Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On spending time daily alone with God: The Greatest Thing You Could Do Today by Francis Chan
It was simple for Paul. He loved being with Jesus. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Knowing Christ deeply consumed him (Philippians 3:8). There is no substitute for being alone with God. If you don’t have time, you need to quit something to make room. Skip a meal. Cancel a meeting. End some regular commitment. There is literally nothing more important you could do today. (click here to read more)
On sharing your faith during the holiday season: Why the Holidays are the Perfect Time for Sharing Your Faith by David Qaoud
Not everyone can go overseas. But every Christian should be a missionary where he or she lives. And as you gather with family and friends during the Holidays, now’s the perfect time to share your faith, and invite some unbelievers to church. You prepared? (click here to read more)
Free ebook (.pdf) on marriage from John Piper: This Momentary Marriage at desiringgod.org
The chasm between the biblical vision of marriage and the common human conception is—and has always been—gargantuan. Reflecting on over forty years of matrimony, John Piper exalts the biblical meaning of marriage over its emotion, exhorting couples to keep their covenant as a display of Christ’s covenant-keeping love for the church. (click here to read more, other formats of the book available for purchase)
On the dangers of contempt and bitterness: The Distraction of Contempt posted from Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest
Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. (click here to read more)
Finally, some words of wisdom from Ray Ortlund:
First Baptist Church 