23 July: Tuesday Refocus

‘My heart is like a country but half subdued, where all things are in an unsettled state, and mutinies and insurrections are a daily happening.’ – John Newton

The topography of our heart is vast, varied, and largely unexplored.  There are corners of unreached people groups, languages, and cultures we do not understand.  Indeed it is true, ‘I’m a mystery to myself…’ (Rom 7:15, TPT).

To ourselves, we are a mystery.  To God, nothing is unknown:

‘O LORD, You have searched me and known me!

For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

My frame was not hidden from You when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.’ Ps 139:1,13,15-16)

As we step into the mystery of our own hearts, we follow the God who makes known to us the path of life (Ps 16:11).  He does not ravage, or colonize, He invites us to bring our half subdued, unsettled states of mutinies and insurrection into submission to Himself (James 4:7).  Submission to Christ is the exchange of our death for His life (Matt 10:39).

‘For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.’ Galatians 5:1

Lord, You have searched and known us.  We are not a mystery to you.  There is no hidden part of our heart that You do not pursue with Your kindness.  Help us, by Your Spirit to bring every corner of ourselves into submission under Your rule and reign.  For Your glory, and our good.  We love You, in Christ’s name, amen.

Known,

AB

July 16: Tuesday Refocus

‘All places are places of worship to the Christian.  Wherever he is, he ought to be in a worshiping frame of mind.’ – Charles Spurgeon

As Christ was torn on the cross, so was the curtain (Matt 27:51).  Christ was torn and God’s people are welcomed through Christ into the presence of the Father (Eph 2:18).  Worship not in a location – but in Spirit and Truth (Jn 4:24).

Every Christ follower is now a sanctuary of worship, because we are Christ’s and Christ is God’s (1 Cor 3:23).  Every sorrow and joy becomes an altar of sacrifice – a fragrance of gratitude and awe.  And every inch of earth becomes holy ground, for we are surrounded in song, followed by goodness and mercy, and pursued by the endless delight of our Father (Zeph 3:17, Ps 23:6).

Jesus, it is You that we worship.  And it is through You that we worship.  Would you open our eyes to the sacred spaces of worship today – for You are worthy.  In Your name we pray, amen.

Worshiping,

AB

July 9: Tuesday Refocus

What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways!
He won’t walk in step with the wicked,
nor share the sinner’s way,
nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,”
meditating day and night in the true revelation of light.
He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree
planted by God’s design,
deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss,
bearing fruit in every season of his life.
He is never dry, never fainting,
ever blessed, ever prosperous.
But how different are the wicked.
All they are is dust in the wind—
driven away to destruction!
The wicked will not endure the day of judgment,
for God will not defend them.
Nothing they do will succeed or endure for long,
for they have no part with those who walk in truth.
But how different it is for the righteous!
The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward
while the way of the wicked leads only to doom.

Psalm 1 [The Passion Translation]

What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! 

This path of life, is illuminated by Christ, and leads to fullness of joy in His presence –pleasures forevermore (Ps 16:11).

This is not an easy path, but we never walk alone (Matt 28:20).

This may be a path littered with suffering, but we join the Suffering Servant – and will rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed (Is 53, 1 Pet 4:13)

This life may require us to endure many things, but if we endure, we will also reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12).

But we can take heart on this path because, ‘…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.’ (Rom 5:3-5)

Lord Jesus, we walk with You, we walk toward You, we follow after You.  Knowing that You are the ultimate prize and desire of our hearts and lives.  Thank you that You hold our lives secure.  We await eagerly for You, Your name and Your renown are the desires of our hearts.  In Your name, amen.

Walking,

AB

July 2: Tuesday Refocus

‘But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.’ Ps 73:28

God desires to be close to His people. 

From the garden

to the desert

to the Tabernacle

and in Word become flesh

He is the God who moves in close.

He is Emanuel –

God with us,

God for us,

God among us.

What should lead to our ‘woe,’ becomes wonder and worship when God is our refuge.

Father, we are safe and secure in You.  Thank you, Christ Jesus that You took on our flesh and blood, became our sin, so that we could be in the presence of the Father.  Spirit, empower our wonder and worship to mission – declaring the works of our God.  In Christ name, Amen.

From nearness,

AB

June 18: Tuesday Refocus

‘Hiddenness turns dutiful workers into lovers of God.’ – Sara Hagerty

Sometimes the line can feel thin and blurry.

The line between working as unto the Lord (Col 3:23) and working to earn, prove and justify our existence.

But when we hide ourselves in His shadow, our frantic labor turns to the work of worship: ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust’ (Ps 91:1-2).  When we hide ourselves in His shadow, we see that we have nothing to offer that He did not first provide (1 Cor 4:7).  When we hide in His shadow we see it has always been grace, never works which saved us (Eph 2:8-9).

So we cease from striving (Ps 46:10, NASB) and choose the good portion (Lk 10:42).  We rest in the reality of His completed work (Jn 18:30).

Lord Jesus, help us choose the good portion today.  We want to be with You, not merely working for You.  We want to know You as fully as You know us.  Remind us that You have completed the work of salvation.  We have nothing to earn, and nothing to prove.  Help us rest in who You are, and what You have accomplished.  We love You, in Your name, amen.

In hiddenness,

AB

June 11: Tuesday Refocus

‘God is so boundlessly pleased with Jesus that in Him He is altogether well pleased with us.’ – Charles Spurgeon

The pleasure of God is fixed immovable on Christ.  For every Christ follower, our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3).  And everything true of Christ is now true of us. 

God delights over us with singing (Zeph 3:17).

He has raised us from death to life, and seated us with Christ (Eph 2:6).

We are His children, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs of Christ (Rom 8:17).

As Christ followers we never gravel our way into God’s presence – we live ever in His presence (Ps 91, Ps 139).  And we carry His presence in our going out and coming in (Ps 121:8).

God, thank you for making a way for us to be your children.  Jesus, thank you for your completed perfect work, and for being our brother who shares in Your inheritance.  Spirit, thank you for sealing us – enable us to believe that we are the beloved of God.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

From delight,

AB

June 4: Tuesday Refocus

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;

let the many coastlands be glad!

Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him;

righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne.

Fire goes before Him

and burns up His adversaries all around.

His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

before the Lord of all the earth. (Ps 97:1-5)

God’s rule and reign is not subtle.  It is earth shaping, and shaking

The heavens proclaim His righteousness,

and all the peoples see His glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame,

who make their boast in worthless idols;

worship Him, all you gods! (Ps 97:6-7)

When God displays His righteousness and glory, every knee will bow and every tongue confess (Phil 2:10-11).  On that day our misguided worship will be set right.  Even the objects of our perverted affection will be found facedown before the true God (1 Sam 5:4).

Zion hears and is glad,

and the daughters of Judah rejoice,

because of Your judgments, O LORD.

For You, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;

You are exalted far above all gods.

O you who love the LORD, hate evil!

He preserves the lives of His saints;

He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Light is sown for the righteous,

and joy for the upright in heart.

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,

and give thanks to His holy name! (Ps 97:8-12)

Hear and be glad!  Rejoice oh lovers of God!  Your world may seem out of control, but you are persevered and delivered by the Most High over all the earth (v9).  Our hearts can rest and rejoice – regardless of circumstance – when we recognize His rule and reign, in the world and in our lives.

 Lord, we confess our desire to rule and reign.  We confess that we are quick to question Your good judgments.  Give us eyes to see beyond circumstance, and to see Your glory and righteousness on display.  We worship You as rightful King, and Ruler over all the earth – and we are glad.  In Jesus name, amen. 

Rejoicing,

AB

May 28: Tuesday Refocus

‘Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands…’ Ps 149:6

Worship prepares us for battle.  Not a physical battle – against flesh and blood – but a battle against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12). 

This is a battle already won: ‘He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.’ Col 2:15

Although final victory is already secured in Christ, we battle to strengthen our brothers, we battle against the accuser of our souls, we battle to keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith (Lk 22:32, Rev 12:10, Heb 12:2).

We are strengthened for this battle in our inner being by the power of His Spirit, according to the riches of His glory (Eph 3:16).  And into this battle we cling to the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Eph 6:17), living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb 4:12).

With sword in hand, we sing: ‘Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev 5:9).’  

Jesus, You are our conquering King, hallelujah!The victory is Yours – and because our lives are hidden in You – the victory is ours as well.Forgive us for not worshiping You as Victor. Forgive us for charging into battle with opinions rather than the Sword of the Spirit. Let Your praise fill our throats, and Your truth fill our hands. Amen.

Hallelujah,

AB

May 21: Tuesday Refocus

‘...our rebellious attempts to lead ourselves can be carried out only in an atmosphere devoid of the memory of grace.’ - Eugene Peterson

We are quick to forget.  

That’s one of the reasons my soul needs the regular reminder of corporate worship.  

I forget.  

I forget who I am... (Rom 8:9)

I forget Whose I am... (Is 43:1)

I forget to whom I belong.  (1 Pet 2:10)

When I forget I AM, I always forget who I am.

And the invitation is always to remember - ‘But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." (Lam 3:21-24).  To remember the God whose name reveals His character: "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." (Ex 34:6-7)

When we remember, our response is always joyful surrender to the One who gives more grace (Jam 4:6).

Lord, make us people who remember.  People that have hearts and minds filled with ebeneezer memorial stones as monuments of Your grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus, amen.

Remembering,

AB

May 14: Tuesday Refocus

‘The things that we love tell us what we are.’ – Thomas Aquinas

Lord, we confess that our affections are divided. 

We are lukewarm and half-hearted, easily pleased and quickly bored. 

We have sought life, acceptance, value, and worth in dust-formed creation returning to dust.

We have exchanged the truth for a lie.

The eyes of our enemy roam the earth looking to devour,

our eyes roam the earth looking to be devoured.

Our enemy crouches at the door that we barge through.

We have seen, tasted, tried and tested and found all things meaningless…

But for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord.

You have loved us with an everlasting love. 

Nothing can separate us from You. 

Nothing can snatch us from Your hand. 

You hold our lot, and You are our keeper. 

You satisfy our souls with Yourself.

Enable us by the power of Your Spirit to look to You and live. 

To behold and become. 

To be conformed and transformed in worshipful response to the work of the Son. 

For Your glory and our good.

Amen.

May 7: Tuesday Refocus

‘The highest form of worship is obedience’ – Elisabeth Elliot

Obedience as worship?  The thought is almost offensive.

Because we want our worship to be comfortable, confined to Bible reading, song singing, church attendance, and nothing more.  But true worship is costly because true worship is the right response of our whole lives (heart, soul, mind, and strength) to God’s revelation of Himself.

And He has revealed Himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:6).

The One who…

…did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself (Phil 2:6-7). 

…came not to be served, but to serve (Matt 20:28).

….came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father (Jn 6:38, Matt 26:39).

…became obedient to the point of death (Phil 2:8).

Our worship is in response to that God. The real offense is not the obedience He requires – deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me (Matt 16:24) – but how much we desire to withhold

April 30: Tuesday Refocus

‘And He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…”’ Luke 10:27

What is the greatest commandment?  To love God with all that we are.

 Too often we find ourselves tossed like children on the waves of doctrine, human cunning, craftiness and deceitful schemes (Eph 4:14).  We are quick to exchange truth for a lie, worshiping creature rather than Creator (Rom 1:25).

 And because this is the natural proclivity of the human heart, we arrive on Sunday morning acutely aware of the distance between the greatest commandment and our personal reality.  We arrive with the whispers of flesh and culture telling us to leave our divided affections at the door: ‘just pretend,’ they say.  But denying our divided hearts only causes further division.

 So what do we do with these divided hearts and lives?

 We offer them as an act of worship (Rom 12:1).  We offer our whole heart, whole soul, whole strength, whole mind, the good and bad, divisions and fragmentation – we offer them all on the altar of worship.  And we join the psalmist in saying ‘…unite my heart to fear Your name.’ (Ps 86:11)