ON THE VANGUARD

TELESCOPE MOMENTS
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21

We made it – the end of July. If you remember back from the devotional on July 1, you may recall me stating I was doing an experiment for this month, and you were welcome to join me. Encouraged by Charles Sheldon’s book, I wanted to ask daily what Jesus would do. Did you take the challenge with me? If so, how did you do? If not, it’s alright. Either way, let us keep in mind that this is what we are called to daily. Daily we are to seek out God’s ways, walk in His steps, and imitate Him. But maybe like me, after taking this month to focus purposefully on what Jesus would do, you find that there are areas where you struggle. Giving up our desires for His can be a challenge. Let me offer this thought as we close the month of July.
Have you ever looked through a telescope before? My son got one a couple years back. I remember on that first night how we were both anxious for the sun to go down so we could see the moon and stars. We had been practicing during the day, looking at trees far off, birds that managed to stop long enough for us to find, a water tower, and whatever else looked distant. But as the sun finally set, we were getting a little discouraged. On this first night it was looking to be cloudy. We waited, and waited, and attempted, but still the sky was filled with clouds. After some time, though, we finally got our chance. The clouds were moving out and we saw our payday...the moon.
At first it looked like a big blurry blob, no different than someone shining a flashlight in your eye. But as we had learned during the day, we had to focus. We had to twist the knobs and line up the view to rid the blur. When we finally had it set, though, we were able to see the details clearly. It was a moment I will not forget, sharing time with my son and seeing the etched craters and shadows cast on the moon itself.
So here is what I have learned from questioning what Jesus would do and from that moment with my son and his telescope. I have learned I need to pray more. My desire is to know what God is telling me personally, and then obey. Sometimes the obeying and mirroring is harder than the hearing. But I want to be in a place where no matter the situation, the end result is still the reflection of Him. As I pray about how, I hear the word FOCUS. As I pray and consider this word, I am reminded of my son's telescope. We used it to view things far off, bringing them close so we could focus on their detail. How can I focus on the moon if the knobs are not adjusted right? But then how can I focus on God if I am not adjusted to His settings.
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus tells us that our treasure is where our heart is. For so long I have been more often than not doing things my way. My heart has not been focused fully on Him. My treasure has pivoted between doing my thing and doing God’s. So hearing the word FOCUS is right on target for me. It is time I focus on God, who is in the end the image I want to reflect, who I want to mirror, and in whose steps I should be stepping in. It is time I adjust my knobs in my relationship with God and see the awe and wonder in His detail, forsaking pride and comfort for His glory. I know from experience that I will not be let down when I look at His awesomeness.
I cannot say that the word FOCUS is the word for you as well, but I can tell you that you will not be disappointed if you resolve to focus on God. Steven Curtis Chapman sings one of my all time favorite songs, Magnificent Obsession. I have always loved the tune. But as I was thinking about the song today, and reflecting on the words, it became more of my prayer than just a song. So I close this devotional, and this month, with what has become my prayer.

This is everything I want
This is everything I need
I want this to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus
Be my magnificent obsession