If you’re new to Life Compass, on Sundays I write on Spirituality & Faith. Here’s why.

I’ve shared previously that I enjoy reading the Book of Proverbs from the Bible for wisdom that I can apply to my life.  Proverbs covers topics that impact every area of our lives: how we treat others, how we manage our money, how we work, how we relate to God, and more.

Last week, I decided to read through Proverbs again over the next month or two and write down every principle that has anything to do with money.  I’ll be sharing what I’m learning in future Sunday posts.

Today, I’ll give a brief introduction to the Book of Proverbs.  It was written mostly by Solomon, a Jewish king who is also widely acclaimed as the wisest man who ever lived. In fact, it has been said that Solomon wrote over 3,000 proverbs – but only a portion are recorded and preserved here in scripture.  Proverbs was written 350-400 years before Christ. [Read more…]

If you’re new to Life Compass, on Sundays I write on spirituality & faith. You can learn more by clicking here.

Over the last few posts, we’ve talked about the importance of writing down your vision for your life (your definition of success) and goals to achieve the vision.

Getting goals out of your head and onto paper is the first step toward their achievement.

I’ve noticed that the Bible has something to say about writing your vision and goals:

Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2

In this scripture, the Lord had an important vision that he wants Habakkuk to write down and deliver to the people.  It’s a message that will impact them at a future time.

My take on it:

• We need to write down the visions God gives us for our life, and be willing to take action on them.
• Vision needs to be plainly written down before we can achieve it.
• The vision needs to stay in front of us – it needs to be posted in a place where we can “run with it”.  The more we keep the vision in front of us, the more we’re motivated to take action.
• Writing the vision down gives it greater permanence and importance for our lives.

Have you caught a vision from God that is in your head, but not written down yet?  If so, take some time to write it down today, and think of some steps you can take to put that vision into action.

If you’re new to Life Compass, on Sundays I write on spirituality & faith. You can learn more by clicking here.

We’re two weeks into the New Year, and I’ve been thinking about some of the giants I face this year, in both my work and personal life.

Am I talking about huge men or ogres?  No, the giants I’m talking about are the challenges, problems or opportunities that, right now, seem so huge and insurmountable from a human perspective.

All of us face giants like these at one time or another. Where do you turn for strength to help you face the giants in your life? [Read more…]

If you’re new to Life Compass, on Sundays I write on spirituality & faith. I do it because we’re all spiritual beings and have a moral compass in our lives.  You can learn more by clicking here.

Have you ever enjoyed a DAWG – A Day Alone With God…or Day Away With God?  It’s been a while for me…and I’m feeling the need for one soon.

I enjoy reading my Bible several times a week, and it seems like I pray to God 100 times throughout each day.  These things are good, and definitely help me grow in my personal relationship with God.

But there’s something about spending a large block of time focusing on God, seeking his direction, and listening for his voice, that really helps me grow farther and deeper in my spiritual life, and helps me live the life God has planned for me.

Through different Days Alone with God over the years, I have sensed God’s calling on my life, clarified my life’s purpose, gained insight into problems and issues, and caught visions for the future.

January, with the New Year just beginning, is a natural time to plan a DAWG, which is why I’m thinking about it now.  But anytime is a great time, really.

What is a Day Alone With God?

So what, exactly, is a Day Alone With God?  It is simply a large block of time dedicated to developing your relationship with the Lord, and gaining greater direction for your life.

Where do you go?

You can go anywhere for your Day Alone with God. My favorite place is somewhere outdoors – in the woods, at a lake, or a park. But indoor places are fine too. A library works well, a hotel, a cottage, or retreat center.

If you don’t have easy access to these types of places, you can do it at home or at your office. But for me, I need to be in a place where I can get away from the every day and from things that easily distract me.

What do you bring?

• Your Bible
• Pencils/pens
• A journal or notebook
• Music that helps you worship
• A book or two on spiritual growth
• Anything you need for your personal comfort
• Your personal growth plan (including your goals and dreams for the future)

What do you do?

Here’s a list of things you could do on your Day Alone With God:

• Read the Bible
• Fast
• Pray
• Meditate on scripture
• Pray scripture
• Sit in the silence
• Pray that you hear God and not other distractions
• Write down whatever thoughts or insights come to your mind
• Make an plan for how you’ll follow-up on the insights God gives you

What if I can’t Set Aside a Full Day?

If you can’t set aside a full day right now for a Day Alone with God, a half-day will do just fine! Even three to four hours is enough to help you start to slow down, stop thinking about your stuff, and start to focus on God.

What Do I Do After My Day Alone With God?

Well, the short answer is that it’s between you and God, because He speaks to people differently.  That being said, I think the most important thing you need to do is follow up on whatever insights God gave you.  If you clearly sensed Him telling you to start, stop, or continue something, then make sure you do it.

You might share your insights with your spouse, a trusted friend, or accountability partner.  Perhaps they can give you suggestions on what’s next, or even help you along in the process.

Have you ever set aside a Day Alone With God?  Is this something that sounds worthwhile to you?