Devotion: The Voices In Our Head
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Ephesians 5:6-20
Man, even the title of this weekend message hit me like a ton of bricks! And I have continually said this to myself (sometimes wondering if I even said it out loud). People are in their own heads so much that they have no notion of the world going on around them. Running into others while shopping is not uncommon. Or driving literally with one eye on the road and the other on their phones. My blood begins to boil until I say to myself: “Get away from the voices in your head.”
Pastor Sarah drove this home Sunday for me by trying to help me sort these habits, away from the ones that bring darkness to my soul, back to those that bring in God’s spiritual light as a welcome replacement. Ephesians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It tells me in plain English what is harmful to my soul and what is edifying. The words state clearly that God chose us (“predestined us for adoption to sonship”). We are the ones, to be his family, his children. We have clear guidance from Him on how we ought to live our lives. And believe it or not, Facebook is not mentioned! Praise the Lord!
I don’t know if you have noticed, but social media is more and more filled with things other than just comments or pictures from friends. Unless you post something yourself, these pages are full of ads, or commentaries, or anything other than what you want; in an attempt to draw us into opinions that may vary between “anger” to “jumping on the bandwagon”. I agree with what Betty White once said about Facebook, “I have to say, it sounds like a huge waste of time.”
As Pastor Sarah told us about “the Infinite scroll being a weapon” also hit home. It made me literally want to run back to Ephesians for the guidance of chapter 5, the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the scripture. And to “make the most of every opportunity… …to understand the will of the Lord.” And sharing what God can do in your life and those around you. And for me to never be afraid to, “Let Christ be seen in me today.”
I also enjoy the “Faith Talk Starters” our Pastors share with us in the bulletins, allowing me to “get out of my own head”. The third one down made me giggle: “How would you describe yourself? How does your description differ from God’s description of you as chosen and cherished?” God brought it to my attention that I have been an overactive four-year-old, since I was four. And His understanding of my “child-at-heart nature” and loves me as I am. Thank you all for your patience with me and the hugs you give. God is so good!
Precious Heavenly Father, thank you for your scripture guidance and loving kindness in the face of a chaotic world. Please keep guiding us on the path that directs us back to you and your Word. And keep reminding us of all the blessings you give us daily. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.