As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I’m listening to Eugene Peterson’s authorized biography. Here are some paraphrased excerpts from the book: The temptation to be “an expert” is relentless. He began to notice a latent messianic complex, where he was drawn to locate the emotional problems of people and then “FIX THEM EFFICIENTLY.” […]
I.R. “The kingdom of man is like a group of friends who went out to dinner to celebrate a special occasion. They were seated at a table of an unloved waitress. She took a long time to get their orders, hardly ever refilled their drinks, and never asked if they wanted dessert. Increasingly throughout the […]
People are like bouldering problems (i.e. the pleasure to be found in persons and community is discovered via painstaking perseverance, patient problem-solving, and joyfully partnering with others [2 Corinthians 1:24]). Some bouldering problems I can interact with and enjoy easily, immediately, and progressively. Like “The Blatant Secret” at Love Valley (if you’re interested in knowing […]
Let’s think about the motion picture Nacho Libre. The film is loosely based on the story of Fray Tormenta (“Friar Storm”, a.k.a. Rev. Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez), a real-life Mexican Catholic priest who had a 23-year career as a masked luchador and competed in order to support the orphanage he directed. There are a few things […]
Boaz was taken Ruth brought home the bacon The optics were bad Naomi was sad From such scandal God did David maken
The best thing about ECPC has always been fellowship (with God, and with one another). The foundation, framework, and wholistic flavoring of our fellowship with God is found in simply sitting on the floor at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him tell stories (Luke 10:39, 42). And our shared obsession with the stories of Jesus […]
She had A LOT of work to do! She rose early (pre-sunrise). She zombie-lurched to the bathroom. Her husband had installed a light switch sensor so that she didn’t have to mess around attempting to locate the tiny torture lever furnished to expose her waking wretchedness. Light burst upon the scene and exploded all around […]
Once upon a time a perfect man walked the earth. He recruited to Himself some extremely imperfect followers. He was always feeding them humble pie, but somehow they habitually managed to conjure up arguments about “their own greatness.” In fact, they would often have debates with one another about which one of them was the […]
As all of you know, I am a fan Jason Petty’s poetic work in general, and this particular composition registers acutely – causing me to consider one of the most pervasive, personal, and pastoral concerns of our epoch. SIMPLY PUT – – – > YOU ARE ADDICTED TO YOUR PHONE, AND IT’S HURTING YOUR FAMILY. […]
I love my church because it makes a big deal about church membership and I need my brothers and sisters desperately. I love my church because it shows me God in all of His glory and it reminds me that I was made to live for such glory. I love my church because it clarifies […]