I’m reading a lot these days. In the past 6 weeks I’ve read: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller – Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg – The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley – and It by Craig Groeschel. I have also mixed in a bit of the Bible.

Putting all of this into one package equals WOW! I’m still in the midst of reading It and let me tell you it is challenging me to the core.

Donald Miller has shown me that I need to edit my life to write a better story. Because if I don’t I’m on a path that Andy Stanley has told me I’m on that has a destination. And when I look in my rear-view mirror I don’t like the wreckage that I see.

So, as I come to understand the path I’m on and that I’m in need if a better story for my life I realize that in the midst of it all that really at the center of it is God. Margaret Feinberg has given me the eyes to see I need to Scout the Divine in all things. (I have eaten honey all weekend… Get the book to know what I’m talking about).

Bring all of the things I’ve gained through Miller, Feinberg, and Stanley and wrap it all up with “It”. I know I’m on the right path for writing a better story. Because I know I have it and I have what it takes to make life around me better.

The Holy Spirit has spoken to me through Paul in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, “God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.” (The Message)

Praise the Lord!

I hope that as you think about your life today I pray that others can say of you what Paul said of the Thessalonians in chapter 1, “The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore – you’re the message.” (The Message).

So, what is it you are reading I must add to my library and life?

Let’s all live out that something special He has in mind for us!

I haven’t asked the question in awhile:  How are you doing with your Read through the Bible for 2009?  Are you on task with your goal for the year?  Have you begun to develop a healthy habit in reading the Bible?  I hope so!

The past several weeks have been tough for me.  My routine and schedule has been turned upside down.  I have been feeling a bit guilty for not staying on track with where I wanted to be.  Everyday I think, “I need to read the Bible.” 

Has reading the Bible become all about checking a box?  Or is reading the Bible drawing us closer and deeper in a relationship with Jesus? 

Of course, Oswald Chambers would have something to say on this!

Your god may be your little Christian habit— the habit of prayer or Bible reading at certain times of your day. Watch how your Father will upset your schedule if you begin to worship your habit instead of what the habit symbolizes. (My Utmost for His Highest, May 12).

This was a great reality check for me.  Reading God’s Word should never be about getting through it – like some book.  God’s Word is His voice to us…  Providing truth, life, freedom, and correction.  The focus of our everyday reading should never be about just being able to say, “I read the Bible for the day.”  It needs to be about, “What does God want to say to me today?”

As you continue reading through the Bible this year, make sure you are spending time to draw closer to Him as you read.  Don’t trade God in for the Christian habit (god).

Love means that there are no visible habits— that your habits are so immersed in the Lord that you practice them without realizing it. (My Utmost for His Highest, May 12).

Have you ever ridden the log ride at Six Flags or at some other park? 

Lately my life has seemed much like I am riding a log ride (just not as fun).  My life is in motion bumping up against the parameters (or shall I say the principles) of life.  All the while, I know there is a destination out there that I will arrive at.  As Oswald Chambers puts it, I’m living my life based on principles rather than vision.

There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does.

Our own idealistic principles may actually lull us into ruin. Examine yourself spiritually to see if you have vision, or only principles. (My Utmost for His Highest, May 9).

How do you live your life?  Do you get up everyday and hop onto the log ride of the expected routine in life or do you live it a bit more dangerously with a spiritual vision?  I know it seems like I have settled into the log ride and today am being challenged to get off of the ride and jump into a raft and conquor an uncharted river.  The Holy Spirit will be the guide and he will provide the vision.

Many years ago I went white water rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee.  I was nervous and stressed the entire time.  The water was freezing, the rapids were rough, and I had to trust the guide.  At times, I even got angry with the guide because I thought he was intentionally sending us through rougher water when it wasn’t necessary.

I realize in life I do the same thing.  At times, I get upset and angry with where this course is taking me.  I want to point a finger at the Holy Spirit and say, “Why didn’t you tell me to dig earlier?”  I’m quick to forget that He is teaching me as I go.  He allows the rough waters in my life and I need to learn from them. 

I have come to know when He is telling me to do something.  I have learned His voice.  But I haven’t overcome my fear of taking risks in following Him.  I like the log ride.  I know what I will experience in the log.  As for the the raft, there’s a risk and I will have to trust the Guide.

Have you lost the excitement for living?  Your job? Ministry? Family?  Read Proverbs 29:18,

  If people can’t see what God is doing,
   they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
   they are most blessed. (The Message)

I know the following quote is from a message on marriage.  But it is applicable to any aspect of life that pertains to personal passion.  Job. Family. Ministry.  Whatever!  We all get involved in doing something based on how it makes us feel but to keep it going and alive there must be a plan… a vision.  It’s the plan that will keep you moving forward.

“Falling in love requires a pulse, staying in love requires a plan.” (Andy Stanley).

Are you following the vision for your life?  Or have you decided to remain comfortable with where you are?

This weekend we saw our share of storms.  Friday night we were at the ball fields for Walker’s game when the sirens went off.  It was scary.  We had no idea that this storm was coming or how far off the storm was.  As quickly as the sirens sounded the winds were on us.  As I drove toward home I could see this wall of clouds off to our right.  I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like that before.  I kept my thoughts to myself as we hurried down the road.  So the kids wouldn’t be alarmed.

Today we saw and heard the same thing…  More storms and sirens.  My son was excited about it all too.  As we watched the news we could see the storm moving toward us.  He kept asking, “How much longer until the sirens go off?”  Once the sirens sounded we headed for cover at my in-laws home.  For awhile we stood outside and watched the clouds as we listened to the sirens.  (He was very disappointed to find out we missed church tonight becuase of this storm!!)

Kind of strange but I have always liked stormy weather.  It seems to draw family together for those few moments.  The reality of life seems to come into view.  I find myself very focused during a storm.  The storm also breaks up the monotony of the day and adds a bit of excitement.

I was driving home this evening thinking about storms and wondering why I like them so much.  I thought about how stormy my life seems to stay.  I don’t like how the storm within my life feels.  I’m ready for the sirens within to quit sounding.  I’m ready for the voice to come over my heart and say, “The storm is over.”

Yet as I look over my thoughts about natural storms I see somewhat a correlation between natural storms and this storm that fills my life:

• It is an irritant to the family but ultimate draws us together as we seek shelter together. 
• The importance of life.
• Brings focus and attention to the storm… the One who provides shelter from the storm.

Do I allow the storms into my life to intentionally bring these things into my life?  If so – I’m an idiot!  I’m so ready for this storm that seems to be disrupting my life to end.  I’m ready for the rainbow… I’m ready for the sunshine… I’m ready to walk the white sandy beaches and listen to the peaceful sounds of the waves crashing on the beach.  I’m ready for relief!!

For the past year or so Hebrews 12:2-3 has been my focus for living.  At that time there was a lot going on in my life and I needed to keep my eyes focused.  Not to look to the left or the right.  I am thankful that over the past year a great habit (discipline) has been reignited in my life.  A freedom to seek, find, and live… to get to know my Saviour in a beautiful way!! 

His encouragement to me was to study how Jesus ran and finished the race.  To look into his life and go over his story again and again and as I did so – I would find Him.

I’m reading in Colossians this week.  Colossians 2:6b-7 is leading to the beginning of a new chapter in this race.

You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6b-7, The Message).

Where are you today in your walk with Jesus?  Are you growing?  Are you living in Him and trusting Him to meet your every need?  I know at times we can all get lost or side-tracked with life.  Don’t do life without Him!  If you are having difficulty keeping focused take the time to let Hebrews 12:2-3 give you some direction… it’s a great place to start.  If you are living the dream – who are you bringing along for the ride?

 Seek. Find. Live.

…but not losing focus.

When I first posted this photo on Facebook, one of my friends from Aztec, NM asked if I was warping in the photo.  With the help of Picnik.com it does appear that I am warping and that the lens captured the moment

Life has been running at “Mach Speed” for the past several weeks.  My entire routine for life has been knocked around.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful family… they have been my rock during a very tiring time.  God is soooo good!

So, what do you do when you seem to be warping through life?  What’s the first thing to go… sleep? Prayer? Bible Study? Family? Friendships? Alone time?  It may be any combination listed here.

I’m thankful it’s Friday and my normal routine is starting to kick back in.  Although much of my routines in life have been upset – I’m thankful my purpose for living has stayed in focus…  That purpose is Jesus Christ.  

Keeping (my) eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.  Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed- that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever.  And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.  When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through.  That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:2-3, The Message). 

I began writing here in February 2008.  I had one goal in mind when I began writing: To work on the FOCUS for my life.  And to share with those who may decide to read - hope and inspiration for their lives.

For those of you who have had great vision all of your lives and who are now in their 40’s – probably have experienced some of the changes with your physical vision much like I have.  I picked up my good friend Joel at the airport in December 2008.  I told him (with much pride I must say)  that my vision is not like it once was.  Driving at night is not near as easy as it was back when we were a bit younger.

I have glasses that I wear now to help me when I read.  They need to be a little stronger than what they are now.  But they do help me out when I read a book and the computer screen.

Just like I have needed to put on a pair of glasses to help me with my focus for reading… throughout my life I have always needed to do something to help keep the meaning for my life in focus.

Writing on this blog has helped me tremendously.  I now walk through each day with more focus.  Since February 2008 FOCUS has now transformed into the following four elements:

1. To focus on seeking Jesus.
2. To focus my life to find him.
3. To focus my life on living in him.
4. To find focus on how Jesus wants me to serve him with others.

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow. has become my new way of communicating focus. 

My prayer to the LORD has become Psalm 86:11-13,

Train me, God, to walk straight;
      then I’ll follow your true path.
   Put me together, one heart and mind;
      then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear.
   From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;
      I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to.
   You’ve always been great toward me—what love!
      You snatched me from the brink of disaster!  (The Message)

For those of you who have been following me for the past year – thanks for sticking around on the journey.  I’m excited for those who have begun to follow in the past few months as well.  I know God has a purpose and a plan for each of us.  Knowing this is very exciting.  I can’t seem to capture the words to express my excitement.  I look forward to seeing what God has in store over the next year.

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.

There are times in life when we are to be quiet.  We are to be still, alone, silent, and focused on the Lord.  Too often when the darkness comes life seems to speed up… like living life on a run away carousel.  We reach out from the darkness to hear a word from the Lord at church, a friend, a book, or a talk show.  We seek out a “quick-fix” as if duct tape will work on our lives.

Jesus calls us to a quite place to pray.  See Luke 22:39-46.  Jesus tells us to pray so we won’t give in to temptation.  When the darkness comes (it will come) we don’t need to be caught off guard.  It’s a time to:  Seek. Find. Live. 

In Numbers 14:3, the Israelites continue to doubt God and state “Why don’t we just head back to Egypt?”  I’m quick to point a finger at the Israelites and ask, “Why didn’t you get it? You had the cloud by day and the fire by night to lead you.  You had manna every morning.  For Pete’s sake you saw the parting of the Red Sea…”

Today, as I read this, I’m reminded of times when I have stated, “If I could just go back to this or that place… If I could…”  At times my own grumbling and complaining in the present has longed for days from the past.  The truth is we all want to escape the troubles we face in the present in order to find a bit of peace.  We are even willing to go back to something less-than-desirable just to get us out of the moment.

We need to have the faith and character of Joshua and Caleb and march on in the power and might of God’s strength.  Joshua and Caleb they got it… They understood what God was doing.  And during those “dark” days in the wilderness they didn’t just sit there – they were proactive gaining wisdom and learning from Moses.  Seek. Find. Live.  This was their focus.  This kept them looking ahead.  The result:  Others will follow.

In the case of Joshua and Caleb, the result is they led the people of Israel into the Promised Land.  Our goal in life is to please the Lord – to be faithful servants.  When the darkness comes we need to listen to the words of Jesus to pray so that we won’t give in to temptation.

When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.  (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 14).

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.

Life can often get a bit hazy… like a fog.  Sometimes it gets so thick you just have to sit tight and wait for the fog to lift.  In Exodus Israel followed God in the cloud.  Maybe we should take a closer look at that.  They moved when the cloud moved.  They stayed put when the cloud settled. 

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul writes,

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (The Message).

So, are you leaving in a fog? 

Three things to keep you focused (1 Corinthians 13:13):

1. Trust steadily in God
2. Hope unswervingly
3. Love extravagantly

It’s interesting how each person that follows Jesus is so different. The gifts given, the personalities, and purposes for each person are all different. God is very personal with each person. Even the circumstances in life are different for each person. For some, it may seem like everything in life always goes their way. Another look at the human race it may seem like there are others that always struggle and have difficulties… never getting a break.

Why is it that some seemingly have no problems and all they touch turns to gold or at best stays steady moving forward? Why is it that others seem to never get a break?

It’s the same thing when I look at churches. Most churches get to a certain place with the number of people attending. And they just maintain that number… sometimes they will hit a growth spurt and leadership is gelling and moving forward then BAM roadblock… people leave and move on and continue on elsewhere or they get frustrated with the whole church thing and just drop out. Then there are those churches that start up and never look back… they grow and grow. The staff grows, changes, and grows some more.

Do you ever find yourself frustrated? Like there is something else that you should be doing… or that you just aren’t fitting in with what you are doing or where you are serving? Do you think that maybe you are doing something that God really didn’t intend for you to do… thus bringing on the frustration and roadblocks?

In Psalms 73we read about the frustrations of Asaph.  I’ve read it several times in the past couple of days. Do you relate to the thoughts of Asaph? What about in verses 11-14?

  What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?
      Nobody’s tending the store.
   The wicked get by with everything;
      they have it made, piling up riches.
   I’ve been stupid to play by the rules;
      what has it gotten me?
   A long run of bad luck, that’s what—
      a slap in the face every time I walk out the door. (The Message).

Look and see just how Asaph ends this Psalm in verses 25-28.

You’re all I want in heaven!
      You’re all I want on earth!
   When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
      God is rock-firm and faithful.
   Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
      Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
   But I’m in the very presence of God—
      oh, how refreshing it is!
   I’ve made Lord God my home.
      God, I’m telling the world what you do! (The Message).

I don’t know why (but for some) things just seem so easy – and for others it’s incredibly difficult. Wherever you find yourself I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay focused.  Give all of your attention and worship to Jesus.

If it’s difficulties you are faced with remember the words of Jesus to John the Baptist’s disciples just before John was beheaded, “You’ll be blessed if this does not cause you to fall away.”  God can and will get you through anything… it just may be in a different way than what you are expecting.