fix your eyes on the prize

Recentlly I traveled with a friend to visit a church.The church has a large cross.
I thought of the verse to fix your eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of my faith and endured the cross....


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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord;

    in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. Psalm 141:8 NIV

Who is this who comes from Edom,
    in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
    marching in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I, speaking in righteousness,
    mighty to save.” Is 63:1 (ESV)

Staying focused on the goal and the prize is extemely difficult at times in the chaos of life, work, and all that comes our way.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Cor 9:24  NIV)

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Pet 5:7 ESV)

Each day is a new day and a new start. We frame each day as we look, fix our eyes and endure.

" [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.

For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit." (Jer 17:7-8 AMP)

Musser Woods - Painting by Greg Hartnett

North Cascades by Matt and Cynthia