Today’s Kindle deals include several titles that are worth a quick look to see if they’re worthy of your collection.

(Yesterday on the blog: How Can You Balance Life and Ministry and Your Passions and Hobbies?)
The Place of Godly Ambition
“Too often the word ambition conjures up negative images of Wall Street investment bankers rationalizing self-serving greed. Or, one might find the word plastered across a motivational poster with a climber clinging to the side of a mountain attempting an ascent. But which is it? Is ambition bad, or should we cultivate it in ourselves and in our children? Does the Bible promote ambition?”
What Is the Greatest of All Protestant “Heresies”?
You may be surprised to know what Roman Catholic theology considers the greatest of all Protestant heresies. Sinclair Ferguson explains.
Netflix to Develop Series and Films Based On C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles Of Narnia
This is exciting news. So now we’ve got Amazon working on a series set in Middle Earth and Netflix working on Narnia.
Should Pastors Talk about Brett Kavanaugh on Sunday?
I think this is wise counsel from Jonathan Leeman. “A number of pastors have asked us for counsel on how to address the Brett Kavanaugh nomination on Sunday. My basic counsel is, you don’t have to address it, but if you do, don’t pick a side. Instead, pray about it, showing a concern for God’s name, God’s justice, and the hurting.” (Also, Ben Sasse’s Senate speech from two days ago is well worth 18 minutes of your time.)
The Church at Election Time
There is also wise counsel to be had from Kevin DeYoung. “I believe pastors must be very careful how they lead their churches in our politically polarized culture. I know there are good brothers and sisters who may disagree with these principles and their practical implications. But at the very least, pastors must disciple their leaders and their congregations in thinking through these matters wisely and theologically.”
If God Is Sovereign, Why Pray? (Video)
Dr. Guy Richard, a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, offers a good answer in this short video.
The Big Hack: How China Used a Tiny Chip to Infiltrate U.S. Companies
This is quite a story from Bloomberg. “During the ensuing top-secret probe, which remains open more than three years later, investigators determined that the chips allowed the attackers to create a stealth doorway into any network that included the altered machines. Multiple people familiar with the matter say investigators found that the chips had been inserted at factories run by manufacturing subcontractors in China.”
Flashback: Those Exquisite Forms of Love That Do Not Speak Your Language
When I demand that people speak my preferred love language, when it becomes the one way I receive love, I unnecessarily narrow my experience of love.

Follow Christ. It is costly. You will be an exile in this age. But you will be free. —John Piper

May the God of love and peace be with you today.

Logos users, the annual 12 Days of Logos sale has begun and is offering some good deals.
Today’s Kindle deals include a few good books.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Great Challenge of Every Marriage)
When the Soul Feels its Worth
“Under snow-frosted trees, with visible breath I ask it. Perhaps you’ve asked it too. Rinsing the dish I’ve rinsed a thousand times before, I wonder. Maybe you’ve wondered too. Do I matter? Am I seen?”
Can We Really Give God More or Less Glory?
Is it really possible to give God more glory or less glory? John Piper answers here.
Against an elder receive not an accusation
Denny Burk considers some of what’s wrapped up in the biblical admonition to not receive an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses (and how this applies not only to elders but to all Christians).
Take Risks for Your Days Are Numbered
“By and large, we live in a world that discourages risk-taking. Many of us, knowingly or unknowingly, have been conditioned to take the safe route through life’s twists and turns. I sometimes wonder how many people have been dissuaded from doing risky, world-changing things simply because it wasn’t ‘realistic’ or in line with ‘the way the world works.’”
God with us
I think you’ll enjoy this reflection on “God with us.”
A Message to Conservative Bible Thumping Christians
Todd Friel has a message to you/us.
Flashback: Jesus Isn’t Threatened by Your Christmas Gifts
We don’t threaten the wonder of the incarnation when we give nice gifts to the ones we love and when we look forward to receiving them.

We must carefully distinguish between self-denial as a matter of show and self-denial in doing God’s will and in the service of love. It is not the act itself that is beautiful but the love that is in the act. —J.R. Miller

Grace and peace to you today.

Today’s Kindle deals include books by John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, and Wayne Grudem.
(Yesterday on the blog: I Shall Be Satisfied Then)
Let’s Talk About Bodies
This article speaks to an issue that confuses many people. “It can feel confusing to know how God wants us to think about our bodies. What is too much? What is too little? Are bodies spiritual or are bodies unspiritual?”
How “Above Reproach” Lay Elders Saved My Ministry
“A special elders’ meeting was called. This time, I, as the senior pastor, was the subject of concern.” Gary Kirst tells how godly elders may have saved his ministry.
Evading The Comparison Trap Among Servants
“As we serve the Lord within our local communities, we’ve experienced a time or two when we’d rather be someone else and possess their giftings or abilities: We’ve felt frustrated, discouraged, and envious. While we know and believe God has created each of us with our own set of talents, strengths, and passions, as an integral part of His body, why do we so easily linger on the service of others?”
My Hundred Homes
What does it mean when Jesus says “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time…?”
Unction and Preaching
“Unction is a topic not often discussed in books on preaching and even less often in Reformed books.” I’m not sure that I agree with Wes Bredenhof’s take on unction, but I was glad to read it nonetheless.
FAQ: Is it Okay to Question the Bible?
Is it okay to question the Bible? It all depends on what you mean by the question.
Flashback: A Practical Guide to Culture
We speak of culture’s dangerous encroachment on the church, of our need to avoid it, engage it, or redeem it. But what is this culture thing anyway?

You’ve been tasked with sounding the call, not raising the dead. That’s God’s job. —Will Dobbie