Where's Your Focus?

Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. - Ephesians 5:17 (Msg)


Are you looking for a vision for your life? I am. I've taken this summer to try and really focus on what God would have me do with my life.

Earlier in the summer, I took a couple of days retreat in the mountains ... and despite being teased about eating at a restaurant a couple times and not really "communing with nature" it was nevertheless an attempt at trying to get direction from God.

Also, this summer, I've had a 40-day focus on trying to discover my purpose. I combined reading Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life again, Bible reading, note-taking, and prayer.

Do I have a vision or goal for my life right now? Well, in some aspects I do, in others I don't. However, these things are true ... my joy is in the Lord, and my focus on Him directly relates to how well I am able to see Him working around me and even through me.

Please know that I'm still looking for answers. My words here are for me as much as they are for you. It's not about preaching!

Warren writes:

There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose. The men and women who have made the greatest difference in history were the most focused. For instance, the apostle Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His secret was a focused life. He said, "I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." - Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

Are you still looking for direction? My prayer is that your focus on God is more intense than its ever been. Your growth in the Lord depends on it!

_______________

Alex Murashko, the founder of Outreach New Media, has been helping people get their message out for more than 16 years.

President Washington went public with prayer

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible. - National Day of Prayer Task Force

While President Barack Obama plans to commemorate the National Day of Prayer with private prayer and a public reading of the proclamation for the day, one president didn't mince words when it came to the need for prayer... - Washington went public with prayer

Posted using ShareThis

Note: In recognition of the choice for this year's theme, PRAYER...AMERICA'S HOPE, I want to thank the National Day of Prayer Task Force in strongly, yet subtly, showing how important it is to understand where HOPE should be placed. - Alexander

For Such a Time as This

CNN reports that the Baptist minister who was fatally shot Sunday as he led services at a church in suburban Saint Louis, Missouri, was carrying out work he believed in fervently, a church official said Monday.

"I believe that he would want us to know that he died doing exactly what he believed passionately about," Worship and Music Pastor Mark Jones told reporters outside First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois, about Pastor Fred Winters, who was killed the day before...

Investigators have charged Terry J. Sedlacek, 27, with first-degree murder in the killing.

Sedlacek was further charged with two counts of aggravated battery related to the stabbing of parishioners Terry Bullard and Keith Melton. full story

Photo: A sign posted by a neighbor pressing for prayer in a subdivision where Terry J. Sedlacek lived is seen in Troy, Ill., Monday, March 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

For Such a Time as This, How Do We Pray?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. — Psalm 46:1-2

How do we pray?

With confidence and belief that He will deliver: “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome” (Ephesians 3:12). “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews 4:16).

This is my prayer...that His Church grow strong and unified. As individuals we reflect Him in us like never before. Our opportunity to do so is now!

And on another note...

The election is over, and I'm committed to pray for the new President. I've signed up for The Presidential Prayer Team's 77 Days of Prayer for Our Next President initiative. I'd like to invite you to sign up too. You'll receive an email every morning with a concise, scripturally oriented prayer for the new President. It's a wonderful way to help our country move into the next chapter that God has for us. You can sign up here:

The Presidential Prayer Team's 77 Days of Prayer

This is a meaningful way we can help our country during these difficult days.

Our Security in God

Wanted to post a prayer from the Presidential Prayer Team, a ministry aimed at "mobilizing millions of Americans to pray for our President, our Leaders, our Nation, and our Armed Forces." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Be blessed...


September 29, 2008

Dear Friend,

Treasury Secretary Paulson has worked with President Bush, leaders in Congress, both presidential candidates and other advisors on a plan to rescue our failing economy. Congressional leaders toiled through the weekend creating a plan deemed acceptable by members on both sides of the aisle.

Today, the House of Representatives failed to pass that bill. Members from both parties pointed fingers as the stock market plunged. Commentators are saying that the economy is doomed and the next Great Depression is inevitable.

Interestingly, some pundits are saying that this crisis has but one source—greed! Greed is a spiritual problem, not an economic one. And a spiritual problem requires a spiritual answer.

In this time of unprecedented uncertainty, we need God’s intervention. We need His solution, and we need Him to reveal it in such a way that we know it’s Him—and only Him—acting on our behalf.

Please, join me in praying for God’s help in this potentially disastrous time in our nation’s history. Pray that God will guide the leaders into the solution He desires. Pray for wisdom for all involved—for Secretary Paulson, President Bush, Fed Chairman Bernanke, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader Boehner, House Financial Services Committee Chair Barney Frank and others as they work together.

Thank you in advance for praying with us in this insecure time in our country. Together we place our security in God, and in His answers to our prayers. It will be exciting to see how He provides.

Prayerfully yours,
John Lind
President/CEO

P.S. Please help our country by forwarding this email to as many people as you can.

DIGG!

A Personal God of Wonders

The more I lean into God the better off I am. How can we not lean into Him when we think about His wonders? He has transformed so many lives, including my own. I am forever grateful and it is my prayer that I worship Him abundantly. May that be your prayer as well!




Third Day's music has ministered to me in a big way. If you like gospel with a powerful classic rock (not hard rock) sound, Third Day may be for you. God of Wonders can be found on the Offerings II: All I Have to Give available at Amazon.

Prayer is Not Rubbing Bottle For a Genie

I want a home on the Big Island of Hawaii, a beach home in Southern California, and a mountain home in Colorado. Oh, and also an RV loaded to the max. Please, Lord, I pray these things for you to bless me with...Amen!

Isn't that how we often pray? "Rubbing" on God as if He was a genie, instead of praying for His will.

Praying is an important part of our life with Christ. Let's pray in earnest, knowing we truly are connected to Him. Let's pray with a desire to get closer to Him.

This from Greg Laurie's daily devotion:

THE PERIL OF PRAYERLESSNESS

If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. - James 1:5

The Bible's first recorded prayer of Jacob's is found in Genesis 32:9–16. Up to this point, seven chapters of Genesis have been devoted to Jacob's life, with no mention of prayer on his part.

It makes me wonder if Jacob had ever prayed up to this point. It is possible, but the Bible doesn't specifically mention it. It may have been Jacob's very lack of prayer and lack of dependence on God that made him feel as though he had to manipulate his circumstances.

It was commendable that Jacob was reaching out to God, and there are even some good things about his prayer. He acknowledged the God of Abraham and Isaac as the true God. He confessed his own unworthiness. He brought his petition to the Lord.

But it would have been better if he had said, "Lord, what should I do now?" Instead, he prayed and made his plans. In other words, he decided what he was going to do and then asked God to bless it.

Is that not like us? We make our plan and then ask God to bless it. But that is not really praying about a matter. Instead, we should pray along the lines of, "Lord, give me wisdom from your Word and from godly people who will guide me scripturally. Help me do the right thing."

But Jacob did not do that. He wanted what was right, but he went about it in the wrong way.

God helps those who can't help themselves. This is what Jacob needed to realize. Let's learn to seek out God's will rather than bypass it.

_______________

Books by Greg Laurie can be found at Amazon.com.

Seeking Uninterrupted Awareness

If it's Monday, it must be time for some Max Lucado. At least that's what I've been trying to post on this site on Mondays...a devotion from one of his books. As for the rest of the week, this site, both a blog and a place to find the right devotional books for you, posts from some top Christian authors. You may even find some of my own words. If these devotionals are a blessing to you, please drop me a comment and consider getting a copy of any of the devotionals featured here.

As we start this week, let us remember how valuable prayer is to ourselves! God already knows what's up...we just need to keep trying to align ourselves with Him...the one who has all the answers.

This from Max Lucado's Grace for the Moment, Vol. 2:

REDEFINING PRAYER

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. - Colossians 4:2 NKJV

Early Christians were urged to

“pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17 NASB);
“always be prayerful” (Rom. 12:12 NLT);
“pray at all times and on every occasion” (Eph. 6:18 NLT).

Sound burdensome? Are you wondering, my business needs attention, my children need dinner, my bills need paying. How can I stay in a place of prayer?

Do this. Change your definition of prayer. Think of prayer less as an activity for God and more as an awareness of God. Seek to live in uninterrupted awareness. Acknowledge his presence everywhere you go. As you stand in line to register your car, think, Thank you, Lord, for being here. In the grocery as you shop, Your presence, my King, I welcome. As you wash the dishes, worship your Maker.

____________________

Max Lucado has touched millions with his signature storytelling writing style. Awards and accolades follow Max with each book he writes. Max is the first author to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times—1999 for "Just Like Jesus," 1997 for "In the Grip of Grace" and 1995 for "When God Whispers Your Name."

Max Lucado is a fixture on the national bestseller lists – a Max Lucado title has appeared on the CBA hardcover bestseller list every month for the past dozen years. He has appeared on the Publishers Weekly, USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. He has won eight ECPA Gold Medallion awards. - MaxLucado.com

Go to Max Lucado's Book Selection at Amazon to order now!

Wisdom from the Psalms: Blessings

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. - Psalm 23:5

This from Dan R. Dick's Wisdom from the Psalms:

Some people never find satisfaction in the things they do have, but spend their entire lives wishing for things they don't have. They are never happy with where their lives are going, they feel empty in their relationships, and therefore they find it impossible to give thanks for the many blessings they have been given.

As Christians, we are people of praise. Every prayer we offer unto God should acknowledge the many wonderful things that He has done for us. Only a blind person can deny the beauty and splendor of this world. God gives good things to His children, and we should be thankful for all that we have.

Prayer

Lord, I cannot believe how much I have been given. Help open my eyes to the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Make me thankful, Lord. Amen.

Testimonial: My mother recommended this book to me. Before I got this book I had good days and bad days but since I started reading this book every morning before the start of my day and it has made my days go great. Wisdom from the Psalms has helped me put things into perspective and inspires me to appreciate my life as it is. If you feel lost, lack inspiration, and need to feel better about your life this book is a must. It not only strengthens your spirit but it reaffirms even the shakiest bond with God. I have shared this book with a friend who is dealing with the passing of one of her children and it has made a world of a difference for her. You owe it to yourself to check this book out. - James C

Get Wisdom from the Psalms: Daily Thoughts and Meditations now!

What if Baghdad was a city of peace?

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. -Psalm 127:1


U.S. soldiers pray in a circle before leaving Camp Victory for their patrol mission on the streets of Baghdad. REUTERS/Nikola Solic (IRAQ)

This from Baghdad Prayer Patrol:

What if Baghdad were a city of peace? What if the impossible happened and it became a beacon of hope for the region? What if we prayed, and God answered, what could happen?

Did you know that Baghdad was once called Madinat Al- Salam, city of peace? Maybe that’s its God given destiny, maybe if we agree with God, we can change history.



What if Baghdad was a city of peace?

Wisdom from the Psalms: Trust

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. - Psalm 22:11

This from Dan R. Dick's Wisdom from the Psalms:

Sam stuck close to his older brother Ed. Some bullies had been bothering him, and so he felt wisdom the better part of valor; he dogged Ed's every step. Ed didn't mind. He kind of liked it. He liked knowing that his little brother trusted him and looked up to him. If it was protection Sam wanted, then protection he would have.
The Lord is never far from us. Once we put our trust in Him, He is true to protect and defend us. He loves us to put our faith and respect in Him. Though life may get stormy and rough, the Lord is there to calm the waters and get us through safely.

Prayer
Dear Lord, be with me as I face the challenges of each new day. Protect me from those things that can harm me. Stay close to me, for I know of no great strength than Yours. Amen.

Testimonial: My mother recommended this book to me. Before I got this book I had good days and bad days but since I started reading this book every morning before the start of my day and it has made my days go great. Wisdom from the Psalms has helped me put things into perspective and inspires me to appreciate my life as it is. If you feel lost, lack inspiration, and need to feel better about your life this book is a must. It not only strengthens your spirit but it reaffirms even the shakiest bond with God. I have shared this book with a friend who is dealing with the passing of one of her children and it has made a world of a difference for her. You owe it to yourself to check this book out. - James C

Get Wisdom from the Psalms: Daily Thoughts and Meditations now!

Murder in the Family - The Surviving Boy

Seems like not a day goes by these days when we don't hear about this kind of news. What a fallen world we live in. Please join me and others in prayer for all those affected by this horror, occuring just a few days ago...especially the surviving 14-year-old boy, Ian Mercado.

Community meeting attenders listen to stories of the children who were shot in Yorba Linda over the weekend at the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District offices in Yorba Linda. (ROD VEAL/ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER)


This from the OC Register:

YORBA LINDA – A 14-year-old boy who survived one of the deadliest shootings in recent Orange County history steered detectives on Monday back to the home where five members of his family died over the weekend.

Police would not say what Ian Mercado told them during a "thorough" interview from his hospital bed. But the information prompted them to seek another search warrant and to renew their search for evidence at the family's condominium.

Police believe Ian’s father, Orland Cho, killed his wife, his two daughters and his younger son Saturday night before turning the gun on himself. "Everything points that way," Brea Lt. Jack Conklin said.

FULL STORY

Add DeKalb

Why is it that when tragedy strikes close to home we often look to God so much quicker and more intently than ever before? Thank you ThirstyJon for giving us this snapshot of your life, DeKalb, Illinois, and a call for prayer after yet another campus shooting -- this time at Northern Illinois University.

Trouble in DeKalb

This from The Thirst for Freedom blog:

I was born in DeKalb, Illinois and grew up in Sycamore - the neighboring town. We ate lots of corn in the summer where I lived. I worked for the DeKalb Ag in the Corn Fields “de-tassling” corn when I was in Junior High...

...My wife and I were driving along an Australian Freeway between Mt Gambier and Adelaide with a group of fun young people when we got a call from a friend back in Illinois. A mad-man has shot up the campus at NIU. Just hours ago. The police were there in less than a minute (I am not surprised by their quick response!). People have died. The university whose political science program had helped produce liberal blogger Markos Moulitsas Zúniga, and helped produce missions author Ruth A. Tucker, and even had a small part in indirectly influencing the relatively unknown Founder and Chief (only) blogger of Freedomthirst.com (ThirstyJon!) has been attacked! The city where I (and Cindy Crawford) was born has been added to the growing list of towns that have faced this kind of disastrous violence...

...Then for a brief moment I wept. The world is a crazy place...

...We need to produce a generation that sees the world through God’s eyes as best they can.

Banning guns won’t work. A generation of heroes will.

Join me in prayer for the families of the victims at Northern Illinois University and the grieving town of DeKalb, Illinois.

Then join me Seeking the Kingdom of God on Earth, as Jesus commanded us to do when he taught us how to pray:

“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth As It Is In Heaven.”

Read full post at Trouble in DeKalb

A Few Good Men

All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. - 1 Samuel 22:2

This from Os Hillman's Today God Is First:

Have you ever felt that you could accomplish a whole lot more if you had more talented people around you? Perhaps you are in an office and think that some of your fellow workers don't quite measure up. Imagine what David must have thought in the years following his anointing by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. He spent the next many years running from King Saul. Now God was beginning to bring men to support David. But what kind of men? The down-and-out. God gave David not the elite or the sophisticated; He gave him those who were in debt and discontented with life. David turned those men into the best fighting men of their day. In fact, David never lost a battle during his entire reign as king of Israel-quite a feat for a bunch of no-name, lowlifes! Some of those men became an elite group known as David's Mighty Men. These were the elite of the elite, the Navy Seals, the Few Good Men, the Green Berets. Whatever you call them, they were exceptional warriors.

Jesus took a few men who weren't exactly the cream of the crop either. He built His life into these men, which resulted in 12 men who turned the world upside down. Are you one of God's mighty men or women? Are you investing your life to build other mighty men or women? David and Jesus set the example of what can be done when we invest in others. God does extraordinary things through men who have an extraordinary God. Ask God to use your life to be a mighty man or woman for a cause greater than yourself. He delights in such prayers.

In TGIF: Today God Is First, Os Hillman provides a scripture and commentary for each day of the year. The 365 meditations on the principles of Christ in the workplace wonderfully focus the readers attention on how God's way is to employ ordinary men and women leading ordinary lives to achieve extraordinary things and personally experience how even adverse situations can be doors to spiritual opportunity. Highly recommended reading, Hillman's commentaries are not just simple homilies, they are enduring messages of principles and testimony of how God has worked experientially in his own life -- and can work in yours. - Midwest Book Review

Real Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

This from Phil Ware's Heartlight devotionals:

Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others of value and not just self. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!"

My prayer:

Dear Lord, please teach us how to love like you do. We often feel so weak and inadequate. We hurt when we think others might not be showing love to us, but what really matters is our love for them and others.

Please help us develop a love relationship with you, Lord, so that we may show that love to others. We thank you for the love you've shown us in so many ways, but mainly in the way of giving us your son to die on the cross for us. It is a love we can not understand, but must accept to receive an eternal life with you. Thank you for your sacrificial love. In Jesus name...Amen.


Phil Ware is the senior minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. He also teaches bible courses at Abilene Christian University. What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide to the Gospel of John, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each passage is followed by a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's Scripture and shows how it challenges us to live for Jesus.