Welcome back to the Bravely Bold mini-series! As mentioned in the series blog, the acrostic B-O-L-D helps associate Scripture and boldness. We connect to a life of excellence when we demonstrate boldness. We live with determination. We exercise integrity and trust–the qualities that build and exhibit our character.
B – Be-Attitudes (purposefully misspelled). The Beatitudes are listed in Matthew 5 and are discussed in the Bravely Bold blog from May.
O – Open my mouth that I may speak with wisdom and kindness (Proverb 31:26). We talked about the importance of speech and using it for good.
This week we go to the letter “L.” With the Scripture reference, you probably wonder how I am going to connect to excellence and life.
Part of serving in ministry has allowed me to experiment and discover various ways to serve others with the hope of being used by God to inspire. As you can probably tell, one of the ways I particularly enjoy serving is teaching. Another way that is very uplifting to me is through music. Music is a language that refreshes me. It inspires me and puts me in a posture that makes me escape, in a way. It helps redirect my focus. Since my personality is somewhat more reflective, I tend to gravitate to the instrumental, classical, praise and worship, and sometimes country.
Our word for the day: Focus. What language helps you to focus? It can be music, reading, exercise, or the stillness of quiet. During work, some may best focus with music playing softly in the background or listening to a podcast. Some may require complete quiet to become engaged in a project. Whatever method that best helps you focus on the task at hand.
What is the purpose of focus? It is to be intentional, to purposefully set your mind on something of importance. It is a way to redirect your mind from distractions so you are able to put all your devotion upon that which you desire to focus. It allows us to concentrate on that which we deem worthy of all we are for a set time.
L – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:5).
The Scripture chosen for this week is one of the most important Scriptures to the Jewish people–the Shema (found in Deuteronomy 6). It is so crucial to embed within one’s mind and heart, the family would repeat it multiple times each day. It is the intentional redirection of the mind to the Lord. Not only the purposefulness of the focus but the totality. Depending on the translation, the Scripture says, “ALL.” That is, everything. Whole. Every part of the being. Are you already challenged? The importance of Scripture deeply permeating our very being.
So, how does this tie into being bravely bold? The question: Upon what do you desire to focus? Is there one thing of such high value that you intentionally choose to make the time to dedicate to that one … focus? And how much do you love that object of focus? Whatever we choose to direct our focus is our object of adoration. Of course, I challenge you to allow the Lord to be your main focus in life, in every aspect of your life–all your heart, soul, and mind. We are being bravely bold when we choose to make that declaration. We live bravely bold. When we live for Someone, as the Scripture indicates, we express our lives differently. And it takes a person with determination and focus to live bravely bold.
We exercise boldness when we love God with our entire being. When we do, we better understand how it connects to all aspects of life.
Our connections challenge for this week: Upon what do you primarily focus? How do you best focus? Maybe consider one of the ways mentioned. If you are willing, I would love to hear how you focus and if you used any of the suggestions. Be brave! Be bold! Be excellent!
Next week—the letter “D” – Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4).
“You made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3, NASB)
Personal Note: Thank you so much for joining me this week! I am so glad you take a moment to read my somewhat amusing meditations. I hope they bring you delight and inspiration. If you have any questions or comments, I invite you to respond. If there are topics you would like for me to attempt to connect to life, please send them my way! It is a delight for me to make connections with everyday life.
Connections2Excellence 