Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On when life leaves you feeling drained: Drained? Receive His Fullness by Kristen Wetherell
Christmas can leave a good number of people feeling more empty than full. And not only Christmas but many aspects of life. Parenting children. Budgeting monthly finances. Maintaining a healthy, vibrant marriage. Making appointments on time. Meeting the boss’ expectations. Running errands within a packed schedule. Caring for family and friends who are grieving.
The feeling of being drained is not hard to come by. But it’s not altogether surprising, considering our imperfect planet is occupied by limited, transient human beings whose needs seems to know no end. (click here to read more)
On how the small things over time make big differences: Your Whole Life Has the Same Shape as a Single Day by Mark Altrogee
Small, seemingly insignificant things we do every day shape our weeks, months, years and our lives. It might not seem like much to read your Bible for a few minutes and pray for a few minutes. But do it every day and it will shape your life. It might not seem like much to write in a journal a few things you are thankful for, but do it every day and you will wind up with a lifetime of thankfulness. (click here to read more)
On praying for your pastors: Four Reasons You Should Pray for Your Pastors Daily by Jason Allen
As a pastor, few things warmed my heart more than church members telling me they prayed for me daily. Their simple act of prayer both encouraged and reassured me. It encouraged me to know they were standing in the gap for me spiritually, and it reassured me to know they loved my family, the church, and me enough to do so. Now that I a member of a local church, God has been impressing upon my heart the importance of praying regularly for my pastors. (click here to read more)
On praying for your enemies: A Call to Pray for Our Enemies by JR Vassar
God has given human government to execute justice upon the ungodly (Romans 13:3–4). There is “a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8). We live in a war-torn time, and that should sadden us. Most Christians believe that there is such a thing as “just war.” But even just war is tragic (a sign of sin’s destructive power in the world) that grieves God and must not be called for in a cavalier manner.
I am grieved that some influential pastors and Christian leaders eagerly call for the bombing of regions that will inevitably lead to the destruction of human life (innocent image-bearers who suffer as collateral damage), and do so without tears and a broken heart. (click here to read more)
On praising God during hard times: How Can We Praise God During the Hard Times by Casey Lewis
You see, those who have repented of their sin and believe in Jesus, as their Lord and Savior, no longer have to fear God’s punishment because Jesus has taken it for them. Of that, we can be certain not only because God’s Word tells us, but also because God is unchanged. There will never come a day when God will change His mind about how we are saved or who is saved. For that, we can be thankful even while facing hardships. (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 