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Book Review: Rees Howells - Intercessor by Norman Grubb

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I was given this book by a good friend, who found it incredibly moving and inspirational. I knew nothing of Rees Howells going in, so I had no biases or preconceptions about him or his work. While I found parts of the book interesting, I came away more conflicted and skeptical than anything else. I'm not here to speculate on Howells' salvation or his relationship with Christ, nor do I want to discount the good work that he was involved in. I have no doubt that many came to faith in Christ and were impacted mightily by his influence, for which we should all be grateful. However, there were numerous passages and stories that left me conflicted, both mentally and spiritually. At one point the Holy Spirit convicts Rees of wearing a hat in public, so he's forced to go without one and feel the awkwardness of going against the common fashion for men at that time. He was also told (apparently) to let his hair and beard grow, as well as to eat one meal every two days in order to liv...

I Remember This Place!

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 I will be posting again. I haven't forgotten, despite three years of life getting in the way. More soon!

Space Fact of the Week

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  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!

Album Review: Metallica - 72 Seasons

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  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...

How to Know We're in the Faith: 1 John 2

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  " 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 ...

Remembering Dr. Charles Stanley

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  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...

Space Fact of the Week

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  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.