Here is a collection of good reads gathered from across the internet this past week. Enjoy!
On perseverance: What Should You Do When You Feel Like Quitting? by Mark Altrogge
Have you ever said something like, “I’m tired of praying and not seeing an answer. I’ve been asking God to change this situation for 15 years and nothing ever changes.” Or, “Why do I keep hoping my son will believe in Jesus? He’s never going to change.” Or, “I’m just so tired of all this conflict. I’m just so tired of trying to be a peacemaker. I’m out of here.” Or, “I’m just tired of living. I wish the Lord would just take me home.”
Like you’re just done with all of it? Like, what’s the point? I have felt like giving up many times. I’ve been discouraged and downcast. I’m sure not to the degree that many of you have been. But I’ve had my share. And the Bible says every believer will be tempted to give up. What can we do when we feel like quitting? (click here to read more)
On work: Idolatry at the Office: Confessions of a Workaholic by Kathryn Butler
More importantly, our work does not please God when we labor for people’s applause. The trappings of worldly accomplishments may swell our pride, but when we pursue them to inflate our own egos, they are like filthy rags to the one who made heaven and earth (Isaiah 64:6). Only when we abide in Christ do we accomplish anything that honors God, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). However noble our efforts may appear to the world, we labor in vain when we strive apart from God (Psalm 127:1–2). (click here to read more)
On Jesus and our sin: Six Things Christ Does With Your Sin by Jared Wilson
He Carries It.
Like the true and better scapegoat, Jesus becomes our sin-bearer.
1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (click here to read more)
On being a church member: Seven Things Your Church Needs from You by Tim Challies
There is no character quality more important than humility. While humility does not come naturally to any of us, it can be learned, because here’s the thing: Humility isn’t a feeling or an attitude—it’s action. If you want to learn humility, you need to act humble. Here are 3 quick tips on becoming humble: (click here to read more)
First Baptist Church 