In the rush of getting everything ready for Christmas, the real reason for Christmas sometimes gets pushed aside. One of the things that I appreciate about December is that it is deer hunting season. Sitting quietly in the woods, watching for deer gives me the opportunity to truly, Be still and ponder what God is doing in my life, and in the midst of the circumstances of my life. I have often made major decisions, while quietly sitting, and taking time to really evaluate what I should do before God. There are some who would say that is a waste of time, but the reality is there are times in our lives when we would do well, to slow down enough to listen to the voice of God as we read the Word, pray, and worship. Psalm 46:10 reminds us “to Be still and know that I am God” During the rush of the Christmas season, you need to guard your focus, and in order to do that, you may need to slow down, and allow the Word of God to speak to your heart, count your blessings, and then make a determination that you will not let the hassles … READ MORE

The World would like us to focus on a number of things this time of year, Spending, gifts, charity, and many things that distract from the true meaning of the year. Yet if it weren’t for the fact that God intervened in the affairs of men, we would be doomed in light of the present, and hopeless in light of eternity. So how do we gain the right focus in our lives? Let me suggest three ways. 1. Remember: How you were saved and how Christ has changed your life. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “look unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.” Keep in mind that Jesus had you in mind when He came to this earth to die, and you will be a lot less likely to look down on someone else. 2. Renew: your Love for Jesus. Revelation 2:5 reminds us that we need to think on the things that drew you to Jesus in the first place, and let the Holy Spirit fill you with a renewed sense of love and joy in Him. Make the determination that you will spend more time with Him in the Word and prayer. 3. Recommit: … READ MORE

This weekend Kary and I went Christmas hunting (I don’t call it shopping, cuz I want to bag my presents and get home). I so enjoyed the time with my wife, but I would have enjoyed it more if there would not have been so many people around. I wanted so badly to have a horn on my shopping cart, and tell people to get out of my way. But, I have to remember that they have a right to shop also. So as I plowed my way through the stores, I attempted to do three things, which I would like to explore this week a bit: 1. Gain the right focus: I needed to remember that I was spending time with my wife, and purchasing gifts to remind my family and friends that I love them. 2. Guard the right focus: I need to remember the blessings of the year, and not allow the pressures of today, lead me to loose focus on what I am really doing. 3. Give the right focus: I need to maintain the right attitude so that those around me are not seen as obstacles but as people who are caught up in the … READ MORE