Today—the first day of a new month—is an ideal opportunity to pause for just a moment to consider: That right now, at this very second, God is reigning from his throne. All will be well.
Today’s Kindle deals include a collection of books that will be on sale until the end of the month. (I should have those listed on my site by 6:30 AM EST or so.)
(Yesterday on the blog: When God Gives Us a Platform)

“Marriage has fallen on hard times in our society. Apparently, things weren’t all that different for the original audience of Hebrews in the 1st century, but writing in the 21st, I feel like this command was given especially for us. Everywhere we turn today, marriage is, in one way or another, slammed, insulted, or otherwise maligned. A simple way for followers of Christ to swim against the cultural current is simply to obey this command to honor marriage. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.”

I really enjoyed this ESPN article about a special photographer. “The football team’s leadership group called Nash Pils, a 17-year-old junior with Down syndrome, to the gym floor. A naturally gifted photographer, Nash has become the documentarian of a small town’s sports programs, and in turn, the football team has become his champion.”

Rosia Li, a college student, has a letter to her senior pastor that is meant to help him understand her generation. “I would like to suggest a crucial role that the church can play in helping Gen Z rise above this digital domination. This relational problem requires a relational solution. Contrary to popular belief, my generation is actually incredibly eager to glean wisdom from those who have lived a little (to many more) years than us. It’s just that at times, we are just a little shy to make the first move.”

Ligon Duncan offers a few thoughts about remaining faithful in the current cultural climate.

Rob Ventura has an interview about a book that has turned into a series—the Expository Outlines and Observations Commentary. (Sponsored)

“Early on in my paralysis — and almost by accident — I unearthed an unexpected treasure. I opened the word of God and discovered a mine shaft. I dug my paralyzed fingers into a weight of incomprehensible glory, a sweetness with Jesus that made my paralysis pale in comparison. In my great joy, I went out and sold everything, trading in my resentment and self-pity to buy the ugly field nobody else would want. And I struck gold.”

Wisely, Brett McCracken warns parents that vetting their kids’ entertainment isn’t a one-and-done task.

…you always need to respect the power and deceptiveness of sin, and you always need to acknowledge your weakness and proneness to depravity. For your soul to survive and thrive in this world, you need to learn to flee.

The real you is worth letting out if the real you is dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus.
—Kevin DeYoung

As another month draws to its close, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that released in July. In each case I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it.

Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of Our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age edited by Various. “This book helps readers develop practices that will result in deep, formative, and faithful reading so they can contribute to the flourishing of their communities and cultivate their own spiritual and intellectual depth. The authors present reading as a remedy for three prevalent cultural vices–distraction, hostility, and consumerism–that impact the possibility of formative reading. Informed by James K. A. Smith’s work on ‘the spiritual power of habit,’ Deep Reading provides resources for engaging in formative and culturally subversive reading practices that teach readers how to resist vices, love virtue, and desire the good. They examine practices many teachers, students, and avid readers employ–such as reading lists, reading logs, and discussion–and demonstrate how such practices can be more effectively and intentionally harnessed to result in deepreading. The practices apply to any work that is meant to be read deeply.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash. This four-volume set represents a monumental accomplishment for Christopher Ash. “While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms. In this in-depth, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

On the Christian Life: A New Translation by John Calvin. “For centuries, Christians have read John Calvin’s On the Christian Life to answer a fundamental question: What does it mean to live faithfully as a Christian? This fresh translation of what is often referred to as Calvin’s “Golden Booklet” features an all-new introduction, robust citations, and explanatory footnotes—introducing a new generation of readers to a classic work of Christian spirituality. In the book—a portion of the Reformer’s magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion—Calvin suggests that a deep understanding of theology is worthless if the gospel has yet to “penetrate into the most intimate affection of the heart.” Touching on essential themes like self-denial, submission to God, bearing one’s cross, enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness, and meditating on the life to come, this accessible work will help believers reflect on their lives as Christians and lean on the grace of Jesus in everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie. “The book of Acts is set within the larger story of the outworking of God’s plan to save for himself a people from every nation—the story that runs from Genesis to Revelation. Within its pages are dramatic accounts of the Spirit falling, the apostles’ preaching, conflict with Jewish opposition to welcoming in the Gentiles, and the invasion of the good news of King Jesus into the Roman Empire. In Saved, bestselling author Nancy Guthrie provides an accessible, theologically sound guide to the book of Acts. Over 17 chapters, she invites readers to peer into the lives of the apostles in the days following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus as they experienced new power from the indwelling Holy Spirit and a new understanding of the Old Testament scriptures. With a friendly and engaging tone, Saved covers the entire book of Acts, providing a solid and accessible study resource for individuals and groups. Additional Saved resources are available separately, including a personal Bible study, a leader’s guide for group study, and a companion video series.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Galatians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Michael Burer. “The letter to the Galatians opens a window to a serious crisis in Paul’s ministry. In this letter, Paul defends the gospel and challenges the Galatian believers to remain faithful and to welcome all who have faith in Christ. Michael H. Burer presents a fresh exegetical investigation of the text, clarifying Paul’s meaning and message for the benefit of pastors, teachers, and students. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Job: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Duane Garrett. “The book of Job is challenging. Its Hebrew is often obscure, its length and subject matter are intimidating, and its meaning has been debated throughout the history of biblical interpretation. In this commentary, Duane A. Garrett presents a fresh argument for the book’s meaning. Job demonstrates the inability of Wisdom, as a theological tradition, to solve the problem of evil. Without rejecting Wisdom, it shows that only God can truly deal with evil. God’s answer to evil is found only in Christ, who is anticipated in the book of Job. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

When Christians Disagree: Lessons from the Fractured Relationship of John Owen and Richard Baxter by Tim Cooper. “Our current culture seems to be increasingly divided on countless issues, including those affecting the church. But for centuries, theological disagreements, political differences, and issues relating to church leadership have made it challenging for Christians to foster unity and love for one another. In this book, author Tim Cooper explores this polarization through the lives of two oppositional figures in church history: John Owen and Richard Baxter. Cooper highlights their individual stories while showing how their contrasting life experiences, personalities, and temperaments led to their inability to work together. After exploring these lessons from the past, readers will gain insights into their own relationships, ultimately learning how to love and live in harmony with their fellow believers despite their disagreements.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis by Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders. This book is obviously very niche, but sometimes a niche book is exactly what you need. “When your child or unborn baby is facing serious medical problems, it can be hard to know what to pray. The shock, uncertainty and fear can mean that even though you want to cry out to God in prayer, your words just dry up. That’s where this book can help, with prayers that use Scripture to help you communicate with the Lord. Whether you need to cry out honestly to the Lord in grief, to pray boldly for healing and help or simply to process what is happening, you’ll find words to help you talk with the God who loves you and weeps with you–the God who can do all things.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel by Conrad Mbewe. “Christians most effectively serve others and advance God’s kingdom when they are in biblical unity with one another. Unfortunately, modern Christians seem to be divided on countless issues related to ministry, culture, the church, and even unity itself. Some prioritize organizational unity over gospel truth, while others only seek unity with those who share their same doctrinal beliefs. In this short, accessible guide, author Conrad Mbewe explores unity as a fruit of the gospel. He finds that biblical unity is only achieved after understanding what God has done through Christ and how it is continuously executed by the Holy Spirit. This biblically centered book encourages readers to respond to Paul’s apostolic plea of “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27), embracing unity as a valuable, God-given blessing.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Kingdom-Minded Pastor: How Pastoral Partnership Advances the Kingdom by Joel Littlefield. “Joel Littlefield wants to see God at work in his community, and invites other pastors to share the vision: for men, women and children to surrender to the lordship of Christ through the regenerating work of the Spirit; for new churches to be planted and declining churches revitalised; for congregations to be about the work of making disciples of Christ. Pastors with this gospel–minded mindset can be hugely helped in this way: by forming coalitions with other like–minded local pastors. Littlefield argues that in cultivating friendships and fellowship with one another, pastors will not only build one another up, but will benefit their own churches, and the work of the gospel in their local community. A short read, filled with wisdom and encouragement for the pastor who feels alone, discouraged, or like ministry might be better shoulder to shoulder with their brothers.” (Buy it at Amazon)

The Lord of Endurance and Encouragement: Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley. “This book presents a God-centered perspective on suffering and prepares us to be good students in God’s school of suffering. By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, it shows how knowing Him and His sufferings illuminates and sustains us in our own. It also draws lessons from biblical examples of suffering saints and mines the riches of the Reformed divines on the topic. It closes by showing how the God of patience and consolation strengthens weary pilgrims in hope and with a longing for heaven. In the darkest of times, believers are reminded that their hearts can be satisfied by nothing less than the infinite God.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Heart Songs for Every Saint: Engaging with God Through Times of Darkness & Light by William J. U. Philip. “William Philip encourages readers to use the Psalms as their own heart songs, in any circumstance. Don’t just admire the Psalms, use them. Psalms are Spirit–inspired prayers that help us to pray rightly and truly. They give us words we trust, and treasure as our own heart songs, as we engage with God through times of both darkness and light. William Philip shows us that in the Psalms we find a profound revelation of God, His nature, and His ways, as well as His relationship with His people. They help us deal with all aspects of our sojourning faith, both individually and in the corporate life of the church. They give us real ‘working models’ for living day by day as Christians. Heart Songs for Every Saint takes six of these psalms, and shows how they can be prayed in real life situations.” (Buy it at Amazon)

This week the blog is sponsored by Moody Publishers and is written by Steve DeWitt.
The story of human loneliness has its roots in the character of God and God’s purpose in creating us. 
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. (Gen. 1:27–28)
The roots of our present-day experience of loneliness are all found right here. We were made in the likeness of a relational, communicating, and triune God. His social nature is hardwired into our nature. We were designed for relational fulfillment vertically with God and horizontally with other humans. Like God, these relationships are fulfilling by design to the extent that they are harmonious. God’s threeness is the paradigm for our social needs, and His oneness is the paradigm for human relationships marked by love and peace.
You know, like the old song says: “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” Loneliness is first theological before it is existential. Loneliness isn’t the opposite ofrelational fulfillment. It is the absence of it. Loneliness is an experiential void and vacuum. Its pain is a backhanded compliment to the pleasure of what God originally designed.
Loneliness isn’t the opposite of relational fulfillment. It is the absence of it.Steve DeWittShare
We are on a crucial truth that I urge you to consider carefully. I know this is hard, as I have had seasons where I was drowning in loneliness. Ask God to renew your mind so that you may think differently about your loneliness. Our feelings generally flow from our knowings, at least what we believe is true about loneliness. Lou Priolo connects these dots:
You see, in order to change your feelings, you have to change your thoughts as well as your actions. So, I would like to suggest (as have others) that loneliness starts as a state of mind before it becomes a feeling. The way you think about being alone affects the way you feel about it. If, for example, you believe that to avoid being lonely you must always have another human being at your side, you are likely to be a very lonely person indeed. 
The depth of your loneliness signals the opposite height of your potential joy. Think of it like a swing. My young daughters love to swing and love me to push them as they swing. The higher, the better. I do a run-under to get them as high as possible. They squeal in delight as they swing to the opposite side equally high. 

Let’s be honest. Loneliness pain is acute. It can be overwhelming. Debilitating. Even life-threatening. Yet the pain can be part of the cure if we understand the pain like a swing; the greater the pain, the greater the potential pleasure. God made us to feel emotionally the absence of the presence of His purpose. I am convinced this is why we feel lonely in the manner we do.
The absence of a reconciled relationship with our Creator is spiritual pain, and the lack of meaningful relationships with others is social pain. It is intended to prod us toward what is best for us. This is God’s grace, and it applies both vertically and horizontally. In this way, loneliness is a gift from God.
To continue reading an excerpt of Loneliness Don’t Hate It, or Waste It Redeem It.