Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

I had 3 reminders this week to fix my eyes on Jesus.

The first came as I was paddle boarding. I turned my eyes from the buildings in the distance, looked down at the water beneath me, and fell into it. I got on my board and thought where I look makes a difference. Fix your eyes on Jesus flashed across my mind.

The next reminder came while eating dinner at a friend’s house*. This was on their wall:

Then, on Sunday, the very first song we sang at church was “Turn Your Eyes On Jesus.”

So now I remind you. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).”

*Photo and verse by Lydia Most. Thank you, Lydia!

An Important Prayer Habit

When life is going well, make it your habit to pray “Your will be done (Matthew 6:10).”

Then, when suffering comes, it will be your habit to pray, “Not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39).”

What to pray for Ukraine – Peace

Lord, you will grant us peace (Isaiah 26:12).

Thank you.

What to pray for Ukraine – Hope

The Lord will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever (Isaiah 25:7-8).

Pray for hope in God and in his gift of eternal life.

What to pray for Ukraine – Strength

The Lord of hosts will be . . . strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate (Isaiah 28:5-6).

Pray for the strength that only God can give.

What to pray for Ukraine – Courage

The Lord of Heaven’s armies . . . will give great courage to their warriors who stand at the gates (Isaiah 28:5-6 NLT).

Ukranians need courage; the Lord gives it. Ask.

Pray Humbly

God is able to give or do whatever you ask.

But what you’re asking might not be best.

As you pray, imitate Christ Jesus who humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross (from Philippians 2:5,8).

What to pray for Ukraine – Wisdom

There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).

Wisdom is better than might.

When you pray for others

May we so love those for whom we pray,
that we feel their needs as acutely as our own,
and intercede for them with sensitivity, understanding, and imagination.*

*adapted from John Calvin

Faithful Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 107:1).

Consider and celebrate the faithful love of the Lord. For you.