Stores begin an all out campaign for our money by alluring us in and inticing us to sales, all competing with eachother. This turns into a distraction. But, actually these stores know exactly what they are doing. Distractions are just that, they get us off track from our original plans and being in the world, this is the precise plan of the enemy who wishes to destroy the beauty of this holiday. These distractions are taking away the Peace, Love and Joy that it is meant to give us.

I recently heard a report that most of the charged credit on peoples' charge cards come from over spending at this time of year. First of all, if you know anything about God's Word, He never meant for us to be the borrow, but instead the lender. God makes it very clear that we are not to be in debt to anyone but Him and it's not about the money!

But this "secular" mentality in giving is also not Biblical. Jesus Himself even said if you give to those whom you already love, what is it proving? And even at that, our motives aren't always one of love. We have many reasons for buying gifts for people. Sometimes to make ourselves look good, other times it's a feeling of obligation because that other person always gets us something, and it wouldn't look good if we didn't reciprocate. We could overspend justifying that it may show someone how much we love them. Whatever the reason, they are all wrong and out of whack. We are a materialistic bunch of people due to the distractions from the world. Satan is more active at this time of year I believe than any other, and when we are walking in darkness, of course we aren't going to even recognize this fact.

The great news is that when we follow Christ, we don't have to follow the lead from the world and become victims. We can give from our hearts (at no cost) to those who truly need something, not merely because they want something and we don't look for anything in return. That's the true meaning of Christmas.

God teaches us through His Son Christ, that we are walking in the Light. Unless we learn to stand up for the Truth, we will fall for all the lies. Jesus set an example when things and people of this world are trying to get our attention off the things of God. Let's take a look at what Jesus did in this situation.

In the book of Mark, it begins in the 5th chapter, verse 22. Jesus had just crossed over the water in the boat with His disciples and as He stepped out, there was a large crowd waiting for Him. Among them, was a religious man named Jarius. He approached Jesus and fell before His feet. He begged the Master to come to his house and save his daughter who was dying. Jesus agreeing, started out on this mission when suddenly He felt His power had gone out of from Him. Not realizing who had touched Him, He took a minute to stop and ask. Even though the woman with the blood issue had great faith, Satan will always use this to distract us from what we are about to receive from God. Maybe this distraction was being used by Satan to do evil when Jesus meant to do it for the good of the kingdom. We already know that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy our blessings.

In Mark 5:35; it says that while Jesus was still speaking, news had come of the death of Jairus' daughter. When we get distracted, Satan comes in for the kill. So, naturally, we feel all is lost. There are many times when we are getting quiet with Jesus and the distractions come. The phone will ring, the kids will start acting up, the dog will start barking. Whatever it may be, it causes our focus to be broken and instant distractions flood in, and now Jesus is put on the back burner.

Now let's look at how Jesus handled this distraction. In Mark 5:36, Jesus heard what was being said, but did He let it get Him flustered? No, on the contrary, He reacted by not over reacting, in fact He totally ignored them. Why then can't we do the same when we get bad news and become distracted? When you can stand up to these distractions, and focus on on Jesus, you will be able to stand up in all situations. Like Jesus, He knew He had His Father's business to attend to and wasn't going to let anything interfere with that plan. We also have business to attend to and can't afford to get distracted, it means life or death for us also. Jesus didn't follow this trick to become distracted, why then do we?

In the next verse (Mark 5:40), it says that Jesus arrived at Jarius' house. He told the people that this little girl was not dead but only sleeping and their first reaction was to laugh and jeer at Him. "Boy, who is this guy? He must be nuts." Upon seeing their doubt, Jesus ordered all of them to leave, except for those who had faith. You see, when we doubt God, He can't work in our lives, it cancels out our faith. So, Jesus had to remove the doubt in order to receive God's blessing. Even when things seem impossible, remember that with man they are! But with God ALL things are possible. So, don't let people interfere with your focus because of their unbelief.

Paul the Apostle was very familiar with all these same feelings but he told us all how to overcome our human nature and desires.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hb. 12:1 ( KJV)

Paul is telling us that sin is a great weight that easily throws us off track, but as witnesses to Christ, we must, we have to turn from distractions with patience and keep going because it's our goal.

"Looking unto Jesus the aurthor and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hb. 12:2 (KJV)

Just as Jesus focused on His goal, which was to demonish sin once and for all, He remained joyful, because that is our strength from God. We have to learn to do our part and then let God do His part because He will handle it. He is the only One who can change people and situations, not us. Let go and let God!

Joshua gave us advice on just how we should accomplish this kind of focus when God told him this:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make they way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Josh. 1:8 (KJV)

Just as in Joshua's time, we are not to forget God's Word either. This Truth should never leave us and in order to remember it, we must meditate on it, give it careful thought and understand it day and night. Then after we have done this, we must observe it and do it! Are we making a conscious effort to do this? If not, why not? Could distractions be the problem? Because God said, that in doing so, we will have good success and prosper.

Lastly, I want to take a quick look at two women who show us the advantages of being focused and the disadvantages of being distracted. Do you see yourself in either of them?

This story begins in Luke 10:38, where Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha. Mary instantly seated herself at Jesus' feet and listened to Him teach, while Martha was too busy (Being Under Satan's Yoke) to slow down and listen. Her hostessing duties took priority. She resented Mary for being so calm and content. You've heard how misery loves company. Well, Martha asked Jesus to correct her sister for her laziness, but instead, Jesus said this to her.

"Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. There is need of only one or but a few things, Mary has chosen the good portion (that which is to her advantage) which shall not be taken away from her." Lk. 10:42-42 (Amplified)

Jesus gently, but firmly put Martha in her place. Same goes for us today. As long as we remain focused on Jesus, which is to our advantage, then the joy of the Lord becomes our strength to avoid the foolish cares of the world. And as we get distracted, He will gently tug at our conscious to let us know that He is the Way.

Ask yourself today, are you truly joyous or are there distractions that may be holding you back from your blessings that God has for you?

Before you anxiously look at the sales coupons for the best buys and sales, consider looking into redeeming the best coupon ever offered - your eternal salvation. This one will never expire!

If all these distractions got you feeling down, try looking up.