It’s one of the most common experiences of the Christian life. Godfeels far away, like he’s hiding himself, or at least withholding his reviving presence. You feel destitute, dry, and desperate for a sense that he is still there, still listening, still caring. But you can’t seem to eke out a prayer since even your prayers feel empty, and they seem to return with an echo of defeat.

Where are you, Lord? Why are you hiding yourself from me? I am your child, so why, Father, does it feel like you ar..

On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives as readers.

I asked Matthew Hall—dean of Boyce College and assistant professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—about what’s on his nightstand, books that have shaped his view of Christian higher education, his favorite fiction, and more.

What’s on your nightstand right now?

There are four books sitting on my actual nightstand:

A Torch Kept Lit (a collection ..

(New York Times) — Reversing its stance of more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America said on Monday that the group would begin accepting members based on the gender listed on their application, paving the way for transgender boys to join the organization.

“For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information on an individual’s birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-..

Over the past few days, the news has been dominated by the question of how our country—and the church—should best care for refugees.

We know that the church has an obligation, given by God, to care for the stranger with all of the passion and compassion with which we care for ourselves. Refugees in our country and in our neighborhoods deserve our unfettered love.

We also know that one of the central roles of government is to protect its people from harm, acting with justice and wisdom.

Within..

Essential Worship's Vertical Church Band and Premier Productions have partnered and are proud to announce the upcoming dates for their Vertical Nights Tour. Kicking off March 8 in South Bend, Indiana, the tour is scheduled to hit 14 markets across the U.S. Tickets are on sale now by visiting here.

RELATED Vertical Church Band Releases 'Frontiers'

At each tour stop, concertgoers will get to enjoy a message from Pastor James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel, along with music from..