As I write this, I am filled with gratitude. It is hard to believe that I have been part of Focus Magazine Online for eight years. It really does not seem like it has been eight years. When Tim first approached me about being part of Focus, I was so excited, and I jumped at the opportunity. First, because Tim is such a dear friend and brother, to think that he would invite me was special. Second, to be able to express myself to others was equally as exciting. Then, when I found out the other men who would be part of this, I asked myself, “What are you doing? Are you crazy?” The men who have written are great men of faith. They each have a perspective that is so encouraging and needed. They are truly fellow-laborers and friends as well. So, to each one, my heartfelt thanks for helping me grow as a Christian. I am indebted to you all.
My gratitude is even greater to all who have read what I have written. I have received so many encouraging responses. I have even met people from other parts of the country who have come up to me and personally told me they have benefitted from something I wrote. I cherish all of these. You are the reason I wanted to share a few things these past eight years. So, from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you!”
My deepest gratitude goes to our Lord. All I am and all I have had the opportunity to write, is because of Him. He opened doors for me to be part of this. More than anyone, I want to please Him. I pray fervently that I have done nothing to detract from the glory He deserves. I pray fervently that with what little I have, I have used it to bring glory to Him. It is easy to get drunk on the accolades of others. They are sweet. But the approval of my Lord is what matters the most. If I have disappointed Him, I am so sorry! He is my all in all.
May God bless each one of you in your walk with Him. Remember “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John. 4:4).
I leave, sharing the sentiments of Paul, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Phil. 12-16).
by Rickie Jenkins
rickiej08@gmail.com