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Devotions

The Gospel of Mark

In past years the Easter devotions were based on the Gospel of Luke. This year they are based on the Gospel of Mark. It’s a good source for short, simple devotions because the author wrote in a very direct manner.

The brevity of the writing lends itself to what I do well. Namely, make stuff up to fill in the blank spots! I will read a story in Mark and immediately have questions. The book leaves the reader begging for more detail.

Here’s an example. One passage that won’t be in the devotions is Mark 2:18-22. There are several …

Devotions,

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,

Calling all Teachers

Calling all teachers! Well, most of them anyway.

In a few months another series of my Road Trip Devotions will be coming out. This series will look at those moments when someone addresses Jesus as teacher. These passages have some of the more interesting lessons from Jesus, and they often have a subplot that few talk about. Or at least subplots I see, so I’m going with my instincts.

My mom was my greatest teacher, so I’m dedicating this series to her. I think she’d feel honored, but probably a little embarrassed. She was never a professional teacher but she …

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 …

Apocryphal, Devotions, Generosity,

Gratitude

A few months ago, when I was writing devotions for Lent, I came across a Thanksgiving story that I turned into a Christmas story … and now I’m turning back into a Thanksgiving story. Well, sorta. You be the judge.

The story is in Luke 17:11-19 and (oddly) it reminds me of being a parent at Christmas.

Jesus enters a village. Ten lepers call out for healing, and Jesus tells them to head toward church and they’ll be healed along the way.

The ten lepers do this, and all ten are healed, but only one of them returns to thank …

Book Reviews, Devotions, PathLight,

Smart Brevity

Emails, snail mail, Slack messages, texts, books, tweets, posts, blogs, reports, articles, shared documents … we are awash in communications!

Shouldn’t we stop a moment and think about how we write all this stuff?

Back in 2020, when the world felt unprecedented, a friend suggested the news service Axios. Short, simple emails that cover the top news stories in 2-3 minutes arrive each day, with links to go deeper.

Just recently the founders of Axios have written Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More With Less.

The world needs this book.

At least I do. And many …