Week Ten, 2026

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Attending a good orchestra concert is near the top of my list. I did that recently, and my eyes were glued to the conductor. Before he came out, each member of the orchestra was tuning their instruments. It was utter chaos—different instruments, different notes. Then, there was complete orchestral silence as the conductor appeared and the audience applauded.

He raised the baton, pointed to different sections, and beautiful music filled the air. Each member had their assigned music and played in harmony. It was a marvelous production, from solos to full orchestral participation. I couldn’t help but think of a parallel to God. He equips us and directs us in His ways.

When I played in an orchestra, I played the second part that provided harmony to the first part. Sometimes God asks us to do that in life. We all have a role, and mine may be different from yours.

The idea of God as an orchestra conductor is a great analogy. It means God orchestrates life’s events. He guides us with a divine plan, bringing harmony from chaos and leading everyone to a purposeful, beautiful outcome. It suggests that while we play our unique parts, trusting His lead creates a symphony. Every person’s role—and even their challenges—fits into a grand design.

All good leaders are like conductors. As the conductor raises his baton, a hushed silence descends on the audience, and the musicians ready themselves to play. All eyes are on the conductor as his baton begins to move and the orchestra begins to play. When we see that God is center stage—always present and active—we become more attuned to the good He is always giving us.

The conductor has a deep knowledge of the full musical composition. The orchestra members’ trust in this leader enables them to follow and play music together.

Do we sometimes think we don’t need to be led? I’ve come to appreciate the importance of being led—and following. Any challenge we might have with this has a lot to do with who we see leading us. An orchestra would not allow someone with no musical knowledge to lead them. Similarly, we might not trust someone to guide us unless we are confident in their ability. Allowing God to lead us, rather than our own limited understanding, has profound benefits.

Hebrews 12:1–2 is a powerful passage. It encourages believers to run the Christian life with endurance, inspired by a “great cloud of witnesses” (past faithful people). It focuses on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, becoming the ultimate example of faith. It calls on us to shed hindrances and sin, run with perseverance, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Who is your conductor?

Sometimes True Stories

When we were kids, we would ask for things we saw advertised. When birthdays or Christmas came around, we would ask again. We never asked for food or a warm bed. We just assumed our parents would provide those things. It turned out that they always gave us what was best for us.

There is nothing God cannot provide for us. After all, He already knows what is in our hearts. Too often, though, we act like kids and ask for material things. They may be nice, but God knows what is best for us. He gives us things like peace of mind, solid relationships, and a family that is becoming more Christlike. Those are the things God will provide in abundance when Christ abides in us. Where is your heart? —Rich Jensen

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In our daily lives, we constantly run into the devil. He tries to cause us to sin against our Creator. We swear, plot, plan, and let our lips lead us astray. “As we go through life, we are going to find ourselves running headfirst into the devil; if we don’t, then we are probably going in the same direction.” The devil is a devious fellow whose goal is to lead us down a path of sin. Be aware of his treacherous path; it ends in fire. —Tony Ferguson

Quotes You Can Use

First rule of 2026: Don’t dwell on what went wrong in 2025. God has a plan. Trust Him.

Being a good person is simple, but not good enough. Accepting God’s grace is the answer.

If we can completely believe some of God’s promises, why do we have difficulty believing all of God’s promises? —Dan Shock

If I die tomorrow, I will be with the Lord. If I live tomorrow, the Lord will be with me. Either way, I belong to Him.

Kindness is free to the giver and only takes an “attitude of gratitude” to share with those we interact with each day. Whether we are giving or receiving, our attitude is under our control. Fostering love is contagious. —Tony Ferguson

If you desire to experience true life, seek it according to and through God’s life-giving Word. —Kevin Baggett

Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

You do not drift into spiritual maturity; you grow through consistent, intentional obedience in everyday decisions.

A person who understands that their blessings and prosperity come from God understands the compassion and love the Lord has for each of us. —Tony Ferguson

Life’s trials are God’s instruments to bring us to Him. —Dan Shock

We are saved not because we deserve it, but because God is merciful. —Charles Spurgeon

I should spend my life submitting every aspect of my life to the Word of God, even if it conflicts and contradicts my culture.

There can be no greater good than the quest for peace, and no finer purpose than the preservation of freedom. —President Ronald Reagan

The Son of God became the Son of Man in order that the sons of men might become the sons of God.

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^©2026, Thoughts on Life