Believe and Go On Your Way

I've been traveling the book of John the last month or two. When I started I wrote out the key verse of the book, "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31, ESV).

From the beginning, I've taken note of the words and phrases from that verse as they appear throughout the book of John: these are written/testify, believe, Christ, Son of God, life, his name.

And this is the life-changing phrase that grabbed me this morning: "The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way" (John 4:50 ESV). My response? "Eureka!"

God has spoken through His Word. When I'm confronted by the Word of God I believe it. Or not. To believe God's Word and go on my way is a powerful way to live.

To believe He is the Sovereign of the universe and go my way means I trust Him with today's interruptions, disappointments and joys. To believe Christ officially, really, left Heaven and became the God-man who died in my place means I go my way free of the power and penalty of sin. To believe Christ literally rose from the dead means I go my way living His life in my thoughts, words, attitudes and actions.

Today, may I believe the word He has spoken as I go on my way.

Keeping Track

I'm going to venture that one of the things that holds us back the most is a subtle, constant thing we're unaware of. It's called, "keeping track."

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When our children were small, I could count--almost to the minute--the previous night's sleep. It was my excuse for doing some things--eating chocolate, allowing them to binge-watch PBS--and not doing others--keeping up with housework or treating others with kindness. At some point, not only did I start to get more sleep at night (praise the Lord!), I also realized the blessings of not keeping track. If I simply went about my day as if I a decent night's sleep, I had a better attitude, got more accomplished, and was, overall, much happier.

By not keeping track, life becomes more about this moment and future opportunities than resentment over missed ones. I've stopped keeping track of how many times each person unloads the dishwasher,  does the wash, serves me, or gets the mail. The replacement motto is, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

We are warned not to keep track of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). Which we know--but do anyway. Perhaps not keeping track falls under the warning to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely...." (Hebrews 12:1). It certainly would be in line with "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14) So, even as we put off thoughts that drag us down, that keep track of and compare ourselves to others, we need to refresh our minds with God's Word and replace those thoughts with gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise.

God's Word is not simply a book of platitudes to make us feel better. When we take even the smallest principles and, by God's grace, apply them to our lives, we experience the eternal life we've already been given in Christ.

Think about. Or don't. Choosing your thoughts will give your life a whole new color....

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)

A Personal Invitation

We did something new today--we attended a Latino festival and enjoyed a "by request only" Mariachi band. Children danced in the street, the costumes and music were intricate and fantastic. Our friends were many, not necessarily by name, but because of community, and it was wonderful to be included.

As we left the football game last night, our friend Francisco left the stands and followed us. He approached David and extended a personal invitation to today's performance. We wouldn't have made the effort if it hadn't been for Francisco's attention and thoughtfulness. We have watched his family over the years and have grown in our admiration and respect for them. They love one another. They love our community. They love others. And we have been included. Gringos. Americanos blancos.

What a parallel to the gospel! By loving and caring for others, going out of our way, and sharing God's goodness in Jesus, they might end up standing in the middle of la fiesta de la vida--the party of life. A personal invitation makes all the difference in the world. It's the way God works. He sends us out to invite, include, encourage and care for those we see and know, regardless of their walk in life or our outward similarities. We have something good to share--a vital, eternal gift. And all we're called to do is extend the invitation. Oh, to be a Francisco for God!