Try Again

But Jesus often went away to be by himself and pray.

(Luke 5:16 NIrV)

I have a difficult time slowing down my mind. I always have. I feel sorry for the children growing up now, because they are "diagnosed" with ADD, ADHD, and many other medical ailments. I was simply considered curious, active, and busy.

Perhaps my brain activity is due to eating too much sugar and caffeine. Maybe it has something to do with the information age in which I grew up. Telephones, televisions with many commercials, video games, computers, internet, and many more gadgets have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Each one does its part to invade my life and distract my mind from focus and slowing down.

Jesus would go away to be by himself and pray. He was distracted, too. His daily routine was not invaded by the electronic gadgets we have available to us, but it was invaded regularly by people and events that tried to take him away from the highest priority of his day...time alone with The Father.

In my distracted, over-active mind, I stated an elaborate plan at the beginning of this month. To be sure, that plan was not God's. It was mine alone. I've spent the month spending more and more time with The Father and learning to slow down my mind to focus on our walk together. From this time, I am clearly seeing His desire for me is threefold:

1. Spend time in His Word
2. Pray for people by name
3. Minister by Sharing His Word

Since that is what He wants, that is what I am doing. This blog will simply be the place I do number 3 above. I won't be trying to update multiple blogs for varying purposes. I will use labels for my posts in case they help you find something you are looking for.

More than anything, this will be the conclusion of the time when I "go away to be by myself and pray." Since God want's us to be transparent and unashamed, you will be able to see whether or not I am spending time alone with Him each day.

I hope this will be more than a place where you can "check up" on me, but instead a place where His Word will become living and active in your life as you watch it's effect on mine.

Following His lead,

Pete