Midweek Miscellanies (7/28/21) – An assortment of articles, book recommendations, blog posts, podcasts and other links that we hope you find helpful.
Podcast Pick: Reading the Psalms with Jesus in View (Dane Ortlund): In this episode, Dane Ortlund discusses how the psalms uniquely invite us into prayer and devotion, how they reflect the greatness of God, and how he cares for his people.
Doing Math to the Glory of God: “Why learn math — especially if studying math feels agonizing? Pastor John Piper addresses an 8-year-old boy struggling to persevere in school.”
Even to Your Old Age – New Life for Christian Grandparents: “What does the Bible say about grandparenting? Very little. Although past generations matter significantly to the biblical authors, the Bible does not give grandparents specific attention. The word grandparent does not even appear in the English Bible. Nevertheless, we know this role is essential to God, our extended families, and our local churches.”
It’s Deeper Than It Looks: This reflection on the Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis made me want to pick up the book and reread it.
This Week’s Free eBook: ‘Seasons of Waiting’: “We’re all waiting for something. It might be a spouse or a baby. It might be healing or a home. Regardless of what we’re waiting for, it’s easy to feel discontent when things aren’t going as planned and our dreams are delayed—especially when questions of “Why?” and “How long?” remain unanswered. God uses seasons of waiting to teach us patience and make us more like himself. But sanctification is not the only purpose God has in mind. When we wait faithfully with unmet longings, we become a powerful picture of the bride of Christ waiting for the day when he returns and God’s kingdom reigns.”
What Motivates Sin (and How to Fight It): Some really helpful thoughts in the fight against sin. “It’s when you think you’re missing out on something good that you try to grab things God hasn’t given you in a way he hasn’t allowed. You think you’re missing out on something wonderful and that you need to rectify that situation in order to have a truly fulfilled life, when in reality, the only way to truly miss out is by not being obedient in the situation God has you in right now. Even if that means there are some good things you will not have.”
A Man Among Men Why Friendship Is Worth the Fight: An important reminder of the importance of friendship for men. “Some 1,600 years ago, Augustine said, “In this world two things are essential: life and friendship. Both should be highly prized and we must not undervalue them.” He’s right, though based on behavior, it seems many men undervalue the latter.”
Choose Your Friends Wisely: Another good article on friendship.”There are many areas of life where you can make wise choices that will be rewarded, and poor choices that will result in destruction—perhaps none so dramatically as who you choose as friends.”
In Christ,
Pastor Matt