From:
Date: February 21, 2020
Subject: It's February 21; Good Morning Union

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“Finally brethren (and sistern!)…”      Philippians 4:8

Focus, focus, focus, on Jesus. Learn, practice, fail at times, never have it all figured out all the time, but keep focusing! “And,” says Paul, “let me help you focus.” In the margin of my Bible I have written the words, “God’s screening system,” (now it should say, “God’s vetting system,” but I wrote it a long time ago!) I’ve given worship talks, especially to kids, but it probably applies just as much to everyone, that if I had only one verse in the Bible that I think would help me understand how to make wise choices it would be this one.

“Finally brethren, WHATEVER is:

            True

            Noble

            Right

            Pure

            Lovely

            Admirable

            Excellent or

            Praiseworthy,

Think (or focus) on these things.”

What if, I practiced and learned to run every action, every word (before it’s spoken), every thought, (before it became a word or action) past this matrix of spiritual maturity? What would my life look like?  What if I focused on just one of those measures each day (and two on Sabbath so I can get through all 8 in a week!) how would my life change? How would my words change if I first said, “is what I am about to say, true?” What would happen to my thoughts if I stopped the thought and asked, “Is this pure or lovely?” What if before I did anything I asked, “is this thing I am about to do right, or noble, or admirable?” How would my life change as I try and focus on my Father in heaven and search for the maturity of rejoicing, if I just focused on Paul’s list of 8 focal points? I think I know.

Have a great day focusing,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” ~Thomas Merton

PS        Family Worship- Samantha, our FW coordinator, has invited Rob Carlson who is currently pastoring in North Dakota, but who was a beloved staff at Campion Academy, to share God’s word with us as we begin this Sabbath. See you in the church at 7:30

PPS      Afterglo- hosted by Genesis