Dear Ones,

Hope you have a day of being attentive to the Lord. We will be going to the funeral for a friend from church and set up for 200 people yesterday.

Devotions from Judy’s heart
I think we would all agree that we are bombarded by distractions every day, but how do we live and not be overcome by them? Some would say that losing their phone would be like losing their arm or leg, but that same phone entangles us and we find it hard to ignore or turn away from it. Many of the clothes we wear now have a special narrow pocket so we can keep our phone with us at all times. How do we find a balance and not be overcome by all our distractions?

Professor Justin Bailey writes about how we can resist the many distractions of our lives. He suggests starting by turning aside to meditate or pray. I have read of studies done that show how great prayer is for the brain, reducing anxiety and depression and improving cognitive function. We can also practice mindfulness, a practice to still our mind. Every day I have been sitting quietly for a set time to just be still. Not to talk or go over my coming day, but to just be still. It is good to give our thoughts to the Lord and fellowship with Him.

We may have many pictures in our mind of the Lord but of course, God is greater than any image we have of Him. Our words will always be inadequate to express who He is and what He can do. One thing is certain, He is worthy of our attention and we must take care that we don’t become distracted by lesser things. It is good to take a day to put our smartphones aside and give our attention to the Lord. I love how honest King David was with the Lord, and in Psalm 55 he prays, “Open your ears, God to my prayer; don’t pretend you don’t hear me knocking. Come close and whisper your answer. I really need you.” He closes with, “I trust in you.” As we ask God to hear us, we need to be listening to Him, rather than reaching for our phones. Let us pay attention to the Lord and align ourselves to Him, that we may also touch the lives of others with His love.
Challenge for today: Make the following song your prayer, that He may have your attention. “Holy spirit come/ Make my ears to hear/ Make my eyes to see/ Make my mouth to speak/ Make my heart to seek/ And my hands to reach out/ And touch the world/ With Your love.”

Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy