The latest episode of The Hero of the Story is up now on iTunes. In this episode, Brian and I begin a discussion on gospel threads in the Old Testament. Look for the second part later this week, and be sure to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes.

9 Bible Verses For Depression To Shine Light Into Darkness

Stephen Altrogge:

There’s this weird idea in some Christian circles that the moment you change your thinking your feelings will also change. That as you read these Bible verses for depression, the gloom will suddenly lift.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when it comes to mental illness. But here’s the good news: all these promises are TRUE. They don’t depend on you. They’re all about God and his mighty works on your behalf.

3 Reasons Why “Quality Time over Quantity Time” Is Not True for Parents (and Leaders)

Eric Geiger:

I have only been a dad for ten years so I have a lot to learn, but one thing I have already learned is that “quality time over quantity time” is not true. Many have used the cliché to encourage busy parents (like me) not to feel guilty about the lack of time with our kids because, well, it is “the quality of the time that really matters.” Not true. I just spent four days with my oldest daughter on this year’s “Daddy/ Daughter trip.” The trip is something we have done for the last six years, and since I was speaking in Southern California, we decided to add a few days to the trip. Our time together reminded me of the importance of quantity time.

Maybe You Need to Wave the White Flag

Jared Wilson:

Each version of our self resides in its own neat compartment. Each version of our self stays in its own lane. It’s rare for us to access multiple versions of ourselves at the same moment. It’s as if we think of our inner life like a board room table occupied by multiple employees—directors, if you will, of our multiple responsibilities or interests. Around the table we divvy up workloads and time commitments to our Normal Self, our Recreational Self, our Religious Self. We may even have slots assigned for Family and Friends and Education. It feels coherent and cohesive. But in fact, it is quite disjointed and divided.

Radiohead Meets the Police

This is really well done:

Archaeologists May Have Found the Prophet Isaiah’s Signature

Aaron Earls shares about a very interesting archaeological find.

If Paul Needed Friends, So Do We

Tony Merida:

In our gospel-centered movement, we should emphasize Paul’s pattern of preaching the grace of Christ. But we should also highlight his deep commitment to friendship.

Paul’s constant interaction with his friends was a sign of maturity, not deficiency. Even the mighty apostle needed friends—and he needed them for the same reasons you do.

Here are three simple but glorious benefits of friendship.

Stop trying so hard

A favorite from the archives:

I don’t consider myself to be naturally all that funny. It takes a lot  of work for me and usually comes across as kind of awkward (my wife can verify this).

Usually I don’t come across well because I’m trying too hard. I want people to laugh, so I spend a lot time fretting over the delivery of a joke and wind up completely butchering it.

Preaching and teaching can be like that, too.

One of the big challenges any communicator faces is holding their audience’s attention. If you’re dry as toast, no one’s going to be able to follow you, no matter how interesting the subject might actually be.