Good morning
I pray that today we each experience God’s presence. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NRSV
And yet, it is so easy to get sidetracked by things of the flesh – school/work, family life, health (both mental and physical), politics, materialism and finances come most readily to mind. But all these must be balanced by time with God’s Spirit. For it is the recharging of our spiritual batteries which strengthens us for life’s ups and downs.
When we make time for God, our focus shifts (if only for the moment) to The One Who is able to keep us. And often, without realizing what or when, a solution arises or a praise emerges or we experience that little surge of energy to keep us going. Of course, disappointment may still surface, but we do not face it alone.
So I guess the question facing us is; where has our focus shifted from life in the Spirit? Have we found ourselves on that slippery slope between acknowledging life’s realities and getting caught up / preoccupied with them? We might not experience death in the literal sense; but if we’re focused to the point of forgetting God; it isn’t definitely is not abundant living.
So let’s flip the script. Let’s begin with acknowledgement of our actions. Then for each distancing act, try to make it a time to include or glorify God. You know, like Brother Lawrence who intentionally practiced the presence of God; even in doing dishes. And rather than making ourselves as the subject; we keep God front and center.
We could also try to find God’s stamp in the unexpected and amid the little things; like in nature. Or choose to thank God for the obvious, though overlooked – we’re alive today, despite. And, whether in our households, or virtually (by telephone or online) or in small groups (with appropriate precautions to accommodate legal and health concerns); let us include the assembly of those who are points of encouragement (or ones we need to encourage)
Above all, prayer, praise and poring in the Word will help us focus.
May God’s peace be ours in the new normal.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
