February 10, 2021

Have you ever thought about what you think about? If your thoughts were a soundtrack, what song would they would play? In order to answer that, let me give you a couple of questions that may help.

-       What do you tend to be focused on when you are going for a walk, on a long drive, sitting and resting, or day-dreaming?

-      When you close your eyes to sleep or for a short nap, where does your mind go?

-      Are you anxious about your family, finances, health, the future, a relationship, your job, reputation, security, a major event, conflict, or a looming decision?

-      How do you imagine life as you would like it?

You may need to think about this for a day or two. When you get your answer, I want you to think about this: Your default focus is what is ruling your heart, but that is a place that belongs exclusively to God.

When we read the Psalms, we are brought into the very mind of someone whose thoughts keep going back to God. The Psalmists were not preoccupied with life and the things of life and then trying to find a place to squeeze God in here or there. The Psalmists are preoccupied with God, and they see and experience life with the soundtrack of God playing all the time.

Preoccupation with God is the fruit of thinking about Him, loving Him, longing for Him, learning about Him, and talking to Him throughout the day. Walking with God should be just that--walking with Him. You may need to put the conversation on hold while you tend to a matter here or there, but then, as soon as you can, return to the conversation and pick up where you left off.

"You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, LORD, do I seek.'” -Psalm 27:8

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A couple of things: 1) And you think it is cold here? I was in the U.P. this past weekend speaking at a pastor’s conference and a Bible conference. What a joy to meet pastors and other believers who are faithfully loving and serving the Lord. 2) The Missions Team would like you to know that Andrew Dodd has accepted an associate pastoral position at a church on the west side of the state. He will be stepping out of his role at Bethesda Outreach effective March 1. We are grateful for the faithfulness of the Dodds and pray that this new position will be fruitful. The Dodds will, therefore, be coming off our mission’s support.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Jude 14-16