1. Hero E-Book Deal
Until midday on Thursday, the e-book version of Hero by Jonty Allcock is available for 50% off, that's just £2! (UK customers only).
2. Living Out
A brand new website full of stories, answers to questions, and recommended resources from a group of Christians who experience same-sex attraction.
3. How I Review a Book
Tim Challies shares helpful advice on how to write a book review.
4. FIEC Leader's Conference 2013 Video/Audio
Watch or listen to talks from the 2013 FIEC Leaders' Conference.
5. 6 Simple Ways to Write Better Blog Posts
Mark Driscoll looks at these six ways to help bloggers with their writing.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, in case you missed it, introducing the new-look Explore daily Bible reading notes for 2014, 'Explore Trailer':
Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk
This week's featured e-book from The Good Book Company is one for our younger readers.
Gideon wasn't in a great place when God turned his attentions to him. Some might say the "runt" of the litter in a pretty unimportant and insignificant family, he's a bit of a loser and not looking much like a hero. But when Gideon meets with the extraordinary God of the Bible, all sorts of great things start to happen...
Find out more in Jonty Allcock's book, Hero. Ideal for teenagers, you can get the ebook version HERE for just £2 (that's 50% off!) until Thursday midday. Simply use the code h1113 at the checkout.
From Jane:
So, what one thing do I wish I'd known before starting children's work? This may or may not be relevant, but the first thing that came to my mind was when I first started teaching in an infant school. Nobody had told me about the parents! They were terrifying, and had so much more experience than me. I didn't know what my role should be with them, I though I was just there to teach the children. I guess it's similar in church. We join teams because we love the children and want to teach them about Jesus. But what about the parents? How are we interacting with them? How are we encouraging them in their parenting and their discipling of their children. I think even new young leaders can engage with the parents. It lifts my heart when I hear that one of my children has prayed or shared something helpful.
I once led a training session called “No child is an island”. In other words, all children come in some kind of family or group (even if that’s a foster family or some kind of residential care). And yet we can easily run our groups as if a child is an isolated unit. So, as Jane asks: What about the parents?... continue reading
‘Even now,’ declares the Lord,
‘return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.’
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:12-13
Bad weekend? Sin getting the better of you this morning? Turn back to the Lord with all your heart. His love never fails and his mercy never ends.
A few guys at the Good Book office have joined in with the UK campaign to support and advertise men's health issues by growing moustaches. Pictured are (l to r) Creative Director Tim Thornborough, Senior Editor Carl Laferton, and Alex Webb-Peploe who is working with us on an illustrated project, The Third Day, which is launching at Easter 2014. Although we have had enormous fun, growing, shaping, comparing and pruning our facial furniture, there is a universal dislike of them from the women-folk. Movember is over - and we'll be clean shaven when the calendar clicks over into December this coming Sunday.
Europe has been buzzing with fresh questions about euthanasia in recent weeks.
A few days ago, a couple in their 80s committed suicide in a French hotel, leaving a note expressing disgust that their government deprived them of the right to a more "dignified" death. They didn't want to risk life without each other, so chose to die together.... continue reading
It's that time of the year again - Christmas shopping, for many of us, is well and truly getting underway.
If you're looking for ideas for little ones it's often difficult to find something these days that isn't electronic. It seems to be assumed that even young children will want something with a screen. And as much as electronic games can be fun, sometimes it's good to prise the kids away from the TV, computer, tablet or whatever else holds their attention.
I know from experience that children and food are often a very good mix. Add in the fact that they can get messy making the food and you have the makings of a great play and learning experience. In Bake Through the Bible you get all the fun of food with the added attraction of using the cooking activities to introduce children to the big picture of the Bible.
So if you know of children you need to get a great present for this Christmas, look no further. Great fun and biblically faithful, both Christian and non-Christian families will have a great time using this great resource.
Read more HERE and get Bake Through The Bible for just £5 - simply use the code bttb1113 at the checkout.
Church should allow blessings of gay relationships, CofE report says
Gay snub Cornish B&B owners lose Supreme Court appeal
Britain still a ‘Christian Country’, says Eric Pickles
CS Lewis honoured with Poets' Corner memorial
Peruvian evangelicals mass in capital for national congress amid boom in numbers
Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.
Wishing all our American friends a very happy thanksgiving today.
If you want something thought-provoking to read this thanksgiving, why not try Jen Wilkin's piece posted recently on The Gospel Coalition site?
But most importantly:
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever" Psalm 118:1
From Ed:
"I wish I had realised that being in full-time ministry would not fix the flaws in my faith, spiritual discipline or relationship with Christ. I'm still learning that if I'm not personally loving Christ, then my ministry becomes empty and unpleasant. I am a Christian first, before all else. Being paid as a children's worker does not automatically kick start my faith. It sometimes helps, but more often my sinfulness means it gets in the way of my love of Christ. I heartily recommend Serving without Sinking to understand this issue further."... continue reading
