pastor || writer || speaker
This past weekend at Eastbrook as part of our series, "The Tree and the Vine," I reflected on what it means to experience God's pruning in the spiritual life with a message entitled "The Pruned Life." I concluded that message with three types of pruning within the spiritual life. I'm sharing the basic notes on …
Continue reading "Three Types of Pruning in the Spiritual Life"
"The Weekend Wanderer" is a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend. Wander through these links however you like and in any order you like. Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all the views expressed within these articles …
In 2 Peter 1:4, the author reflects on the tremendous generosity of God in giving us His "very great and precious promises." These promises are not like other promises we encounter, some of which Peter addresses later, when addressing the false promises of spiritual systems that promise freedom but actually bind us up (2 Peter …
I've enjoyed posting poetry series themed around the Christian year in the past couple of years (see "Poetry for Lent" and "Poetry for Easter"). I will continue that with a series called "Poetry for Ordinary Time." Ordinary time includes two sections of the church year between Christmastide and Lent and Easter and Advent. The word …
Continue reading "St. John of the Cross, “Living Flame of Love” [Poetry for Ordinary Time]"
O living flame of love, that wounds my soul so tenderly in its deepest center; Since by your grace I can endure your touch, perfect your work in me according to your will. By St. John of the Cross, Carmelite priest, poet, and mystical theologian.
Matthew Erickson 