MY ANCHOR HOLDS: One of my favourite online writers is Tim Challies, who suddenly lost his 20-year-old son earlier this year. These are powerul reflections in the face of living life in a storm-tossed sea. "As a ship’s anchors are put to the test in a storm, my faith has been put to the test in these days of sorrow. The moment Nick died it was like a great hurricane struck my life. The winds suddenly blew hard, the rains poured down, the waves rose fierce and strong. The chain pulled taut, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it might break free".

SHOULD WE QUOTE THE BIBLE TO NON-CHRISTIANS?: This is a Canadian article written for the church in Canada, but swap out 'Canada' for 'Australia', and it is an entirely relevant challenge to evangelism in our context. “It is rarely talked about, but many Christians today would say that you should not quote the Bible to a non-Christian. They might say that people who quote the Bible to non-Christians are being foolish since we no longer live in a Christian culture. In reflection and response, I would like to offer four comments on biblical evangelism.”

THE NEGLECTED MINISTRY OF ASKING QUESTIONS: If you're a bit like me and sometimes struggle with conversation, then this article by Blake Glossens offers help and encouragement. "Think about people who make you feel loved. What about them makes you feel this way? Without knowing you (or them), I can almost guarantee that they ask good questions and listen well. It has been said that “Being heard is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference.” Show me a person who asks questions and listens, and I’ll show you a person who makes people feel known and loved".

BLIND SPOTS (FREE E-BOOK): Another week, and another free e-book from The Gospel Coalition. This week we have 'Blind Spots' by Colin Hansen. "The world needs bold, united followers of Jesus. It needs you and me to understand and appreciate the contributions of our brothers and sisters in faith. However, too often, our blind spots lead to divisions and disagreements, preventing God’s people from testifying to his grace with one voice. In this provocative book, Collin Hansen helps us view our differences as opportunities to more effectively engage a needy world with the love of Christ".