Bernadean Gates tells us, "Trembling, Kelley was internally
screaming, Don’t look down.
It was hard to believe she had gotten herself into this terrifying situation.
My friend Kelley and her husband had treated their sons to a tour of a famous cave.
The day started out well enough.
The boys thoroughly enjoyed spelunking, and Kelley was awestruck by the wonders of the massive cavern.
Her excitement over the cavern continued until her family began their ascent from the cave.
Kelley glanced down as she climbed up the ladder to exit the cave.
She was suddenly paralyzed with the realization of the cave depth below her.
She fought back her fear, knowing how thrilling this experience was for her sons.
They were incessantly pointing out various things for her to see as they emerged from the subterranean region of the colossal cave.
At this point, she was silently screaming, Don’t look down.
Quickly she became aware that the only way for her to successfully exit from the cave was by looking up and refusing to gaze down even for a second.
Her scream calmly became the whisper, Keep looking up, keep looking up, until she exited into the brilliant sunshine of that lovely day.
Paul wrote for us: "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."
He reminded us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. By doing that, we’re focused on what is important and we’re trusting God will move us ahead.
How often does a mother need to model absolute trust when every fiber of her being is immersed in trepidation?
Children often begin to internalize trusting the Lord when they visibly see it exemplified in the lives of one or both parents in a real-life situation.
In your daily life, are you continuing to look up? Keep your focus on the Lord and His purposes for you.
Failure to keep your sights fixed on Him results in disappointment and ineffectiveness in your personal walk with Him. Do as Kelley did and keep looking up.
Eventually, you’ll emerge with greater wisdom, even from the darkest experiences, only to bask in the brilliant sunlight of our Lord’s love and care.
Father, may we with the Apostle Paul set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things.
May we focus our eyes on You."
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Col. 3:1-2 NIV
Keep Looking Up – Bernadean Gates
April 7, 2013
Bernadean Gates recently retired from teaching third graders in a rural school district in Oklahoma to assist her mother as a caregiver to her ninety-three-year-old father as he recovers from a stroke.
Essential to his therapy has been her daily care of her parents’ small herd of cattle.
She has had several articles published in Mature Living and Teachers of Vision.
Bernadean teaches 4th-6th graders in Sunday school and serves as pianist in her rural church.
Read Bernadean’s devotions.
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Let’s pray: Father, there are times when we are afraid, for sure. Help us remember that You are ever mindful of us, where we are, and what's going on. May we keep a peaceful attitude in our situation, and keep our eyes on You and Your provision for us. We thank You for keeping an eye on us!
And "Father, help me to always be alert. I know that the devil roams around like a roaring lion looking for those who are aimlessly drifting through life. He sneaks in when we least expect it. Help me never to get too comfortable with my life that I drift aimless along, but rather keep me alert to the changing winds and tides – holding fast to You in the storms of life and in the calm seasons as well. In Jesus’ name, amen." Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 46:10 (NKJV) "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Today’s quotes: Bobby Bomar – “God promised there is no reason to fear, He is always
with us. David, better than anyone, understood fear. He faced more than his
share. Still, he allowed God to be his defender. His protector. That has not
changed to this day. Our Father still steps to the front to protect us.”
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Our thought today: According to Ps. 139:17, 18 God's thoughts are of you, and He has an incredible opinion of you!
Tomorrow’s post: THAT'S JESUS! Dave Branon
A popular post: When the Going Gets Tough Be a champion, not a victim –"You (and your child) can choose to live your life as a champion or as a victim..."
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