Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On prayer: 7 Ways to Fight Distraction During Prayer by Gavin Ortlund
I’ve been trying to pray more this year. But prayer does not always come easily to me. I often find (can you relate?) that I sit down to pray with the best of intentions, only to suddenly catch myself, a few moments later, daydreaming about yesterday’s conversation, tomorrow’s meeting, or next week’s vacation.
Most of us have experienced this, and the rest of us are liars!
Distraction can be a huge hindrance in our prayer life, but I am also discovering that it provides an opportunity for growth. Here are seven strategies for fighting distraction, and harnessing it to deepen and direct our prayers… (click here to read more)
On marriage: Living Intentionally Together as a Married Couple by Erik Raymond
In my experience the practice is common for many Christian couples as well. Different sleep and lifestyle preferences combined with a desire to defer to one another leads to a lifestyle where very little time is actually spent together. There is a danger of simply living together rather than really living together. This tension is particularly acute for Christians. Our marriages are to joyfully reflect the reality of the gospel. In order to do so there must be regular expression of love, forgiveness, patience, respect, grace, and kindness. You simply can’t do these things without spending time together. (click here to read more)
On the gospel and life: This is How I Know the Gospel is True by Becky Wilson
I’ve held hands with the elderly who knew Christ so well, they couldn’t wait to get home to him. I’ve embraced people dealing with some of the most difficult situations known to man and sensed their strength and peace right in the heart of their storm. I’ve listened to previously hard, selfish, dangerous men weep in grief over the pain they’ve caused others and then celebrate in joy what Christ has done for them. (click here to read more)
On evangelism: Why Christians Don’t Evangelize by Daniel Darling
Why don’t we evangelize? Not because we don’t have the right tools or the right spiel. We don’t talk about Jesus because those of us who know Jesus have lost the wonder. If you’ve been with Jesus, who was raised from the dead and has given you new life, if he’s indeed the reigning King of the Universe, if you know and love him, of course you are going to tell people about him. (click here to read more)
On authentic living: The Realest Authenticity by Barnabas Piper
Authenticity without humility is a burden to others. It does not serve them. It does not soothe them. It takes from them, holds them to a false standard, sets them up for a fall. It demands things of others instead of asking self-effacingly for the help we need. In the end people are in relationship with a false you, and when that falls apart the wreckage affects all involved. (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 