August 25, 2019

Face Time

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 25, 2019

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.    2 John 12

Some things are best communicated face to face. A proposal for marriage, a job interview, a mentor relationship, family time, explaining an issue, or showing appreciation all thrive in a one-on-one relational environment. Fear tends to force us away from direct engagement with people. We sometimes avoid human contact because of overwhelming insecurity, fear of rejection, or busyness. The season of face time with family evaporates unwittingly. They are off with friends, attending college, and then married. Just as the song says, “The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little Boy Blue and the Man in the Moon. When you coming home, Dad? I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then.”  

Calendar time daily, weekly, monthly and yearly with those you love. Invest time and money in face time with your son, your daughter, your spouse, your parents, and your friends. Face time is when you see the fear in their eyes and extend the encouragement to continue. Face time allows your smile to shine a ray of hope across a discouraged heart. Face time is your opportunity to discuss those hard issues and to be sure the sincerity of your love is not missed. So, show up and love on them in person. Most important, you need face time with your heavenly Father. 

By faith, the eyes of our soul need to gaze at God. If we chronically miss coming alongside Christ, we burn out in our own strength. We desperately need face time, by faith, with Jesus. We need His affirmation and love; we need His instruction and correction; we need His warm embrace, face to face; we need His discernment and wisdom. He can give us all of these, at any time. Our Savior is spontaneous for our sake. Christ is on call for His children, but we still need structured time with Him. It is imperative that we instill in our lives the discipline of daily face time in prayer and engrafting God’s Word into our minds and hearts. Regular face time with God in Scripture is what transforms our thinking with truth and keeps us from being changed by the lies of lazy living. 

You can tell when someone has been with Jesus. They have peace that brings calm; They have patience that extends a second chance; They have boldness based on wisdom; They have love that forgives; They have service that is relentless; They have faith that is strong; They have a hope that perseveres. People who have regular face time with Jesus are unique and pleasant. Therefore, linger with the Lord face-to-face. Invest time in your relationship with the Almighty. Keep an eye on eternity. Furthermore, create face time with family, friends, and those you lead and serve. Trust and intimacy comes from looking into each other’s eyes. Take the time to discuss hard issues in person. Provide constructive and courageous feedback. Forging face time means you care. Faithfulness in face time leads to robust relationships. Therefore, enjoy the joy of being with Jesus and friends. Moses experienced this. 

“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Prayer

Heavenly Father,  I long to be face to face with you in prayer and face to face with those who love you in community, in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Application

How do I need to adjust my calendar for more face time with my family and with the Lord?


Related Reading

Genesis 3:8; Psalm 16:11; Acts 2:25, 28; 2 Corinthians 2:10

Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular 365 day devotional book Seeking Daily the Heart of God


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People who have been with Jesus have a calming peace. #facetime #wisdomhunters #Jesus


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