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.
We have also been looking at this passage about Mary and Martha. I will mention it again today.
(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. God has a Purpose for 2024, and you must Remain Focused on it.
We will be looking at this verse all year:
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
— Proverbs 4:25 TPT is a clarion call for single-minded dedication to God’s path.
— Yesterday, my spiritual father, Pastor Tony Brazelton, used Matthew 6:22, 23 in his message. This passage says, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” This “single” Jesus is referring to here is about having a focused and undivided heart towards God’s purpose.
— When our “eye”—our spiritual perception and focus—is ‘single’ and clear, it illuminates our entire being, flooding our soul with God’s light and guidance.
— This concept aligns perfectly with Proverbs 4:25, where the emphasis is on setting our gaze firmly on the path God has laid out for us. It’s about focusing our spiritual and mental energies on God’s direction, eliminating the distractions that can lead us astray.
— Having a ‘single eye’ means being wholeheartedly devoted to God’s plan, not moved by the shifting shadows of worldly desires or fears.
— This single-mindedness isn’t just about attentiveness; it’s a commitment to prioritize God’s will over our own, trusting that His path leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
— When we live with this kind of spiritual focus, we become vessels of God’s light, reflecting His wisdom and truth in all areas of our lives.
— Conversely, if our focus is divided, if we are trying to serve both God and our own interests, our spiritual vision becomes clouded. This divided focus leads to confusion and a life that lacks the full clarity and direction of God’s light.
— Therefore, in this year of ‘Laser Focus,’ let us strive to keep our spiritual eyes single and fixed on God, ensuring that His light fills every part of our lives, guiding us towards His divine purpose for 2024.
2. In this season, we must Develop Unwavering Spiritual Discipline for God’s Vision for 2024.
— Embrace the spiritual discipline of maintaining a ‘laser focus’ on God’s plans, avoiding the alluring distractions of the world.
— Cultivate a deep-rooted conviction in the purpose God has revealed to you, using it as the criterion for all decisions.
— Regularly revisit and meditate on your divine assignment, allowing it to resonate deeply in your spirit and guide your daily choices.
— In moments of uncertainty or temptation, refocus your gaze on the eternal, aligning your actions with your God-given trajectory.
— Recognize that maintaining focus is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to choose God’s path over the world’s allure.
— Develop a habit of consulting the Holy Spirit in every situation, ensuring that your steps are ordered by God and not by emotions or feelings of the moment.
— Implement practical strategies to minimize distractions, such as setting specific times for prayer, reflection, and scripture study.
— Remember that a focused life is not a restricted life; it’s a life that enjoys the fullness of God’s plan and purpose.
3. Discerning When to Focus: Balancing Work and Worship.
— Use the story of Mary and Martha as a template for balancing life’s duties with spiritual priorities.
— Understand that there is a time for work and a time for worship; discernment lies in knowing when to transition between the two.
— Learn to identify the ‘Mary moments’ in your life, those times when it’s crucial to pause and sit at Jesus’ feet.
— Conversely, recognize the ‘Martha moments,’ when practical service and work align with God’s purpose.
— Seek wisdom in managing your responsibilities without neglecting your spiritual growth and well-being.
— Regularly evaluate your commitments and responsibilities through prayer, asking God to highlight areas that align or conflict with your divine focus (you should pray over your calendar and commitments).
— Embrace the rhythm of grace God has set for your life, understanding that your pace may differ from others but is perfectly tailored for your purpose.
— Let peace be your umpire, guiding your decisions on when to engage in activity and when to withdraw for spiritual nourishment.
— Never lose sight of the fact that your ultimate goal is to align with God’s plan, whether through action or adoration.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I live with a laser focus on Your fixed purpose for my life this year!
I embrace the call to have a single, undivided heart toward Your purpose, letting Your light and guidance flood my soul.
I vow to prioritize Your will over mine, trusting in the fulfillment and purpose Your path brings.
My spiritual vision will be clear and unwavering as I choose to serve You and not my own interests.
I maintain focus on Your vision, steering clear of worldly distractions.
I seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every decision, ensuring my steps align with Your divine trajectory.
In moments of doubt, I will refocus on the eternal, letting Your Word and Spirit guide my decisions and actions.
I balance work and worship, understanding the importance of both ‘Mary moments’ and ‘Martha moments’ in fulfilling Your purpose.
Your peace guides my decisions, helping me discern when to engage in activity and when to seek spiritual nourishment.
I walk confidently down the path You’ve ordained for me in 2024.
Therefore, GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!