focus

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come… the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelations 1:4-6

You experience life from what you focus on each day. Yes, everyday there is the possibility of the unexpected to confront you. But most often, you experience what you plan for the day. You go about your routine to fulfill your responsibilities. Your world may include taking care of other family members. You may have customers to serve at work. You may also intermingle with those in the community as you run errands for the day.

Yet, what is your expectation of walking with Jesus in HIS kingdom this day? How do you include HIM in your daily affairs? What do you expect from HIM this day?

Learning to walk each day with Jesus is an experience rarely seen in movies or even in most homes. In fact, I recently watched some preachers and teachers of HIS word on YouTube this past week. Very few even discussed the subject. Most focused on the acquisition of theological knowledge. Some even spent more time pushing the sale of their merchandise. But walking with Jesus as HIS disciple in the marketplace wasn’t their concern this week.

Jesus promised to be with us till the end of the age. But where is HE in your walk with HIM today?

If you aren’t sure HIS Spirit resides in you, you may want to spend some time in prayer with HIM. You may want to ask HIM to reveal himself to you today. HE may not reveal himself the way you expect, but HE will in a way you will grasp.

There is a certain confidence you gain knowing that you know that HE knows and HE knows you know. HE is with you. HE is for you. HE is rooting you to become the person HE needs you to be for HIS kingdom.

Learning to live in HIS presence each day assures you of HIS involvement in your life. When faced with a difficult decision, you can turn to HIM for advice. When confronted by a difficult person, you can rely on HIM for insight and wisdom. When interacting with the store clerk you can allow the spirit of Jesus reach out and share HIS love with them. In fact, if the opportunity presents itself, you may even share the gospel with them.

The best time to position Jesus in your focus for the day is upon arising. When planning out the day’s activities, include HIM. When crossing out the items from your to-do list, thank HIM. When messing up for the umpteen time, let HIS grace shower you. And when your children mess up for the thousandth time, let HIS grace also shower them.

Jesus is more than a Savior. HE is also our King and Lord. The Bible also reveals HE is our elder brother and friend. So why not let HIM be so as you venture out and experience life the way HE is preparing you for eternity.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. …who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” Philippians 3:14,21

The apostle Paul wrote these words at a time when his circumstances looked bleak. He was in prison. He wasn’t sure of the outcome. He reviewed his life’s achievements and counted them as dung. He considered the prize before him worth the cost paid. His focus was on Jesus. He looked forward to the return of Jesus and the resurrection from the dead.

History doesn’t give us an exact date when or how Paul died. But it is believed he was released from prison shortly after these writings. He was later beheaded around 64-65 AD per Eusebius’ historical records.

Paul’s mindset though was always focused forward. He didn’t dwell on the pain and suffering of the past. He wasn’t bitter. His head and heart was on Jesus. He was willing to forgo all the trappings of worldly success for life in Christ. What kept him going was the promises of God.

He personally had a strong relationship with Jesus. He has seen the life of Jesus in his daily walk. His pain and sufferings reminded him of Jesus. Whatever Jesus went through he wanted to experience the same.

He found his meaning and purpose in Jesus.

Every hurdle, every obstacle, every nuance, was a stepping stone toward his goal. He knew his mission, and lived it.

No matter where he found himself. No matter the situation. No matter the outcome. He kept preaching the good news to everyone around him. When isolated from people, he wrote the good news. When held under house arrest, he invited people to visit him. When held in chains, he spoke the good news with his captures. Whether before governors or daughters of slaves, he kept on living out his purpose.

Yes, Paul is an example for all. He was zealous for God before meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Then after being knock down from his high horse, he continued to be zealous. This time equipped with the good news of Jesus.

My bet is even on his last day when he was most likely beheaded, he was preaching the good news to those around him. In fact, some two-thousand years later, we are still reading what he preached. Yes, he is one of our faithful examples of a life that keeps on keeping on for the glory of God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
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