Eyes On

One, two, three, eyes on me!

One, two, eyes on you!

That is what is called an "attention grabber" or "callback." The intent is to use it with a group in order to get the focus back on to the speaker.

When I was thinking about what it means to "keep your eyes on Jesus" I was reminded on this attention grabber. Sometimes in life something pulls our attention away and we need to be redirected to the thing that matters.

In Hebrews 12:1b-2a we are instructed to run the race God has out before us by keeping our eyes on Jesus. But what does this mean?

Just like the attention grabber is used to get eyes back on the speaker, to put your eyes on Jesus, you simply need to switch your focus to Him. 

In today's world we are surrounded by distractions. Many things push and pull for our attention. What are you paying attention to? What are your eyes on? 

Fix your eyes on Jesus. Read the Bible. Pray. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 

Deceitful Hearts

Don't follow your heart.

Follow your heart is a popular saying which advises you to do what feels right. Unfortunately, it's terrible advice.

In the Bible, Jeremiah 17:9 tells, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

I don't know about you, but I don't trust anything or anyone that is deceitful. According to dictionary.com, deceit means: 
         
           1. to mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude
           2. To be unfaithful to (one's spouse or lover)

 Yikes.

What does this mean for us? Be careful what you put your trust in. Be mindful of what you follow and let lead you. Keep your eyes on Jesus, draw near to God, and. . .

Don't follow your heart.

Ignorant Talk of Foolish People

Sticks and stones may break my bones by words will never hurt me.

If only that rhyme was true, life would be easier. But words do hurt. A lot.

I've been at the receiving end of some harsh words and I'm sure I'm not the only one. It's hard enough to hear someone speak badly about you, but it is even harder when the ignorant words are not even close to being true. You know what I'm talking about: When people deliberately tell lies about you with the intent to harm you. Why? Why do people weave lies with the intent to harm others?

I don't know. But what I do know is that God has a plan to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future. I know this because the Bible states it in Jeremiah 29:11.

So, why then, would He allow people to slander me? Why allow me this suffering?

After praying, to find the answer I turn to my personal favorite books in the Bible: 1 and 2 Peter.

1 Peter 2:12 directs us to, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

I may not know in the moment why God allows people to say hurtful to me or about me, but I do know it is God's will that by doing good I should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

I will stand firm on God's word and I trust in His promises. God will take care of the rest.