New Resources!

Friends, I’m so excited to share with you some of the resources I’ve recently discovered (or been reminded of) in my walk with Jesus. You can find the rest of the resources I love here.

Trusting God

Why is it easier to obey God than to trust Him?
Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases, His laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don’t want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us. But the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. Before long, we begin to doubt God’s concern for us or His control over our lives. We ask, “Why is God allowing this?” or “What have I done wrong?”

God has used this book so powerfully in my life to equip me in the battle with anxiety. You can read more here.

The Valley of Vision–free

This is a collection of puritan prayers and devotions. Don’t let the cover turn you off. It is filled with scripturally and theologically rich prayers to worship and enjoy God. It’s often been a great starting place to help me worship God and then talk to Him about what’s on my mind and heart. 

“This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.”

You can read the prayers for free here, but I’m grateful for my hardcopy to highlight and meditate on. 

Every Moment Holy

“EVERY MOMENT HOLY is a book of liturgies for the ordinary events of daily life–liturgies such as “A Liturgy for Feasting with Friends” or “A Liturgy for Laundering” or “A Liturgy for the First Hearthfire of the Season.” These are ways of reminding us that our lives are shot through with sacred purpose even when, especially when, we are too busy or too caught up in our busyness to notice.”

This is such a beautiful guide for learning how to see every part of our lives as a way to meet the Lord. (And McKelvey’s words are so well-chosen and biblical.) I’m hopeful that the less-expensive paperback version will be released soon, but you can find the hardcover version now. 

Fundamentals of the Faith

“If you are a new believer or know someone who is, Fundamentals of the Faith is the perfect resource for establishing a solid biblical foundation for the Christian life.” 

This is an excellent discipleship material! It is in a workbook format with links to audio sermons related to each topic. 

Prayercast (free)

Not sure how to pray for the needs of the world? This is an incredible resource of 4-5 minute videos (from hundreds of places around the world), leading you in how to pray for them.

The Bible Project videos (free)

Their goal: To help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.

I can’t recommend these short videos enough. There are videos giving the historical background, themes, and outline of each book of the Bible along with illustrations, and also videos about themes throughout Scripture. Just watch one. You’ll be hooked.

Songs for Saplings (Free)

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“Our mission is to equip the Church worldwide with rich, Biblical music to help children learn their faith through song.” 

I can’t get these little songs out of my head, and am so excited for my children to grow up hearing (and memorizing) these Bible verses set to music. She also has a series of albums teaching the Catechism for Young People through song. 

Trusting God

Has it been more difficult for you to trust God than to obey Him? It is for me.

God’s Word says He is completely sovereign, infinite in wisdom, and perfect in love. 

According to Jerry Bridges in his book “Trusting God,” 
When we fail to trust God, we doubt His sovereignty and question His goodness. . . 

God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom, He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about. 

Is it a coincidence that Peter wrote about humility and the devil’s schemes as he called the believers to cast their anxieties on God? 

1 Peter 5:6-8 says:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

It’s a lot easier to submit to God’s hand when I believe the truth Bridges wrote, that my “suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good” (Rom 8:28). Satan wants nothing more than for me to doubt God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love, because it keeps me from going to my Father and leading others to do the same. 

My pastor has reminded me that faithfulness is not the absence of any feelings of concern, but obediently engaging the Enemy. So what are you anxious about right now? Will you tell God how you feel and then join with the Spirit by asking for faith to believe in God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love working all things together for His glory and to make you more like Christ? 

I’ll share more in the next post about some practices that have helped me engage the battle, but for now, would you consider getting Trusting God by Jerry Bridges? He will lead you all over Scripture to confirm these truths that can be so hard to believe.