Storm Season!

April showers bring May tornadoes...or something like that. We have tons of storms this time of year, and whether you are one of those people who stand out in the street watching it, or if you're the first one to the storm shelter - nobody likes getting hit by a storm (even if you have insurance!). There are unfortunately lots of others storms in our lives beyond just the weather. Over the next few weeks, we are going to be putting these storms under a microscope and asking the difficult questions, like "Why, God?" How do we deal with storms in our lives, and can they actually yield any positive results? In Christ, we find some answers that give us hope and peace in these times. Don't try to weather these storms alone - come, be encouraged and lifted up in prayer by a community of real people who are sharing their stories, and who want to be there for you. I don't typically just blog about how you should come to church - but the new series starting this week is something you won't want to miss! Come check it out this Wednesday at 6:30.

Intentional Attention

Question: What grabs your attention?
Answer: Anything that can stir your emotions, and is typically short-term.

We have lots of things that grab our attention...but giving our attention to something has less to do with emotion and more to do with intention. Even in church--we can be gripped by something that was said or sung about...but then we don't actually do anything about it! Proverbs 4:25-27 says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Here's the bottom line - If we are not intentional about giving our attention to something (or someone), then it is easy for us to get off track and have our attention grabbed by anything. What are you giving your attention and affection to? Here are the two biggest questions to help you know:
- Where does most of your TIME go? (work, friends, TV, music, internet...spending time with Jesus?)
- Where does most of your MONEY go? (fast food, games, clothes...people in need, tithes and offering?)

If you evaluate the answers to those questions and there is a big imbalance...maybe it's time to get intentional about focusing our attention on the things of God. Take a minute today to make a list and prioritize the things that are truly the most important to you, and GIVE your attention (intentionally) to them, and cut down on the meaningless things that continually "grab" your attention. This is a struggle for me--especially with "my" money. Let's work together, and by the power of God we can all refocus our attention on the things that truly matter!

No Air...

Jordin Sparks' song (still near the top of the charts), "No Air" is all about telling someone you love that you can't live without them--here are some lyrics:

"If I should die before I wake, It's 'cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave, My heart won't move, it's incomplete
Wish there was a way that I can make you understand

But how do you expect me, To live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you, It's so hard for me to breathe

Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air..."

That's a great mushy song to sing to that special someone...but what if it were true about our relationship with God? Did you know that the Greek word for God's Spirit is "pnuema" and is often translated wind, breath, or air? Spiritually, we breathe (thus, survive and thrive) on God. This question haunts me: If God took his Spirit out from the church, what would change...if anything? How much do we truly rely on God...and how much of what we do is on our own abilities and power? Just as our bodies need air to live, move, and breathe...we MUST stay connected to the Spirit if we are to live, move, and breathe spiritually! Today, think about how much you are actually depending upon Him, and don't go another second without air!

By the way - this is my favorite parody of that song :)