Living Wide and Deep

Real leaders always begin by leading themselves. Power only needs a position. Leadership requires position, capacity, and skill. The Old Testament story of Nehemiah is a gold mine of leadership practices and principles! In the first chapter Nehemiah models two leadership practices: initiative and prayer. Nehemiah’s initiative leads to empathy, and his empathy leads to action. Genuine empathy alway...

Ever played a mystery game based on figuring out clues? Ever had someone say your name in "that" way? Ever heard, "Three strikes! You're out!?" Three of Jesus' followers could tell stories about these scenarios! Their experiences can empower and transform us as we encounter hard times in our lives. A folded piece of cloth gave John a divine clue to the whereabouts of Jesus' body after his death an...

What was Jesus’ #1 reason for coming to the world as the God-Man? We don’t have to guess at this answer because Jesus stated it plainly. Not to the religious leaders. Not even to his disciples. But to a Roman politician. Pilate, to be exact. Jesus answered Pilate’s infamous query, “What is truth?” by saying, “This is the reason I have come into the world: to bear witness to the truth.” As follower...

Everyone in Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution by crucifixion was motivated, at least in part, by fear. Everyone, that is, except Jesus. Fear is a powerful driver of human behavior, even when it masquerades as concern for others. One fear or another will dominate every person’s life: a holy fear that leads towards God or an unholy fear that drives away from God. It’s not always easy to discern th...

Mike Tyson once answered a reporter’s question about an upcoming bout with a rival by saying, “Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” That sums up Jesus’ disciples experience on the night of their last Passover together. Jesus knew what was coming. They had no clue. They probably had plans. For later that night. For the next day. Likely they had a plan for the rest of their l...

Be honest. There's at least one person you would like to "uninvite" to Thanksgiving -- if not all events you'll ever attend. They make giving thanks a spiritual discipline! (Okay, maybe that's just me. I'm still a work in progress.) It's easy to give thanks when we're comfortable and things are going our way. Not so much when we're called upon to do things we don't want to do -- and might even be...

Have you ever known the pain of betrayal by a close friend? If you’re honest (which, of course, you are), did you want to let everyone in your circle know about the betrayal? It’s astounding how Jesus doesn’t do that when he knows Judas is going to betray him. What’s even more amazing is Jesus makes no last-minute effort to stop Judas from what he was going to do! As we continue to look to the gos...

What does Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s famous expression that when God calls a person, He says “Come and die!” mean in everyday life? Is “dying to ourselves” a different way of expressing God’s goal is to erase us? We investigate this in today’s episode as we wrap up John 12. In addition, we see: Jesus acknowledges his heart is “troubled.” He doesn't dance his way into the coming spiritual battle; he fig...

How does a person measure real change in themselves or someone else? What’s the point of Bible prophecy? We dive into both of those topics from the gospel of John. Yep, in that book Jesus displays the purpose of Biblical prophecy – of telling it forward. We also get savvy about measuring behavioral patterns to assess whether there’s stagnation or genuine growth occurring in ourselves and others. N...

I doubt when Mary and Martha saw Jesus raise their beloved brother from the dead they anticipated Lazarus would soon be targeted for assassination. Yet that’s what happens. One of the reasons we must identify and confront right & wrong is because of its eventual outcome, not just its immediate impact in a person or society. I doubt when Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine at...

Martha is so relatable! One minute she’s telling Jesus she knows he is the Christ, the Son of God. The next, she’s informing him that if they roll the stone away from Lazarus’ tomb, there’s going to be an odor. Can you relate to the tension of believing in God and then questioning his wisdom when he asks you to do something? I can! Along with exploring this topic, we see that the linen strips of c...

John 11 is perhaps most famously known for containing the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” Yet why was he crying? Sure, Lazarus had died, but Jesus knew he was getting ready to bring him back from the dead. Why waste time weeping? Nine verses in this chapter reveal powerful truths such as the ones we unpack in this episode: 1. We are never rebuked for coming to Jesus with our “Why?” and...

How would you like to be known by only one event in your life? Not me! Unfortunately, that's often what happens to Martha of "Mary & Martha" Biblical fame. Mary gets applauded because she's prioritizing listening and Martha is chided because she's concentrating on serving. But what about the other Mary & Martha stories? In John 11 we see a Martha worthy of our respect and emulation. The si...

Kenny Rogers' song, "The Gambler," included these lines: "You gotta' know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run." You may be wondering what that has to do with John 10, but hold on. It's relevant! Jesus demonstrates the necessity of discernment in dealing with people. He shows sometimes you stay and respond to people's questions (and accusations). Someti...

Thieves and wolves are coming for you. Maybe not the kind with masks and fangs, but those who are out to steal you (and your children's) innocence, virtue, reputation, and opportunities. How can you be on guard to recognize and defeat these foes? In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the Door to the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd. A door provides safety and filters who gets access to the sheep....

What's the one item you possess no one can steal? Your story. Others may refute, ignore, or devalue it, but no one can steal your story. In our concluding look at the blind man's healing in John 9, we see the power of sharing your story -- and the cost. Others can only hear your story through their filter, and if their filter is jealousy, hate, contempt, or fear, don't expect your story to matter....

You'd think everyone would have cheered. Hugged the man and given praise to God. Nope. Nada. Didn't happen. Healed after spending his life blind from birth, instead the man experiences division, interrogation, disbelief, and rejection. Even the man's family kinda' throws him under the bus. The same happens today when people experience a significant transformation or receive a miracle from God. We...

Jesus had no formula for healing. He spoke. He touched people. He prayed over them. He mixed dirt with his spit and spread it on their eyes. Wait, what?! What would you be willing to endure to receive healing? To gain clarity? A new perspective? How about mud in your eyes? We dive into the story of the man blind from birth who received his sight through two choices: a) the humility to get spit &am...

Ever deal with narcissistic, arrogant, immature, or controlling people? If you asked others, would (could?) they be honest enough to say if that's how they experienced you? Jesus dealt with these individuals, and through his exchanges with them, we can see their traits and tactics. Finishing our look at the 7th chapter of John's gospel, we'll unpack: how leaders use fear to control others when the...

Have you ever heard the statement, "God doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called?" I have -- many times and for many years. I think it's dangerous. One inaccurate interpretation of Scripture can keep people from believing in Jesus. Yet we're still held responsible for whether we recognize Truth or not! Today we continue with our study of John 7, specifically looking at four key topics:...

Why did God place such a premium on feasts, festivals, and commemorations? By the time Jesus lived on earth, the Jewish calendar didn't have more than three months lapse before there was another sacred event to participate in. Why? Remembering yesterdays makes a difference in how we live today -- or at least it should. God knew his people needed to remember his faithfulness, provision, love, and c...

Jesus could make some weird statements. Especially if taken at face value. Start talking about "eating my flesh" and "drinking my blood," and that can raise some eyebrows. So why did Jesus make these statements? To separate the "deep thinkers" from the "surface thinkers." Those who came to Jesus to learn from him were required to think deeply while those who were after what he could do for them we...

No stories. Just straight talk, repeatedly emphasizing a couple of key points. It's rare that Jesus spoke for long in this style. So when he did, it's worth paying extra attention. In the last almost 30 verses in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, Jesus emphasizes these crucial truths: He has come from God, the Father. Everything he does is in unity with God. There will be a resurrection of the dead w...

Ever wondered if a weak, one-liner, prayer irritates God? Wonder if you'll ever be free from the pain of remembering past mistakes? In Part 2, Ruth Hovsepian shares how weak prayers formed the ladder to escape the muck of addiction; setting her on solid, sober ground. Your spirit will soar as you're encouraged to know: • God despises no one's prayer, no matter how small or frail • Nothing can ever...

How have people treated you when you've walked through dark times? Have you experienced more throwing of stones or offers of support? What about when others face difficulties, whether of their own making, someone else's, or a combination? What's your response? In Part 1 of my interview with Ruth Hovsepian, you'll be challenged to examine your attitudes towards others who are hurting encouraged to...