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FOCUS --- one prayer [+] Monday E-Devotion

Proverbs 29:18 (The Message) --- If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
 
The text message came early this morning that due to the heat levels and the weather in the Roanoke area that there may be lots of haze.  It will make it hard to see.  In our area there are the Blue Ridge Mountains, and when the weather is just right, fog sets in, and you cannot see but a few feet in front of where you are driving. 
 
Both considers make for poor vision.  You cannot focus on where you are going or on what is going on around you.  One of the biggest issues I have in life and that I share with reckless abandon is the issue of focus.  We have to focus our lives on God and see the vision and seize the direction He has for us.  Here is ONE PRAYER.  It is huge.  It is a God-thing.  Without having focus in our lives, we will not be who God made us to be, or do what God equipped us to do, or impact the people God has directed us to impact.
 
We need to be focused.  We need focus.
 
Romans 15:1-3 (nlt) --- We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.  We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.  For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me."

Why do we focus?  We are to focus so that we can lift the people who need God.  These three verses tell us several things. 
 
First, we are strong (even when you don't believe it).  Jesus is in our lives and working hard.  We have the strength to do some incredible things and to trust God along the way. 
 
Second, we are to lift the weak.  To bear their weakness and help them along.  It is not helping them to pay a bill or feel better about themselves.  We are to lift people so they will see God.
 
Third and last, we are to live for Jesus and not just please ourselves.  Jesus did that, and so should we.  Selfish living doesn't get ministry done, doesn't leave us satisfied and doesn't make a difference in any lives at all.  God has called us to pour our lives out for other people.  Like Jesus did.
 
If we focus on God, we will see that our lives will make a huge difference for God.  Are we willing to do that?  It is not easy at all.
 
Philippians 2:3-5 (nlt) --- Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
 
My ONE PRAYER message is this: Lord, make us effective.
 
The first point is that we need focus.  Lets focus our lives, hearts and hands on God.  There is no time to waste....
 
For more on our current series join the conversation at www.oneprayer.com.  Join The Community Fellowship and over 1,330 other churches by focusing on God for the next four weeks.  Spend time praying, fasting, sharing and seeking God.  It will change your life and your focus.  Join us.

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