June 6-12, 2016 Monday, June 6, 2016 “Even though our outer nature is wasting away our inner nature is being renewed everyday” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The book Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, recounts the life of Louis Zamperini. While on a search and rescue mission during World War II, Zamperini’s plane experienced mechanical trouble and crashed. […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
New Perspectives on Money and Church
A stock broker analyzes the market in order to determine which stocks to buy, to sell and to ignore. A book reviewer does much the same. As I peruse the book market, I’d like to recommend all the books, but some are simply bad buys. This reality was underscored by two books that I recently […]
The Treasure in Clay Pots, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Devotions for 2 Corinthians 4:1-15 May 30-June 5, 2016 Monday, May 30, 2016 “We do not lose hear” (2 Corinthians 4:1). A portrait of courage, tenacity and determination was painted for all to see at the recent Invictus Games that were played in Orlando, Florida May 8th-12th. Wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women […]
Poolside Reading Recommendations
While on vacation, I had the opportunity to read several books. I found them to be works that provided a feast for my mind and my heart. They instructed and challenged. The first book I read was Rewilding the Way: Break Free to Follow an Untamed God, Todd Wynward (Herald Press, Harrisburg, 2015). Reading this […]
Seeing Jesus from a New Perspective
A friend recently gave me a book entitled The Wisdom of Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind—a New Perspective on Christ and His Message, by Cynthia Bourgeault (Shambhala, Boston, 2008). I found the book an interesting and challenging read. Bourgeault’s challenge to her readers is to take a fresh look at Jesus from a different perspective. […]
Tales of Love and Grace
During my Lenten journey this year, I’ve had the opportunity to read a book entitled, Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People. This book is written by Nadia Bole-Weber a Lutheran pastor, writer and speaker. Accidental Saints The book has been a refreshing blessing for me. I recommend the book to you because […]
Death of the Messiah and Servant Greatness
Devotions for Mark 9:30-37 February 8 – 14, 2016 Monday, February 8, 2016 “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands” (Mark 9:31a). The disciples thought they had Jesus figured out. They had been following Jesus for almost three years. Jesus had asked them who they thought he was. Peter had answered […]
Book Review: “A Family Apart,” by Craig Steffens
Book Review A Family Apart Craig A. Steffen Greyden Press, Dayton, Ohio, 2014 I just finished reading, A Family Apart, by Craig Steffen. I must confess that it is one of the strangest books that I’ve ever read. The book is a journal of Steffen’s journey to find his birth family. It’s not a normal […]
Book Review: “Abandon,” and ” Unkingdom”
“I By My Works Will Show You My Faith” (James 2:18) In the branch of Christianity labeled “The Emerging Church” or “Progressive Christianity,” there is an increasing emphasis in acting out one’s faith. We’re resurrecting one of the central characteristics of the early church. Those early followers of “The Way” understood that they were to […]
Devotions on Psalm 146:1-10
Devotions on Psalm 146:1-10 June 29 – July 5, 2015 Monday, June 29, 2015 “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord O my Soul” (Psalm 146:1)! Antonio was experiencing a great amount of stress at work. Organizational charts were changing in order to be more efficient with lower costs. There was increased pressure to produce […]