Working on messages for upcoming weekends at @EastbrookChurch from Genesis, chapters 5-7, bridging from Cain and Abel to the flood. The darkness of evil’s expansion on earth seems a perfect focus for our journey through #Lent …but it’s not lightweight or pretty.

O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.

– St. Clement of Alexandria,

The power of roots

A couple weeks ago, Kelly and I were in South Carolina. I still cannot get over this picture of the textures cut into the sand by the receding tides of the Atlantic Ocean. There is so much wonder right under our feet!

“We have seen and known some people who seem to have found this deep Center of living, where the fretful calls of life are integrated, where no as well as yes can be said with confidence. We’ve seen such lives, integrated, unworried by the tangle of close decisions, unhurried, cheery, fresh, positive.” - Thomas R. Kelly in A Testament of Devotion

Just finished reading A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly and still contemplating all I read! 📚

As I prepare for this coming weekend’s message at @EastbrookChurch on Cain and Abel, I’m struck by the number of verbal and thematic echoes between Genesis 3 and 4 that I had never noticed before.

As we begin the journey of Lent, I want to share a devotional resource we wrote together at @EastbrookChurch for this season rooted in Genesis 4-11 that you can access online here. You’re welcome to join us!

“Being unable to cure death, wretchedness and ignorance, men have decided, in order to be happy, not to think about such things.” - Blaise Pascal in Pensées

I always love this rendition of Matthew 11:29-30 by Eugene Peterson in The Message:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Currently re-reading: The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene H. Peterson 📚

Working on a sermon today from Genesis 3:14-24 for this weekend at @EastbrookChurch to conclude our preaching series, “In the Beginning,” on Genesis 1-3. So much here it’s hard to know what to cover and what not to cover. Prayers appreciated!

I love this recent article from Paul Kingsnorth bringing togther Celtic Christianity, the desert fathers, and our current experience of declining Christianity in the West: “A Wild Christianity.”

So thankful to celebrate 25 years of marriage today with my wonderful wife, Kelly.

Just finished reading: Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell 📚

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 📚

Currently reading: Sonorous Desert by Kim Haines-Eitzen 📚

What’s the one book you are most excited to read in 2023 and why?

The world is a stunning place. Even barrenness can be beautiful.

Currently reading: Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy 📚