Focus

As I was reading Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God tonight, these words leapt out at me:

“We must know before we can love. In order to know God we must often think of Him.”

That brought to mind a passage from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

It occurs to me that Paul is telling us, in essence, to think about God and His ways. When we are carrying some great burden, we need to focus our thoughts on God. When we are tempted, we need to focus our thoughts on God. When we are going through our everyday routines, we need to focus our thoughts on God. Worry, fear, sin… these are not God thoughts, but a focus aimed away from God.

The more we think on God, the more we consider His wonderful ways – the depth of His love, the delight of His grace, the freedom of His mercy – the more we find His love and guidance. The more we focus on the Lord and His ways, the deeper we love God, and the better equipped we are to reach out and love others in His name.

Joy and Peace for Today - and Tomorrow

Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.”

You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:6-8 (NIV)

When we are in need, we go to the Lord – as well we should. However, there is something far better that God give us who believe in Him – greater than any tangible, physical blessing He can bestow. God gives us joy, peace and security. We can step out in confidence each day, knowing the Lord is with us and in control.

No matter what we’re facing today, we have God – our loving, heavenly Father, Who not only loves us but is Himself love (1 John 4:16). And, as John pointed out, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18, ESV). It is this perfect love that emboldens us with the knowledge that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, ESV).

Today, let me encourage you to shuck off whatever is weighing you down. Grasp tightly to God through Jesus, resting easy in His love, grace and peace. Know that He is with you always, regardless of how things may seem.

Standing For or Against?

I've been reading Acts 19:21-41, and a couple of thoughts come to mind.

First... why don't Christians today have the same impact they had during Paul's time? There were only a handful of Christians back then. Today, there are over 2,000,000 (estimated) Christians around the world. What's stopping us?

Second... I love verses 35-41. A crowd had risen up against Paul and was ready to riot. Did Paul quell the angry mob? No. The local town clerk did, because he recognized something. Paul spoke of what he stood for. But... he didn't attack the enemy. He didn't bad-mouth the god of these Ephesians.

Paul didn't have to. Why? Paul's God - our God - is the Great I AM. Simply, the Creator does not have to defend Himself to His Creation. This is so important when we consider our approach to apologetics. Apologetics is not having to say we're sorry for what we believe. Apologetics, boiled down, is "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you... with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame" (1 Peter 3:15-16, ESV).

In other words... we must know what we stand for. We need to be ready to explain not only what we believe, but why. It is far better to stand for what we believe in than to stand against someone else's faith. But along with having a defense for our faith, we have to live it. We have to be walking, talking, living, breathing examples of our faith - of Christ. Otherwise, we're hypocrites, and our actions will betray us, ruining our credibility.

If we live following the example of Christ, then we will have the impact we need to lead the world to Christ and away from the glitter of false idols.

Time for Resolutions

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

Here we are, the first day of the new year. Many of us make resolutions today to make many personal improvements - to lose weight, to get organized, to manage resources better, to write that book or fulfill some personal dream...

Before you settle on a resolution, may I make a suggestion? I urge you to develop a deeper walk with Christ. Read Scripture and spend time in prayer every day. Every day.

Every day.

And love. That is how we put our faith in action, by loving. Love is not a feeling. It isn't an emotion. Expressing love requires action. Yes, heart is a huge part of it. But... love is not a warm fuzzy. True love motivates us to action. Dare I say sacrificial action. True love reaches out. True love says "I love you" without ever having to utter the words.

Today, let me encourage you to love. Serve one another. Don't get hung up on the stuff that divides us. Reach out in love. Be creative - use the gifts and abilities God gave you to bless somebody. Let people see Christ in you.

Resolve today to be purposeful about reaching out and loving others on a daily basis, in ways both big and small. Don't do it for glory. Do it out of love for Jesus and others.

Step out. Be bold. Love.

Happy New Year!