Archive for June, 2009
« Previous EntriesAndy Crouch at Laity Lodge: What Keeps Us From Being Creative?
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009We had a fantastic lineup at Laity Lodge last week. Our musicians were Ashley Cleveland and Kenny Greenberg (for the second retreat in a row). Our speakers were Dr. J.I. Packer and Andy Crouch.
I expect most of you have heard of J.I. Packer. His book, Knowing God, is one of the most respected Christian books […]
Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling
Sunday, June 28th, 2009The Inevitability of Death
READ Psalm 49:1-20
Those who are wise must finally die,
just like the foolish and senseless,
leaving all their wealth behind.
Psalm 49:10
Psalm 49 isn’t exactly what you’d call cheery. Its main point is that the rich will die just like everybody else. The psalm ends on this note: “People who boast of their wealth […]
Missional and Formational: Factors in the Formation of Jesus (continued)
Saturday, June 27th, 2009Part 4 of series: Missional and Formational?
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In my last post I mentioned that Jesus, as a carpenter, would have had to operate his business with integrity if he were to succeed in a small village such as Nazareth.
Speaking of Nazareth, Jesus spent most of his early life […]
Missional and Formational: Factors in the Formation of Jesus
Friday, June 26th, 2009Part 3 of series: Missional and Formational?
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It’s always risky to try and speak of the forces that formed Jesus and his ministry. Partly we face the problem of his uniqueness as someone who was both fully human and fully God. But efforts to account for Jesus’ own […]
Missional and Formational in the Old Testament
Thursday, June 25th, 2009As the mission of God unfolds in the Old Testament, he enters into covenant relationship with key partners is mission. In each of these covenant relationships there are both missional and formational components, and they are closely related.
Abraham
God chose to be a central player in his unfolding strategy for redeeming the world. In Genesis 12:1-3 […]
Missional and Formational?
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009On Wednesday of this week I’ll be offering a workshop at the Renovaré conference in San Antonio. The theme of this conference is: The Jesus Way: Recovering the Lost Content of Discipleship. Conference headliners include Eugene Peterson, Max Lucado, Emilie Griffin, John Ortberg, Dallas Willard, and Richard Foster. I’m honored to be included on the […]
Great Music at Laity Lodge . . . Ashley Cleveland and Kenny Greenberg
Monday, June 22nd, 2009One of the things I love about Laity Lodge is getting to hear great music in a wide variety of genres. A week ago we were treated to a world-class string trio composed of Stephen Clapp (violinist and former dean at Julliard), Sean Jackson (Juillard grad in piano and organ), and Josef Luptak (cellist from […]
Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling
Sunday, June 21st, 2009Clap and Shout!
READ Psalm 47:1-9
Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
Psalm 47:1
In yesterday’s reflection, I mentioned that I am not wired for stillness, but rather for activity and worry. So I need the invitation of Psalm 46:10 to challenge me to be still and know that God is God.
Well, in truth, […]
A Windy Summer Day at Laity Lodge
Saturday, June 20th, 2009Here’s a great reason to hang out at Laity Lodge . . . .
Check out this short video clip so you can appreciate the warm summer wind at your back:
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Is Twitter Making a Difference that Matters?
Friday, June 19th, 2009You may have noticed that I am now including my tweets (Twitter posts) on this website. In the amazing world of computer automation, all I need to do is to create a tweet in my Twitter account, and it magically appears on my website.
I have been flirting with Twitter, but am still unconvinced of its […]
Now That’s What I Call Church! (Or Not)
Thursday, June 18th, 2009Check out this funny but all-too-true video about church . . .
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Ouch!
(Hat tip: Branon Dempsey at Worship Team Training)
Good News for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) could use some good news. No, I don’t mean the Good News, though we could always stand to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ once again. I’m speaking more of specific, tangible good news that would tell those of us who are faithful Presbyterians that our denomination is on the right […]
Tuesday Inspiration from The High Calling
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009Trustworthy Leadership
READ Exodus 14:15-31
When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
Exodus 14:31
Exodus 14 describes the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites as the Lord guided them through […]
Monday Inspiration from The High Calling
Monday, June 15th, 2009The Lord Will Fight for You
READ Exodus 14:1-14
“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Exodus 14:14
As the Israelites left Egypt, they were pursued by the Egyptians. Fearful of the awesome power of Pharaoh’s army, the people of Israel were gripped with fear. They complained to Moses that they would rather be slaves […]
Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling
Sunday, June 14th, 2009Defending Truth, Humility, and Justice
READ Psalm 45:1-17
In your majesty, ride out to victory,
defending truth, humility, and justice.
Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!
Psalm 45:4
When I was a boy, I loved watching the Adventures of Superman on our black-and-white Motorola television set. How I longed to be just like that “strange visitor from another planet” who […]
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