The older I get the harder it is to focus on something for very long. What was that story about in the last book I read? Or who was the murderer on that TV show we watched so long ago, as in all of last night? Or the point of last week’s devotional? I scratch my head. Wondering if I’m losing it. No nasty and hasty comments, please. You’re probably not far behind. What’s your name again?!

But the Bible gives us the focal point. That heart and hub. Who to key in on. When to knuckle down instead of being a scatterbrained knucklehead! Oh, by the way, I’ve found some help in the Bible. Where was that? In what book? Old or New Testament? Have I wandered off again?

No, I’ve found it–‘…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb. 12: 2).

Here’s the deal. When fears torpedo you with cold creeps and fidgety jitters, look to Jesus. He’s your Lord, who loves you like no one else ever has or will. Hang your hat on His peg. Look no further. Mull over those words from the book of Hebrews–‘…looking to Jesus…’ And hang on for dear life.

When you do, note that your trust level rises—at least some—and that your confidence in Jesus pushes anxiety a tad closer to the edge.

When I’ve been in hospital settings or with doctors and specialists, giving blood or enduring claustrophobic scans, what keeps my skin from crawling off of me is repeating this verse from the Old Testament–‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in thee’ (Is. 26: 3). God’s Word comforts me. It’s become a part of me.

Here’s another for good measure–‘Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matt. 11: 28-30). Draw close to whom? Focus already! Yes, to Jesus.

The church where I’ve been blessed to be their emeritus pastor ends each worship service singing–‘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’.

They’ve got it right. So, bear down, keep your eye on the ball, stay the course, and zero in on Jesus. For a change, let persistent distractions take a back seat. Even better, lock them away in the trunk.

Lord Jesus, thank you for always being there for me. Amen.

I’m a card-carrying member of AAA. No, not Alcoholics Anonymous but the American Automobile Association! I’m also sought after by many groups to become one of their members. An online retail seller is always after us to join them…for a price. The Cremation Society is hot on my trail, which burns me up! Today the Neptune Society sent me a similar invitation. Neptune? Pagan Roman water god? What are they offering? Burial at sea? And I can’t even swim! I’m putting them both off as long as possible!

Joining most of these groups requires little commitment except for something in the fine print about shekels and gelt. When it comes to Jesus, there’s much more involved in membership. More than your money. More than toting a card around. Much more than signing on the dotted line.

When you’re in Christ, you and Jesus become partners. In effect, a marriage occurs. We become the Bride of Christ. Part of His body. Through His Holy Spirit, and by faith alone, Jesus inhabits us. A oneness occurs similar to when a man and a woman marry, and they are no longer two but one.

Okay, signing on the dotted line happens on their marriage license for the local authorities. But if the couple exhibits maturity, they know, or soon will, that their relationship is far more complex than using a pen to sign some legal document following a few ‘I do’s’ and ‘I will’s’.

The more I get into my Bible, the more my thinking changes. Less about good old me, I, and myself. An unholy trinity. For I’m becoming increasingly sensitive to what Jesus wants. That WWJD wrist bracelet I used to wear didn’t mean ‘what would John do’. Much to my disappointment. It’s about Jesus and what He wants. Why does it take hard knocks to get that message into my craw that His way is for the best, no matter what? Resistance is just plain dumb.

Something else I note. I’ve been writing stories since I was 8 years old. I have some of those early beauties tucked away in a lower drawer of an old desk, burrowed far out of sight in our garage as these gems are rather kid’s stuff. Like that mystery story entitled ‘The Mystery of the Dope’. No, it’s not autobiographical but about drugs, smartypants! What do you expect from someone that age?

But now, a few years older (!), I don’t spend my time penning childish tales but rather what grabs me about my Lord Jesus. Bite-sized messages that I publish weekly to be of help. Using the gifts God has given me for Him, and for others. For you.

Not to make money. Actually, it’s been quite the contrary. And not for bragging rights, being the only one in my family to have written and published a book or two. But for Him and His own. To make a difference in Jesus’ Kingdom while I inhabit this earth before I ‘shuffle off this mortal coil’ (‘Hamlet’ by W. Shakespeare).

That’s some of what being a member of the Body of Christ means. Figure out your part. Function well in His body. Whatever that is, don’t say you’ll do it, do it!

Give your best for the Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me much to do for you. What an honor. Amen.

We landed at Seattle’s SeaTac airport, having flown in from Florida. We’ve been to the Sunshine State numerous times, mainly seeing family while enjoying theme parks and other attractions thrown in for good measure. This time Florida’s weather was cold and wet. Could have had that at home in the Pacific Northwest. So, we’re glad to land safe and sound. Home again. Wet and cold.

A family, that appeared to be Eastern European, was also in a van taking us to where our cars were parked. My ears perked up as they spoke to each other. I had taken the Russian language at a local community college years before for no particular reason other than to learn another language. I wanted to hear if I recognized any of their words, which I did.

Yes, they spoke Russian. I wanted to say something in their language before we drove off. Putting our luggage into our car, I waved to the husband and said loudly ‘Do svidaniya’, ‘goodbye’ in Russian. My, oh my, the smile on his face.

Hearing your own language when unexpected is precious. A bit of home far from home. Also, it was uttered by an obvious American whose inflection probably needed lots more work yet who bothered to connect with a stranger using their mother tongue.

This experience makes me think of what Jesus says in John 10–‘I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd’ (vs.14, 16).

His voice. In our hearing. In His presence. With complete understanding. One flock that’s eager to hear from its Shepherd. Even better, our Lord’s voice. Won’t that be something? What we’ve prayed for. What we’d hoped to catch. His voice. His say. Any tidbit from His mouth. Hanging onto His every word. That will be heaven for me.

But why wait? Don’t put off hearing from Him right where you are. Really? Of course. You know. Echoes of Paradise’s Savior can be heard from your Bible. His voice 24/7, 365. Even during this leap year!

Lend your ear and then watch the smile on His face!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all you want to say to me today in your Word. Amen.

I read about a corporate executive who starts his workday with 15 minutes of meditation about what he’s grateful for. Being thankful starts his day off on the right foot.

Sounds much like what the Apostle Paul prescribes for Ephesian believers–‘…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…’ (Eph. 5:20). That’s better than that corporate titan’s habit. Thanking God in Jesus’ name. But not only for a few minutes early in the day but ‘always’. And for ‘everything.’ How are you doing with that?

And me? I’d rather focus on you. It makes me feel better. But I know that pointing a finger at someone else leaves three appendages aiming right back in my face with the thumb raised upwards reminding me that God knows what I’m up to.

The catch comes with that little word ‘always’. Throw in ‘everything’ for good measure. It’s easy to thank the Lord for blessings, such as a tax refund or a better medical report than feared or imagined. Easy-peasy. A quick word of thanks ascends heavenward from my lips to God’s ears.

But…well, you know. When the nasty hits. That unexpected conking out of our fairly new refrigerator. The rejection notice for something I’d written that was such a gem; but, as it turns out, only in my mind. Want to add some of your own?

Give thanks for everything? I’m not sure how that works out in real-life situations. Not everything that happens is such a great deal. Premature death? An adult child who wants nothing more to do with you or the Lord? Divorce? Wars and rumors of wars? Devastating hurricanes? Politics gone haywire? Even in all of them? That’s what the Apostle says. And he should know.

Here’s a warning. If tragedy hits someone else, be cautious with what you say. Instead of throwing pious platitudes in their faces, shut up. That’s right, keep quiet. Listen. Sit close by. Bring over a meal. Share a cup of coffee. And while you’re at it, shut your face! Hard to do, when I have all the answers…for someone else. But don’t you dare pull that Christian know-it-all act on me.

Anything else? What should I do? Simply put, get into your ‘room’ (check out Matthew 6: 6) and thank the Lord for whatever. Develop a habit of thanksgiving as hard as that can be. Not just one day a year; but, as the Apostle Paul says, ‘always’ and for ‘everything’. Usually, be very private with this. But never stop telling Jesus how grateful you are for all He gives you, even through tough and rough times. Especially then. That’s when you’ll see how you’re doing. Me too.

Thank you, Jesus, for all the love you show me every moment of every day. Amen.