Monday, November 29, 2010

Where's Your Focus?


He sat on the hill staring at me. Every time I walked by the window, I could feel his eyes following me. Our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Joe, missed me. The hectic pace of the weekend and the cooler temperatures had made me less motivated to spend time outside with our dogs. Joe was letting me know that I needed to slow down, throw on my winter coat, and push aside any other excuses that would keep me housebound.


I made my way into his bark park, filling his food and water bowls. He picked up his ball and headed over to our usual play place. Joe's favorite activity is fetching his ball. He loves to run. And truth be told, when we play, I tire of the game long before he does! But today was different. Although he had carried his ball with him, he wasn't interested in playing. He just wanted me to cuddle with him, being sure to scratch every square inch of his neck and back. He was more interested in spending time with me, than getting me to play with him.


Joe's behavior gave me a serious reason for reflection. It's so easy for me to get caught up in thanking God for what He does, and the blessings He gives me, that I forget to thank Him for who He is. It IS appropriate to thank Him for the blessings He pours out so abundantly, but I must remember to focus on Him and not just His gifts. Thanking Him for the opportunity to develop a relationship with the mighty King of the universe is SO important.


David gives us a great description of our God, "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth," (Psalm 86:15; KJV). And again, in the book of Psalms, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy," (Psalm 103:8). Experiencing His vast love, His grace, and His patience is priceless. He is so much more than anything I can imagine. Yet in spite of my short-sightedness, He invites me into a close Father-child relationship.


When I ONLY focus on what He does for me, I'm in danger of relegating the Creator of the universe to the role of a genie. I set myself up as the master, and expect Him to do my bidding. Satan loves nothing more than this subtle shift in power. Self taking control rather than submitting to the Lordship of Christ. My prayers become self-focused, and it's all about my will being done rather than His.


When my desire is to draw near to God for the sake of knowing Him better, proper focus is restored. I'm aware of His holiness, and realize His rightful position as Lord of my life. As I read His Word, trusting in His sufficiency, He directs my paths, giving my life purpose. I'm able to pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done!"


Do you find yourself treating God like a cosmic genie? You enjoy the blessings He's given you, but you don't spend much time with Him? Set aside some time, to get to know the One who has blessed you. He's waiting for you today!


Prayer:Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are - the sovereign God of the universe, who is in control of it all. Forgive me for the times I focus more on the gifts than the Giver. I praise You for the opportunity You give me to develop a close relationship with You. Draw me to Your side. In Jesus' name, Amen.

25 comments:

  1. Great post, my friend!
    Blessings,
    andrea

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  2. How nice to get inspiration from your doggie.

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  3. Andrea - So good to see you! Thanks for your encouraging words. Looking forward to stopping by your blog this week! God bless!

    Terra - I'm humbled and grateful for all the lessons the Lord teaches me through our puppies! Have a wonderful week, my friend!

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  4. Ouch. Yes, I am guilty now and then of this even though I don't try to be. This was a wonderful reminder, Maria. Thank you for your writing style and how you share.

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  5. Dear Maria, I loved this post for two reasons-a continual reminder to focus on our Lord for who He is not for what we get and also cause you know I'm a dog lover. Love seeing your pups-they sure teach us so many lessons.
    Blessings and hugs to you today!
    Love, Noreen

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  6. Thank you Maria for yet another great post! I can relate... ouch. My prayers are often thank you's... but I should not forget to praise Him for who He is too!!!

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  7. Yes and amen...so easy to get caught up in other things and forsake the fellowship with our Lord!

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  8. Fantastic post, Maria! I think it's important for us to explore the motivations for our prayers for sure. I love the pic of you and your dogs. So cute!

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  9. Hi Maria -

    Oh yes, it's easy to let other things get in the way of true fellowship.

    I had a busy weekend, and my quiet time got squeezed out a couple of days. By this morning, I was desperate to be in His presence. It's only there I find stability, wisdom, and His magnificent love.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. This is great! He is so much more than that! So much more!

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  11. I am SO moved. Every time I come here I am richly blessed. This post is so wonderful I'm going to go back now and read it a second time around. Thank you Maria!

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  12. Maria, that's a beautiful post. It's true. We can be closest to God when we are enjoying the beauty in the world around us. And the love from a buddy like Joe!!

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  13. What a wonderful post to reflect on for Thanksgiving. You're right. Thanking God for what he's done so often overshadows our gratitude for our relationship with him. But he is all we really need. His gifts ... those are just extras. Amen!

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  14. I like this. Made me think of Micah 7:18, too - God doesn't stay angry for long and he DELIGHTS to show mercy. That means, he wants to forgive and draw us into relationship. Such an important message for someone struggling with low self-esteem, guilt or shame.

    Great post. wb

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  15. Terri - I think we all struggle with this one! Thanks for your honesty! Praying your interview went well and you get some good news! Have a beautiful week & God bless!

    Noreen - Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet, encouraging words! I'm always grateful for the lessons I learn from our puppies! Have a wonderfully blessed week!

    Marja - So glad you're back - I always appreciate your comments. It can be so challenging to keep things properly balanced! Have a beautiful week! God bless!

    Janette - Good to see your smiling face! Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful week in the presence of the King!! God bless!

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  16. Ralene - Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your kind words! The pic was taken back when it was still warm!! Our pups are always a source of inspiration for me! Have a beautiful week and God bless!

    Susan - Oh, I can relate to your comment! I know you're enjoying basking in the Lord's presence this week! Have a wonderfully blessed week, my friend! :)

    Kristin - So good to see you! You're absolutely right - our God is so much more than a cosmic genie. We lose out when we minimize Him! Make Him great this week! God bless!

    T. Anne - So glad the Lord could stir your heart! I appreciate your words of encouragement! God bless you this week as you focus on Him! :)

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  17. I love this story, and how you relate it to our relationship with the Lord.

    Sometimes I hop over to the church we pastor in the early morning, just to sing praise songs to my King. Even if I only spend 5 or 10 minutes, it fills up my soul like nothing else.

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  18. Judy - Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your words of encouragement. Our pets certainly have taught me a lot! I'm always amazed by the methods God uses to teach me 'life lessons.' Have a blessed week!

    Paula - Great to have you stop by! Your comment was worded beautifully: "But he is all we really need. His gifts ... those are just extras. Amen!" Have a wonderful week! God bless!

    Warren - Thank you for sharing the reference in Micah. I am always amazed by God's goodness and love. It's such a struggle for me to grasp unconditional love, that I often seek His approval by 'good behavior.' I'm so thankful that that's NOT what it's all about. He loves His children, regardless. I'm grateful that the God of the universe makes it possible for each of His children to have a close relationship with Him! Have an abundantly blessed week!

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  19. Jen - What a wonderful way to begin the day!! There's just something about revelling in His majesty that puts everything in the proper perspective! Thanks for sharing this beautiful testimony. Have a wonderful week! Hugs & blessings!

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  20. This is so right on, Maria. Every night I like to sit and be with God, but on nights I'm too tired or whatever, I miss it.

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  21. I love to be with God. Be with the Savior. I ask God to help me walk in his light. Sometimes I mess up. But I'm thankful for the SON. He shines down in perfect forgiveness, Maria.

    On days when I miss my time, I feel bad. Because I know I let the ways of the world get in the way.

    Love your dogs. And you're looking good, my friend.:)

    Our son Christopher has mouth surgery Dec. 1st at 8:30. We have to leave for Chapel Hill at 3:00 AM. It's a four hour drive. Please pray that God take care of him and that God be in the operating room. The anesthesiologist and everyone else be the co-doctors. God is the HEAD surgeon. :) I worry. because of his Sturge-Weber. It can cause extra bleeding from the breathing tube and all kinds of bad things. Please pray for Christopher's safety.

    Plus, it's Ivy's birthday. She's not liking the fact that she has to get up that early on her thirteenth. :)

    Hugs Maria.

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  22. Jill - Thanks for sharing! It's easy to mix up our priorities - I'm so thankful for a God who loves us unconditionally! Have a beautiful week enjoying the Creator! :)

    Robyn - So good to hear about your close relationship with the Father! And during those times when we drift, I'm thankful for that 'perfect forgiveness' that you mention!! Thank you for your sweet, encouraging words!
    So glad you gave me a heads up about Christopher's surgery and Ivy's special birthday - I sent you an e-mail! Have a blessed week, my friend! :)

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  23. I hang on that Micah passage, too. And it is a great verse for someone who is struggling with not feeling "good enough." Truth is, no one is good enough, but He is!

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  24. I love your beautiful puppies!!

    And yes, I'm so guilty of not spending enough time with Him. My prayer is always to know Him better and better with each day and to help me be better about my quality one-on-one time with Him.

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  25. Beautifully written. Thank you so much for the reminder. "To know Him and make Him known." That's why I'm here!

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