My gratitude goes to Reformed Free Publishing Association for sponsoring the blog this week. Be sure to take a look at Finding My Vocation—a book for young people who are seeking a calling.
Today’s Kindle deals include a few more interesting deals to close out an amazing week for discounts.
(Yesterday on the blog: Your Kids Need You To Help Them Build Their Identity)
The Battle and the Blessing (Video)
CityAlight has a new EP out! Be sure to listen to “The Battle and the Blessing.” And the rest of the tracks, of course.
Curved in Upon Ourselves
Brad Littlejohn has written an interesting article about sin and the way it curves us in upon ourselves. “Failure to honor God leads to mental darkness, which leads to idolatry, which leads to a debased mind, which leads to corrupt actions, which leads to a disordered moral vision, and so on. Do people behave like beasts because they treat God like a creature, or do they treat God like a creature because they want to behave like beasts? Yes.”
Pondering the Passage of Time
Andy Farmer: “I recently turned that magical age of 65, where the social services part of our government suddenly becomes very important. When I think about my life at this point, I’m very aware that the thing I have most of is my past. It seems like aging is simply the rapid accumulation of the past through wanton spending of an ever-decreasing supply of the future. The question is, what do we do with the past we’ve accumulated? Is the past an asset or a liability? How do we draw on the past for good use? How can a poor use of the past hinder our present and our future? These are questions of increasing urgency to people my age—maybe any age.”
The Allure and Danger of WitchTok
“In a world where spirituality is increasingly explored online, TikTok has become a major platform for spiritual discovery among young people. The app’s quick and engaging content format, coupled with its vast reach, makes it a powerful tool for shaping young minds. While there is much to celebrate in the spiritual curiosity of Generation Z and the growing presence of Christian content on social media, we must also be aware of more concerning trends—such as #WitchTok.”
What Does God Listen For?
Seth Lewis reflects on what we hear and what God hears. “Have you ever considered all the things you hear in the course of one day? This morning, I heard birds singing outside, and the voices of my family. I heard the coffee machine and the clink of plates and cutlery at breakfast. Right now, I’m hearing the noise of construction above the ever-present sounds of traffic and the occasional gust of wind. I haven’t even had lunch yet. There will be plenty more to fill my ears before this day is finished.”
Be a Christian in Every Situation
God does not call us to be fair-weather Christians, but to serve and represent him in every situation.
Flashback: The Song I Sing in the Darkness
Though the shepherd must lead his sheep into the darkness, lead them through an unknown valley, they will go, for he is with them. Their fears are soothed by his strength, their uncertainty by his presence.
We are saved from God’s wrath by God’s grace. Only God can save from Himself.
—Steven Lawson
