focus

Because of Jesus …

In the first seven verses of Psalm 16, we have learned –

God is our refuge,

All goodness is because of Him,

We are to delight in serving one another,

Denying God will end in sorrow,

We have an inheritance in heaven,

God gives us instruction, and

God is our secure foundation.

These blessings assume we have bowed to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, having placed our sole/soul dependance on the work of His death and resurrection for the payment of our sin. The warning of sorrow is for those who have denied God’s truths. The instruction in God’s word is given as a road map, directing God’s children how to live in a manner which brings Him glory. In an ever-changing world, God is our solid Rock, the hope on which we stand.

David is certain of the Lord’s counsel and instruction in his life.

How does he gain this assurance?

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

First, David is focused on God continually.

Have you ever had something you could just not stop thinking about? Sometimes a tune might be going over and over in your mind or perhaps something someone said or did. In any case, these things present themselves with great frequency, almost without interruption. Here’s another way to think about this. You’re in a public place and amongst all the people; a fly decides you are the one it will bother. It persistently buzzes around your face as you swat at it, but it continues to bother you. This is a negative application of persistence, but the idea is the relentless reminder of its presence. When David says he has set the Lord continually before him, he is thinking upon God literally all the time. God’s truth is always before him, affecting each thought, each action, and every decision. God is his focus.

“ … so a faithful Christian man, whether he abound in wealth or be pinched with poverty, whether he be of high or low degree in this world, ought continually to have his faith and hope surely built and grounded upon Christ, and to have his heart and mind fast fixed and settled in Him, … never to lose sight and view of Christ, never to give over faith, hope, and trust in Him”, Robert Cawdray, The Treasury of David.

Isaiah 26:8-9a Indeed, [while following] the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, we have waited for Thee eagerly; Thy name, even Thy memory, is the desire of [our] souls. At night my soul longs for Thee, indeed, my spirit within me seeks Thee diligently;

Remember, the first verse of Psalm 16 says ‘for I take refuge in Thee’. God is our protection, our hope, and our strength. Our trust belongs to Him alone. But we must stay focused on Him. We walk away from the hedge of protection He gives to us when we follow our own will instead of His. In verse 8 of this Psalm, David knows he will remain in God’s strength because he has set his focus on Him continually.

Think back upon decisions you have made, words you have shared, thoughts you have entertained, and actions you have chosen that have not honored God. In every instance, you should be able to recognize that you were not seeking His guidance sincerely. We have a foolproof plan of protection from being caught up in sin. However, when our selfish desires beckon and we look away from the Light for just a moment – that is when we fail. When we neglect the necessity of our involvement in a church body, true Biblical teaching, accountability, fellowship, and loving correction from fellow believers, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the offerings of the world. Consider, most individuals don’t choose to lie, cheat, or steal, or even have an affair, instead they gradually convince themselves these things are okay, they justify sin because they are weak and have left themselves unprotected against Satan’s manipulation. Pride takes over and we begin to think, ‘I would never do that’. If you depend on your own strength, you are wide open to failure, and without Christ you will fall into the practice of sin just as the world does.

Consider, do you have close friends who will hold you accountable and ask hard questions?

Have you gradually pulled yourself away from fellowship thinking you don’t need it?

Do you convince yourself you are doing okay on your own?

Are you unable to forgive others for their offenses against you, and you remain isolated because of this?

In all these situations, if you answer yes, you are doing a good job at leaving yourself vulnerable and you are thinking too highly of yourself when you say you are okay without fellowship and serving alongside other believers. There is a reason God set up our church family with each individual offering different strengths and talents. Together we make a whole.

In John Wesley’s Notes regarding the words ‘I have set’, he says it means ‘I have always presented him [the Lord] to my mind, as my witness and judge, as my patron and protector’… Christ as man did always set his father's will and glory before him.

Acts 2:25, “For David says of Him, ‘I WAS ALWAYS BEHOLDING THE LORD IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN’.

We are to always consider God in all circumstances. Notice the constant reliance upon God. This is different than only seeking His help when we encounter trials or praising His name when we recognize blessings. We need to be discerning in our words, thoughts, and actions. For instance, my husband was a college professor for almost forty years. He always left his office door open when he met with a female student. He never wanted to give any appearance that would mar his Christian profession.

“David did not by fits and starts set the Lord before him; but he "always" set the Lord before him in his course; he had his eye upon the Lord, and so much the Hebrew word imports: I have equally set the Lord before me; that is the force of the original word, that is, I have set the Lord before me, at one time as well as another, without any irregular affections or passions, etc. In every place, in every condition, in every company, in every employment, and in every enjoyment, I have set the Lord equally before me; and this raised him, and this will raise any Christian, by degrees, to a very great height of holiness”, Thomas Brooks in The Treasury of David.

If you are of an older generation, you may remember the commercial for Calgon, a foaming milk bath. In the 1970-1980’s, the “Calgon Take Me Away” campaign focused on a moment of relaxation from the world’s cares. These advertisements were very successful, in large part because people could relate to the stresses of life. The flesh response to trouble is to be shaken and become disengaged; to run away from circumstances when it becomes difficult. The believer’s response to trouble is to be strengthened in their dependence on Christ and trust in His protection and plan.

The example we have from the Psalmist is to set our sights on the Lord. Christ, while on this earth, kept his eyes and purpose set on His Father’s will. “David might perhaps have some regard to his own hope and experience in these verses: but doubtless Christ was especially intended. – As man, He relied on the power, truth, love and promise of the Father: therefore He was not moved in His deepest sufferings; but “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, and despised the shame”, Thomas Scott.

How easy is it for us to lose our focus on what is truly important?

Setting our eyes on Jesus is a purposed effort. It is a choice we can make because His Spirit is working in us giving us the strength and desire to do God’s will. When something doesn’t go as expected we can either focus on the problem or we can remember our true purpose on this earth. If we are determined to honor God, we will look at the perfect example of His Son. He came to serve – not Himself, but others, and to do the will of His Father in heaven. Jesus is the example of holiness we are to follow.

If we constantly keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not fall off the course He has intended for us. There is great value in receiving counsel from God’s word and God’s children.

God has a perfect design for His creation and His children. Consider this, a marathon runner keeps their eyes on the goal of finishing. Along the trail, they may become weary, they may be injured, or even take a wrong turn. Those who finish keep going, they do not lose sight of the purpose and they push forward through all kinds of difficulty. We can trust that God will guard our steps and give us the strength to follow Him.

The things we put in our mind often are the things which affect us most. When my thoughts are on Jesus, my heart will be turned towards His promises, His faithfulness, His strength, and His purpose for my life.

Isaiah 26:8 Indeed, [while following] the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, we have waited for Thee eagerly; Thy name, even Thy memory, is the desire of [our] souls.

When my eyes are on God as my protector, I will not be shaken; with my eyes on God as my purpose, I will stay the course. Are you willing to ask the Holy Spirit moment by moment to be your guide in all Truth and wisdom? What do the priorities in your life say about you? Are there things that have captured your interest and are bigger and more important than your relationship with God?

Psalm 73:24-25 With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven [but Thee]? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.

Second, David gains the assurance of God’s help through God’s strength. Because the Lord is at his right hand, he will not be shaken.

Being at the right hand of someone implies strength. God is the strength that causes David to stay on course, to be steadfast. With God’s presence and His help, we can be certain that we are safe and secure. As God’s children we can trust in Him to guard us. When we stay focused on Him, desiring to please Him in all things, we will not fail.

Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with Thee; Thou hast taken hold of my right hand.

Psalm 62:6-7 He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory [rest]; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Psalm 121:5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

Through all circumstances we are to keep God’s will and glory in our sight. We have the assurance of His presence and help in our trials to strengthen and guide us. We are promised a future in heaven with our Savior and Lord.

The Lord is our confidence on earth and our certain hope of heaven.

Psalm 62:5-7 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.

All because of Jesus.

The Hidden Person of the Heart

When we are settled in Christ, there are no threats, no ‘flying off the handle’, no anguished verbal outbursts, or unpredictable behaviors. There is no sense of giving up or quitting when circumstances become difficult. Rather there is a quiet resolve to continue forward in His strength for His purpose.

In our last study, we looked at the importance of our behavior through our conversation and actions. Now, we look at the heart – the center from which our behavior stems.

1Peter 3:3-4 And let not your adornment be [merely] external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

First, we need to appreciate the culture in which these words were written. Most of us do not wear braids or have bangles of gold covering our arms and ankles. And while it used to be that women wore dresses all the time, this is not the expectation today.

“This was a warning against the extravagant fashions in hair-dressing and decoration with costly jewels, prevailing among the Greeks and Romans at that period; also a reminder that the true adornment is from within”, Teacher’s Commentary.

“Plaiting the hair, and variously folding it about the head, was the most ancient and most simple mode of disposing of this chief ornament of the female head. It was practised anciently in every part of the east, and is so to the present day in India, in China, and also in Barbary. It was also prevalent among the Greeks and Romans, as ancient gems, busts, and statues, still remaining, sufficiently declare. We have a remarkable instance of the plaiting of the hair in a statue of Agrippina, wife of Germanicus, an exact representation of which may be seen in a work of Andre Lens, entitled Le Costume de Peuple de I' Antiquite”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Often, thin plates of gold, pearls, and small pieces of jewelry were incorporated into the braids or plaits. “There is a remarkable passage in Plutarch, Conjugalia Praecept., c. xxvi., … “An ornament, as Crates said, is that which adorns. The proper ornament of a woman is that which becomes her best. This is neither gold, nor pearls, nor scarlet; but those things which are an evident proof of gravity, regularity, and modesty." The wife of Phocion, a celebrated Athenian general, receiving a visit from a lady who was elegantly adorned with gold and jewels, and her hair with pearls, took occasion to call the attention of her guest to the elegance and costliness of her dress, remarking at the same time, "My ornament is my husband, now for the twentieth year general of the Athenians." Plut., in vit. Phoc. How few Christian women act this part! Women are in general at as much pains and cost in their dress, as if by it they were to be recommended both to God and man. It is, however, in every case, the argument either of a shallow mind, or of a vain and corrupted heart”, (late 1800’s).

The comments above may seem a bit strong, but the principal is that we can spend an enormous amount of time on our looks all the while neglecting the beauty of our heart. In the culture at the time the Apostle Peter was writing, the outside appearance had become the picture of value and importance, thus the need for his warning. We can see this in past history as well as present day examples.

In the above quote it says, ‘my ornament is my husband’. It is nice to read that looks were not the ultimate value however, as much as I love my husband, I would argue to say, “my ornament is Christ”. He alone is whom I represent, whom I live for, and whom I desire to please in all things. The concern then was the value placed on outside adornment rather than the inside heart. The call was to remember no matter how beautiful the outside appeared the inside was infinitely more important.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Are you more concerned of how you look to others or how you represent Christ to others?

Is it wrong then to look nice – Of course not! One commentary suggests looking around you. The colors of the sky, the flowers, etc. Notice the variation in the animals and colors and plumage of birds. God has made all His creation beautiful. He has painted amazing colors into the sunsets and mountainsides. He has made each individual person unique and in His image. Consider however the adornment of lips. What good are beautifully tinted lips if the words coming out of them do not bless? Or beautifully made-up eyes if what is sought to be seen is harmful?

Take a moment and consider your last week. Compare the time spent on your outside appearance and the attention spent on your inside growth. Your internal soul is of greater value than your external show. “But the allusion here is to the excessive care which then prevailed, and especially to their setting the heart on such ornaments rather than on the adorning which is internal. It may not be easy to fix the exact limit of propriety about the method of arranging the hair, or about any other ornament; but those whose hearts are right, generally have little difficulty on the subject. Every ornament of the body, however beautiful, is soon to be laid aside; the adorning of the soul will endure for ever”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Consider what will last. It is obvious to me that my outside appearance is aging. When we are in our twenties and thirties it is difficult to imagine we will ever get old or have wrinkly or sagging skin. Well, if you are not into spending exorbitant amounts of money on face lifts and ‘miracle’ products, avoidance of your outside deterioration is impossible. The hope is that as your outside matures – this sounds nicer than getting old – your inside is maturing as well. And when your soul matures, it becomes increasingly beautiful! We want to be dazzling on the inside for Christ!

2Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Is your inside shining for Christ?

What distinguishes you, what do you seek most?

1Timothy 2:9-10 Likewise, [I want] women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness.

This is not a call to wear turtlenecks and skirts down to the floor! It is a call to be certain you are adorned with those things that bring glory to God. You have probably heard the expression, ‘it’s not what it seems to be’. We use this when something we expected – usually because of its outside appearance – does not live up to its promise. These words can be applied to many scenarios. Perhaps you have been house hunting at one point and are excited to see the inside of that well-kept adorable home. The expectation is the outside will be an example of what you find inside, only to be disappointed at the extreme disarray and unkempt interior. How often have you thought or said, ‘well, it looks legitimate’, and found out otherwise? I am certain many of you have purchased an item that was packaged and promoted well only to open that package and see it was not at all what you expected. What additional examples can you think of?

We should not ignore our appearance; it is something to consider. Cleanliness, and presenting oneself as approachable, are a plus in building relationships and sharing the Gospel. For example, it would be a tragedy to have the opportunity to share truth with someone yet the whole while I am explaining the Gospel, they are fixated on the broccoli stuck in my teeth, or the cleavage spilling out of my shirt – you get the picture! I will not get very far if I approach someone while looking like a wild, scary person!

By all means, take the time to make yourself presentable. But let’s not make our appearance our focus; the outside cannot be a cover for the true beauty of our heart. The attention needs to be on God rather than ourselves.

One commentary says the Apostle here speaks not of forbidding a type of dress and adorning but the “pride and vanity, affectation and ostentation, in wearing them. … God will have the hidden man of your heart adorned with grace, and delights more to see that, than your bodies adorned with precious jewels and costly apparel”, Burkitt.

What is referred to above is the flaunting of oneself for attention and to gain importance and attract admiration. Consider this thought, the outside will eventually perish; only the inside person of the heart will remain. If we are led to extravagance in anything, let it be in our pursuit of Christ. Seeking His truths can never be in excess.

Are you neglecting the inward care of your heart for your outward appearance?

1Peter 3:4 but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

My looks are greatly improved with makeup! In fact, as I get older, the change when I wear make-up becomes more drastic. I don’t ‘do my face’ every day but I like to ‘put my face on’ when I have plans outside my home. There are those times when I must decide to forfeit my looks in lieu of getting somewhere on time. This is not because of great holiness though; it is because I did not plan my time well! But, when a decision does need to be made and I only have so much time before I must leave my house, am I willing to spend it in the word rather than myself? Take a moment to consider your busy schedule. How often have you said you did not have time to pray, or read, or study the Truth? Yet, you found time to accomplish other things. For myself, I constantly need to check my priorities and often rearrange them so that I am giving God my best and not neglecting the study of His Word to me. This question came to mind – am I padded well with God’s truths or am I flimsily clad? If I am padded well, the world will have little affect; however if my covering is superficial, the slightest breeze or change will leave me exposed.

Contrary to outside adornment which will decay, let’s concentrate on the immortal part of our being, our soul which will last forever. We are to clothe our inside with humility and meekness, and with piety and prudence, in order to esteem God. The best ornaments are those of the heart which draw others into the knowledge and understanding of God. We must consider where our true affections are placed. If we are saved, we have been made new to live in righteousness according to God’s word to glorify His name. This means we no longer serve sin but serve God.

The hidden person of the heart is my soul – that which only God can touch. The soul is incorruptible which is in contrast to the gold jewelry and garments spoken of in the preceding verse. The inner man referenced in the following scriptures also speak of ‘the inward self’.

Romans 7:22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,

Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man;

God is more concerned about the heart of man than the outside appearance of man.

1Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God [sees] not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1Chronicles 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Psalm 51:6 Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.

The regenerated heart is to have the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. Think of inward holiness.

The Greek term used for man (hidden person in NAS) in 1Peter 3:4 is derived, according to the best etymologists, from the words meaning, turning the face upward, (taken from Adam Clarke’s Commentary). This same commentary explains a gentle and quiet spirit, “a mind that will not give provocation to others, nor receive irritation by the provocation of others. Meekness [gentleness] will prevent the first; quietness will guard against the last”. In other words, a heart of gentleness will not easily anger others and a quiet heart will not easily become angered. This explanation makes me think of someone whose eyes are focused on Jesus. When we try to see all things in light of the forgiveness of sin and promise of heaven we have from God, our response to circumstances and people is an extension of the mercy and grace we ourselves have received.

Let’s look at the meanings of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Gentle, praus, means mild, humble, meek. Quiet, hesuchios, means keeping one’s seat, still – undisturbed, peaceable. This word is also associated with the definition of being immovable, settled, and steadfast. According to one commentary, the use of the word spirit, pneuma, in this verse is “unlike any other use in the N.T.” (Bigg, Robertson’s NT Word Pictures). It means the rational soul, or mental disposition. Think of the word temper, not in having a quick temper of anger, but rather having a disposition of gentleness and quietness.

As I consider the definitions above, a picture of someone with a humble, settled conviction of God is formed. There is no need for this person to act harshly or cause an uproar. Instead they are able to maintain a calmness in their spirit through all circumstances because they are certain of their value in Christ and His work in their life and others. They display a humbleness towards God and a peacefulness towards others. When we are settled in Christ, there are no threats, no ‘flying off the handle’, no anguished verbal outbursts, or unpredictable behaviors. There is no sense of giving up or quitting when circumstances become difficult. Rather there is a quiet resolve to continue forward in His strength for His purpose. Do you know of someone who you and others ‘tip-toe’ around because you do not want to ‘set them off’? This is the opposite of a gentle and quiet spirit.

“Of a calm temper; a contented mind; a heart free from passion, pride, envy, and irritability; a soul not subject to the agitations and vexations of those who live for fashion, and who seek to be distinguished for external adorning. The connexion here shows that the apostle refers to this, not only as that which would be of great price in the sight of God, but as that which would tend to secure the affection of their husbands, and win them to embrace the true religion”, (1Peter 3:1-2), Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary. This same reference goes on to describe these qualities as a kind temper, gentle words, placid brow, modest and patient spirit, a heart that is calm in trouble, affectionate and pure, freedom from irritability, fretfulness, and impatience.

Jesus had a gentle and humble heart. His eyes were focused on His Father’s purpose.

Matthew 11:29 "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

Do you create trouble? Are you calm in the midst of disturbances caused by others? Are you careful and peaceable in your words?

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:1-2 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

Colossians 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Our desire is to please God. Developing the qualities of a gentle and quiet spirit ‘is precious in the sight of God’.

Precious, from poluteles, means extremely expensive: costly, very precious, of great price. This same word is used in the account of the woman who anointed Jesus’ head with ‘very costly’ oil.

Mark 14:3 And while He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining [at the table,] there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; [and] she broke the vial and poured it over His head.

She brought all she had to Jesus. Her show of care was so extravagant to those around that they called her actions a waste of money. However, she knew the truth and offered everything. Jesus did not care about the monetary value, he cared about her heart.

Our physical body is decaying. All that is in this world will perish. What will be left is the yielded heart of sinners humbly receiving God’s grace. It is in God’s sight that we are to be pleasing, not in the vanities of the world, nor the commendations of men.

Race Day!

Rather than slowing down and getting pushed off course by debris, we can navigate through the rough patches of life gaining more confidence and trust in our Savior’s lead.

My three-year-old granddaughter woke up a few mornings ago announcing it was race day. It was! Her dad, my son, found a race locally while we were visiting. This was her first real ‘race’, really more like a 50 yard dash. I have a grandson who ‘ran’ his first race before he was three. Both of their dads run, so this is a natural progression in their children’s lives. Race day was also my daughter’s birthday and the anniversary of her delivery of a special little boy into heaven. My emotions are pieced together like a quilt. Sorrow, anticipation, gratitude, and excitement meld to form a picture of life’s course.

I do not run – except perhaps after a grandchild! But we are all in a race which we will finish. The question is how we will finish. I like to picture a ball that is growing in momentum and expanding as it travels. Rather than slowing down and getting pushed off course by debris, we can navigate through the rough patches of life gaining more confidence and trust in our Savior’s lead. Sometimes the push to keep going is extremely difficult, yet we are to run with endurance, desiring to do our best. Even when it is hard we are to remain joyful for our future. Staying on course can be a challenge. Distractions are abundant and often there are unexpected turns in our path. When there is reason for celebration, our focus needs to remain heavenward. When sorrow threatens to overwhelm us, we need to continue to walk forward with our Savior. The key is to carry on with endurance the path set before us, keeping our sight on the prize – eternity with Jesus.

1Co 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

Php 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Heb 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The day before my granddaughter’s first race and my daughter’s birthday a memorial service was held for my friend’s husband who unexpectedly died after several complications during a scheduled procedure. He has finished his race and now finds rest in the arms of his Savior. Sorrow may slow us down but the course continues. Anticipation for the future that God has planned keeps us going. Gratitude for family and friends and the myriad of blessings that are poured upon us, remind us of a greater purpose. As we recognize God’s hand in our lives, we should be encouraged and become even more excited for the future.

Every day is race day. Like my granddaughter, wake up excited for the possibilities! Run with endurance. Celebrate the success when you run well. Appreciate the times that seem easy. Learn to trust more when the effort required seems impossible. Keep racing, Jesus is waiting at the finish line.

Tag: focus

Because of Jesus …

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The Hidden Person of the Heart

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Race Day!

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