Kingdom Focused

What happens when we focus too long on the wrong thing?  Things get out of focus.  It affects us.  How? When things are unfocused we are looking through the wrong lens.  That’s why we have to continually ask the Lord to help us to see through His eyes. 

Jesus has told us to “Fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.”  (Hebrews 12: 2)  

• If we focus and remain faithful to the end, it will bring endurance like we never thought possible. 

“Fix our eyes not on what is seen (our circumstances) but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  (2 Corinthians 4: 18)  

• Do we want temporary or eternal? 
• De we want a quick fix?

“My eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.”  (Psalm 141: 8)  

Here’s our encouragement in that:  “I lift my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.”  (Psalm 123: 1)

What else can we focus on?  Glad someone asked.  

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”  (Deuteronomy 11: 18)  

What’s the hands and forehead all about?  I was curious too, so I learned, “Since ancient times, Jews have practiced the tradition of using phylacteries (also called “tefillin”). Phylacteries are small leather boxes that contain portions of the Law of Moses. The boxes are strapped to the wrist and to a sort of headband so that one literally carries the laws of God over his eyes and on his hands. Jesus mentions this practice in Matthew 23: 5 “They make their phylacteries wide.”  

Here’s what one commentary said, “God called Israel to not only read the Word of God and to know the Word of God but to treasure it. In the same way, we should love God’s word and miss it when we are separated from the Word of God. We should call it to mind with longing, having laid it up in our heart and soul.” Blessing is gained by keeping the Word of God always before you. (Guzik)

How do we stay focused with all the distractions in life?  I think this answers that question.  “Focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”  (Philippians 3: 13)  

This verse goes along with an Old Testament promise of wisdom.  “Let your eyes look straight ahead fix your gaze directly before you.”  (Proverbs 4: 25)  

But it doesn’t stop there.  This requires action on our part.  How?  “Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.”  (Proverbs 4:  26)  

If we take roads that are unfocused, or off the path of being level-headed, it could definitely delay or hinder our journey.  

The Lord gave me an acronym for my closing principle.  Here it is:  

KINGDOM PRINCIPLE:  

To those who don’t like the word surrender.  All it means is yielded.  

We must yield our lives to the Holy Spirit to be focused.  We cannot do this on our own, or it will be striving.  

Surrender is an important component in serving the Lord whole-heartedly.  Here’s what happens when we surrender:

• Being Surrendered Brings Favor: “Your favor will fall like rain upon our surrendered lives, like showers reviving the earth.”  (Psalm 72: 6, TPT)
• Being Surrendered In Worship Helps Us Avoid Evil:  “You can avoid evil through surrendered worship and the fear of God, for the power of his faithful love removes sin’s guilt and grip over you.”  (Proverbs 16: 6, TPT)
• Being Surrendered Brings Experience: “When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience: Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction!” (Proverbs 19: 3, TPT)  
• Being surrendered is not restraint, it’s release!

For Video Message Visit:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Yv8LktQTY&t=5s

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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com

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