I just read a newsletter the other day that hit me as being 'right on target.'  It was a bulleye, if you know what I mean.  It just happened to be written by my son, Josh, who is a United Methodist pastor up in Richland County. And I thought it was the perfect message for a brand new year.  Listen...

Hebrews 12:1-2a reminds and encourages us, "As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end."

This passage reminds us that there are people everywhere watching our step. They know that we call ourselves Christians, but do we follow through with our actions? With this attention, let us not shrink in discouragement or fear when we slip up or when we're not perfect, but let us keep focused on the one who made our relationship with God possible--Jesus!

This passage encourages us to keeep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we continue through life. When we have something solid to focus on, we're less likely to become distracted by what's around us. We'll be less likely to choose those things that may take us away from our relationship with God with a strong focal point like Jesus before us. But, each and every day, we need to choose to make Jesus our focal point.

One way to continue to stay close to God in 2010 is by digging into God's word. Spend 10-15 minutes a day and read a few verses. Let us refocus on our relationship with God in 2010, and continue (or begin) to strengthen our relationship with God. By reading the Bible, we'll be able to get to know God a bit better. With our reading, we should spend a few moments in prayer asking for God's guidance and understanding as we read. And while we're already praying, it wouldn't hurt to lift a few people and/or situations up in prayer as well.

I'm reminded of the old chorus: "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus." It goes like this: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look fulll in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." Enough said.  What a perfect way to begin a brand new year...

In Christ, Rom