I Shall Be Satisfied Then
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I have long appreciated the poems of the 19th century American poet Hannah Flagg Gould. Among them I found this sweet work which reflects on the beauty of breaking free from “this prison of clay” to be with the Lord. I hope it proves an encouragement to you as it has me.
May I in thy likeness, my Saviour, awake,
And rise, a fair image of thee;
Then I shall be satisfied, when I can break
This prison of clay, and be free.Can I but come forth to eternity’s light,
With thy perfect features to shine,
In raiment unsullied from time’s dreary night,
What honor and joy will be mine!Yes, I shall be satisfied then to have cast
The shadows of nature all by—
When, darkness and dust from the dull eyelid past,
My soul sees with full-opened eye.How fain would I know the great morn drawing near,
When earth’s dreamy visions shall fade,
If I in thy semblance indeed may appear,
And stand in thy beauty arrayed!To see thee in glory, O Lord, as thou art,
From this mortal, perishing clay
My spirit immortal, in peace would depart,
And, joyous, mount up her bright way.When on thine own image in me thou hast smiled,
In thy holy mansion, and when
Thy fatherly arms have encircled thy child,
O I shall be satisfied then!
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New Christian Books for Children and Teens
Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and teens, so like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids of all ages (up to and including teens)
Seek and Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories: With over 450 Things to Find and Count! by Sarah Parker. Seek-and-find book exploring eight more Old Testament stories, the characters within them and the character of our amazing God. Seek & Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories contains eight more stories from the Old Testament with over 450 hidden things for young children to find, count, and sort as they interact with the Bible stories. Both the retellings and illustrations are biblically faithful and children will learn all about eight well-known Old Testament characters, including Joseph, Elijah and Esther.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
God’s Big Promises Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children by Carl Lafterton. “Pray with your children in response to Bible truths using this beautifully illustrated book of prayers. Each page begins with a Bible-story summary and a verse from the Bible, followed by a responsive prayer. Children will learn to say wow, thank you, sorry and please as they get to know God better. There are even actions to go with each response! Features: 92 prayers that relate to the 92 stories featured in God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook, so you can use this prayer book alongside the Bible Storybook; 9 additional prayers specifically for bedtime that are based on Bible verses. They will help kids to give thanks and know that God is with them as they go to sleep; An index of prayers at the back linking to prayers for particular circumstances or feelings, such as prayers when feeling anxious, prayers when feeling tired, and prayers when feeling scared.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
It Is Well with My Soul (Hymns for Little Ones). “It Is Well with My Soul introduces little ones to the one of the most timeless, enduring anthems of the Christian faith in a fun and colorful way. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, It Is Well with My Soul has given strength and solace to generations of believers. This beloved hymn is a powerful reminder of God’s promise of peace amid life’s most daunting trials. Now little ones can experience the comfort and reassurance of this Christian classic for the first time. The lyrics are paired with whimsical watercolor art that celebrates the joy and wonder of God’s world. In the back of the book, you’ll find the sheet music and lyrics. Hymns for Little Ones is a series of creative and colorful board books that introduce young children to the most inspiring and influential Christian anthems of all time. Little ones will learn truths about God in the lyrics of these impactful hymns.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
C Is for Christian: An A-Z Treasury of Who We Are in Christ by Alistair Begg. “Excite kids about how great it is to be a Christian with this beautifully illustrated treasury of theological truths. Going from A to Z, kids will learn about the amazing things that are true of us if we know Christ. For example: A is for Adoption – we are children of God, part of his beloved family; B is for Branch – we are connected to Jesus, the vine, and he gives us life and all we need; C is for Citizen – we have a place in heaven, which is where we are heading. Each letter teaches children about an aspect of our identity in Christ using Bible verses and clear engaging teaching by Alistair Begg. Reflection questions and prayers are included, making it possible to use this resource devotionally. It can also be used as a kind of catechism, summarizing some of the Bible’s truths about being a Christian. The alphabet format makes these theological truths easy to remember. Can be read to kids 4+ or read by kids 7+.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Arlo and the Keep-Out Club by Betsy Childs Howard. “Arlo has been longing to play with the big boys on the playground. But when he’s given the opportunity to join their club, he is faced with a tough decision. Will he gain the acceptance of his new friends by doing what he knows is wrong, or will he do the right thing even though it may lead to rejection? Going against the social grain can often leave us feeling lonely, but in his grace, Jesus enables us to do what is right and stays by our side when we feel left out. Written for kids ages 3–7, this engaging picture book teaches children that following Jesus may come at a cost, but the Lord offers a greater reward as our ultimate friend and comforter. A section for parents at the end of the book provides tips for raising children who can resist negative peer pressure.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Who Are You?: A Little Book about Your Big Identity by Christina Fox. “Kids have an innate curiosity to explore and discover new things about themselves—they learn their strengths and talents, their preferences and quirks, all while celebrating little victories along the way. While these milestones are undoubtedly important for developing children, our culture mistakenly views them as the foundation of who they are. Deeply biblical and visually engaging, this picture book uses lyrical rhymes to help children ages 3–5 understand that their true identity is not found in their preferences, past actions, or current emotions. Instead, it is rooted in their relationship with their Creator and Savior. The one who fashioned them in his likeness and calls them to live a life for his glory. A note to parents section at the end of the book offers practical tips and additional Bible verses for instilling these truths in children as they navigate the world and build the foundation of their lives.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Jesus Moments: Moses: Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses by Alison Mitchell. “Help 4-7s learn how Moses points to Jesus with this beautifully illustrated Old Testament storybook from Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle. Moments in Moses’ story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus. Great for parents or grandparents to give children aged 4-7. Can also be used for children’s ministry in church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Something Scary Happened: Helping Children with Trauma by Darby Strickland. “Miles is a happy little lamb until something bad happens. All of a sudden, Miles feels like he is alone in a deep dark valley, but it is there in the valley that he meets his good Shepherd who promises to always be with him, no matter what. Counselor and trauma expert Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Miles to help parents and caregivers share the comfort of taking their fears to the good Shepherd by applying Psalm 23 to difficult experiences. Through a special section at the end of the book, Strickland helps parents recognize the feelings and behaviors children might have in response to their trauma and guides them in how to help children talk about what scared them.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Big Big Big Christmas (That Was Also Very Small) by Mei Shan Dibble. “The wonder of the incarnation told in a fresh, funny and child-friendly way This hilarious series of zany comparisons that get bigger and bigger will help children discover just how big God is and how completely mind-blowingly amazing it is that he became a tiny baby at Christmas.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty. “In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Kristyn Getty recounts Joni Eareckson Tada’s lively childhood, life-changing accident and challenging adjustment to a very different way of life, and shares how God has used her in amazing ways to bless others. Children will hear how, when a terrible diving accident left her severely disabled, Joni was left with a lot of questions about God. It was easy to trust him when she was healthy and happy, but did she want to follow him now that life was so hard? As young ones discover how God cared for Joni and how Joni held on to her faith and used her circumstances to love others, they’ll be inspired about the great things they can do for God. And they’ll be encouraged to be a friend to those with disabilities or in hard situations.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father’s Never-Ending Love by Sarah Walton (coming on October 29). “In this creative retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son, the youngest son, Wander, was willing to give up everything for his independence―including a relationship with his father and brother Goodness. With his father’s cash in hand, he left for the alluring towns of Perfection, Prosperity, and Popularity. Each new town brought a brief sense of happiness, but eventually, as the excitement wore off, he was overcome by a deepening sense of emptiness. It was then that Wander remembered his father’s words, ‘Wherever you go, my son, I want you to remember that I love you with a never-ending love.’ The Long Road Home retells this powerful parable in a creative and understandable way for children ages 6–8. As kids hear about Wander’s difficult experiences and discuss them with their parents, they will learn joy is not found within themselves or in the world. Instead, children will rediscover the never-ending love of their heavenly Father, who gives them worth, hope, and identity when they put their trust in him.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Little Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Edition by Joe Sutphin. “Enjoy Charles Dickens’ beloved masterpiece, freshly imagined within an enchanting woodland realm. In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story–a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin. With charming woodland characters and settings that families will adore, readers will be transformed by A Little Christmas Carol. A tale of greed, regret, loneliness, reflection, compassion, hope, and a joyfully changed life, this beautifully illustrated edition will enliven the timeless classic for readers young and old. For the perfect family read-aloud, make A Little Christmas Carol a part of your family’s Christmas tradition. This new edition makes a wonderful gift.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski. “Marty Machowski’s Promises Made Promises Kept shows families how the birth and life of Jesus fulfilled God’s Old Testament promises of a Savior. Start a new family tradition for the Christmas season by reading this ‘upside-down’ book that includes fourteen Bible stories. Begin the week before Christmas with the first side, Promises Made which has seven stories that explore the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah. On Christmas Day, flip the book over and continue by reading Promises Kept with seven more stories that vividly illustrate how Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection and the beginning of the church fulfill God’s promises. Machowski weaves the promises and fulfillments together into one harmonized story that will deepen the family’s faith in God’s power and control over all of history and their lives too. Each story also includes questions for the family to discuss together.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Abigail and the Career Day Catastrophe: It’s Time to Be a Hero… Right? By Bethany McIlrath. “It’s nearly Career Day, and 9-year-old Abigail is trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up. She wants to do something that will please God and her family, so she decides she will be a missionary police officer–a job that she thinks means behaving perfectly and making sure everyone else does too! But all her efforts seem to backfire. After some helpful Bible teaching from her loved ones about the story of Paul’s conversion, Abigail rethinks what it means to please God and to ‘be good’! This fun, relatable story will help kids to realize that it’s only through Jesus that we can please God. And with the Holy Spirit’s help, they can become more like Jesus and do good works with him. This is the second book in the Abigail series, a fictional series for readers aged 7 and up that follows the adventures of 9-year-old Abigail as she figures out what faith means for her everyday life. Young readers will be inspired to read the Bible, talk to God and apply what they believe to their own lives.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Anne Bradstreet by Simonetta Carr. “Did you know that the first published poet in America was a woman? As an American colonist, Anne Bradstreet’s poems give us a unique window into early colonial life. In this Christian Biography for Young Readers, Simonetta Carr shows us how Bradstreet overcame opposition from those who thought only men should write to produce beautiful poetry that encourages the church today. Complete with excerpts from her writings and engaging illustrations, Bradstreet’s story will remind you of the beauty of God’s creation, His faithfulness, and His unfailing promises.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
John and Charles Wesley: Two Brothers, One Faith by David Luckman. “Discover the inspiring story of John and Charles Wesley, two brothers who left an indelible mark on Christian history. Step into the 18th century and meet John and Charles Wesley, brothers whose unwavering faith sparked a spiritual revolution. Witness their transformative journey from the humble English countryside to the heart of a movement that changed the course of Christianity. Marvel at the thrilling tales of faith, courage, and resilience as the Wesley brothers navigate challenges, triumphs, and divine encounters. From the vibrant Oxford University to the bustling streets of London, this biography paints a vibrant tapestry of their lives, making history come alive for young readers.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Track: Politics: A Student’s Guide to Politics by Joshua Wester. “Joshua Wester encourages young adults to view politics through the lens of their Christian faith, and to test their beliefs against the Bible. People say that religion and politics shouldn’t mix, but God has a lot to say about how we live together. Politics touches many things in our lives, and so, as Christians, we should examine our political beliefs in the light of what God says. Joshua Wester tackles crucial topics that young adults should be thinking about as they think about how they engage with the political process and get involved in conversations about politics. The Bible calls us to be good citizens who love God and love our neighbour—how does that affect how we vote? An invaluable guide for those seeking to engage with the political process.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel by Jeff Dodge. “The gospel is the most powerful message in the world—it’s God’s dynamite to change hearts, lives, and communities. In Gospel 101 for Teens, Jeff Dodge communicates the good news of Jesus in a clear, understanding, and compelling way, inviting students to grow in gospel fluency, community, and action. Gospel 101 for Teens serves as an introductory-level course on the ‘big picture’ message of redemption. It equips teens with the language of the gospel to confidently move past the fear of sharing their faith with friends and classmates. By learning to share the gospel in their own words and explain why it matters, teens will be ready to communicate this message in a life-giving, clear, and personal way.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein. “How can I pick the right job? Actually, you don’t need to choose a job that’s ‘perfect for you.’ But you do need to be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life. Here’s a better question: As a believer, how can I determine what I am supposed to do, and then do it well? The doctrine of calling, or vocation, leads us to the answer. Because for those who are ‘called according to his purpose’ (Rom. 8:28), God provides a place, a time, and the gifts necessary to work for him in this world. God placed us in his world to work for his glory. You might not know exactly what he has planned for you, but you must—and can—be faithful where he calls you to be.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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How Joni Eareckson Tada Blessed Me (Forty Years Ago)
Joni Eareckson Tada has had a long and faithful ministry. I expect you are familiar with the basic outline of her story—how in 1967, when she was just 17 years old, she was involved in a diving accident that left her paralyzed. In the initial stages of her recovery she stewed in sorrow and self-pity and for a time sank into depths of darkness, despair, and depression. But over time she became convicted that her condition was God’s will. God did not mean for her to resent it, but to accept it, to embrace it, and to use it.
Though at first tempted to believe her great sorrow marked the end of her service to God, it actually proved to be the opening chapter of it. It spurred her to found Joni and Friends, a ministry that, for 45 years, has been serving people with disabilities. She has written a number of books, spoken before millions, and led many to Christ. She has been a blessing and inspiration to so many people for so many years.
But for all she has done publicly, I suspect her greatest impact may be through personal interactions. I have encountered many people who can tell stories of her words of kindness and acts of love—how she ministered to them when they were in times of distress. I am thankful that on a few occasions she has reached out to be a blessing and encouragement to me and that she was willing to write some kind words about Seasons of Sorrow. But let me tell you what means even more than her direct involvement in my own life.
In 1965 my aunt Nancy committed suicide after a long battle with mental illness. My grandfather was a Supreme Court judge who was prominent in Montreal, so her death became quite public. The musician Leonard Cohen, who had been part of Nancy’s circle of friends, wrote a popular song about her, and he and others blamed my grandfather for her death. There was shame heaped upon him and upon the family. Eventually, my grandfather also took his own life. This one little family had now suffered two huge tragedies.
Yet in all that pain God reached out and saved the unlikeliest of converts—my dad. And through my dad he saved my mom and several of my aunts and uncles. He also saved my grandmother. But those severe losses had, of course, left her scarred and devastated. And though her faith was genuine, she was involved in churches that offered few compelling answers to life’s big sorrows.
She was still quite a new and unseasoned Christian when she heard of a young lady named Joni who had written a bestselling book and whose story was now being told in a film. My grandmother decided to write Joni a letter to describe her circumstances and to express her distress and confusion. Maybe this young lady would understand. Maybe she would even return her letter and offer some sympathy and guidance.
And, sure enough, Joni did reply to her. In a lengthy and heartfelt letter, she encouraged my grandmother. She helped her. She blessed her. She drew her attention to the Lord. In the few years that remained to my grandmother, she often told what a blessing Joni had been to her.
I thought of this recently when focusing on Paul’s words in Philippians 3 where he instructs Christians to press on with a single-minded devotion. “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” he uses the metaphor of a race to tell believers to press on toward the goal—the goal that is the presence of Jesus Christ. And in that light, consider this: All the way back in the early 1980s, Joni ministered to my grandmother after the loss of her daughter. Forty years later, she ministered to me after the loss of my son. (And, of course, until I wrote these words, she would have had no idea of the connection…)
And this is what I so love and respect about Joni. For all these years she has been single-mindedly pressing on toward the goal and it’s clear that she does not intend to stop until she reaches it. There’s a stirring beauty in the fact that she is pressing on in a wheelchair, pressing on with a broken and weakening body, but a strong and growing faith. And she loves to tell people that when she reaches the goal and sees Jesus, she will finally leap to her feet, only to immediately fall on her knees to worship him—to worship the one she has been pressing toward all these years. What a day and what a moment that will be! -
Black Friday 2022 Deals for Christians
While there are many places you can go today to find deals on electronics and other big-ticket items, I like to provide a place for Christian retailers to make their deals known to Christians who are trying to kick-start their Christmas shopping (or to just buy great resources at significant discounts). I will update this list regularly throughout the weekend, so you may want to return to a few times. Be sure to check back on Monday for Cyber Monday deals.
Amazon
Amazon has a huge variety of products discounted. From electronics to toys to games, there are deals across almost every category. Perhaps of greater interest is Kindle devices: the all-new Kindle, Paperwhite, and Oasis (which I find the best of them all) are all deeply discounted.
Westminster Books
Westminster Books has a lot of deals listed in their 2022 Christmas Gift Guide and Black Friday Deals which has discounts up to 68% off. Top deals include:Christian Book Distributors
CBD has a wide-ranging Black Friday Sale that covers some really good books (and some really bad ones). I’ve sorted through it all to try to pull out some of the highlights. Separately, you can find a long list of Bibles that are on sale.Logos
Logos has a number of deals you’ll want to look at if you are a user of their software. Among the highlights:The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series is down to $4.99 per volume (an ideal series for pastors or non-pastors alike)
The Pillar New Testament Commentary series is down to $9.99 each (this is my favorite and most-trusted commentary series)
There are lots of other books, bundles resources, and Mobile Ed products deeply discounted10ofThose
10ofThose has discounts on a wide variety of books with some reaching as high as 76%.
Accordance
Accordance is offering 25% off everything. Just enter coupon code 25-all at checkout to SAVE 25% off all items in your cart. You can use the code as often as you like.
Banner of Truth
Banner of Truth has a good number of books and other items discounted up to 50%. You can view the PDF flyer here.
Crossway
Crossway is offering 60% off Men’s and Women’s Study Bibles.
Getty Music
Getty Music has deals on physical and downloadable products as well as tickets for their upcoming Christmas concerts.
Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier has a $5 Friday which a huge variety of books and teaching series available.
Missional Wear
Missional Wear has select products at up to 50% off, plus all items marked as in-stock and shipping now at 15% off using code CHALLIES15. That includes shirt deals, stocking stuffers, drinkware, etc.
New Growth Press
New Growth Press is offering 40% off many of their products with coupon code BLACK40.
Reformation Heritage Books
RHB’s Thanksgiving Week Sale has up to 65% off on a selection of great titles including Simonetta Carr’s Church History, a number of volumes from the Lectio Continua commentary series, as well as a number of book sets (like R.C. Sproul Signature Classics, etc).
The Gospel Coalition
TGC is offering a discount on conference registration along with 4 free books.
Truth for Life
Truth for Life has deals on book bundles, Alistair Begg devotionals, and an ESV that is marked down from $199 to $35.
Wretched
Todd Friel’s Wretched has 50% off Wretched products. If you spend $50 you’ll get free shipping and a free copy of season one of the series Transformed.
Visual Theology
Visual Theology has some solid Black Friday Deals going on right now. All Advent materials are 25% off, and all memberships are 50% off with code black2022. It’s an excellent opportunity to download every poster, slideshow, handout, workbook, and more! These deals run through the end of the month. Also, since Advent starts in just two days, you can grab the annual countdown poster from Visual Theology in either full color or a version you can color each day. And new for this year is a complete coloring book! For 29 days, you’ll follow the Christmas story as told in four distinct aspects of the Gospel. Both for kids and adults, start your Advent countdown today! Subscribe to their newsletter, and you’ll get the first week of coloring pages for free.