Attention, Happy New Year! Hope your year is off to a great start. I know for me I managed to get my final podcast published for 2023 – Season 1 to finish strong in preparation for the year ahead. Let’s answer the call to be the dads as we head into this new year and step up our game to be the dads God is calling us to be and created us to be for the sake of our wives and kids needs so that in and through it all He will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Topic: Attention
Definition:
Attention is a psychological term that refers to the process of selectively focusing on one or more stimuli, while ignoring or filtering out others. It can be influenced by factors such as interest, motivation, alertness, and emotion. There are different types of attention, such as selective, divided, sustained, and shifting. It is important for learning, memory, perception, and problem-solving.
Verse of the Day: Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.
First, let’s begin the year by walking with Jesus, embracing His light to avoid wandering aimlessly in darkness later on. Second, let’s prioritize God, our spouse, and children. Lastly, let’s seize today’s opportunities, ensuring our lives have a meaningful impact.
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV) says:
"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
This encourages believers to maintain a focused and attentive mindset, avoiding distractions and staying on the path of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) points us to living with attention as it says:
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
This implies the importance of being present and attentive to the needs of your children, providing guidance and teaching them the ways of the Lord.
Colossians 3:21 (NIV) advises:
"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
This underscores the significance of being emotionally present and attentive to your children’s well-being, fostering a positive and nurturing environment.
Living with attention as a father involves actions:
In practical terms, living with attention as a father involves actively engaging with your children, listening to them, and being involved in their lives. It also means setting aside time for family, prioritizing spiritual growth, and leading by example in living a life centered on biblical principles.
Ultimately, by aligning your actions with the teachings of the Bible, you can cultivate a life of attention, not only in your relationship with your children but in all aspects of your life.
Life is flying by so fast that we have to pay attention and make the most of it. Let’s be the dads who choose to live with God as our dwelling place throughout all generations since He is God from everlasting to everlasting. Let’s pay attention so that we don’t miss out on the important things when we know from God’s Word that “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.“
