Tag Archives: hope

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Target Fixation

 

 

“Target fixation is an attentional phenomenon observed in humans in which an individual becomes so focused on an observed object that their awareness of hazards or obstacles diminishes. The phenomenon is most commonly associated with scenarios in which the observer is in control of a high-speed vehicle or other mode of transportation. In such cases, the observer may fixate so intently on the target that they will not take necessary action to avoid it, thus colliding with it.” (Wikipedia)

A friend of mine said it this way, “I was on my bike and going around a curve, there was a big rock cliff in front of me, I saw it at got target fixation. I was supposed to look around the curve, but because I was fixated on the rock…you guessed it, I crashed.”

Target fixation is dangerous to motorcyclists, race car drivers, and to Christians.

What are you fixated on? Are you so fixated on the problem, that you drive into it head on? Or are you fixated on God, on Heaven, so that you meet Him head on?

It’s a choice really. I used to worry so much! I even worried about being worried too much. It’s an insane way to live. Anxiety will kill you. It was killing me and I was born again, spirit filled, believer. What choices did I make that caused this cycle of self abuse? I chose to fixate on my problems, my fears, and even the irrational stuff that probably never would have happened in a million years. If I had a choice of bad or good news, I hung onto the bad. Was there a lump, though I never spoke it out loud, my heart would cry “CANCER” before the doctor ever said, “let’s send of a biopsy.” Going on vacation? I expected frequent trips to nasty rest stops and waysides, due to a stomach issue. So what did I get, frequent trips to nasty rest stops and waysides, due to constant worry and anxiety that caused that stomach issue!

I am much smarter now…until I start to worry again. Thankfully I am more sensitive to the Holy Spirit that reminds me of Who I should be fixating on! Even though it helps us so much to keep our focus on Him, and we know that everything else tends to face in the light of His glory, the most important reason to give Him all of our attention is that He deserves it! He is so wonderful, so gracious, so generous, so LOVING, why would we ever take our eyes off of Him? But we do.

Next time you find yourself fixating on the problem, remind yourself of “Target Fixation” and get your focus back in alignment!

“A life committed to Christ had nothing to lose, nothing to fear, and nothing to regret.” Pastor Isaac Litke

Hebrews 12:2 (NASB), “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

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Book Review for “Heartless”- Fantasy Fiction

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I loved this book! Great fantasy, but with a twist. I am pretty sure it is a Christian allegory, at least I am hoping it turns out that way. The writing style kept me wanting more and I pretty much read this one straight through. Can’t wait for the next book. Though this is a series, there is a clear beginning and ending to the story. Great for teens and up, middle grade maybe as well. No swearing, or sexual content, some fighting and dragon attacks. I give it five stars.

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Book Review for “Thicker Than Blood”- Christian Fiction

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I enjoyed this book. I read the second one first, each book can be read as a stand alone, so I had to go back and read this one. I loved the writing style, the characters are real and face real life situations. Some romance, some action, and a good storyline. Will definitely be reading more by this author. I give it five stars. No swearing or sexual content, it does talk about not living right (smoking and drinking), so I can recommend for teens and up.

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What Are You Looking For?

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In today’s world people search for all sorts of things such as: money, fame, freedom, entertainment, a purpose for their existence, and often just a way of escape from reality. None of these things are necessarily bad, but as an ultimate goal they will all fall short. As the human race we have lost our way. The plan and the path that God had intended for us all is scarcely populated. Yes, all of those who don’t know Him are obviously on the wrong path, but what about those of us who call Him our Father and our Lord? Are we sure we are still on His path? What are we moving toward? What are we looking to find at the end of that path?

Some of us, who say we love Him, are still looking for the easy way. We want the path with the least resistance. We want to jump on a skate board and just coast downhill till we reach that finish line of ease and comfort. There is a finish line for us all and it is glorious on the other side. However, we need to look at life not as just a means to an end, but what we do now matters! I wish I had a buck for every time I said to myself, “Come hell or high water I am crossing that finish line and it will all be worth it then.” Sounded pretty spiritual to me. I am so glad that the Holy Spirit helped me beyond that limited thought pattern. God wants so much more for us than to tough it out now so that we can have Heaven later. His desire for us is to have Heaven now, right here in this messy, messed up world, and then to have even better later. He hasn’t called us to a life of suffering. What is it about an “abundant life” that says to us “you must suffer.”

We will have trouble, Jesus promised it. Nevertheless, He didn’t leave it at that.

John 16:33 (KJB), “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We aren’t supposed to live in fear and unease, yes, there will be trouble, but He has overcome the world. If that doesn’t cheer us, than none of those other things we search for certainly won’t! What should we be looking for?

Hosea 10:12 (NIV), “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

Luke 12:31 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

We need to be looking for Him, seeking His Kingdom, planting seeds of righteousness. Hosea talks about breaking up our unplowed ground, this ground is our hearts. Unplowed ground is hard and packed, you can’t plant seeds there at all. You have to work up the soil and make is soft and airy so that the seeds can take root and the plant can grow up towards the sun. Our hearts need to be softened. His love does that. We find His love in His word, by hanging out with like believers, (yep, in Church), and by talking to Him and letting Him speak into our hearts. It’s time to put away our big plans and ask God for His. You’ll find they are so much better, maybe scarier, but still better. When we make an effort to really know Him, then that is the first step on the right path.

How will we know if we are still on the right path? We will have a peace that passes understanding. No matter what happens around us, we will be confident in His care. When we accept His gift of righteousness, then keep pursuing it, the product of that is peace.

James 3:18 (NIV), “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Isaiah 32:17 (Holman Christian Standard Bible), “The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.”

We will know we are walking in the right direction by some other signs as well. We will love Him more, as well as people. Not just the lovable kind, but those who used to irritate the heck out of us. The way we used to think will change, our thoughts will line up with His word and His plan.

Here are a few questions that will help as a litmus test to how we are progressing on our path with Him:
Have we fully embraced who He is and who we are IN HIM? Are we walking with heads high knowing that we are Kings and Priests in this world? Are we confident in our authority as sons of God? Do we forbid the enemy to run rough shod over ourselves and our families? Do we get excited about another Church service? Is serving Him treat?

It’s not always easy. I still have to fight my flesh many a day and not opt for that path of least resistance. I frequently have to tell my mind “shut up” and purpose to think on good things. I have to remind myself that God is my Father and His children have power and authority to live according to His will and purpose. One of the hardest things to accept sometimes is that I am already righteous. I am not working toward that, He made me that way. It’s a gift. Our Senior Pastor says it this way, “I am not as good as God, but I am as right as He is!” That takes the pressure off a bit. I don’t have to work to be good, I just have to accept His finished work and He will begin to change me from the inside out.

I want Him. He is what I am looking for. The good news is that He isn’t hard to find!

Have you ever played “Hide and Seek” with a three year old? They can’t stand the wait, they want you to find them so bad that as soon as you are done counting they yell, “here I am.” God is like that, only He never hides to begin with. You are all His heart desires, why would He make it hard to find Him.

I will give you a few hints. Though He is everywhere, you won’t find Him on your cell phone, at the bottom of another stiff drink, at the end of a needle, or in another meaningless relationship. Those things are found by people running from God, not running to Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a (ESV), “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,”

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Do Over!

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Lamentations 3:21-26 (NASB), “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD.”

Remember the school playground? When we were kids whether we were playing foursquare, hopscotch, or kickball, at some point you would hear the words shouted, “Do over.” Usually it was by the kid who threw the rock across the blacktop instead of in the hopscotch boxes, or tripped instead of kicking that ball. I loved that phrase. It allowed us to pretend we hadn’t messed up. Our mistake didn’t count against us. We could totally miss the ball and then in a “Do over” hit it out of the park.

Have you ever, as an adult, wanted to shout “Do over!”? Or maybe you weren’t that kid, so that phrase isn’t one you are comfortable with. Instead you would say to yourself, “why did I do that?” or, “I wish I could start over,” this one is popular, “If I had it to do over again…” When we say or think these things it is always with regret. In our thinking it’s a done deal. There is no “do over’s” in real life. Right?

Psalm 103:8-18 (God’s Word Translation), “The LORD is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive. He will not always accuse us of wrong or be angry [with us] forever. He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. He certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust. Human life is as short-lived as grass. It blossoms like a flower in the field. When the wind blows over the flower, it disappears, and there is no longer any sign of it. But from everlasting to everlasting, the LORD’s mercy is on those who fear him. His righteousness belongs to their children and grandchildren, to those who are faithful to his promise, to those who remember to follow his guiding principles.”

David wrote this, before Jesus paid for our sins. Under law, he knew of the compassion and mercy of God. Our opening scripture in Lamentations, still under law, written before salvation had come to mankind. If Jeremiah and David knew that “His mercies are new every morning” and that “As far as the east is from the west” He has removed our sins from us. How much more, now that Jesus has died for our sins, should we know of His everlasting mercy and grace?
So are there still “Do over’s”? You bet there is! It’s the biggest “Do over” of all, and it won’t cost you a thing.

You just have to be like that little child again and admit you messed up. Go ahead, dare to think it, yell it, or even scream it… “DO OVER”, now accept the work He did for you and let’s move on to a better life, shall we.

Father God, Thank You for Your patience. Only You could continue to love me, care for me, and extend Your hand of mercy again and again. Your love knows no bound, Your forgiveness is complete, and your patience is monumental.

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Springtime Prayer

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Father,
When I see the new growth of spring, the buds on the trees, the bright yellow daffodils, I remember You are faithful. After a long winter of snow and cold, the vibrant colors of spring renew my heart. I wake I the morning to the sound of birdsong, and go to sleep to the sound of spring rain or gentle breezes. In the same way, Your word refreshes me, and comforts me. Spring brings hope of summer. Your love brings hope of Heaven. Thank You for new birth and re-birth. Thank You for Your unfailing love, for promises of flowers, growing things, and a great future.

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Staying On Course

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Psalm 119:1-8 (Message Bible), “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.”

Every one of us can get off course. We get distracted, frustrated, or confused and the next thing you know, you have stepped off the path, or taken a completely different one. Thankfully, God is merciful and we are only ever one step back. His mercies are new every morning. Every day is a clean slate, as long as we have repented of yesterday’s wrong doing. However, there are blessings when we stay on course. God’s plan was never for us to step on and off the path. In His great love, He never leaves us and continues to help us stay on track, but His perfect plan is for us to never step off to begin with.

Remember when you were a child? Then you know there were times when Dad and Mom did “know best”. They tried to warn us, or give us clear instructions, but we did things our own way, only to find out that there were consequences for our, dare I say, stupidity. Maybe you have youngsters around now, even teenagers, who can be some of the most stubborn people on the earth. You may have tried to guide them, but since they are flexing their wings, they still did something their own way and now you have to let them learn the lesson. It isn’t always life and death. The consequences sometimes are little more than being late for an appointment, or some burnt toast, but things could have been easier.

That is God’s plan for us. His way is best. Always. We will miss out on some things if we take our own way. According to Psalm 119 we will miss out on blessings for sure. He didn’t “prescribe” a right way to live just to see if we could obey, or because He loves watching us try to live up. He did it all because He knows what is best for us. Earthly parents may make mistakes. Maybe in some situations they, or we, didn’t know best. God is perfect though, and He can’t make a mistake! It’s impossible. So, His way is perfect.

Just being on God’s path doesn’t keep us from trouble. In fact Jesus promised us we would have some of that stuff.

John 16:33 (NIV), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There may be some obstacles along the way, but He promises to give us a way around or over each one. He has already overcome, He won. He is the one who declared, “It is finished.” We just have to walk in that victory.

I Corinthians 10:13 (NLT), “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Not sure how to find that path? Just ask. He’s faithful. His word is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path. It will point you in the right direction. He is there, not just beside you, in front of you, and behind you, but He is in you! Don’t hang your head, walk tall. Go in His strength. Be blessed.

Matthew 28:20b (NIV), “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”