In Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together we are reminded again of the value of beginning our day as has the Church throughout the ages. Though speaking here of “day together” what he says applies to both groups and individuals, but it would be good for groups — Christian groups — to follow Bonhoeffer’s practice: “For Christians the beginning of the day should not be burdened and haunted by the various kinds of concerns they face during the working day…. Therefore, in... Read more
Rich professional athletes squandering their millions has become a sad cliché. The 10 ways sports pros blow their cash A Sports Illustrated article this year showed how shockingly common financial ruin is: By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of joblessness or divorce. Within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke. Numerous retired MLB players have been similarly ruined. Read more
I mentioned yesterday that Donald Miller’s newest book is now available; it is called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life . Question: in your reading of (or listening to) Donald Miller, what do you like the most? Why did “Blue Like Jazz” take off as it did? I will be reading it shortly and begin making comments and observations on this blog — hope you can join along in reading. Read more
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more
Donald Miller’s newest book is now available; it is called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life . I will be reading it shortly and begin making comments and observations on this blog — hope you can join along in reading. Read more
Let’s give it up for the fishers! (We’re on the East Coast this weekend.) A new blog that deserves a wide readership. An old blog that deserves a wide readership. A blog I always check. A blog that keeps us in touch with publications … more publishers could do this. A blog about real life church work. A blog ... well, what do you say about Karen? It might say just anything and often in moving ways. A blog I... Read more
Monday and Tuesday I was in Akron conversing with, learning from and speaking to some area pastoral leaders who are associated with the wonderful church called The Chapel, right there at the University of Akron. It was fun to see old friends like Jay Halley and Bob Robinson, meet new friends, and again to spend time with Paul Sartarelli (who shares with me a love of Italy, only he comes by it honestly). They invited me to speak with two... Read more
Early in September October I sat down with Bryan Chapell’s new book, Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice , and studied his chart on the order of services in the Church, what he called the “Liturgy of the Word” which is to be distinguished from a eucharist service (Liturgy of the Upper Room). He compared the ancient Roman order with Luther’s, with Calvin’s, and with Westminster’s (c. 1645). The witness to a common order was clear, and what... Read more
John Newton, author of the Christian hymn is one of Chris Armstrong’s “patron saints for postmoderns” (Patron Saints for Postmoderns: Ten from the Past Who Speak to Our Future), and while one could trot any number of reasons to emulate John Newton, Armstrong focuses on his peace-making or grace-spreading life. Grace came to Newton in the form of godly parents and solid connections, but he spurned them all — a sailor with a reputation for sin, a cursing man who... Read more
We were informed today that Mary Travers (of Peter, Paul and Mary) has passed away. In her honor, I embed my favorite Peter, Paul and Mary song. What’s your favorite? What did you like about them? How do you remember them? (Kris and I once heard them live at Ravinia.) Read more
Jesus Creed
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