Turning A Blind Eye

By: Karen Mills

OUR COMPASS: “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27 NIV).

NAUTICAL TERM: Turning a blind eye ~ to intentionally ignore

DAILY CHOW: Admiral Nelson pulled a fast one during the Battle of Copenhagen. He held his telescope to his blind eye. This deliberate act prevented him from seeing the flag signal given by his commander, Sir Hyde Parker, telling him to stop the bombardment and disengage. This is how the phrase "turning a blind eye" came into being.

Ignoring a superior’s command is not a practice we should follow. God gives us instructions to follow and obey. One specific directive concerns the care and attention we give to people experiencing poverty.

On a busy street in Albany, New York, my dad noticed a lonely beggar slouched in his wheelchair, his leg disguised as a stump and covered with a ragged blanket. His hair and face were dirty and unkempt, and he wore tattered clothes. Weeks later, my father inadvertently knocked on the beggar’s door while canvassing a nearby town for church attendees. To his surprise, the beggar, clean-shaven, smartly dressed, and standing on two feet, greeted him. This incident tainted my perspective of people in need and caused me to view them with a “blind eye.”

God expects us to be His hands and feet and avoid turning a “blind eye” to the needs around us. To oppress the poor brings insult to our Maker. Helping the impoverished brings honor to Him (Proverbs 14:31).

In Leviticus 19:9-10 the LORD instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to leave the edges of the field, and the over-looked gleanings dropped along the way for the poor or foreigners to gather. This law reminds us that God owns our possessions. He desires our lives to reflect God’s nature by generously giving to those in need.

DEEPER SEAS: Who in your life needs intentional handfuls of blessings from God’s storehouse?

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31 NIV).

SHIP’S ANCHOR: Lord, loosen my grip on earthly possessions so I may give liberally to others.

CAPTAIN’S ENCOURAGEMENT: On every ship that floats and sails is one who rules the roost. ~ Author unknown

Author Conversation

Steve and I enjoy writing and have done so for various lectures and events. We love sharing our thoughts with others and wish to leave written words as a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

We began to pray about a theme for an inspirational devotional. I was googling a non-related subject and found a glossary of nautical terms. The phrases and meanings caught my attention. Loving all things nautical, I approached Steve with the idea and concept God was pouring from my pen. He agreed this was how we should present our writings, and that is how Our Compass While Navigating the Seas of Life was born.

We did not expect what this project would do for the two of us. We have voyaged through uncertain waters and endured rough and stormy weather but have found that sailing with our Captain, Jesus Christ, makes all the difference. Writing together about God and His goodness helped us review those events positively and provided pleasurable collaboration times. It solidified the truth we knew: God is our “Anchor” in every storm. The scriptures we studied for this project reaffirmed His everlasting faithfulness and reminded us that His abiding presence is there for our comfort. Our faith in God played a crucial role in overcoming those challenges, and we pray they will bring you the same reassurance and hope they did for us.

Inspiring Devotionals and Sheet Music for Spiritual Growth

Are you in search of a platform that can elevate your spiritual journey with profound devotionals and soul-stirring sheet music? Look no further than the distinguished website led by Steve and Karen Mills, a couple with a remarkable 40 years of experience in both ministry and music.

The site offers a wide range of products including inspirational devotionals, children's teaching materials, seasonal programs, and sheet music, all aimed at spreading God's goodness and love. With a mission to inspire and uplift through their writings and music, Steve and Karen Mills have built a reputation for touching the hearts of many. Whether seeking daily encouragement through devotionals or deepening your connection with God through music, this website offers a diverse range of products catering to your spiritual needs. Their devotionals are thoughtfully crafted to provide insights and encourage reflections on faith, while their sheet music is designed to uplift and inspire. In addition to their products, the website also features a blog where you can engage with like-minded individuals and build a supportive online community. Through their rich and engaging content, Steve and Karen Mills aim to create a space where individuals can come together to share their faith journeys and support one another in their spiritual growth. If you seek to deepen your spiritual connection and draw closer to God, consider exploring the inspiring devotionals and sheet music on this website. With their wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to spreading inspiration, Steve and Karen Mills are sure to help you on your journey toward spiritual growth and renewal.