In the Margins - 2/18/26

Things I Read

“Satan Wants You Alone this Sunday.” Hans shared this article with some of us written by Garret Kell. Don't underestimate the significance of gathering with your church every week.

Things I Listened To

Still trying to learn this song's melody. 

Things I Watched

Watched this with the staff earlier this week. D.A. Carson is a gift to the church. Lots of wisdom for pastors here.

Things I Thought

Parents: shepherd your children’s attention span.

Although modern parents bemoan the shortening attention spans of our youth, they need to remember that God has given them the responsibility to shepherd their attention spans. God's standards do not change. God still expects children to develop a long enough attention span to sit and listen to the Bible. This has monumental implications for how you train your children. If your parenting is not intentional about lengthening your children's attention spans, teaching them how to sit and listen to long strands of text, it's time to start working on it.

Quotes to Ponder

“Based on Paul's example and the evidence of Scripture, we see that true elders do not dictate, but direct. They do not command the consciences of their brethren, but appeal to their brethren to faithfully follow God's Word. They suffer and bear the brunt of difficult people and problems so the lambs are not bruised. They bear the misunderstandings and sins of others so the assembly may live in peace. They lose sleep so others may rest. They depend upon God in prayer for wisdom and help, not upon their own power and cleverness. They guard the community's liberty and freedom in Christ so the saints are encouraged to develop their gifts, mature, and serve one another.”

Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership.

May God raise up more shepherds for Grace Rancho!