September 13: Tuesday Refocus

“The things we love tell us what we are.” - Thomas Aquinas

Love reveals us. 

Where we spend our time reveals what we value.

Where we spend our money reveals what we desire.

In every pursuit, the desire to be loved.

For the follower of Jesus, we know that love comes not from striving, but by seeing “…what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are…” 1 John 3:1

If every pursuit reveals a desire to be loved, then resting in the lavished love of God reveals our true identity: children of God; and so we are.

Father, may Your love reveal us. May we love You more than life itself. Amen.

Loved,

AB

April 19: Tuesday Refocus

“If Biblical Christianity is to survive the present world of upheaval, we shall need to have a fresh revelation of the greatness and beauty of Jesus. He alone can raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship.” - A.W. Tozer

Wars and rumors of wars. Deadly diseases. Long-awaited reckonings of race and gender. Power imbalance and abuse. Beauty is often hidden in the cracks of our broken world. But it is out of the perfection of beauty that God shines forth as more beautiful (Psalm 50:2). It is into the darkness that a light has shone and not been overcome (John 1:5). We celebrate on Easter that Christ has made a public spectacle of death triumphing over them in the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). That Christ has come and is coming again. That He will wipe every tear, and dwell among His people illuminating hearts and lives (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:5).

It is not in a world - or circumstance - free from brokenness and upheaval that worship is restored, but here and now as we acknowledge our brokenness and catch glimpses of the beauty of God.

God, give us the ability to recognize the brokenness in ourselves as much as the world. Spirit, lift our eyes to see, know, love, and treasure Jesus. In His name, amen.

May it be so,

AB

March 10: Tuesday Refocus

‘Give us courage and largeness of heart that we may follow unafraid.’ – E. Stanley Jones

When I am afraid, it is often because I forget that I am following a Good Shepherd.  He leads me, He is with me, and His goodness and mercy follow me (Ps 23:2,4,6).  I do not have to clear my own path He leads me by the hand (Ps 139:10). 

I can follow His lead to the ends of the earth for He is with me to the end of the age (Matt 28:19-20).

Lord, will You overwhelm our hearts with the reality of Your kind shepherding.  Remind our hearts that You are near.  In Your name, amen.   

To remember,

AB