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A La Carte (September 23)

wednesday

The only Kindle deals I could track down were a few titles by Warren Wiersbe. Beyond that it’s a bit of a slow day.

Wrestling with Beauty and Loss

I enjoyed this reflection on the odd juxtaposition of beauty and loss. “I think we all wonder about this tension-perhaps especially now when the news cycle seems to brim with bad news. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness in our lives, and then grab our phones and see nothing but the hardship of others. Or perhaps we are the ones in the midst of the pain, while we watch prayers be answered for others. It’s a hard tension to hold.”

Becoming an Old Soul Christian

Jared Wilson is pondering getting older and becoming an old soul Christian. “As you age, it seems like everything is passing you by. The world isn’t made for you any longer. Which is why you can become more susceptible to anger as you age. You feel left out, forgotten. Everything keeps changing at a rapid pace, but you are slowing down. Isn’t it a wonder that the Lord keeps pace with you? You may be long passed up by everything and everyone around you, but he won’t leave you behind.”

Red Rope Christianity

“The red rope is there to tell you something. One lot of people on this plane is special. The others? Well not so special. But hey, we made you walk through the special part right at the start to see what you were missing out on!” Life is full of these “red ropes,” isn’t it?

Here’s Another Reminder to Be Gracious During 2020

“I want to be gracious, and right now that’s a virtue in short supply. This year has been out of control. Unfortunately, so have many people’s manners. This is a reminder to be gracious to others—especially when it’s easy not to. I’m not saying I’m perfect—far from it. This is a reminder for myself, as well.”

A Mini Q&A on A Few Calvinistic Doctrines

David Qaoud has a mini Q&A on some aspects of Calvinist doctrine.

The Importance Of Creating Things That Don’t Last

Just like the title says, there’s importance in creating things that don’t last.

Gaslighting

Here’s Alan Jacobs on the rising use of the word “gaslighting.” “One of the more pernicious quirks of English usage to arise in the past few years is the employment — by a remarkably large number of people, it seems to me — of the term ‘gaslighting’ as the default explanation for disagreement. Nobody just disagrees with me anymore, they’re trying to gaslight me.”

Flashback: The Depth of My Depravity

You don’t know how deeply sinful you are by your unrighteousness deeds, but by your rejection of God and his grace. That is the most serious, heinous, and damnable sin of them all.

Thank God you have got a Father that can be angry, but that loves you as much when He is angry as when He smiles upon you.

—C.H. Spurgeon

  • 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,…

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    A La Carte (November 18)

    A La Carte: When God does not need our service / How to forgive and move on / A devotional for depression / Can a speeding ticket change your heart? / Is it I, Lord? / Kindle deals / and more.