.jpg)
THIS IS A MESSAGE THAT HAS BEEN ON MY HEART TO SHARE WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST. ITS CONTENT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE, IF YOU APPLY IT! ARE YOU FOCUSED?
LETTING GO OF NICE THINGS THAT DON'T MATTER
Philippians 3:5-9
FOCUSED - Fixed On Christ's Unlimited Supply Each Day
ARE YOU FOCUSED?
Paul's absolute focus gave him an absolute willingness to let go of nice things that didn't matter. Note some items that he discarded:
1. His heritage: a Hebrew of the Hebrews (v. 5)
2. His pure lineage: from the tribe of Benjamin (v. 5)
3. His former legalism: a strict Pharisee (v. 5)
4. His past zeal: a persecutor of the church (v. 6)
5. His self-righteousness: a blameless life (v. 6)
Paul so narrowed his focus that he discarded not only the things he once counted as gain, but he counted as garbage for the sake of obtaining Christ! He would lose it all if that allowed him to gain intimacy with Christ (Phil 3:8, 9).
Leaders who change the world have this kind of sharp focus. Think about the leaders of the Bible and the focus they had to bring about revolutionary change:
1. ABRAHAM: left his homeland, wealth, and friends for a new land because he focused on the unseen kingdom. Mary and I experienced the leaving of the homeland to venture out for Christ.
2. JOSEPH: had strength to endure hardship and prisons because his dream focused on the greatness of God.
3. MOSES: could turn his back on Egypt because he focused on God's plan.
4. STEPHEN: preached an unpopular message and died a martyr because of his focus.
5. PAUL: gave everything up and said, "This one thing I do."
6. JESUS: told Martha, "Only one thing is necessary."
What does it take to gain the focus required to become a truly effective leader? The keys are priorities and concentration. A leader who knows his priorities but lacks concentration knows what to do, but never gets it done. A leader with concentration but no priorities has excellence without progress. But when leaders harness both, they gain the potential to achieve great things.
People base their decisions on a variety of things:
1. The ULTIMATE: first things first.
2. The URGENT: loud things first.
3. The UNPLEASANT: hard things first.
4. The UNFINISHED: last things first.
5. The UNFULFILLING: dull things first.
Paul exemplifies a leader who focused on the ultimate every day. HOW ABOUT YOU? To get back on track with focus, work on these items:
1. WORK ON YOURSELF. You are your greatest asset or worst liability.
2. WORK ON YOUR PRIORITIES. Fight for the important ones.
3. WORK IN YOUR STRENGTHS. You can reach your potential if you do.
4. WORK WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES. You can't be effective alone.
If you do these things, surely we will all become UNITED IN HIS PURPOSE!
Source: The NKJV Bible, Maxwell's Leadership Bible and my comments.
No comments:
Post a Comment
THE PROGRESSIVE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIFE!
There is a purpose in every season of our life. This year 2009 is a season for revelation to be revealed. We are being and have been prepared for this new season of favor from God.
Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which has and is trying you! But God says to rejoice because you have been and are partaking in Christ sufferings. When God's glory is revealed you will be glad with exceeding joy.
God wants us to give more access to His presence. There is more to be done and we cannot do it without His Spirit. For it is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.
Yes, we have failed God many times during the preparation for this day, this hour, and this year. Think of God's love--how He so graciously leads us along.
The learning is tough but it carries a great and glorious recompense of reward.
God says to you this day that you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God. Otherwise, we will not receive and enjoy our full reward.
Jesus is coming soon and He will not delay, so receive and be a part of the revelation knowledge God wishes to pour out on each of us.
Give access to God's presence in your life. Give access and time to God in your life. This is the day that His glory will be revealed in you.
Do not be sad, do not be frustrated, do not be discouraged, and do not be depressed. Revelation brings joy! The world needs joy and revelation of God will bring joy.
The progressive work of the Holy Spirit in your life has prepared you for this year. Trials seem long but the joy and reward are worth the wait.
God says that we are not to be faint-hearted. Our confidence must rise to a new level. Our hope must exceed yesterday's hope. Only the Holy Spirit can inspire that confidence that is needed. The word of God brings revelation. The word of God brings joy and hope.
Cut all ties, cut all weight off--be clean before God. Make room inside of yourself for a new revelation of who God is.
Christ died for you...
AND THERE WAS A RESURRECTION
DAY FOR YOU!
a word spoken in due season