Focus! Focus!

Focus on the Task at Hand

by Max Lucado

Life is tough enough as it is. It's even tougher when we're headed in the wrong direction.

One of the incredible abilities of Jesus was to stay on target. His life never got off track. Not once do we find him walking down the wrong side of the fairway. He had no money, no computers, no jets, no administrative assistants or staff; yet Jesus did what many of us fail to do. He kept his life on course.

As Jesus looked across the horizon of his future, he could see many targets. Many flags were flapping in the wind, each of which he could have pursued. He could have been a political revolutionary. He could have been a national leader. He could have been content to be a teacher and educate minds or to be a physician and heal bodies. But in the end he chose to be a Savior and save souls.

Anyone near Christ for any length of time heard it from Jesus himself. "The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them" (Luke 19:10). "The Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people" (Mark 10:45).

The heart of Christ was relentlessly focused on one task. The day he left the carpentry shop of Nazareth he had one ultimate aim--the cross of Calvary. He was so focused that his final words were, "It is finished" (John 19:30).

How could Jesus say he was finished? There were still the hungry to feed, the sick to heal, the untaught to instruct, and the unloved to love. How could he say he was finished? Simple. He had completed his designated task. His commission was fulfilled. The painter could set aside his brush, the sculptor lay down his chisel, the writer put away his pen. The job was done.

Wouldn't you love to be able to say the same? Wouldn't you love to look back on your life and know you had done what you were called to do?


From Let the Journey Begin:
God's Roadmap for New Beginnings © (J Countryman 2009) Max Lucado

God has a prosperous plan for you!

Adjusting to the Lord's Plan
Matthew 4:18-22

I have been a Christian for many years, and not once has God asked me, "Charles, what do you want to do?" The Lord doesn't change His plans to suit my purposes or yours. Instead, He asks us to adjust our lives to align with His will.

One change He often requires has to do with lifestyle. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus' disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation--weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they willingly and suddenly made a dramatic change.

In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he'd have to give up to follow Christ (Matt. 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.

At times the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus' company, James and John worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. Pursuing His plan may mean the same thing for us. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matt. 19:29).

Our heavenly Father's plans are based upon His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God's design--accepting His will and making the needed changes in our circumstances and relationships--is always the wisest action we can take (Prov. 3:5-6).

Extra Column:

A hymn about following God's plan

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows and the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go--
Never fear, only trust and obey.

(Refrain)

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Words: John H. Sammis, 1887.
Music: Daniel B. Towner

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit

www.intouch.org

and

click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

Journey of a christian

The Stages of Our Christian Life

Philippians 1:5-7

Each Christian's journey is unique. Yet certain stages of growth should be common to all believers. For example:

• God wants to teach new followers basic principles as a foundation on which to build. He expresses these truths through other believers, His Word, and life circumstances.

• The Lord allows us to serve Him. We were created to do good works , and this becomes evident as growing Christians use their talents to glorify Jesus (Eph. 2:10).

• God lets us experience "frustrated inadequacy." Pride and self-confidence are threats to spiritual growth. Therefore, our Father brings us to the place where we realize we can achieve nothing of value without divine guidance and power.

• To make freedom a reality, the Father will bring His children face to face with whatever holds them captive. We often carry hurts, fears, or other "baggage" from childhood and on our own, have no idea how to gain victory. God allows us to struggle through such issues with His help. As we surrender the problem to Him and seek His perspective, He works to liberate us.

• The Lord teaches us how to live the "exchanged life" (Gal. 2:20). Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and the Savior's life is expressed through us as we surrender to the Holy Spirit's influence.

Do you recognize these stages as you look back over your walk with Christ? Perhaps you can identify an area where God still needs to work in your life. Is there anything standing in the way of allowing Him to live fully through you? Surrender to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you become more like Jesus.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit

www.intouch.org

and

click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.