This week’s blog is sponsored by ShareWord Global, a movement of believers mobilizing local churches to join them in sharing the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ through God’s Word, with the world around them.

Since God spoke the world into existence, He had you in mind. You are part of why Christ came and broke the bonds of death.
Because He loves you. And with this unconditional love, God continues to call each of us to be part of His story. Ordinary people like you and me that He can use to bring His blessing to the world. 
For those who respond with, “Here I Am,” an incredible journey awaits. 
It’s moments like these—where God calls, and faithful men and women answer—that are beating at the heart of this year’s Gospel Impact Conference, presented by ShareWord Global.
It’s time to press pause on your busy life. It’s time to find inspiration, and be challenged. And it’s time to be equipped with the skills you need to find your calling in God’s story and say… 
…‘HERE I AM!’
This August 18th and 19th, join us for the online Gospel Impact Conference. This global experience will ignite your passion to share your faith with the people around you and transform your community with the gospel. 
You’ll hear faith-building stories about the amazing things God is doing around the world through the ministry, and engage in worship to our wonderful God!
And this year’s conference features some exciting guests you’ll recognize:
Keynote Speaker, Pam Tebow, and Musical Guest, Big Daddy Weave!
But we’re hoping to add another important guest…YOU!
Visit sharewordglobal.com/ca/hereiam to find more event details and register today!
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Good morning. Grace and peace to you today.

Crossway has some new Kindle deals for you to check out.
Logos users, the annual 12 Days of Logos sale has begun and is offering some good deals.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Ship Is Always Sailing On)
Father In Every Way But One
This is some excellent creative-devotional writing.
Fiscal Hilarity
There are some good thoughts here on generosity. “Years ago I decided that I would try to give more every year. I’ve not done this perfectly nearly every year since that little whimper of a desire was voiced to God. It wasn’t a vow and I’m under no obligation, but I am free to do it. Jesus never puts down radical givers. Remember the woman who gave all she had to live on?”
Snow
Rebecca VanDoodewaard reflects on the joy, beauty, and symbolism of snow.
The Good News Story
The Gospel is the air we breathe and need to breathe again and again. Whether you are just starting your journey of faith or have been traveling the road for years, discover how it all ties together in The Good News Story. Explore the Bible cover-to-cover to behold the grace, wonder, beauty, goodness, joy, and love of God in the person and work of Jesus! Watch and download this multi-video series and illustrated study guide for free at thegoodnewsstory.com. (Sponsored Link)
Somebody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
“God the Son, ‘Immanuel,’ is not just a specialist; he is a sympathizer. He never just diagnoses and prescribes; he comes, draws near, feels, and cares. Not a truth merely for those perceived to be especially weak or victimized, this is gospel truth for every single one of us.”
“How Do I Decide Where to Go?”: Four Questions to Answer that Important Question
This will prove valuable to those who are wondering if/where the Lord is calling them to go.
Let us rediscover the power of forgiveness
Yes, let’s…
Flashback: Sin Is Immaturity
Sin is transgression, disobedience toward a known law or standard. Sin is iniquity, premeditated rebellion against God. And lately, especially as I’ve been examining my own life, I’ve also been seeing sin as immaturity. Sin is a failure to grow up.

We are so used to the patience of God that we are more stunned by his judgments than we are by his forbearance. —Jackie Hill Perry

The God of love and peace be with you on this fine day.

(Yesterday on the blog: What the Canyon Echoed Back)
The Christian’s Confidence in Christ’s Compassion
“Throughout the four Gospels, readers are flooded with examples of the compassion of Christ.” This can and should be very meaningful to us as Christians!
Being Domineering as a Pastor Doesn’t Require Skill
It’s an interesting thought for pastors and for others in leadership: That there is no skill involved in being domineering.
God Will Turn You Every Which Way but Loose
“Your God, in his providence, will turn you every which way but loose. Do not believe the lies that say God wants your life to be as smooth as possible. That he desires for you to have a problem-free existence if only you would have enough faith. To expose those lies, let us look at the life of one of the most faith-filled men of scripture.”
The Remarkable Story of the First Missionary Hymn
I thoroughly enjoyed this telling of the story of the first missionary hymn. “On Pentecost Sunday 1862, as Western eyes watched civil war rip through America, an event just as momentous unfolded half a world away, hidden from every headline. Some five thousand men and women, many of them former cannibals, gathered on a South Pacific island to worship Jesus Christ.”
Before Us, Beside Us, and Behind Us
This article considers God as our shepherd.
Under the Tomatoes
Andrea Sanborn: “My breath came hard as panic pressed on my chest. I stood in the produce section of the grocery store, scanning the aisles, desperate for a glimpse of my towheaded boy. Every parent has been in a similar situation, but most aren’t searching for a nonverbal child who can’t understand when the game has gone too far.”
Flashback: Scepters, Crowns, Thrones
If there are crowns in God’s invisible kingdom, they are worn only so they can be removed to be thrown at his feet.

I would rather be the means of soothing one perturbed spirit than to play a tune that would set all the sons of mirth reeling in the dance. —De Witt Talmage