Fixing our eyes on Jesus.

There is that saying, that what you watch you hit! Then there is this scripture reference below.

In one of my latest blogs (Deny Who) I related to a decision that I took to uninstall two apps that were causing me to be distracted from the purposes of God.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Obviously the opposite is also true, I have found that I have relieved a certain amount of pressure from my life by taking this decision. When I engaged with the applications my focus was on my struggle and how I felt different to other guys, I found it highlighted the issues and gave them to much airtime in my thought life etc.

On a prayer walk to church recently I was reflecting on the difference of that quality decision has made in terms of freedom from the pressure I felt previously. My focus was changed. 

I also realised that it wasn't only because I was no longer subjecting myself to the issues that made me feel different, but I was actively looking at Jesus, the Gospel and the work of the cross, to find my hope and identity. It was intentionally seeking to understand and live out what it means to remain or abide in Jesus and his word and kingdom that was making a real difference. 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7 NIV

I find myself praying for this, that I may fully understand, and live out, what it means to scripturally remain or abide in Him. That means my focus has changed from myself towards Him. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 NIV

This is part of dying to myself, that I acknowledge that there is no way I can do this in my own strength or ability. So more and more I am learning to appreciate the scripture in James 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2‭-‬4 NIV

I have many trials currently in my life, but I am encouraged to know that these work out perseverance, so that I may mature and complete. I don't particularly like trials and would prefer that they were not a feature of my life, but for now I keep looking to Jesus and trust that he is working out something in my life that will bring him glory and me victory. 

I don't claim to have it all done and dusted, there is so much that Jesus needs to redeem and restore in me, and I guess my life journey is all about him transforming me day  to day, image to image into His likeness.

So I press in to take hold of what he has in-store for me, keeping my eyes on Him, until he finishes the work in me.



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