Keep your FOCUS!

Psalm 119:69 (MSG)
The Godless spread lies about me, but I FOCUS my attention on what you are saying;
Oh my goodness!  Is anyone else having a hard time focusing...or is it just me?!  I went into a local craft store the other day and came out with nearly everything under the sun except what I went in for.  Good grief! 

I don't think it is a coincidence that this verse popped up for today's post.  Nor was it a happen stance that opening the word of God for my daily reading landed me in 2 Peter 1:19-20(MSG) where I found these words: 

We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard-God's glory, God's voice.  The prophetic Word was confirmed to us.  You'll do well to keep focusing on it.  It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. 


Focus on the light of God's word...and keep looking
up to Him!


 

Wow!  These words are so strong and hold so much weight for our lives today.  Dark times?  Confusing times?  Scared?  Distracted?  What should we do?  Focus.  Direct our attention to the light of His words and move straight forward into His strength and love.  He will certainly confirm the Word of guidance and clearly define His way.

Yep...I needed to hear that!

Father,
You have allowed me to find peace and direction in Your word.  Help me to keep focusing on it and on You as we head into the season of Your Son's birth.  Thank You for the grace and favor that is poured upon us moment by moment.
Amen

Concentrate!!

Proverbs 4:21 (MSG)
Keep my message in plain view at all times.  Concentrate!  Learn it by heart!

I love this clear directive to memorize scripture!  In today's informational world, it is so easy to get overwhelmed with the influx of material.  The computer has allowed us to have instant access to just about every interest our heart would desire.  With all of that stimulus at our finger tips, why would we need to take the time to commit to memory the verses of the Bible.  I mean, if I need them I can just look them up...right? 

This verse doesn't mention anything about grabbing my Bible on computer and searching for a scripture.  It says to concentrate and learn it by heart!  I'm not a theologian, but I think I know why we need to have it in our hearts.  The answer....because when the Word is hidden in our hearts...it changes our hearts and lives!
I am currently working on memorizing Psalm 121, as a friend of mine has challenged me to do.  It is an amazing scripture and is filled with direction and promises for our times of trial.

God's Word holds power that our words do not.  His Word is what Jesus spoke when confronted by Satan in the desert.  (Matthew 4:1-11)  It allowed Jesus to stand firm against the ridiculous schemes that Satan had planned to trick the Lord.  I figure if Jesus needs the Word of God....how much more do I?!

Psalm 121 (NIV)

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.