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Monday, May 9, 2011

maintaining our focus in our pursuit of Him

In our pursuit of God, we must always keep our eyes focused on Him. It is imperative that we look to Him in all things and at all times. Galatians 2:12 is a good example of the importance of maintaining our gaze upon God and His sovereignty and His holiness.

In the passage of scripture, Peter had begun to isolate himself from the Gentiles for fear of defilement. He had taken his eyes off of Jesus and allowed them to instead settle on the Jews and their laws. He became something that he wasn't and proceeded to 'play the middle' to keep both sides appeased. He had unknowingly become entrenched deep into the confines of hypocrisy. When we allow the world to become our focus instead of Christ, we can quickly join the hypocrisy club.  When this happens to us, we lose our witness. We lose our effectiveness and become subject to rebuke just like Peter did with Paul.

Peter was good at taking his eyes off of Jesus. And it always got him into trouble. You will recall in Matthew's gospel when Jesus was walking on the water and He beckoned to Peter in the boat. Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on water. He was able to do this because he had fixed his eyes on Jesus. But the instant that Peter lost his focus and took his eyes off of our Savior, the distraction of the world set in and he began to sink. The winds and the waves blew him off course and he faltered and fell.

As we pursue a deeper, closer walk with Christ, we must keep our eyes focused hard on Jesus. Let Him be our leader and our guide. Keep our gazed locked intently onto His. If we follow solely after Him, He will lead us carefully by the hand, down the correct path. He will never fail us. He will never forsake us. He will never, ever leave us alone. 

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus
the Lord, so walk ye in Him"
(Colossians 2:6)


11 comments:

Denise J. Hughes said...

What a timely message for me, Beth. Thanks! Oh, how I want to keep my eyes solely on Him!

Wanda said...

We can learn a lot from Peter's experience.

Yes, keeping my focus on HIM!

NanaNor's said...

Hi sweet sister, I just heard another song-Give Me Jesus by Fernanado Ortega and it reminds me again and again that it is all about Him. Blessings to you today dear Beth.
Love you.
Noreen

Denise said...

Enjoyed your devotional.Thank you Sweet spirit

Beth E. said...

So true, Beth! This post is one of several I have read today regarding us keeping our eyes on Jesus and turning over control to Him...have
Thine own way, Lord!

Hugs

~Tracy~ said...

you have a beautiful family & are one beautiful Nana! Congrats on the baby to come, that is so exciting!

Just stopped by to read a little!

Anonymous said...

"...focused hard on Jesus."
"Let Him...."
"...locked intently...."
"...follow solely...."

Ewwww! Words my heart needs to lock within, holding onto their meaning in Scripture. Thank you, Beth, for coming alongside to bless me this day and so many others.

Your new pictures are wonderful! Quite a family!
loving you, ~ linda

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a beautiful message! Just think of all the troubles we'd save ourselves if we'd just keep our eyes on Jesus!

God bless ya and have a marvelous day sweetie!!!

Beth in NC said...

Amen! I'm pressing in and keeping my eyes on Him as well my friend.

Bless you!
b

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

Thank you for your reminder to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

I also appreciated the final verse you choose. It's part of my memory work, and just this morning I worked on Colossians 2:1-8. Do you suppose the Lord is trying to tell me something today? :)

Nancy said...

This is so true and it touched me today.