Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 22:36-40 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
On December 17th, 1903, lifeguard John T. Daniels took one of humanity’s most iconic photos – the world’s first flight with Orville Wright at the controls. Interestingly, Daniels had never taken a photo before. In fact, he had never even seen a camera and had only just received abbreviated instructions in its use by the Wright Brothers prior to that moment. Frankly, he got lucky and the picture ended up in focus.
We must not rely on such luck as we diligently and purposefully focus our lives. Fortunately, God provides practical and spiritual tools to create and sustain intentional focus. We are to set aside distractions and affix a gaze throughout our lives on our Lord and Saviour. We are to press towards Him in spite of those things that would divert our attention. And we are to make His clearly articulated priorities our own.
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO FOCUS ON THE LORD OUR GOD WITH DUE DILIGENCE AND UNYIELDED DETERMINATION. When we do those things, we will capture something far more important than an iconic photo. We will capture a meaning and purpose in our lives that aligns with God’s plan – no luck needed!
