I first came in contact with David Hansen several years ago when I was at a ministry seminar at Regent College in Vancouver, B. C. Hansen was a guest lecturer along with two others, Gordon Fee and N. T. Wright. I had read a book or two by him, so I was delighted to get… Continue reading When Self-Protection Gets In The Way
Category: Books
The Value of Praying the Psalms
Lynn Anderson introduced me years ago to the value of praying through the Psalms. In his recent book They Smell Like Sheep — Volume 2, he has one entire chapter on the value of praying the Psalms for Christians. He gives some very practical suggestions for doing this. This is such a good practice. I… Continue reading The Value of Praying the Psalms
For God-Hungry People
I encourage you to get this outstanding book. It has just come out. Lynn Anderson’s They Smell Like Sheep — Volume 2 (Leading with the Heart of a Shepherd). This book is not just for church leaders but is for anyone who would like to learn what it means to have the heart of a… Continue reading For God-Hungry People
Read Only If You Are Busy
Busy. That is the word that describes most of us. We have a lot going on. Much to do. It may be your job. It may be responsibilities with your children. It may just be the culture in which we live. Not long ago, someone asked me what Charlotte and I were doing with… Continue reading Read Only If You Are Busy
A Reading From John Wesley’s Journal
Some years ago, I read through The Journal of John Wesley. In a part of the journal, Wesley reflects on his mission effort among the American Indians. A few minutes ago, I read these lines again: "I went to America, to convert the Indians; but oh! who shall convert me? Who, what is he that… Continue reading A Reading From John Wesley’s Journal
The Value of the Ordinary (Kathleen Norris)
Kathleen Norris, in her book The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and "Women’s Work," writes about the importance of the daily tasks as "life supporting work." These tasks do not define who we are as human beings but they do have an important place in shaping us spiritually. The following is an excerpt: The often heard… Continue reading The Value of the Ordinary (Kathleen Norris)
Richard Foster: Prayer
I suspect that many who read this blog are familiar with Richard Foster. I suspect many others who read this blog are not that familiar with him. Foster is a Quaker and a man who has a passion for knowing God. One of his earlier works was quite popular — a bestseller entitled Celebration of… Continue reading Richard Foster: Prayer
Soren Kierkegaard: The Prayers of Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher who lived from 1813 to 1855. He lived much of his life in Copenhagen. He published many works on a variety of subjects during his life. He was well known in Copenhagen among the common people as well as the intellectual and religious leaders. Near the end of his… Continue reading Soren Kierkegaard: The Prayers of Kierkegaard
The Real Mary
It was a very cold night. The young couple, Mary and Joseph, appeared to be cold. Mary and Joseph were by the manger, eyes focused on the little one who had recently been born. Meanwhile, we slowly crept ahead. We were in a very nice and warm van. On that Sunday evening, we had joined… Continue reading The Real Mary
Henri Nouwen: The Way of the Heart
When I first read Henri Nouwen’s The Way of the Heart, I remember feeling very uncomfortable. Nouwen has a way of being very honest in his writing. He is incredibly honest about himself. He is also very honest as he talks about the human condition as he sees it. He is perceptive in his read… Continue reading Henri Nouwen: The Way of the Heart