Issue 1919 – Eye Catching – February 18, 2027
I snapped this pic of a Japanese maple tree one day late this past fall. Everything around it was green, and the brilliant reds just caught my eye. They seemed to pop out against the background foliage.
The image isn’t quite centred properly, but the tree was far from symmetrical and defied my efforts to frame it better in the few moments I had to snap the shot.
There are many things in the world that stand out for whatever reason and grab our attention. It could be something that grabs our eyes, a sound that catches us, or a concept that intrigues us.
It’s one thing to appreciate a moment of beauty; it’s quite another to be constantly distracted. Our thoughts are often easily diverted from thinking about or seeing the things of God.
It’s why Job made a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at women. The eyes can trap our minds into thoughts they should not have. It isn’t just lust that is a problem. Many forms of distraction can draw us from God, sometimes even to good things, yet still leave us not focused on the Lord.
That tendency battles our desire to become more Christlike. It’s part of why Paul wrote to the church in Philippi.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness[dbe known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
The maple prompted Kathy and me to remark on God’s incredible artistic skill. But distractions often pull us away from Him.
I love Paul’s words, “What you have learned[and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
I don’t know about you, but the thought of God and His peace being with me is very appealing and comforting. It’s something I want more of in my life all the time. I want to rejoice, and with Him, I have plenty to be joyful about.
Just a quick prayer on the subject to close. I pray it mirrors your heart’s desires as well as my own.
Lord, help keep me from being distracted. Teach me to keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart aimed towards you. Be glorified in me. May I be pleasing to you. Amen.
Be blessed
Kevin
Gleanings From the Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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All contents, “Gleanings From the Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2026 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, “Gleanings From the Word.”
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved