This is
the way of Kingdom prayer, Jesus says: “How much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask him.” (Matt 7.11) Because that is the kind of God he is. That is the kind of Father he is. And in the Kingdom, that is the “power of the
ask”, as Dallas Willard puts it.
Photo Albums
What I am Reading in '08
Frederica Mathewes-Green: The Illumined Heart: Capture the Vibrant Faith of Ancient Christians
'What did previous generations of Christians know that we don't' about living in Christ? That is the question Frederica pursues in this little book, and one that I have been pursuing for years. Her answers come straight from the heart of Eastern Orthodoxy. For over 30 years a part of my own family history (my brother converted to Orthodox monasticism in his undergraduate years), this book was a helpful re-introduction to the wisdom of Orthodoxy about living in Christ and spiritual formation, including theosis, the centrality of repentance, the importance of the mind (nous) and heart in ascetic spirituality and the Jesus Prayer. Well written and accessible; thank you, Frederica! (****)Rory Stewart: The Places In Between
The bestselling story of Rory Stewart's trek across Afghanistan, following the steps of Afghanistan's first emperor, Babur, through the harsh inner mountain passageway. The book is a vivid introduction to an ancient culture in a modern world, and to the still strong rural roots of modern conflicts. Well worth the read; Stewart at the same time sees and notes things I would miss, and misses things I would have loved to lingered upon. Maybe part of that comes because he walks so fast! (***)John G. West: Darwin Day In America: How Our Politics and Culture Have Been Dehumanized in the Name of Science
"The definitive scholarly critique" of Darwinian scientific materialism and its social impact in the West. Well researched, full of facts and illustrative anecdotes, and expansive in its sweep, John West traces the impact of Darwin and his successors as they have impacted legal practice, educational policy, economic theory, and life issues. This book shed essential light on broad and familiar tracks of life in America by framing them within the contest between scientific materialism and theistic creationism. An excellent read and resource. (****)Jaroslav Pelikan: Acts (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)
Of the three commentaries I used this year in preaching through Acts (Stott, Rackham & this) - Pelikan was the most help in diving in deep to the theological currents flowing in Acts. Great work. (*****)Timothy Keller: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
Keller is one of the best at linking the wisdom of the Bible with the currents of culture. Just starting it...John Muir: Meditations of John Muir: Nature's Temple
Wonderful episodes of reflection. Muir can listen with the heart to the voice of God in the creation.John Muir: The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures
I have missed Muir since I worked through a reader 3 years ago. Great book, giving exciting episodes across the range of his years. You can catch the wildness. (****)Peter Connolly: The Jews in the Time of Jesus: A History
Background reading for my upcoming trip to Israel in June. Already learning a lot! (****)William P. Young: The Shack
The story of a God who heals life's deepest tragedies. A stunning read, a grace book. (****)Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
I am working through this for the 3rd time, especially revisiting the chapters on the Kingdom and putting this into practice in the local congregation. Dallas' 2002 book on the process of becoming Christlike, including chapters on the transformation of the thought life, emotions, will, character, body, relationships and the soul. (*****)Dallas Willard: The Divine Conspiracy : Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
Foundational work on understanding the transformational processes of Christianity, with a focus on the transformation of the heart. (****)
My Take on Anglican Issues
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May 29, 2005
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Geoff, I love the power of the ask thought. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: deb | June 02, 2005 at 07:17 PM