I’m continually fascinated by how many people see Jesus as a control freak. As I learn more about Him, I see no evidence that He cared about rigid external rules. Jesus was about radically transforming hearts, and you don’t do that through fear and punishment. I spent a bunch of time over the weekend talking […]
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Sometimes We Must Be Disturbed
I’m not much of a movie snob. Becky and I watch movies for entertainment. We don’t care much about critics or Academy Awards. At times, we choose a romantic comedy so that we can laugh and snuggle in bed together. Other times we might be in the mood to watch some movie with superheroes or […]
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HAPPY MONDAY! I’ve noticed something lately that prompts today’s word-of-the-week… TIME I notice two distinct groups of leaders with a large gap between them. In one group I find people who acknowledge others mostly when they need something from them. They talk about servant leadership, but careful observation reveals that they’re not spending much time […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat’s The Cost To Feel Safe?
The guy asked what we could do to make people feel safe. I thought it was the wrong question, but I listened to see where the conversation would lead. Eventually the discussion produced this astonishing statement: “The secret to doing important work is feeling safe.” Do you agree? As a teacher I concluded that productive […]
Continue readingMore TagEver Suffered From Reverse Pride?
“I’m a mess.” It could’ve been me talking, though this time it happened to be one of the guys in my workshop. He repeated a familiar fear. “How can God possibly forgive the horrible mess I’ve made of my life?” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve said that…well, you know. Ever been […]
Continue readingMore TagA Hero Worthy Of The Title
Do you have a childhood hero? Henry Aaron played baseball and lived his life with humility and grace. In the summer after fifth grade I could walk to Milwaukee County Stadium, pay fifty cents, and watch this great man play right field for the Milwaukee Braves in the prime of his career. Even better, my […]
Continue readingMore TagIs Facebook A Mission Field?
How do we bring people to Jesus? I saw an article that identified Facebook as perhaps the largest untapped mission field. The writer suggested that churches ought to develop systematic ways to reach people through social media. I’d suggest that most nonbelievers don’t get their impressions of Jesus from church programs and systems. Those folks […]
Continue readingMore TagIt’s A Question Of Purpose
If you’ve been here awhile, you know Monte’s part of the team. I’m probably biased, but he’s pretty special. Beyond being a great dog, Monte lives with a specific purpose. His entire life is dedicated to service. Monte was selected as a small puppy based on particular personality traits. For months, skilled trainers developed and […]
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HAPPY MONDAY! A friend’s conversation brings us today’s word-of-the-week… BUT “We’re supposed to love everyone, aren’t we?” “Yes, but…” “I don’t think we can add a ‘but…’.” As I understand it, the conversation pretty much died at that point. # # # When it comes to stuff like love, grace, and forgiveness, there’s no such […]
Continue readingMore TagMy Little Troll Cycling Enemy
I have a cycling enemy. Lots of people would think the enemy might be miles, but I can do miles. Some would choose speed, but I don’t fuss about speed so that’s not an issue for me. I picture my enemy as a troll who sits at the bottom of every single hill, even the small […]
Continue readingMore TagWhich Group Would Jesus Join?
Ever wonder which group Jesus would join? We take for granted that He’d be part of our group, right? He’d obviously share my theology, my politics, my national pride, and so on. It’s obvious because, well, I’m right. I’m being sarcastic, sort of. Driving home from a meeting yesterday I probably passed twenty churches and […]
Continue readingMore TagUnless You’re Complacent, There’s Always Fear
My friend Paul and I talked a while back about the benefits of a bike adventure combined with a social justice mission. We shared stories of riders who exceeded everyone’s expectations because they were riding for something bigger than themselves. I said I wish everyone could have that sort of experience and sometimes I struggle […]
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