Before beginning his glorious reign, King Solomon requested that God give him wisdom to rule over the people. Solomon used this wisdom granted to him by God; the teachings of his father, King David; and his own life experiences, to write hundreds of Proverbs. Many were directed specifically to his own sons and to young men in general. These words of wisdom are just as applicable to life situations today, as they were 3,000 years ago. This book is 31 day devotional which includes a compilation of over 31 Proverbs, and other scriptures from the Old and New Testaments, designed especially to be shared with your sons. Each daily Proverb includes a short discussion of the verse in modern language; a prayer to say with your child; and a “Walk the Walk” or “Talk the Talk” segment for parents with tips to aid you in being the role models our sons need.

Day 7 Stay Focused

Proverbs 4: 25 – 26 “Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.”

Have you ever participated in a race? If so, your coach probably told you the same words found in this proverb, “look directly ahead and keep your eyes on the finish line.” The coach knows that if you are running and you look all around or behind you, you will become distracted and loose speed. But, if you stay focused on the finish line in front of you, looking neither to the right, left, or behind, you will get there much faster. God is much wiser than any human coach. He wants you to be focused on Jesus as you go about your daily race, so that you can accomplish His will for your life. Of course you have to prepare for and think about important things like school work, tests, Church, sports and other activities you are involved in. However, you must stay focused on Jesus in order to be pleasing to God.

How do you juggle the activities of life while still staying focused on Jesus? The apostle Paul compares our daily life with running a race. He says that we must run with endurance, to reach the prize - which is life eternal with Jesus. One way you can accomplish this is by praying several times a day- not only with your meals or at bedtime. Each time you are presented with a situation or a question and are unsure about how to respond, or you have an important test to take or activity to participate in, talk to Jesus about it. Ask Him for His answer to the problem or question, His guidance, and His help.

Another great way to stay focused on Jesus is by reading the Bible every day. Jesus has the answer to so many of life’s situations in His teachings and parables. He tells us that the only way to get to Heaven some day is by knowing Him and obeying His command-ments. The only way to do that is by studying His word.

The apostle Paul also tells us that we should put all our past mistakes behind us. It is hard to live each new day for Jesus when you are worried about something bad from the past. When you ask Jesus for His forgiveness, He gives it – completely. He also wipes it away from all memory; and you should too. Each new day is like participating in a new race. You have the opportunity to run with your eyes fixed straight ahead, staying focused on Jesus, the grand prize!

References Hebrews 12:1-3 John 14:21 Philippians 3:7-16

Prayer Dear Lord, we love You for giving us Your Son Jesus to be our perfect example. Help us to live each day for Him, staying focused on His word and His will for our lives. Help us to obey Your commandments so that we may reach the final prize –eternal life in Heaven some day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Parents – Walk the Walk Do you fix your eyes on Jesus every day, or do the worries and responsibilities of life distract you? Let your son see you read the Bible every day and pray to God for His guidance with daily problems.

I have been happily married to my husband, Jimmy, for 18 years. I am the proud mother of two wonderful boys, ages 14 and 11. I have taught Bible Classes for children at my home congregation, Hoover Church of Christ, for over 10 years. I started writing several years ago in response to my personal Bible study. I began with a 52 week devotional book for women which I shared only with my family and close friends. Soon after, I began studying the book of Proverbs. During this study, the words of wisdom spoken by Solomon to his "sons" struck my heart as they were so applicable to the lives of my own children. So, I used his words as the impetus to write a devotion book for boys which has been invaluable to me as I strive to raise my sons in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord."

I am a lifelong native of Birmingham, Alabama. I graduated from UAB with a degree in Marketing, but my “job” for the past 14 years has been “home-maker”. I enjoy any sport my boys play, Alabama football, tennis, travel and cooking.