Psalm 34:8 (nlt) --- Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 69:32 (nlt) --- The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged.
This has been a big week as God has worked in the ministry we are part of. Yet Satan is often trying to get God's people to look away or be distracted from what God is doing. We have to remember that Satan's plan is to take from us, and we have to see and know and claim that God's plan is to give to us (see John 10:10).
Each summer my wife and kids leave for a week or two to spend time with my in laws in Georgia. They have a great time and really enjoy that connection. When my family is away, I try to do some special things ... more time with God, focus on a project or two, maybe some reading and the like. I have noticed every day and most days several times a day that there are loads of distractions. Some of them I can control and some of them I cannot control.
What do I need to do? I have to focus. I have to make sure to guard my time with God. That is a choice. In fact, one of the things that I tell church leaders is that God has set us up to be thermostats and not thermometers. What's the difference? One sets the temperature while the other becomes the temperature of the surroundings.
Satan wins and distracts us when we are like a thermometer, allowing our surrounds and situations to change us. We have to make choices and set up some things that keeps us influencing others, being a thermostat.
I am so excited about all God is doing, but if I let happenings or surroundings or issues get in the way, I will miss God and not be where He is working. I have a choice. Do you see it? Distractions keep us from not only seeing God, but they keep us from living the life He has blessed us to live.
This past Sunday evening the House of Prayer voted to become a part of The Community Fellowship, and then Monday morning a huge water leak was found at the House of Prayer's building. It has taken several thousand dollars to correct and end the problem. That is a distraction, if we let it be. But God is at work all around this situation.
It is time for the church to center on God and stop letting Satan win the battles by taking our attention off of what matters, off of what God is doing. You and I have choices to make.
1 Corinthians 7:35 (nlt) --- ... I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Hebrews 12:2-3 (nlt) --- We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
Join the ONE PRAYER conversation at www.oneprayer.com. The Community Fellowship and over 1,470 churches are focusing on God together for four weeks. Spend time praying, fasting, sharing and seeking God. It will change your life and your focus. Join us.
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