In the last post in this series, I hit some of the essential points on why it’s important to have a life vision and focus.

Often times when we think of our “life calling”, we focus on our career or on our external circumstances, whether that be in the marketplace or in ministry. We are intently focused on thriving as a successful businessperson, a good mother or father, a good musician, or a successful pastor. Whether it be by others or ourselves, we are automatically defined as successful if we are good at these things.

Of course it’s not bad to focus on these things, but Jesus wanted to be clear that it was not to be our primary focus. Paul the apostle continually spoke to the early church encouraging them to focus on the things that mattered much more than the temporal things of life. Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) was so revolutionary to the hearers of the day because everything He said was in stark contrast to the teaching of the Pharisees and spiritual leaders of Israel. Jesus intentionally moved their focus from external issues to internal issues, from the hands and feet to the heart.  read more »

I’ve been in Colorado visiting my family this past week. I really miss KC and the house of prayer! For this year’s visit, my younger brother flew in from New Hampshire.  It’s awesome to have him here! It’s his first visit to Leadville and the Rocky Mountains. We’ve been skiing a lot this week, and I’ve learned several new terms that you need to know if you’re a flatlander or have never skied in the Rockies before. Don’t leave home without this guide!  read more »

... that there is nothing in this life that could ever truly satisfy me. Jesus is the only one. I am a stranger seeking a heavenly homeland.

That is all.

Today is “super Tuesday”, a day in our nation when almost half the country has primaries to elect America’s next president.

As I am praying this morning, I am stirred in my spirit once again about the state of our nation and what we are putting our hope in as a people. If you really look at the problems of our nation, there is no candidate running for president that would have the ability to fully reconcile America’s issues. The message we are called to preach as believers is that ultimately, the kingdoms of men will fail and only one Man will succeed in reigning over the nations. This is the gospel of the Kingdom. We need the Lord to come with revelation on this for the church across our nation today.

Israel is our primary example from the Word. From Samuel’s day, they continually put their hope in human leaders and did not want God Himself as their leader. They did not submit to His law, His ways, and did not heed His messengers and ended up under God’s judgment time and time again. What makes us think America is any different?  read more »

It's sunny and 70 today, probably one of the most beautiful days it's been in a while. But in typical Kansas City fashion, winter will be back in full swing tomorrow. Take a look at the forecast:

If it wasn't Kansas City, I'd think "Winter Storm Watch" was a very early April fools joke from the weather forecasters or something.

Well, it's day 1 of our monthly 3-day fast. I've been spending some time praying through Ephesians 2 and 1 Peter 1. Perhaps some thoughts on the blog tomorrow...