Author: Jon Harris

In the 1990s there was an advertising series for Gatorade with the theme “Be Like Mike”. This “Mike” is the world-famous Michael Jordan, typically referred to as the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan was and is a global cultural icon.

When I’ve been to faraway lands and people ask me where I am from in the USA, instead of saying Michigan I say “near Chicago”. And when they stare blankly as if they do not know where Chicago is, I say “Chicago Bulls” and then they say “oh, Michael Jordan!”. This actually happens quite often!

The intent of “Be Like Mike” was to convince people that if they drank Gatorade, they would be like Michael Jordan. In case you weren’t aware, drinking Gatorade does not by any means make you or anyone else even remotely similar to Michael Jordan.

Just as Michael Jordan is unique, so are you. You are loved by God more than you may know. And when we try to be something we are not, we become just a cheap imitation. Our value to God does not change based on how good (or bad) we are, the results we achieve, or even if we choose not to follow him – he loves us nonetheless.

The concept of “cheap imitation” can also be compared to our objects of worship. Surely none of us bow down and worship our phones, calendars, homes, cars, or children however these things can become idols if we are not careful. Our worship is only as valuable as what or whom we worship.

They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them. (2 Kings 17:15 NLT)

Being like Mike might have sold sports drinks, but in reality, being like anyone else just sells us short. God’s love for you isn’t based on performance or perfection—it’s based on who you are, His beloved child. Don’t settle for imitations. Live in the truth that your worth comes from a God who loves you deeply and desires our worship, not of the world’s idols, but of Christ alone.

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 17; Psalm 66; 1 Corinthians 7

Today like most days nearly everything was scheduled. From the time to get up, leave for the gym, return from the gym, get ready, join a call, depart for the airport, and then the flight departure. All of these times were known up front, and I was slightly off schedule for most. The most important and inflexible time was of course the flight. Once the gates are closed, there is absolutely no entry.

I’ve known about this flight for weeks so technically I’ve been able to prepare and be ready for more than enough time. Which luggage to bring, clothes, toiletries, shoes, and anything else? There was plenty of time to make dining reservations at our destination but I waited until the last minute.

The bottom line is, there was a schedule, and I knew the precise planned time for each. It was up to me to be ready or not.

Today’s reading includes the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. In this parable, the bridesmaids were to await the bridegroom. The bridegroom ended up being late and while waiting, five of the bridesmaids had lamps that ran out of oil. The ill-prepared bridesmaids missed the bridegroom as they went to buy oil. Those who were ready and waiting were allowed to enter the feast, and then the door was locked. Upon the return of the other bridesmaids, they realized they missed out due to their lack of preparation.

¹¹ Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ ¹² “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ (Matthew 25:11-12)

Just like a flight when the gates are closed, there is no reopening, so we must always be ready for the return of Christ. Given our busy lives and schedules, how much do we really anticipate his return? Too often I am guilty of going through the motions, onto the next calendar event when my true hope, longing and anticipation should be for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• What if today was the day? Are you ready?
• What will you do to prepare?
• Where is your heart and mental focus? Earthly calendars or Heavenly appointments?
• Are you praying for others to be ready?

From 2019 through the middle of 2023, I faced some persecution. Many of my posts during this timeframe reflected on this persecution whether directly or indirectly. I wrote about sorrow, fear, anxiety, sleepless nights, feelings of helplessness, and much more.

Writing now in August 2024 about one year after that season ended, I am still reflecting on the ordeal. I am grateful that it is over and with that, I am also grateful for being strengthened both mentally and spiritually as a result.

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44 ESV

While it might initially feel wrong or strange, praying for those who persecute you will change your life. Holding onto bitterness and anger only results in holding ourselves hostage and will only worsen things. Prayer through this persecution is a faith step to give it all to God. This prayer brings freedom, peace, and an unexplainable oneness with Him.

I fully confess that there were many times I failed in this realm, and bursts of anger brought temporary satisfaction which turned to guilt. Those were the moments I regretted most.

Don’t just take my word for it, consider the persecution Jesus faced throughout his life from the religious leaders, people in his hometown, a corrupt government, and ultimately those who betrayed, mocked, tortured, and killed him. He was THE example of praying for those who persecute us. Surely, he was tempted but he never failed and we praise him for his perfect love, sacrifice, and resurrection through which we can receive eternal life.

If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. (Matthew 5:46)

Today’s reading: 2 Kings 4-6; Matthew 5

Ever since I can remember, my mom has been a person of faith. She’s always been a prayer warrior, an avid student of The Bible through study and memorization, and one who has sought to lead others to Christ. My mom loved to lead the children’s choir in church when I was a kid, she’s led countless Bible studies, and has had a loving heart for marginalized or disadvantaged people. Her paintings subtly reflect Christian messaging and her love of God’s creations.

She loved the unlovable. She hated the sin, but loved the sinner. I can still hear her singing the words “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight”.

Her mission field was planet Earth. The golf course, the swimming pool, her kid’s sporting events, her neighborhood, a local university’s foreign student hosting program, family gatherings, the hospital, you name it. She talked about Jesus until she could talk no more.

I was also recently reflecting on my mom’s insistence that we attend vacation Bible school (VBS) every summer when we were kids. I don’t recall ever wanting to go, especially since VBS started immediately following the never-ending elementary school year. In my mind, it was summer break, and that meant “do what I want, when I want”. It was only after VBS that summer was in full swing. Reflecting on it now though, I recall having fun and learning at VBS even though it wasn’t my decision to go.

Same with church on Sundays. I used to pretend I was sleeping or be as quiet as possible on Sunday mornings with the hope that my mom would somehow forget to go to church or decide that I didn’t need to go, yet that never happened.

Regardless of any of the decisions she made for us that I didn’t like, I know now it was 100% meant for the spiritual growth of my father, my sisters, and me. What has marked her entire life is she never gave up on us nor her God, no matter what happened. There were certainly times when frustrated with each of us she rightfully gave everything over to God, but this didn’t mean she gave up.

My mom has suffered from back pain for as long as I can remember. She’s also suffered from foot pain and numbness. She’s also had to cope with severe depression and bipolar disorder with much of this a mystery to many as the related behaviors have been difficult for us to understand. Equal to or worse than the physical and mental suffering, my mom grew up in a home where she felt unloved and not valued. I believe her heart for the downtrodden and outsiders is much because she identifies with these people groups. In parallel, she’s experienced the unfathomable love of Christ her entire life so she’s wanted others to feel the same love, no matter how unloved they are by the people of this earth.

As she nears the end, she has trouble communicating, walking, eating, and other normal activities. Her time is near however with each day there is peace in knowing Heaven will soon gain another beautiful soul, and her pain and sorrow will turn into eternal joy.

I love you mom.

Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 10-12; 2 Timothy 4

What do you pray about? What don’t you pray about?

While out on a walk recently, I passed an area with an abundance of stunningly beautiful flowers. The shape, size, texture, smell, and colors of the flowers were amazing and after passing by I felt the instinct to go back and pause for a moment to take in and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. It was a wonderful and lasting memory.

How much beauty and goodness is in our paths daily that we might not appreciate enough or be prone to desensitization because we experience it often? To name some things… Sunsets, the sun peeking through the clouds, pristine blue skies, lakes, starry nights, the laughter of friends and family, the smell of freshly prepared food, an unexpected smile from a stranger, a hug just at the right time, rest for our weary souls, or even a mere cool drink of fresh, clean water when we are thirsty.

Too often, we rush through life, missing these moments. This brings me to a crucial eternal resource: Prayer.

The Importance of Prayer

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Thessalonians 3

As I read today’s scriptures, I realized the author (Paul, inspired by God) started this section with an important calling so we should take note.

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

Those verses serve as a reminder to pray in all circumstances. Slow down and pray for those who are serving, suffering, preaching, and teaching.

• Out for a walk? Pray.
• Just had an argument? Pray.
• Overwhelmed with joy? Pray.
• Consumed with guilt or fear? Pray.

Reflecting on History

Our family is preparing to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland. The sufferings of the victims of the Nazi regime were unparalleled. In today’s tumultuous times, we have much to complain about yet so much to be thankful for—freedom in our country, God’s creation and blessings, and most importantly freedom and salvation in and through Jesus Christ.

May we never forget.

Will you pray with me?

Father God, forgive us for not praying enough, for putting ____________ first in our lives before our relationship with you. Forgive our selfishness, greed, and judgmental hearts. We lift up those who are suffering near and far. Deliver your servants from wicked and evil men. We ask for your Holy Spirit to speak truth in our lives, for your will to be done. Your ways are perfect, may we trust you more each day, filling our lives with more of you and less of us. Thank you for your never-ending love. Thank you for being a God who listens and responds. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice and forgiveness. Amen.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Recently a colleague, friend, and brother in Christ asked me how I was doing so I gave him an immediate shallow response of “all good” (I lied). He then asked with a warmer sentiment, “How are you really doing my brother?” I paused briefly to decide whether or not to let my guard down, knowing that a real conversation would likely result in me having tears. Many thoughts rushed through my brain as I mentally spun the roulette wheel to decide which emotional compartment to open. Do I open up about my mom, my dad, changes at work, our pending relocation, something else, or keep holding it all in?

What did I have to lose by being vulnerable? Was it pride holding me back? Life is too short to mask our emotions so I took a chance and let it all out.

Don’t let the sin of pride get in the way of being vulnerable. We were made to have relationships with other humans and most importantly, with our creator. Open your heart, and let His love pour in. From the conversations that followed, my spirit felt renewed. The Holy Spirit was and is at work.

¹³ A glad heart makes a happy face;
    a broken heart crushes the spirit.

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health. (Proverbs 15:13, 15, 30)

Today’s reading: Proverbs 14-15; Romans 14

Do you have a problem with no apparent resolution? If so, what emotions are you experiencing? Have you considered what God might be trying to teach you or how he is trying to shape you?

There’s a situation where my wife and I have no idea what we are going to do. We are both combinatorial thinkers and planners, however, no matter what we come up with, we don’t like any of the options. We have been discussing the topic for over two months and nothing has changed. As a result, we are experiencing some feelings of sadness and helplessness.

Without sharing the situation, it goes something like this. We can’t go back, we can’t stay where we are, we must go forward. Something has to change.

It is in these seasons where God always does his best work. We are being prepared for something but we are not sure what that “something” is. We have to remember that this isn’t a “me” or “us” story, this is a God story. Our only option, our only hope is to put all of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

“If you’re a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don’t call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it’s something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift.” (Romans 4-5, The Message)

The Message version of those verses really struck me because what we are facing is just too big, only God can do it. It is a reminder that we (like most people) need to stop trying so hard and give everything over to God. His story, his glory.

Have you ever watched the television game show “The Price Is Right” (TPIR)? I used to watch it as a kid and I wasn’t even interested in most of the products on the show. It was the excitement to guess the price and to see what sort of prizes would be offered! While writing this post I checked out some YouTube videos of TPIR in the 1980s and the one I stumbled across had the contestants bidding on “picture heaters”. The contestants and even Bob Barker were confused as to what a picture heater was (and I still am).

My whole life I’ve been fascinated with prices and I am certain that if I were a contestant on TPIR I’d win a new car. My obsession with prices drives my wife crazy. She bought egg whites the other day, and then my curiosity kicked in… The container says 15 eggs so my guess would be $7 so to find out if I was correct, I asked her how much they were. She said, “I don’t know, I’ll have to check the receipt”. Knowing I can be annoying about this I held off for a couple of days and asked again. Unfortunately, there’s no receipt so I’m making plans to head to the store and find out myself. I just have to know. Was the price right?

While the price-guessing game is fun, it reminds me of the things in life that cost everything and the things that cost nothing. Price is always important.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 3-5; 1 Chronicles 12; Psalm 122; Acts 22

In Acts 22:24-25 Paul is about to be whipped so he asks the centurion if this treatment was lawful for a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned.

“I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!” (Acts 22:28)

Paul’s citizenship ended up saving him from the beating. He paid nothing for it, yet it could have saved his life. This leads to thoughts of the cross where like the commander, the cross cost Jesus plenty (everything), yet salvation for us is a free gift if we choose to put our faith, hope, and trust in Christ alone.

Too often I find myself wanting more of the things I don’t need and not being thankful for the things I already have. Let’s pause together to give thanks, palms up, eyes closed with gratitude for the one who paid it all.

This week I met with my senior leadership team in person for three days of visioneering. We spent a lot of time planning and preparing for our time together. We all live far away from each other, so we are used to constant meetings online. To be most effective together, we needed to ensure the topics were those that were best suited to be discussed in person. We came up with a strong and detailed agenda (with room for flexibility as needed) and we all looked forward to the event.

Our meetings were incredible. Laptops were closed, phones were set to “do not disturb”, and we brought out the best in each other through challenging conversations, openness, professionalism, creativity, and passion. We had all our meals together and we ensured there was time to unwind and take a break from work talk.

Apart from the tangible results of innovative ideas and plans, the best part was that we bonded as a team. We resolved conflicts healthily and we built each other up through encouraging words. I left the meeting feeling confident and optimistic.

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 17; 1 Chronicles 2; Acts 12

In Acts 12 we learn about a horrible leader, King Herod Agrippa who was persecuting believers. “He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.” (Acts 12:2). This wretched man was persecuting believers (and arrested Peter) for his own popularity (ref v3).

Things started to go south for Herod Agrippa when Peter miraculously escaped from prison. As Peter was nowhere to be found, Herod Agrippa sentenced the prison guards to death (ref v19).

Surely God’s anger was kindled for Herod Agrippa but so far God hadn’t zapped him.

Let’s go back to my work visioneering session. I was in my element, feeling good about the results and my team gave me some positive feedback. When this happened, did I respond with humility in a Christ-honoring way or did I consume it with pride, with the thought that it is “all about me”? How about the last time someone complimented you? Where was your heart and focus?

Let’s just say that when I read the next verse, I was convicted:

Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. (Acts 12:23)

Consumed with worms and died! Herod Agrippa did so many horrible things, but God let him go on until he tried to steal God’s glory. Thankfully as we repent of our pride and other sins, we are forgiven through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To him be the glory forever.

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

This week a good friend of mine “Michael” was updating me about some of his life struggles. I said (based on my own experiences over the last couple years), “I hope you find the emotional space to just break down and cry out;  sometimes it is all we can do.” He responded by saying, “I think I’ve cried so much over the last few years my tears are gone…“

His reply struck me deeply. I was cut to the heart. What else could I do to help someone who has no more tears left to cry?

The following is a post I wrote a few years ago with verses from Acts 2 where the response to Peter’s sermon resulted in people being “cut to the heart”.

Pocket Sermon from Peter
Peter gives us what I refer to as a “pocket sermon” (something to keep closely with us for reuse at any given moment) as he summarizes the Gospels in Acts 2:22-24.

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

The Gospel summary:

1. God endorses Jesus through his ability to perform miracles
2. Jesus is crucified
3. Jesus conquers death, thus proving his deity

These are the kinds of verses that succinctly tell the story of Jesus as the Messiah from his many miracles through death, burial, and resurrection.  Memorizing verses like this is a great way to be ready to share Biblical truth with those who do not yet believe, as well as a great reminder as to why we follow this man Jesus, God in the flesh.

After Peter’s sermon, we’re told that those who heard it were “cut to the heart” and they asked “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Why were they cut to the heart? Because that’s what God’s word does:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

When we hear the word of God through the Bible something supernatural occurs and God is literally speaking to us.  How great it is that our creator cares enough to communicate with us today!

As for Peter’s audience and me as well, sin deems us “guilty” for crucifying Jesus. What shall we do then?

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Would you consider praying for an opportunity to share the Gospel story with someone today so that they too may be forgiven, and their souls saved for an eternity?

As for my friend Michael (and for the “Michaels” in all of our lives) this is a continued opportunity to pray for him and share the love and grace of our Lord Jesus.

Today’s reading: Judges 19-21; Acts 2