His Eyes

In Wellington, New Zealand, scientists discovered the remains of the very rare colossal squid.  During their examination, they measured the creatures eyes... and were shocked!  Each eye was 11 inches across... the size of a regular dinner plate!  Can you imagine how intimidating and scary it was to those swimming through the ocean? Divers simply minding their own business being stared at by a huge undersea creature... with giant eyes that seemed to be sizing them up... ready to attack!

Tragically, many see God in a similar way...  Huge eyes glaring down from Heaven with an intimidating and judgmental gaze... ready to punish and discipline if they make the slightest move.  But that’s not the God we read about in 2 Chronicles 16:9. It says: “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”   His eyes aren’t hunting prey... they are searching for those in prayer.   He isn’t seeking someone to make an example of... He’s looking for someone to make whole again.  God’s eyes are loving... and they are everywhere at the same time.  As you start your day today... close your own eyes and thank God for always watching out for you... Thank Him that He never blinks or removes His gaze... You are His child and He is vigilantly looking for ways to strengthen you for what lies ahead.

Reflections

A recent study from the University of Glasgow revealed something quite surprising.  It seems that when photographed, the human eye reflects the person taking the photo very clearly.   Rob Jenkins from the University of New York says that “the pupil of the eye is like a black mirror” and reveals far more than what was first thought.   What usefulness does this have?  Imagine a hostage situation where the kidnapper takes a photo of the person they are holding… computers can digitally zoom into the eyes of the person being held and see a clear picture of the criminal.  

The pupils reflect an image of what’s in front of them.

Our hearts do the same.  So often we put ourselves around people that we shouldn’t… and their influence is reflected in our lives.  We begin to talk like they do… think like they do… and many times slide backwards… away from the life that God has called us to live.   The Bible warns us about staying amongst those that harm our hearts.  Proverbs 22:24-25 says “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 echoes this concept with “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.”   Find yourself angry?  Bitter?  Anxious?  Filled with gossip or jealousy?  Check your friends list.   Perhaps it is the reflected influence of a “friend” that is causing you to see the world differently.   Am I saying not to have friends that don’t believe like you do?  No.  You will (and should) hang out with people who are still investigating the claims of Christ.   But if you are a Christ-follower, your closest companions…those that have the greatest influence on your life… should follow and live out the values of Christ as you do.  

Turning and Stopping

If you’ve ever gone skiing before, you know how exhilarating and beautiful it can be.   However, strapping two pieces of wood to your feet and plummeting down a mountain is not for the faint of heart... so it’s important to learn how first.  The problem with beginning skiers isn’t the forward movement... it’s turning and stopping.  Many rookies wait until they want to move right and then try to turn hard with both feet.  That just doesn’t work and often frustrates them.  What they quickly discover is that they simply need to look to the right and their body will naturally turn that way.  Where they look is the direction they go.  

Scripture tells us similarly that what we see steers us toward what we will do.  In Matthew 6:22, we read ““The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,”   Want to think Godly thoughts?  Put yourself in environments where Christ is seen and lifted up!   Need to steer yourself to a life of obedience?   Put things in place that visually remind you to prioritize your relationship to God over any other.  Keep your head up and your eyes focused on God and His direction for your life... and you’ll find yourself racing down the mountain toward greatness.  

He Never Blinks

In Wellington, New Zealand, scientists discovered the remains of the very rare colossal squid.  During their examination, they measured the creatures eyes... and were shocked!  Each eye was 11 inches across... the size of a regular dinner plate!  Can you imagine how intimidating and scary it was to those swimming through the ocean? Divers simply minding their own business being stared at by a huge undersea creature... with giant eyes that seemed to be sizing them up... ready to attack!

Tragically, many see God in a similar way...  Huge eyes glaring down from Heaven with an intimidating and judgmental gaze... ready to punish and discipline if they make the slightest move.  But that’s not the God we read about in 2 Chronicles 16:9. It says: “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”   His eyes aren’t hunting prey... they are searching for those in prayer.   He isn’t seeking someone to make an example of... He’s looking for someone to make whole again.  God’s eyes are loving... and they are everywhere at the same time.  As you start your day today... close your own eyes and thank God for always watching out for you... Thank Him that He never blinks or removes His gaze... You are His child and He is vigilantly looking for ways to strengthen you for what lies ahead.