Logos users, you’ve got a lot to look at today. You’ve got until January 6 to save through the 12 Days of Logos sale. Then you’ve also got a New Year’s Sale and this month’s free and nearly-free books which include some really solid titles. So have at it!

“I heard you set a goal for the new year to read Scripture more faithfully. That’s great! But I was also told that now you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. You want to be in the Word, but you’re just not quite sure how that’s going to work. I get it; and if I could, I’d like to offer you a couple of pieces of advice.” The advice is good!

Andy Stearns writes about the worst year of his life and helpfully distinguishes between the cloud and the crowd of witnesses. “2023 was a terrible year for me and my family. One of the worst things that could happen, did. Yes, I recognize that every bad situation could be worse. I recognize that others have gone through even more terrible and grievous situations. And at the same time, for my family, 2023 really has been the worst thing to take place. But I say that while trusting God.”

You should still have some of your monthly free articles available to read this important column at World magazine. “Like many young professional athletes, Edwards is wrestling with the trappings of wealth and fame. Recently, an Instagram model, Paige Jordae, published, on her social media account, screenshots of a text conversation she had with the NBA star.”

I keep running across the book The Great Dechurching but haven’t yet gotten around to reading it. This review by Michael Lawrence seems to cover its main strengths and weaknesses very well. This insight is one I need to think about more: “Moving is one of the most dangerous things a churchgoer can do.”

“Lately this question has been challenging my heart: would I rather have a knowledge of the future and an ability to control it in some way; or will I be content with the opportunity to learn to trust in and know Jesus in deeper ways?” This is a question all of us would do well to ponder.

This article will probably mostly apply to the Type-A personalities! But it includes a good structure for starting this new year with strength.

…we inhabit a world of sin where any trait or quality can be used for God-glorifying ends or for self-glorifying ends. Not only that, but God calls us to be always willing to deny our desires in order to serve others.

Reading the Bible isn’t just reading words on a page but listening to one who loves us more than life itself, and who has a very clear agenda for our lives and our world.
—Gary Millar

The Lord be with you and bless you today.

Westminster Books has a deal on the excellent ESV Expository Commentary series—a series that will help with everything from personal devotions to sermon preparation.
7 Reasons Why the Gospel of John is So Special
Michael Kruger asks “what exactly makes John so different? Given that John loves the number seven—as one example among many, his gospel is structured around seven ‘signs’—let me offer seven things that makes John so special.”
The Pitfalls and Possibilities of Being “Political”
Kevin DeYoung continues an interesting series on faith and politics (especially as it pertains to pastors). “If a pastor is better known for his views on COVID-19 or for his analysis of the latest shooting than he is for his views on the Trinity, the person of Christ, and the gospel, then something is wrong.”
Donall and Conall and Dawkins 2 (Video)
It has been a while since we’ve heard from Donall and Conall (via LutheranSatire) but they are back and having another conversation with Richard Dawkins.
Nine Important Facts about Muhammad
Ayman Ibrahim covers 9 important facts about Muhammad. “As more Muslims come to this country, I believe American Christians need to know more of what Muslims understand about their prophet. Here are nine things you should know about Muhammad.”
Three Different Ways to Dismiss Divine Commands
“In the nearly two decades I’ve been speaking in different churches of different denominations, in different states, in different countries, and in different cultures, I’ve noticed that people (believers and non-believers alike) have a propensity to skirt the Bible’s precepts. They usually do it in one of three ways.”
Making Time to Read the Bible
Many people do not read the Bible simply because they do not make time to read the Bible. Barbara has some suggestions on how to make it a priority.
Flashback: It’s Only Money
Our convictions about money will influence some of the expenses we choose to take on, but it won’t make our bills go away and won’t do much to mitigate the fact that life is just plain costly.

The cross is the essence of Christianity. It is the apex of God’s glory, the zenith of His revelation, the centrepiece of His plan for the universe. —Will Dobbie

Good morning! Grace and peace to you.

(Yesterday on the blog: As if God Had Ever Made an Atlantic Wide Enough…)
An Open Letter to a Distressed Sufferer
Mike Emlet has an open letter to those who are suffering. “Dear friend, I have no definitive answer for why God has permitted this particular tsunami to flood your life. But while we can’t penetrate the mysteries of suffering, we can be sure of this: our gracious and strong Lifeguard will not let us be swept away.”
5 Christian Athletes to Watch in the Winter Olympics
Here’s a small roundup of some of the Christian athletes competing right now. “If you’re looking for athletes to root for, we recommend following these five Christian competitors—and also a specific way you can pray for each of them.”
Don’t Let Truth Become Cliche
This article warns us against allowing truth to become a cliche.
The Hazards of Second Language Sermons
A missionary humorously shares some of the hazards of preaching in a new language.
Innovation Exists by God’s Design
“Many of the sharpest Christians, who rightly celebrate God’s providential governance over all things, tend to wrongly assume (in practice) that his reign ends somewhere around the boundary lines of Silicon Valley.”
The Hope of Renewal for the Sexually Broken
Here’s a word from David Powlison–a word of hope for the sexually broken.
Flashback: It Takes Two
Gossip is not only a sin of the mouth, but also a sin of the ears. It takes two: the one who speaks and the one who listens.

No man can be severe in his judgment who feels that the mild eyes of Christ are fixed upon him. —Charles Hodge