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Writer's pictureJoshua Minter

FOCUS

Now is the time to stay focused.


Are you feeling overwhelmed, like the weight of the world is pressing down on your shoulders, making it hard to even take a deep breath? Do you find yourself in a state of distortion, where everything seems out of place and unclear, making it difficult to make sense of your surroundings? Are you constantly distracted, unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand, feeling like your mind is being pulled in a million different directions?

Feeling weary, as if you've been carrying a heavy burden for far too long without respite or relief? Do you experience a constant sense of anxiety, like a knot in your stomach that refuses to loosen its grip, leaving you on edge and unable to find peace? Or perhaps you're battling with feelings of depression, a heavy cloud hanging over your head, casting a shadow on everything you do?


If any of these emotions resonate with you, then it may be a clear sign that you have lost focus on what truly matters in your life. It could be a signal that you need to pause, reflect, and recall all of your dreams and prophetic words. Coming to Jesus, seeking spiritual guidance and solace, can help realign you with your calling and direction in life. By re-centering your focus on faith and purpose, you may find the strength and clarity needed to navigate through these challenging emotions and rediscover a sense of peace and fulfillment.


This is a time to be

Focused!


Jesus endured because He knew there was a finish line. This profound statement encapsulates the unwavering determination and resilience exhibited by Jesus during his earthly journey. In the face of adversity, challenges, and suffering, Jesus remained steadfast in his purpose, guided by the certainty that there was a definitive end to his trials. The reference to Hebrews 12:1-3 further emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in overcoming obstacles.

Hebrews 12:1-3 serves as a poignant reminder for believers to stay focused on the ultimate goal despite the hardships encountered along the way. Just as Jesus kept his eyes on the finish line, we are encouraged to draw strength from his example and press on with endurance. This passage underscores the significance of endurance, discipline, and faith in navigating life's difficulties and challenges.


What is our main focus?

Are you concentrating on what God has instructed you to prioritize, or are you being distracted?


In the midst of life's numerous distractions, we find ourselves engaged in a constant battle. There are countless forces tugging us in different directions, burdening us with false pressures and various commitments. At times, we may take on too many responsibilities, hindering us from pursuing our true purpose and embracing the dreams that have been bestowed upon us by God. By allowing our schedules to be filled with diversions, we risk missing out on reaching our full potential and fulfilling our destiny. This phenomenon can be described as the "destiny killer." However, if we focus on following God's calling and remain steadfast, He will provide for us, leading us to experience abundant joy as we see our lives being enriched and our sense of achievement and confidence growing. This opportunity is open to everyone who walks in faith and understands their identity in Christ. As stated in Proverbs 13:19-20, prolonged hopelessness can make our hearts sick, but the realization of a dream brings vitality and fulfillment. Now is the time to savor the rewards of embracing your destiny and purpose.


If we don’t t have a compelling future

We will not have a fully present purpose


“Hope deferred makes the heart grow sick,

But a dream fulfilled is a tree of life”

Prov 13:12


Understanding my dreams and purpose prevents me from becoming tired of doing good.

By staying focused, I can bring my dream to fruition.

Let's align our focus correctly.


Here is my

Success plain:

The story of Peter


‘The God of the shore’

Is the same as

‘The God if the Storm’


It's simple to deliver impactful messages from a safe distance on the shore.

However, it's a whole different story to deliver a message in the midst of a life-threatening storm.


Matthew 14:22 tells the story of when Jesus invited his disciples to get into a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee. As they sailed, they encountered a fierce storm that caused them to fear for their lives. This event serves as a metaphor for the challenges we face in our own lives when we choose to follow Jesus.

When the disciples found themselves in the midst of the storm, they must have questioned why Jesus would lead them into such a perilous situation. Similarly, in our own lives, we may wonder why God allows us to go through difficult times. However, just as Jesus had a purpose for inviting his disciples into the storm, we can trust that there is a greater plan at work in our lives.

It is during these turbulent times that our faith is tested and strengthened. We learn to rely on God's guidance and provision, even when the circumstances seem overwhelming. Just as Jesus was with his disciples in the boat during the storm, we can find comfort in knowing that he is always with us, guiding us through life's challenges.

So, when we feel like we are facing the "storm of our lives," we can take heart in the knowledge that Jesus has called us to this place for a reason. Through the storms, we can grow in our faith and trust in God's unfailing love and provision.




Having a personal conviction will always be much more powerful than relying on second-hand information.

Some of us have deconstructed our faith because we have been relying on someone else's revelation.


Nothing can change our convictions of who Jesus is.


  • young people. Get a conviction


Look at when Peter walked on water.

This miraculous moment not only demonstrated Peter's faith but also showcased the power of focus and faith in Gods voice and calling. As Peter stepped out of the boat and onto the water, he was essentially defying the laws of nature. Jesus, by allowing Peter to walk on water, was teaching him a profound lesson in focused reliance on Jesus and trust.

When Jesus told Peter to come to Him on the water, it required unwavering focus. The moment Peter diverted his attention from Jesus to the raging wind and rain, he began to sink. This serves as a powerful metaphor for life's challenges - when we lose sight of our faith and focus on the storms around us, we are more likely to falter.

However, the key takeaway from this story is that as long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he was able to defy the odds and walk on water. This illustrates the importance of maintaining a strong connection with our beliefs and values during turbulent times. By focusing on Jesus, Peter received the grace and strength needed to navigate through the storms.

Therefore, the story of Peter walking on water is not merely a miraculous event but a profound lesson in the power of faith, focus, and perseverance. It reminds us that with unwavering belief and a steadfast gaze on our guiding principles, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges that life throws our way.


Distraction:


  1. Fear and Doubt


It has come to steal your

  • Faith

  • Confidence

  • Clarity


“If you don't view fear, doubt, anxiety, and depression as adversaries, they will overcome you”


You have the choice to embrace

fear or faith


  1. Responding to Injustice


Matthew 26:47, Peter's impulsive act of cutting off the ear reveals his readiness for conflict driven by a desire for justice. Nevertheless, Jesus had a distinct plan for demonstrating perfect justice. The question arises: Are we willing to release our own expectations of justice and yield to God's plan? He is the ultimate arbiter of justice, surpassing our own capabilities in this realm.


When faced with injustice, Peter becomes upset.

  • However, Jesus heals the man who is taking Him into custody.

We cannot combat injustice effectively through anger, discord, and confrontation.


The issue of 'Injustice' can be a distraction


Jesus has a plan.

  • maybe Jesus is asking us to wage war against injustice in a way that seems unnatural to us.


Post of social media?

Confrontations?


Every time we want to go to war, maybe we should ask:

"I don’t want to be on the wrong side fighting for the right thing."


Injustice is the right thing to look at,

But the wrong thing to capture our gaze!


Jesus is my first choice

  • injustice can be apart of your choice, but it can not be your first choice.

    It has to be Jesus.



  1. Self-preservation

Self-preservation instinct may stem from previous trauma or emotional wounds. It can also highlight unresolved issues related to forgiveness towards those who have caused pain in the past, as well as areas where trust in God may be lacking.

When confronted with dangers or obstacles, the self-preservation instinct is activated, leading individuals to implement protective actions. This can be demonstrated through various responses like fight or flight reactions, reaching out for assistance, or making calculated choices to guarantee safety.


Mat 26:69



Peter full of the presence of God

Acts 2 describes the powerful event of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, filling them with the presence of God. This divine encounter transformed the timid and fearful followers of Jesus into bold and empowered witnesses. When one is filled with the presence of God, a profound change occurs within them. They are filled with courage, wisdom, and a burning passion to share the gospel with others.

Among the disciples, it was Peter who stepped out to preach boldly to the crowd that had gathered. This was the same Peter who had moments of doubt and weakness - the one who sank in the wind and waves, the impulsive disciple who cut off the ear of a servant in the garden, and the one who famously denied Jesus three times. Yet, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up with unwavering faith and declared the truth about Jesus.

His powerful message resonated with the crowd, and as a result, 3000 people were saved that day. This remarkable transformation in Peter's life serves as a testament to the life-changing power of God's presence. It shows us that no matter our past mistakes or shortcomings, when we allow God to fill us with His Spirit, we can be used in incredible ways to impact the lives of others.


Jesus chose to utilize this impulsive, erratic, and easily distracted disciple due to the unwavering focus he now possesses.


In this season, I want to focus my gaze on the One who provides the greatest safety.


Stop focusing on yourself, a politician, or a spiritual leader.

Don't wait for your spouse to get their act together.


Lock your eyes on Jesus.


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