Saturday, May 26, 2007

Focus On Jesus

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.



The words to this familiar chorus have gone through my mind for many years. A simple truth that defies every logic society tells to follow today. It gives hope to a person hurting and a reminder of the truth found in God's Word.

Today, we're told to focus on ourselves. We're told to have the most money, have a job with a prominent title, and lie and cheat to get someone out of the way that you no longer feel is adding to the quality of your life.

The Bible tells us just the opposite. It tells us to give to the poor and needy, become less instead of greater, and turn the other cheek when someone is causing harm to you.

The main focus that God's Word tells us we're to have is on Jesus. Once we get saved, our attention should be on Jesus. Everything we do, say, and think should be to glorify Jesus. Look what he did for us! Have you died for anyone's wrongdoings lately? Jesus did! For you! Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Our focus on living life is to be on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A pastor I knew lost focus on Jesus as he gained total control over every decision made at the church. At first, it seemed harmless but upon further examination, the decisions made were not formed on biblical truths nor were they to bring focus and glory on Jesus. Everything became about getting the most expensive items to highlight in different rooms. Much of the talk when really looked at was the pastor trying to find the best ways to make himself look the best he could in front of his congregation. It became his church. Many of his followers, I believe, would defend him more than they would Jesus. He lost what his focus should have been on and in turn, the church lost focus. It doesn't take much. That's why we're to diligently study the Bible and faithfully pray so that God can remind us of our mission on earth and to help us not become focused on the things of this world but on Jesus and the heavenly things we have coming.

If you want to have joy and peace in your life like I do, focus on Jesus. The trials and problems that you're facing today will not seem so big. Jesus has been where you are and He is ready to take you through anything that comes in the path that you and He are on together.

Christ's glory and grace will absolutely make the things of this earth seem small and insignificant when you turn your eyes on the One who saved you and protects you.

Living life to the fullest is focusing on the One who is everything, Jesus!

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there. I hope you had a great day!

I had a wonderful day. We had a great time with family and friends who came together to celebrate our mothers and grandmother (for us grandkids). I was honored today to provide music and share what God has done through Maack Ministries. We also got an update on my cousin’s missions plans.

Blessings just continue to pour down and I’m glad I have a mother who cares for me and prays for me as I go out and spread the gospel of Jesus through music!

In His Grip!