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A La Carte (September 20)

wednesday

Today’s Kindle deals include a few minor deals that may be worth a quick peek.

Westminster Books has a selection of Reformation-related titles on sale. You should probably read at least one book on the Reformation before October 31!

Speaking of which, you can get a copy of the classic biography of Luther Here I Stand for a gift of any amount to Ligonier Ministries.

Setting the Tone in Your Home

“Mamas, you have been granted a special gift in the life of your family: you are the tone setter. It doesn’t matter if you have fancy decor or an immaculately clean house. It doesn’t matter if you work long hours or stay home all day long. When you are with your family, you guide the atmosphere.”

Remembering My Friend Nabeel Qureshi

You may enjoy this tribute to Nabeel Qureshi from a friend who knew him for a long time.

We Are Called to Be Faithful, But Only God Can Make our Efforts Fruitful

“As strong, capable, goal-driven women are wont to do, I also see my sisters and myself constantly reevaluating our calendars and our efforts. We routinely ask: am I spending myself in the way God would have me? Are my activities useful and effective? Am I actually getting anything accomplished with this task/ministry/activity/habit? Is it working?”

Puzzling Gravestones

Here’s a quirky one: “When Canadian doctor Samuel Bean lost his first two wives, Henrietta and Susanna, within 20 months of each other, he decided that the was best way to honor them would be to create a tombstone dedicated to a hobby they both enjoyed —solving puzzles.”

Young Men and Pastoral Qualifications (Video)

“Whether a young man desires to be a pastor or not, he should pursue the qualifications listed for pastors in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 because they describe lives that honor God and bring him glory.”

Five Lessons after 30 Years of Pastoring in Zambia

I enjoyed reading Conrad Mbewe’s reflections on 30 years of pastoring Kabwata Baptist Church.

What Christians Should Know About Cremation

I find more and more Christians considering cremation as an alternative to burial, at least in part because of the high cost of the latter. Joe Carter has a helpful FAQ on cremation here.

Flashback: How To Lose Your Zeal for Christ

Are you zealous for Christ? Do you have a genuine zeal to live for him and to advance his cause in the world? Or have you lost the zeal that once marked you? Here are 9 ways you may lose your zeal.

He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays.

—John Owen

  • Free-stuff Fridays (Truth78)

    This weeks giveaway is sponsored by Truth78. Are you wondering how you can help lead the children growing up in your church or home to a saving faith in Christ?  Zealous, written by Truth78 executive director David Michael, is for parents and ministry leaders, and anyone who wants to be inspired with biblical vision and…

  • Deconstruction

    Walking Through Deconstruction

    I suppose by now we all know a least a few people who have begun the process of deconstructing their faith. Meanwhile, we have undoubtedly heard of many more who are doing so in a public way—celebrities who have decided to rigorously examine the faith they once professed and to reject much of what they…

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (January 17)

    A La Carte: Andrew Tate or Panda Express / The metrics monster / Nearer My God to Thee / Even as the fire rages / Why a jealous God is the best kind of God / Political idolatry / and more.

  • Quiet Time

    The Quiet Time Kickstart

    We are all people of habits. To some degree, we are always battling to establish good habits while battling to supplant bad ones. This is true of us in many different areas of life and most certainly true in our spiritual lives. In fact, some have argued that when we describe the way we relate…

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (January 16)

    A La Carte: Why don’t we read the Bible more? / Did David rape Bathsheba? / To (almost) die is gain / Learn to pray the Bible / When you’re close to burnout / Called to freedom / and more.

  • How To Obtain a Plenary Indulgence in 2025

    How To Obtain a Plenary Indulgence in 2025

    I think we can sometimes fool ourselves into believing that the Reformation caused the Roman Catholic Church to abandon some, most, or all of the doctrine that was so concerning to the Reformers. We can sometimes believe that the Catholicism of today is materially different from that of the 16th century or that it has…