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

September 6: Tuesday Refocus

“Love, proceeding from faith, gradually changes the soul, into the likeness of God; and the more it is in exercise the more is that change effected.” - John Owen

Those who know how deeply, how completely, how honestly they have been loved, love in response.

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven - for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:47-50

Lord, may we be aware of Your great love for us in the deepest places of our souls. May it change us over and over into the likeness of Yourself. Amen.

Loved,

AB

September 8: Tuesday Refocus

‘O Truth, how the deepest marrow of my mind aches for You!’ - Augustine

I am not always aware of my desires and expectations until they go unmet.  Whether your dreams or plans, hopes, or careers have been put on pause or completely collapsed, we have all been marked by unmet desires, expectations, and longings in 2020.

We could perceive COVID-19 as an interruption, or an invitation to allow God to purify and clarify our desires.  Some of our desires are God-given – to provide for our families, to use the gifts He has given, to steward-well what He has entrusted.  And some of our desires have been co-opted by sin, self, and culture.  No desire is hidden from Him:  ‘O Lord, all my longing is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You.’ – Psalm 38:9

And through His Word our desires are weighed: ‘For the Word of God is 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.’ – Hebrews 4:12

Welcome the interruption that allows the Spirit to remind our hearts: ‘You open Your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.’ - Psalm 145:16

Lord, we look to You, give us a desire for righteousness greater than we desire the stability of career, and fulfilled earthly expectations.  All our desires are only a shadow of what our souls truly long for – You alone.  Thank You, that in You we are satisfied.  In Christ's name, amen.

Open,

AB