Matt Erickson
These words move me:
“He prays in his head to God. He wishes they weren’t beggars. He realizes that to God, we are all beggars, praying for blessings we could never repay or gain in trade. We beg and we hope for mercy.”
Daniel Nayeri in The Teacher of Nomad Land
Currently reading: Seeking God by Esther De Waal 📚
I don’t know if this is my third or fourth time, but I’m currently reading: The Sacred Journey by Frederick Buechner 📚
As part of my multi-year project of reading The Philokalia, I finished reading: The Philokalia Vol 4 by G.E.H. Palmer, Philip Sherrard, and Kallistos Ware 📚
I’m really enjoying working on a new podcast for early 2026 where I interview friends from various backgrounds speaking into the life and work of pastors and others in ministry. This ties in with work related to my forthcoming book, The Pastor as Gardener. More to come soon!
Currently reading: The Magic Hours by John Bleasdale. I was delighted that our local county library system had it in circulation! 📚
Just finished reading: Glittering Images by Susan Howatch 📚
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 15 November 2025 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
Vocational Holiness: Reading the Life of Jacques Maritain - my reflections on The Very Rich Hours of Jacques Maritain: A Spiritual Life by Ralph McInerny
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 8 November 2025 - weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
Thrilled to have the artwork for my forthcoming book be the cover for the Spring 2026 catalog for Eerdmans Books. Of course, this is where I have the joy of saying: “And you can preorder the book here.”
“What’s Worth Dying For: The Story of Polycarp” - an illustration I planned to include in my sermon this past week but had to cut out for the sake of time.
Strangest moment in awhile in my life as a preacher: getting stung by a large bee midway through my sermon. In the moment, I had to simply acknowledge it and keep going but, man, did that hurt!
I was reading the account of Stephen’s martyrdom and vision of Jesus, and was reminded of the beautiful hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” which is one of my favorite hymns of all time.
Just wondering, what is one of your favorite hymns and why?
I love spending time with ministry leaders around the world. Such a joy to have a conversation with a young leader in Europe just now, as we talked about how to live in the tension of faith and wisdom, relying on God while planning well.
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 25 October 2025 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
Makoto Fujimura: “Art cannot be seen fully until our minds, usually filled with fears and anxiety, are given rest. Beauty cannot be embraced until we lay down our swords, just like a samurai entering a teahouse in humility and trust, and entrust ourselves to the slowness of being fully present in a tea ceremony, a liturgy of peace. Art is a liturgy of peace.” in Art Is: A Journey into the Light, p. 94.
“Reading Scripture with Others’ Eyes: toward an international hermeneutical community” - some reflection after being around friends from East Africa, South Asia, North Africa, and other places.
“The Good and Faithful Servant” - a message from Dr. Sujith from this past weekend at Eastbrook Church. Such a powerful word for us from this friend from South Asia.
A meaningful exhortation from a little read epistle in Scripture: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (3 John 11)
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 18 October 2025 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
“To live in three dimensions” - a little prayer reflection on really living