Framing Life: Focus, Faith, and God's Promises

Summary

Life is full of moments and situations that can either distract us or help us grow, depending on how we choose to frame them. The way we focus our attention, the reference points we hold onto, and the perspective we choose all shape our experience. Even in times of disappointment or failure, there is an opportunity to see God’s blessings—like the joy of family, the lessons learned, and the memories made. The challenge is to not let the distractions or frustrations of life dictate our attitude, but instead to fix our eyes on Jesus, just as Hebrews encourages us.

Framing our lives well means intentionally choosing what we focus on and what we allow into our hearts and minds. Jesus endured the cross by keeping His Father’s promise as His reference point. In the same way, we are called to let love and faithfulness be our guiding framework, which brings favor and a good name before God and people. This isn’t just a mental exercise; it’s about letting these truths become so natural to us that they are as foundational as the bed frame we trust every night.

Perspective is also shaped by the people around us. Having friends with different backgrounds and perspectives can help us see things in new ways, as long as we remain rooted in Christ. Proverbs reminds us to keep our eyes straight ahead, not swerving to the left or right, and to avoid wandering eyes that lead us away from God’s best. Like driving at night, we may not see the final destination, but we trust and move forward by faith, staying within the light God gives us.

Anticipation is a key part of framing our lives. We must expect God’s faithfulness, provision, and presence, even when we can’t see the outcome. Our words and attitudes frame our world, so we should speak life and hope, not discouragement or fear. Motivation comes from seeing God’s purpose in every situation and every person around us. Even the annoyances and challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth—patience builders, bitterness busters, and joy makers.

Finally, we must be willing to eliminate the distractions and sins that don’t belong in our frame. Like a photographer removing clutter from a shot, we are called to set no worthless thing before our eyes and to keep our focus on what is excellent and pleasing to God. When we frame our lives with faith, hope, and love, we become people of vision who can rebuild, restore, and walk in the abundant life God has promised.

Key Takeaways

- Your Frame Determines Your Focus
What you choose to focus on shapes your experience of life. Even in disappointment or frustration, you can choose to see God’s blessings and lessons. Fixing your eyes on Jesus, rather than the distractions or setbacks, allows you to maintain a godly perspective and attitude. The frame you set determines whether you see obstacles or opportunities for growth. [01:39]

- Reference Points Anchor You in God’s Promises
Just as Jesus endured the cross by holding onto His Father’s promise, we need reference points rooted in God’s Word—like love and faithfulness—to keep us steady. These become the natural framework of our lives, guiding our decisions and responses. When love and faithfulness are your reference, you walk in favor and a good name before God and people, regardless of circumstances. [05:14]

- Anticipation and Faith Move You Forward
You may not always see the final destination, but faith is driving within the light God gives you. Anticipate God’s goodness, provision, and presence, even when the outcome is unclear. Your words and expectations frame your reality—so speak life, hope, and blessing, trusting that God is faithful to His promises. [13:22]

- Motivation and Perspective Shape Your Journey
Let your motivation come from God’s purpose and the people He’s placed in your life, not from comparison or the approval of others. Even annoyances and challenges can be reframed as opportunities for spiritual growth—patience builders and joy makers. Choose to think on what is true, noble, right, and lovely, letting these things motivate and sustain you. [34:25]

- Eliminate Distractions and Stay in God’s Frame
Be intentional about removing anything that doesn’t belong in your life’s frame—whether it’s sin, distractions, or negative influences. Like a good photographer, clear away what clouds your focus so you can see and pursue God’s best. Stay in the frame with God, drawing near to Him daily, and let your life be marked by faith, hope, and love. [40:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Choosing Your Focus in Life’s Disappointments
[02:28] - The Power of Framing and Patience
[03:23] - Eliminating Distractions from Your Frame
[05:14] - Jesus’ Reference Point: The Father’s Promise
[07:09] - Living in God’s Favor and Faithfulness
[08:39] - The Value of Different Perspectives
[10:31] - Keeping Your Eyes Fixed and Avoiding Wandering
[13:22] - Driving by Faith: Trusting God’s Guidance
[15:37] - Setting Covenants and Boundaries
[18:05] - Anticipation: Preparing for God’s Next Move
[20:22] - Anticipating God’s Faithfulness
[24:24] - Abraham: Staying in God’s Frame
[27:11] - Motivation: What Drives You?
[32:43] - Real Motivation: Seeing God’s Purpose in People
[36:12] - Annoyances as Patience Builders
[38:02] - Busting Bitterness and Embracing Growth
[40:01] - Eliminating Distractions and Sin
[45:15] - Living a Lifestyle of Worship and Focus
[46:30] - Framing Your Life with Faith, Hope, and Love
[48:47] - Becoming a Rebuilder and Restorer
[50:34] - Prayer: Framing Your Life in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Framing Your Life with Faith, Hope, and Love

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### Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (ESV)
> Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Psalms 101:3 (ESV)
> I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are we told to lay aside, and what are we supposed to focus on as we run our race?
2. In Proverbs 3:3-4, what two qualities are we told to never let go of, and what is the result of holding onto them?
3. The sermon described how even in disappointment or failure, we can choose to see God’s blessings. What were some specific examples the pastor gave from his own life? [01:39]
4. Psalms 101:3 talks about not setting worthless things before our eyes. What does the pastor say this looks like in our daily lives? [40:01]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor said, “Framing our lives well means intentionally choosing what we focus on and what we allow into our hearts and minds.” Why is it so important to be intentional about our focus, especially during times of disappointment or frustration? [01:39]
2. Jesus endured the cross by keeping His Father’s promise as His reference point. How does having a “reference point” rooted in God’s promises help us endure hard times? [05:14]
3. The sermon mentioned that our words and attitudes “frame our world.” What does it mean for our words to shape our reality, and how does this connect to faith and anticipation? [22:37]
4. The pastor compared eliminating distractions from our lives to a photographer removing clutter from a shot. What are some “worthless things” that can cloud our focus on God, and why is it necessary to remove them? [40:01]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about a time when his family could have focused on disappointment but instead chose to see God’s blessings. Think of a recent disappointment in your life. How did you “frame” that situation? Is there a way you could reframe it to see God’s hand at work? [01:39]
2. Proverbs 3:3-4 says to let love and faithfulness never leave you. What is one practical way you can make love and faithfulness your “reference point” this week, especially in a challenging relationship or situation? [05:14]
3. The sermon talked about “anticipating” God’s faithfulness, even when the outcome is unclear. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to expect God’s goodness? What would it look like to speak life and hope into that area this week? [22:37]
4. The pastor called annoyances and challenges “patience builders” and “joy makers.” Who or what in your life is currently testing your patience? How can you reframe that person or situation as an opportunity for spiritual growth? [36:12]
5. Psalms 101:3 says, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” Are there specific distractions, habits, or influences you need to “eliminate from your frame” to better focus on what is excellent and pleasing to God? What is one step you can take this week to remove or reduce that distraction? [40:01]
6. The pastor said, “Your words and expectations frame your reality.” What is one negative phrase or attitude you often repeat to yourself? How can you replace it with words of faith and hope this week? [22:37]
7. The sermon encouraged us to let our motivation come from God’s purpose and the people He’s placed in our lives, not from comparison or the approval of others. Is there an area where you’ve been motivated by comparison? How can you shift your motivation to align with God’s purpose for you? [34:25]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you frame your life with faith, hope, and love, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and to give you wisdom to eliminate distractions so you can walk in the abundant life He has promised.

Devotional

Day 1: Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus

Life is filled with distractions and challenges that can easily pull your focus away from what truly matters. Just as a camera operator chooses what to keep in the frame, you have the power to decide where your attention goes. When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you find clarity, peace, and purpose, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. The world will always offer reasons to worry or complain, but choosing to focus on Christ brings hope and strength. Let your perspective be shaped by His love and faithfulness, not by the chaos around you. [01:39]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that consistently pulls your focus away from Jesus, and how can you intentionally shift your attention back to Him today?


Day 2: Let Love and Faithfulness Be Your Reference Point

The foundation of a life that pleases God is built on love and faithfulness. When these qualities become your natural response, you gain favor with both God and people. Just as you trust the frame of your bed without checking its bolts every night, let love and faithfulness become second nature in your daily interactions. This reference point will guide your decisions, shape your character, and help you walk in the blessings and favor God has for you. [07:42]

Proverbs 3:3-4 (ESV)
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man."

Reflection: In what practical way can you show steadfast love and faithfulness to someone in your life today, even if it’s difficult?


Day 3: Stay Focused and Set Boundaries for Your Eyes

Your eyes are the gateway to your heart and mind, and what you choose to look at will shape your thoughts, desires, and actions. The Bible warns against wandering eyes that lead to coveting, comparison, or even sin. Instead, keep your gaze straight ahead, focused on the path God has set before you. Set boundaries for what you allow into your life, and make a covenant with your eyes to honor God in all you see and do. [15:37]

Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV)
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."

Reflection: What is one boundary you need to set for your eyes—whether it’s media, social media, or relationships—to help you stay focused on God’s path?


Day 4: Eliminate Distractions and Worthless Things

To live a life of purpose and abundance, you must be willing to remove anything that does not belong in your frame. This includes not only obvious sins but also the small, seemingly insignificant things that can spoil your spiritual growth. Be intentional about eliminating distractions, negative influences, and anything that draws your heart away from God. As you do, you make room for His presence, peace, and blessing to fill your life. [40:01]

Psalm 101:3 (ESV)
"I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me."

Reflection: What is one “worthless thing” you need to remove from your daily routine or environment to make more space for God’s presence?


Day 5: Frame Your Life with Faith, Hope, and Motivation

God calls you to see your life through the lens of faith, hope, and divine purpose. Even when circumstances seem bleak or you can’t see the final outcome, trust that God is guiding you and will restore your strength. Let your motivation come from His promises, not from fear or the approval of others. As you frame your life with faith and hope, you become a restorer, a builder, and a person of vision who sees beyond the facts to the truth of what God can do. [47:19]

Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)
"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to shift from a mindset of fear or discouragement to one of faith and hope, and what is one step you can take today to reframe your perspective?

Quotes

You got to keep your eyes focused. Keep it in the perspective on the road. Don't go looking to the left, looking to the right. Stay in the road. It's okay to zoom out. It's okay to zoom in. But you got to keep that reference point just like this right here. If they zoom out and zoom in, it's okay. But the reference point that they're going to keep in the frame is what? Me. What do you keep in the reference point? Zoom in and zoom out. It don't matter what perspective, up, down, which angle, I'm still going to have Jesus as my focus. [00:10:29] (45 seconds)  #EyesOnTheRoad Edit Clip Translate Clip

When you start to covet things, oh, I wish I was this. I wish I was that. I wish I had that. See, it starts with the eyes. It starts on the wandering eyes. You're getting out of frame. You got to stay and drive inside your headlights. Put it that way. Drive inside your headlights. [00:12:09] (25 seconds)  #DriveWithinYourLight Edit Clip Translate Clip

Even though I couldn't see my final destination, I believed in my final destination. I hoped for my final destination, not a wishful thinking, but a true hope. And I was able to keep that reference point of my headlights, and I didn't get in an accident. I didn't run into the ditch. I drove inside my headlights. So many times, people won't even drive inside their headlights, or sometimes people won't even leave the parking lot because in their mind, they can't even see the final destination. [00:13:33] (33 seconds)  #FaithOverSight Edit Clip Translate Clip

You don't fall out of love. You choose to love. That's idiotic. What's your frame of reference? What's your frame of reference? See, that doesn't happen. Why? Because I don't have wandering eyes. You have a covenant. I see it through. [00:16:29] (16 seconds)  #ChooseToLove Edit Clip Translate Clip

God is a God that changes not. So, a lot of times people are like, well, I just don't feel like God's in my frame anymore. No, it's not God's not in the frame. You're not in the frame. You walked out of the frame. God doesn't move. He stays on the vision. He stays on the purpose. He's a God that changes not. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. I feel like God's not with me. No, you're not with God. That's the difference. He still loves you. He still wants you to do what he's called you to do. But you're the one who walked out of the frame. [00:21:08] (39 seconds)  #StayInTheFrame Edit Clip Translate Clip

Because being right and giving facts doesn't set people free. But setting people free only comes through the truth. Philippians 4 .8 says, whatever is true. Hey, let that be motivation. Whatever is noble, let that be motivation. Whatever is right, lovely, admirable, let that be. Think about these things. It says, think about these things. [00:34:47] (22 seconds)  #TruthSetsFree Edit Clip Translate Clip

The storm was already there when Peter got out of the boat to go to Jesus. It was already there. But what happened is in that moment, in that time, in that frame, he got his eyes off of Jesus, off of focus, he got out of frame. Yes, sinking. But as soon as he got his eyes off of focus, off his reference, he got out of frame. God never moves. His word doesn't change. So, you're the director. God is the author. You just control it. [00:41:45] (57 seconds)  #DivinePurposeLifestyle Edit Clip Translate Clip

When you frame it up, you can let go of the shame. You can let go of that person's name and the blame and get out and hold the frame. And now, when you take that frame and get all that out, frame it with faith. Frame it with hope. Frame it with joy. Frame it with God's grace. Your life is framed by grace. See, you're saved by grace through faith. Frame it up that way. [00:46:25] (42 seconds)  #FaithistPerspective Edit Clip Translate Clip

``Last week I told you you're not just an optimist. You're not a pessimist. You're a what? A faithist. Because I know how to have hope. I know how to walk by faith and not by sight. Because an optimist and a pessimist walks by sight. I know how to walk by sight. I know how to walk by faith. That's why I can look at those chairs. And I can look at all the chairs today that physically doesn't have a person in it. But I can see Jonathan and Nancy and Becca right there. I can see Pastor Gil right there. Wow. You can go on and on. See, I'm a faithist. I frame it up. [00:49:18] (55 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip