| Direction of Your Life |
Now well into 2012, the world is still in upheaval. Amidst news reports of progress and projection that the world economy may be recovering, wise people are still cautious. The remains of the global financial crisis that began in 2008 are still evident.
Many who thought they were saving for retirement have lost it all. Others are still unemployed. This current world situation has left many people in positions they never imagined they would be in. This Great Recession is hanging on with a vengence.
Comparisons have been made with this period in history and the Great Depression of the 1930's. There are some striking similarities. However, there are some disturbing differences.
During the Great Depression, when someone was down, others were there to help them up. Neighbor helped neighbor. Those who had enough food fed the strangers that came to their door. People pooled their resources and made it through a dark period in their lives - together.
It is hard to imagine those things happening today. A stranger knocking on your door is a frightening experience. Many people are shutting themselves in their homes trying to pretend things are not as bad as they are. People are embarrassed to ask for help.
Circumstances can force you to make decisions you would not have chosen otherwise. Some things, such as natural disasters, job loss from downsizing, poor health and many others, may be out of your control. How you react to life's uncertainties depends upon your foundation for your choice making process. You do have a choice in how you respond to circumstances - good and bad.
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| The Reality |
Reporters tell us that many people are reevaluating their priorities because of the out-of-control events that have taken place.
Some people are depressed and feel like quitting on life altogether.
Others have become creative and have learned how to economize and value something other than material things.
A few people, although having been forced to make changes they would not have otherwise, are happier with their lives because they are no longer just concentrating on themselves and accumulating wealth. They have discovered the value of faith, family and friendships.
The reality is—you are in charge of how you react to circumstances.
Life may hand you surprises, but what is not out of your control is the ability to focus on what is truly important in your life.
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| One Focus Ministries |
At One Focus Ministries, my goal and prayer is to connect you to the One who can guide you through whatever circumstance comes your way. "The Prayer Driven Life" (see the "books" tab above) has milestone markers that I discovered in the prayer life of the apostle Paul that can help you focus on the things that are really important in life.
The Bible studies (Word Focus) and monthly devotionals (Reflective Focus) on this website can be downloaded free for your own personal use or group study. If you have a need for a Biblical speaker at an event in your church or Christian organization, I would be happy to custom design a presentation for you or you could choose from the selected speaking topics listed on this site.
I love to have input from people who attend my conferences. As a blog is the internet equivalent to reflection and feedback, please visit my blog on this site as well. I would love to hear from you.
Don’t let circumstances rule your life. Look to Jesus for guidance, making Him your one focus in life. He will never fail you. |
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| reflective focus |
| The Best Place to Stand |
| "Be still and know that I am God... And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord"(Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:13). Not many of us are comfortable standing for very long, especially if it requires standing still. Observe people standing in line at a store waiting to pay for their purchases, looking for the shortest line... Read More |
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| word focus |
| Ancient Wisdom for Today: Reliable Advice |
| This is the introduction to a two part Bible study.In the second half of the 20th century, there were two very popular newspaper advice columns. Ask Ann Landers lasted the longest. Using the fictional pen name of Ann Landers, Ruth Crowley started writing the column in 1943. It was picked up by Eppie Lederer in 1955 and lasted until 2002. Eppie's twin sister, Pauline Phillips,... Read More |
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| one focus blog |
 ... Read On |
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| daily prayer |
| 1 Kings 17: 6-7 |
| The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. |
| "Father, help us to see You not only in the miracles of life but also the trials. Keep us from despair.When our brook dries up, remind us to look to You for guidance and provision. You love us and always have a way out. In Jesus' name, Amen." |
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