HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Mile marker: 1 Year! A little winded but buzzing with accomplishment and delight, I celebrate that my weekly photo inspiration has completed its first full year!

Thanks for taking the journey with me! It has been an adventure!

Just over a year ago:

I said it.

“Yes, Lord, let’s do it!”

We agreed to do this thing. I committed to one year. Every week for one year I would create a photo inspiration for Him and with Him. And send it to you!

Like many great adventures, I hit the trail with a pack full of ideas and a large supply of photos! Creativity was at a surplus! But when I started getting blisters from new daily habits, and I found myself scrounging for creativity and short on time, I was tempted to abandon the black diamond trail in exchange for an easier, less demanding one.

But Jesus is the best coach, and He has assigned my wife Roxanne to be my faithful trainer. Together, they encouraged me to continue. And each week, the Lord expressed His anticipation of the photo and message I would create for Him. And each week Roxanne took the time to review and edit my inspirations to ensure they met the highest standard for the King of Kings. At the start, she chopped and pruned my writing. Simple, clear, and to the point. She edited and deleted to make room for meaningful conciseness. I am grateful for her partnership with me in this project.

I took time to reflect this week as I celebrate one year of creating weekly photo inspirations.

The beach at Kalaloch holds many wonders. Last summer, this root ball loomed on the sand.
Suddenly, my presence seemed small and insignificant. It’s how I felt many weeks when preparing a photo inspiration – overwhelmed.

Favor with people is a red carpet of honor. He rolls it out for you to walk upon so you can carry His presence into the lives of others.

But I persisted. I didn’t miss one week. Why was this so important?

My efforts are for my Heavenly Father! I did this for Him, my audience of ONE.

Every week when I hit the “send email” button, I sense my Father’s face light up with delight! Sitting at the computer each week with a blank document before me, the Holy Spirit and I visit. Sweet, precious times of communion, asking questions, seeking, yearning for more intimacy, entreating tips on walking like Jesus. Before the end of the week, my document is full of words to share with you from our time together.

Eric Liddell was an accomplished runner who competed in the 1924 Olympics. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Eric’s statement expresses my sentiment.

When I’m creating (photography, writing) I feel His pleasure! He turns His smiling face toward me with His approval. The Lord claps and cheers me toward the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

My work is validated by witnessing the joyful pleasure of my Father.

I have no other criteria for success.

But there are definitely some criteria I have had to delete: growth (subscribers, sales, social media presence), recognition (affirmations, accolades, criticisms), engagement (interaction, responses, comments, feedback), effectiveness (making a difference, changing lives, the joy of bearing fruit).

Were any of these essential to continuing the weekly inspiration, I would have abandoned it months ago.

One criterion: Make happy an audience of ONE!

Last Sunday, Roxanne and I enjoyed a morning walk along the lake. The following was on my mind, and I knew God wanted to talk.

Recently, I have found favor with people through my work. It’s like God’s breath has filled my sails. People are opening doors and welcoming me in. In some ways, it’s overwhelming. And you know what? I quite like it! It feels good to be accepted, needed, wanted, and respected – to know you’re making a difference. But it also feels like a lot of pressure to maintain.

But my audience is ONE.

When I focus on the people, I become insecure. Fear tells me I will lose favor if I don’t keep expectations. Worry imposes its demand to perform so I won’t disappoint anyone or let them down. Control requires me to hold it together, manipulate circumstances, and be nice to the right people so I don’t rock the boat.

But my audience is ONE.

Roxanne and I, hand in hand, talked with God as we walked.

The Holy Spirit reminded me,

“The Heavenly Father is your audience of ONE. Just keep doing what you’re doing – fulfill His desires. Don’t let the distraction of the attention and expectations of others derail your purpose.

“Your Heavenly Father will manage the people in your life. The favor He gives you with people is not meant for your ambitions, self-worth, or advancements.

Because my audience is ONE.

“Favor with people is a red carpet of honor. He rolls it out for you to walk upon so you can carry His presence into the lives of others.”

Jesus sent us as He was sent. He empowered us to walk as He walked. Jesus is our example. Everything Jesus did for us is a result of serving an audience of ONE.

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” ~ John 4:34

“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” ~ John 8:29

“…because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” ~ John 5:30

Jesus’ driving purpose on earth was to complete the will of His Father. The Father’s will is to seek and save the lost and destroy the works of the devil for you and me. In response to fulfilling His Father’s need, Jesus came to earth.

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~ John 6:38

Jesus lived only for an audience of ONE!

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” ~ John 5:19-20

As a son, Jesus imitated His Father. In Ephesians 5:1, we are exhorted to be IMITATORS OF GOD as dear children. Just like Jesus!

A relationship with our Heavenly Father gives us access to His heart’s desire.

Jesus said,

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” ~ John 15:15

And when you are IN JESUS, as His precious child, you have access to Him directly. He is your audience of ONE.

“In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” ~ John 16:26-27

My daughter is dancing on stage. Applause erupts. She curtsies, and through the haze of bright lights, her eyes scan the audience for one person. Finally, our eyes connect, and I give her a nod of pride and a big smile of approval as I clap my hands together in celebration! The Father’s favor is of exceedingly greater worth than a million accolades from others.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… for you serve the Lord Christ.” ~ Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do” is whatever you do. Do you serve an audience of ONE when you care for your children? Your spouse? Your neighbor? Your job? Your assignments? The most effective way I care for the people in my life is by living for an audience of ONE. What pleases Him has divine power to bring life and blessing to others!

It is my great joy to send you inspirational emails each week! Thanks again for joining me on this journey and for your support.

I will continue to send them at the pleasure of Jesus. As His interests change, I will make the necessary changes to accommodate the desires of my Father’s heart!

The Heart of Worship. Brandon Lake