Monthly Archives: September 2018

Editorial: Shouting

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Steve Harper

The “Editorial” category is one I use when posting an unexpected writing that is not connected with other themes. ______________________________ Thoughts on Kavanaugh’s approval… When I was in seminary, we joked that when writing a sermon, it is sometimes necessary … Continue reading →

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Shepherd’s Care: Self-Care

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Steve Harper

​I cannot resume this series without moving quickly to commend the practice of self-care.  Ministry is a people-oriented vocation, and as we give substantial amounts of time and energy to the service of others, we can easily neglect to nourish … Continue reading →

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Practicing the Better: Jesus–Incarnation

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Steve Harper

​When we come to Jesus, the connections between him and practicing the better are numerous. We can only hit the high spots in this series, and even then there is plenty to explore.  We begin with keynotes in his incarnation. … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: From Lament to Liberation

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Steve Harper

Looking toward events this week on Capital Hill, we will see the unfolding of more than a judicial confirmation hearing.  We will see the contest between light and darkness when it comes to the age-old subjugation of women by men. … Continue reading →

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Shepherd’s Care: The Ministry of Small Talk

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Steve Harper

With this post, I resume the “Shepherd’s Care” category, with occasional posts meant especially for clergy.  The post below re-opens the series, providing an indication of the vantage point from which I will be writing this time around.  Previous posts … Continue reading →

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Practicing the Better: John the Baptist

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Steve Harper

​The bridge from the first covenant to the second covenant climaxed in John the Baptist, the one who broke the silence of a 400-year prophesy drought in Israel with his message to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 2:3). … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Shady and Holy?

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Steve Harper

Sadly, we are living in a time when some Christians appear to believe you can be shady and still be holy.  It is an odd combination which almost always occurs when religion and politics are conjoned in situations where “winning” … Continue reading →

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Practicing the Better: Nazareth

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Steve Harper

​It is impossible to write about practicing the better in those people and places leading up to Jesus without noticing Nazareth. Jesus spent 90% of his life there, and was undoubtedly influenced by his home town. In the larger context … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Contemplation–Essence & Vision

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Steve Harper

Years ago, I read the books Thomas Merton wrote about contemplation. [1]  I came away disappointed.  I was at a stage in my life where I knew I needed to become more contemplative, and I was hoping Merton would help … Continue reading →

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Practicing the Better: The Magi

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Steve Harper

​[Note: as we begin September, we move into the last third of the 2018 Oboedire theme, “Practicing the Better.”  If you have become an Oboedire traveler recently, you can go to the righthand sidebar of the home page, click on … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Wounded Healers

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Steve Harper

In 1972, Henri Nouwen wrote, ‘The Wounded Healer.’ [1]  I read it with benefit that same year, and even used it for a time in my course, “The Spiritual Life of the Minister.”  But back then, I read it from … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Mad as Heaven

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Steve Harper

[Note: with this blog, I am reviving the “In-Sight” category, one designed to look at the spiritual life in a broad sense and through a variety of lenses.  Spirituality is reality, and spiritual formation influences every area of our lives.] … Continue reading →

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