Focus

Text: Philippians 3:12-16

Theme: Paul focused on one thing: finishing well and winning his race, as should we.

Key verses: “…I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made” (v. 12b-14).

What God said to me: Dwayne, I’m glad you are meeting with me this morning, but it’s kinda late in your day already. You’ve done other stuff before you made time for my Word and for prayer alone with me. Good that you prayed with Sonia before you left your house this morning, but that was her idea and lead. Just be careful and keep a guard over your heart. Every day is a new day to serve me. My mercies are new every morning, but that doesn’t give you an out for leaning heavily on and into me today. Don’t become lax in your walk. Ultimately it is a race that you are running in this life I’ve blessed you with. You can’t allow yourself to get distracted or to sit down in the middle of the track or wait around for someone to pick you up and carry you toward the finish line. Sure, I am the wind beneath your wings. Certainly, the Holy Spirit is your power and guide. But you must choose to sit at my feet, then walk through your day, and having done all each day, to be standing strong in my grace and calling. Focus, Dwayne, that is what you lack at times. You lose focus easily and often. Do you think Paul did what you are doing? Do you think Paul would cast his eyes around to vain things, like you are doing even at this very moment. Even while you are trying to listen to me and commune with me in my Word, your mind is distracted and your eyes are not looking straight ahead. Your focus must be on winning the prize that awaits you in heaven, for which I through my Son have called you. To win the race and cross the finish line you can’t wait until tomorrow or the next day to get serious about living for me and following me and doing only what pleases me. You must do all of that today. Today, Dwayne, is the only day you have been given. Don’t waste it. Bring every thought into captivity into the obedience of Christ.

What I said to God: Father God, thank You for speaking to my heart and warning me today about my race. I’m lagging behind today. After a great victory like ReFOCUS, it’s easy to grow lax and become overconfident. I still can nothing without you. That hasn’t changed. Never will. I yield to Your will and way today. Please forgive me for putting my eyes where I shouldn’t and my mind on things that don’t honor You. Please help me guard my heart today and fix my gaze directly ahead of me. Please use me to encourage someone today and share Your Gospel with someone who doesn’t know how much You love them and want them in Your Kingdom.