Over 25 million copies of the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey have been sold since its publication twenty-five years ago. I remember reading it when it first came out and it changed my life. I am in the process of re-reading it and I am amazed how much practical wisdom is contained in the book. Many of its insights have become a part of our culture. It is a "classic" in the best sense of the word.

This Sunday I am starting series of messages called "The Five Habits of Highly Effective Christians." We will be using Covey's framework as a springboard to think about how can make our lives more effective. Now there is a difference between living a life that is effective as opposed to one that is efficient. Efficiency is more about doing lots of things. Effectiveness is about choosing to do the right things.
 
I think most of us would like to live effective lives - lives that make a real difference in the world. As Christians, there are choices we can make to focus on creating healthy habits in our lives which allow us to be more effective. I hope you will make a special effort to come this Sunday as we begin this series. I also want to ask you to think of someone you might invite who could benefit from this series of messages.
 
Also, during time between worship services, Neal Kuhlhorst and I will be leading a class on Islam. We plan to use a series of videos by a university professor who specializes in this. With some of the challenges in our world today, most of us need to learn more about one of the largest religions in the world. I hope you will join us at 10:10 a.m. in the Calvin room. There will be plenty of time each week for questions and discussion.

Prayer for Today

God of all creation, we thank you for the world you made. We are struggling to know how to make peace in so many places. Help us to find the real peace you wish for us all. We pray this in the name of Jesus -- the Prince of Peace. Amen.