Do you ever think about the difference between knowing ABOUT Jesus and knowing Jesus? A friend told me this story last week. At a funeral, the pastor offered the opportunity for anyone to say a few words. The first man rose quickly and strode boldly to the podium. He removed his prepared remarks from his […]
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It’s All About …
What’s it all about? The question was aimed at me, and the “it” was the bike ride project. We were brainstorming an inspirational tagline, something that tugs at heart strings and makes everyone eager to follow and support the ride. Something like “1500 miles for hope.” If you have any suggestions, send them along in […]
Continue readingMore TagForty Days
Have you ever seriously wondered how much of what’s happening is about you? I’ve been reflecting on the issue of temporary setbacks. Initially this wound on my backside seemed to be a two-week hiccup. Various complications lengthened the process. Doc’s best guess now puts resumption of training at about June 1. That’ll mean roughly forty […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat Moved The Needle?
Do you ever wonder why something changed? I’m trying to catch up with some stuff that’s dropped to the bottom of the pile in the last month. Looking at my blog stats, I notice that daily readership has reached its highest levels as I struggled to keep up. So I’ve discovered the perfect strategy: get […]
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Do you search for inspiration, or does it seem to find you? I’m the guy thrashing about in the bushes trying to flush out inspiration that’s perched on a branch right above my head, smiling patiently, waiting for me to take a break and glance upward. Yesterday we arrived home after my jailbreak hospital discharge—felt […]
Continue readingMore TagWalkin’ On Water
What’s your favorite Bible story? Jon Swanson asked that question last week. It’s a bit like choosing your favorite ice cream. I chose the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-32) because Jesus makes two enormously encouraging statements. He’d just performed a miracle, feeding five thousand men—plus women and kids—with a couple of […]
Continue readingMore TagAn Odd Sense Of Gratitude
What’s your typical reaction to a setback? Last week I described a setback. I’m fortunate to be healing quickly, and anticipate trading my pajamas for shorts within a few days. Then we’ll get to work recovering the lost training and fitness. I’m considering my reactions to this unwelcome interruption. Frustration, for sure. But I also […]
Continue readingMore TagA Very Special Thursday
If you are a follower of Jesus, today is a very special Thursday. To me, it’s the anniversary of the night when Jesus maybe most revealed His humanity. He asked His daddy if there was another way. On another Thursday of Holy Week I’d have a lot more to say, but for this Thursday that […]
Continue readingMore TagPerfect Love
What’s the most significant event of Good Friday for you? So much happened to Jesus on that first Good Friday. Betrayal, false accusations, illegal trials, denial by friends, beatings, public humiliation, the torturous pain of crucifixion. An awful, terrible, no-way-to-describe-the-horror sequence of events, endured by a completely innocent man with the power to avoid it […]
Continue readingMore TagChurch And Should
Are you always clear about why you say “Yes” or “No” to particular things at church? I’m not. Jon Swanson wrote a great piece yesterday (A Public Service Reminder) about some of the conflicted feelings people experience around the special church events of Holy Week. I get exactly what he’s saying. I pretty much gave […]
Continue readingMore TagHow To Stay The Course
Do you ever look in the mirror and see something you’d rather not see? I’m learning something about myself that I don’t like very much. I’m not very committed. That’s difficult to admit. But it turns out that when the going gets tough, I tend to get going home. Certainly I knew that about myself when it […]
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Do you know the difference between visiting as a tourist and really experiencing the culture? Monte and I went to jail last week. I’ve written about this before. It’s the fourth or fifth year we’ve spoken to this audience. I’m always touched by the experience. It’s easily my favorite speaking gig. This year I was […]
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