What are you enjoying right now?
Sometimes, we need to step back and ask a question like that.
Philippians 4:8 challenges believers to think and dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.” So the Facts & Trends staff would like to regularly share our “Favorites” at the moment.
It might be a new book or podcast we’re enjoying or something going on in our lives we want to share. Hopefully, you’ll think about things that are your favorites right now and maybe find something else to add to that list.
Aaron Earls (@WardrobeDoor), online editor: For only being around such a short time, For the Church is making an impact and delivering great content from church leaders and for church leaders. While it is, in some ways, a blog, that doesn’t seem to do justice to the website Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has created.
The site, led by managing editor Jared Wilson, offers a well-balanced mix of pastoral, practical, and devotional articles designed to engage, equip, and encourage the Church and her leaders. For example, the most recent posts on the site today are about why your church should pray for revival, what to do when you don’t feel like going to church services, how pastors need to cultivate gentleness in their ministries, and overcoming gathering knowledge about Jesus to know Him personally.
If you haven’t already, check out For the Church.
Carol Pipes (@CarolPipes), editor: I recently started following National Geographic Creative on Instagram (@NatGeoCreative). Each day they post beautiful photos of wildlife, nature, and people from around the world. Each photo is a reminder of God’s wonderful creation.
Occasionally, they’ll post photos by my friend Barrett Hedges. He’s an international wildlife photographer. I’d recommend following his Instagram feed (@BearHeadPhoto), as well as @NatGeo.
Matt Erickson (@_Matt_Erickson), managing editor: Pastor/professor/author David Murray has recently been blogging at HeadHeartHand.org
God created us with certain needs and desires and our faith meets these needs and desires. Or, more accurately, God meets these needs and desires. That’s why Jesus can say things like: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28) and we find His invitation incredibly appealing. We need and desire rest—physical, spiritual, and every other kind. And God has made it available to us.
Human beings are not like Spock—we don’t operate strictly on logic devoid of emotion. Rather, we operate mainly on desire, which is why Jesus talked so much about our hearts.”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” He said (Matthew 6:21). This book rounds out our apologetics to include the whole person—desires, emotions, and all.
Lisa Green (@lisaccgreen), senior writer: Lately I’ve been reading about the health advantages of intermittent fasting. Scientists say avoiding food from time to time can lower blood sugar, reduce the risk of dementia, and lead to a longer, healthier life.
I had always thought of fasting as purely a spiritual discipline. This week reminded me that when God tells us to do something—to rest, to fast, to pray, to care for others—He is caring for us in more ways than one.
Katie Shull (@KShull), graphic designer: I would have to say my favorite this week is antibiotics. Strange I know, but my oldest daughter has strep throat, and she really needs them.
As a baby I got a rash while taking penicillin, so my parents thought I was allergic to it. When I was around 5 years old, I caught pneumonia and had to be hospitalized largely because I couldn’t have any antibiotics. I don’t remember a lot about that time, other than being thrown in an ice bath to lower my temperature (not fun). I did eventually get better, but it took several months.
As a teen, my pediatrician was like, “You know it’s hard to go through life without antibiotics, lets test to see if you are really allergic to them.” He gave me tests, then a few small doses, then larger doses, and amazingly enough I was not allergic. Yeah! It does make you wonder if I would have been spared a lot of misery back when I had pneumonia.
Regardless, I am very grateful that God uses tools like doctors and antibiotics to heal us. It’s a good reminder that he provides not only for our spiritual health, but our physical health as well.
What has made you smile so far this week? What would be your favorite today?
