Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2 Here in the south, we're always "Fixin' to" do something, aren't we? "I'm fixin' to get me something to eat," "I'm fixin' to watch the game," "I'm fixin" to..." well, you get the idea. With all the things we're "fixin' to" do, I think it's a good reminder to stay focused on our primary goal: to get to Jesus! In the summer, we go to the lake, and do all sorts of fun things, when school's in, or it's time to go to work, we stay focused on our work, when we have a family, we're focused on raising them (at least I hope we are!). Yet none of these things should hold our primary focus, not in the least! Jesus is the center of all things (whether or not people like to think so, He turned the world on its ear 2000 years ago!), and as such, He should be the center of everything we do. When we're seeking entertainment (parties, vacations, and the like), is He invited along? When we go to school or work, do you ask Him to stay at the door waiting until you get out? Is He the reason for your relationships, and the center of the Family you belong to? If maybe or no were answers, perhaps it's time to shift focus. The Bile tells us that we must be "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith" (Hebrews 12:2). It doesn't say "when you get a chance," or "get to it when you're ready," it says "Fix those eyes, boy/girl!" That means stay focused on Him! As a man, husband, father, neighbor, and whatever else I may be, I do my best (though, admittedly I still fail...a lot), but my wife and I are working on fixing my eyes, and training my boys to do the same. My neighbors will see Jesus through me, so will everyone else I meet. I need to remain disciplined, focused. And through all the chaos that is life, I know I will see Him clearly, the more I fix my gaze on the Author and Finisher. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
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