Estes Echo

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A Heavenly Focus amid Holiday Distractions

“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3)
Well, it is almost here! The day that our children have been anticipating with visions of sugar plums and video games dancing in their heads. The day that has moms frazzled and worn. The day that has dads road-weary and bleary-eyed. Even though the holiday season is a wonderful time for us to be with our families and to share what we have with others, too often we become so wrapped up in the speed and frenzy of getting everything ready, getting everything just right, and purchasing just the right gift, that we forget to keep our focus on spiritual things.

Despite constant reminders of “peace on earth,” sometimes we forget peace and its source! As we make purchases and worry about all of the “things” this season, we need to remember to be thankful. Along with fruit salad and fruit baskets, we need to have our minds focused on the “fruits of the spirit”: love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Here are a few Biblical reminders to help steady our focus and clear it of distractions this season:

  • “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” I Timothy 6:7-8
  • “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
  • Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:16
  • Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 11:4
  • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake thee.’” Hebrews 13:5
  • “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6
  • “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Merry Christmas to all of our Estes family near and far!