FOCUS

Unfortunately, this society suffers from complexity, lack of focus, and laziness. These three factors are deadly for those who truly want to make a difference in this world. Let's look at each of these factors and attempt to correct them in order to be better stewards of God's Kingdom.
Complexity is an absolute killer when it comes to a person believing they can do something and cannot do something. The more complex something is that more irritating it can become. Some people enjoy the complexity, but eventually it can where someone out. Refer to my last post about simplicity to get a better idea of the need to be simple.
Lack of focus is another killer when trying to get things accomplished. Sometimes people are spread so thin on so many different projects that they really don't do anything well. They do a little bit of everything to be average, instead of focusing in order to be successful. Determine those areas in your life that need the most attention and focus on those areas. Obviously, we need to focus on those areas which help us to follow the commands to love God and people. Here are some important areas to focus on:
1. Do you find yourself lacking in the spiritual disciplines such as praying and reading the Bible? Let's focus in on it, so you can improve your intimacy with the Lord. My suggestion is that you make it a priority at the beginning of the day. Take time out during lunch time to focus and then take some moment in the evening. I don't care how long you go, just make it true quality time.
2. Do you sometimes take your family for granted? You need to make priority with them. That doesn't mean you create a whole bunch of activities and make things complex. It means you take a few moments each day to have real quality time. For example: I could watch television with my dad for a couple hours or I could throw the football with him for 15 minutes. Guess which one meant more to me? Think simple!
3. In order to support your family, your job is important, but don't let it consume your life. Therefore, set up natural boundaries between your job and the rest of your life. I understand that people have different jobs with different bosses and different pressures, but find the balance!
4. Cut out television, the constant noise of music, limit time on the computer, and avoid making a particular hobby an obsession.
So in review, place your relationship with God as your primary focus, then focus on family and close friends, then focus on relationships with people you work with, and finally focus on time to recharge yourself. Make sure you do it in this order! As the great Gayle Sears said, "God first, friends and family second, and me third!"
And finally, avoid laziness! You can do this by getting rid of those aspects of your life that you go to when you procrastinate. Do you like to go to the bar and sit and drink for a couple hours? Laziness (and dare I say incredibly stupid)! Do you sit in front of your computer for hours and hours and it is not work related? Laziness! Do you watch hours of television? Laziness! Cut it out! Force yourself to go out and do something, if you are in a lethargic mood, then do what you can, but keep trying!
People have too complicated a life, they lack focus, and they have a tendency to be lazy. All of these things restrict your ability to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and fulfill God's call on your life!

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Simplicity

It amazes me how complex we allow our lives to become. People have jobs, volunteer activities, hobbies, church activities, family obligations, and vacations to fit into the schedule. So many people are at the end of their ropes and end up having a meltdown. I propose the next two weeks to be weeks of simplicity. Let us lead up to Easter with an attitude to relax a bit. Here are some things I think can be done to help with the simplifying process.

1. Wake up earlier and take a more leisurely pace getting ready in the morning.
2. Take the opportunity to read a short snippet of Scripture and then just have a good heart-to-heart with the Lord. This will help focus you the rest of the day.
3. Do not become overwhelmed with work, rather go at a steady pace with a solid purpose. Many times the boss gets annoyed at you whether you are frantically moving or not, so just take your time and get the job done well.
4. Take a simple brown bag to work with simple foods.
5. Get your kids prepared to leave earlier than you usually would so that your not so worried about showing up late.
6. Take the opportunity to exercise or be active in a simplistic way. For example, go out for a walk or a run, instead of going to the gym.
7. Do something simple for dinner each night that doesn't take long but is satisfying.
8. Don't watch television and only get on the computer to check necessary e-mail. Many times we get so flustered with a lack of time, but much of that time was spent doing nothing but watching television.
9. Flip on some music that is glorifying to God to relax you.
10. Do something fun and spontaneous that you don't normally do.

So, there you go, some tips to be simple and help focus on the Lord during this Easter season.

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Theological Thursdays

The movie "Rudy" (based on the true story) is about an undersized football player that dreams of playing for the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish. He has had this dream as a kid, was a decent player in high school, but lacked the grades and the God-given size to exceed at football. After his best friend is killed in an accident, he decides to take his changes and pursue this dream. First, he must prove himself at a local community college, then if his grades are good he can officially get accepted to the university. His grades are good, but unfortunately he is denied admission twice in a row. He knows that this semester will be his last shot to attend the University and try out for the football team. As he sits in a church praying, a priest who has befriended him goes and talks. Rudy wonders aloud if he has prayed enough. The priest responds with something like this: "In my study of theology, there are two undeniable facts: There is a God, and I'm not Him." Rudy eventually has his prayers answered and attends his dream school.
I have lived by these words during times when I don't understand and what to take control of a situation I have no business taking control of. Maybe you should stand by it too during difficult times.

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God's Will

I consider myself to be a very rational person and in some ways wiser than others my own age. I have always been an observing person. Even when I am doing the talking, I attempt to observe their reaction. I sit and I analyze things until I have that "ah-ha" moment to know exactly what to do. It's a process that I go through that has worked well for me. However, I have a situation that has presented itself that has stumped me.
There is a man in his 50s that has slowly been withering away these last few years from cancer. He is a pastor who definitely believes and has seen many get healed from cancer. The majority of his family around him is saved and they have been praying diligently for him. According to the doctors, he is getting down to the last few months of his life. The last few years have been hard on this family and I think everyone is to the point where it is probably difficult to take much more suffering.
As I analyze this situation, to me there is only one legitimate option. Jesus must heal him completely of cancer so that this family can get back to living and I know that all involved would give so much glory to God if he were healed. I have seen situations like this before, and I have a tough time with them, because I see no value in the man dying. The only value is that he no longer has to suffer. But God is completely able to bring him out of the suffering without taking his life. I have attempted to analyze this from every possible angle and I see no benefit in allowing him to continue to suffer and eventually die. He needs to be healed and it needs to be now.
When presented with situations like this before with other people and they begin to ask questions, I can never answer, because I don't want some lame, non-spirit led answer to flow out of my mouth. So, I can't even say to myself, how can I answer the question adequately. I have no choice but to follow Jesus no matter what. He is the truth and my faith will not waiver in that. I want the man healed so I can brag on the power of Christ and prove to others his deep love. I am ashamed to think of my reaction if Christ chooses to allow the "natural" course of things to progress. It just seems so ungodly to let him die like this.

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Theological Thursdays

Today, I would like to discuss the concept of being proactive. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." I realize that different theologies will draw different conclusions on this matter, but all must admit that there is some mysterious and divine partnership between a human being and the Lord Jesus Christ. Based on my own background, God's Spirit draws me to Him, but I also have to take steps of obedience to grow in relationship with Him.
Many people have experienced God drawing nearer to them. It is a precious moment that surpasses so many life experiences. Imagine two points on a line that move closer and closer to each other. The ultimate goal is to become one point. Imagine one point representing the LORD and the other point representing you. Both sides should tenaciously move towards the other, yet God seems to always be more tenacious on His side. We have a tendency to sit back and say: "God will do what He will do." What if we increased our tenacity for drawing closer to the LORD? What if we fought for God's attention and desire much like we fought when that special guy or girl caught our fancy? God woos us, so why can't we work on our end of the romance too. Have you wooed those LORD today?
Choose this day to fight to improve your relationship with God. Take the time to do what is necessary to make it work. If we fight as hard as we can to be as close to Him as possible, then in those moments when we still fall short God in his perfect love keeps drawing near regardless.

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Teaching Tuesdays

The first seven verses of the book of Proverbs summarizes what the entire book is about:
"To know wisdom and instuction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion- A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
When someone informs me that they desire to be used by God in a mighty way, I look very closely at two main things. First, does the person act as a servant. Secondly, I look to see if they have a teachable spirit. Without these two attributes, it will be extremely difficult for God to use them fully. (I will note however, that God uses whomever, whenever to accomplish His will).
I will talk about being a servant another time, rather let us focus on the "teachable spirit". The beginning of Proverbs lays out several important areas one must work on to achieve his/her full potential. He talks about knowing, which in the Hebrew specifically talks about experiential wisdom. Thus, the person will have a hands on approach, not just theoretical. He talks about the willingness to take in wise counsel. Thus, we cannot rely only on ourselves, and why would we want to anyways? He speaks as though gaining wisdom and growing in the Lord requires hard work. You bet it does! Not wasted hard work, but the ability to sieze those moments to learn. At the very last, the text states that the "fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Thus, the journey of gaining one's full potential stems from the LORD being at the center of that knowledge base.
I know lots of people who have great hearts and try really hard, but they are stubborn and refuse to learn. We should choose to learn every single day, but many times laziness, procrastination, and arrogance get in the way of this. If you desire to reach your full potential, then choose this day to have a teachable spirit.

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Freedom Friday

Freedom is a word that encompasses so much. Even more so does this word bring so much to the Believer's life. A spiritual thirst for freedom starts to become satisfied when we hand our lives over to Jesus Christ. Many are spiritually thirsty, but not all choose to taste of the freedom offered through Jesus. As we mature in the faith, so should our freedom from the bondage of sin. I will use a picture to help describe what we should all strive for...
I awaken to find myself in a large body bag. I am having difficulty to breathe and the bag doesn't quite fit my body very well. I am cramped and scared. Eventually, the zipper on the bag is found and I open it with great delight as I can now breathe more fully. I am delighted to be out of the bag, but I find myself in a car trunk. Thus, I can't stretch my legs out and the air feels so stale. Eventually, the lock on the trunk is released and I can get out to stretch my legs and have a full range of motion. Finally, a little light poors in from a single florescent bulb on the ceiling. Even though I can move freely and begin to see better, I am locked in a small garage with hardly enough room for the care containing it. It is wonderful to breathe better, move around, and see, but it doesn't seem quite right yet. Eventually, the garage door opens and I find myself in a medium sized junk yard. The sun is shining so brightly and the air feels so good. Unfortunately, there is a large concrete wall around the whole junk yard with barb wires around the top. I can't see out at all, but I have the sun and the wind, even if the air is a little foul from the processing of the metal. Eventually, the doors to the junk yard open and I realize I am on a small island in the middle of a lake. The island is about 2 square miles, but it is wonderful to see the water and the land across the water and have the freedom to move about. Still, after several years, I yearn to get off the island. Finally, I discover a boat and I hop aboard and head towards the mainland. Once I get to the mainland I am so excited to finally have room to move, after walking around quite a bit, I realize that I was actually on an even larger island in the middle of the ocean...
If you concentrate on the different pictures, then you can begin to imagine the wonderfulness of the new freedom. Of course, this freedom is only made possible as we continue to become more intimate with our Heavenly Father. As we continually become more transformed we will continue to experience new levels of freedom. Some Christians are content to be alive and in the body bag, others experience the trunk, some enjoy the garage, some like the junkyard, some enjoy the island in the lake, and others enjoy the island in the ocean. God accepts us wherever we are at, but he so very desperately desires for us to walk in freedom.
Have you experienced a new level of freedom lately or have you become content? Hunger and thirst after the Lord and enjoy the expanse of freedom.

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Witness Wednesdays

The word "witnessing" has gotten a bad rap in recent years. Let me set a stereotypical picture for you of a person who once "witnessed" to me...
As I walked out of the building, I was bombarded with several people who had small pamphlets in their hands and who were also quite loud. I was in the middle of conversing with someone when we were all kind of split from each other and stared into the eyes of what looked like either an angry or frightened person. He stretched out his hand practically forcing the pamphlet into my hand and looked me square in the eyes and uttered these words: "If you were to die tonight where would you go heaven or hell?" I stood there stunned knowing full well that Jesus and I were extremely close to each other and would spend the rest of eternity getting to know each other. Unfortunately, I was so stunned that nothing came out immediately. Then, from the recesses of my brain I muttered a Sunday school series of explanations. To his first question, I responded with "Heaven". Then he said, "How do you know?" To which I responded, "Because I asked Jesus into my heart. I love Him and He loves me." I then walked away startled by the whole situation.
Now, if I was terrified of this person who was supposedly "witnessing" to me, I can only imagine how someone else might feel. Good grief! He didn't even ask my name! He didn't introduce himself! And he didn't act as a witness of seeing God move in a mighty way. I firmly believe that God uses all sorts of ways to reach people, but do people have to be so dog-gone unnatural and weird about it. There were other people touched that night and praise God for it. But again, I kind of go back to my thinking that I really don't care what you know, until I know that you care.
Similar things have happened seeing guys holding signs up and screaming on the corner about how we are all going to Hell without Jesus. It's absolutely true, but sheesh, calm down and talk with me about it. Or then there is the person that uses all sorts of Christianese language when speaking to me. Someone once asked: Are you saved and sanctified? What, huh? Most Christians can't agree on certain dialects of Christianese language and we've got people using it to people that have never set foot in a church building.
I say all that to say this: A witness is someone who has seen God in a mighty way, specifically through the revelation of Jesus Christ. If I witnessed a car accident and was told to inform the police, I would tell them what I saw and try to be of the best help I could. Maybe we need to witness in ways that are natural. Buy a co-worker lunch at work and find out about where they have come from and how they feel about things. If the conversation moves in such a way that an opportunity to present Christ happens then great! Mostly, we must learn to listen to God's Spirit in those situations. What about taking the opportunity to pray with someone who is having a difficult time, if that's what God's Spirit directs. God's in charge of converting people, not you! Rather be his instrument if He has chosen to use you at that moment. Some of the best "witnessing" jobs I ever did took over several years and required much patience, but those people are a part of Kingdom now so it was worth it. I didn't wear them down with a bunch of high-church talk, rather I loved them and cared for them. Choose this day, how you act as a witness for Christ; listen to His Spirit and love people.

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Teaching Tuesdays

I have sat through many a sermon, including my own, which have made some tremendous points, but failed to hit on how to carry out things practically. Many of us have good intentions regarding fulfilling the objective of the sermon, but if the sermon lacks a practical way of carrying out the teaching, then what does it matter? I try my very best to remember this when I prepare for a message, but sometimes it doesn't come out as clearly. And I would assume that you listen to other Christian teachers and preachers who many times don't give a real concrete way of fulfilling that week's challenge.
Here is my challenge to you, in order to maximize the message preached. Learn how to set a practical goal in front of you after every message regardless of whether the teacher or preacher gave a practical goal. For instance...

Teaching on Forgiveness... Find a practical way to serve someone you have an issue with.
Teaching on Giving... Find an area during the week that you can give toward that you wouldn't normally do. If you are good at giving financially, find a way to give with your time, if you give in both these areas, give your talent, etc...
Teaching on Fear... Determine the place you are most fearful and resolve to fast and pray about that area until the peace of God begins to permeate you.
Teaching on Loving God... picture your relationship with God in light of a marriage. What areas are you good at in and what areas are you weak. If you have difficulty expressing in words your love for God, then set some goals for that week. If you have difficulty spending lots of time with God, set some "date nights" to spend time with the Lord.
Teaching on Addictions... If there is an area you know that your flesh is winning over your spirit, then what can you place in your life to help diminish the craving? Discuss with other people that have overcome addictions to help you out. Overcoming addictions is so very much about practical steps to keep you out of that situation.
Take the opportunity to never let a message slip away because a practical point wasn't given. Instead, make your own practical point.

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Missional Mondays

Many times when people picture a "missionary", a person in the depths of an African Jungle preaching to a group of Natives comes to mind. However, missions is much greater than just this picture word. Paul was considered one of the first missionaries because he traveled from place to place, culture to culture preaching the Good news.
The United States has been a hotbed for sending missionaries to foreign countries. We have the resources, the desire, and the ability. I believe we should continue to send missionaries, but thankfully many other countries are sending out missionaries including the ones that directly benefited from major missionary efforts in the past. Unfortunately, many Americans when hearing the term missions only thinks of foreign lands. There are many mission fields at home that we can participate in a major way. In many cases, foreign missions affords me the opportunity to give financially and pray. Home missions, affords me the opportunity to get right in there in the midst of the battle.
Even greater than that, is that I don't necessarily have to volunteer with local mission organizations either. (Although I highly recommend that you do). God has placed each of us in our own little corner of the world. For example in my life... I consistently run, bicyle, and walk through my neighborhood in Southport. I go to the YMCA frequently. I spend time at the church building which brings all sorts of people to me. I occassionally work part time at a tent company. All of these places give me the opportunity to be a missionary to the people around me.
A missionary is expected to learn and love the people that he/she is to reach. So, we must take the opportunity to learn more about the people around us so that we can better reach them with the Good News. Don't just think missions work is for those overseas, rather understand that you were called to be a missionary right where you are at now.

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Theological Thursdays

Theology is the study of God. God has been revealed to us fully through Jesus Christ. As a Christian deepens in relationship with Jesus, naturally one's theology will shift. This is a good thing. Within the pages of Scripture, we see a phenomenon of progressive revelation take place. What this means is that little by little God reveals more of Himself. For instance, we see a limited view of God in Genesis, but that view is much more developed in Acts.
Quick note must be made however, as God reveals himself more and more to us, it will not violate previous revelations. For instance, Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament, He did not get rid of it. He was the fuller revelation. It's important to understand this point, because other religious groups like the Mormons consistently violate previous, supposed revelations for new ones. We do not do that! Truth is truth, it cannot be thrown out for a "new" truth.
Why do I say all this today? We need to be on the lookout for God in our everyday life so that we can appreciate a much fuller picture of Him. A very practical way of seeing this is in the positive relationships we have with others. I have experienced being a son who has a mother and father. I have experienced being a student to a teacher. I have experienced being a teacher to a student. I have experienced having a best friend. I have experienced having a wife. All of these relationships reveal something about God to me. We have the opportunity to see God as a Father, a Nurturer, a Teacher, a Friend. However, I am not a father, so that area of relationship has not been revealed to me yet.
Choose this day to seek a more full revelation of God. And everything you see about God should be evident in Jesus Christ.

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Worship Wednesdays

What works for you during a musical worship service? We have already established that worship is so much more than just the music portion of a church service. However, practically every congregation takes a few minutes to sing and expects people to worship during this time. I always had difficulty "pressing into worship" like the pastor was pushing us to do. Thoughts went through my mind: Press into what? What should I think about right now? Am I not worshipping right if I am not extremely emotional. I would look around and see some people that looked so spiritual and into it, and I just tended not to be. I honestly just wanted the music to stop so I could get to the sermon.
Then I discovered something, it was my responsiblity to determine the way in which I worshipped best and sieze the moment. I found my worship "release" in violence. Let me explain before we go too far down a rabbit hole. Some people sieze moments of worship with their voices, or with dancing, or with shouting, or with kneeling, or with playing an instrument or with a variety of other things. I needed to hit things. I found my release in beating a drum, or the back of pew, or my legs, or whatever was there. I just found it easier to consentrate on my Lord and savior when I could hit things. That doesn't mean that this is the exclusive way in which I worship during music, but it is the way that keeps me focused on my Savior.
The problem with so many people is that we get distracted from the object of our worship. And maybe some of us get distracted because we haven't found what gets us going. My wife can just sing and sway for such a long time, I cannot, but both of us must learn to focus in. Don't stay inside the box about the way to adore the Lord, rather be willing to step up. Find your unique way of worshipping the Lord.

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TaNaK Tuesdays

I would encourage you to find a passage of Scripture in the Old Testament that you are not very familiar with. Maybe one of the Minor Prophets or something. It is always fun to read something that you are not really familiar with. Go ahead, right now, go to the index in your Bible and scan down and look to a book you have no idea about. Maybe stick with a shorter book. Find one that catches your eye and then read it! Try to find out some background on it. Perhaps you have some study helps in your Bible or you can look online. Read over the book and then determine the answers to these two broad questions: What does this book tell me about God? What does this book tell me about God's people?
I eagerly await your responses on what you discovered.

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Money Mondays

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
This Scripture found in the Sermon on the Mount should speak volumes to us right now. Every newspaper, news show, and media outlet is attempting to guess what will happen in the economic future. My advice to you, is not to worry a thing about it. Control what you can today. Do you have a job? Do it your very best this day. Have you lost your job? Keep looking, today may be the day you find it. Whatever happens, God has your back when you seek His Kingdom first.

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