We live in restless times and the pull of the ‘next big thing’ often robs us of our contentment.

Professor and author Michael Horton offers a renewed appreciation for the commonplace ways in which God works in his new book .  He joins us to make the case for the ordinary Christian life and the steady walk of faith over the long haul. You may well have heard from Michael previously on his radio program, podcast and blog, The White Horse Inn.

We begin with a reference to the popular recent film, “The Lego Movie”. Michael says that everything isn’t always awesome in our lives. “Fireworks moments” simply don’t always happen. In fact, they are remarkably rare.

Where we place our focus can prove key in how content we are. A focus on ourselves can prove detrimental while focusing on God can change everything.

Our call is to be “disciples”. That denotes a path and a process.

“Growing in faith isn’t something we can do quickly or by ourselves.”

Part of the challenge is measuring our growth and success in terms of a journey and a process. We can measure a neat trip or great memory, but we can’t measure the ordinary things that matter in the long run. Living God’s calling in the day to day is tough sometimes.

In the midst of our journey, we’re called to pursue excellence. Michael says a big part of equipping ourselves for excellence is a daily commitment to reading and studying God’s word.

“You can’t separate a branch from the vine and imagine it will grow.”

Michael issues a call to authenticity and to community. Sometimes we can be thinking thoughts of the world and dressing them up in a religious garb, but who are we fooling? There’s also a danger of seeking after “the next big thing” and losing sight of what God is doing each day. Key to that, Michael says, is being surrounded by a community that cares enough to tell you the truth.

Highlight: The role of community

Finding joy in the ordinary