“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
Hebrews 12:2, New Living Translation

Have you ever taken a picture with your eyes closed? You may think that’s a silly question, but my wife and I have both done this many times. We have an application on our iPhones called TapTapSee, which makes use of the phone’s built-in camera. When one of us takes a picture, TapTapSee will describe the contents of the picture. This neat little program tells us what’s in front of us, and it could include anything from a person’s features to cars on a road. It will even read the labels on food products, and we can identify our printed mail by reading a few lines with this app. But sometimes, the app won’t read or tell us exactly what we want to hear. We’re often frustrated when we’re trying to read a food can’s label, but instead we just learn the can’s color. Or, sometimes when we try to read what’s on an envelope, we only find out that the envelope is black with white text.
Regardless of what they say, most people are going through life with their eyes shut, or they are not focused on anything in particular. So when they have problems, they are tossed every which way by the storms of life.
The above Hebrews verse tells us that we need to focus on God, the one who was there from the beginning. He knows what you are going through, and he will give you a new sense of strength, joy, stability and peace.
If you’d like to start focusing on God, start the process by praying and studying His Word in the Bible. You might also want to examine the word “pray”, and what each letter stands for. Please read my wife’s post, “Four Keys to a Great Prayer”, published on June 19, for more info on how to do this.
Sadly enough, many people don’t know what true prayer is. It is not a chore or a duty. Instead, it springs from your relationship with a loving God, who has your best interests at heart. Secondly, true prayer means more than just asking for what we want, or entreating God to do His will in our lives. It includes listening, as you would do to any friend. Finally, true prayer means complete worship and thanksgiving. When we consider the incredible things God has done through His only son, and the wonders He continues to do for us every day, an attitude of worship comes very easily.
Make it your goal to form a faithful relationship with God, and ask for His guidance in every situation. You will soon find the focus that I am talking about.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.