ATTENTION TO THE PRESENT

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“God is not going to let you see the distant scene. So you might as well quit looking for it. He promises a lamp unto our feet, not a crystal ball into the future (Psalm 119:105). We do not need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know he leads us and “we will find grace to help us when we need it” - Lucado

For Jesus says:

"…remember! I am with you always...” – Matthew 28:20 (TLV)

I posted this to my status on Facebook yesterday and got a few more “likes” than usual…

Does it resonate with you?

It was funny after posting it became one of the topics in our Pastor’s session prior to Refuge orientation.  It was a good reminder and a good affirmation.

I then jumped on a conference call with the folks from Miami County and was reminded again of GOD’S invaluable and constant light on each day's path as we journey toward a large Hope over Heroin event in Troy.

Flash forward to last night’s get together with CHAMPIONS partners Women at Risk and our new collective effort, The NEST Recovery Home(s) of Warren County and one of the DIRECTORS shared this “perspective” and guiding principle, “Praying for the next one thing.”

It is easy isn’t it to get so focused on the future that we miss the message of the present, so easy to get wrapped up in what’s to come that we miss out on what is directly ahead…

Bil Keane of Family Circus fame once stated that:

 “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

And Jesus said it this way…

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34(MSG)

Giving our entire attention means that we put our faith in Him and trust Him to be involved in every part of THIS DAY.

Giving our entire attention means that we choose to live life as it comes to us day by day. Not in the past, not in the future, but right here and right now. 

Giving our entire attention encourages us to “seize the moment” and live every day of our lives with a purpose.

Look around.

GOD is doing amazing and wonderful things right in front of you today.

If you are reading this He woke you for a purpose and a plan today. 

Talk to Him about those things. 

Seek His guidance for that first meeting, for that first interaction, for that first decision.  Don’t get preoccupied with the post-lunch agenda just yet and keep your attention on what’s in front of you.

“Mindfulness is not a mechanical process. It is developing a very gentle, kind, and creative awareness to the present moment.”  - Ray

So pause and appreciate the moment.  Be mindful.

Pray to GOD and then be aware of “His next”. 

Stay focused on what is in front of you. 

Stay in the light of His path. 

Don’t veer.  Don’t run ahead. 

Don’t fixate on what could be or what ifs.

Give your attention to today’s “present”.

Be blessed!

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)