SPIRITUAL LIFE
When life feels repetitive (Paula Wilding at The Gospel Coalition): Our lives are made up of these repetitive activities. And that repetition can wear on us and make us wonder, What’s the point? But life’s repetitiveness looks different if we turn our focus to the character of God . . . repetition isn’t pointless. Nor is it meant as a punishment or time-out until we can prove ourselves so God will do something grand in our lives. The purpose of this repetitive life is sanctification.
Unpacking “you do you” (Brett McCracken at Crossway): Biblical wisdom exposes many problematic dimensions of the “you do you” mentality, but here are just three.
Trusting God with creation but not providence (Tim Challies): If God exercised his wisdom in creating so wonderful a universe, shouldn’t we trust him to exercise his wisdom in the affairs and circumstances of our lives? Will we trust him with creation but not providence, trust him to create but not to direct?
Walk wisely (Gentle Reformation): Why is our nation unraveling at the seams? Why is the social perversion of transgenderism being hoisted on us with missionary zeal wherever we turn? Why is there so much division over politics, race, and morality in our land? Why is so much hatred spewed against Christianity and the church?
How to wisely choose kids’ books (Kathryn Butler at The Gospel Coalition): Visits to the children’s section of the bookstore were once a cherished opportunity to inspire a love for words and shape kids’ hearts. Now, for Christian parents, grandparents, and educators, those trips are complicated.
BIBLE INSIGHTS
Did a faithless Gideon use a fleece to test God’s will? (Miles Van Pelt at Crossway): As the account unfolds, it becomes clear that the calling of Gideon follows the pattern of the calling of Moses in Exodus 3. Just as the Lord saved Israel in Judges 4–5 in the pattern and likeness of the exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea, so now will he raise up Gideon in the pattern and likeness of the calling of Moses.
CHURCH
Join that church: Why God made you for membership (Marshall Segal at Desiring God): Membership says, “What I’ve found in Jesus is worth more than all the freedom, independence, and self-sovereignty I surrender — and far more.” In an age that suspects and even despises authority, church membership is a loud, arresting statement of our devotion to Christ. It’s John 13:35 in real life with real promises: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”