“I came up with a definition of passion and it is loosely based upon the statement by Jesus in Luke 9:51 where it says, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem…” I think that says something about the passion of Jesus. He knew exactly what would be at the end of this last journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. It was a one-way trip to the cross yet it says he was “resolute”, focused, and heading in one direction.

Passion to me is just that, it is being able to give our fullest attention to one primary mission and devote ourselves completely to it.” – Bernie (blogger over at XXXChurch.com)

I love the definition that Bernie comes up with for passion. So many times in my life I lose focus on what the true focus of my life needs to be. I get so distracted thinking about what I think I need to be or what I think I need to do. It has nothing to do with me.

I recently finished reading an incredible fiction novel called “The Shack.” If you have not read this, you should. It will rock your world. It will make you think of God and following Jesus in a whole new light.

One thing I learned from this book can be summed up this way.

If our goal is to let God live through us, then what right do we have to do, say, or control anything?

• We have no right to determine what is evil and what is good.

• We have no right to determine what is best in a given situation.
• We have no right to judge.
• We have no right to do things independent of God and His leading.
• We have no right to dream outside of the opportunities God presents.

We have no rights because we need to give them up to truly let God live through us. This may sound harsh and hard to do but if we truly seek to have God live through us and touch a broken world, then we need to let Him give up everything to accomplish that.

What else can I say except that this is hard. I fail everyday trying to do this. Probably because I try to do it in my own strength. That is my first mistake.

God simply calls us to love Him and love others – it really is no more complex than that. That is our mission, that is our focus, that is what we should passionately pursue. Like Bernie says in his quote above…

“devote yourselves completely to” loving God and loving others – that is the mission…

Today I received the same message for two different sources. When that happens, I believe that God is trying to get my attention with a given message…

Source number 1: NLT Verse of the Day

In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Ephesians 6:16

God sends you into battle every day to fight for good and resist evil. Don’t take the battle lightly–prepare beforehand. Get straight who you are by knowing whose you are. Take up the shield of faith!

Source number 2: Daily Devotional From Greg Laurie

The devil will direct his flaming arrows toward Christians. They could be arrows of immorality, hatred, pride, envy, covetousness, doubt, worry, or any other kind of sin. They will be delivered primarily in the realm of our thoughts.

He will barrage us with his flaming arrows at strategic times, like when we decide to read the Bible or go to church. Flaming arrows will come our way during times of trial and hardship.

It is during these times that you need to hold up the shield of faith—not the shield of feelings, not the shield of emotions, but the shield of faith. You base your faith on what God has done for you, not on how you feel at a given moment.

These sources are not connected in anyway that I am aware of which raises the question – why is God trying so hard to get this message to me?

The shield of Faith is essential in protecting yourself during the battle. When you are in the heat of battle, that is when you need to recall the times when God never let you down. And remember that he will not let you down now. He is in control and nothing you can do will ever change that!

Praise God for that!