Buckle Up My BTK Friends

If you don't understand the title of this blog post let me quickly explain. BTK stands for Bow The Knee which is an annual musical my church (and a whole pile of partners) puts on which portrays the life of Jesus.  I've lost count but I believe this is the 15th or 16th year we've participated. Bow The Knee is a gorgeous, exhausting, joyful and painful experience.  If you've ever been in Bow The Knee you know what I mean. 

So this post is a tool kit for those of you ready to launch into our annual marathon.  I believe Bow The Knee is worth the effort. I believe we can do it in a way that shows the grace of Jesus behind the scenes and on the stage.  So here are a few things I'm doing this year to get ready and I invite you to join in. 

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READ

Charles Martin is my favorite fiction author. He writes emotion and relationships and grace better than anyone. He just put out a new book which is not fiction and which is preparing my heart for Bow The Knee by seeing the gospel stories in a fresh way.  Its asking me to match what I believe about these stories with action in my life.  Read it.  What if it's true - A storyteller's Journey with Jesus by Charles Martin.   

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WATCH

Sometimes the best way to get ready to do hard things well is to have a good deep laugh at yourself. My family watched The Resurrection of Gavin Stone this last week and we all grinned, smiled, laughed and snorted.  This is a sweet and accurate portrayal of what a church production looks like in action.  You'll see yourself in this movie and it will remind you that taking ourselves too seriously is the best way to wreck Bow The Knee.  It'll also remind you that grace and forgiveness are what its all about.  Seriously rent and watch this movie. 

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REVIEW

Last year I wrote a blog post about Bow The Knee and why I think it's worth the crazy commitment. I'm posting this again HERE in case you need the reminder.    Why I Pour It All Out At Bow The Knee. 

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INVITE

Bow The Knee tickets are available starting February 17th at www.bowtheknee.com.   Start inviting now. 

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PRAY

Most important tool of them all. Bow The Knee is only important because its not really ours. So here is a calendar with a list of things to pray through each as we all get ready for Bow The Knee. You can print this out and post it on your mirror as a daily reminder to pray. What an honor it is to work alongside all of you.