Monthly Archives: August 2010

Gleanings: Abandonment

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Steve Harper

William Barclay, the well-known Scottish theologian and Bible commentator, wrote, “When a person looks up to God and says, ‘Do with me as you wish,’ then there is the way to joy.” His quote, along with many others like it, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Gleanings: Abandonment

Editorial: How To Stop Intelligent Conversation

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Steve Harper

When I returned from Malaysia, I found my August 30 issue of Time magazine waiting for me.  If you’ve seen it, you know the cover described the lead article in big letters:  “Is America Islamaphobic?”  I went on to read … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials | 2 Comments

Listenings: Made For God

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Steve Harper

We are beginning our look at spiritual formation based upon two pillars:  that God exists (as redeeming love), and that we are made to know God.  We have spent a couple of weeks reflecting on the first pillar.  We could say much … Continue reading →

Posted in Listenings | Comments Off on Listenings: Made For God

The Holy Gospel: August 29, 2010 (Year C)

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Steve Harper

Read:  Luke 14:7-14 Meditation:  “Not So Fast!” Jesus has just experienced a very awkward moment in the home where he had been invited for dinner.  He has exposed the inconsistencies of the religious leaders, who were willing to do more … Continue reading →

Posted in The Holy Gospel | Comments Off on The Holy Gospel: August 29, 2010 (Year C)

The Holy Gospel: August 22, 2010 (Year C)

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Steve Harper

Read:  Luke 13:10-17 Meditation:  “Surprised By God” The day began for the woman much the same as it had for as long as she could remember.  Sabbath—get ready to go to the synagogue.  God must be worshipped and praised. The … Continue reading →

Posted in The Holy Gospel | 1 Comment

Site Updates: “Time Out!”

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Steve Harper

I am ministering in Malaysia in two different conferences between now and August 26th.  I will post only the two “Holy Gospel” entries while I am away, for August 22 and 29.  The regular posts will resume on Monday, August … Continue reading →

Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off on Site Updates: “Time Out!”

The Holy Gospel: August 15, 2010 (Year C)

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Steve Harper

Read:  Luke 12:49-56 Meditation:  “Fire!” Jesus compares his coming to fire.  From childhood we have been taught not to play with fire.  Fire burns.  We learn to have a healthy respect for it. This week’s Gospel lesson begins with a … Continue reading →

Posted in The Holy Gospel | Comments Off on The Holy Gospel: August 15, 2010 (Year C)

A Special Report: We Cannot Do This

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Steve Harper

A small, 50-member church in Gainesville, Florida is receiving worldwide attention with its announced plan to burn hundreds of Korans on September 11th.  In a televised interview, the pastor was asked if he believed Jesus would burn Korans if he … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

A Special Report: Introduction

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Steve Harper

There are times when news media will put a “Special Report” image on the screen.  It refers to something which has entered the normal flow of programming and needs immediate attention.  That’s what this category will contain; occasional reflections which … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Special Report: Introduction

Ponderings: Churchless Christianity?

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Steve Harper

A movement going under the phrase “churchless Christianity” is growing. It basically means holding on to Jesus, but letting go of the institutional church. I want to use this week’s “Ponderings” to reflect upon it with you. I want to offer … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Ponderings: Churchless Christianity?

Gleanings: Our Truest Self

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Steve Harper

Like millions of others, I have been significantly influenced by C.S. Lewis.  This quote from his book, Mere Christianity, speaks a much-needed word to us…. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become–because He … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Gleanings: Our Truest Self

Site Updates: Comments

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Steve Harper

After operating this blog for slightly over two weeks, I have decided to allow “Comments” on it.  Thanks to some more-experienced bloggers who have gotten in touch with me, I see that I am failing to make my blog a … Continue reading →

Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off on Site Updates: Comments

Listenings: Redeeming Love

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Steve Harper

Last week, we established the fact that spiritual formation is based on the reality that “God is love.”  We enter into what some have called a Lover/Beloved relationship.  Now, we are ready to look into the nature of God’s love, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Listenings | Comments Off on Listenings: Redeeming Love

Connections: Joseph F. Girzone

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Steve Harper

Having spent most of my professional life in Christian higher education and specifically in theological education, I want and need to “dig deep” into matters of faith and practice.  But there are times when I need to de-compress from the complexity … Continue reading →

Posted in Connections | Comments Off on Connections: Joseph F. Girzone

The Holy Gospel: August 8, 2010 (Year C)

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Steve Harper

Read:  Luke 12:32-40 Meditation:  “Anticipation!” The vigil we are asked to keep is no somber thing.  Jesus says that he wants us to keep watch like those who are waiting for a groom and bride to return home after the … Continue reading →

Posted in The Holy Gospel | Comments Off on The Holy Gospel: August 8, 2010 (Year C)

Ponderings: A New Reformation?

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Steve Harper

If you had met Martin Luther on his way out of the Diet of Worms and asked him, “How did it go in there?”, he would have said, “Terrible; they kicked me out.”  If you went on to ask him, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Ponderings: A New Reformation?

Gleanings: A Morning Prayer

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Steve Harper

Frank Laubach (1884-1970) was one of the best-known missionaries of the 20th century, and reputed to be the father of the modern literacy movement.  Each morning, he prayed this prayer… “God, what are you doing in the world today that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Gleanings: A Morning Prayer

Listenings: What Kind of God?

Posted on August 2, 2010 by Steve Harper

Years ago, Jeannie and I had the privilege of hosting Dr. Charles L. Allen when he came to the seminary campus to preach in the annual Ministers’ Conference.  He had just retired after many years serving as the senior pastor at … Continue reading →

Posted in Listenings | Comments Off on Listenings: What Kind of God?