You've probably never thought of "courage" like this. But you probably should.
integrity
Not the easy thing
When you think of someone who is "strong," who do you picture? If you do this on a daily basis, I think you can be strong too.
Deeper and more destructive with time
When I lived in Toronto I marveled at how many statues there were. They were things like warriors riding on horses or heroes from a previous age. From a distance they always looked impressive. But the closer you got, the more cracks you saw. There were fault lines and chips and discoloration. Isn’t that like … Continue reading Deeper and more destructive with time
Imperfect people
What I’m about to tell you is terrible. But I’m going to tell you anyway! I heard about some people who started a Bible study group. They called it “Owl.” At first, people thought the name was based on the bird. Since owls are symbols of wisdom, it made sense. But it came to light … Continue reading Imperfect people
When better isn’t easier
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort, and things being quick and easy. 100 years it would have been virtually inconceivable to drive up to a restaurant window, order your meal, and get it back almost instantaneously. Today, fast food drive-thrus are incredibly common. 10 years ago it would have been virtually inconceivable to pick up a … Continue reading When better isn’t easier
Decidophobia
Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (ESV) Today's Thought I wonder how many decisions a raccoon has to make in a day. Get up? Or stay sleeping? Stay in the bushes? Or jump out and terrify that kid? Pry open that garbage … Continue reading Decidophobia
What Lent can mean to you
Today is Ash Wednesday. It starts the 40-day journey to Easter (excluding Sundays) that we call Lent. Lent is a time of preparation. I like to think of it as spiritual training. It’s just so easy to let laziness creep into our faith. So we use Lent to hone our spiritual muscles as we get … Continue reading What Lent can mean to you
Your litmus test
2 Corinthians 5:17 "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation" (NRSV) Today's Thought The purpose of a “litmus test” is to see what something is really made of, to see what it really is on the inside. This happens in science with different substances, of course. But it can also happen with … Continue reading Your litmus test
Intentionally in light of eternity
1 John 3:18 "let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (ESV) Today's Thought Music takes what you feel and believe on a deep level and gives it expression in a way that you couldn't by yourself. Quite often when we hear a song that we love we just can’t … Continue reading Intentionally in light of eternity
To get something great
Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (NLT) Today's Thought I’m three days in to a three week coffee fast. Just to be clear, that means I’m not drinking ANY coffee. For three weeks. At all. Zilch. For some of you that’s no big deal. But for me, coffee has … Continue reading To get something great