20140609

EYES ON JESUS

Hebrews 12:2 [(AMP)]
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, 
Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving 
the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher 
[bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy 
[of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, 
endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, 
and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

SING HOLY

Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing holy
Eyes on Jesus
SING HOLY
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing joyful
Eyes on Jesus
SING JOYFUL
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing blessed
Eyes on Jesus
SING BLESSINGS
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing peace
Eyes on Jesus
SING PEACEFUL
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing love
Eyes on Jesus
SING LOVELY
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing beauty
Eyes on Jesus
SING BEAUTIFUL
Eyes on Jesus
Yes, sing truth
Eyes on Jesus
SING TRUTH
Eyes on Jesus
SING HOLY


God's Daily Word Ministries


  Focused On Jesus
Let's commit to trusting and keeping our eyes focused on Jesus.

I've always been impulsive. I was one of the first to follow Jesus. I didn't even know who He was, but when He said "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), though I didn't know what He meant, I dropped my fishing nets and followed. After three years, I foolishly told Jesus I was "ready to go with You to prison and to death" (Luke 22:33), but that same night I denied I even knew Him...three times! And in the garden, when the soldiers came to take Him away, I drew my sword "and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear" (John 18:10).

But the most impulsive thing I ever did was that night in the boat. The waves were rough and we had "rowed three or three and a half miles" (John 6:19), when I saw Jesus walking on the water. I told Him I would come if He called, and the next thing I knew I was jumping out of the boat! And I didn't sink!! I just kept my eyes on Jesus. I knew in my heart He was "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), but the wind was blowing so hard and the waves kept crashing against my legs.

Matthew 14:30
"But when he {Peter} saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'"

Jesus said Peter began to sink because he doubted and had little faith (Matthew 14:31). But let's not be too hard on Peter - remember, no one else even left the boat! Peter stepped out of the boat and took several steps on top of the water!! But then he lost his focus.

Peter was in the middle of an awesome display of God's power, and yet he "saw the wind," or at least the effects of the wind. Peter began to look at the turbulence of the world and not at the One who created the world; "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

There are times when we clearly see God's hand at work. Our eyes become focused on Jesus, His peace fills our life, and the foundation under our feet feels solid and secure. However, it's usually not long before the wind begins to blow, the waves rise up, and we experience that sinking feeling. When this happens (and it will) we must not despair, for this is also part of God's wonderful plan. As we are sinking, He always reaches out His hand as an invitation to draw near and know Him better - to know He will always be there when we cry out "Lord, save me!"

The walk of faith cannot be accomplished in our own strength. With each step we must "put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5), and "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14). Every day we must take our eyes off our own ability and the pulls of the world - take our eyes off the wind - and commit to trusting and keeping our eyes focused on Jesus.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries


*****************************************************

 Like us on Facebook     Follow us on Twitter




  
Mail from GDWM is only sent to those who subscribe (free of cost) or
by invitation from friends.  Please unsubscribe if these messages are
no longer desired.  We absolutely do not support unsolicited E-mail.

Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version. 
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.


*****************************************************