by Peter James | Mar 11, 2023 | John Henry Neuman
When I was new to pastoral ministry and asked to conduct graveside services, I relied on a book of suggested prayers for use at funerals. I was drawn to the prayer that follows here, for it seems a fitting way to conclude a burial. Years later, I learned it was the...
by Peter James | Mar 10, 2023 | Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon (1831-1897) was preaching strongly and passionately on the necessity of giving up every known sin that blocks true fellowship with God. He was sharing the preaching duties one evening with Rev. Dr. George Pentecost, so he asked his friend to apply...
by Peter James | Mar 9, 2023 | Frances Havergal
I grew up singing the hymn, “Take my Life, and Let It Be.” It was standard fare in the church of my youth. The organist played the hymn slow–real slow. All six stanzas at a snail’s pace. By the time I finished the song, I had unwittingly...
by Peter James | Mar 8, 2023 | John Donne
“John Donne, Anne Donne, Undone” were the whimsical words written in the aftermath of a clandestine marriage. The English poet John Donne (1572-1631) married Anne Moore secretly, against her father’s wishes. Anne’s dad wanted her to marry...
by Peter James | Mar 7, 2023 | Soren Kierkegaard
Some people are hard to peg. Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is one such person. He is eminently quotable yet challenging to read. He broke off his engagement with Regina while admitting he was still deeply in love with her. He wrote with an acerbic pen yet was also...
