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I just read some stats from George Barna that confirm what I have observed in the church. Barna’s survey was all about “How People Rate Themselves Regarding Spiritual Maturity.” One of the most interesting results of this survey is that most people don’t take much time to examine and think about where they are spiritually with the Lord. Then, the other very interesting result is that two keenly felt spiritual needs were a stronger commitment to the Christian faith and a need to increase knowledge of the Bible. Barna makes an overall conclusion that most people don’t seem to care that much about their spirituality. Hmmmm. I think I disagree. Yes, there is a certain apathy in the church. I think that the busyness of life has caused people to set their relationship with the Lord on “hold.” I think a lot of believers say in their own minds, “when I have more time, then I am going to focus on my relationship with the Lord.” It is a false notion to think that there is ever a time when life in this fast paced world will “free up time for the Lord.” Smile. There has to be a resolute turn from the hurry of the day to draw near to God. Nouwen calls it our need to “create space in which God can act.” And I think there is an example that must be set by leaders in the church. If our leaders are not making time alone with God in stillness and solitude, then how do others in the church even know to do it? May God grant us all the courage and strength of heart to step away from the crowd and take “time” to know Him.

Today I’m dreaming of Sedona. This place is my favorite - by Oak Creek, meditating on the Lord.

Welcome everyone to my new blog. I love this idea of online journaling. It’s a place for me to share what’s going on in my heart, life, and ministry. I often think about the commission of the Lord in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” To summarize, the Lord calls us to “pass it on.” Life is short, so we must, by God’s grace, make it count. I think keeping a blog is a way to do that. It does help us articulate those things that God is teaching us and takes His truth from our head to our heart. The Holy Spirit uses God’s truth in His Word and applies it to our life. Enjoy and feel free to comment on what you read here. You will notice that over the months and years I will talk about all kinds of things because I am what you would call “eclectic.” I love the Lord, books, writing, the Bible, computers, photography, and all kinds of tech stuff. Basically anything that will advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. So here we go. Hang on – what a ride it is to launch out on the great adventure of knowing God!