Put Your Blinders On

Random Thoughts

Today, I randomly flipped through my Bible.  I picked random scriptures from the Old and New Testament to read.  Normally, I am a little more focused, deliberate, and intentional. Isn’t that how we should live our lives? Focused, deliberate, and intentional.  I am not there, yet.  I am improving each day. (Smile)

I read about the later part of King David’s life. Immediately, the word, “CONSEQUENCE” came to mind.  The prophet, Nathan’s words came to pass.  “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” (II. Samuel 11:11-12) The Prophet Nathan would tell him that God had taken His sin away, but the consequence remained.

II. Samuel 16:22, “So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.” Followed by the betrayal of Mephibosheth, the betrayal of his confidant and friend, Hushai… The beloved King of Israel…

The man who is often, described as “a man after my (God’s) own heart,” still could not escape the consequences of his own actions. (Acts 13:22)

God loves His children enough to correct us. Then, there are other times when His mercy and grace prevail. Random thoughts…

Focus

Then I read several verses in the New Testament.  I was all over the map, today.  I really was not focused.  

In life, there are moments when you really may feel like you are trying to do the right thing.  Despite your best efforts, you are still misunderstood.  For Christians, living in a world that is coming more and more opposed to God’s Word.  There will be tension.  You will be misunderstood.  The Bible says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) The Bible, also, admonishes the Christian not to be conformed to this world.  Instead, our goal is to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ.  So, let’s face it.  If you are striving to please the Lord, you will sometimes be misunderstood. But there is only one thing that really matters: FOCUS ON PLEASING GOD. 

Ephesians 6:7 grabbed my attention.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people…”  It was at that moment when I stopped and reminded myself of the why of everything that I do.  I serve because my goal is to please one person, God.  Sometimes, there is so much noise and distractions around us until we can lose sight of our goal and purpose. Someone wrote or said, “THE BEST WEIGHT YOU’LL LOSE IS THE WEIGHT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINION OF YOU.”

Who are you trying to please? “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Put Your Blinders On… Forge Ahead… You cannot move forward if you are always looking back. 

Blinders on a horse cover the rear vision of the horse, forcing it to look ONLY forward direct and keeping it on track. Their purpose is to reduce the horse’s field of vision and make them focus on what’s in front of them.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:13-14)

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:25)  

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)  

Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. (I. Cor. 9:26)  

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Today’s blog post is just a reminder to stay focused on what really matters.  That is living a life that pleases God.  There are so many distractions. Know your purpose and keep moving forward. Put your blinders on… Don’t get distracted…

Ignore the “STUPID” stuff… unnecessary drama…