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1997-04-02 - Staying on Course
Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our
faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
Prov 4:27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from
evil. (NIV)
This Easter weekend my family and I went on vacation in the eastern part
of NC, along the Pamlico River. I took the kids out on the boat for a ride
toward the Pamlico Sound we were looking at the different ducks, birds and
sometimes we are lucky enough to spot a dolphin or river otter swimming around.
On the trip home, God showed me something that I wanted to share with you
all. Home is located off the river about 1 mile down a bay. The bay is marked
with Channel markers. These markers keep you in the deeper water ,and away
from shallow areas and other dangers such as fishing nets and crab pots.
The water was low this weekend, so it was particularly important to follow
the markers. As the sun was setting we headed in, and I noticed that if I
lined up three distance markers, I could stay in the safe water, and be stay
on course to guide us home. I had to "fix" my eyes on these markers and keep
all three in line.
Are you fixing your eyes and your life on God's markers? Are you staying
the course? It is very hard to stay on course, hard to stay in God's will.
This weekend I tried to identify "course-busters" in my life. The key is
to sit down, take quiet time and figure out what veers you off course, and
be prepared when the obstacles come, to recognize them and deal with them.
We never intend to go off course; usually it is a slow drift away from God's
perfect plan for our life.
My number one obstacle is busyness. Just purely and simply being too busy
to focus on God and His will. Being too busy to see the markers, too busy
sit back and focus on God. I think the evil one has got a grip on this country.
with keeping us busy, busy, busy. Take time out, regroup, reevaluate your
priorities, and focus more time on God. Discerning His will for your
life in my opinion, is not a huge one-time "vision" or something that God
will reveal to you. The discernment of His will comes from the moment-by-moment
decisions we make to stay on course and evaluating what God has done so far
in our life. If you slow down long enough, and look back over the course
God has taken you on so far, I truly believe you will see where God is wanting
you to go in the future.
Dear Father, guide us and help us to stay the course. The perfect course
you have laid out for our lives. Father help us to identify our course-busters.
Help us to resist the temptations that enter our lives, that push us off
Your will and plan for our lives. Lord, help us all slow down and spend more
time with You. Help us make the moment-by-moment decisions in our lives that
are pleasing to You. Lord, forgive us for veering off Your course. We pray
all this in Christ's name, Amen.
David
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