Jonathan Shradar

Each week I read or encounter a number of things that are worthwhile and I want to get in the habit of sharing them with you. Below are things of worth from the recent weeks.  There has been a lot of talk since Thanksgiving about the death of John Chau, a missionary killed trying to engage with an unreached people group. The conversation has raised some important questions about taking the name of Jesus to those who haven't heard and the waning zeal of professing Christians to evangelize. Garrett Kell shares a worthwhile perspective here . Tim Challies also gives key points to keep in mind along with a poem to give us perspective, read him here .   Advent is not all egg-nog and yuletide cheer. It can be a difficult time for many and in the church, we need to have clear eyes to see this reality and care for one another in the midst of it. Zach Eswine has a post about preaching lament at Advent that is helpful to preachers and the rest of us as well. Read that here .  Finally this we

"If out of forgetfulness or inattention our worship doesn't take place under the cross of Jesus, worship almost inevitably becomes an exercise in wish fulfillment, and praise becomes self-congratulation - private needs and emotions given religious sanction." Eugene Petersen, The Pastor

My friend "Matt Pilgrim" is at it again with a poignant poem for today .   The sacrifice of praise seems small Though nothing else is needed. Another simple call of God’s Our hearts have not yet heeded.   One of the old hymnals declares “Nothing in my hand I bring” But some mix of pride and fear in us Insists on adding something.   In many forms throughout the years We’ve brought our sacrifices. Sometimes blood, sometimes good works, All just thinly veiled vices.   These days we leave our votes at the altar “Look, God, I’ve stood for truth!” How quaint to think we’ll build Christ’s kingdom From the voting booth.   The sacrifices of God, my friend, Aren’t elephants or mules It’s broken and contrite hearts we bring Carrying crosses carved for fools.   Or maybe we’ve been blinded by pride Unaware of the contrast Between the earthly kingdoms we build And the one in which first shall be last.   Oddly, our King thought better of us Than to insist we win elections. He left us with t