focus on the future, not the virus

We have never been here before. That is one reason that this situation is so hard. Many have characterized it as worse than the tragedy of September 11, 2001. No matter the case we have much ahead of us.

It is my opinion that things will not be the same when this is over. There will be a new normal. In the struggles ahead we will experience things we have never experienced.

We can make our plans. We can strategize, but there is not telling what is ahead and how it will all play out. We will get there. This will end.

The most important thing is we do not give us. This virus will not end the world. It is not going to steal our faith.

We will press on. Paul said it best.

Philippians 3:12-16 NASB

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

We haven’t arrived, but this is not the end.

There is a great result and reward ahead of us.

We must learn from what we have and what we are going through.

Pressing on takes faith and courage.

Check your attitude. Check it often.

God is in control, and thus we keep on living.

Friends, this coronavirus pandemic will not define us. Let’s allow the facts God gives us be the definition and the passion that helps us push through and see the constant victories that He, our great and gracious God, has laid up for us. There is much ahead.

That’s why we will not dwell in the present. I will focus on God and the future He has prepared!

Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" (brand new book)

One of the most powerful preachers, writers and leaders of our time, in my opinion, is Francis Chan. His first book, Crazy Love , revolutionized my thoughts about God's love as well as my interacting with God. Now it is time for a brand new book from Chan being released tomorrow, September 1st. The book is Forgotten God . This is a phenomenal book about the power that Christians and the church can and must tap into. All of it is within the Holy Spirit. Francis talks about the power that was seen in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit began to move among people. It is true that many have avoided or maybe forgotten what the Holy Spirit is all about. And like the Savior who poured out His life and blood so we have reason to rejoice, we were made to lay down our lives and give until it hurts. We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and ac...

inspiration from C.S. Lewis

There are many people, past and present, who get our attention by what they write or say or share. For me C.S. Lewis is one of those. He was a prolific writer who continues to grab the attention of thinkers from many different points of view. Lewis first grabbed my attention when I was in 5 th grader, and our teacher, Mrs. Foy, shared The Chronicles of Narnia with our class. It was a powerful time that this dreamer opened doors to thinking like I had never lived before. He wrote of faith, of far off places and of strong figures who found their character rooted deep in God. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898 and died in 1963, 7 years before I was born. It wasn’t until his 30’s that under the influence of his friend Tolkien that he came to be a Christian. He was raised in a traditional church going home, turned away from God as an Atheist in his teen years and through trying to stay away from God and faith returned to God with...

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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