Monthly Mini-Reviews for February 2015: Books by CS Lewis, Dick Keyes, Rory Vaden, and Ken Bailey

I’m making steady progress through the 52 books in 2015 goal.  I’ve learned that several of you are pursuing the same goal - I’d love to see your mini-reviews.  If you post your reading progress somewhere online, please be sure to add a link in the comments section. And now, on to the mini-reviews for … Continue reading Monthly Mini-Reviews for February 2015: Books by CS Lewis, Dick Keyes, Rory Vaden, and Ken Bailey

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)

Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” But… ISIS thugs wage their ghastly campaign of fear and domination, and Syria bleeds. Russia grumbles and schemes of war, and Ukraine burns. Boko Haram spills rivers of blood in the cause of jihad, and Nigeria weeps. And yet Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts … Continue reading Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)

Budweiser’s Super Bowl Fail: A Parable for the Church

Once upon a time there was a brewery.  This brewery had a proud heritage of contrarianism: when America drank dark beers with high alcohol, this brewery offered a light-bodied, low alcohol alternative. It was called Budweiser. Budweiser, along with a few other beers like Miller and Coors, grew into one of the great national brands.  … Continue reading Budweiser’s Super Bowl Fail: A Parable for the Church

Covenant-First Window Devotional #5 – David and Goliath Window

On Mondays through the summer, I will be running a series of devotionals based on the stained glass windows at Covenant-First Presbyterian.   These devotionals originally ran in the Covenant Courier newsletter, and we are editing them for re-issue as a devotional later this summer.  All the photos are by our member, nature photographer Jerry Fritsch.  We invite … Continue reading Covenant-First Window Devotional #5 – David and Goliath Window

Tardis Theology #8 – In Which The Doctor Reflects On The Might Of The Small

London, 1941.  The Blitz.  Britain’s darkest and finest hour. A dramatic setting for one of the finer pieces of television storytelling.  This two part series has received accolades from fans and critics, consistently ranking in the top 10 episodes of all time.  It also won the 2006 Hugo award for short form dramatic presentation.  It … Continue reading Tardis Theology #8 – In Which The Doctor Reflects On The Might Of The Small

Covenant-First Window Devotional #4 – David and Harp Window

On Mondays through the summer, I will be running a series of devotionals based on the stained glass windows at Covenant-First Presbyterian.   These devotionals originally ran in the Covenant Courier newsletter, and we are editing them for re-issue as a devotional later this summer.  All the photos are by our member, nature photographer Jerry Fritsch.  We invite … Continue reading Covenant-First Window Devotional #4 – David and Harp Window

What is Christian Spirituality?

People ask very good questions. Yesterday, one of our congregation members emailed me, asking, “How would you characterize Christian spirituality?” There are libraries on this subject, degree programs requiring years of study, and licensed practitioners of “spiritual formation.”  Christian literature abounds with books by the giants of spiritual formation: Anthony of the Desert, Saint Benedict, … Continue reading What is Christian Spirituality?

Covenant-First Window Devotional #3 – Ruth and Gabriel Window

On Mondays through the summer, I will be running a series of devotionals based on the stained glass windows at Covenant-First Presbyterian.   These devotionals originally ran in the Covenant Courier newsletter, and we are editing them for re-issue as a devotional later this summer.  All the photos are by our member, nature photographer Jerry Fritsch.  We invite … Continue reading Covenant-First Window Devotional #3 – Ruth and Gabriel Window