In the last newsletter edition, we wrote, “Here, the pandemic continues to threaten us like a hurricane that has left our shores, but may come back in some evil variant form.” I am not a prophet, but that’s kind of interesting. Surely, no one is so naïve to think they can now predict when we will be free of the Chinese virus.
But we must remember in all of this, our God is sovereign. And we must continue to ask ourselves and each other, “What has He been saying to you?” We have been given ears to hear, and God has promised to keep us informed of His intentions (Amos 3:7).
I suspect you are reading this newsletter because you are at least curious about what our heavenly Father has been saying to me. Let me pause for a moment to encourage you: You also have ears to hear, and He has something He wants to say directly to you (and those He has entrusted to your care). Let’s start asking questions.
Before we get to this edition’s short encouragement, please let me take another moment of your time to bring a few important resources to your attention:
- The LORD uses me to write at least one article each week to encourage, edify, and equip Christian leaders in their efforts to become disciple makers and transformation agents. You can access those on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We also post them to several Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Please let me know if you would like them sent to your email inbox. We are beginning a new series next week on the ways of God.
- Each day, we send out a Bible verse and blessing to a select group of people – to encourage them and provide a tool for their own disciple making efforts. We have a few open slots in our distribution list. Please let me know if you want to try out this resource.
- We recently upgraded our website, where you will find all our resources. Please let me know what you think of the site, and call me if you need help finding something. All of our resources are free (except for the books), and we encourage you to share them with others.
Finally, please be sure to read the Updates and Prayer Requests, found below. Both inLight and my family are in transition. Perhaps now more than ever, your prayers on our behalf are needed and cherished.
Now for this edition’s encouragement.
Renewing our Perspective and Focus in the Chaos
… raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:6
As we know, God works all things to the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. All things include chaos.
Now, chaos can be good… or bad. Most would agree the general result of chaos depends on the nature of our response to it. Our response primarily depends on our perspective and focus. Let me explain.
Spiritually speaking, every Christian has been given a perspective from heavenly places (Ephesians 2:4-7). With eyes to see (Matthew 13:16), we have the ability to observe everything in our world from this perspective.
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines perspective as “a particular way of considering something”. The heavenly perspective is God’s way of considering the chaos of this world.
How does that happen? By grace, through faith. This truth is a word for many of you – a word that will become faith (Romans 10:17). Exercise that faith to lay hold of the grace God provides for His people to see things His way. Simply ask Him to show you His Son’s perspective. If you have surrendered to His reign, the promise is yours.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2
The focus of our attention directly affects our perspective. The things we set our minds on control our thinking. Try this experiment for one week and you will see what I mean: Replace the time you watch and read the news – particularly in the morning – with something that will set your mind on heavenly things. Read your Bible or a Christian book (I recommend anything by A. W. Tozer). Listen to Christian podcasts. Commune with God in prayer.
Every Christian inherently knows this exercise in kingdom focus will change their perspective on the chaos and its associated storms. Your emotional, mental, and spiritual health will improve remarkably.
One thing that may surprise you is the difficulty you have disciplining yourself in this exercise for even one week. The “why?” of that is the primary reason for this newsletter.
Chaos, when viewed outside of a heavenly perspective and kingdom focus, traps our minds into thinking like the world. It also consumes far more of our attention than it deserves. Chaos becomes an instrument of the enemies of God – a deception and distraction.
On the other hand, when we focus on things above and exercise the heavenly perspective, God uses us as instruments of righteousness to advance His kingdom. We discover supernatural solutions for the chaos in our families, fellowships, and communities. We bring supernatural peace and joy into a room of stressed-out people, shifting the spiritual, mental, and emotional atmosphere in a palpable way. In other words, we experience the grace and glory of God.
Furthermore, when we focus on things above and exercise the heavenly perspective, we enter into relationships and situations protected against the world’s deception and distractions described here:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
… we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting… Ephesians 4:14
The chaos of this decade will not abate any time soon. It will conform us to the world, if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to use it to transform us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
Believe it or not, God has entrusted many of His children to your care and attention. They desperately need you to renew your perspective and focus. Please let me know how I can help you (and help you help them).
In the meantime, God bless you with faith, grace, and courage to turn your eyes more fully to things above.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob (#iamjustthepen)
Updates and Prayer Requests
The relaunch strategy for our core mission – helping Christian leaders find joyful, Spirit-filled ministry – has come into focus. We are working out the details now and hope to make an announcement soon. We covet your prayers for grace and courage to hear God’s perfect plan and pursue it with passion.
The new inLight Consulting website has gone live. Please check it out and let us know what you think. We believe it will be a more effective tool in our mission to encourage, edify, and equip leaders in the workplace to make disciples and transform their spheres of influence. We hope to invest $10,000 into additional website content (e.g., podcasts and video teaching) and other related ministry retooling. Please pray for these funds.
Regrettably, our proposal for The Storms Have Only Just Begun was rejected by the literary agent. We are now checking with the Lord to see what He would have us do to impact the broadest possible audience. This, our fourth book, encourages and enables Christians to inspect and restore their houses, navigate the chaos of the 2020s, and help others do the same. Please pray for our hearing and God’s grace for the next steps.
My heart continues to ache for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Please pray with me for their encouragement, protection, and faithfulness in the face of severe trial and tribulation. From my reading, I understand they are also praying for us.
Continue to pray for the workplace leaders you know – for their transformation into mighty men and women of God; that they would boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me know how I can help you minister to them (we have tons of resources for you to share).
With Beth’s retirement (YEAH!!) and Matthew moving ever closer to launching out on his own, we find ourselves in a season of multiple transitions (chaos within the chaos). Please pray for God to sharpen our focus and expand our perspective for His glory and kingdom.
Please know that your prayers have been effectual the last fifteen years of ministry here at inLight. A close friend has said (more than once) that God is still preparing us for the good work that will glorify Him. So, please keep praying for us as the Holy Spirit leads you.
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob