“The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution” Offers Inspiration and Organization

 Get Things Done and Keep the Right Perspective with Ray Keating’s TO DO List Solution

Davenport, FL – The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution is here from Ray Keating. 

 

Keating, who is an author, economist and entrepreneur, notes, “We all need to get things done each day, while also planning our coming week, month and year. However, it's crucial to keep things in perspective. The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution is a tool for each of us in this ongoing endeavor. And you don't have to be a Lutheran to use and enjoy it.”

 

Get organized and set goals using Ray Keating's TO DO List Solution, while enjoying and reflecting upon quotes from Holy Scripture, the Church fathers and other Christian thinkers. In addition, since you fill in the dates, it's easy to get started in any month, and to use the planner during any year.

 

The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from our Christian faith.

 

Get more information and these great planners at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. 

 

Review copies, and author interviews and appearances are available upon request. 

 

Ray Keating also is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels series (including the recently published Persecution), Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Read to Help You Think Like an Economist.

 

Contact: Ray Keating

Phone: 631-909-1122

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels and https://www.facebook.com/AllianceofSaintMichael

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

RayKeatingOnline.com

A Podcast Doubleheader – Two PRESS CLUB C Episodes with Two Lutheran Pastors!

PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #8: Joy, Seriousness and Fun with Christianity and Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller – Ray and Pastor Wolfmueller talk Christianity, the Internet and the Church, joy, martyrdom and more! Tune in right here!

PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #3: Interviewing Pastor Tyrel Bramwell, the Host of “Alone Together” – Ray interviews Pastor Tyrel Bramwell, who, in addition to being a parish pastor and author, hosts a fascinating daily video program called “Alone Together: A 15-Minute Isolation Conversation.” Tune in right here!

Ray Keating Talks about His New Book BEHIND ENEMY LINES: CONSERVATIVE COMMUNIQUES FROM LEFT-WING NEW YORK

BEHIND ENEMY LINES serves up a wide-ranging collection of columns and essays from Ray Keating. These essays cover politics, economics, faith, history, trade, New York, foreign affairs, immigration, pop culture, business, sports, books, and more. 

You’ll find paperbacks and the Kindle edition at Amazon.com via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PN1NNZ

In these often confusing and contradictory times, Keating describes his brand of conservatism as traditional, American and Reagan-esque, firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Western Civilization, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and essential ideas and institutions such as the Christian Church, the intrinsic value of each individual, the role of the family, freedom and individual responsibility, limited government, and free enterprise and free markets.

Keating is a longtime newspaper and online columnist, economist, policy analyst, podcaster, and novelist.

“Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York” by Ray Keating Published at the Right Time

Ray Keating’s Collection of Columns and Essays Offer Insights on Politics, Economics, Pop Culture, Conservatism, and More!

Long Island, NY – BEHIND ENEMY LINES: CONSERVATIVE COMMUNIQUES FROM LEFT-WING NEW YORK serves up a wide-ranging collection of columns and essays from Ray Keating. These essays cover politics, economics, faith, history, trade, New York, foreign affairs, immigration, pop culture, business, sports, books, and more. 

Paperbacks and the Kindle edition of BEHIND ENEMY LINES are available at Amazon.com via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PN1NNZ. And signed books can be ordered at www.RayKeatingOnline.com.

Keating is a longtime newspaper and online columnist, economist, policy analyst, and novelist. Some of his latest columns can be read at www.KeatingFiles.com. 

In these often confusing and contradictory times, Keating describes his brand of conservatism as traditional, American and Reagan-esque, firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Western Civilization, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and essential ideas and institutions such as the Christian Church, the intrinsic value of each individual, the role of the family, freedom and individual responsibility, limited government, and free enterprise and free markets. 

There’s a great deal to enjoy, learn from, agree with, get annoyed by, appreciate, reflect on, roll your eyes over, and argue with in this book that offers perspectives on where we are today, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed.

Keating said, “After writing weekly or regular columns and essays for more than thirty years (my rough estimate is that I’ve written more than 8,000 columns, essays and analyses over this period – yikes!), I thought it would be difficult to sort through what makes sense, and what doesn’t, to include in a collection of these musings. But it turned out not to be all that difficult. The simple, primary question was: Does this article, in some way, pass the relevance test today no matter when it happened to be written?”

Keating added, “Trust me, far too many columns and essays that I’ve written wound up holding little relevance beyond the week or month in which they were penned and published. The pieces that I’ve included in this book – ranging from pieces published in the 1990s to March 2020 – hopefully possess staying power. My ultimate hope is that readers will find this book informative and engaging, no matter where they might be coming from on the philosophical and political spectrums.”

What are the major sections in BEHIND ENEMY LINES?

I. What is Conservatism?                         

II. Politics: Unsavory and Not-So-Unsavory

III. Economics Isn’t Dismal ... Unless Left to Politicians, the Media and Professors

IV. Lessons from the 2008 Mess and Its Aftermath

V. Faith Matters

VI. Why Does Anyone Live in New York?

VII. The Not-So-Ugly American

VIII. Trying to Learn from History

IX. Business Isn’t Evil

X. Trade: Opportunity and Stupidity

XI. Immigration: Hope and Opportunity

XII. Pop Culture Ponderings

XIII. Sports: The Great Diversion ... Mostly

XIV. Thoughts on Assorted Books

Review copies, and author interviews and appearances are available upon request. 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/freeenterpriseeconomics

Twitter: @FreeEnterprise7

KeatingFiles.com

RayKeatingOnline.com

The New Pastor Stephen Grant Novel – DEEP ROUGH – Available for Pre-Order Now!

One man faces challenges as a pastor in China. His son has become a breakout phenom in the world of professional golf. The Chinese government is displeased with both, and their lives are in danger.  

Stephen Grant – a onetime Navy SEAL, former CIA operative and current pastor – has a history with the communist Chinese, while also claiming a pretty solid golf game. His unique experience and skills unexpectedly put him alongside old friends; at some of golf’s biggest tournaments as a caddy and bodyguard; and in the middle of an international struggle over Christian persecution, a mission of revenge, and a battle between good and evil. (Publication date: July 16^th)

Pre-order the Kindle edition...

Or pre-order signed books...

WINE INTO WATER: The Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for June with the Kindle Price Slashed from $6.99 to $2.99!

Blood, wine, sin, justice and forgiveness… Who knew the wine business could be so sordid and violent? That’s what happens when it's infiltrated by counterfeiters. A Lutheran pastor, once a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, is pulled into action to help unravel a mystery involving fake wine, murder and revenge. Stephen Grant is called to take on evil, while staying rooted in his life as a pastor.

Among the positive reviews for WINE INTO WATER...

"A first-rate mystery makes this a series standout..."  - Kirkus Reviews

"In this, Ray Keating's sixth novel featuring Pastor Stephen Grant, we discover that the always intriguing former Navy Seal and CIA operative is also a world class wine aficionado. This comes in handy as the pastor is once again forced to divide his time between his understanding wife, the needs of his church and congregation, and what some describe as his 'hobby' of joining the fray to assist colleagues from his past life when called upon. Grant is a wonderful character and Wine Into Water is a great read."  - David Keene, Opinion Editor, The Washington Times

"When Grant's around, nobody messes with the communion wine."  - Russ Saltzman, Aleteia.org

"Part thriller and part mystery, Wine into Water is full of action, suspense and an electric cast of characters - both villainous and heroic - that will satisfy fans of crime thrillers."  - Self-Publishing Review

"Grant's finely acquired wine tasting skills come into play here as he takes notice of distinct hint of vanilla in a Merlot. Intrigued? You should be as this novel again grabs hold of the reader and accelerates to a unexpected ending. Buy it! Read it! Enjoy it! Gift it!"  - Rod Zwonitzer, retired host of KFUO's "BookTalk" 

"This is yet another fun thriller from Ray Keating. I loved learning more about the wine industry, and Mr. Keating did a great job weaving church history and communion-use throughout...” - Mary J. Moerbe, author of Blessed: God's Gift of Love and Family Vocation

Saint Patrick Spread the Christian Faith

by Ray Keating

St. Patrick’s Day arrives on Sunday, so I thought it was an ideal time to post a Newsday column of mine that looked at who St. Patrick was, and what he actually accomplished during his life. It turns out St. Patrick was a humble Christian who followed Jesus’ directive: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This column was first published in March 2004 …

Who was this guy St. Patrick, and why does he have his own day? I admit to never really thinking much about the person behind St. Patrick’s Day.  

I discovered through a limited, highly unscientific survey at a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday that I was not alone.  With a wee nip in the air, ‘twas a grand day for a parade, and everyone lining Main Street in Center Moriches seemed to be wearing the green.  This scene has been replayed year after year in towns from one end of Long Island to the other.  

I asked dozens of revelers: What do you think of when St. Patrick’s Day is mentioned?  The most prevalent answers were parades, beer, corned beef and cabbage, shamrocks, green, and Ireland or their ancestry.  Two women amusingly said they felt like St. Patrick’s Day widows because their husbands played in bands during a variety of parades throughout the month of March.

A couple of people mentioned snakes in Ireland, and just one said she thought of the church.  Only one individual actually mentioned St. Patrick specifically. 

The two things that St. Patrick is best known for – driving the snakes out of Ireland and explaining the Holy Trinity using a shamrock – are legend.  But what little we know of the real Patrick is no less dramatic or inspiring.  Most of the information comes from two surviving letters Patrick wrote.  One is the “Letter to the Soldiers of Corocticus” and the other is called the “Confession of St. Patrick.”  Both are included in a new biography St. Patrick of Ireland  by Philip Freeman, who does an excellent job in bringing alive the world and times in which Patrick lived.

Patrick was born sometime in the late fourth or early fifth century, and at the age of 16, was kidnapped from Britain by Irish raiders and forced into slavery.  During six years as a slave in Ireland, his Christian faith took root and grew through extensive prayer.  After escaping and returning to Britain, he received a vision in a dream calling him back to Ireland to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.

Patrick became a priest, later a bishop, and did return to Ireland, where he had been enslaved, to spread Christianity in that predominantly pagan land.  At considerable peril, he followed Jesus’ directive: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)  In his “Confession,” Patrick wrote: “I even went to the most remote parts of the island – places at the very edge of the world, places no one had ever seen before – to baptize and ordain clergy and confirm people in the faith.”

This also was no holier-than-thou, self-important churchman.  He recognized his own sinfulness.  The “Confession” opens: “I am Patrick – a sinner – the most unsophisticated and unworthy among all the faithful of God.”  His message emphasized God’s grace and forgiveness, and the importance of prayer and faith.  He concluded about his life’s work: “You must understand – because it is the truth – that it was all the gift of God.”

For good measure, Patrick, according to scholars, was one of the first Christians to speak out strongly against slavery, and played a role in putting an end to human sacrifice in Ireland.

I’ve heard it said that you don’t have be Irish to wear the green on St. Patrick’s Day.  You also don’t necessarily have to be a Roman Catholic to embrace St. Patrick.  Heck, a sign outside the United Methodist Church in Center Moriches highlighted a St. Patrick’s Day dinner this past Saturday night.  All Christians certainly should be able to appreciate Patrick’s commitment to spreading the faith.  Most people should be able to see the merits of his humility, courage and conviction. 

So, before taking a bite of corned beef, or a gulp of beer on St. Patrick’s Day, at least a pause is warranted to think of the important lessons offered by a very real man named Patrick.

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story– published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novelwas published in January 2019. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Holy Scripture or Church Fathers Quote of the Day

5 Stars for LIONHEARTS

The latest Amazon reviewer gives Lionhearts 5 stars...

Summer reading with Ray Keating and Pastor Stephen Grant.

https://www.amazon.com/Lionhearts-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-Novel/dp/1548964182/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529087675&sr=1-1&keywords=lionhearts&dpID=519aDobBSxL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

First Thumbs Up for REAGAN COUNTRY

The first Facebook review of REAGAN COUNTRY is in! 

Pre-order signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

And pre-order for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Country-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-ebook/dp/B07C6J8RB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525197122&sr=8-1&keywords=reagan+country+by+ray+keating&dpID=61gvkE-3YFL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Thumbs Up Reviews for LIONHEARTS by Ray Keating

Early Look at LIONHEARTS Cover

Friends: Here's an early look at the cover (not necessarily the final version) of the forthcoming LIONHEARTS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. Thanks for your support and patience. The book will be available very soon! Ray Keating

Does Your Pastor or Priest Kick Butt?

Awesome Christian Fiction for Dudes?!

Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels – featuring a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative and now a Lutheran pastor – have received thumbs-up reviews from far and wide. A new Amazon review raised the issue that these books might be perfect for male readers who have not found what they enjoy in other kinds of Christian fiction. The reviewer opened: “Yes! Finally! Christian fiction for dudes that’s awesome!”

He went on to write: “I absolutely loved WARRIOR MONK for many reasons. As a confessional Lutheran layperson, a guy, and avid fiction reader, the options are VERY limited for Christian-themed, Christian characters that are real, honest, authentic and human. Good Christian fiction, particularly Christian fiction for guys, has been so hard to hind - until now! Seems like 98% of all Christian fiction is written by women, for women, and are basically G-rated romance novels with a spattering of church thrown in. The 2% of Christian fiction for guys tends to be so supernatural and over-dramatic they border on science fiction or horror (think Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker).”

The reviewer continued: “Thank you, Ray, for your beautifully-written Pastor Stephen Grant novels that are real, enjoyable, thoughtful and extol a growing, sometimes struggling, but very real faith in Christ that we treasure.”

His conclusion? “I compare Keating to Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Larry Bond, and David Baldacci. WARRIOR MONK is very readable, with realistic dialogue, great plot pace, surprising and twists and turns, complex and endearing characters all with a respectfully un-cheesy Christian undertone. Ladies - Please share these books with your Christian husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. Bravo!”

Does Your Pastor or Priest Kick Butt?

Does your pastor or priest kick butt? No? Well, check out Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant novels. Kirkus Reviews says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.” And in another take, Kirkus Reviews declared, “A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.” Get yourself a kick-butt pastor - in paperback or for the Kindle.

Not Your Typical Christian Fiction

Big Sale and Different Kind of Christian Fiction

Time for a different kind of Christian fiction, and for a limited time, there’s a BIG SALE ON SIGNED COPIES OF RAY KEATING’S PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS!

Up to 47% off award-winning novelist Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK. These exciting, thoughtful novels focus on a onetime Navy SEAL and former CIA operative who is now a Lutheran pastor. Previously each book sold for $12.99-$17.99. Now each is only $9.99 for a limited time, with the author’s message and signature. And all five can be purchased as a set of only $44.99 (previously sets were $75.99).

Ray Keating’s PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVELS start with a pastor who used to be a Navy SEAL and a CIA operative. Then Keating mixes together mystery, action, faith, real characters and dialogue, intrigue, humor, romance, and some big issues. The books are receiving high praise from readers/reviewers for not being your typical Christian fiction…

• “Most Christian fiction leaves a lot to be desired. This book will appeal to non-Christians as well. WARRIOR MONK is about real people with real desires, emotions and feelings. I am anxious to read the other books in the series. Readers won't be disappointed.”

• “It is a pleasure to recommend a book to my friends that promotes Christian virtues, is not stuffy, and is an exciting adventure.”

• “These are not your typical Christian [novels] which tend to be so 'sweet' and sanctimonious you can barely stomach them. The characters in these books tend to be like people you know.”

• “It's always refreshing to read Christian fiction that is more realistic to life. So many times characters don't seem real because they handle their issues too perfectly. Ray Keating shows simul justus et peccator (simultaneously saint and sinner) with the characters in WARRIOR MONK Pastor Stephen Grant seems like he could be a real person. He reacts to things in a realistic way, he knows he has struggles, but because of his faith he can remind himself of the right thing to do.”

• “With each novel Keating refines and adds to his characters personalities from his previous books. His descriptions of action scenes are as good as any other thriller author I have read. The unique character of Pastor Grant and his abilities as a servant of Christ and his past as a Navy SEAL and CIA agent is unsurpassed in this type of novel. I can't wait until the next book comes out.”

• “Once again Keating has written a stylish thriller with a number of interesting sub plots. Also he presents interesting modern day dilemma's without being preachy! Enthusiastic thumbs up!” 

• “I'm a committed Brad Thor/Vince Flynn reader. As soon as I'm done with the latest I'm eagerly waiting for the next. After reading all of your novels, I must say, I cannot wait for the next one. I am now a committed Thor/Flynn/Keating reader. I think you have earned the right to be named among the best modern day mystery/drama authors. You have made this 24 year Navy Senior Chief and Lutheran a BIG FAN! Now go fulfill your vocation and write another ‘must read’!”

• “The author was able to combine both religion and mystery to make a great story. Whether you are religious or not it is a great novel.”

You can order all five of Keating’s thrillers – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – at Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle. In fact, there’s a Kindle sale on right now.

But you also can get SIGNED COPIES for up to 47% off for a limited time. Don’t wait, the sale will not last!www.raykeatingonline.com

Warrior Monk: "Interesting twist"

A new 5-star review of WARRIOR MONK at Amazon is titled "Interesting twist," and goes on to say:

"This is an interesting mystery with a twist. A former CIA operative is now a Lutheran Pastor. After a deadly shooting in his church the Pastor saves many more people by "taking out" the shooter. Throughout the book the reader experiences Pastor Grant's crisis of faith, and his crisis within himself and a few people from his past. I must say it had an unusual ending. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see if the end leads into the next book."

Get the book at

https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1453801030/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474374599&sr=8-1&keywords=warrior+monk+by+keating