The first day of the week. I pray that today you’ll be in God’s house worshiping His Name above all others. I pray that you will not neglect the fellowship of believers. I pray that you will not forget to remember what Jesus did when He gave Himself for you. I pray that you will listen intently to the Word of the Lord spoken by His messenger today.

It is a good day to be in God’s presence!

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1 – NIV)

Today I’d like to share a post from last spring about a trip to Florida with my family. One of my favorite stories and so much to learn from God in the midst of it. Enjoy!

A Fish and a Kayak

On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.

On these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the water.

The problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were found.

My brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked it into the kayak to keep him in that location.

It wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.

I believe we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.

Hebrews 2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct path that God has set for us to follow.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.

And how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Renewing our minds will lead to transformation.

And Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.

And finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? For action! “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) After we’ve set our minds right, we must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We must be ready.

Perhaps you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!

My brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently, there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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