My husband and I were talking the other day about how much our American news culture misdirects us from the news that really matters. A Hollywood "celebrity" with a drug habit he can't kick becomes top story while a potential civil war in the Mideast, the economy, and the protests in Wisconsin get bumped down to second-rate stories. I've often thought that our news media would rather we be mindless and "content" than mindful and productive.
As I was considering misdirection, it became apparent to me how much Satan works to keep us misdirected in our spiritual lives. How many times do you find your mind wandering all over the place when you pray? How often do you feel overwhelmed when problems arise in your daily life? How often do you sit down to study the Word only to find another more "pressing" matter to attend to at that very moment? (Totally speaking to myself here!) How often do you take one huge step forward in your faith walk only to find the past pulling you three steps back?
As we enter into the season of Lent, I would challenge all of us to avoid the misdirections that can veer us off course. If you're thinking of giving something up, find something that truly pulls you away from God to let go of. If you don't want to give something up, take something on that will bring you closer to the one who directs us in the paths of righteousness. This year, I've been inspired by my friend Liz and Amy Sullivan. Check out Amy's blog on Gracious Giving for some awesome ways you can take something on this Lenten season. I'm going to take on Scripture memory and really work to follow the Deuteronomy 6:4-9 principles of keeping the Word every before me an on me. I'm going to daily carry a Scripture with me. Amy reminded me one of her last posts how powerful simply carrying a Scripture can be.
Paul wrote a lot about focus in the book of Philippians. If you're feeling misdirected, consider this:
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14
Blessings and Peace,
Sara
As I was considering misdirection, it became apparent to me how much Satan works to keep us misdirected in our spiritual lives. How many times do you find your mind wandering all over the place when you pray? How often do you feel overwhelmed when problems arise in your daily life? How often do you sit down to study the Word only to find another more "pressing" matter to attend to at that very moment? (Totally speaking to myself here!) How often do you take one huge step forward in your faith walk only to find the past pulling you three steps back?
As we enter into the season of Lent, I would challenge all of us to avoid the misdirections that can veer us off course. If you're thinking of giving something up, find something that truly pulls you away from God to let go of. If you don't want to give something up, take something on that will bring you closer to the one who directs us in the paths of righteousness. This year, I've been inspired by my friend Liz and Amy Sullivan. Check out Amy's blog on Gracious Giving for some awesome ways you can take something on this Lenten season. I'm going to take on Scripture memory and really work to follow the Deuteronomy 6:4-9 principles of keeping the Word every before me an on me. I'm going to daily carry a Scripture with me. Amy reminded me one of her last posts how powerful simply carrying a Scripture can be.
Paul wrote a lot about focus in the book of Philippians. If you're feeling misdirected, consider this:
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14
Blessings and Peace,
Sara
great thoughts... we need to keep scripture at the front of our minds!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words today. I sometimes get fed up with the media too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Even if the world around us stays wrapped up in worldy things, we don't have to and we can be like salt on the earth as we stand firm in the eternal things.
ReplyDeleteGood post! Wish you had a LIKE button.
ReplyDeleteSara,
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of you to mention my blog!
You were describing a typical day in my head when you mentioned all of the ways we get distracted from prayer. Yes, life seems urgent, but when we step back, the only thing really pressing is us letting some of the craziness that dominates our life to sit.
I love what you said about Lent. It doesn't have to just be a time to give up something. The idea of starting something that brings us closer to God is perfect. Imagine what we would learn if we could truly make time for God over the next 40 days!
Anyway, thanks again. So glad our paths crossed in land of blogs!