This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Refined Focus”. Yesterday I shared a message with you from something Paul said in his second letter to the church at Corinth. I also told you we would be studying it for a while. Let’s go back to that passage today, as this message will flow in the same vein.
(2 Cor 10:3-5 KJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Paul was teaching about the war waged in the battlefield of the mind. I already taught you about the importance thoughts, that lead to images (or imaginations), that can ultimately lead to strongholds. Another important point we will learn during this season is the power humans have when we purposely focus our thoughts. In Genesis 11 the Lord saw people coming together to build a tower up to the heavens (the tower of Babel). The Lord actually acknowledged the fact that the people were coming together as one, they were united and completely focused on the task at hand, and because of it, the Lord said, “nothing would be impossible for them”. This is the type of power we can have when we take control of our thoughts, reject every distraction, and completely focus on whatever we seek to accomplish. This being the case, it is easy to see why both God and satan are after our attention. If they can get our attention we can begin to focus on what they want us to do.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Both God and satan are after your attention. God wants you to willingly give Him your attention. But if you fail to do so, He may attempt to get your attention, simply because He loves you. He is watching you go down the wrong path and He attempts to get your attention long enough to lead you to make a course-correction. Satan, on the other hand, does not love you at all. He wants to see you fail. He also wants you to give him your attention. If you refuse, satan will most certainly attempt to get it. There is a battle then, in your mind, for your attention.
2. Don’t force God’s hand – willingly give Him your attention. Of all the thoughts floating around in your mind, you actually have the power to focus and to purposely give your attention to whatever you choose. When you give your attention over to something, the object of your attention comes into focus. This is where you can become a powerful tool in the hands of either God or satan.
3. Don’t be ignorant of the battle for your attention:
a. If satan can get your attention for five seconds he can have your mind for five minutes.
b. Satan knows what you like and he will orchestrate tempting situations designed to grab your attention in order to lead your mind astray.
c. God can also grab your attention if He needs to, but don’t make Him. Be cognizant of the battle for your attention and willingly give it over to God every day and throughout the day.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I now see how You have graced me with tremendous power in my mind. You have given me the power to tear down strongholds and to give my attention over to Your projects. If I purposely give my attention and complete focus over to something, the seemingly impossible becomes possible. In 2016 I take control of my mind. I bring every wayward thought into captivity, under the obedience of Christ. I intentionally GIVE You my attention every day and throughout the day. You keep me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on You. This year I am focused, I pursue my purpose with clarity, I accomplish all You lead me to accomplish by Your grace, and I will experience the BEST year of my life! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
