The Humble Heart Receives Everything It Needs

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Reflections on Psalm 25

Psalm 25 is one of David’s most personal prayers. It’s written as an acrostic poem, with each line following the Hebrew alphabet. Much like our alphabet song helps us remember our ABCs, this structure likely helped God’s people remember the truths contained in the psalm.

But David isn’t trying to help us remember information. He’s teaching us something much deeper: the posture of a humble heart before God.

At the center of the psalm is this beautiful promise:

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalm 25:9)

That verse captures the big idea of the entire chapter:

The humble heart receives everything it needs.

As David prays, we see three gifts God gives to those who come to Him humbly: guidance, grace, and protection.

Receive God’s Guidance

David begins by lifting his soul to the Lord in prayer:

“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 25:1)

A humble heart doesn’t start by looking inward for answers. It looks upward.

Notice what David does. He prays. He trusts. He asks to learn.

Repeatedly, he says:

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4)

David isn’t demanding his own way. He’s asking God to shape him. That’s the difference between pride and humility. Pride wants God to bless our plans. Humility wants God to direct our steps.

Many of us want guidance, but David reminds us that guidance begins with trust. He approaches God with confidence in God’s character and in His faithfulness.

The humble heart says, “Lord, teach me. I’m willing to follow.”

Experience God’s Grace

The middle section of Psalm 25 is filled with reminders of God’s mercy, steadfast love, and forgiveness.

David looks back on God’s faithfulness and then honestly acknowledges his own failures:

“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions.” (Psalm 25:7)

There is something refreshing about David’s honesty. He doesn’t excuse his sin. He doesn’t minimize it. In fact, he says:

“Pardon my guilt, for it is great.” (Psalm 25:11)

Humility doesn’t pretend we’re better than we are. It agrees with God about our need for forgiveness.

Yet David’s focus is not ultimately on the greatness of his sin but on the greatness of God’s grace.

The good news of Psalm 25 is that God instructs sinners, forgives sinners, and welcomes sinners who come to Him with repentant hearts.

God’s grace is always greater than our failures.

The humble heart experiences that grace because it is willing to admit its need.

Rest in God’s Protection

The final section of the psalm reveals that David is carrying significant burdens. He feels lonely. He feels afflicted. He faces enemies. Yet through it all, he continues to turn toward God.

When distress comes, God is his refuge.

When sin is exposed, God is his forgiver.

When battles arise, God is his defender.

David writes:

“The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.” (Psalm 25:17)

Many of us know exactly what that feels like. We have experienced seasons when our hearts feel overwhelmed, relationships are strained, and circumstances seem bigger than we are.

David’s response is not self-reliant. It is dependence.

Even while acknowledging his enemies, he keeps his eyes fixed on the Lord. His confidence is not found in his strength but in God’s faithfulness.

The humble heart finds rest because it knows who is fighting its battles.

A Final Thought

Psalm 25 reminds us that humility is not weakness. It is the posture that places us in a position to receive from God.

Those who humbly come to Him receive guidance when they need direction, grace when they need forgiveness, and protection when they face trouble.

The invitation of Psalm 25 is simple:

Come to God with a teachable heart.

Trust His character.

Confess your need.

Wait on Him.

The humble heart receives everything it needs because it finds everything it needs in Him.

Cycling the Ohio to Erie Trail: Day 4 – Mount Liberty Berry Barn to Prairie Grass Trailhead

After a relaxing evening at Mount Liberty Berry Barn and one of the best nights of hospitality on the entire Ohio to Erie Trail, we packed up for another day of riding.

Day 4 would take us approximately 70 miles from Mount Liberty Berry Barn to the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London, Ohio. On paper, it looked like a straightforward day. In reality, it would become the day that tested my patience more than any other day of the trip.

A Great Start to the Morning

As usual, the day began early.

We woke around 6:00 a.m., enjoyed coffee and breakfast, packed our dew-covered tents, and prepared for another day on the trail.

One of the highlights of staying at Mount Liberty Berry Barn was Sue’s breakfast. She prepared an omelet, fruit, and coffee, and it was exactly what I needed before a long day in the saddle. One of the guys was missing their order. She drove back home and took care of him! Sue’s the best!

Before leaving, we said goodbye to several cyclists we had met the night before, including Terry, the retired attorney who was riding solo across Ohio.

One of the things I love most about bicycle touring is how quickly complete strangers become friends.

Riding Toward Columbus

The miles came fairly easily during the first portion of the day.

The northern approach into Columbus was actually much easier than I expected. The trail was well-marked and easy to follow.

For long stretches, the trail runs alongside the interstate. Navigation isn’t difficult, but the constant roar of traffic can be mentally exhausting. For mile after mile, you hear trucks and cars flying past at highway speeds.

It isn’t dangerous, but it certainly isn’t peaceful.

Still, the trail itself remained excellent.

Through Columbus

I had heard mixed reviews about riding through Columbus, but overall, I found it manageable.

The northern side of the city was straightforward. If you slow down, pay attention to the map, and don’t rush, getting through downtown Columbus isn’t nearly as difficult as some people make it out to be.

The key is simply being patient. We slowed way down and really paid attention to the map.

Ride With GPS was becoming much more familiar to me by this point, and I felt significantly more confident navigating urban areas than I did back in Cleveland.

The city ride wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t stressful either.

South Columbus Was Different

The southern portion of Columbus was a completely different experience.

As we moved farther south, the trail passed through areas that felt significantly less safe and less well-maintained.

There was trash scattered throughout portions of the trail corridor. We saw numerous homeless encampments, abandoned shopping carts, and several neighborhoods that appeared to be struggling economically. Part of the trail had natural trails leading off into the woods. They were definitely not the ones you’d want to take a side trip on.

During the day, it wasn’t a major issue. We never felt directly threatened, and nobody bothered us.

But I would absolutely not want to ride that section after dark.

For anyone planning the OTET, my recommendation would be simple: get through South Columbus during daylight hours.

The trail itself remains rideable, but the overall environment changes considerably from what you experience in northern Columbus.

Eddie thought he needed a banana south of Columbus. We almost stopped at a Dollar General, but the bars on the windows and exterior garage door for protection quickly changed our minds.

The Last Few Miles

Late in the afternoon, Eddie’s battery finally did what he’d been worried about all day.

It quit.

Ironically, it happened only a few miles from camp.

The trail was flat and easy to ride, but Eddie decided to stop at a church pavilion we found along the route and charge for a while.

At that point, I was ready to be done for the day.

I rode ahead to camp for the last 2.5 miles while he stayed behind to charge.

Arriving at Prairie Grass Trailhead

The Prairie Grass Trailhead is a free primitive campground located in London, Ohio.

The site itself is fairly simple.

There are no designated campsites, no campground hosts, and not many amenities. You simply call the county, let them know you’re staying overnight, and set up camp.

What it lacks in amenities, however, it makes up for with convenience.

The pavilion had electricity, which was exactly what we needed for our bikes.

There was also a restroom facility and a spigot with hot water available outside the bathhouse.

I learned something new there: what some touring cyclists call a “bottle bath.”

You soap up, fill a bottle with warm water, and rinse off manually.

Surprisingly, it worked quite well.

Meeting Tyler from Ty’s Rides

One of the highlights of the evening was meeting another cyclist named Tyler.

Tyler runs a YouTube channel called “Ty’s Rides” and was on an incredible journey from Kansas City to Maine. Tyler mentions us in this YouTube short!

Every year, he chooses a major cycling challenge, and this year’s adventure was crossing much of the eastern United States before meeting his girlfriend in Maine.

He was moving fast.

Compared to our pace, Tyler was covering a huge amount of mileage each day and making excellent time.

We spent quite a while talking about routes, equipment, camping, and future rides.

Those conversations are one of my favorite parts of long-distance touring.

A Free Campground Worth Remembering

Prairie Grass Trailhead isn’t a destination campground.

Nobody would drive across the country to stay there.

But for bicycle tourists riding the OTET, it serves its purpose perfectly.

It offers shelter, electricity, water, restrooms, and a safe place to spend the night.

Sometimes that’s all you need.

Day 4 Statistics

  • Start: Mount Liberty Berry Barn
  • Finish: Prairie Grass Trailhead, London, Ohio
  • Distance: Approximately 70 miles
  • Weather: Warm and humid
  • Trail Conditions: Excellent overall
  • Biggest Challenge: Battery management and mental fatigue
  • Highlight: Meeting Tyler from Ty’s Rides
  • Temp: 83/58

Lessons Learned

  • Columbus is easier to navigate than many cyclists suggest.
  • The northern side of Columbus is enjoyable for riding.
  • South Columbus should be ridden during daylight hours.
  • Constant traffic noise can be surprisingly exhausting.
  • Free campgrounds can be some of the most useful stops on a bicycle tour.

Tomorrow would be our final overnight on the Ohio to Erie Trail as we headed toward Morrow, Ohio, and one of the most unique camping experiences of the entire trip.

Cycling the Ohio to Erie Trail: Day 3 – Turkey Hollow Campground to Mount Liberty Berry Barn

After our longest and most difficult day on the trail, Day 3 felt like a gift.

We woke up at Turkey Hollow Campground, sore but encouraged. The previous day had stretched us with 83 miles of riding, battery management, and a brutal gravel climb into camp. Thankfully, Day 3 would be much shorter at approximately 50 miles.

The morning started much like every other day on the trip: coffee from Eddie’s AeroPress, oatmeal, and packing up dew-soaked tents. By now, we had settled into a routine. We were usually awake by 5:30 a.m., out of our sleeping bags around 6:00, and rolling by 8:00 or shortly thereafter.

Before leaving, we carefully pushed our loaded bikes back down the steep gravel hill that had been such a challenge the night before. We planned to camp the next night at the primitive site shown above, but heard about an amazing place called the Berry Barn, so we headed there!

Finding Our Touring Rhythm

By the third day, both of us had learned something important about our pace.

For us, the sweet spot on loaded e-bikes seemed to be somewhere between 50 and 60 miles per day. We could certainly ride farther, but once we pushed beyond 60 miles, fatigue became noticeable, and the ride became less enjoyable.

That realization shaped the rest of the trip.

The shorter mileage allowed us to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend more time talking with people we met along the way.

A Beautiful Day on the Trail

The riding itself was relatively easy compared to previous days. We passed through beautiful farmland, small towns, and long stretches of peaceful trail.

The OTET continued to impress me with its variety. One moment we would be riding through quiet countryside, and the next we’d find ourselves passing through a small community with restaurants, parks, and local businesses.

There is something refreshing about traveling at bicycle speed. You notice things you would never see from a car.

You hear conversations, smell restaurants before you see them, and have opportunities to stop and talk with people you would otherwise pass by.

Arriving at Mount Liberty Berry Barn

One of the reasons we kept this day shorter was because we had heard such great things about Mount Liberty Berry Barn.

Those recommendations turned out to be absolutely correct.

Mount Liberty Berry Barn is located directly on the Ohio to Erie Trail and has become one of the most cyclist-friendly stops along the route. Sue and her husband have created something special there.

When we arrived in the afternoon, Sue greeted us and got us checked in for the night. Tent camping was only $25, and she offered both dinner and breakfast options for cyclists.

The hospitality was incredible.

An Unexpectedly Great Dinner

One challenge I always face while traveling is finding food that works with my dietary restrictions. Since I avoid gluten, dairy, onions, and brassicas, eating on the road can be difficult at times.

When Sue learned about my allergies, she immediately started figuring out alternatives.

That evening, she prepared a grilled chicken breast, homemade French fries, and coleslaw specifically for me. The meal was excellent and exactly what I needed after several days of riding.

Other cyclists enjoyed the regular meal options, but I appreciated the extra effort she made to accommodate my needs.

It’s amazing how a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impression.

Free Ice Cream and New Friends

One of the unique traditions at Mount Liberty Berry Barn is the free ice cream offered to cyclists riding the OTET.

Although I couldn’t enjoy the ice cream because of my dairy allergy, it was fun watching the other riders gather around and share stories while enjoying a treat.

The campground quickly became one of the most social places we stayed during the entire trip.

That evening, we met several fascinating people.

Terry

We crossed paths with Terry again, a retired attorney riding an REI Co-op bicycle. Terry was traveling solo and quickly became one of our favorite people on the trail.

The next morning, I noticed him sitting quietly, reading his Bible. As a fellow believer, I appreciated our conversations and enjoyed getting to know him throughout the trip.

Scott

We also met Scott, who had recently retired after a long career in the glass industry. He told us about moving around the country for work and shared stories about his family and retirement.

Chris

Perhaps the most interesting story belonged to Chris.

Chris had recently retired after working as both a university biologist and a software engineer. He was traveling entirely alone and was riding across the United States.

Unlike many long-distance cyclists who push hard each day, Chris planned to take five or six months to complete his journey. He was averaging only 25 to 30 miles per day and simply enjoying the adventure.

There was something admirable about his pace and approach to life.

Eric

We also met a quieter cyclist named Eric who was traveling through the area. While we didn’t talk as much with him, it was another reminder of the wide variety of people you encounter on bicycle tours.

One of the Best Stops on the OTET

Yelp Screen Grab

Looking back on the trip, Mount Liberty Berry Barn stands out as one of my favorite overnight stops.

The location is excellent, the camping is convenient, and Sue’s hospitality is second to none.

If you’re planning to ride the Ohio to Erie Trail, I would strongly encourage you to spend a night there if your schedule allows.

The combination of good food, friendly people, and a relaxing atmosphere made it one of the highlights of our journey. We had two hot showers in five days. One of them was at the Berry Barn. A hot shower feels amazing after a long day of cycling and a night or two of taking a “bottle bath” with cold hose water.

Day 3 Statistics

  • Start: Turkey Hollow Campground
  • Finish: Mount Liberty Berry Barn
  • Distance: Approximately 50 miles
  • Weather: Comfortable riding temperatures
  • Trail Conditions: Mostly easy riding with a mix of trail and road sections
  • Biggest Challenge: Recovering from the previous day’s 83-mile ride
  • Highlight: Meeting fellow cyclists and enjoying Sue’s incredible hospitality

Lessons Learned

  • Fifty miles is a very enjoyable day of touring for me.
  • Some of the best experiences on a bicycle trip happen after the riding is finished.
  • Hospitality can make a campground unforgettable.
  • Taking time to talk with fellow travelers often becomes the most memorable part of the journey.
  • When possible, schedule occasional shorter mileage days to recover physically and mentally.

Tomorrow we would leave Mount Liberty Berry Barn and head toward London, Ohio, where the battery’s range, warmer temperatures, and a free primitive campground would present new challenges.

Quick Gear Note

Worked well today: I’m getting used to the RIDEwithGPS app.
Needs adjusting: I need to bring a book next year. I usually sleep better when I read instead of looking at my phone right before bed.

Estimated Temperature

  • High: 77°F
  • Low: 49°F

Cycling the Ohio to Erie Trail: Day 2 – Peninsula to Turkey Hollow Campground

Date: June 2-3
Route: Heritage Farms to Turkey Hollow
Miles: 83
Elevation: 2,000ft Gain
Weather: Warm during the day. Cool at night.
Mood: Tired-Sore
Highlight: Meeting up with the guys from last year’s trip on the Katy Trail in MO.

We woke up at Heritage Hills Campground after a cold night on the Christmas tree farm. The temperature was likely in the mid-40s when we woke, and neither of us had sleeping bags rated for that kind of weather. I slept reasonably well, but Eddie spent much of the night cold despite borrowing some of my long johns. I really need to invest in both a cooler weather sleeping bag and a bag liner.

The campground was beautiful. Heritage Hills is an active Christmas tree farm and offers primitive camping for cyclists. While there was no running water available, they did provide electricity near the host station, where we charged our e-bikes overnight. The campground also featured one of the best bicycle repair stations we encountered on the trail, complete with tools, lubrication, and maintenance equipment.

As usual, we started the morning with coffee and oatmeal. Eddie brought his AeroPress and stainless steel filter, which became part of our daily routine. Everything was soaked with dew, so we packed wet tents and sleeping gear before rolling out around 8:00–8:30 AM.

Through Amish Country

Day two would prove to be our longest and most difficult day of the entire trip. Because we needed campsites with electricity for our e-bikes, our options were limited. We had approximately 83 miles to cover before reaching Turkey Hollow Campground.

The trail took us through some beautiful Amish country. One of the biggest surprises was the number of Amish riders using e-bikes. Many were towing trailers and moving remarkably fast. We even passed Amish-owned businesses that specialized in e-bike repairs and sales.

The scenery throughout the day was outstanding. Rolling farmland, quiet roads, horse-drawn buggies, and small communities made for an enjoyable ride despite the mileage. We stopped for an amazing lunch and had delicious lattes and cappuccinos as well.

An Unexpected Reunion

One of the highlights of the trip happened today.

While riding, Eddie noticed a group of older cyclists and thought they might be the same group we met the previous year while biking Missouri’s Katy Trail. I didn’t think it was possible.

We passed them several times throughout the day before finally stopping at the same pavilion to rest and charge Eddie’s bike.

Sure enough—it was them.

The group immediately recognized us from our shuttle ride on the Katy Trail the year before. We spent nearly an hour talking, catching up, taking photos, and sharing stories from our rides.

It was one of those unexpected moments that make bicycle touring special.

Battery Anxiety

The hills on day two were more significant than on day one. We stopped twice to recharge Eddie’s e-bike battery.

At lunch, we found power and charged for approximately an hour. Later in the day, we stopped again at a pavilion for another charging session.

While the battery ultimately made it to camp, it became clear that battery range would be one of our biggest challenges for the rest of the trip.

The Amish Buggy Highway

One memorable section of the trail looked almost like a divided highway. One lane was primarily used by bicycles, while the other side accommodated Amish horse-drawn buggies.

The horse traffic had worn visible grooves into the pavement from years of hoof traffic. It was fascinating to see how the trail naturally adapted to both modern cyclists and traditional transportation.

Arriving at Turkey Hollow

As the day wore on, fatigue began to set in. After more than 80 miles, we finally reached the turnoff for Turkey Hollow Campground.

What I didn’t realize was that the campground sat at the top of a steep gravel climb.

Apparently, the campground instructions recommend taking an alternate route to avoid the hill. I never read those instructions.

The gravel was loose, and the grade was steep enough that neither of us could comfortably ride our loaded bikes. Even with electric assist, we ended up pushing them uphill.

The climb felt endless.

By the time we reached the top, we were exhausted.

Thankfully, the campground itself was worth the effort.

Turkey Hollow offered primitive camping, electricity, water, firewood, and even a basic cold-water shower. After such a long day, it felt luxurious.

We built a fire, cleaned up, and settled in for the evening.

People We Met

That evening, we met Terry, a retired attorney traveling on an REI Co-op bicycle. Terry was friendly, thoughtful, and someone we would continue seeing several times over the next few days. We learned that Terry is a follower of Jesus, too, and we shared the stories of how each of us came to Christ.

We also met a couple traveling in a Mercedes camper van who were on their way to Colorado.

One of my favorite parts of bicycle touring is how quickly strangers become friends. Nearly every campground brought opportunities to hear someone’s story.

Day 2 Statistics

  • Start: Heritage Hills Campground
  • Finish: Turkey Hollow Campground
  • Distance: Approximately 83 miles
  • Weather: Cool morning, pleasant riding temperatures
  • Trail Conditions: Mix of paved trail, roads, and Amish country routes
  • Biggest Challenge: Long mileage and steep gravel climb into camp
  • Highlight: Reuniting with the Katy Trail riders from the previous year

Lessons Learned

  • Long e-bike days require careful charging planning.
  • Read campground instructions before arrival.
  • The OTET’s Amish country section is one of the most memorable portions of the entire trail.
  • Unexpected encounters with other cyclists often become the best memories.
  • Eighty-plus miles is near the upper limit of what I enjoy touring in a single day.

Tomorrow’s ride would be much shorter, taking us from Turkey Hollow to Mount Liberty Berry Barn.

Quick Gear Note

Worked well today: My charging cord does a great job giving the battery an extra boost for an hour.
Needs adjusting: I need to distribute the weight on my bike better. The Level 3 cannot carry any weight at the front of the bike. Everything was on the rear rack. When I bike tour with my Giant Escape hybrid next year, I need to get some small front-fork bags and better-quality panniers for the rear. I’m thinking Ortlieb 40L rear folding panniers.

Estimated Temperature

  • High: 77°F
  • Low: 49°F

Cycling the Ohio to Erie Trail Day 1: Cleveland to Peninsula OH

Date: June 1-2
Route: Edgewater Park to Heritage Farms
Miles: 30
Elevation: 200ft Gain
Weather: Cool (We started late June 1 and biked 10 miles with sunlight and 20 miles in the dark. We woke to a 45-degree temperature.)
Mood: Tired
Highlight: Getting off trail using Google Maps (bike) and falling with a 110lb e-bike and gear.

Today’s Ride at a Glance

Today I rode from Cleveland to Peninsula, covering about 30 miles along the Ohio to Erie Trail. The day started with parking my van in Cincinnati, loading a U-Haul with our bikes and equipment, and driving to Cleveland to start the trip. Our day ended in Peninsula at Heritage Farms for some primitive camping

The route took us through downtown Cleveland and along the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath, with the biggest challenge being the dark and my failure to test out the RidewithGPS app better prior to biking the trail. The best part of the day was our excursion into the heavily wooded and very skinny trail Google provided us. It was short, but so thick with brush and briars. I lost my footing at one point, fell in slow motion, and had to pick long thorns out of my chest for a mile or two.

Cleveland Rollout

Caption: All packed up in the minivan ready to make the trip from Cave City KY to Cincinnati.

Caption: Picking up the U-Haul in Cincinnati.

Caption: Dropping off the minivan at Reser’s Bicycles in Cincinnati and loading the U-Haul. There is public parking behind Reser’s.

The Ride

I got rolling for the first day at around 7:30 p.m. after dropping off the U-Haul and loading the bikes. The first few miles were super difficult, and it took me a little while to settle into the day’s rhythm as we struggled with the map in getting out of the city.

One thing I noticed early was how busy Edgewater Park was in the evening. There were people everywhere! At one point we asked the police where the trail started and they didn’t know. At an intersection, the map was confused as to which way we were supposed to head. The start left and it made a correction. We went right and it made another correction. A couple of ladies were watching us at a traffic light in their car and the passenger rolled her window down and offered some help. She said, “Go left or go right, but go somewhere!!” I think she had our best intentions at heart.

When we finally found the trail, we realized we were three streets above where we needed to be and it would take us awhile and questioning several people to get to the start of the trail. Our camp at Heritage Farms would only have a gallon of water (primitive camping) that we paid $3 for, so I brought an empty one-gallon plastic jug that once held spring water from Aldi. I filled it 1/3 full so we’d have a little extra for coffee and oatmeal in the morning. It was awful riding with this jug on the back of the bike!

Quickly the trail turned into packed dirt-gravel and even quicker, the sun dropped below the tree line. At 9 p.m. it was completely dark and we still had 20 miles to ride! As the time progressed and the temperatures dropped, Eddie put on every layer he had. I kept my long sleeve sun shirt on, but should have put on an undershirt as the last 5 miles were cold!

Favorite Trail Moment

Caption: Camping at Heritage Farms. My tent is a Featherlite one-man 3-season.

People, Places, and Surprises

Today’s unexpected moment was the lady who yelled at us from her car. Everyone else we met on the trail was amazing! Each time we needed help, people went out of their way to help or offer suggestions. The Heritage Farms camp site was excellent! They had a bike maintenance station, a charging outlet for our e-bikes, and one of the best views of the trip.

The OTET has a way of shifting from urban to rural without much warning. One minute I was an urban trail, and the next I was a dirt path alongside the Ohio and Erie Canal.

The Hard Part

Not everything was easy today. The hardest stretch was the 20 miles biking in the dark. My legs felt strong, and mentally I was focused on getting there, but the darkness made it difficult. At one point, I realized that each time I opened my mouth for a breath, I was sucking in insects. I longed for the camp site!

What helped was knowing the site was near! Bikepacking has a way of making problems simple: eat, drink, pedal, rest, repeat. We were at the pedal stage heading toward rest!

End of Day Setup

Caption: Campsite G at Heritage Farms. Super clean and beautiful!

What I’ll Remember

If I had to pick one image from today, it would be the view from the tree farm. So peaceful and quiet.

Today reminded me that preparation is key. Test EVERYTHING before heading out. The miles are adding up, but so are the little memories: Edgewater Park, the angry passenger, Cleveland, biking in the dark, and a cold night in the tent!

On day two, we headed toward Turkey Hollow Camp in Millersburg, with about 83 miles ahead. I’m hoping for a nice tailwind, some good coffee, and to enjoy the sights in Amish country.

Daily Stats

  • Miles ridden: 30
  • Total trip miles so far: 30
  • Time in saddle: 4.5 hours
  • Start: 6:30 a.m. Cave City KY to Cincinnati (around 11 a.m.) to Cleveland (7 p.m.).
  • End: Peninsula OH (Heritage Farms) 11:30 p.m.
  • Best food: Cracker Barrel (Wasn’t amazing, but it was the best we had that day)
  • Best view: Heritage Farms
  • Hardest moment: Falling on the bushwacking trail in the middle of the night.
  • Favorite quote/thought of the day: “Go left or go right, but go somewhere!!” (Angry car passenger in Cleveland)

Quick Gear Note

Worked well today: My Aventon Level 3 bike. No issues whatsoever.
Needs adjusting: My sleep system. My bag is rated for 50 degrees. I didn’t bring my air pillow because my blow-up mat has a built-in one. I’ll get a nice air pillow for the next trip.

Estimated Temperature

  • High: 70–75°F
  • Low: 42–46°F

God Needs Nothing – And That Changes Everything

Free photo courtesy of Pexels (Condensed sermon preached May 24, 2026)

God’s All-Sufficiency and Jealousy

About 20 years ago, I attempted what could only be described as a DIY science experiment with wheels.

I built a hydrogen generator for my vehicle.

Think mason jars, distilled water, PVC pipe, wires, and just enough confidence to be dangerous. In my mind, this was going to be revolutionary—my own homemade flux capacitor. The goal? Better fuel mileage. The result? Well… somewhere between improved MPG and a homemade flashbang.

If I’m honest, part of the fun was the thought: “I can build this better.”

That little project reminded me of something deeper about the human heart. We love the idea of self-sufficiency. We admire independence and capability. Yet when we talk about God’s self-sufficiency, we are talking about something entirely different.

The theological word is aseity.

It comes from Latin meaning “from Himself.” God is not only self-existent—He is completely self-sufficient. He depends on nothing outside of Himself.

And that truth forces us to confront some wrong assumptions.

Sometimes people imagine God as needy.

Maybe He created because He was lonely. Maybe He needed companionship. Maybe there was some empty place in Him that creation filled.

But Scripture presents a radically different God.

As Matthew Barrett writes:

“God does NOT need you… He is not dependent on the world for His existence, nor is He dependent on the world for His happiness and self-fulfillment.”

That statement may sound shocking at first, but it is actually freeing.

God does not love us because He lacks something. He loves us because love flows from who He is.

Jesus said:

“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” (John 5:26)

God has life in Himself.

That means He needs nothing from creation.

When the apostle Paul stood in Athens surrounded by idols and temples, he addressed this misunderstanding head-on.

“The God who made the world and everything in it,” Paul said, “does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything” (Acts 17:24–25).

That phrase matters:

“As though He needed anything.”

God is not sustained by us. He is not strengthened by our worship, enriched by our giving, or completed by our service.

Instead, Paul says, He gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

Everything originates with Him.

Genesis opens with, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Romans 11:36 adds:

“For from him and through him and to him are all things.”

God is the source, sustainer, and goal of all things.

And here is where this becomes practical.

Because God is all-sufficient, His actions flow from His will, not His need.

Revelation 4:11 says creation exists because of His will.

God never acts out of deficiency.

He acts out of purpose.

That changes how we understand worship.

We are not doing God a favor by gathering on Sunday.

We are not meeting some emotional need in heaven.

We worship because He alone is worthy.

This truth also explains something that can make modern readers uncomfortable:

God’s jealousy.

When we hear the word jealousy, we often think of envy, insecurity, or possessiveness. Human jealousy is usually tangled up with sin.

“I’m jealous of his truck.”

“I’m jealous of their money.”

That kind of jealousy grows from coveting and resentment.

But God’s jealousy is entirely different.

It is not sinful insecurity.

It is holy zeal.

Think of a faithful husband who lovingly pursues his wife when she begins drifting toward adultery. No one would call that wrong or irrational. His commitment to the covenant fuels his concern.

That picture helps us understand God.

In Exodus 20, right after giving the commandments, God says:

“I the LORD your God am a jealous God.”

Why?

Because He alone is God.

His jealousy is tied to His glory and His covenant love.

He is jealous for His name and for the good of His people.

This becomes painfully clear in Numbers 25.

Israel had experienced God’s deliverance and provision, yet they aligned themselves with the worship of Baal of Peor. What began as compromise became outright spiritual unfaithfulness.

The tragedy was not merely bad behavior.

It was betrayal.

God’s people were giving worship and affection to what was not God.

And God took it seriously.

That story reminds us of something we often forget:

Spiritual compromise rarely begins with outright rebellion.

It usually starts subtly.

A divided heart.

An unchecked affection.

A slow accommodation to surrounding culture.

The Israelites yoked themselves to another god, and the consequences spread through the entire community.

We may not bow to carved idols today, but idols still exist.

Wealth.

Status.

Comfort.

Pleasure.

Approval.

Even good things can become rival gods when they compete for the loyalty that belongs to God alone.

This is why Paul’s message in Athens becomes so important.

God is not an “unknown god.”

He has made Himself known.

And because He is all-sufficient and sovereign, Paul says:

“He commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Notice that word:

commands.

God does not merely offer helpful spiritual advice.

He calls for repentance because His all-sufficiency confirms His rightful authority.

And He proved that authority through Jesus.

Paul says God gave assurance of this by raising Him from the dead.

The resurrection declares that Jesus is Lord and that God alone deserves our worship, allegiance, and trust.

So where does this leave us?

The God of Scripture is not needy, lonely, or incomplete.

He is perfectly full of life, joy, and glory in Himself.

And because He alone is God, He is rightly jealous for His name and for the hearts of His people.

That is not bad news.

It is grace.

Because the God who needs nothing still invites us into relationship with Him through Christ.

The question is not whether God needs us.

He doesn’t.

The wonder is that He wants us.

So here is the question I want to leave with you:

What is the Holy Spirit asking you to learn or change after learning more about God’s all-sufficiency and jealousy?

Is there an idol competing for your affection?

A subtle compromise taking root?

Or perhaps a renewed sense of worship growing as you remember that the God who needs nothing has still drawn near to you through Jesus.

Riding the Katy Trail: Oklahoma City

After riding the Katy Trail in Missouri with my friend Eddie in May of 2025, I decided to try to find other sections of the trail in other states to ride. I came across the Oklahoma portion, and it is only 25 minutes from my house!

I parked my car at the Lincoln Park golf course and crossed the street to start the trail. 

End of the trail

The Wisdom of Speaking Less in Pastoral Care

Photo by Nick Fewings (Unsplash)

Pastoral ministry is often associated with words. We preach, teach, counsel, explain, and exhort. Words are central to our calling, and rightly so. Yet some of the most meaningful moments in shepherding God’s people require fewer words than we might expect. Pastoral visits — particularly in seasons of suffering, grief, confusion, or discouragement — often call for something deeper than explanation. They call for presence. Scripture offers gentle but profound wisdom for such moments: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1:19, ESV). This instruction is more than social etiquette; it is pastoral wisdom that guards both the shepherd and the sheep.

Most pastors recognize the familiar instinct: silence feels uncomfortable, so we fill it. We want to help, to say something meaningful, to ease the tension created by pain. But Scripture cautions us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking…” (Proverbs 10:19, ESV). More words do not automatically produce more ministry. In fact, excessive speech during pastoral visits can unintentionally minimize suffering, shift attention away from the person in need, replace empathy with explanation, and offer answers before understanding. What we intend as encouragement may be heard as dismissal. What we perceive as clarity may feel like pressure to move past grief too quickly.

Few passages illustrate the ministry of restraint more vividly than the opening scenes of Job’s suffering. When Job’s friends first arrived, “they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great” (Job 2:13, ESV). Job’s friends are often remembered for their misguided speeches, but their finest moment was their silence. Before the arguments, before the theological debates, before the explanations, they simply sat. They were present. And that, at first, was enough. Their quiet companionship acknowledged the depth of Job’s sorrow in a way that words could not.

Speaking less during pastoral visits honors suffering.

Scripture does not command us to quickly analyze grief; it commands us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, ESV). Presence validates pain. Silence communicates, “I see you. I am with you. You do not have to rush through this.” Pastors are not called to immediately solve sorrow but to faithfully enter it. In doing so, we reflect the compassion of Christ, who was never hurried in the presence of suffering.

Speaking less also centers the other person.

Pastoral visits are not miniature sermons or platforms for displaying insight. They are sacred encounters with image-bearers navigating real burdens. When pastors dominate the conversation, even with good intentions, the visit can subtly shift away from care and toward performance. Listening, by contrast, communicates humility and love: “I am here to understand. I am here to bear. I am here to care.” Such a posture aligns with the apostolic command to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, ESV). We cannot carry burdens we never fully hear.

Speaking less further cultivates discernment.

Many pastoral missteps arise not from poor theology but from premature speech. Silence allows space to observe emotional cues, hear what is truly being said, and discern deeper struggles beneath surface concerns. It invites honesty and communicates patience. Speaking less, then, is not passivity but discipline — a deliberate resistance of the urge to fix, impress, or provide instant clarity.

This does not mean pastors should never speak. There is a time for words, but they must be chosen carefully. When speaking, brevity, gentleness, and Scripture-saturated encouragement often serve best. Sometimes the most powerful contribution is not a paragraph but a prayer, not an explanation but a reminder of God’s nearness. In a ministry filled with words, pastors must remember that not every silence is awkward, not every visit requires instruction, and not every pain demands explanation. Some of the most faithful shepherding happens in quiet rooms, beside hospital beds, and at kitchen tables, where few words are spoken, but Christlike compassion is deeply felt. Speak less, listen more, be present, and trust that God often works powerfully through the ministry of restraint.

Resources:

Learning to Listen: Essential Skills for Every Counselor by Joseph Hussung
Though framed for biblical counselors, this book offers a solid biblical theology and practical steps for deep listening that pastors will find immensely helpful. It focuses on empathic listening that hears beyond words to the person’s heart.

Attentive Church Leadership: Listening and Leading in a World We’ve Never Known by Kevin G. Ford & Jim Singleton
A more recent resource that challenges leaders to listen deeply to God, congregations, and cultural contexts—especially in rapidly changing environments. This book emphasizes discernment and attentiveness as key pastoral virtues.

Evidence of New Life

Reflections on 1 John 5:1–5

In the Christian life, it’s easy to ask an important question: How do I know that someone truly has new life in Christ?

The apostle John helps answer that question in the First Epistle of John 5:1–5. In these verses, he gives us a simple but powerful framework for recognizing the reality of spiritual life. John shows that new life in Christ shows up in love, obedience, and victory.

He presents two pieces of evidence and two results of being born again.

1. New Life Begins with Belief

John begins with the foundation:

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.” (1 John 5:1)

The starting point of new life is belief in Jesus Christ.

But this belief is more than intellectual agreement. It means trusting that Jesus is the promised Messiah—the Savior sent by God. Faith in Christ is not merely acknowledging facts; it is placing our confidence in His finished work on the cross.

Interestingly, the grammar John uses suggests something profound: our believing is evidence that we have already been born again.

The combination of present tense (ho pisteuōn, believes) and perfect is important. It shows clearly that believing is the consequence, not the cause, of the new birth. Our present, continuing activity of believing is the result, and therefore the evidence, of our past experience of new birth by which we became and remain God’s children. (Stott, 19.)

Faith is not the cause of new birth—it is the fruit of it. When God gives new life, belief follows.

This is why the gospel must be proclaimed again and again. Believers need constant reminders of who they are in Christ, and those who do not yet believe need to hear the good news that Jesus saves.

Faith is the doorway to new life.

2. New Life Shows Up in Love

If belief is the beginning of new life, love is its visible evidence.

John writes:

“Everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.” (1 John 5:1)

When we love God, we also love the people who belong to God.

This love is not optional for the Christian. It is a natural outcome of being born into God’s family. Just as members of a biological family share a bond, believers share a spiritual bond as children of the same Father.

John even reverses the logic we might expect. He says:

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.” (1 John 5:2)

In other words:

  • Loving God and obeying Him confirms our love for His people.
  • Loving His people confirms our relationship with Him.

These realities are inseparable.

This truth can serve as a spiritual “check engine light.”

  • If someone claims to love God but has no love for fellow believers, something is wrong.
  • If someone appears loving toward people but has no devotion to God, something is also wrong.

True new life produces both.

3. New Life Walks in Obedience

John then moves from evidence to results.

The first result of new life is obedience.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)

This statement can surprise us. Obedience often feels difficult. Following Christ requires sacrifice, discipline, and repentance.

But John’s point is not that obedience requires no effort. Instead, he means that obedience is no longer oppressive for someone born of God.

A changed heart changes how we view God’s commands.

Without new life, God’s commands feel restrictive.
With new life, they become the path to joy and freedom.

Love transforms duty.

What once felt like a burden becomes a response of gratitude.

4. New Life Lives in Victory

The final result John describes is victory.

“Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” (1 John 5:4)

This victory is not about perfection. John is not saying Christians never struggle with sin.

Earlier in the letter, he makes it clear that believers still wrestle with sin and must confess it. The victory he describes is something deeper.

It is the victory of faith.

John says:

“This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Faith in Jesus enables believers to resist the pull of the world and to persevere in following Christ.

The power to overcome does not come from willpower or determination. It comes from the new life God has placed within us.

Because Jesus has overcome the world, those who belong to Him share in His victory.

The Flow of New Life

John’s argument forms a beautiful progression:

Belief brings new life.
New life produces love.
Love leads to obedience.
And faith-filled obedience results in victory.

This passage both encourages believers and challenges us. It calls us to examine the evidence of God’s work in our lives while reminding us that our hope is not in our performance—but in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Works Cited/Further Reading



Kruse, Colin G. The Letters of John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2000.

Logos Bible Software. https://www.logos.com/

Spurgeon, C. H. The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons. Vol. 47. London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1901.

Stott, John R. W. The Letters of John: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 19. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.

When A Brother (or Sister) Won’t Listen

Few things are more frustrating than trying to help someone you care about, only to see them ignore your efforts. You offer gentle advice, share Scripture, and show concern, but nothing changes. Whether it’s a friend making poor choices, a family member stuck in harmful habits, or a fellow believer who won’t accept correction, you may wonder: What should I do when a brother won’t listen?

Proverbs addresses this struggle: “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov. 26:12). A closed heart is more dangerous than just not knowing something. When someone refuses to learn, especially if they think they are wise, it puts real strain on relationships.

Believer and Non-Believer: Different Expectations

We shouldn’t approach unbelievers the same way we approach fellow Christians. Someone who doesn’t share our faith doesn’t have the same beliefs or values. We can offer truth, kindness, and an invitation, but we can’t expect them to be spiritually open. Proverbs says, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words” (Prov. 23:9). With those outside the faith, our main role is to show love and be a witness, not to correct as a Christian would a brother in the faith.

With believers, things are different. A brother or sister in Christ has, at least in principle, chosen to follow God’s Word. “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life” (Prov. 10:17). When a Christian keeps rejecting wisdom, it’s more than just a personal choice—it becomes a spiritual problem.

The Cost of an Untouchable Heart

An unteachable person strains every relationship around them. Trust erodes. Conversations become guarded. Others stop sharing concerns because “it won’t matter anyway.” Proverbs is blunt: “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction” (Prov. 13:18). That poverty is not only financial—it’s relational and spiritual.

Michael Scott and the GPS
Picture riding in a car with someone who won’t take directions. The GPS gives instructions, and you point out missed turns, but each mile takes you farther from where you need to go. Eventually, you stop trying to help—not because you don’t care, but because the driver clearly isn’t listening. The quiet that follows isn’t indifference; it’s giving up.

This is what happens in relationships with people who won’t listen. Those who try to help get tired. Encouragers stop speaking up. The relationship shifts.

Why Won’t They Listen?

There are many reasons a person resists instruction:

  • Pride—“I know better.”
  • Fear—admitting change means facing pain or loss.
  • Shame—correction feels like condemnation.
  • Past wounds—authority has hurt them before.
  • Too comfortable to change — Proverbs warns about stubbornness: “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing” (Prov. 29:1). Refusing to accept wisdom isn’t harmless. Over time, it shapes a person’s heart.

How Much Should I Try?

We are called to love, not to control others. You can give advice, pray, and ask thoughtful questions, but you aren’t responsible for another adult’s choices. Proverbs 29:19 says, “By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.” Some people understand completely, but still choose not to act.

You continue offering help as long as:

  • The person remains open to conversation.
  • The issue is not leading them (or others) into clear sin.
  • Your involvement does not become enabling.

You stop pressing when:

  • Counsel is repeatedly rejected.
  • The relationship becomes defined by tension and argument.
  • Your help only cushions the consequences of their choices.

Letting Go
A family member once tried to help someone who was deep in debt. They offered to help with budgeting, provided accountability, and even paid some bills. But the debtor kept spending. In time, the family member realized they weren’t really helping—they were just delaying the consequences. Sometimes, love means stepping back and letting reality speak.

When Sin Is Involved

If a believer’s refusal leads to sin, harmful habits, moral compromise, or damage to relationships, Scripture says we have a duty to speak up. This is when the Christian community and, if needed, church leaders become important. Pastors, elders, and leaders have a God-given role to warn, correct, and, at times, discipline. Not every friend has that authority.

If you don’t have spiritual authority, you can still speak with love, but you can’t force someone to change. Your job is to be faithful, not to control the outcome. Sometimes you may need to say, “I love you, but I can’t walk this path with you.”

Loving the Unteachable Brother

Loving a Christian who won’t listen means:

  • Speaking truth without bitterness.
  • Refusing to manipulate or nag.
  • Setting healthy boundaries.
  • Continuing to pray when words fail.
  • Trusting God with what you cannot fix.

Love doesn’t mean arguing forever. Sometimes love is simply being there quietly. Other times, it means stepping back. In every case, it means trusting them to God.

It hurts when a brother won’t listen, because we see their potential. Proverbs reminds us that we can’t force wisdom on anyone. Our job is to be faithful messengers, not saviors.

And when our words no longer reach, we can hold on to this hope: God’s voice is stronger than ours.

Further Reading:

  • How People Change by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp (foreword by David Powlison). This classic explores the biblical pattern for lasting change, using a model of “Heat, Thorns, Cross, and Fruit.” It addresses why people resist wisdom, the role of pride and heart issues, and how God’s grace transforms stubborn patterns in relationships. Ideal for understanding the deeper spiritual dynamics behind an unteachable spirit.
  • Relationships: A Mess Worth Making by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. A gospel-centered guide to navigating difficult relationships, including when others won’t listen or change. It covers confrontation, boundaries, forgiveness, and loving without controlling—directly relevant to the frustration, resignation, and healthy limits described in your post.
  • Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus by Jonathan Leeman (9Marks series). This book explains the biblical process of church discipline (Matthew 18), why it’s a loving act of restoration rather than punishment, and how to handle resistant believers. It includes practical case studies for situations involving sin, unrepentance, and relational strain.