Kirjahaku

An anthology of meditations and reflections from Rick Hoover's blogging and other writings. Rick is an Episcopal deacon in Central Florida.

Jesus seemed to know immediately if people had great faith or none at all. What did he see? And can we see what Jesus saw? Examine the case files with Rick and solve the mystery! "If you are looking for a stash of good evidence about living a life of faith, 'detective' Hoover provides it in this book. Rooted deeply in Scripture, he connects it with his own thoughts and life experiences, making a compelling case for faith. You will be helped by what you read." --Dr. Steve Harper, Emeritus Professor of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary, Florida-Dunnam Campus, Orlando.

An examination of the Ten Commandments Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai, the two commands Jesus said summed them up, and the additional "new commandment" that Jesus delivered to his disciples at the Last Supper. Are they meant to define boundaries of behavior? Or are they better understood as the best orientation toward greater fulfillment in life? Rick Hoover takes them one by one to see how they apply to us in the 21st century.

Mark 4:30 He said, "How will we liken God's Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?" Jesus used over 30 parables to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. The images and symbols were often colorful and memorable. Just as often, the disciples were puzzled by them and asked Jesus to explain. Rick Hoover takes a slow, thoughtful tour through the symbols and their themes. You'll find extra insights into the Kingdom of Heaven, where it is like things that are familiar in every day life - and where it is quite different!

Disciples and crowds that heard Jesus personally were continually missing the point of things Jesus said. He said plainly why he had come. But no one knew what to expect next from him. We assume that One who could create the universe with a simple command ("Let there be....") did not mumble. Has God been unfair to us? Has He really spoken clearly to us? In this book Rick reviews the kind of obstacles that frustrate our understanding of what He has said.