all the fixins
Topic: actually 2001
today's verses call us to think about our focus, priorities, motivation, attitudes and reactions... read em through several times

hebrews 3:1-2

therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. he was FAITHFUL to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.

(consider Jesus' faithfulness - it is an example for us - don't take the word too lightly - it was not EASY for him to be faithful - (read the next verses))

hebrews 12:1-3

therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us. let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(what was the "joy set before him"? only the knowledge that obedience to the Father would provide a way to him for us - so what kept him going in the midst of great opposition? His love for YOU!!!!)

romans 5:1-5

therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. and hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

(our rejoicing begins and ends with hope - even in the midst of our hardest circumstances, we are able to continue rejoicing - not because the circumstances are wonderful BUT because our focus is on our goal - "the hope of the glory of God" - if we lose our focus, we lose our hope (not the fact, but the feeling) and our circumstances can bog us down.... so today we'll close off with:

colossians 3:1-4

since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. for you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. when Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.