My Commonplace Book

Eat with Non-Christians
We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, [...]

“The student leaders of the civil rights movement had shown by their example that it is not enough to merely believe in justice and equality. They had shown that one must struggle and sacrifice to achieve these things as well. They had proved that it is necessary to enter the fray and become a participant [...]

Michael Hyatt over at his blog recently reflected on his approach to reading non-fiction. It made me feel guilty for not posting here for a while. More importantly, it reminded me of how “reading and great books are contagious” and I’d remember more if i posted more on this blog about what I’m reading. I [...]

Christianity is about something that happened. something that happened to Jesus of Nazareth. something that happened through Jesus of Nazareth.

Christianity is not about Jesus offering, demonstrating, or even accomplishing a new route by which people can ‘go to heaven when they die.” This is a persistent mistake, based on the medieval notion that the point [...]

My daughter, Jody Landers, is on the last leg of her flight to Liberia. We’re sending her there to report on the “water wells” that Water4Christmas.com built over the last two years. She has great way of reporting details and describing her impressions. If you’d like to follow her story, see Jodyrlanders.com.

What is real?
The foundation of reality is personal and rooted in the Trinitarian fellowship of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Who is blessed (well-off)?
All who live in the reality of God’s kingdom (his loving rule and reign).
Who is truly good?
All who actually love God and love other people from the heart.
How do people become [...]

   How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you!
   You have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you!
   I should like to see you destroyed and yet I need your presence.
   You have given me so much scandal and yet you have made me understand sanctity.
   I have [...]

Been reading Lincoln’s 1862 Meditation on the Divine Will (below) It’s pretty deep thinking, reflecting a wrestling with Providence in the midst of the horror of Civil War. I’m in Gettysburg today using Lincoln’s words to spur my own reflections. I’ll soon be jogging along Seminary Ridge to Little Round Top. Along that line, the [...]