Headed the Right Direction

As best as you can recall, what would be the largest worship service you’ve ever attended (including special events)? What are your memories about it?
When, or under what circumstances, do you think God most likely has your attention:

• In worship
• In group Bible study or discussion group
• In personal devotions
• Other

Let’s go old school for a few minutes!
Picture in your mind, or actually grab a paper map, and place it in front of you. Now, pull out your traditional magnetic compass (those were popular in-between navigating using the stars and the advent of Google Maps!) and place it on your map. The needle on the compass will point north, which is the top of your map. Let’s think of God as being at the top of your map. Your compass is pointing you to God.

What are the compasses in your life, meaning, what are the things that point you to God? Here are some possibilities: Bible study, worship, prayer, Christian brothers and sisters, music, books, and many other things.
Doesn’t that feel good? Your compass is pointing you to God, and isn’t that what we want? But wait, life is seldom that straightforward. Now look around your map. Someone has placed magnets in various places on your map. If your compass gets too close to a magnet, it will change the direction of the needle on your compass! It is misleading you; taking you in the wrong direction! We could call these “false norths.” What might be some of those false norths be in our lives? Maybe: misleading information, disregard for God, fixed on being rich and/or famous as your main goal, some addictive behavior, or people who would lead you astray. It’s worth noting that the closer you get to a magnet, the stronger the pull it has on your needle. The farther away you get from those magnets and move closer to God, the stronger the connection will be.

As we face these challenges, keep these Bible truths in mind:

• Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6
• But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
• Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
• The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:6,7

4832 Ponderings:
What are the magnets in your life? How can you protect yourself against the magnets in your life?
What is a specific way you’d like God to help you this week? How do you want to pray about it?
Is there anything that God cannot take care of for you in your life?