Today I’m challenging the guys in my workshop at Harvest Farm. We’re going to talk about some of the lies the enemy uses to keep us in darkness. It’s a long list. I’ll propose five of my favorites. Perhaps you can add you own. All of your pain is pointless. You’ll never be good enough. You’re […]
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My Story (Video)
During our last tour, Pastor Elwin Mack and the kind folks at Faith Assembly Church in Phoenix invited me to tell my story. When you’re the main speaker at a Sunday worship service, folks want to attach special words to what you’re doing. You’re preaching, or teaching, or giving the message. It’s a sermon, right? Except, of course, […]
Continue readingMore TagDrive Thru Prayer
The sign said: DRIVE THRU PRAYER. We looked and, sure enough, right next to the church driveway sat a guy in a folding chair under an awning. I made my typical sarcastic remarks. “I need my prayer supersized. Can I get fries with that?” We passed that church a few times during our days in […]
Continue readingMore TagEver Hugged A Wounded Porcupine?
On this trip I’ve talked a lot about trying to hug a wounded porcupine. It reminded me of this material. adapted from a post that originally appeared April 16, 2010. The basic question is: Why bother? Ever cuddle a puppy? They curl up in your lap and lick your face. Everything about a puppy is […]
Continue readingMore TagAn Incredible Blessing
This past weekend I was honored to marry two dear friends. It was one of the highlight experiences of my life. I had a blast working with my friends to create the service. I thought you might enjoy reading the thoughts I shared with them. # # # Once there was a little boy who […]
Continue readingMore TagSome Days…
…it’s hard to write because the ideas just won’t come. Some days it’s hard because the house is filled with friends who dropped everything and showed up when they heard you had three inches of water in your basement. So you’re grateful, but it’s hard to sit at a computer while people carry soaked boxes […]
Continue readingMore TagA Young Man Died
Trayvon Martin. I imagine that name evokes some kind of emotional reaction. It should. A young man died. Part of me wants to simply tune out all the hype, anger, and sensationalism. I don’t need more people yelling at me. A young man died. I wasn’t there, so I can’t know what really happened. I wasn’t […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat It’s Like To Feel Surrounded
This week I was honored with an invitation to ride a few miles with the Colorado leg of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. This event salutes first responders, especially emergency medical personnel, who sacrificed in the line of duty. As we began riding, the route was lined with fire trucks, ambulances, and an honor […]
Continue readingMore TagTrust With A Backup Plan
Everybody knows the story of Jesus calling the children to Him. It’s one of our favorite images, an infinitely calm, patient Jesus surrounded by squirmy kids in an idyllic children’s sermon. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom […]
Continue readingMore TagCan I Do This?
I confronted a curious, somewhat humbling internal dilemma this weekend. Becky and I spent several hours in our church lobby talking to people about Front Range FREEDOM Tour 2013. Did I mention that May 15th is the deadline to sign up or order a jersey? A young lady walked up and looked at our display. […]
Continue readingMore TagEver Been Challenged Over Coffee?
Last weekend I was drinking coffee in our church lobby when a guy named Brett walked up and introduced himself. First he asked why Monte wasn’t with me. Then he wanted to talk about my “crazy bike ride.” I struggled to get past the fact that my identity at church is now apparently defined by […]
Continue readingMore TagTurn Up The Light
Last night Becky read a quote from Facebook. “If you’re trying to defeat the human spirit, marathoners are the wrong group to target.” It’s easy to become discouraged and cynical in the wake of the senseless violence of the Boston attacks. It’s also true that light overwhelmed darkness in the moments following the explosions. Runners […]
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