Weekly Email: December 9, 2024
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Student Tip: Read Everywhere
One podcast that I find myself returning to again and again is the Deep Questions podcast by Cal Newport. Each month, Cal dives into the five books he’s read. It’s a recurring theme where listeners are curious: how does he manage to read five books a month, especially outside of his professional obligations? His answer is straightforward: he prioritizes reading and seizes every small opportunity throughout the day to dive into a book.
Cal has a habit of transforming those quick moments of boredom into productive reading sessions. Instead of reaching for his phone to scroll through social media or check emails, he instinctively pulls out a book. I remember adopting this strategy myself. I made reading my go-to activity, even if it was just for two or three minutes. Instead of mindlessly browsing or getting lost in the latest blog posts, I found myself making significant progress through my reading list.
Cal also emphasizes the importance of scheduling. By simply glancing at his calendar each day, he carves out 10 to 20-minute reading sessions during his breaks. This intentionality, this commitment to making reading a priority, allows him to consume a remarkable number of books each month. When you make reading your default mode to fill in the gaps of your day, whether those gaps are brief or more extended, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually read.
Consider this food for thought as you think about your reading habits, especially if you’re in seminary. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably glanced at your iPhone’s screen time and realized there’s a lot of time that could be better spent.
P.S. This is where digital tools like Logos and Kindle can be incredibly beneficial. By prioritizing these apps on my phone, I can effortlessly continue reading whenever I have a moment to spare.
Program News: Graduation
Graduation is just around the corner, and while it might seem distant to you, remember that you can achieve this milestone. Many graduates, especially those in our online programs, often share stories of their challenges and triumphs. Despite the ups and downs, they all agree, it’s worth it.
I'm always including proud of our team both in official online learning duties but also their accomplishments outside work. I want to highlight a couple academic accomplishments this week:
John Baker: One of our outstanding Instructional Designers, is graduating with his PhD in Old Testament. He and his family are preparing to go on the mission field this summer.
Jonathan Ahlgren: Our Director for Online Learning, is taking his comprehensive exams this week (also an Old Testament student). This crucial step in his doctoral program is the last hurdle before he begins his dissertation. Let’s keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Please join me in celebrating and praying for all the graduates at Southern Seminary.
Graduation always brings to mind the inspiring words from the Southern Seminary hymn:
We meet to part, but part to meet
When earthly labors are complete,
To join in yet more blest employ,
In an eternal world of joy.
Faculty Devotional: Dr. Timothy Beougher
Our faculty devotional for this week is from Dr. Timothy Beougher. He is the Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth while also serving as Associate Dean for the Billy Graham School. He is reflecting on John 21:21–22 this week:
These verses of Scripture follow Jesus' “restoration” of Peter by asking him three times if Peter loved Him. Jesus then foretold by what means Peter would be martyred for his faith. You would have thought that display of outrageous grace and foreshadowing of Peter’s future martyrdom would have captured Peter’s heart and brought deep reflection.
But once again we see Peter’s humanity. Instead of reflecting on his own life, Peter sees his fellow disciple John, and immediately queries Jesus about His plans for John: “Lord, and what about this man?”
Jesus' reply contains stinging words of rebuke: *“If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” *In other words, “Peter, don’t worry about John. Focus on your own commitment to follow Me.”
This passage reminds us how easily we can fall into the “comparison trap.” It is easy to compare our life and ministry to that of others – to other students, to other churches, to fellow pastors. We can begin to worry more about what God is doing or not doing in their situation than we are concerned about being faithful in our own.
If you find yourself caught up in comparison, let Jesus' words challenge and encourage you today. Don’t worry about others – you follow Jesus!
That’s all for this week! Thanks for reading and check in next Monday. You can find an archive of each week’s email here.
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