In this special two-part series, George ditches the usual crew of guys and switches (read: upgrade) to Karen, who comes back on the Standfast-cast and talks about books… and finding great books on the shelves of actual book stores.

Amazon and the online retailers are convenient. And...

In this stand-alone talk, George talks about the electoral college— and why we need it. Daniel Noor, a friend who is helping edit an updated edition of George’s book about the voting process in America joins this one, bringing his unique perspective as well.

In the end, George...

In the final talk about righteous ruts we discuss the value of finding good books— and allowing others to inform our perspective. Rather than simply reading what’s popular, though, George gives us some tips on how to find the really good stuff…

The stuff that has stood...

In this episode we begin with a ramble… about how and why George keeps the routine he does, and where he meets with the Lord.

Here’s one thing you’ll learn: it’s easier than you think. That is, we often make it too complex.

Here’s another: when you write things...

In Mark 1 we learn that Jesus “showed up” every single day. The disciples observed that early in the morning, every morning, He moved away to pray.

In this episode we continue last week’s conversation. We talk about, like Jesus did, showing up.

But then we go farther…

...

As we launch into the new year, we talk about one of the trends that always happens anytime we flip the number in the calendar…

Namely, people begin showing up at the gym.

What can we learn from them?

Well, first, showing up is important.

But, second, if you show up without a plan,...

The final step of Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to memorize the key verse of the chapter we’re studying. We hide it in our heart, recognizing that memorized Scripture was the exclusive means people throughout history have had to carry the Word with them.

As you allow the verse to take...

As we apply the Scriptures, we need to be able to see the Gospel in the text (Evangelii).

Where is the pattern of redemption shown, the glory of grace extended, the promise of forgiveness established, and the merit of Jesus laid upon us?

And, there’s this, too… 

Most of us are...

Once you’ve reflected on the chapter AND spent time praying through it, it is now time to respond to it. 

(The Respond page of the Keystones  includes Contemplatio, Evangelii, and Memoria.)

We begin those three with Contemplatio, that is, apply. 

The truths of the Scripture...

After reading and discovering what the passage says, we move to prayer… 

In fact, we take time to stop to pray through the whole passage (Oratio).

We might begin in several places… 

What is there to be thankful for here?

How does this prompt us to worship?

Are there...