October 1, 2025

“Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

We live in a day and age where we are overwhelmed with information. There is always a new and shocking story everywhere we turn. Providing the “news” is no longer a service to the people, but a profitable business. Therefore, we are inundated with whatever the outlets think will be the most shocking, depressing, outrageous, or infuriating story of the day; whatever gets the most views. Because of this, even we Christians are fooled into thinking that the latest scoop is the most important thing to concentrate on at any given time.

Distractions are one of the most effective weapons of our Enemy. If Satan can get us to focus on anything other than Jesus, he has won. Hebrews 12:2 gives us not only the weapon with which to fight distraction, but the example of how to do it. We should always keep our eyes firmly fixed on God. Once we think anything else is more important or has ultimate sway over our lives, we are being fooled and defeated. The ultimate example of this weapon being deployed is Jesus himself, who “resolutely set out toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) keeping his eyes fixed solely on God’s plan for him, not being swayed to the right or the left, and not being distracted by the words of either his friends or his enemies. His sole purpose was to do the will of God. You will be amazed how all the sensationalized stories slowly fade into the background when you begin each morning with one focus: setting your eyes on Jesus and living out God’s purpose for your life. Our sole example is Jesus, and our sole purpose is the Gospel.

Heavenly Father, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Remove all distractions as we commit everything to fulfilling Your purpose for our lives.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon