Transforming Lives Through Constant Awareness of God

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are called to cultivate a constant awareness of God's presence in our lives. This is beautifully illustrated by the life of Frank Laubach, a Presbyterian missionary in the Philippines during the 1930s. Laubach embarked on a spiritual experiment, striving to turn his mind to God every minute. This practice, though challenging, transformed his life, allowing him to experience a profound sense of cooperation with God in even the smallest tasks. This transformation is not just for Laubach but is available to all of us if we choose to direct our thoughts towards God consistently.

The essence of this practice lies in the deliberate choice to focus our minds on God. Our thoughts and feelings shape our choices, and by choosing to think of God, we enable ourselves to make different, more spiritually aligned decisions. This is not merely about solving specific problems but about a holistic transformation of our inner being. As we align our thoughts with God's presence, our behavior naturally follows suit, fulfilling the law through love.

However, this transformation requires a willingness to let go of distractions and lesser desires. It challenges us to fill our minds with the teachings and presence of God, as exemplified by the Psalm 1 person who delights in the law of the Lord. This delight is not just about following commandments but about embracing the richness of God's nature and His work in our lives.

The journey towards a mind filled with God is not without its challenges. We must confront our reluctance to let go of worldly distractions and embrace the fullness of God's presence. Yet, as we persist in this practice, we find that our desires change, and we no longer wish to sin. This transformation is a process, one that requires us to be willing to be made willing, to pray for God's help in changing our thoughts, and to trust in His guidance.

As we continue this journey, let us practice directing our minds to God, using scriptures like the 23rd Psalm and Romans 5:8 as anchors. In every situation, we can give thanks, not necessarily for everything, but in everything, recognizing God's care and presence. This practice lays the foundation for a renewed mind and a transformed heart, leading us closer to the Good Shepherd.

Key Takeaways:

1. Constant Awareness of God: Frank Laubach's practice of turning his mind to God every minute illustrates the transformative power of constant awareness of God's presence. This practice invites us to experience a profound sense of cooperation with God in our daily lives, allowing us to be carried along by His plan. [06:05]

2. The Power of Choice: Our thoughts and feelings shape our choices, and by choosing to focus on God, we enable ourselves to make spiritually aligned decisions. This deliberate choice is the first freedom we have, even in challenging circumstances, and it leads to a holistic transformation of our inner being. [08:44]

3. Delighting in God's Law: The Psalm 1 person delights in the law of the Lord, embracing the richness of God's nature and His work in our lives. This delight is not just about following commandments but about filling our minds with the teachings and presence of God, leading to a transformed life. [16:34]

4. Willingness to Change: The journey towards a mind filled with God requires a willingness to let go of distractions and lesser desires. We must confront our reluctance and embrace the fullness of God's presence, trusting that our desires will change as we persist in this practice. [20:05]

5. Thankfulness in All Situations: In every situation, we can give thanks, recognizing God's care and presence. This practice of thankfulness, even in challenging circumstances, lays the foundation for a renewed mind and a transformed heart, leading us closer to the Good Shepherd. [29:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Introduction to Frank Laubach
- [01:11] - The Practice of Submitting to God
- [02:18] - Choosing to Keep God Present
- [03:14] - Developing the Habit of Turning to God
- [04:31] - The Importance of Choice in Spiritual Growth
- [05:30] - Laubach's Transformation Through Cooperation with God
- [06:31] - The Habit of Thinking of God
- [08:19] - The Role of the Mind in Spiritual Growth
- [10:04] - Love Fulfills the Law
- [11:16] - Sharing the Knowledge of God
- [12:09] - The Desire for a Mind Filled with God
- [13:44] - The Distraction of Insignificant Things
- [15:29] - The Psalm 1 Person
- [17:26] - The Delight in God's Law
- [19:29] - The Impact of a Mind Full of God
- [21:24] - The Process of Changing Desires
- [23:14] - Entering into the Goodness of God
- [25:40] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
- [27:20] - Practicing Thankfulness
- [29:42] - The Path to a Renewed Mind

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
2. Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
3. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

#### Observation Questions
1. How did Frank Laubach's practice of turning his mind to God every minute impact his life and work as a missionary? [06:05]
2. What does Psalm 1 describe as the characteristics of a person who delights in the law of the Lord?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of choosing to focus our minds on God? [08:44]
4. How does the practice of thankfulness, as mentioned in the sermon, contribute to a renewed mind and transformed heart? [29:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" in the context of modern life, and how can this delight lead to a transformed life? [16:34]
2. How does the concept of "constant awareness of God" challenge our daily routines and priorities? [06:05]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our willingness to change is crucial for spiritual growth? [20:05]
4. How can the practice of giving thanks in all situations, as discussed in the sermon, change our perspective on life's challenges? [29:42]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. What are some practical ways you can incorporate a constant awareness of God into your everyday activities? [06:05]
2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on God. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction? [20:05]
3. Think of a recent situation where you struggled to be thankful. How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future, using the practice of thankfulness discussed in the sermon? [29:42]
4. Consider the choices you make daily. How can you intentionally choose to focus your thoughts on God, and what impact do you anticipate this will have on your decision-making? [08:44]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt reluctant to let go of a lesser desire. How can you pray for God's help in changing your thoughts and desires? [20:05]
6. How can you use scriptures like Psalm 23 and Romans 5:8 as anchors in your spiritual journey? What specific verses can you meditate on this week to draw closer to God? [29:42]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from learning about the practice of constant awareness of God. How can you share this concept with them in a meaningful way? [11:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Constant Awareness of God's Presence
In our journey of faith, we are invited to cultivate a constant awareness of God's presence, as exemplified by Frank Laubach, a Presbyterian missionary in the Philippines during the 1930s. Laubach's spiritual experiment of turning his mind to God every minute transformed his life, allowing him to experience a profound sense of cooperation with God in even the smallest tasks. This practice is not exclusive to Laubach but is available to all who choose to direct their thoughts towards God consistently. By doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God, experiencing His guidance and presence in our daily lives. [06:05]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small task you can do today while consciously turning your mind to God, inviting His presence into that moment?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Choice
Our thoughts and feelings shape our choices, and by choosing to focus on God, we enable ourselves to make spiritually aligned decisions. This deliberate choice is the first freedom we have, even in challenging circumstances, and it leads to a holistic transformation of our inner being. By aligning our thoughts with God's presence, our behavior naturally follows suit, fulfilling the law through love. This transformation is not merely about solving specific problems but about a holistic renewal of our inner being, allowing us to live in harmony with God's will. [08:44]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you are facing today where you can choose to focus on God and seek His guidance for a spiritually aligned outcome?


Day 3: Delighting in the Richness of God's Law
The Psalm 1 person delights in the law of the Lord, embracing the richness of God's nature and His work in our lives. This delight is not just about following commandments but about filling our minds with the teachings and presence of God, leading to a transformed life. By immersing ourselves in God's word and presence, we find joy and fulfillment, experiencing the depth of His love and wisdom. This practice invites us to see God's law not as a burden but as a source of delight and transformation. [16:34]

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a practice of meditating on God's word today, allowing it to transform your thoughts and actions?


Day 4: Embracing the Willingness to Change
The journey towards a mind filled with God requires a willingness to let go of distractions and lesser desires. We must confront our reluctance and embrace the fullness of God's presence, trusting that our desires will change as we persist in this practice. This transformation is a process, one that requires us to be willing to be made willing, to pray for God's help in changing our thoughts, and to trust in His guidance. As we persist, we find that our desires align more closely with God's will, leading to a life of greater fulfillment and purpose. [20:05]

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction or lesser desire you can let go of today to make more room for God's presence in your life?


Day 5: Practicing Thankfulness in All Situations
In every situation, we can give thanks, recognizing God's care and presence. This practice of thankfulness, even in challenging circumstances, lays the foundation for a renewed mind and a transformed heart, leading us closer to the Good Shepherd. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to see God's hand at work in our lives, even in the midst of difficulties. This practice not only transforms our perspective but also deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His peace and joy. [29:42]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenging situation you are facing today where you can choose to give thanks, recognizing God's presence and care?

Quotes

Frank Laubach was a Presbyterian missionary in the Philippines back in the 30s and it said that he has an interesting story of how he got there, but he wound up out in an area of the Philippines where there's a tribe called the Morris tribe. They're a very strong Islamic tribe, and Frank was out there alone. [00:00:33]

Frank Laubach began to think the question, how would it be if I were able to submit myself to God moment by moment, if I were able to turn my mind to God? Frank Laubach was actually a well-educated man, and he realized that things don't disappear from your mind immediately; they stay there for a while. [00:01:11]

He decided that he would try to turn his mind back to God in some way every once a minute. Maybe it would just be the singing of a hymn or looking at a symbol of the Cross, or maybe he would just murmur to himself, "Hallowed be thy name," or something of that sort. [00:01:47]

Frank Laubach chose to do this, and so what he did was he started out just sort of keeping a little awareness of how his mind would turn to God, and then he continued with his business. You know you can think of many things at the same time, and so you can turn your mind to God. [00:02:36]

When he had practiced this experiment for a while, it really began to transform his life. Here's what he said after four weeks: "I feel simply carried along each hour doing my part in a plan which is far beyond myself. This sense of cooperation with God in little things is what so astonishes me." [00:03:54]

The choice here is what do I really want to accomplish in my life with God? What do I really want to accomplish? Would I like to have constantly the sense of walking with the great Lord who is my shepherd? He will not force his presence on you. Sometimes that happens, but you cannot count on it. [00:04:29]

The will can only work in terms of the mind. You make your choices in terms of your thoughts and your feelings, so what you choose will be determined by what you think. Interestingly enough, what we've seen here tonight is what you think may be determined by what you choose. [00:08:22]

The Psalm 1 type of person, you remember, was a man who delighted in the law of God and he just stayed with meditation on it day and night. He didn't stand in the counsel of the ungodly; he avoided the path of sinners; he did not sit in the seat of the scoffer. [00:15:40]

What would I be like if my mind was just full of the law of God and delight in the law of God, if it were just full of images of Christ, if I was constantly looking for him to be present in my life? What would my life be like? Well, I can tell you it would be wonderful. [00:19:34]

We have to will and to pray. You know, sometimes you're not willing, but you're willing to be willing. Do you know that? And that's a really honest, good place to work with God. I'm not willing to, let us say, return good for evil. Maybe someone has really done something very mean to me. [00:24:30]

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you. Now that's going to put tension on your mind. Last Wednesday, after exhorting you on Tuesday, as I went from my office to my car on the USC campus, I realized I had lost my keys. [00:27:41]

The path forward towards the healing of the heart means the renovation of the mind, and that means that the images and thoughts, the teachings of the scripture about God in your world now come in and occupy your mind, and that lays a foundation for your will to act differently. [00:30:08]

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Transcript
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