Breakfast Conversation
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.” –Malachi 3
I enjoy going out to breakfast by myself on occasion. Generally I get a roll or something to go with my coffee, but it gives me a chance to inquire of the Lord as to what He might have in store for me that day. And it is a great chance to people watch.
Recently I went to eat at a little place here in Lander and when I arrived, there was one small table available and the rest were all occupied. It is a small café and the tables are all very close to one another. After I had placed my order, I gazed out the window at the beautiful mountains surrounding Lander, and inquired of the Lord saying these words: “Lord, what do you want me to see on this fine day?”
Very quickly I heard God say in the Spirit, “Listen to the conversations taking place in this restaurant.” So I did exactly that. There was talk about the weather, hunting, sports, the millions of dollars that the lottery had gotten to, somebody had died, and there was much unkind gossip about various people in town.
Then I heard God speak in the Spirit again, “Did you notice that no one is talking about me?” And suddenly, I could literally feel the sadness of the Lord, and it overwhelmed me to the point that I was fighting the tears myself. Imagine, a  restaurant packed with people made in the image of God—people that the Savior died and suffered for, people that God set apart for something wonderful in the Lord’s service—did not even entertain a single thought of the Father to such a negative degree, that if the Lord’s name crossed their lips it was not to give glory! I found it amazing.
Remember this scripture from Matthew 6, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heat will be also.”
I have heard many pastors say, “What your focus on you will become,” and I have seen that truth manifest itself over and over. It was probably the case in that restaurant on that morning. Everything except God was first in all those people’s thoughts and conversation. Make no mistake about it, anything that you put before the King of Kings means that you have set up an idol. Now, by no means am I saying that if you enjoy talking about weather, sports, hunting, or your lawn, that you have set up an idol.
I will leave you with this reminder for Malachi 3, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.”
It seems that the Father takes great delight when we discuss Him. If I will become what my focus is, then I choose to focus on the Lord that I may be one with Him. Bless you!
Prayer: Lord God, I pray that I can focus my daily thoughts on you. I know you take delight in thoughts and discussions of you. Please help me to be more like You. In your precious name I pray. Amen.
Rev. Willy Maxwell
Interim Pastor
First Baptist Church
Lander, WY
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