Thursday September 9, 2010

Speaker: Dave Nelson

Theme: Transformers

Weekend Music links on iTunes: All Over the World - Matt Redman, Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster, Happy Day - Tim Hughes

Read: Numbers 13:26-32, Numbers14:20-23, Joshua 1:10-11

Think: This Sunday, we continued the series “Insomnia….what’s keeping you awake” looking at Transformation with Dave Nelson. Transformation happens intentionally not accidentally, we have to choose.

I love reading maps, working out where we are going, looking at interesting things along the way and finding the best route. For me, GPS will never be the same as a real map but I can see the appeal. When you want to be somewhere you need the right directions. Your direction determines your destination.

If we want to go from Seattle to Portland we choose to go south. North will not be the best or most efficient way to go nor will walking if we want to be there any time soon. In the same way if we want to be transformed into people closer to God and happier with who we are we need to choose the right direction. We need to make sure we have everything we need, that we spend the time getting ready and being with those on the same journey.  It would do us no good to be spending all our time with people planning on going to Vancouver, B.C.

We often see in others that when they surround themselves with outside influences they become distracted and lose their focus. This is most easily seen in teens. Many parents and youth workers see that who a person spends time with affects who they become. This isn’t restricted to teens though; it is the same for adults too. If we want to reach the destination we have chosen we need to think about how we spend our time and who we spend it with. Only we can choose our direction and then follow it.

We are the drivers of our own vehicles but we must drive them to get to where we want to be.

In today’s reading, the Israelites in the desert allowed themselves to be distracted by the world around them and forget God’s ways, power and promises. The result was a whole generation who did not reach their destination. Except for Joshua and Caleb, who had kept their focus despite distractions.

For us the Bible is our map, full of directions. How often do we make sure we are following the map and not getting distracted?

Do: Take a few minutes today to think about where you want to be and how you can start to follow that direction. What choice can you make today that will bring you closer to your goal? Perhaps write it down and come back to it at a later date to see how much closer you are. Also take a few moments to think about what distracts you from doing the things you want to and how you can avoid them. Perhaps it is as simple as not being on Facebook etc while reading the Bible, or giving yourself enough time to think about what you have read.

Pray: Father, Thank you that You have given us a map and your Spirit to guide us as we aim for our destination. We ask that you remind us to focus on the directions You have given us. Help us Lord to avoid becoming distracted or diverted but to remain focused on You at all times. Amen

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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