Today is Monday, October 1st, 2007; Karen's Korner #1156
(Back after one week away from our home computer!)
Ever have a time when you promise yourself and God that you will spend more time with Him? Reading the Bible? Praying? Whatever??
But it seems that is when you have more distractions. More interruptions. More negative thoughts. More, some people say, of the devil/Satan trying to keep you from enjoying your relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
We had such an encounter about a month ago when two friends and I were invited to another friend's home to read several chapters of the Bible together for about half an hour. It was such a nice late afternoon that sitting outside on our hostess' patio seemed like a good idea.
"Let's start by reading First John, " she said. It's short and we would move on to Second and Third John, each with a single chapter.
We had no more than started to read when a next-door neighbor started his boat to make sure it was running properly. He would shut it off and start it again; several times. Next the neighbor behind where we were seated decided it was a good time to mow his lawn; and the noise from the mower began. Next a dog less than a block away began to bark.
Some of the noises subsided, as our hostess said off-handedly, "Now all we need is a train to go through," as she kept with her turn of reading. Almost as if on demand, we could begin to hear the train whistle blaring in the distance. Of course, it had to blast several times as it made its way into to town and at the crossings with which the engine came in contact.
By now, all four of the readers began to laugh, as we are learning how the negative forces can attempt to derail us.
Before we finished, an emergency vehicle's siren could be heard in the distance, a low flying plane could be seen, as well as heard in the sky above, and a couple of girls walked by talking and giggling; also enjoying the day.
Were we distracted? Somewhat, I am sure.
Did we quit what we had started to do? No!
Sometimes when life gives us a handful of distractions, do we throw up our hands with contempt? Or do we buckle down and put our shoulder to the task at hand? Doing what we believe God would have us to be doing? Asking Him for His continued guidance and help??
Dear Father in Heaven, help us to recognize times when our attention is diverted from You and from our resolve to know You better or worship You as You deserve. Help us not to be distracted nor allow our emotions to take us away from Your best. Thank You that You can show us Your way. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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