The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you today.
(Yesterday on the blog: A Whole Batch of New Books for Kids)

This is quite a helpful article on finding your voice—which is to say, on becoming a writer. It is framed around three practical steps: “Collect dots, connect dots, and communicate the connection.”

I am accustomed to hearing that ethnic-specific churches are an unwise choice for Christians. I benefited from reading this alternate perspective. “Our decision raised a series of questions and even some accusations from others. As we interacted with those who questioned our decision, we identified a number of false notions that are often held about the ethnic-specific church. Here, I will seek to clarify some misunderstandings and correct some misconceptions about the ethnic-specfic church.”

Chap Bettis lists and describes them.

“I have learned over the years to temper my expectations about what can actually be accomplished in a single day. I’m not proud of this—I would be far happier if I could tell you that after consistently exceeding my own expectations of productivity I’ve had to adjust them in the other direction. The days are quick, though…”

Writing for TGC Africa, John Koning warns against hyper-spiritualizing Christian counseling. “Here’s the thing. When Christians really struggle—and all of us will, at different times—it seems that it’s automatically assumed the fundamental problem is a spiritual one. We conclude that something must be wrong in our relationship with God.”

As he battles stage 4 cancer, Tim Shorey is often asked which Scripture text is his favorite. “So this is, in fact, a wonderful question—and yet, hard! It is wonderful because it lets me reflect on God’s wonderful Word and how it has ministered to my soul, and it is hard because choosing a favorite text of Scripture is more difficult than choosing between a thousand different ice cream flavors.”

In his hand will be the lantern of all the precious promises he has made, and this will be the lamp to your feet and the light to your path. He will lead you through the dark night and into the brightest day.

The only man who gambles successfully is the man who loses so fearfully at the start that he is disgusted and quits. Let him win at the start, and win again, and it means farewell to home and heaven.
—De Witt Talmage

Here is one more reminder that Truth for Life (Alistair Begg) is featuring Seasons of Sorrow this month. You can purchase it for just $7 or get it free with a donation of any amount. It has never been easier to get a copy to read for yourself or to give away.

(Yesterday on the blog: How We Worshipped on One Sunday in August)
Christianity and Transgenderism: A Youth Group Session
Rhys Laverty has shared what could prove a very helpful session to use with your youth group.
Why Everyone Started Talking About Expositional Preaching
“Expositional preaching is enjoying a revival. Why?” In a longform article, Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra tries to get to the bottom of it.
Not Yet in the Fold
This article considers those people who may spend a good deal of time with a church even though they have not yet become Christians. It suggests we consider them as a distinct category and make sure we don’t overlook them.
Back To School Prayer Guide – 2023 Edition
“It’s Back To School time! As parents, grandparents, guardians, friends and others in the community, we begin a new school year with many concerns, apprehensions, and hopes. What better way to begin this school year than to begin in prayer? Here is a Back to School Prayer Guide to help you both now and throughout the school year. This prayer guide is general enough to fit all types of education (public, private, co-ops, college, homeschool).”
The Urgency of Friendships
Jill Noble: “I clearly remember the conversation where I was misled about the importance of women’s friendships. This wrong information was presented to me in the direst of tones and with the most earnest of facial expressions.”
What We Know about the People behind the Dead Sea Scrolls
Most of us know the connection between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Essenes. But who were these people?
Flashback: A Bunch of Good Reasons To Saturate Your Worship Services in the Bible
I have never attended a church that had too much Bible. It would be very nearly impossible to let God’s voice through God’s Word be too prominent in our gatherings.

No man falls through his own weakness merely; if he rely on God, the strongest foe cannot shake him. —Adam Clarke

This week’s free stuff comes from the March 27–28 D3 Conference. These giveaway items–like the conference–are designed to lead high school students to grow their faith in Christ and strengthen their confidence in the truthfulness of scripture. 

Parents and leaders of teens are always on the lookout for discipleship material. Today, you are invited to enter the Boyce College/D3 Giveaway to win those resources for free! 

Whether you are a youth pastor, student leader, or the parent of teens, Boyce College and the D3 Youth Conference are giving away resources to help you.

Here are a few of the items someone will win by entering the D3 Youth Conference Promotion:

Student Discipleship Bundle

The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

Track: A Student’s Guide to Social Media by Jason Thacker

The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung

Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp

Boyce Sweatshirt

Parent/Leader Bundle

What Do I Say When…? by Walker & Walker

Following Jesus in a Digital Age by Jason Thacker

Reading the Psalms as Scripture by Hamilton & Damico

Pastor Well by Hershael York

Pilgrim Prayers by Tim Challies

Boyce Quarter Zip 

Click the link below to enter the Boyce College/D3 Youth Promotion

*Winners will be drawn randomly and notified via email mid-February

d3youth.com/challies-giveaway