Daily Devotion

[boldstardex]

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able..." -

1 Corinthians 10:13

Nothing Is Too Great For the Power of God
February 20, 2015

There’s a great question about which most of us wonder from time to time. It became the title of Rabbi Harold Kushener best-selling book, Why Bad Things Happen to Good People. Although his book painted a much smaller God than we know, it still was helpful to many people.

But, taking into account the scripture verse for today (this would be a good time to read it, if you haven’t!), there is also a great Bible story in the book of Daniel, Chapter 3, of three Hebrew boys who refused to worship the idols of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. Even though they were threatened with being thrown in a furnace, they held fast in their devotion to God. Their response: “God can spare us from the fiery furnace; He has that power. But, even if He does not, we’ll never serve your gods or bow down to your statue.” Were they afraid? Yes. Was it a little warm in the furnace? You bet. But, they chose to trust God even when it made no earthly sense to do so. And, much to the amazement of their captors, God repaid their faith and they were not harmed by the fires in that furnace.

Now, to be sure, bad things will always happen to good people. Adam and Eve made sure of that when they disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. But God will never take us through a time of testing that is too tough for us to deal with. No matter how difficult your trials, you can count on His promise. Not one situation is too great for us to face with the power of God. He will give us a way to endure it, to resist it, or to get through it.

 

[boldstardex]

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." -Matthew 5:4

Grief is Never Easy
February 21, 2015

Grief is described as “keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; or painful regret.” It can be caused by many things, such as death, divorce, loss of a friend, loss of money…the list goes on and on. Whatever the reason for your grief, it’s never easy.

One of the most difficult things in life is losing a loved one. If you have recently faced the death or loss of someone you love – or perhaps you or someone you know is in distress – understanding the stages of grief can help.

Grief involves:

• Numbness – an inability to feel when the news of death arrives.
• Denial – a sense of disbelief that the person is really gone.
• Tearful Emotion – The reality of permanent separation sets in.
• Anger – a hurt at God or at life as the world continues and you are hurting so badly.
• Depression – a feeling there is little reason to live. Life may seem meaningless when the loss of a loved one has occurred.
• Acceptance – coming to terms with the loss and beginning to move on.

The grieving process takes time, sometimes months and sometimes years, but it can be overcome. The greatest strength for getting through it can be found in the Lord. He loves you and wants to help you overcome your grief, because He understands what grief is. He grieves every day for His children who are lost and in pain. And He also knows what it’s like to have a child die. He saw His own Son, Jesus, die for us all.

Talk to God. Tell Him you need His help and I promise, He’ll be there for you every time.

 

[boldstardex]

Did you know that the microbes on just one of your hands outnumber all of the people on the earth? Or that millions of microbes could fit into the eye of a needle? These one-celled, living organisms are too small for us to see without a microscope, yet they live in the air, soil, water, and even in our bodies. We constantly interact with them, even though their world is completely beyond our senses.

The realities of the spiritual world are also often not visible to us humans, as the prophet Balaam discovered. He was trudging along the road with his two servants when his donkey “saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand” (Num. 22:23). To avoid the angel, the animal walked into a field, crushed Balaam’s foot against a wall, and lay down with Balaam still on her back. Balaam was angry and struck the donkey. He didn’t realize something supernatural was going on—until God opened his eyes (v.31).

The Bible tells us that a spiritual world does exist, and we may sometimes encounter realities from that realm—both good and bad (Heb. 13:2; Eph. 6:12). Because of this, we are encouraged to be watchful, prayerful, and prepared. Just as God rules the world we see, He also rules the unseen world.

Heavenly Father, help us to be strong in You
and in the power of Your might. Open our
eyes so that we may see the spiritual
realities You have for us.
All that is seen and unseen is under God’s sovereign power.

 

[boldstardex]

The movie Man of Steel, released in 2013, is a fresh imagining of the Superman story. Filled with breathtaking special effects and nonstop action, it drew crowds to movie theaters around the world. Some said that the film’s appeal was rooted in its amazing technology. Others pointed to the enduring appeal of the “Superman mythology.”

Amy Adams, the actress who plays Lois Lane in the movie, has a different view of Superman’s appeal. She says it is about a basic human longing: “Who doesn’t want to believe that there’s one person who could come and save us from ourselves?”

That’s a great question. And the answer is that someone has already come to save us from ourselves, and that someone is Jesus. Several announcements were made regarding the birth of Jesus. One of them was from the angel Gabriel to Joseph: “She [Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

Jesus came—He did so to save us from our sin and from ourselves. His name means “the Lord saves”—and our salvation was His mission. The longing for rescue that fills the human heart ultimately is met by Jesus.

Shout salvation full and free,
Highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory—
Jesus saves! Jesus saves! —Owens
Jesus’ name and mission are the same— He came to save us.
INSIGHT: When the angel spoke to Joseph about Mary’s baby, he said that the child’s name would be a clue to His identity: “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Jesus would also be called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (v.23). Jesus came to rescue us.

 

[boldstardex]

"He must become greater; I must become less." - John 3:30

When Christ is Real in Us, The Smaller Our Problems Become
February 25, 2015

There are times when I am doing my devotions that I journal, that is, I keep a diary of what is going on in my life. I sometimes look back on that and gain new insight on what I was going through back then. I have become more adept at interpreting God’s leading and plan for me as I further experience life and receive what He has done.

By looking back on what we have been through and seeing the hand of God there, we can have greater comfort and encouragement for what we are going through now or even what lies ahead. As I gain new insight into my personality and the Lord’s working into my issues and problems, I realize how small they really are compared to my Lord’s holiness and greatness.

Concentrating on Christ and what He has done will lift us up better and more completely than anything else we could ever do. It has taught me to look beyond myself and concentrate on Christ.

We look at God’s Word as a mirror to ourselves, into our souls, not to see us, but to see God working in us. When we only see ourselves, we see sin, brokenness, failure, self-seeking inclinations, and wrong attitudes. We must see God’s interests and not our own; then our devotions and journals become tools for us to mature in the faith. Christ will become more real in us, as our problems become less.

 

[boldstardex]

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11

Do You Recognize Who Jesus Really Is?
February 26, 2015

The Bible tells us that Jesus had been beckoned by one of the synagogue leaders to come and heal his sick child. While He was on his way, a woman in the crowd, who had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years touched, the hem of Jesus’ garment. Jesus turned around, and said, “Who is it that touched Me?” and the woman just fell down to the ground in worship and thankfulness, because she knew Jesus had healed her. When the wise men first laid eyes upon Jesus, they fell down and worshiped Him. And do you recall the lepers, others that were sick, and beggars? They all fell down before Jesus and worshiped Him. They all recognized His authority and His sovereignty.

Add to this list the case of Peter, who couldn’t catch any fish until Jesus showed up. Then what did he do? He fell down and worshiped Jesus. And my favorite, Thomas, one of the disciples, when hearing from other disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead, vowed, “I’ll not believe it until I touch the nail wounds in His hands.” And then Jesus appeared and said to Tom, “Come here and put your hand in my wound.” An awed Thomas responded, “My Lord and my God!”

That is what the Heavenly Father wants us to do even today. Although we cannot always do this physically, He wants our hearts, minds and souls to fall down and worship Jesus. If you have not yet accepted the Good News of Jesus Christ, I pray that this is the day you will fall down to worship Jesus and commit your life to Him!

 

[boldstardex]

"The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." - Proverbs 18:15

Too Much Information, Not Enough Power
March 2, 2015

We live in a world of information overload and, as a result, we must look to God’s Word to find the true values by which we must live. Otherwise, our relationships and other problems will surely overwhelm us.

What we seem to lack is the basic knowledge that is so essential to the well-being of our world. “We are drowning in information, but starved for knowledge,” observes trend-spotter John Naisbitt.* The more information we acquire, the less essential knowledge we seem to absorb, often with dire long-term consequences.

So, what’s the answer?

When the foundations are shaking and you wish you could hide, remember that God is still in control. His power is not diminished by any turn of events. Nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. When you feel like running away–run to God. He will restore justice and goodness on the earth in His good time.

 

[boldstardex]

"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body." - 1 Corinthians 12:14-15

What If?
March 3, 2015

Have you ever heard anyone say, “There’s nothing special I can do; I just don’t have any purpose in life?” We live in a culture today that puts so much emphasis on the wrong thing. After all, if you’re not young or beautiful, what is there for you?

I’ve noticed a very interesting thing among teenagers (this often goes for adults, too). Have you noticed, especially when talking about physical features, everyone will tell you what they think is their major physical defect? You look at this gorgeous person, and think, “Wow, what would it be like to look like that?”

I promise you, that person will tell you, “I’m not gorgeous, my nose is too long, or my eyes are too small, or my teeth are crooked, or I walk funny, or I’m too short, or I’m too tall.” Our own perspective of ourselves is often very negative. Yet, all of that is totally irrelevant, even though our culture does not view it that way. What does the Bible say about our purpose in life?

God has made you for a unique and special reason. Examine your own likes and dislikes: what you are really good at and what you are not good at, what is really interesting and fun to you and what is not. Do this! It’s extremely important!

“Why does it matter,” you ask me? It matters because you were designed by God to be you! You have a unique place and reason for being here that no one else has. You may think, “There are a million other people who are just like me.” Not true! Many people may be similar to you, but they are never exactly like you. You are a unique part of the world God has placed you in, and you are needed. No one else is exactly like you. So, without you, something would be missing.

Examine just who you are, and you will have taken one gigantic step toward finding your purpose in life.

 

[boldstardex]

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 34-36; Mark 9:30-50
I call them Mell Notes—little comments my daughter Melissa made in her Bible to help her apply a passage to her life.

In Matthew 7, for instance, she had drawn a box around verses 1 and 2 that talk about not judging others because, when you do, “with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Next to it she wrote this Mell Note: “Look at what you are doing before you look at others.”

Melissa was an “others-oriented” teen. She lived the words of Philippians 2:4. Her classmate Matt, who knew her from church nursery through her final days in the eleventh grade when she died in a car accident, said of Melissa at her memorial service: “I don’t think I ever saw you without a smile or something that brightened up people’s days.” Her friend Tara said this: “Thanks for being my friend, even when no one else was as nice and cheerful as you.”

In a day in which harsh judgment of others seems to be the rule, it’s good to remember that love starts with us. The words of Paul come to mind: “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

What a difference we’ll make if, when we look at others, we say, “Love starts with me.” And wouldn’t that be a great reflection of God’s love for us?

Lord, thank You for the great love You lavished on us when You sent Your Son to die and be resurrected so that we could be with You eternally. In response, help us to love others. Lord, we want to be like You.
Embracing God’s love for us is the key to loving others.
INSIGHT: In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul is extolling the value of love, but it is not just any kind of love. In Greek, there are a variety of words for love that range in meaning from physical to fraternal. Here, the word translated “love” is agape, which speaks of supreme love—the kind that sacrifices itself for the one loved. This is the love God demonstrated for us by giving His Son to pay the price for our sins (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).

 

[boldstardex]

"Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good." - Romans 12:9

What’s Happened to Our Moral Standards?
March 6, 2015

In today’s world, many students are taught that all truth is relative, that there are no enduring moral standards, that there is no such thing as good and evil. Even in our criminal system, inability to tell good from evil is considered a sign of criminal insanity. So, are we training our young people to be unable to tell good from evil? How frightening a thought!

Scripture is full of words like “good,” “evil,” “sin,” “righteous,” “unrighteous,” and “wicked.” Many reject such concepts. They use a variety of arguments, but basically I think it comes down to one thing. They don’t want to be held accountable by a higher authority. To reject the concept of good and evil is to reject the Bible and to reject God.

So, how can we hate evil, assuming we know what evil is, and still be loving people?

Let me suggest this: Jesus is the perfect picture of God in a man. What He says is evil in His Word, is evil. What He says is good, isgood. No one has ever hated evil more than Jesus, and no one has ever been more loving than Jesus. His life, His spirit, and His character show us how to hate evil and, at the same time, how to be a truly loving person. Hate what Jesus hates – sin. And love who Jesus loves – people – all people. This will get you off to a good start in hating evil and being a loving person.

 

[boldstardex]

"...even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you." -Isaiah 46:4

With God, Growing Older Can Be Full of Meaning
March 8, 2015

A hundred years ago, people lived an average of 47 years. Today many men live to be at least 75. Many women live to be at least 80. As you get older, your skin wrinkles because it becomes thinner and less elastic. Your bones become more visible as you store less fat beneath your skin. Inside the body, your bones and muscle become weaker. Your memory gets worse, and your immune system can’t fight disease as easily. Retirement from work brings more leisure time, but it can also bring a sense of a loss of purpose in life. Your income may be lower. Family and friends die or move away. It may be time to move out of a house that has become too big and hard to maintain. Face it, your body wears out as you get older. Bottom line? Growing old definitely is NOT for the faint of heart!

In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon agreed. He wrote of how the things we take for granted when we’re young cause us to lose delight in living when we’re old. On top of that, without God life can be meaningless. Ah, but with God, there is wisdom, strength, joy, and the hope that when the body finally gives out, there is life – real life – in heaven with God. It’s something to remember when you’re young and when you’re old.

If you haven’t thought about what will happen when you leave this earth, read John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”(NLT) Don’t let another day go by without giving your life to Jesus. You’ll never have to wonder where you’ll spend eternity!

 

[boldstardex]

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." - John 15:10

If You Love Me…
March 9, 2015

Moms and Dads, what is the greatest proof of your children’s love for you? Is it when they say they love you? That’s great, but does it prove they love you? No. The real proof of their love is when they willingly obey you. Many people miss this truth.

The same holds true when it comes to loving God. Many say they love God, maybe even go to church regularly, but there isn’t much evidence of obedience to God’s rules in their lives – which, of course, is the real evidence of our love.

Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” The proof of our love is our willingness to obey God and His commands. Doesn’t it make you feel great when your child willingly obeys you? It gives you joy because you feel maybe they “got it.” Why don’t you give God the same joy? Obey Him because it’s your desire to do so. Love Him like you want to be loved by your own children.

 

[boldstardex]

"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

Where to BEGIN
March 10, 2015

If you’re new to Bible study, it’s hard to know where to begin. In my opinion, it’s best not to begin at the beginning, but in the middle, with the story of Jesus. Oftentimes, I will suggest people start with the book of John. All of the Old Testament points to Jesus and we can’t really understand the Old Testament until we first understand Him.

Now, this can get a little confusing, so read this slowly. Even though Jesus initiated the New Covenant (Testament) when He was observing the Lord’s Supper the night before His crucifixion, the Old Covenant (Testament) all points to Him. It has 39 books; the first five are called the Torah (books of Mosaic Law and the origin of man and Israel.) Then the next twelve are called the Historical books, telling about the history of ancient Israel. After that, you come to five books that are called Poetry – books like Job, and Psalms and Proverbs. Then you come to the 17 Prophets of the Old Covenant. When you read the Old Covenant, think B.C. – Before Christ.

But with the New Covenant – think A.C. – After Christ. It introduces the life of Jesus in the four gospels and the beginning of the church in Acts. Then come tons of letters to early churches on what we believe as Christians and how we should live. And it ends with Revelation and the events around Jesus’ second coming and the end of this age.

The Bible begins in a garden and ends in a city – and what a great city! Here’s the key – start with Jesus and when you read it, ask God to speak to you. After all, it is His Word.

 

[boldstardex]

"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

HOW to Study
March 11, 2015

Yesterday, we focused on where to BEGIN studying the Bible. Today, we’ll focus on HOW to study the Bible.

1. Find a modern translation of Scripture. The message is unchanged, but the language is like people talk today.
2. Start with Jesus – read one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Ask God to help you see and know Jesus.
3. Read a few verses a day and reflect on what exactly is God saying to you:

a. Study Scripture in light of Scripture: One verse in light of the chapter.
b. The chapter in light of the book
c. The Old Testament in light of the New Testament

4. Seek to join others in Bible study with a knowledgeable teacher.

Why study the Bible? It’s not just for spiritual knowledge. It’s to get to know God and have a closer relationship with Him.

Any other reason is missing the point. Don’t wait. Start today.

 

[boldstardex]

"I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord..." -Jeremiah 24:7

Do You REALLY Know Jesus?
March 12, 2015

I love to read biographies, especially of Presidents. At the end of a great biography you feel like you know the person. Even though I’ve met and shook hands with a few Presidents, I may know a lot about them, but I’ve never known one personally. So, I can’t say I reallyknow any of them, can I?

God’s Word makes it clear-the goal of life is knowing Christ. Now think what knowing Christ doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean knowingabout Him. Most people know a lot about Jesus, but that doesn’t mean they know Him personally. So how can you know Him personally?

1. God’s Word. Through His Word you can know Him. But Scripture without faith is just knowing about Him.
2. Have faith. That’s a key to believing what Scripture says is true.
3. Pray. Talking and listening to God allows you to know Him.
4. Attend a Christ-centered church. This helps you know Him through worship, fellowship, and ministry.

When it comes to Jesus, do you know Him or just know about Him?Really knowing Him makes all the difference.

 

[boldstardex]

"Anyone who is among the living has hope - even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" - Ecclesiastes 9:4

Hope for Those Who Teach!
March 14, 2015

We spend a lot of time reaching out to students, parents, and to adults in general. I was thinking today – what about you teachers? What a job you have! Everywhere you turn, you are constantly bombarded with more and more rules you must follow. Such an important role you play in all of our lives, yet you have one of the most thankless jobs anywhere.

Do you ever feel that there is no hope for you or possibly no hope for one of your students? Hopefully, this scripture will remind you that where there is life, there is hope. As you teach longer, you may think your productive classroom years are behind you. Maybe your accomplishments seem so small and you’re wishing you had done more. The students you did not reach, and the students who never cared probably haunt your memories. Even your victories may seem insignificant.

Well, let me tell you something. You are WRONG! God has purpose for your existence. He designed you to teach. Your place of employment and/or job assignment may change through the years, but you will always have purpose. You need to discover God’s purpose in each day and pursue it with all your might. Too often we all seek the “big picture” before we start the puzzle. But, often God asks us to place each piece of our puzzle before Him daily and He will bring the big picture into focus in His time. Frustrating, I know, but it’s the truth.

Set God’s work and His love as your goal and press toward it with all your might. Only in eternity will you know how valuable yesterday’s class was in His Kingdom and what today’s plans will accomplish. Live today to its fullest. The secret to success is purpose and perseverance. God will lead you if you will follow.

Thank you for teaching and loving our kids. God bless Teachers!

 

[boldstardex]

"...as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything." - Ephesians 5:24

His Greatest Needs
March 17, 2015

Wives, do you ever wish you could figure out what your husbands really want? Do they want looks, devotion, or smarts? Of course, every guy is different, but many wives are clueless about what their husbands need the most. They often make the mistake of thinking that his greatest need is like hers – the need for romantic love. Well, he may want that, too, but the husband’s greatest need is for respect. This is how God has wired him. So wives, how can you live this out? Here are a few clues:

Praise: Build him up in a world where he often gets beaten down. Just think how much you like to hear the words, “I love you,” and praise him just that much and more.

Seek to be his best friend: With his wife, he needs support not competition. Men as a whole, are not as relational and verbal as women.

Have a willingness to follow his lead. You’re kidding! In the 21st century you want me to follow his lead?

Well, if this makes you mad, argue with God, not me. It’s His Book. This is how you really respect your husband. When he senses this, it’s amazing how much he will strive to please you and respect what you have to say.

 

[boldstardex]

A Place To Be

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
—John 14:2



A thousand strands of time, events, and people weave into a tapestry we callplace. More than just a house, place is where meaning, belonging, and safety come together under the covering of our best efforts at unconditional love. Place beckons us with memories buried deep in our souls. Even when our place isn’t perfect, its hold on us is dramatic, magnetic.

The Bible speaks frequently of place. We see an example in Nehemiah’s longing for a restored Jerusalem (Neh. 1:3-4; 2:2). It’s no surprise, then, that Jesus would speak of place when He wants to comfort us. “Let not your heart be troubled,” He began. Then He added: “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2).

For those who have fond memories of earthly places, this promise links us to something we can easily understand and look forward to. And for those whose places have been anything but comforting and safe, Jesus promises that one day they will hear the sweet song place sings, for they will inhabit it with Him.

Whatever the struggle, whatever the faltering on your faith journey, remember this: There’s a place in heaven already waiting, fitted just for you. Jesus wouldn’t have said so if it weren’t true.

Jesus, I can’t wait to live in the home You have prepared for me. Thank You that no matter what my earthly place holds, comfort or pain, my home with You will be so much better.
May the memory of our earthly place point us with hope to our heavenly place.
INSIGHT: Today’s passage contains a beautiful insight into what makes our future in heaven so wonderful. In verse 9, Nehemiah quotes Moses saying that God will bring His people into the place where His name dwells. It is God’s presence that makes our future worth waiting for.

 

[boldstardex]

A Gift Of Hope

When a powerful typhoon swept through the city of Tacloban, Philippines, in 2013, an estimated 10,000 people died, and many who survived found themselves homeless and jobless. Necessities became scarce. Three months later, while the town was still struggling to dig itself out from the destruction, a baby was born on a roadside near Tacloban amid torrents of rain and strong wind. Although the weather brought back painful memories, residents worked together to find a midwife and transport the mother and newborn to a clinic. The baby survived, thrived, and became a symbol of hope during a time of despair.

Forty years of Philistine oppression marked a grim period in Israel’s national history. During this time, an angel informed an Israelite woman that she would give birth to a special son (Judg. 13:3). According to the angel, the baby would be a Nazirite—a man set apart to God—and would “begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (v.5). The infant, Samson, was a gift of hope born in a troubled time.

Trouble is unavoidable, yet Jesus has the power to rescue us from despair. Christ was born “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace” (Luke 1:76-79).

Lord, help me to see beyond my circumstances and put my hope in You. All authority and power are Yours. Remind me of Your goodness, and let me rest in Your love.
Jesus is the hope that calms life’s storms.
INSIGHT: Samson was set apart as “a Nazirite to God” even before he was born (vv. 5,7).Nazirite means “dedicated” or “consecrated.” Numbers 6:1-21 sets out the requirements for those who were Nazirites. Besides Samson, other well-known Nazirites in the Bible are Samuel (1 Sam. 1:11) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15).

 

[boldstardex]

Stay Focused on Jesus

I love this story – you may have read it before, but it so beautifully illustrates the need to keep our eyes on Jesus:

Walking through freshly fallen snow, a father wanted to teach his son a key lesson in life. He said, “Son, I’m going to walk to that tree about 50 feet ahead in a perfectly straight line. Then I want you to do the same.”

The father walked to the tree. He turned to look at his son and they both observed the perfectly straight tracks in the snow. Not wanting to fail the test, the son looked at his father and began to walk. He looked down at his steps and veered to the left. He looked up and corrected his course. He looked down again. He veered to the right and had to correct his course once more. Arriving at the tree, his tracks told the story of his failure.

His father explained, “Son, as long as you focused on me, your tracks were straight. The moment you took your eyes off me, you got off track. The key is keeping your eyes on the goal.”

So it is in life. There is one primary goal and if it becomes the heart and focus of your life it will be the key to eternal success. That goal is following the Lord. If we are to have a strong walk with Christ Jesus, we have to look to Him as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. We have to look to Him and not take our eyes off Him. When we are lured in by the weight and sin of the world which clings so closely, we take our eyes off of Him. But when we keep your eyes on Him, He will keep us right on track to where we need to go.