May 2, 2008 by Pastor Jon.

Mark 1: 32-38 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let them speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed; “Everyone is looking for you! Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else to the near by villages so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. (NIV) (Emphasis mine)

There is a lot we can learn from these few verses. It says that the whole town gathered, but Jesus healed many not all. Later when the town was looking for Him again, he moved on to the next town because that is what he was called to do. Jesus stayed focused on his calling. It would have been a “good” thing to stay in the same town, but there was a greater call. Because he had spent the solitary time with the Father, He was not swayed by the apparent need of the current town, but he knew when it was time to say “no,” and move on to the next.

People tend to live very busy lives. We often take on more than we should. This can just as easily happen in business, ministry and even our families. We do a lot of good things, but none of them become great. And these things are often unfulfilling and leave us feeling that we have not accomplished anything.

Chapter 5 in the book Good to Great by Jim Collins, he talks about the “Hedgehog Concept.” He defines it this way: foxes live a very complex and scattered life. Hedgehogs on the other hand do one thing and do it well. “[They] simplify a complex world into a single organizing idea, a basic principle or concept that unifies and guides everything.” p. 91

So has God called us to do a lot of good things, or has he called us to do a few great things. I tend to believe that it is the latter. We get caught up in the doing, and forget the purpose. Satan gets us distracted by doing “good” We get so busy we forget to spend time with the Father, with our families, we neglect our own health. God’s call is specific and sure. We must be able to identify that call, and then use that as the standard to judge the responsibilities and activities we take on

My goal is to try and live a life of focus. I want to live a life that goes beyond just doing. To do this I have to learn that is ok to say no. I have not found it yet, but I am looking for my “hedgehog concept.” What are those basic God given principles that unify and guide everything I do?

To live a life that is focused, we must define the essentials, and at the same time the non-essentials. First and foremost, we must be sure we have a strong habit of spending that solitary time with the Father. Without that we will never be focused on the right thing. I truly believe that our first focus should be on our relationship with the Father. Once that becomes our primary focus, ministry then becomes a fruit. We often get caught up and focus on the ministry but that only leads to us doing a lot of little things and then eventually burnout and discouragement.

Below are the examples from Good to Great. They were written for business, but I have tried to personalize them so that they can be applied on a personal level. Remember, before answering the following questions, we must be sure and seek guidance of the Holy Spirit. And also remember this is just a starting point.

1. What can you be the best at in the world?

Ø      What are your natural and spiritual gifts and talents?

Ø      What is your past experience?

Ø      Do you feel like you were born to do this?

Ø      What has God called you to do? Where do you fit in His plan?

Note: What you can be best at may not be what you are currently doing? p. 95

2. What drives your economic engine? (Think beyond money $)

Ø      What motivates you?

Ø      What gives you energy to keep going?

Ø      What will you do no matter what, even if you are not paid?

     3.    What are you deeply passionate about?

Ø      Where do your dreams take you?

Ø      What activities do you engage in that lead toward that passion?

I am sure this is a gross oversimplification, but it could provide a great starting point. The idea is to identify the activities of our lives that fulfill all three areas. These activities then become our focus. Yes there will always be times when we have to do other things that must be done. But do not let them become your priority. Spend time in the word and with the Father and he will keep you in focus on the right path.  Hopefully with the help of the Spirit we can discover the guiding principals that will bring focus and clarity to our lives. These are the things that we should focus on.

In Isaiah 48:17 God says that he will teach us to profit and lead us by the way we should go. Listen and He will keep you focused.

Now the hard part is to do it.

You can learn more about Good to Great by visiting www.jimcollins.com/

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April 21, 2008 by Pastor Jon.

So it was when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine 1 Samuel 17:48 (emphasis mine)

David ran out to meet Goliath. From a logical stand point, David was not the best choice to send against Goliath. He was small, young and inexperienced. He did not have the confidence of King Saul, his brothers, or the rest of the army.

1. David did not listen to the doubts of others, and drew confidence from his past experience. He reminded himself and King Saul of his victories over the lions and the bears.  He stood on the fact that he heard from God.
2. The Lord was with David and he knew it. David had a habit of praising and worshiping God. His relationship was strong and he was able to tap into the strength of that relationship.
3. David ran to the battle. He knew that the only way to win was to advance. He did not want to allow Goliath to have the advantage of momentum or position. He wanted that advantage.

So ask yourself, do you see yourself as God sees you? Do you hear from God? Do you have the confidence to move out and run towards the battle? (Step out into what God has called you too.)

If not, then the place to start is with your relationship with Christ. Spend time each day in His word. Spend time in praise, worship and prayer. Make it a daily habit. This daily investment will continually draw you to find your place in God’s plan.

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April 14, 2008 by Pastor Jon.

In the book The Devine Mentor on page 77, Wayne Cordeiro writes, “If we are going to be a leader in our families, our communities and our church, then we must be a people who know how to take ground and move forward. To do that effectively you will have to know God’s word – memorize key verses. If all you are doing is playing defense you will continue to lose… Victory only comes to those who learn to go on the offense and succeed on the offensive.”

As Christians we must keep moving forward. Even when we are not 100% for sure where God is leading us we most move. Often times God will not reveal further direction until we show our faith and the willingness to be obedient. We must carry the presence of the Lord and be willing to step into the unknown. We also must be willing to leave behind the comfortable.

Joshua 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the Priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan. Then the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.—- vs. 17 Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in he midst of the Jordan.

1. Bear the Ark – The ark represents God’s presence.  This relates to the time we spend reading the word, the time we spend in prayer and fasting. If we neglect individual (one on one) time with God we can not walk in His presence. We must carry the presence with us.

2. Get Wet (Step into the unknown) — The Jordan River was in its flood stage when the Children of Israel crossed over. Odds are, it was wider, deeper and flowing faster than any other time of the year. While carrying the heavy Ark of the Covenant, the Priest had to step into the fast flowing strong current with the slippery and sinking muddy bottom. But once they did the ground became dry and firm. We must have faith to step forward and walk into the water.

3. Leave it behind – Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherman (This was there heritage, life, source of income etc.) Then he said to them “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” They immediately left their nets and followed him.

They had to leave behind the comfortable. They also had to step out into the unknown. Christ leads us to a place where we depend fully on Him. It is at this place we can find true peace, and find the life that God has called us too. As we die to self we find our self in Christ. As we step into the unknown we find revelation and life.

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October 24, 2007 by Pastor Jon.

Legacy describes the lasting impact someone leaves behind. It is the influence of their life. It can be a positive as well as a negative impact. Although the word legacy is not used in the Bible it is a biblical principal. What is the Bible? From Genesis to Revelation it is the legacy of average and not so average people and their interaction with a Holy God.

Legacy is not just passed on after one dies. But legacy is created through out our daily lives with family, friends, work and church or ministry. Knowing this, we must also know that leaving a positive legacy does not happen automatically. Just because I have a strong relationship with Christ, I cannot assume that my children will walk the same path. Judges provides a good example of this fact. In Judges 2:10 we learn that after Joshua died a generation rose up that did not know the Lord. What happened? Joshua lived a great life for God, but what happened after he died? What happened with the passing on of the legacy of Moses and Joshua? This pattern continues through out Judges. See Judges 2:16-23. The people would cry out to God and he would raise up a Judge, and the people would be blessed. The Judge would die and the people would forget about God. This was repeated over and over.

In order to leave behind a strong positive legacy, one must be proactive and intentional. A life of positive investments must be made. Christ provides the best example. He spent 3 years with 12 disciples. He lived with them, ate with them. He taught and challenged them. Even though they were far from perfect, 11 of them would live on to change he world.

Looking further at the life of Jesus we can learn some practical steps to build a great legacy.

   1. All that Jesus did was built on the foundation of his relationship with the father. John 5:19,30

2. Fellowship – Jesus spent three years living with his disciples. A legacy takes time and effort to build.
3. Jesus taught them. He taught with both his words and by example. Most of his miracles were done in view of his disciples.
4. He pressed and challenged them. He sent them out. Matthew 10:5-8

So what legacy will you leave behind? Will Jesus live on in those that you have influenced? After you have passed from this world, will those who knew you still walk with God?

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