Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
I watched a great skit once by two talented comics titled, “Distract and Confuse”. The story line was that these men were presenting a new product for capturing souls to a convention of devils. Their new product was touted as a sure-fire method. They taught that all one needs to do is to simply distract their intended victims attention away from God and then confuse them while they are distracted. The salesmen promoted this procedure as the best thing to hit their business since the “Apple Incident” back in the Garden of Eden.
Setting the humor aside, there is a scary and powerful point to this skit. The devil is out to get us and we are prone to distraction and confusion.
1Peter 5:6-11 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The way to defend against the attacks of the devil is to focus our attention on God constantly. When we focus on God there is no distraction. And, when we concentrate on God we are far less susceptible to confusion.
2Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
The result of our constant concentration on God is, in a word, peace.
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified)
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
God has designed us with an early warning system regarding our distractions. We can quickly gage our attention on God by the state of our emotions. When confusion, anger, frustration, sadness, etc. present themselves we know that we have allowed ourselves to be distracted. These non-peaceful emotions serve to guide us back to God (the only real source of peace in this world).
Bottom line is this; if you want peace in your life, then turn your full attention on God.
Stay your mind!
Lon Alderman
@leaderlifter
Showing posts with label focus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label focus. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Forward to the Dawn
I ran across this in today's sermon preparation:
Luke 9:61-62
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Here are William Barclay's thoughts on this passage...
[Jesus'] words to the third man state a truth which no one can deny. No ploughman ever ploughed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder. There are some whose hearts are in the past. They walk forever looking backwards and thinking wistfully of the good old days.
Watkinson, the great preacher, tells how once at the seaside, when he was with his little grandson, he met an old minister. The old man was very disgruntled and, to add to all his troubles, he had a slight touch of sunstroke. The little boy had been listening but had not picked it up quite correctly; and when they left the grumbling complaints of the old man, he turned to Watkinson and said, “Granddad, I hope you never suffer from a sunset!”
The Christian marches on, not to the sunset, but to the dawn. The watchword of the kingdom is not, “Backwards!” but “Forwards!” To this man Jesus did not say either, “Follow!” or “Return!” he said, “I accept no lukewarm service,” and left the man to make his own decision.
Need I say more?
By the way, you can listen to my weekly sermons and find out where I'm preaching by clicking on the following links:
Weekly Sermons
Preaching Schedule
Forward to the dawn!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Luke 9:61-62
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Here are William Barclay's thoughts on this passage...
[Jesus'] words to the third man state a truth which no one can deny. No ploughman ever ploughed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder. There are some whose hearts are in the past. They walk forever looking backwards and thinking wistfully of the good old days.
Watkinson, the great preacher, tells how once at the seaside, when he was with his little grandson, he met an old minister. The old man was very disgruntled and, to add to all his troubles, he had a slight touch of sunstroke. The little boy had been listening but had not picked it up quite correctly; and when they left the grumbling complaints of the old man, he turned to Watkinson and said, “Granddad, I hope you never suffer from a sunset!”
The Christian marches on, not to the sunset, but to the dawn. The watchword of the kingdom is not, “Backwards!” but “Forwards!” To this man Jesus did not say either, “Follow!” or “Return!” he said, “I accept no lukewarm service,” and left the man to make his own decision.
Need I say more?
By the way, you can listen to my weekly sermons and find out where I'm preaching by clicking on the following links:
Weekly Sermons
Preaching Schedule
Forward to the dawn!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Friday, March 06, 2009
Which half?, by Lon Alderman
Matthew 14:28-30
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
-------
Peter was doing it! He was walking on water! However, in the midst of this miracle, Peter gets distracted. His focus on Jesus is broken as Peter concentrates on his surroundings. Granted, Peter is in the midst of a storm, but he was in the storm when he first stepped out of the boat. Something changed! Now his eyes are on the storm, not Jesus. And he begins to sink!
It is at these times in our life when we see the glass half empty. We focus on the negatives of our surroundings. We concentrate on the storms and not on Jesus. Selfishness fills our heart and we start to sink!
There is another way to view the glass, and that is to see it half full. This is attained when we focus on Jesus in the midst of the storm. With our eyes on Christ we see His amazing blessings and His perfect provision right there in the middle of the storm! Gratitude fills our heart and we walk on water!
Matthew 14:31-33
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
-------
Peter was doing it! He was walking on water! However, in the midst of this miracle, Peter gets distracted. His focus on Jesus is broken as Peter concentrates on his surroundings. Granted, Peter is in the midst of a storm, but he was in the storm when he first stepped out of the boat. Something changed! Now his eyes are on the storm, not Jesus. And he begins to sink!
It is at these times in our life when we see the glass half empty. We focus on the negatives of our surroundings. We concentrate on the storms and not on Jesus. Selfishness fills our heart and we start to sink!
There is another way to view the glass, and that is to see it half full. This is attained when we focus on Jesus in the midst of the storm. With our eyes on Christ we see His amazing blessings and His perfect provision right there in the middle of the storm! Gratitude fills our heart and we walk on water!
Matthew 14:31-33
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Keep your eyes on the Son of God!
Lon
Friday, October 17, 2008
Distracted-Again, by Lon Alderman
Luke 10:41-42
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
My thought has been that if I get this page up and running then more people will hear about and come to understand my ministry. In the process, I got distracted from the ministry of encouraging people through the Build UP!
This happens spiritually, too! We get all balled up in serving God and forget to relate to Him. We get entangled in the issues within the church and forget to be the church. We get distracted with trying to preserve the church and forget the God it serves.
Stay focused!
Lon
By the way, you can check out my work on facebook by clicking on this link: Acorn on facebook
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him 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 only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
As I'm sure you've noticed I have not been posting to this blog much. I've been distracted with a project that has exacted a great deal of time. I'm in the process of developing a "page" on facebook where I can post information about Acorn Ministries.My thought has been that if I get this page up and running then more people will hear about and come to understand my ministry. In the process, I got distracted from the ministry of encouraging people through the Build UP!
This happens spiritually, too! We get all balled up in serving God and forget to relate to Him. We get entangled in the issues within the church and forget to be the church. We get distracted with trying to preserve the church and forget the God it serves.
Stay focused!
Lon
By the way, you can check out my work on facebook by clicking on this link: Acorn on facebook
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Habit Forming, by Lon Alderman
Psalm 85:7-9
Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints—
but let them not return to folly.
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
I'm currently taking a 40-Day virtual journey with 9 other men from around the country. We are investing time, energy, and prayer (for 40 days) in the development of healthy habits in the area of our spiritual and physical life. A theme is emerging related to our efforts to hear God speak.
One of the men presented the following passage. I am taking the liberty of passing it on as today's Build UP. This comes from a book entitled, "The Practice of the Presence of God"
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Intersections, by Jarvis
Acts 17:26-27
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Lon said "Developing the habit of looking for God," (Presence, by Lon Alderman) and recognizing God, I might add, in every situation, that He is close. I have had a similar week to yours. Too many things flying at me, yet I was calmed and awed at the same time as well. One evening I'm out in the proverbial sticks and my cell phone stops working, conflicting meeting schedules, vehicle making concerning sounds, and last night I snapped my $100 fishing rod in the tailgate, and that was all just yesterday.
All opportunities that tempt you to think you're about to be stranded, alone, or financially drained. This time though I found myself calmly turning and smiling at God, as it were, and without having to speak a word, I handed my dilemma over, and went back to the task at hand.
I am coming to learn that these disconcerting "opportunities" that present themselves are actually intersections, not roadblocks, avalanches, or dead ends. Opportunities to acknowledge God, and his supremacy over your situations.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Lon said "Developing the habit of looking for God," (Presence, by Lon Alderman) and recognizing God, I might add, in every situation, that He is close. I have had a similar week to yours. Too many things flying at me, yet I was calmed and awed at the same time as well. One evening I'm out in the proverbial sticks and my cell phone stops working, conflicting meeting schedules, vehicle making concerning sounds, and last night I snapped my $100 fishing rod in the tailgate, and that was all just yesterday.
All opportunities that tempt you to think you're about to be stranded, alone, or financially drained. This time though I found myself calmly turning and smiling at God, as it were, and without having to speak a word, I handed my dilemma over, and went back to the task at hand.
I am coming to learn that these disconcerting "opportunities" that present themselves are actually intersections, not roadblocks, avalanches, or dead ends. Opportunities to acknowledge God, and his supremacy over your situations.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Reflections, by Jarvis
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
My head is spinning! I couldn't get past the scripture verse. "...for this is God's will for you..." How many times have I asked (more like demanded) to know God's will in a given situation? What does He want me [to do] in this situation? Be joyful, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. Honestly, most of time I just wanted to know that I was doing what I should be doing, while waiting on a prayer to be answered. Or at the very least that I was not producing the very barrier(s) I was seeking to get over or around. So now I know...again. Yes, I continually need reminded!
My second revelation here is "joy". "Be joyful always." I have prayed for joy to return to my life for years, but this verse indicates that joy is my choice; an act of the will. It would seem my revelation has become an indictment. I over-think too many things. I suppose my comments on this Blog may attest to that, but knowledge is no substitute for joy. After all, Adam and Eve gained knowledge after they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and what joy did that bring them?
Third thing that has rattled my cage this morning: Compartmentalizing God. Lon said (Immediacy of God), "The vast, and I mean VAST, majority of my time is not focused on Jesus!" We cannot escape from God's presence, so if I know this, why don't I at least acknowledge his presence, like I would if my best earthly friend were to follow us throughout the day? In my mind, that would be praying (communicating) continually. Of course, there are ways of communicating without speaking, but that's for another time...
Jarvis
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
My head is spinning! I couldn't get past the scripture verse. "...for this is God's will for you..." How many times have I asked (more like demanded) to know God's will in a given situation? What does He want me [to do] in this situation? Be joyful, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. Honestly, most of time I just wanted to know that I was doing what I should be doing, while waiting on a prayer to be answered. Or at the very least that I was not producing the very barrier(s) I was seeking to get over or around. So now I know...again. Yes, I continually need reminded!
My second revelation here is "joy". "Be joyful always." I have prayed for joy to return to my life for years, but this verse indicates that joy is my choice; an act of the will. It would seem my revelation has become an indictment. I over-think too many things. I suppose my comments on this Blog may attest to that, but knowledge is no substitute for joy. After all, Adam and Eve gained knowledge after they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and what joy did that bring them?
Third thing that has rattled my cage this morning: Compartmentalizing God. Lon said (Immediacy of God), "The vast, and I mean VAST, majority of my time is not focused on Jesus!" We cannot escape from God's presence, so if I know this, why don't I at least acknowledge his presence, like I would if my best earthly friend were to follow us throughout the day? In my mind, that would be praying (communicating) continually. Of course, there are ways of communicating without speaking, but that's for another time...
Jarvis
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Unite and Pray, by Rachel Smith
I was reading in the old testament today the story of Jehoshaphat defeating Moab. (2 Chronicles 20) I would encourage you to read it.
We are often in battles where there is no possible way we can win. The numbers tell the story. The other side has more people to fight and appear to be in better condition to advance their position. This was the case for Jehoshaphat.
But, instead of hanging his head low and giving up he did a very interesting thing. He gathered all the people to fast and pray. They praised God. He even prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (vs12).
When you don't know what to do- gather the troops. Unite in praise and prayer and fix your eyes on God.
2 Chronicles 20:12-13
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
We are often in battles where there is no possible way we can win. The numbers tell the story. The other side has more people to fight and appear to be in better condition to advance their position. This was the case for Jehoshaphat.
But, instead of hanging his head low and giving up he did a very interesting thing. He gathered all the people to fast and pray. They praised God. He even prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (vs12).
When you don't know what to do- gather the troops. Unite in praise and prayer and fix your eyes on God.
2 Chronicles 20:12-13
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Distracted
Luke 10:40a
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
Wow, this has been a wild few weeks! What has suffered is this blog. Sorry!
I'm not trying to make excuses; however, since the week leading up to Easter I have been very "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made"! The stuff I've been "distracted" by was very important stuff, but that's what Martha thought, too!
Granted, posting to this blog is not on par with sitting at the feet of Jesus, but it reminds me not to get too caught up in my very important work. The challenge is to keep focused on what is the MOST important; keeping our eyes on Jesus, no matter what!
Stay focused!
Lon
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
Wow, this has been a wild few weeks! What has suffered is this blog. Sorry!
I'm not trying to make excuses; however, since the week leading up to Easter I have been very "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made"! The stuff I've been "distracted" by was very important stuff, but that's what Martha thought, too!
Granted, posting to this blog is not on par with sitting at the feet of Jesus, but it reminds me not to get too caught up in my very important work. The challenge is to keep focused on what is the MOST important; keeping our eyes on Jesus, no matter what!
Stay focused!
Lon
Monday, June 25, 2007
Acorn Build Up: Acceptable
Acceptable
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This past weekend I attended a worship service led by a local singing group called Acceptable. One of the singers explained that the name for their group came from his mother's use of Psalms 19:14 as her theme verse for life.
Isn't that what we most deeply desire, to please God? We want God to find pleasure in every aspect of, and moment in, our life. This goes way beyond our intentionally spiritual moments, like worship services, Bible study, and prayer time. This includes the times when we're over-tired, under-fed, and all around worn thin.
This even extends to the words we choose and the thoughts we entertain. To please God with our words and thoughts requires us to become increasingly aware of God's presence in our lives. Just because we don't think about Him, doesn't mean God stepped out for a smoke. No, God is always with us. It's our attentiveness to Him that has taken a powder.
Be acceptable.
Lon
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This past weekend I attended a worship service led by a local singing group called Acceptable. One of the singers explained that the name for their group came from his mother's use of Psalms 19:14 as her theme verse for life.
Isn't that what we most deeply desire, to please God? We want God to find pleasure in every aspect of, and moment in, our life. This goes way beyond our intentionally spiritual moments, like worship services, Bible study, and prayer time. This includes the times when we're over-tired, under-fed, and all around worn thin.
This even extends to the words we choose and the thoughts we entertain. To please God with our words and thoughts requires us to become increasingly aware of God's presence in our lives. Just because we don't think about Him, doesn't mean God stepped out for a smoke. No, God is always with us. It's our attentiveness to Him that has taken a powder.
Be acceptable.
Lon
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