Thursday, July 14, 2016

Summertime encouragement...

A Reminder of June's Focus Point 
I hope you are all finding the time and inspiration to write this summer. Following is the Focus Point from our last meeting. Remember those goals we set? I hope this will spur you on as you write for Him. 
Barbara
Whose life will you touch?    
Photo from depositphotos.com

Why Goals?
We often talk about goals at our meetings. It’s the topic of our first and last meetings of a season and usually touched on in between. It’s no secret that clear goals are the impetus to getting things done and as Christian writers, it’s important that we get our words out there because they bring light.
I am increasingly aware of the subtle infiltration of darkness in our society. I recently read through Ephesians and in chapter four, Paul says that the Gentiles (meaning those far from God) live “in the futility of their thinking.” Read verses 18 and 19:
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. (NIV, italics mine)
The descriptives of those who don’t know God are bleakdarkened, separated, ignorant, hardened, insensitive, sensual, indulgent, unsatisfied. This is not condemnation but observation because there is hope for change. When I read these verses I was saddened, but they also invigorated me by renewing my determination and igniting my desire to be a beacon of light and truth. This is why our writing goals are so importantbecause of their purpose. Because our words can bring light, connection and knowledge. They can soften hearts, purify thoughts and demonstrate contentment.
We write as those who have been made new in the attitude of our minds (see verse 23) and that attitude is reflected in our words. So press on. Define your goals. Write as the redeemed and bring light to a darkened world.
Take away thought: I will write and work toward my goals to maintain focus on my purposeone beggar writing to other beggars because I’ve been given bread to share.