Matt Erickson
Just finished reading: Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell đ
Just back from speaking at a weekend retreat with middle school and high school students. What a privilege to spend time with them and their leaders in uproarious fun, deep relationships, Scripture, and prayer. I’m thankful. Here’s a photo from a hike on Saturday.
Love sitting around a table with my wife, Kelly, and talking with other church leaders who are pondering healthy rhythms of sabbath and sabbatical. I hope more of us can grow into this!
“But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.” (Psalm 40:17)
Lord, have mercy upon us in our nation. Show us the toward toward Your healing and mercy. Show us the way toward righteousness and justice. Show us the way for we do not know it ourselves. And grant us the courage to take the steps You show us.
What’s your favorite movie that addresses the human desire to have a second chance or a new beginning, or to somehow to enter into a new life?
Currently reading: Early Christian Readings of Genesis One by Craig D. Allert đ
Currently reading: Sonorous Desert by Kim Haines-Eitzen đ
Currently reading: Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy đ
Currently reading: The History of Theological Education by Justo L. GonzĂĄlez đ
This year I’m changing my approach to reading Scripture devotionally. Instead of long swaths and multiple passages, I’m slowing down with brief gospel readings each day. After reading a passage several times, I write a responsive prayer-poem. It’s been so good for me thus far.
So glad to be back at Western Theological Seminary @westernsem this week for another DMin cohort gathering with @WinnCollier @TrygveJohnson @MandySmithHopes and company. it is such a privilege and joy to learn in a community like this.
This weekend at @EastbrookChurch we begin a sermon series from Genesis, chapters 1-11, that leads through Lent and up to Easter. As I prepare, I find myself increasingly excited and daunted by this preaching project. Thankful for wise voices to learn from.
In the next hour: practicing my sermon for Christmas Eve services (Saturday at 1, 2:30, 4, and 5:30 PM) and then rehearsing as part of the worship team for our Christmas Day service (Sunday at 10 AM) for @EastbrookChurch. It’s a fun change of roles from one day to the next!
A highlight from this past weekend was enjoying a performance of Handel’s Messiah with our family at the MIlwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The conductor, orchestra, soloists, and chorus did not disappoint! @MilwSymphOrch
âWhatever else the Christian faith is, and whatever Christian life is all about, it finds its central focus ever and always on Christâ - Gordon Fee in his commentary on Philippians, page 227.
Looks like a blizzard is on its way here in Wisconsin in the midst of travel and preparing for Christmas services. These moments always make planning and preparation feel uncertain…but the potential of snow at Christmas still brings some excitement.
Bono on "Surrender"
ââSurrenderâ might be the most powerful word in the lexiconâŚI am persuaded by the thought that the only way to be victorious is to surrenderâŚThe moment of surrender is the moment you choose to lose control of your life, the split second of powerlessness where you trust that some kind of âhigher powerâ better be in charge, because you certainly arenât.â - from his memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story
Currently reading: Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading Of The Bible by Ellen F. Davis đ
Currently reading: Agrarian Spirit by Norman Wirzba đ
Took this photo while out on a hike near the Ice Age Trail. I love all the colors framing two “windows” in these old, broken down cement structures lost in the wilderness.
