Best of the Week for May 14
In Best of the Week we link to a handful of the best articles, videos, books, etc. that we have come across in the last week. We hope this will point you to some of the right places and give you gospel-rich tools and thoughts for life and mission.
The Oldest, Most Ignored Social Media Command
“As bad as antagonizing internet trolls can be, an even more important and ancient social media command is ignored on a regular basis. This commandment is perhaps more applicable today on social media than any other. In Romans 14:1, Paul tells the believers in Rome, ‘Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.’ Don’t argue about disputed matters.”
I can’t even count the conversations I’ve had (not to mention the mistakes I’ve made personally) about hurtful things said through text messages or on social media. Most of these things weren’t intended to harm, but the way they were said and where there were said doesn’t allow for context, nuance, eye contact, tone, or any of the other things so vital for effective communication. WE NEED TO DO BETTER.
How Missional Community Life Exposes Unbelief
“Is living out the gospel in an intentional and transparent way with an MC family attainable when life seems to be bolting forward?
“At its core, belief that life is too busy to intentionally display Jesus’ glory is a gospel unbelief issue.
“If we are busy to the point where we don’t make time to hear from God through His Word and His people, then we must take a step back to evaluate if our busyness is worthwhile.
“By remembering that we are a family, our tendency to become engulfed with ourselves dissipates.”
These are just a few quotes from a very thought-provoking article about how (and whether) we prioritize life together around the gospel with the people of God, particularly in a busy, overwhelming, crazy world.
I Will Not Let You Go Unless You Bless Me
“The stranger’s attention suddenly turned to the horizon. Light was glowing over the eastern hills. And Jacob saw his moment. Darting quickly he seized his opponent from behind and locked his hands around his chest. The challenger tried to free himself but Jacob held fast. Then he swung his fist down on Jacob’s right hip. Jacob screamed as the pain exploded. His leg gave way. But his grip did not. He could endure pain, but not this day without God’s blessing.”
This is an article I referenced yesterday in my sermon. It is a GREAT storytelling of Jacob’s wrestling match with God from Genesis 32. It really helps the story come to life.
Wrestling With God
“There are many ways we can wrestle with God, but we want to avoid wrestling against him or not wrestling at all. Sometimes, we can be like my sons and decide we don’t like how things are going anymore, so we start struggling against God, looking for a way out.”
This is another good article that comes from the Genesis 32 passage about wrestling with and against God.
Missional Motherhood
“In this book, Gloria Furman searches the Scriptures for the mission of God in motherhood. She opens our eyes to God’s life-giving promises—promises intended to empower each and every woman as she makes disciples in her home, in her neighborhood, and around the world.”
On the heels of Mothers Day, this is a thoughtful book targeted at how moms, and women in a more general sense, impact the world through nurturing discipleship in the people around them, particularly in their own homes. You can also find it on Amazon.
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