Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On fathering: 6 Things a Godly Dad Does by Scott Slayton
A man can only be an effective father as he continues to grow spiritually. Our marriage and parenting will be impacted by our sin and lack of maturity. We will be impatient, temperamental, rude, thoughtless, and respond sinfully to being sinned against, so our only option is to keep growing in holiness and sanctification. Putting to death the sin in our lives and growing in Christlike maturity will have a practical effect on the way we lead our homes. (click here to read more)
On Bible reading: One Very Good Reason to Read Your Bible by Tim Challies
But the benefit of personal devotions goes far beyond self. The benefit of knowledge of God and intimacy with God extends to your family, to your neighbors, to your church. If you can’t or won’t do devotions for your own sake, won’t you do it for the sake of others? Won’t you do it for their good, even if not for your own? (click here to read more)
On praying for a greater love for God: Lord, Enlarge My Love for You by Jon Bloom
What drives the Christian life is the great joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2), causing us to forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal for the eternal prize of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13–14). The Christian’s approach to life is to attain the resurrection from the dead “by any means possible” (Philippians 3:11). Whatever it takes. (click here to read more)
On making time for quietness before God: Quiet by Rachel Erin
It could be that we need to actually turn off the television, close our laptops, or adjust the notification settings on our phones. It could also mean that we are deliberate in the activities we say “yes” to for our families and ourselves. When we fail (which will happen often), it means taking time to refocus our hearts on the sufficiency of the gospel and Christ’s sacrifice for us instead of rehearsing our inadequacies over and over. (click here to read more)
On church: 8 Reasons Every Church is Messy by Chuck Lawless
The gospel is intended to reveal messiness. Think about it—that’s precisely what the gospel does. It shatters our prideful exteriors and reduces us to our messy core. If you preach the gospel, there’s some messiness you should welcome. (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 