Cyndi and I, like many of you, enjoy certain forms of reality TV. Cyndi’s favorite shows tend to be the home renovation series — especially Home Town and Fixer to Fabulous. And honestly, I enjoy those too… at least to a point. But I find myself especially drawn to...
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, our attention is already filling with arguments about history, patriotism, politics, identity, and the meaning of America itself. Some voices will insist that the story of our nation is simple. Others will...
The Sabbath was made for the good of human beings; they were not made for the Sabbath. Mark 2:23–28 Questions for Life Groups Read Mark 2:23–28 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Sabbath. This week, take one intentional period of quiet, eat one unhurried...
We live in one of the most prosperous societies the world has ever known. By many measures, we have more access, more convenience, and more opportunity than previous generations could have imagined. And yet, for all that abundance, something doesn’t feel right. First,...
Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35–39 Questions for Life Groups Read Mark 1:35–39 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Prayer. This week, set...
As I was sitting at a traffic light on my way home the other day, I noticed the sign at the corner gas station. The price read $4.95. I found myself looking twice, just to be sure I was seeing it correctly. Yep—regular unleaded. It wasn’t just the number. It was that...
Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me! Luke 10:38–42 Questions for Life Groups Read Luke 10:38–42 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Busy. This week, before we speak in the name of Jesus,...
There are weeks when I find myself grumbling about things quite close to home: my busy schedule, too many doctors’ appointments, my own struggles to slow down and pay attention. Most importantly, there are times when I feel like I’m missing out on the joy of what’s...
What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Mark 10:46–52 Questions for Life Groups Read Mark 10:46–52 and this week’s Circuit Rider article titled Unsure. This week, choose one moment to stop—not fix everything, not solve the system—but notice, listen, and...
It happens to all of us. We’re exiting off the interstate and see someone with a sign at the end of the ramp, asking for money. Sometimes we roll down our window and offer a small donation. Most of us, most of the time, ignore them. After all, we’re almost always in a...