Welcome to this months treasure trove of podcasts, articles and music which have strengthened my faith, lifted my spirit and reminded me of the overflowing grace of God. May they do the same for you.
Podcasts
Nathan Foster in conversation with Sarah Clarkson on the gift of beauty. See episode 260 on Life with God- A Renovare Podcast.
Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss ministering in the midst of godlessness on the brilliant You’re Not Crazy Podcast. I believe that every episode of this podcast is worth a listen, whether in pastoral ministry or not. I dare you to not be encouraged after listening!
Articles
Aaron Armstrong on the beauty and scandal of the creation story.
People don’t object to the creation narrative because it’s ludicrous or intellectually dishonest. They object because, if it’s true, it means we are not autonomous beings.
Breanne Rodgers writes beautifully about an opportunity for faith to form in the dark. She describes setting, place and the natural landscape in such wonderfully lavish ways.
We’ve still got a ways to go before we reach our van. I still have time not to think, but to let my thoughts settle in their proper place. I pray as I walk, asking God to work in ways unexpected, to weave His redemption into my days the same way trees being stripped bare for a time isn’t a curse but a gift; an opportunity for faith to form in the dark.
Aaron Earls writes about the surprising quote on C S Lewis’s grave.
Leaving a legacy is not only about the legacy; it includes the leaving. When Lewis left this world and entered the next, he left us numerous encouragements for our own endurings.
Music
This short piece by Peter Sandberg helps quiet my soul. Brew something hot, find a window to look out of, listen to this song, and just be.
Psalm 46 ( There is a River) by Scottish Psalmist has been on repeat in my house since hearing it during my small group’s bible study. This Psalm is so apt for the times we are living in.
Psalm 46
God Our Refuge
For the choir director. A song of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah
4 There is a river—
its streams delight the city of God,
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God is within her; she will not be toppled.
God will help her when the morning dawns.
6 Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when he lifts his voice.
7 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
8 Come, see the works of the Lord,
who brings devastation on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease throughout the earth.
He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;
he sets wagons ablaze.
10 “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
11 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Grace and peace to you and yours,
Ishah x
Beautiful and lifegiving recommendations! Thank you for sharing these gems. (I'm reading the Spurgeon book you'd recommended several posts back, and it's so, so lovely!)