Lunar Boulevard

  Saturn is typically known for its beautiful and prominent rings, but it also can boast about having the most moons of any planet. 82, to be exact, just beating Jupiter's 79.  Who knows what we'll discover next!

  Waits for new Metallica albums have turned into quite the marathon over the last 20 years. Maybe that's why the announcement of 72 Seasons , coming only seven years after Hardwired...To Self-Destruct , somehow seems short by comparison. I loved that album and felt it was up there with some of the band's finest work, so expectations for this latest release were high. Upon first listen I was pretty underwhelmed, yet multiple spins have really opened the album up and it's another successful, if somewhat predictable, record from metal's biggest band. Beginning with the self-titled opener, the album is a big and occasionally brutal journey that recalls all of the band's previous work. Tracks like "72 Seasons", "Room of Mirrors", "Shadows Follow", and " Lux Æterna" are all fast and driving numbers that remain some of my favorites on the album. Other tunes like "Sleepwalk My Life Away", "You Must Burn!", and the...

  " My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin."  John begins Chapter 2 with a loving admonition, using "children" as his way of expressing his deep love for his readers. Once more John addresses the issue of sin and Christ's redeeming power, as He is our advocate who died for our sins and brings all believers into right standing with the Father. Verses 3-4 illustrate that, though believers will sin, the life of a true believer will be one of striving to keep Christ's commandments and battling against their sinful ways. Much like Chapter 1, this is a sobering reminder that true followers of Christ will always repent and see their sin as something serious. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful thing, as it not only reminds us that we belong to Him, but He also teaches and encourages us as we walk with Christ. The next section sees John writing about darkness and light. The light is obviously Christ and loving each ...

  When it comes to pastors, perhaps no other has had the impact on my life that Dr. Charles F. Stanley did. Ever since I was a child his sermons and teachings were always there: his In Touch television and radio programs, books, devotionals...whatever it was, I always found myself convicted, encouraged, and smarter because of it. He was a true man of God who never compromised the Gospel or watered it down, instead choosing to preach the truth while doing so in a calm and loving manner, like that gentle and wise grandfather we all need in our lives. Dr. Stanley passed away on April 18 at the age of 90. This news was certainly sad to me and many others, yet as believers in Christ we can rest assured he is in the presence of the Lord that he served so faithfully for decades. Someday those of us in Christ will have the chance to spend eternity with him, but until that time I simply want to express my gratitude and admiration for all God accomplished through him.  May we all run th...

  We all love staring at the moon. There's just something soothing, fascinating, and mysterious about it. It's also the only place outside of Earth where mankind has actually set foot. In terms of size, the moon is the fifth largest moon in our solar system, an impressive feat with over 200 of them orbiting various planets Let's hope that someday we'll all be able to experience its surface for ourselves. 

  John starts his letter by reminding us of Christ: who He is, what He's done for us, and the fellowship that those who had actually seen Jesus had experienced. John desires that other believers will experience the same fellowship, mentioning in verse 4 that " ...we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete ." He wastes no time in reminding us of Christ's divinity and how He died to pay our sin debt. These are all essential beliefs that every believer should hold. In the next section John moves deeper into the topic of sin, reminding us once again why Jesus' perfect life, death, and resurrection are essential to our faith and how there can be no salvation outside of Him. In verse 5 we see that " God is light, and in him is no darkness at all ." In the Old Testament "light" was seen as knowledge and purity; John continues this thread by reminding us of the purity and perfection of God. He is the light in the darkness of our sin, t...

  Everyone's favorite dwarf planet, Pluto, has some interesting features on its icy surface. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft sent back some interesting photos in 2015 that revealed much about the planet, including some sizable mountains. Some measure around 11,000 feet tall, so there's certainly more to this tiny planet than just fields of ice. Hopefully we'll learn more about these peaks in the future and will discover even more of the secrets this tiny wonder holds.

Fans love to debate which Death Cab for Cutie album is their favorite. They also love to talk about which ones they don't like, and often I see the band's 2011 release, Codes and Keys , placed at or near the bottom. Many professional lists rank it as the band's worst, and even the band themselves seem pretty down on it. Frontman Ben Gibbard has mentioned in several interviews that it's his least favorite Death Cab album, so it's fair to say this one doesn't have many rushing to its defense, least of all its creators. However, that's where I'm different---I love this record. Here's why. HOME IS A FIRE The opening track is moody and instantly different from what you expect from this group. The repeating piano notes and fuzzy drums give it a slightly electronic vibe, gently flowing into the understated chorus. It doesn't open the record with a bang but that's part of its charm. You know you're in for a different side of the band and kudos to...

  Doubt is something that can affect any Christian, especially as we grow and continue to pursue God. Are we really saved? Our we really growing in the faith and bearing fruit? Have we genuinely repented and come to saving faith in Jesus Christ? These are all worthy questions and ones we should be asking ourselves. I have been there many times myself and thankfully the Bible gives us plenty of evidence for our faith, with 1 John being one of the best. Over the next couple of weeks I want to go through 1 John and examine how it can help us. It's a great place to start for those doubting or wondering if they are really saved. I hope you'll join me and that you will be strengthen in your faith, or led to to genuine repentance and confidence in your walk with Christ.  More to come soon!