October
Text Box: Pastor’s Thoughts There are many factors in which determine what we focus our attention creating a mindset that can be extremely positive or exceedingly negative. The coming of fall is a great example of what I write. For the hunter, their fixation is on the thoughts of quiet strolls through the woods, the pleasant odor of the new fallen leaves, and rejoices in the hope of capturing their game of choice. The nature lover surveys the landscape taking in all the ever changing beauty of the mountains, they gather the colorful leaves and acorns for fall decoration, inspired and enthusiastic to share in the glory of the fall season. Then there are those who feel the nip in the night air. The urgency to prepare for the onset of winter fills their agenda. Others rediscover aching joins whose pains melted in the warm summer sun. Now they fall fresh on the hands, hips and knees like an early snowfall, and the thoughts of what is sure to come casts a grim shadow for the near future. Short days and long lonely nights set the stage for discouragement, dread, along with what can be an overwhelming sense of depression. Now don’t get all melancholy at the example, I am talking about our focus. What is demanding your attention, what is capturing your thoughts, and where is your focus leading you? I am somewhat of a realist, pain and old age robs one of their youthful ambitions, but it does not have to consume a believer. On the other hand the pleasure of the fall season should not become so distracting that one loses their focus on other priorities. Our temperament should rest on a consistent relationship with the Lord and therefore our focus should always keep Jesus in the picture. The Bible tells us in Col 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Distractions are normal, but our focus is matter of our mindset and that mindset can and will affect or attitudes and actions. Don’t give in to earthly distractions; keep your focus on Christ! Pastor Danny