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 readingIs 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 readingIt’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 […]
Continue readingBut
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 readingMy 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 readingWhich 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 readingUnless 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 […]
Continue readingWhat If Scripture Is A Participation Sport?
Have you ever questioned an expert’s version of “what the bible says”? Yesterday I compared church to a football game: a lot of people who desperately need exercise sit around and watch a small group of people who desperately need rest. We’re especially in that mode when it comes to interpreting scripture. We often accept […]
Continue readingDreams Aren’t Spectator Sports
Most of our society’s like a football game: a lot of people who desperately need exercise sit around and watch a small group of people who desperately need rest. In an entertainment-driven culture, that’s how it works. We don’t take the risk and try things; we watch the experts do it for us. We get […]
Continue readingArt
HAPPY MONDAY! Some beautiful photography inspires today’s word-of-the-week… ART We attended a friend’s photography exhibition Friday evening. Rebecca’s mostlyself-taught—started snapping photos, enjoyed the results, bought better equipment, discovered she has a special eye, and developed her craft. Then she had the guts to share her art with the world. You should check out some of her […]
Continue readingKingdom Return On Investment
A new friend asked me about sponsoring RICH’S RIDE. His request provided a great opportunity to re-examine our “value proposition,” a fancy way of defining what we offer in exchange for the dollars we receive. Our sponsors are incredibly generous, and the value proposition is how we make sure we’re accountable, responsible stewards. The goal, […]
Continue readingCan Our Rights Be Wrong?
“I have the right to ______.” You fill in the blank—the possibilities are nearly endless. We’re all about defending and demanding our rights. A few days ago I read an article about human trafficking in which the author cited compelling data linking prostitution, pornography, and the meteoric increase in internet trafficking of minors. In a […]
Continue reading