“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” Proverbs 4:20

We are bombarded with so many distractions every day. It takes a conscious effort on our part to remain focused and do the things in life that are truly needed.

Think of the story of Martha receiving Jesus into her home. Her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, paying attention to Him and taking in every word. But Martha was busy in the kitchen, preparing everything so it was perfect for her guests. Naturally, she became frustrated with her sister, who wasn’t doing anything to help out:

“[Martha] came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’

‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38).

Like Martha, we tend to be worried and distracted, giving attention to the challenges around us instead of the Word of God. But the only thing that’s needed is to be like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His presence and His Word.

Are you giving attention to the Word? Are you hearing from Him? Or have you allowed the distractions of the world keep you from listening to Jesus? Instead of fixating on life’s challenges, meditate on the Word so that you can hear from Him.

Lord, give me the wisdom to deal with the distractions in my life that are keeping me from attending to Your Word. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

Spiritual Distractions

How Distractions May Lead Us to a Slow Fade

When Silence is More Than Being Quiet

The post Only One Thing is Needed appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The past two years I have been slowly entering the world of cycling. I just purchased a proper road bike this year. (My last one was saved from recycling.) I enjoy the outdoors and am starting to appreciate the healthy workout that cycling provides. I ride in an area that has a good mix of flats and hills. I really like the thrill of the long downhill grades. The long uphill grades, not so much!

Along the way I have been learning some cycling techniques. One is focus.  In the difficult uphill sections I have found if I focus on the long road ahead to the crest of the hill, I get overwhelmed and want to quit. But if instead I focus on just the next few meters of road ahead of me, I’m more successful and able to conquer the hard road ahead. The key seems to be where I place my focus, the next few meters or the long road ahead. The physics does not change, but just focusing on getting through the next few meters makes a world of difference.

In life, like cycling I like the “long downhill grades” where I just sail along. I attempt to avoid the hard uphill stretches, if possible, but they always seem to find their way into the road ahead even with the best planning on my part.

Jesus has some words of encouragement about focusing on the road just ahead in these moments…

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”  
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Focus |  by Roy Lessin

Where is Your Focus?

Take Goliath Down – by Max Lucado

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The post A Hard Road Ahead? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Today, instead of looking at what’s going wrong in your life, find the good. Having a  grateful attitude can turn your lives around. What are you grateful for?

Lord, teach us to focus more on the great things you are doing in our lives and not just the things that are going wrong. There is so much that You are doing in our lives that are good. Help us to see the good and be grateful. In Jesus name, Amen

Grace and Peace,

By Mary Pinckney
used by permission

The post It’s All about Your Focus appeared first on Thoughts About God.