Coffee Talks with Mike

Everybody has heard of the 7 deadly sins or 7 vices in one way or another. This book Glittering Vices by Rebecca DeYoung was my first big introduction to it in college, and I have been enjoying rereading it this year. Well, enjoying it as much as I can--it forces you to face some tough realities about yourself. So, if you're interested in doing that introspective work, grab the book or listen...

It's been 8 years. Do we ever really appreciate who we've been and who we're becoming in real time?

Continuing with Comer, we explore the notion of abiding in this episode. Often times, spending more time with God is less about addition (adding special times) and more about subtraction (removing hurry, distractions, and bad habits).

Jumping back into Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer to unpack a little bit more of what becoming an apprentice really means, and maybe more specifically what it doesn't mean.

I've been enjoying Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, and wanted to spend some time talking about the overarching theme/scope of this book. In this season of Lent, the first quote (and title of this episode) felt especially appropriate.

How do fear and anxiety fit into our perception of our work, our jobs, and our relationships? What does it mean to be "beloved?" How does community impact our ideas about our calling? Tune in and hear some more from Justin McRoberts in his book Sacred Strides.

It's time to discuss the state of the podcast--where we've been, where we are, and where we're going! I also wanted to give you a little glimpse of what we'll talk about soon with an excerpt about Celtic spirituality, soul friends, and the interior life. I missed you all!

Sabbath is a great idea that very few of us ACTUALLY do. What is the difference between your work and your job? Can your rest involve work? How do you rest without becoming lazy? These are a few questions that Justin McRoberts tackles in this book, Sacred Strides.

This is a sermon deep dive that is less of a deep dive and more of a "Behind the scenes commentary" because this sermon didn't get recorded, but I didn't want to pretend to preach it to you all. So tune in and let's talk about it!

Just a casual episode discussing the cosmos and the mystery of God--ya know, the simple stuff.

Join me for a bit of a nerd out about some of my favorite passages of Scripture and what I think is the lynchpin in our perception of our relationship with God!

Check out this discussion of the first few chapters of "Curveball" by Pete Enns.

This is the first official "State of the Union (podcast)" where I update you on current happenings and what is on the horizon. Nothing too special here, but this is a brief update about what's coming up!

One of my favorite pieces of writing (of course, by Lewis), and I'm sure I have mentioned it in passing before. But here is the entire essay Lewis wrote in God in the Dock about his musings in a toolshed one day. They have to do with reality, our observation of it, and our experience it. I hope you enjoy it!

In this book, Rohr makes some observations about the spiritual truths of the 12 step program and how they overlap with the Truth of the Gospel. His thesis is that all human beings are addicts, but that most of us don't know what it is we're addicted to because it isn't as clear or physical as other addictions can manifest themselves to be. I hope you are challenged by some of the ideas...

What do Walt Whitman, Ted Lasso, G.K. Chesterton, and Mr. Rodgers have in common? Curiosity.

Feeding the 5,000 was one of the most memorable miracles Jesus performed, even more so than raising people from the dead. That's pretty strange when you think about it. What is it about feeding people that made it so significant? Is there more going on here?

What makes a good story? Which stories do you keep returning to? Why? 

"The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can know it?" This is a passage from Jeremiah that most people have heard, Christian or not. But what does it actually mean, and what does it imply about our faith?

What does it mean for our faith to be connected in community? How do we wrestle with doubt while following authentically? Rachel doesn't give definite answers, but she certainly invites us into dialogue with her in this work. 

Looking ahead for what the podcast will look like in 2023, this episode is a bit of a recap of what's been happening the last few months for me personally while giving some insight into what my goal is moving forward. 

After 61 episodes, we have finally made it to the final chapters of this wonder book. I hope you were able to stick through to the end!

Finally, after 60 episodes, we have gotten to the chapter I've wanted to discuss all along. In these two chapters, Lewis discusses some of the most controversial parts of Church history (and more specifically the Protestant Reformation). First, the details and doctrines of Communion/the Eucharist/The Lord's Table. And second, the theological notion of Purgatory. I didn't realize this episode went...

Sometimes, analogy is all we have to think about God. But how far we allow them to go is the pertinent principle as we consider how we pray.

All things can point us toward God, so long as we put them in their proper places. Adoration is different from gratitude, but both are necessary parts of our prayers. Dive into this episode as we get one step closer to completing Letters to Malcolm!