“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Today, we are not only surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses but we are also overwhelmed with a great number of distractions. We have our ever-demanding jobs, the joyful burdens of parenting, unplanned emergencies, pressing financial demands and a myriad of other challenges waiting around each corner of life. In an effort to prepare my mind, body, spirit, and soul for the 2016 North America Conference, Reach, I will spend quality time daily being inspired by God’s word. Being a disciple for 35 years and experiencing over 50 seminars has taught me a few truths about how to have the best conference experience you would want and God desires. It starts with getting focused. So come on let’s get started.
When I was a kid, my dad was always excited to take pictures of any kind of family event with his new 35mm camera. Before taking any pictures, he had me stand about 10 feet in front of him and hold up one finger. He used my finger as the point to bring the picture into focus as he adjusted the lens. Most people today who buy cameras don’t spend much time researching the lens quality and specifications, however, the lens is the most important part of the camera. So when the Hebrew writer says to “fix our eyes on Jesus” what is the lens used to get ourselves focused–its the word of God! Think about it. How quickly do you get off track spiritually when you miss a day of not having a quality quiet time with God? Not long–right. So as simple as it sounds, make the commitment to not miss a day in God’s Word. It’s not the quantity, but the quality of time that determines how well you adjust the lens to be focused.
Focus Action Steps
- What characteristic of Jesus gets you most excited? Meditate on that quality for a moment and write it out.
- Remove any obstacle that has hindered you from spending quality time with God everyday. Write out what it is.
- Thank God for the quality of Jesus that inspired you and share it with someone today.
