Posted on May 24, 2013.
God has given the saving message of the gospel to his people through his Word, and we must be willing to fight for its integrity and faithful transmission. We are to “contend for
the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” ( Jude 3). In other words, we need to care about orthodoxy and right thinking about who God is and how he saves through Jesus Christ. Orthodoxy matters.
But at the same time, God’s Word commands us, “Love your neighbor as yourself ” (Matthew 22:39). Jesus even told us, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). And 1 Peter 5:5 says, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” In other words, genuine love and humility of heart before God and other people are essential. Humility matters. We don’t get to choose between humility and orthodoxy. We need both.
Excerpted from Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris
Daily Reflection: How can you make a point to remember humility and compassion when discussing orthodoxy with others?
Posted on May 16, 2013.
We are offering the opportunity to get one FREE copy of Fearless (paperback) with every paperback book that you purchase. There is no limit on the number of books you can buy, we will match one for one while supplies last (or until June 9, 2013).
This paperback edition includes “Adam’s Legacy,” a collection of more than 25 letters from readers who were impacted deeply by Adam Brown’s story. These letters are just a small sampling of the thousands of letters author Eric Blehm and the Brown family have received from readers who were inspired to overcome their own challenges after reading Fearless. This is a unique chance to share in Adam’s legacy and encourage others.
This book goes on sale May 21, 2013; books will ship at this time.
More about the book | Complete Details
Posted on May 7, 2013.
Missed Shaunti Feldhahn’s, LIVE webcast from May 7th? Watch the on-demand version now. Shaunti shares new insights and takes questions from webcast viewers about her recently updated books, For Women Only and For Men Only.
Posted on May 7, 2013.
As women, most of us need an example like Mary’s [the mother of Jesus] to help us believe God can use us in any significant way. We have no trouble believing God can use others, but when we look at ourselves, all we can see is our inadequacies and inabilities. So, clinging white-knuckled to our comfort zones, we tend to stick with what comes naturally. We shrink back from God’s upward call and find ourselves reluctant to say, “Yes, Lord! I’m Your servant. Use me as You please!”
I’ll be the first to admit that’s often been true of me. I find it easy to believe God can use my husband. When we started Gateway Church, for instance, I had no doubt God would bless it. My excitement soared, and my faith roared into action as I stood on the sidelines cheering God and Robert on!
But when my turn came, I felt altogether different. Faced with leading the women’s ministry, excitement fled. My faith faltered. I struggled with the idea of God’s using me because I knew myself too well. I was familiar with my weaknesses and character flaws. I could see all the reasons why I didn’t qualify. When I reminded the Lord of my inadequacies, however, He was unimpressed by them. He drafted me anyway. As I’ve already mentioned, that’s how it felt at first. Like I’d been conscripted into a calling I really wasn’t fit for. Yet, uncomfortable as it may be for us, God steers us in those directions for our own good. He does it so He can shine on us, in us, and through us into the lives of others. And I’ve found that by leaning into His plans, we can always find the greatest joy. Of course, it took me a while to discover that.
Excerpted from The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris
Daily Reflection: How can you lean into the plans God has for you that may be out of your comfort zone?
