Every worship leader has stood before his or her congregation and wondered what it would be like if we all worshiped more throughout the week. What if our gathering on Sunday morning (or whatever day and time) comprised believers who loved and worshiped Jesus every day — not just for an hour once a week?

Where to begin with my review of Eric Metaxas’ “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy?” How can 500 words or so really do justice to a 600-page analysis of the life of a Christian pastor who stood against Hitler and tried to guard his beloved Lutheran church from Nazi infiltration?

I’m not sure if this has ever happened to you, when it feels like something you read in Scripture punches you in the gut. In the quiet of the morning with but a single lamp on in the house, my freshly brewed coffee on a little tray I set next to me on the couch, and my Bible open to the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, a little phrase — two short words — jump off the thin page and smack me a few times, knocking the wind out of me, nearly spilling my coffee.

Every pastor, or anyone wanting to become one, should read Eugene Peterson’s “The Pastor.” A fellow pastor friend of mine recommended it, saying Peterson’s writing reminded him of mine. I’m certainly one for flattery so I bought it immediately.

Some have claimed that Jesus would not have been a good church planter, for he was always saying things that drove people away from, instead of to, himself. One day he feeds thousands of people who were listening to him preach, so they return the following day anticipating another free meal.

I wrote back in the spring about the seven churches I’ve been a part of. What I didn’t write then is that to varying degrees I was wounded at those churches. (I’m sure I did some wounding myself, but I tend not to remember that.) Looking back I realize now that I left each church with just a little more resentment towards my fellow saints. This continued to build until I could no longer ignore it.

It’s fascinating how much girls think about their wedding, and in particular their dress. I’ve titled this series after a show on TLC called Say Yes to the Dress. I haven’t seen an entire episode because … well, since I’m a man, though admittedly with slightly less machismo. Scripture tells us, and to all the little girls who’ve anticipated their wedding dress, what the Bride of Christ will be wearing on her wedding day.

Adultery.I typed the single word in black on a white screen, where it remained while I contemplated further words. It stood alone, ugly and provocative.

. As a part of my preparation for a sermon, the last in a series about images of the church as seen in Scripture (see my miniseries “Yes to the Dress” LINK), I read two short books last weekend. The first book was Philip Yancey’s Church: Why Bother? Reading Yancey’s first was a little unfair to Joshua Harris, the author of the second book, Why Church Matters.

It’s a strange time of year to be thinking about weddings. There aren’t many weddings in November, although there are undoubtedly many people planning to tie the knot in a couple days: 11/11/11. I remember a wedding in the video for Guns n’ Roses’ “November Rain,” one of the few songs I’ve ever danced to, back in the summer of 1992. Definitely a good one if you find the right girl since it’s so long, though the upbeat coda presents a challenge.