Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” with the point being that we should live with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
This is the main scripture we will be looking at this year.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Two days ago, we looked at Mary and Martha. Yesterday, we looked at Elijah. Today, we will go back to Mary and Martha.
(Luke 10:40-42 NIV)
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So, what does this mean for you today? A few things.
1. Understanding the Need for Spiritual Focus.
— Spiritual focus is about integrating God’s presence into every aspect of our life, not just during set times of prayer or worship.
— Like Mary in the Bible, we should aim to develop a constant consciousness of God, making His presence a guiding force in our daily decisions, attitudes, and actions.
— This focus isn’t a momentary act but a sustained lifestyle. To live this way, we must continually tune our hearts and minds to God’s frequency, living our lives with a sensitivity to the divine impulses of the Holy Spirit.
— Spiritual focus acts as a compass, guiding us through life’s complexities and ensuring we remain aligned with God’s plan and purpose.
— God never promised us an easy life. What He promised is to be there with us, for us, and in us (for those who are Born-Again). This means the Holy Spirit will lead, guide, and direct us as we attempt to make decisions (in 2024) that we believe align with His divine plan.
— As we navigate 2024, let’s ask God for the grace to maintain this spiritual focus, allowing it to permeate every area of our lives.
— Without spiritual focus and discipline, it is far too easy to fall back into our humanity and rely on human ability, power, and strength. To be clear, you can be Born-Again and not listen to the Holy Spirit. You can be filled with God’s Spirit and still live a carnal life.
— Once you are Born-Again, and you have God’s Spirit living down inside of you, you have the ability to live your life led by His promptings. You also have the ability to live your life led by your intellect, solely relying on the flesh. If you are led by the Holy Spirit, you will be like Mary was in the text, locked into what God is saying when He is speaking. If you ignore the Holy Spirit, you will live like a mere man, relying on your humanity, and it will be very easy for you to live like Martha was in the text: tired, frustrated, irritated, and not even listening to God when He is speaking.
— I hope you see the need for spiritual focus!
2. The Role of Spiritual Discipline.
— Mary’s decision to prioritize Jesus over all else showcases the power of spiritual discipline – a deliberate choice to focus on what’s eternally significant.
— Martha could have made that choice, too. But she didn’t. Martha was way too focused on human needs, so she missed out on a divine moment.
— This discipline I am talking about here involves more than just routine practices; it’s about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God through regular prayer, scripture study, and quiet moments in His presence. This is how you will know when to work and when to worship. You will discern when to be active and when to be quiet in His presence.
— Spiritual discipline is not about a set of restrictive rules. Spiritual discipline is actually liberating. The Bible says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!” The Holy Spirit leads us to align our desires with God’s, freeing us from worldly distractions. This is the type of focus we need and freedom we can enjoy in this season.
— Developing personal spiritual disciplines is essential. Discipline keeps us connected to God and focused on His voice, especially amidst life’s noise and chaos.
— There is so much going on in this world that we need the discipline and focus to remain on God’s path and not get distracted by anything (seeingly good or bad).
— Make a personal commitment to live with divine discipline, understanding that discipline is not a burden but a bridge to a closer walk with God. Discipline will keep you locked in. Once again, the scripture we are focusing on for this year is: “Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions” (Prov 4:25 TPT).
3. Overcoming the Temptation to Compare.
— Martha’s reaction to Mary’s choice highlights the common trap of comparison – measuring our spiritual journey against others’.
— Paul warned us against comparison. He said, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Cor 10:12 NKJV).
— Engaging in comparison can lead us into a spiral of distraction, dissatisfaction, and even discouragement. It shifts our focus from God’s unique plan for us to the earthly realm of competition.
— Embrace the path God has laid out specifically for you. It’s a journey tailored to your divine design, one that only you can walk.
— I always tell you to celebrate the diversity of giftings and callings without jealousy. You should be able to celebrate what God is doing in someone else’s life without it causing you to feel dissatisfied with your own.
— One of the main reasons why Martha was upset with what she was doing was because she was comparing herself to what her sister was doing.
— Stop comparing yourself to other people. You have a path, and they have a path. Their path should not dictate, diminish, or derail you from your own. Every child of God has a distinct role and path in God’s grand design.
— If you want to remain laser-focused on the fixed purpose God has for you in 2024, you must stop comparing yourself to other people. As Paul said, it’s not wise. Instead, fix your focus (your gaze) on the path God has set before you, ignoring life’s distractions, trusting that God will do what He planned to do in YOUR life at just the right time in a way that brings glory to His name!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I live with a laser focus on Your fixed purpose for my life this year!
I will be deeply aware of Your presence in every aspect of my life. Your Spirit guides my decisions, attitudes, and actions.
I embrace spiritual discipline, not as a duty but as a pathway to deeper communion with You.
I reject the temptation to compare my journey with others. I celebrate Your unique plan for me, trusting in the path You’ve laid out.
I declare that my focus will not waver. I am rooted in Your purpose, reject every distraction, and focus on Your promises for me.
GREATER IS COMING for me because 2024 is my year of unwavering spiritual focus, walking confidently in the path You’ve ordained for me.
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
