“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”

I have mastered the ability to do my daily Bible reading plan with sports radio playing in the background or my TV news keeping me informed at the same time. If your first response to that sentence was skepticism, you are correct. One of the key phrases Solomon used in this verse is “pay attention.” Focusing our attention on what God wants to tell us is always a good idea. Even as I type this, I am realizing how sloppy I tend to be in this regard. The creator and sustainer of all life and eternity wants to sit and speak with me. How in the world do I let anything distract my attention? During my time in ministry, I have had the opportunity to spend time with some amazing men and women—people who, if I mention them, everyone would recognize. I assure you that in those times, I allowed nothing to distract my attention from every word that they said. Even when they were silent, I waited, fully focused on them, in anticipation of what they may share next. Yet, I will allow, intentionally, very transitory things to distract me from God’s presence. What distracts or even keeps you from time focused on God? Today, clear those things away. #BeTheEdge

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬