Best Links of the Week

The World if There Were Only 100 People

Fight Club sequel plot revealed

Great article by J. Budziszewski entitled, “Why Hooking Up is Letting You Down”

Article from the Polaris Project on “Human Trafficking Trends in the United States”

Great long-form piece from Sports Illustrated entitled, “The Book of Tebow”

Solid article from Kevin DeYoung entitled, “Seven Thoughts on Pastors Writing Books”

Pandora’s Inbox

If you are at all like me, the first thing you do in the morning is turn off the alarm on your phone… and then check your email (or maybe Facebook if you are a millennial).   I think this unconscious routine began whenever I owned my first smartphone.

Unconscious Routines

I’ve come to realize the moment I check that iDevice that I have mentally begun my work day.   I have opened Pandora’s Inbox.  The inertia of the click of that little icon does not stop for the rest of the work day.  I become mentally and spiritually rutted in thinking about the latest plate that needs spun, fire that needs put out, or wires that need uncrossed.  It was not healthy.

I recently consciously stopped this habit and have committed to disconnecting from the Matrix until I have spent time in prayer and God’s Word.  I am not doing these things as a form of legalism (and technology is not evil), rather I am recognizing it is what my soul needs to be a healthy human  and not some zombie or Borg-like being.

Renewal of Heart and Mind

I am desperately in need of the mind of Christ and the renewal that takes place when I quiet my soul before God.  My joy in Christ depends on the renewal of my heart and mind, particularly in the casting of my burdens and anxieties on Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Phil. 4:4-8

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matt. 6:33-34

Praise God that His mercies are new each morning and that God has special tailored grace for each day.

Maybe you do your devotions in the evening or at some other point in your day.  I do not think that you need to do the same thing that I am doing.  However, from one beggar to another – this has helped me find my daily bread.

As good as I think I am at compartmentalizing, once I open Pandora’s Inbox I have fallen down the rabbit hole of my work day.   Whether you are Crazy Busy, compulsively checking your inbox/social media, or just trying to stay ahead of the pile – let us continue to avail ourselves of God’s grace.  Otherwise we will find ourselves breathing by wires…