Recently I returned from a short trip with my middle daughter, partly to celebrate her birthday and partly to assess the past difficult year. We walked miles and talked much. A major topic of conversation was simplicity and the desire we both have to learn laser-like focus of our energies and talents on God’s priorities.Continue reading “Having the Flu and Learning Greek (Delirious Thoughts on Weakness, Grace and Musical Notes)”
Author Archives: Chaplainmike
Jesus Calls Us to Store Our Treasure in Heaven
By Chaplain Mike Today’s Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34 a sonnet and should my treasure ever cease to be the one to whom I owe my very breath no lasting comfort would my heart then see no peace for me in life, nor gain in death contented now to trust, to work, to pray and know thatContinue reading “Jesus Calls Us to Store Our Treasure in Heaven”
What Makes The Church Beautiful?
Hey iMonks. I have a request from my brother-in-law. He is preaching on the “Beauty of the Church” the next couple of weeks and needs our help. Here is what he has asked of me: I know you hear and see a lot of the worst of the church from your Internet Monk seat. Â ButContinue reading “What Makes The Church Beautiful?”
Saturday Ramblings 2.26.11
They’re selling independence, actors in the White House, acid indigestion, mortgage on my life, mortgage on my life. Ramble tamble. Ramble tamble. CCR says they’re ready. Are you ready to ramble? Then let’s do it. I would really like you to stop and listen to the message by Rod Rosenbladt—“Christianity In Five Verses.” This isContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 2.26.11”
I’m Speechless, How Do You Respond?
By Chaplain Mike UPDATE: Read this “Open Letter to John MacArthur” from an Egyptian American at Recovering Evangelical. I hope this doesn’t ruin your upcoming weekend, but I’m going to post some remarkable words by John MacArthur for your consideration and discussion today. I came across this interview with brother John at the Christian PostContinue reading “I’m Speechless, How Do You Respond?”
Reorientation: Quickened Again, In Every Holt and Heath
By Chaplain Mike When April with his showers sweet with fruit The drought of March has pierced unto the root And bathed each vein with liquor that has power To generate therein and sire the flower; When Zephyr also has, with his sweet breath, Quickened again, in every holt and heath, The tender shoots andContinue reading “Reorientation: Quickened Again, In Every Holt and Heath”
Monkshank Redemption
“This is one of my favorite movies, Dad.” I was sitting down to watch Shawshank Redemption with my oldest daughter, Rebekah. “It reminds me of the children of Israel.” “Really? How so?” “Well, when they were set free from Egypt, they couldn’t handle freedom. It scared them. Most of them wanted to go back toContinue reading “Monkshank Redemption”
Jail Break
A little while ago I was up late at night and caught a TV special on the making of Johnny Cash’s album, San Quentin. When it came to Cash performing the song about California’s infamous prison, I listened intently—and then came undone. I wept and wept. I went to iTunes and downloaded the song, listenedContinue reading “Jail Break”
Disorientation: The Dead Tree Gives No Shelter
By Chaplain Mike What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow Out of this stony rubbish? Son of man, You cannot say, or guess, for you know only A heap of broken images, where the sun beats, And the dead tree gives no shelter, the cricket no relief, And the dry stone no soundContinue reading “Disorientation: The Dead Tree Gives No Shelter”
Orientation: All’s Right with the World
By Chaplain Mike The year’s at the spring, And day’s at the morn; Morning’s at seven; The hill-side’s dew-pearl’d; The lark’s on the wing; The snail’s on the thorn; God’s in His heaven — All ‘s right with the world! • Robert Browning, “Pippa’s Song” When we are walking through seasons of orientation, life isContinue reading “Orientation: All’s Right with the World”
The Internet Monk Archives 