November 18, 2013 - "Protecting My Land"

I am now on point for Thanksgiving dinner and have completed my shopping so that I am not "in the crowd" next week. My family loves the leftovers on Friday, so cooking extra is critical. Then, of course, the following week there's the turkey soup which is always amazing on a cold, December day. I smile as I type because I so love cooking, the holidays and my family. Starting to decorate my house this week for Christmas always kicks-off the celebration. I would love to hear what some of you are planning with your families for the holidays. We may start a new tradition of having some families over on Wednesday evening for snacks and games. :) Let's chat this week about vigilance and those enemies who try and distract us - intentionally. I want to start with this quote from Billy Graham, one of my favorites: "On that fateful day of December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked. We know now that that attack was invited by our failure to be always vigilant. The result was the destruction of our fleet - the cause was tragic indifference. When comfort and ease and pleasure are put ahead of duty and conviction, progress is always set back." I don't know about you, but sometimes I can be lulled into a place of not being vigilant and soon discover the enemy is on the ground near me. Wouldn't it be great if we never had to be concerned with attacks? Both naturally and spiritually, might I say. I want to examine some of the synonyms and antonyms for the word vigilant: SYNONYMS: watchful, on the lookout, observant, sharp-eyed, keen-eyed, with eyes like a hawk, attentive, paying attention, alert, wide awake, unsleeping, on one's guard, on guard, concentrating, careful, cautious, circumspect, prudent, prepared, and ready. ANTONYMS: negligent, inattentive. Have any of you found that catastrophic consequences can follow even a small period of inattentiveness? How about we look down at something dropped in the car while driving only to find our direction has changed and a QUICK re-adjustment is necessary? I know this is rare but what a vivid illustration of how quickly a lack of attention can change our course. Spiritually, there are always those little foxes that are pulling and gnawing to cause even a slight distraction to keep us from winning the race. I remember a scene from "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves" in which he is about to display how awesome a marksman he is only to be distracted by the gentle breath of his lady friend. He never saw her coming nor did he prepare for that distraction. As we approach the holidays, let us watch for unhealthy distractions in all areas of our lives. They may not come like an earthquake, but I count on something TO COME. Let me keep my attention and heart planted firmly within the watchful, helpful eye of the Holy Spirit. When we have a quiet time daily with God, He is able to whisper things to our hearts that keep us from making the mistake of looking down. Fight against the busyness of the season and protect your time with the Father daily. He knows just how to sound the alarm when we are vigilant to pay attention. Starting the week off asking for a clear signal from the Father to the strategic placement of distractions. Let's pray together! PK