In Britain we love to talk about the weather. We talk about it with people we know and with those we’ve just met. The subject is raised at the start of business meetings and over the dinner table. Sometimes touching on the weather is merely an icebreaker, a way to start or develop a conversation. Often, however, it’s merely a way of being somewhat friendly, but at the same time avoiding any real intimacy, depth of relationship, or feeling of commitment. So discussing whether it’s sunny or rainy keeps us at a distance but extends a form of friendliness.
In Deuteronomy 6, God instructed His people to talk about Him and His instructions during the day—not about the weather! He told them to discuss His principles with “your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road” (Deuteronomy 6:7). This wasn’t some pretense at looking holy; it was the amazing opportunity to talk of the One who delivered them and provided for them each day.
God desires for us also to be in constant fellowship with Him. One of the best ways of ensuring that this will occur is for us to focus on Him and spend time with others who also truly love Him (Deuteronomy 6:5). It’s not about living in a cocoon; it’s about putting God first in our lives—the One who matters most.
As we talk of God and the things of God, we will find that it draws us closer to Him and to others. This type of discourse invariably builds relationships, not only with Jesus but also with those around us. Believers in Jesus who talk a lot with each other about God tend to be people who love each other deeply and are truly committed to each other. May we talk with God and experience His transforming presence today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 1:1-28
More:
Read Philippians 4:8 and consider how Paul’s instruction leads us to truly focus on God and the good things He’s created.
Next:
What do you normally talk about with friends and acquaintances? How can you more intentionally discuss God and His ways with others?
Gary Shultz on March 19, 2016 at 7:14 am
You hit this one right on the bean Russell. Intentionality is the stuff we need to begin any prolonged task. Of course with the aim at bringing and building our lives to Jesus. A thing in life we also do is conjecture, I’m guessing you have repeatedly practiced or engaged in the “iron sharpens iron” principle. We become sharper as we encourage others to reach with us toward a bigger step in our faith. These articles are iron in my life. We can’t meet and see each other; however, the “iron” principle still applies. (Ok Russell, I’m going to get a little long here.) In hand with intentionality is a statement from Dr. Al Molher, we can not believe more than what we know, we can not live higher than what we believe. Christ was not kidding, as you know, when He said, make disciples. My view is, anything we can do to keep ourselves in shape and to press others toward a better knowledge of our Lord and how He would have us live is of great value. I know you writers do not always get time to reply to each comment; however I know it was with intentionality that these articles are written. You folks just happen to be giving us a little “iron” in our daily diet. Yup, I enjoy this, I enjoy learning more about our Father and He rewards us with sharper vision and intentionality in our lives and that is worth talking about. Thank you Russell, hope the weather is grand.
sdwise on March 19, 2016 at 9:28 am
Gary you said it all. These writings from Russell and the other authors cause me to digg deeper into my study of the scriptures for the purpose of applying God’s principles to my life so that I may live for Him. I pray that how I live and relate to others may reflect His glory and draw them to Christ.
sandy229 on March 19, 2016 at 9:51 am
Yeah, I like this Gary. You’ve shed a different light that I didn’t see before. These writers do cause us to dig deeper, and shed a different light on things.
jim spillane on March 19, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Gary – once again, my friend, you’ve picked up on a daily devotional and hit a home run comment. Your “iron sharpens iron” statement is spot-on. Of the relationships I’ve been able to have the privilege of participating in, the most rewarding are those that are Christ-centered. Certainly we can talk about other things, but it always comes back to Him. I’m not sure that I can completely agree with Dr. Molher on the first part of his statement (I’ll have to give it more thought), but I do believe in the second part, and that’s why I continue to run the race for the purpose of winning the prize. I was once told that our Heavenly Father is more than willing to help us become as holy as we want to become, and I truly believe that. You are a blessing to this forum, and I’ll see you in the light of the sun/Son.
gagirllive on March 19, 2016 at 9:59 am
So true, Russell. Real Christian fellowship is found when Jesus is at the center of it all. I’m so thankful for the community of believers in my life (including ODJ writers and those on this forum)…for friendships that are Christ-centered, and for conversations that exalt Him. One of my favorite verses that speaks to this subject is Malachi 3:16 (AMP). “Then those who feared the Lord talked often to one another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.” To know that God keeps a record of our conversations about Him…Wow! Thanks for this post today, Russell. Blessings to you!
Gary Shultz on March 20, 2016 at 6:23 pm
You folks are kind and humble me. We know all good things come from God. So, if I say any thing that lifts the Spirit, your Spirit, it is the same that gives me grace to have any comment at all. I join in thanking God for His word and the wisdom He shares. As Jim often writes blessings to all who come here. You are kind to someone who enjoys these sessions just like you. May we all join in investing in the cause of Christ…. And won’t it be great to meet some day.
sandy229 on March 21, 2016 at 11:03 am
Yes, it will be so great to meet some day when we all get to Heaven. What a wonderful and joyous day it will be!