1. Playing Words with Friends improves my vocabulary. 2. The graphics on ESPN inspire me to spend more time on my PowerPoint slides. 3. Playing Call of Duty improves my reflexes so that I can better respond to tough questions after my sermons. 4. I pray some of my best prayers in between shots on […]
Dealing With Technological Distractions In Church
When I was a kid I tried to sneak The Black Stallion into church one Sunday. I planned on reading it during the sermon. My mom caught me and made me leave it in the car. She told me I was old enough to listen to the sermon and be bored to tears just like […]
April 11, 2012 by 8 Comments
What They’re Saying About When To Leave
It’s been a couple of months since I released When To Leave: How To Know It’s Time To Move On (Before You Stay Way Too Long). Just as I did with my first book Before You Go, I’ve compiled a summary of what others have said about When To Leave after reading it. I’ve received […]
March 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Making a Name for Ourselves
This post is a continuation of last week’s You Are Not Your “Fran” Time. Just about every Christ-following CrossFitter I know struggles to manage the tension between being in love with a sport in which every second, every rep, and every pound counts and embracing a way of life in which our identity and sense […]
March 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
You Are Not Your “Fran” Time
Here’s a quick spiritual workout to try. Read the following list out loud as many times as necessary (AMTAN) until you believe what it says. Ready? 3-2-1 Go! • I am not my “Fran” time. • I am not my max snatch. • I am not my ability to do a muscle-up. • I am […]
March 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
An Unrealistic Proposal For Pastors and Their Churches
At the end of this excerpt from my latest ebook, When To Leave, I make an absurd proposal that I wish more pastors (and their churches) would take seriously. ****** What Does Your Discernment Community Say? “If you’re dumb, surround yourself with smart people. If you’re smart, surround yourself with smart people who disagree with […]
March 6, 2012 by 4 Comments
What Problem Is God Trying To Solve?
Several months ago I tweeted this question: What problem is the God of the Bible trying to solve? I got some great answers that prompted me to give the question some serious thought and make two conclusions: 1. Our answers tell us more about ourselves than God. We see him solving the problem that we […]
February 27, 2012 by 7 Comments
My Version of Spiritual Fitness in 100 Words
One of the exercises we did at the Lift Conference was to spend some time creating a personalized version of Spiritual Fitness in 100 Words. Here’s what I came up with. Feel free to share yours in the comments. Start with grace. Practice humility. Ask big questions. Love others with your words AND your actions. […]
February 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
Spiritual Fitness in 100 Words
I’m preparing talks for the The LIFT Conference this Saturday in Dallas, (There’s still room for you. Sign up now!) and I’m thinking about what is known as a Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction as we train for Christ-likeness (Spiritual Fitness). […]
February 6, 2012 by 1 Comment
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons