I learned something important from the IJM Freedom Tour: “Follow” is an action verb. It’s almost impossible to follow without moving. Matthew 25:23 records a blessing I hope to hear one day. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” “Well done.” Not well said, or well thought, or well hoped. The blessing is for the one […]
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Does Community Matter?
One lesson from the IJM Freedom Tour is the value of pursuing this sort of endeavor with a group. Our team became a community of shared sacrifice. It makes sense when you break it down, because following Jesus isn’t a solitary pursuit. We relate to Him individually, but we’re meant to follow in community. I could […]
Continue readingMore TagClear Eyes. Full Hearts.–from the archives
This article originally appeared on the Rich’s Ride blog on September 28, 2011. Did you see the TV show Friday Night Lights? The show traced several characters through the craziness of Texas high school football. The team’s rallying cry was, “Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.” I love that expression. I’ve been thinking a lot […]
Continue readingMore TagEverybody’s Got A Story–from the archives
Since I’m telling stories of my IJM Freedom Tour team mates, this article seemed timely. It originally appeared October 11, 2011. I’m constantly amazed by the individual stories we hear from people as we talk about hope. I think there’s a lesson for us in the depth and variety of experiences. It’s easy to divide […]
Continue readingMore TagFires, Floods, And Storms
Fires char thousands of acres and destroy hundreds of homes in the western U.S. Deadly storms in eastern states leave millions without power in sweltering heat. Floods displace entire communities. It’s enough to leave us wondering when the frogs and locusts will show up. Where’s God? Ever asked that question? I have, and I’ll bet […]
Continue readingMore TagIndependence Day
Tomorrow’s the Fourth of July. In most of the world that’s just another date. In the US it’s our national birthday. July 4th is Independence Day, the day we officially celebrate our freedom from British rule. It’s a day for patriotic music, parades, flags, and lots of great food. Freedom is a pretty good excuse […]
Continue readingMore TagCan You See Jesus In A Semi-Trailer?
If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve heard me talk about Convoy of Hope. As I cranked along the Mississippi River last year I talked a lot about this amazing organization and their work to feed hungry children and provide disaster relief. It’s an honor to be associated with such a dedicated team of […]
Continue readingMore TagRich’s Semi-Regular Newsletter–Off To DC
Hard to believe that next week we’ll be heading to Cincinnati for IJM Freedom Tour and the ride to Washington DC. We’re excited to share the journey. I hope you’ll follow along. I invite you to check out this pre-ride edition of Rich’s Semi-Regular Newsletter.
Continue readingMore Tag3:17 am
What do you think about at 3:17 am? You know what I mean, when you’re exhausted and you need to sleep but you can’t sleep because your brain’s stuck in overdrive and the clock by the bed has been stuck on the same time forever. What do you think about? Will I get everything completed before we […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Good Samaritan’s Return On Investment
This week I’ve been writing about efficiency in the context of firefighting. Last time I talked about efficient stewardship and left you with a question: Is “responsible” stewardship always efficient? I wonder about this as I consider the resources required to support RICH’S RIDE. I ask sponsors to underwrite our costs, I ask you to offer […]
Continue readingMore TagCan Responsible Be Inefficient?
Yesterday I commented about efficient and inefficient in the context of firefighting. I sense that perhaps the firefighters demonstrate skill and competence with their efficient use of resources, and they display their humanity in their inefficient use of resources. Does that make sense? This morning I cranked my bike north of town. I could see […]
Continue readingMore TagInconceivable!
Happy Monday! A fact captured in an image inspires today’s word-of-the-week… INCONCEIVABLE! In a world of such abundance, how can this be true? This is a good week to ask God to help the victims of this human tragedy. It’s also a good week to resolve to do what I can, where I am, with […]
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