November 1: Tuesday Refocus

"Christ comes with a blessing in each hand; forgiveness in one, holiness in the other" - A.W. Pink

When we see, know, and believe that we have been forgiven, holiness should be the growing response. As the Apostle Paul reminds us:

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:1-4

We do not presume on the riches of God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience, but we desire to be holy as God is holy (Romans 2:4, 1 Peter 1:16). 

Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness. Help us grow in holiness. Amen.

Growing,

AB

August 23: Tuesday Refocus

“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” - Francis of Assisi

It is always easier to see the spec in the eye of another than the plank in our own (Matt 7:3). We can mourn the sin in the world without recognizing that our own sin leads us to death (Romans 6:23). We can wring our hands over gun violence, mass shootings, and homicides while ignoring the reality that to look at someone with hate in your heart is to murder them (1 John 3:15). “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself,” said Leo Tolstoy.

Those who allow the spotlight of God’s holiness to illuminate, expose, and burn away the darkness, will be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).

Sanctify us in truth, because Your word is truth. Spirit, be about your work in our world and in our lives. Amen.

Let it be,

AB

November 17: Tuesday Refocus

‘We are never more healthy than when we are confessing our sins.’  - Ronald Rolheiser

Our world can feel dark.  Scripture tells us we are…

…people with darkened hearts and minds (Eph 4:18).

…dwelling in the land of deep darkness (Is 9:2).

…loving the dark (Jn 3:19).

Is it any wonder that our world feels dark when our hearts are hard to the exposing light of Christ’s holiness?  As we move toward Advent and Christmas, I am reminded that even when things seem dark, Light has shone (Jn 1:5).

The light of Christ is not merely a spotlight on our sin – although it does expose the ugly and most protected parts of ourselves – it is also an invitation to leave our love of darkness, confess, repent, and be welcomed as children of light (1 Thess 5:5, Eph 5:8).

Don’t run from His light,

run to it,

because in a darkened world,

we need enlightened lives. 

Lord, would you expose the darkness in us and around us?  Would you make us people who are quick to confess our own love of darkness before we point out the darkness of others?  May we be bringers of Your light and presence, for Your glory and our good, in Christ’s name, amen.

Confessing,

AB