disciples – 300 words a day

But one thing I do

Huge dream. Big plans. Complete outline. Clear structure. That’s what I was thinking when I started working on the idea for this website. But that’s not how it’s starting. Instead, we are starting where most people started following Jesus. With a small, simple, uncertain but curious turning toward him. People do get way more focused, […]

by Jon Swanson

Who you hang out with can change you.

Peter and John stood in front of the leaders of their tribe. Imagine a random Catholic talking to the Pope and cardinals, an ordinary citizen in front of the Supreme Court or the President’s cabinet, a student in front of the university president and faculty, you in front of the people you grew up being […]

by Jon Swanson

Don’t be surprised.

The safety person came to our chaplain staff meeting one day. She needed to make sure that we knew how to use a fire extinguisher. She said some general stuff. And she said four things, slightly summarized here. The fire extinguisher is heavier than you think. The pin is hard to pull out than you […]

by Jon Swanson

Jesus needed a break.

He had been teaching, thoughtfully, skillfully. He had been taking on the powers of darkness. He was preparing his followers for his death, getting them ready for what they were going to watch. And for Jesus each day was full of resistance. There was the intentional resistance from those in power. There was the spiritual […]

by Paul Merrill

Burning hearts

While I’m traveling, I asked some friends to answer a question: What’s the story related to Jesus that is most compelling for you? Today’s post is from Paul Merrill. It was just three days after Jesus had been killed. Two of his followers went for a walk to be with other followers. They were passionately discussing […]