A mother was trying to console her daughter and said, "your brother said he was sorry he broke your toy and you need to forgive him". Finally she said, "Okay, I'll forgive him, but I'd feel better about it if I could swat him first!"

The list of the faithful in Hebrews 11 is an inspiring list. People like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc.... When we consider what many have endured in their faith we are also inspired to be faithful. The Hebrew writer encourages his readers to fix their eyes on Jesus in Hebrews 12:2. We never go wrong when we hear the words of Jesus and look to His example for our guide in living. When we seek hope for troubled times we should fix our eyes on Jesus.

Through Jesus there is the hope of forgiveness of all our sins. The burden of sin and it's consequences, and it's guilt can be overpowering. The scriptures teach us that the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). God does not desire for us to live separate from Him but to enjoy the abundant life (John 10:10) in full fellowship and unity with His person (I John 1:7-10). When we are searching for forgiveness we should fix our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus once said to the His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places if it were not so, i would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1-3). This earth is not home for the Christian. Here on the earth we are described as sojourners. The citizenship of the child of God is in heaven. When the world with all it's problems seems overwhelming fix your eyes of Jesus.

When trials come are way let us remember Jesus and how He endured through them all. The Hebrew writer says concerning Jesus, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). If you seek a better life, if you seek strength for the present, forgiveness for the past and hope for the future, you need not look any further than the Lord Jesus Christ.

For a free non-denominational Bible correspondence course call 830-833-4884 or email bcc@moment.net.

Church News: On April 18, we will have a potluck after the morning worship service. Every Friday mornings at 6:30 a.m. we have readings from the Gospel accounts and prayer. Coffee and donuts served in our fellowship hall. All invited.