nawinter.com

I’m Not Busy! – “This is what disturbs me most, that my busyness, or the perception of busyness, makes me less effective in the areas in which I want to do well. That cost is too high to tolerate. So let me say it again, primarily to reassure myself: I’m not busy. I have all the time I need to accomplish the things the Lord has called me to.”

Seven Cautions for Eager Polemicists – “A polemicist..is one who does not shy away from controversy but strenuously argues for his position, often trying to refute a rival position in the process. I am not against polemics. It is a necessary virtue for Christians in so far as Christianity believes in the immovability and central importance of truth….I also know there are many dangers with polemics. I see them in myself and can spot them (more easily, sadly) in others.”

It’s Who I Am – “I am still Adam (and Elise and Jake’s) mom, a job I will always treasure. I am still a Sunday School teacher, a task that I love. But I am also in Christ. I am Justified. I am an adopted child of God, a saint, a servant of Christ, and I am not yet perfect.” A beautiful reminder about a Christian’s identity in Christ.

Chasing Wind – “Money itself is never the answer. What we need is a radically different perspective on money and a genuine opportunity to do something with it that will make our lives meaningful instead of meaningless.”

Why Oprah and Brad Pitt Deserted God (and Why You Shouldn’t) – A powerful video from John Piper on God’s desire to bring glory to Himself.

Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You to Chill Out – “Moms, Jesus want you to rest in him. He wants you to chill out. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Don’t compare yourself to other moms. Don’t try to be something God hasn’t called you to be.” This may come across as a little harsh, but I think the author makes some excellent points about the expectations we place on ourselves and what God desires for us.

Triumph & Defeat – “We, too, can be humbled by the God who refuses to leave despite the words we shout in protest and despite our constant refusal to surrender. We can be awed by the one who says, ‘Follow me!’ and expects us to trust that he will neither leave us nor forsake us. And we can marvel at the God who, carrying in his own body the scars of defeat, invites us to the very nearness that is our victory.

Training for Reigning – A reminder that trials we are going through may be preparation for the calling God has for us in the future.

Great Expectations – Well, this isn’t surprising. ” people who believe the unrealistic portrayals on TV are actually less committed to their spouses and think their alternatives to their spouse are relatively attractive.” Read more on this study regarding marriage and our media consumption/infatuation.

Wishing – “Many times I have found myself wishing for a stronger desire for God. I wish I had a stronger desire to fellowship with Him, to serve Him, worship Him, and to read and obey His Word…And in case you didn’t know, wishing really doesn’t get you anywhere.” (H/T)

The Purpose of Work – “According to Luther, the purpose of every vocation is to love and serve one’s neighbor. The farmer tills the ground to provide food to sustain his neighbor’s life. The craftsman, the teacher, the lawyer—indeed, everyone who occupies a place in the division of labor—is providing goods and services that neighbors need. This is God’s providential ordering of society. But for a Christian, the service rendered can become animated with love.”

Jesus Gives Us Reasons to Obey – “It’s puzzling. When I speak on living by faith I often ask, “How many of you know that Jesus calls us to love our enemies?” Everyone nods and says they know this. Then I ask, “How many of you know the reason Jesus gives for why we should love our enemies?” Almost always the response is the same — very few know the reason.”