mistakes I made as a theological student / The dangers of disordered love / Kindle deals / and more.

  • What Grieves the Heart of God

    What Grieves the Heart of God?

    What pleases God? What delights his heart? And what displeases God? What grieves his heart? If asked, I think most of us would assume that if we ever grieve the heart of God it will be through denying the gospel or committing a grave moral scandal. Or if we do so as a local church,…