Jennifer Poad is a Showtimes Hall of Fame Member! She continues to share the message in each issue of The Showtimes.
FOCUS ON GOD’S WORD FIRST.
A few weeks ago, while we were out in California at my hometown fair, there was a fierce adult showmanship contest taking place. This wasn’t the typical lighthearted adult showmanship. There were teams made up of adults to show each species and a cash reward for the winning team. Each team had matching attire and had been practicing hard. When one of my cousins asked to borrow my nephew’s grand champion steer “Gator”, of course I said yes. As I was coaching her on the specifics of the steer, I started off with all the things to watch out for. He’s a little spooky around sheep. He sometimes walks a little too fast. He doesn’t like one corner of the ring for some reason and always wants to turn sideways there. I guess its just in our nature to talk about the negative things first. In the big picture, Gator set himself up the majority of the time. He led with his head high and usually had his ears forward. I am so thankful that God doesn’t pick us apart with little negative things first and instead loves us unconditionally. Why is it that our first reaction is to start with the negative? We probably even pick ourselves apart with
criticism instead of focusing on the good things. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 4:20-27 ”20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” This passage teaches us to focus on God’s word first. When we are focused on His word, it is harder for negative thoughts to rise to the top. If our hearts are full of the loving words of God, we stay positive. Of course, Gator went out there and showed like a champ so all of my warnings did nothing except make the showman a little more nervous. Next time I’ll be sure to focus on all the good things first and praise God for always being so great! ●
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BY JENNIFER POAD TX
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