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Listen while you read: "Redeemed"1
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It seems that mowing day comes too often around here. This morning, Larry and I divided our portion like Abraham and Lot, jumped on our mowers, and took off. Grass flew every which way with the two of us mowing. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Larry heading for me on his mower, giving me hand signals like the guys who direct big planes at the airport. With much effort and hands flying, I finally understood that if I would pick something ahead of me and focus on it, I would be able to make straight rows. He kept looking back and pointing at the wavy lines of the last row I went down. I nodded my head to let him know that I understood and went on my way. Every time we passed, I repeated his hand signals to let him know that I was on track, plus it was fun teasing him! Truthfully though, I struggled. I tried to look ahead at one object but I couldn't help but watch where I was going. After all, I had already made a mess of my rows, so I had to stay on my crooked course. It wasn't comfortable looking ahead and not watching where I was going. It was difficult to focus ahead because I was focusing on the mistakes that I had already made.
Determined, I started a brand-new row with my eyes on the focal point ahead. I didn't have to look down to see where I was going because I knew that if I looked forward, my rows would be straight. I had to focus deliberately, and not look anywhere else. It was well worth my effort as I looked back to see perfectly straight rows. Larry gave me a thumbs up as I successfully finished with my eyes on the focal point.
Sometimes, we set out with our eyes focused on Jesus, but then, we remember our sins and look down at the crooked rows of our lives. We can't help but look at things right in front of us because we lack the trust to look up. Sometimes, we look with regret that cripples us in our new walk. Often, even though we were miserable in our sins, it was comfortable, and for a season, we found some happiness there.
Colossians 3:2 – Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to things going on around Christ — that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (MSG)
Look at these action words, the things that we need to do: "look up", "be alert", and "See things from his perspective." It's not always easy to do this so we need to ask God to help us.
At the end of my life, I want to see Christ waiting to welcome me home with thumbs up, telling me, "Job well done!"
Prayer: Lord Jesus, instead of gazing at the enemy's efforts to convince us that we are not forgiven, help us to keep our eyes on Your lovely face. Amen.
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About the author:
Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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Amen Jeanie.
Enjoyed your message today.
Blessings for your special writings Jeanie.
Thanks, Jeanie, for the encouraging words.
He he….reminds me of my Dad teaching me to strike out straight plow furrows as a kid.
Very well explained, and very good advice. Thank you.
(N.S. Canada)
Once again, Jeanie, you made a great point and with humor. The MSG translation of Colossians 3:2 is very memorable!
Jeanie – sounds like you have quite the lawn to mow. Working together makes sense, and allows time to praise the Lord for many mercies.
What wisdom! “Turn your eyes upon Jesus!”
Thanks, bless you,
Good job!
Thank you, Jeanie. An excellent message and right on!
Blessings,
(BC)
Good morning, Jeannie,
Good words this morning, thank you. Reminded me of the story of a young fellow who was plowing a field, but his furrows were not very straight, so his father told him to pick some item in the distance and aim for it, he picked a grazing cow in another field.
Blessings.
Dear Jeanie,
I so enjoy your amusing anecdotes as you teach us our lessons for life! On a personal note, I experienced a ‘correction’ in looking ahead recently.
As I entered a local store last week, my eyes were on the traffic stopped at the side of the highway instead of the pathway ahead of me, and I tripped on the doorsill, which resulted in a face plant on the floor. Fortunately, no bones were broken, and no one other than the shopkeeper saw my swan dive. Vanity and pride have taken a needed beating this week as I sport scrapes and coloured bruises on my nose and forehead.
So, we must always “turn our eyes upon Jesus, and look full in His wonderful face” as the hymn writer advises.
Thanks for your devotions!
(ON Canada)
Another great devotion. Keep on writing please. Blessings!
Hi Jeanie,
I share the devotionals with a few other people. I got some really good responses to yours. I also enjoy the unique way you write and was curious where “straight rows” was going to take me today. It is so true we need to stay focused on God and not get sidetracked. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.