The Principle Of The Path - Part 2

It's time again for some further reflection on Andy's book. The central passage for the entire book is found in Proverbs ...

"The prudent (wise) see danger and take refuge, but the simple (naive) keep going and suffer for it." Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)

The wise person understands that all of life is connected (there is a cause-and-effect relationship between what we choose today and what we experience tomorrow).

The wise person asks, "In light of my past experience, and my future hopes and dreams, what's the wise thing to do?" The naive live as if life is disconnected. They don't necessarily believe that to be the case but they live as if it's true.

The primary difference between the two is not what they see but how they respond to what they see. The prudent act as if then is now; as if the future is the present. The simple respond as though tomorrow will always be tomorrow. The simple suffer for refusing to act on what they see. They overlook the fact that every path has a destination.

So with that in mind, what do you do and what should you expect? Andy gives us two clear thoughts ...

What To Do: Do Something - Act on what you see!

What To Expect: Embarrassment (you may look silly or fearful) & Relief

He closes with this powerful prayer ... "Lord, help us to see trouble coming long before it gets here. And give us the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it."

The Principle Of The Path - Part 1

Here are the big thoughts from recent reading ...

Recognizing the distinction between a solution and a path is the first step in understanding the Principle of the Path.

Direction - not intention - determines our destination.

The Great Disconnect - people don't connect the dots between the choices they make and the outcomes they experience. They've come to believe the popular notion that as long as thier intentions are good, as long as their hearts are in the right place, as long as they do their best and try their hardest, it doesn't really matter which path they take. They believe somehow they will end up in a good place.

This passage provides insight into our tendency to disconnect direction from destination ...

Proverbs 7:6-27 - Solomon described an encounter he witnessed from the vantage point of his upstairs window. Note the number of times the word "path" appears.

Self-examination ...

1. Are there disconnects in my life?

2. Are there discrepancies between what I desire in my heart and what I am doing with my life?

3. Is there alignment between my intentions and my direction?

iMarriage Seminar

I'm excited to announce our next Married Life Seminar - "iMarriage" is coming up September 25-26, 2009 at the Mills site. This one deals with desires and expectations in marriage and it's for married couples as well as dating and engaged couples. This seminar contains content from Andy Stanley and I'm looking forward to seeing how God strengthens relationships as a result of our time together!

Thought-Provoking Message On Parenting

Today I was listening to Larry Osborne's podcast from North Coast Church in Vista, CA. The title was "Passing The Torch" and it dealt with some great principles for parents to help their kids become all God has in store for them. Check it out!

Great Parenting Thoughts

Recently someone gave me this and I thought it was too good not to share. I think this speaks of the responsibility we have as parents to help our kids take ownership of their own lives and the decisions they make. I wish I could give credit but the author is unknown.

From Parent To Child ...

I gave you life but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things but cannot make you learn
I can give you directions but cannot always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom but cannot account for it.
I can take you to church but cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes but I cannot make you lovely inside.
I can offer you advice but I cannot accept it for you.
I can teach you to share but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect but I cannot force you to honor.
I can advise you about friends but I cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life but I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking but I cannot say no for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you kindness but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins but I cannot make your morals.
I can love you as a child but I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus but I cannot make Him your Savior.
I can teach you to obey but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.I can teach you to live but I cannot give you Eternal Life.

Second Service Added @ the Mills

Great news to share ... last Sunday we launched a second service at the Pittsburgh Mills site. Now our services are at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. There were 167 in the first service and 79 in the second. What a wonderful beginning to the new year!

If you haven't visited us there yet please consider yourself invited.

And while I'm at it ... the Oakmont site went to two services as well - at the same times. Things are off to a great start. I'm anticipating God's move in marvelous ways this year.

Wise Words From Max Lucado

My friend Don Greb passed these on to me this week. I loved them and had to share ...

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

-- Love God more than you fear hell.
-- Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
-- Make major decisions in a cemetery.
-- When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
-- Succeed at home first.
-- Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
-- Pray twice as much as you fret.
-- Listen twice as much as you speak.
-- Only harbor a grudge when God does.
-- Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
-- Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
-- 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
-- God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.
-- When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.
-- Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
-- Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.
-- The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
-- Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
-- Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:

Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.