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To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; Mama_Bear; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; ..

February 6, 2004

Focus

Read: Colossians 3:1-11

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. —Colossians 3:2

Bible In One Year: Exodus 39-40; Matthew 23:23-39


Missionary pilot Bernie May writes, "One of the most difficult lessons to teach new pilots about landing on short, hazardous airstrips is to keep their eyes on the good part of the strip rather than on the hazard. The natural tendency is to concentrate on the obstacle, the danger, the thing he is trying to avoid. But experience teaches us that a pilot who keeps his eye on the hazard will sooner or later hit it dead center."

This makes me think of a spiritual principle in the Bible. Instead of concentrating on the sins we want to avoid, we are told to focus on the positive actions Christ desires for us. Paul told the Christians at Colosse: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). We are to discard old ways of thinking and acting (vv.5-9) and "put on" new ways of living (vv.10-17).

Bernie May sums it up by saying that experienced pilots focus their attention solidly on the track they want the plane to follow, keeping the hazards in their peripheral vision only.

When Christ and His interests are the focus of our lives, the lure of the old life remains in the corner of our eye, while we aim to land squarely in the center of God's will. —David McCasland

THINKING IT OVER
What "hazards" sometimes divert
your attention from Jesus?
What positive, God-honoring actions
can you concentrate on doing instead?

Those who fix their eyes on heaven will not be distracted by the things of earth.

15 posted on 02/06/2004 4:33:05 AM PST by The Mayor (Be steadfast, immovable, . . . knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.)
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To: The Mayor
G'morning to ya, Mayor :-)
16 posted on 02/06/2004 4:44:53 AM PST by JohnHuang2
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To: The Mayor
Thank you, Yer Honor. I was focusing on the wrong thing, instead of the good thing.
52 posted on 02/06/2004 7:42:22 AM PST by dixie sass (Signed - Sealed - CPAC'd and Delivered)
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To: The Mayor
"But experience teaches us that a pilot who keeps his eye on the hazard will sooner or later hit it dead center."

Very interesting observation.

Good morning afternoon, Rus. Thanks for the daily inspiration.

100 posted on 02/06/2004 10:01:56 AM PST by Mama_Bear (Lori)
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To: The Mayor; WVNan; Mama_Bear; Billie; All
Good job on the thread Nan and Lori.

Hope you all have a great weekend.


228 posted on 02/06/2004 5:54:11 PM PST by Victoria Delsoul (Freedom isn't won by soundbites but by the unyielding determination and sacrifice given in its cause)
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