| Direction of Your Life |
2012 is here. Prospects for this year - worldwide - do not seem to be much different than they have been in the last few years. The world is still in upheaval. Whatever the new year brings, it will involve challenges for most of us. The remains of the global financial crisis that began in 2008 are still here.
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, someone else was 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 |
| Living in the Land of Beginning Again |
| Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). In the early 20th century, Louisa Fletcher wrote a poem entitled "The Land of Beginning Again." Since then, others have added to it and even made it into songs. One version was sung by Bing Crosby in The Bells of Saint... Read More |
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| word focus |
| God as our Heavenly Father |
| "What is a Christian? The question can be answered in many ways, but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God for his Father." - J.I. PackerWhat are your thoughts about God as your heavenly Father? People often form their opinion of God the Father based on their experiences with their own earthly fathers. If a person is fortunate enough... Read More |
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| one focus blog |
 ... Read On |
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| daily prayer |
| Habakkuk 3:17-18 |
| Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. |
| "Dear Father, help us to love You more than any of the gifts that You give. We take joy in Your love expressed through Jesus Christ, Your Son, in whose name we pray, Amen." |
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