Where's The Focus If You're Distracted?

Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. - 2 John 1:9



If you don't focus on the road when you're driving, you risk running off of it, putting your life and others in great danger. Like you didn't know that already, right? Therefore, in the same way, if you don't focus on the path clearly mapped out for you in God's Word, you risk drifting off the road that will lead you safely to life's most important destination. How do we do that?

1. By being careful to focus on the truths you read in Scripture. We try to justify our actions by reading half the passage and trying to apply to our lives and reasoning. We also take for granted those telling us the scripture/passage is reading it exactly. It is very important to read it for yourselves too and to study it.

2. By listening to godly wisdom. How do we listen? We ask God to give us godly wisdom. We ask Him to open our eyes, ears and heart spiritually before we read the Bible, taking on tasks, beginning our day, lying down to rest at night, going into worship and the list could go on.

Paying attention to the caution signs your heavenly Father gives you will ensure safer travel on your journey through life.


Song:

Don't let the devil fool you
Don't let him change your mind
Cause if you let him fool you
He'll surely change your mind

Poem: Focus

Am I focusing on the Saviour
Who was heaven sent
Or am I bogged down with details
Of every day events
When I'm in a dither
And know not what to do
Do I focus on the cross
And keep on trudging through
Do I stop to think
Of all I have to suffer
That it does not begin to measure up
To the Saviour's bitter cup
So, I'll just keep on trying
And when heaven I have won
After all else
Has been said and done
I'll be glad
I set my focus on the Son.

- Written By Catherine Crockett


How can you keep your "spiritual eyes" focused on the road in front of you?

A Lifetime Of Obedience

I command you today to love the Lord your God. Do what He wants you to do. Keep His commands, His rules, and His laws. Then you will live and grow in number. And the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are going to take as your own. - Deuteronomy 30:16


Serving God with your whole life begins with little decisions to serve Him. Your whole life…complete being…must have the mind set to do it for Him. Once that decision is made, it doesn't stop there - it continues. As in a work in progress…He is continually working in us and through us. Why is that do you think? It is about making choices, and God allows us to make choices. Therefore, commit yourself to making daily choices to serve God in the little things. What may be little to you today, could be big to someone else tomorrow. Meaning, your selfless service could draw someone nearer to God. Your self-control could make someone repent for their quick to anger attitude. Your forgiveness could demonstrate the forgiveness God bestows. Your attitude of excellence could lead others into an attitude of excellence in Jesus. You see, the more you do, the more you will want to obey all of God's commands. Notice I said, "ALL". I know it may be tough, but Jesus is a waymaker. A life of obedience is a life committed to daily Godly choices.


What small step of obedience can you take today?

Absolutes

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. - 2 Timothy 3:16


Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. - Psalm 119:91



Imagine if everyone did whatever they wanted. It wouldn't be long before total chaos and anarchy would take over. There must be some rules, and some laws that people must follow in order for any society to function well. And with those rules come complaints, divisions, and hatred by those who do not want to comply. Why is that? Is it because we feel we will lose or have lost a sense of freedom. We have all heard at some point and time, "If God loves me, why does He give me all these laws? It's hard to keep." How have you answered that question spiritually?

Realistically, there must be some absolute truths set in place from the beginning of time. These truths must apply to all people in all times and all places. Know that God promises when people live by these absolutes, which are found in His Word, individual lives will function better. Society as whole will be a place of order and peace.


Song: We Limit Not The Truth Of God

We limit not the truth of God
To our poor reach of mind,
By notions of our day and sect,
Crude, partial, and confined.
No, let a new and better hope
Within our hearts be stirred:

Refrain
The Lord hath yet more light and truth
To break forth from His Word.


O Father, Son, and Spirit, send
Us increase from above;
Enlarge, expand all Christian souls
To comprehend Thy love,
And make us to go on, to know
With nobler powers conferred:


Could you make a list of ten absolute truths you should be living by?

Goodness

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. - Matthew 12:35


What you say and do opens a window to your soul and shows everyone around you what is inside. Now talk about being ope to everyone. Doesn't that make you stop and wonder? As a parent, we know that our children listen and watch everything we do. Have you ever watched your children in a room by themselves pretending to be you? Its funny, amazing, and shocking to see and hear at the same time.

What does it reveal? It shows us at our best and at our need to improve selves.

When you practice the goodness you have received from God, others will see the treasures within. And when you don't, the bad things you say and do will reveal the misery, unhappiness, or suffering of your soul.

Remember the God inside of you, and let His light shine within and through you daily.

Song: This Little Light Of Mine

This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.


Can others see a treasury of goodness inside of you?

Confidence

Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, "O Lord, God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, prove today that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant. Prove that I have done all this at Your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that You, O Lord, are God." - 1 Kings 18:36-37


A leader's confidence in God can literally change everything. For example, Elijah's boldness on Mount Carmel marked the beginning of the liberation of God's people from the wicked influence of Baal worship. When you have confidence in God and His principles for living, you will have a firm foundation from which to lead. There is no need to question your leadership ... when you allow God to lead. You can and will inspire those who follow you as long as God is leading. Your actions, words and deeds will liberate them from unhealthy practices. All of these things and more will ensure the positive results of godly living not just for you but for those you lead, mentor and guide. But in all things, remember to place God first, and let Him led you second.


Song: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.

Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.


How can you lead with more confidence?