News From the Frontlines: October 10th, 2026
Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers! And no matter where you might find yourself today, if you are in Christ, you have reasons innumerable to rejoice and give thanks to Him “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Indeed, the lines have fallen for us in exceedingly pleasant places thanks to our Lord and God. My prayer is that you and yours will be blessed by this week’s Thanksgiving edition of News From the Frontlines.
—News From the Frontlines—
Recommended Reading, Listening, & Watching
“But do you know who will remember you? Every believer you breathe the same air with; who you encourage and build up and serve and share burdens and joy with. They will remember you.”
In this lecture, Michael Reeves, author of Delighting in the Trinity, unfolds a theology of writing that begins with Christ, the Word. From this foundation, he explains how Christians can faithfully wield their craft for God’s glory and the eternal good of others. It is one of the finest introductory teachings on Christian writing I have come across.
Trevin Wax has fitting words for the many so-called shepherds who pray on the Lord’s little sheep. “It’s as if the Lord has seen fit to expose the corruption at all levels and remove any reason for denominational or tribal pride. There’s hardly anywhere any of us can look for a church tradition or Christian organization that isn’t, in some way, stained by this evil. The scandal of sexual abuse—the unbearable weight of story after story of spiritual shepherds abusing their authority and preying on sheep—has grown heavier and heavier.”
Unfortunately, both Tim Challies and Carl Trueman are right: “It began in early September when Macklemore, opening for Sheeran, turned his act into a rally by chanting ‘Free Palestine,’ showing video footage of Gaza, and performing a protest song. Responding to pressure from venue owners, the tour promoter removed Macklemore from further concerts, insisting that those venues would otherwise cancel future events. Sheeran attempted to remain neutral and to press on with his shows, but soon other opening acts and even Sheeran’s supporting musicians withdrew.”
“That God commands us to praise and thank him for all his benefits and mercies does not reveal an insecure neediness in him. Rather, it’s a reminder that he knows what we need better than we do. Our stubborn self-centredness combines with our blindness to convince us that focusing on ourselves is the path to happiness. We do not easily imagine that turning away from self is what we need, and that self-forgetfulness is delightful.”
This is a timely reminder for us all, especially as we head into (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. “When God has spoken to you, do not doubt His abilities. That’s the essence of faith. God is not only out to bless you, but to prove His power and faithfulness to a watching world. Believe Him for His precise fulfillment. He knows what He’s about. He is never in a hurry, but always on time.”
This hymn is very dear to my heart, and indeed one of my favorites—only, outside of the denomination I grew up in, I can’t say I’ve ever heard it elsewhere (funny enough, I actually know more than a handful of the folks singing in this video ensemble, which seem to be the only evidence online that the song actually exists). The final verse goes this way:
“Farewell then, O earth, I am only thy guest,
Farewell to thy joys, from thy burdens I rest!
Thy hills and thy valleys, though wondrously fair,
Cannot with the heavenly glories compare!”
—Flashback Friday—
(October 9th, 2026)
Did you know I highlight an old post of mine every Friday? Normally, this will only be sent to my email subscribers, but I thought I’d make a habit of including each Friday’s ‘flashback’ in this weekly roundup as well, just in case you missed it. I try my best to recirculate pieces I think are timely and relevant, like this Thanksgiving article I am particularly fond of. Enjoy! “Life is filled with empty chairs, is it not? Grief feels most fresh when the milestones of life begin to pass us by. Holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries—these are all necessary and beautiful threads that make up the mosaic of our lives. However, it is within these that the echo of our loved one’s life begins to ring again; when all the chairs around us are filled, save only a few.”
Photo by Chad Madden, Unsplash
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