Jesus takes the title “Son of Man” for himself. It’s not just a synonym for “human;” Son of Man speaks to the kind of king Jesus intends to be. The character of the king shapes the character of the Kingdom. When Jesus uses the term, he expects a story to come to our mind from Daniel 7.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Myles Werntz is a theologian and ethicist and expert on the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The quote below got cut from it but you can read his official review in Christianity Today — “Bonhoeffer” Bears Little Resemblance To Reality

Richard Foster is an excellent guide in the life of prayer. This little post from Renovaré is excellent advice for those of us who are learning to pray, again. (and again) — Five Misconceptions that Hinder Prayer

Why do some medications sound like they were names invented by J.R.R. Tolkien? Play this game and test your Tolkien knowledge and/or pharmaceutical identification skills! — Antidepressants or Tolkien?

This is personal and passionate plea for Christians to turn to Jesus in the face of war. Bishop Todd Hunter of C4SO reminds us that it is the image of God that is a stake in a world gone wild with war. — We Can—And We Must—Work It Out

This brief video provides a brief review of Christ the King Sunday, from Grace Communion International — Christ the King

A non-USA problem — Yukon Council Refuses to Swear Oath to King Charles

Jonathan Haidt calls himself the Jewish atheist who recognizes the spiritual crisis of our phones.

John 14:27 set to music - courtesy of the alt-Christian band The Choir — Peace

Not a link but a good reminder: "The Psalms are not provided to teach us about God but to train us in responding to Him." — Eugene Peterson

In place of sermon audio, this week we express thanks to our retreat team.

It was introduced as our 102nd retreat. I can’t remember how many we’ve had, but this was one for the record books. If you couldn’t come, here are a few things you missed: “Your New Best Friend,” Advent Prep, painting, nature walks, Moonlight disc golf, a very loud bingo game, kickball with an electric fence, a filling Eucharistic meal, and Wheatland’s New Signature coffee line. (See image below)

Above all, it was joyful. We sang, prayed, laughed, and celebrated. In that same spirit, let me thank those who made this year’s retreat happen. First off, Wheatland’s Retreat Team outdid themselves this year. The team was led by Kelly Chewning whose gifts of creativity and hospitality were on display. Great work, Kelly! The team included Ellie Kriwiel, Rick and Karen Bartlett, and Josh and Alicia Philips. Thank you all! Each of you brought your special touch to the weekend, and it showed. Thank you for your generous and loving contributions. It would not have come off without them.

I also want to thank Greg Chewning and Matt Johnson for leading worship during our sessions. As always, they were excellent. Many thanks also to Rowdy Wend and Legacy Coffee Works for the excellent coffee on Saturday afternoon. It was a big hit.

There are no end to the positive takeaways from the retreat. Let me leave you with mine: abundance. Alicia’s words on Sunday were an important reminder of the abundance of God’s love pictured in the “leftovers” from the feeding of the 5000.

FTLOL is a compendium of random articles, posts, videos, and podcasts that you may find useful or edifying. Feel free to read one or read them all. Enjoy!

There is a new movie coming out entitled “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin.” It’s not without controversy so here are a few resources to learn about the man and what he means for the 21st Century world.

A Spoke In The Wheel by Renate Wind - there are a lot of biographies on Bonhoeffer. This is a good one. It is readable, short, and captures Bonhoeffer the person, the German, and the Christian. The author, an expert on Bonhoeffer, keeps the timeline of Bonhoeffer’s life clear and informative.

Searching for Bonhoeffer by Tripp Fuller et al. This documentary-style podcast brings in many experts on Bonhoeffer to complete the overall course of his life and ministry. It is both in-depth and a fun listen.

There is concern that Bonhoeffer’s name and story is being mis-used by groups that are at odds with the message Bonhoeffer preached. Members of his family have expressed concern over this, as has the Bonhoeffer Society. You can read each of these letters, along with a letter from the lead actors of the recent movie all rejecting the misuse of Bonhoeffer’s legacy — Letter from Lead Actors

There is a right answer. Contempt for those who think, live, or act differently than us comes naturally. However, rejecting what comes naturally is more important. Our Christian faith has some resources that might help. Psalm 123:3 says, “Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.

This Newsweek article is right on point. — Let’s Reject Contempt

100 years ago, we went to see our priest, pastor, or confessor. As time marched on and needs changed, we no longer visit these people. We go to see our therapist. What are we to think of this? (Please note that therapists are great. I know some good ones. I was one once.) — The Christian In A Therapeutic Age

Dallas Willard once said he wasn’t sure he believed in “total depravity,” but he sure believed in “enough depravity.” Ken Tanner provides some food for thought. What is the effect of sin on people who bear the image of God?

At its best, humor has a prophetic impact. Sometimes, it has a practical impact. This might be both. — The Onion Buys InfoWars?

Ryan Burge/Graphs About Religion has great research on religion and church attendance here in the USA. This chart shows how many pastors there are per 100,000 people. I was surprised which state had the most. It was not who I thought it would be.

Here is the second episode in our “mini-series” on baptism. In this sermon, Kelly shares part of her journey regarding baptism, especially seeking baptism for their young child. While sharing her story, she reminds us that there is one baptism regardless of the time or mode in a person’s life.

Here are two important passages speaking to our shared baptism. Enjoy!

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. ~ I Cor 12:12-14

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~ Ephesians 4:4-6

FTLOL is a gallimaufry1 of podcasts, articles, videos, and other online miscellanea that you might find encouraging, edifying, and entertaining.

Tuesday’s election has come and gone. For some, dark clouds are on the horizon, while others sense that maybe things are ready to get better. Regardless of which option best describes you, we all need regular reorientation toward God’s greater good. And God’s good is always greater.

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Here are a few good ones:

A Benediction For An Election by Ken Tanner

Politics Tempt Us To Play God by Jason Micheli

Yesterday We Gave To Caesar . . . The Future Belongs to God by Todd Hunter

Confessing My Political Idolatry by Katelyn Beaty

The Dangerous Allure of Blame by A.J. Svoboda

The Plough Publishing House provides great books and an excellent online magazine worth your time. This post from The Plough thinks aloud about tolerance's perceived virtues and failings. — Is Tolerance Still A Virtue?

It’s hard to beat the Bible Project, and there’s never a bad time to reflect on the Sermon on the Mount. They have completed their series, so check it out.

Taylor is both really funny and a fountain of hope. He wisely coaches us to ask the right questions that direct us toward gratitude. Try these questions on for yourself — 17 Questions To Watch Your Life

This is a great list, but I have to confess I’ve read only one. I'm glad I did it, though. — 5 Massive Books Worth Your Time. What’s your favorite big book? Here’s a quote from mine,

“Like most North Americans of his generation, Hal tends to know way less about why he feels certain ways about the objects and pursuits he’s devoted to than he does about the objects and pursuits themselves. It’s hard to say for sure whether this is even exceptionally bad, this tendency.” - Infinite Jest

It's not exactly St. George Strait, but it's close.

A metaphor for resurrection, the bells of Notre Dame ring once again. Take one-half minute and reset your soul.

“A confused mixture.” Yes, I used a thesaurus. Further proof that FTLOL is not brought to you by AI.

Kelly and I are exploring baptism this week and next. This first episode explores baptism as the new “mark of the covenant.” What circumcision did in the Old Testament, baptism does in the New (+ more). Baptism is also predicated on Christ’s faith and faithfulness on our behalf. We go into the water because Jesus goes first.

Baptism is a mark every Christian gets to wear. We are “clothed” with him, all of us.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. - Galatians 3:26-28

The connection between circumcision and baptism is outlined more definitively by the Apostle Paul in Colossians,

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. - Colossians 2:9-12

Just for fun: Here is the clip from Amazing Grace where Equiano talks about the brand he carries on his body.

For the Love of Links is an amalgam, assembly, bevy, band, crowd, and collection of essays, brief articles, videos, podcasts, and other forms of content that you may find occasionally edifying, possibly maddening, and hopefully entertaining. Enjoy?

Paul Kingsnorth was an atheist, then a pagan, and now he is a Christian. In this recorded lecture, he warns that Christian culture is like a “body without a heart” without Christ and prayer at the center. (The good stuff starts at 28:04) — “Against Christian Culture”

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I cannot recommend the lecture enough. If you enjoyed it, check out Paul Kingsnorth’s other writings on substack and at paulkinsgnorth.net

Read this brief sermon at your own risk. It might change you—forever. How to Die in Paradise: A Prison Sermon by Dr. Ken Sundet Jones

We could all use some thoughtful humor at this point of our recent election cycle. I am convinced that C.S. Lewis would endorse this spin on one of his greatest works, The Screwtape Letters. That little book is a collection of letters between a “junior devil” and his superiors. We are in trouble if we cannot poke fun at our leaders, and ourselves. — Screwtape Endorses A Candidate

During an election year, and every year for that matter, “someone has to behave as if God is real.” A good sermon for election day and all other days.

Is “Mary, Martha’s sister” and “Mary Magdalene” the same person? This little article includes a great proposal that says yes. — Signs of Mary Magdalene in John 11

It’s not St. Patrick’s Day, but it is always a good day to brush up on our Trinitarian Theology. This is funny, theologically erudite, and right on the money. — St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies (bad analogies and bad accents)

A tribute to an important, though not so well-known Christian leader. - The Gospel According to Bill Pannel

Here’s another homage to C.S. Lewis. This time it is James Brian Smith’s take on Lewsis’s The Great Divorce (BTW, it is not about divorce). It’s Room of Marvels and it is marvelous.

Brick Testament is a set of satirical images from the Bible made with Legos. Yes. That is what it is exactly.

What if it’s tie on Tuesday? — What Happens if No One Wins the Electoral College?

Are young women leaving the Church more than ever and more than anybody? This NY Times piece says yes. — Young Women Are Leaving Organized Religion

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God has new episodes and has completed its first season. There are 30 episodes, and I encourage you to listen and be encouraged. Evidently, God’s not finished with us yet.

From Ken Tanner. May it be so. Amen.

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“Jesus wept.” It’s not just the shortest verse in the Bible; it’s one of its most profound. Jesus, the Son of God, the Image of God, was overwhelmed by the moment's emotion. His friend had died, his other friends were suffering in their grief, and Jesus was too. This is profound.

How Jesus coped when someone he loved died might guide us in our experience of grief.

Let us pray: Father God, we thank you that the experience of loss and grief is no sin. That to weep over those we have lost is not less Christ-like but probably more. Teach us to trust you with those we long to see again. In Jesus name, Amen.

Nick Cave’s fascinating and moving interview with Stephen Colbert.

The world’s greatest novel. Gilead.

Iron Eyes Cody and the “single tear”: Keep America Beautiful

This is a very helpful site, but couldn’t they come up with a better name? Funeralocity.

Richard Rohr has said, “God often comes to us disguised in our life.” Many of us don’t wonder what it means to experience God. Is he there? Is he listening? This little post uses the conversion of St. Augustine to help us trace the presence of God in our lives. — The Intimacy of God

Winn Collier directs the Eugene Peterson Center for the Imagination (can you believe that such a place exists?). He also wrote the definitive biography of St. Eugene. In this article, he helps us think about the challenge of living faithfully in a world that is both political and beloved. The Uprising: What Do Politics Have to Do With Prayer?

Maybe the monsters, ghosts, and devils aren’t the worst part of Halloween. What was once a parody of evil and death has become an all-consuming, consumerist monster. From the NY Times — Halloween’s Mutation: From Humble Holiday to Retail Monstrosity

While living in Galilee, Jesus was never asked to run a political campaign. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t been asked since. Tom Hoopes gives us some important insight into Jesus’ political strategies. — Who Can Change the World? Consider the Twelve Candidates Jesus Elected

The Rolling Stones and politicians do not believe that “time is on our side.” However, as Christians, we know this is not true. God has given us all the time we need. From the ethicist Myles Wentz in Christianity Today— Time Is Not A Political Promise

This is a reprise of an article posted last Fall. This article seemed appropriate as Wheatland concludes our recent series on Death. — Anne Lamott, Borrowed Time

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I know you were wondering — Why Do Paper Cuts Hurt So Much

Are you one of those who looks forward to the — Perfect Weekend Nap

Rich Mullins fan? Only those who haven’t listened to him are not yet fans. Listen to his music and music that was inspired by him at the — Ragamuffin Archive

On the subject of Rich, here is an old documentary about his music and impact. It was recorded right after his death so it is a little old, but still good — Homeless Man