ATTENTION, AFFECTION AND ACTION
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)
Worship is the constant inner attitude and outward act of
ascribing worth to God for who he is and what he has done.
A.W. Tozer
What happens every Sunday when the church gathers? We meet with God. Do such words still hold weight for you? The idea that the God of the universe has invited us to meet personally with Him doesn’t always cross my mind. Sometimes I’m not even aware that God is in the room. I used to arrive late and sneak in the back. During songs I didn’t like, I often wondered what was for lunch.
Today’s Scripture invites us into a different–a deeper, richer–experience. Paul’s words to the church in Rome are an invitation to us to turn our attention (eyes), affection (hearts) and action (hands and feet) in a continual offering of sacrifice and praise.
Here’s the thing. I don’t do these three things well. I’ve struggled for years keeping my eyes on God. My heart wanders. And surely I could love others better and more often. What helps me is remembering Jesus. When I was most unlovely, His attention was on me. When I was far away from Him, His affection never diminished. When I acted in disobedience, He took action to forgive me and restore our relationship.
The most powerful words in today’s Scripture are through Jesus. Opening our hearts to Him will lead to a life of attention, affection and action. Let’s let Him in.
APPLICATION: Sit with God and remember His love for you. Reflect on the attention, affection and action He took in loving you completely and unconditionally.
PRAYER: Lord, I pause to refocus my eyes on You, even as life keeps shifting around me. People change, circumstances change, but You never do. Soften my heart and open me to the way you’ve loved me and the life You want to live through me. Break up any hard places in me so that new growth and life can take root. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?