January 2013 – Page 3 – 300 words a day

One-click disciples

A bunch of guys, sitting around a campfire, laughing with Jesus. That’s what it was like. Or a group of women and men sitting on a hillside, trying to figure out what the truly good life looks like, with Jesus offering counsel, providing examples, challenging assumptions. We make being a disciple really complicated. So complicated […]

by Jon Swanson

What is that to you?

Jesus and Peter had just finished breakfast. Grilled fish and toast. There’s no textual evidence of coffee. (The story’s in John 21.) It was a somewhat awkward conversation. Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to affirm their relationship. It was probably to undo the three times Peter denied the relationship. Nothing specific was said about that […]

by Jon Swanson

A routine reminder

I completely forgot that I was going to read Psalm 19 every Monday in 2013. Until I remembered yesterday morning. I forgot that this year I was going to set aside 90 minute blocks of time like my friend Terry suggested. Until I remembered today. I forgot that I had started to write about routine, […]

by Jon Swanson

in the middle of the storm

(First published March 30, 2009) Commercial fishermen understand weather. Commercial fishermen understand water. That understanding is their salary. That understanding is their life. That understanding can mean their life, when a storm comes up unexpectedly. One day Jesus climbs in a boat. His disciples follow him. A storm comes up. They are scared to death. […]

by Jon Swanson

Prepare

I was washing dishes. I discovered my word for this year. Prepare. Sharp memories will remember that last year I didn’t have a planning word. Instead, I focused on Prepare. I wrote: Preparing is about being ready for what might come, for what could come. It’s about building capacity. It’s about building a heart that […]