Browsing Tag

Easter

Those Silly Devotions

I’ve had a successful four decade long marriage with my high school sweetheart. I’ve grown a significant company. I’ve served on several distinguished boards. I’ve visited so many countries some don’t exist anymore. I’ve saved thousands of acres of rainforest. I’ve been invited to the White House. I co-founded a ministry that was mentioned on the cover of Christianity Today. I’ve written three books. I’ve raised two great kids who are now adults. I’ve been to some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world. I’ve been in some of the poorest places on the planet.*

And you …

Devotions, Goble Properties,

But I do own the damn road

Years ago, when car phones were just becoming a thing, our real estate business posted signs on an office building we managed. The building lacked parking, and the signs gave the usual warnings. They also encouraged people to call our number if there was a problem.

Sometimes, on short visits, I’d pull my car onto the curb to create a little extra room in the driveway. It wasn’t a legal parking space, but it didn’t harm anyone or anything.

One day somebody saw me do this and took real offense. I don’t know why it was such a big deal …

Devotions,

His Last Road Trip

Until a year ago, I never connected Lent with a road trip.

But then I realized there was definitely a connection. Bear with me, and (with tongue in cheek) I’ll explain.

Jesus went on several road trips. He was walking, I assume. No first century minivans.

Scholars debate the timing and route—but scholars debate pretty much everything. If only there had been a first-century Rick Steves with a Rand McNally atlas recording it all. A missed opportunity. Still, everyone agrees that Jesus moved around a lot during his ministry, and he likely visited Jerusalem several times.

So where in scripture, …

Devotions,

Easter Road Trip

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s been over a month since I’ve posted here. Thought I’d touch base and share a fun announcement.

The Advent devotions were so successful that we’ve decided to do another series for Easter. When I say “we” I mean all the people who helped on the past project. David helped with the writing, Anne with the editing, the good people at PathLight with the donation landing page, and the team at Parable with the marketing and behind the scenes tech stuff. Everyone felt like Advent was a big success, so thank you!

The Easter series will …

Junkyard Wisdom Book, Random Thoughts,

Pigeons, Easter, and Hope

Pigeon Monday!

For years I’ve wanted the Monday after Palm Sunday to be called Pigeon Monday in honor of Jesus flipping tables in the Temple. Yes, I know it’s silly, and I realize Hallmark isn’t ready to jump on the bandwagon. But the story has always made me smile because Jesus clearly had it in for the traders who specialized in pigeons.

On the Monday after what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered the Temple grounds and unleashed some fury. It was always one of my favorite Bible stories when I was a kid. The vision of the Messiah …

Random Thoughts,

The Garden Tomb

I posted a few photos of my 1974 trip to Israel on Friday, but I saved this last one for today. Somehow it seemed entirely appropriate to post a photo of my Mom standing in front of the empty Garden Tomb. It’s still empty. She’s still my Mom. And it was a joy to take her to worship this morning.

…

Random Thoughts,

Resurrection Sunday!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Today is truly a glorious day! The dread of Friday is past, the silence of Saturday is shattered with amazing news. Jesus Christ lives! The hopes of Palm Sunday are restored, but made anew and entirely pure. Now is a time to celebrate the Risen Savior!

Where is my Lord?
They have taken Him away.
All I see is a tomb, a place that is empty.
And just when I need Him,
and long for His voice,
even His body would not wait for my tears.

Shut away in a box, …

Random Thoughts,

He Is Risen!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Today is truly a glorious day! The dread of Friday is past, the silence of Saturday is shattered with amazing news. The hopes of Palm Sunday are restored, but made anew and entirely pure. Now is a time to celebrate the Risen Savior!

I’ve posted a reading (poem, prayer, hymn, whatever you’d like for it to be) from Celtic Daily Prayer. This devotional and prayer handbook seems to go everywhere with me these days. I hope you enjoy it and have a joyous Easter of celebration and worship.

Where is …