Miscellanies
A Scattering of Things to Savor
Jesus made me laugh yesterday.
As he encourages us not to worry and be given over to anxiety, he asks us to reflect on the unproductive nature and fruitless results of anxiety: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:25). Enlightening. Reorienting. But this isn’t what made me laugh out loud.
In the next verse, “If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:26). Did you catch that? Jesus calls adding an hour to our span of life a “small thing.” Ha.
Adding an hour is impossible for us, but it’s a “small thing” for him. Or, as the kids say, “light work.” Here’s the point—what we see as big deals, God sees as small potatoes. And it’s not that these things are small in significance to God. They are small in shipping and handling. He’s got it under control. They are not daunting to the Divine.
I need these subtle and supernatural statements from Jesus. Reminds me who is running this whole thing. He loves us. He’s got us.
A Book:
My first book, Gospel Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exalting Life, is currently available for only $2.99 on Kindle. This book is almost 11 years old. Grateful.
Reads
Dr. Patrick Schreiner has a brilliant article on defining the gospel. Such an excellent framework for thinking about the events and fruits of the gospel. A fresh take!
Ryan Denton wrote a very important article on preaching. We need more heart, more application, more fire.
Dr. Donald S. Whitney explains why we should pray the Psalms. A transforming practice for my soul and walk with God.
Dr. Ray Ortlund gives us profound encouragement—God meets us at rock bottom.
Dr. Jim Hamilton offers four key steps we can take to become better biblical theologians.
Glenna Marshall is right. When you don’t wanna go to church—so what? Go.
If you missed my article on the Song of Solomon at TGC, check it out here.
A Song
A Podcast
Barnabas Piper and I discuss cultivating and nurturing a gospel culture in our churches.
A Video
Mark Vroegop’s book, Waiting Isn’t a Waste, was such a balm to my soul. Needed it. Helped by it. I trust it will serve you as well.
Think on This
Ever wonder what it would cost to send one of Paul’s letters? Brace yourself.
A Quote
Scripture is the ongoing rapport between heaven and earth, between Christ and his church, between God and his children. It does not just tie us to the past; it binds us to the living Lord in the heavens. It is the living voice of God, the letter of the omnipotent God to his creature.
Let’s cherish the word of God! What a blessing to hear his voice!
What spoke to you from his word today?
That new King's Kaleidoscope rendition of Amazing Grace is so wonderfully King's Kaleidoscope. A joy. And thank you for the thought on Christ's referral to adding an hour to our life as a "small thing." I'd never noticed that before, but it's spot-on. When we're paying attention, Jesus can be sneakishly hilarious.