SHARPENING OUR HEAVENLY FOCUS

[Albert Finch]

With the almost non-stop flow of information that is coming at us these days, it is more important than ever that we be intentional about what we focus on. Amidst this swirl of 24-hour-a-day input it can be a battle to keep our eyes and hearts focused in faith on the good news of who our God is and His all-powerful ability to do the impossible in the midst of the difficult (see Luke 18:27).

In Matthew 16 we see examples of just how important and powerful it is to FOCUS on God and what He is HIGHLIGHTING in the midst of information overload.

In Matthew 16:13-19 Jesus and the disciples are discussing some of the many things the world has to say about who Jesus is. Some say He is a prophet. Some say He is John the Baptist. Some say He is Elijah. And others say He is Jeremiah. But when Jesus asks Simon, Simon is able to FOCUS in on the reality of the good news, even when it seems the most incredible and impossible of all the reports.

Simon answers that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Jesus erupts with praise for Simon, telling him that he is truly blessed because he was able to focus in on what his Father in Heaven was highlighting to him in the midst of the swirl of information. Simon's ability, in that moment, to focus on what Heaven was highlighting had a powerful and lasting impact – so much so, that Simon emerges from the moment transformed. He is given a new name, Peter, which means "rock."

FOCUSING ON BEING PROACTIVE IN ADVANCING OUR FAITH

Focusing in on the good news of who our God is and what He is capable of in any situation grounds us in the truth of Heaven and works to transform us and our circumstances.
The key for us in this hour is not to ignore the information coming at us, but to remember to always focus in on what God has to say, and what Heaven is highlighting. We must never allow a bad report or alarming news to have a greater impact on us than the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the miraculous ability of our Heavenly Father to bring about all of His promises – no matter what.

WE WILL BE PROACTIVE IN OUR FAITH AND DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. We will seek first the Kingdom of God (DISCOVERING OR ADVANCING GOD'S CALLING ON OUR LIFE).
"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 AMP

2. We will not give heed to reports of the world, or listen to the distractions and discouragements of the enemy, but instead we will clearly hear what the Lord is highlighting to us, and be encouraged (John 10:4-5).

3. We are strong in our faith and we believe that our God is well able – always and in all ways.
"Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear: only keep on believing". - Mark 5:36 AMP

4. We will keep our focus on the realities of Heaven; we will allow our minds to be filled with the love, light and truth of Jesus; and we will dwell not on how temporary facts say things seem to be, but on how the eternal Word of God says they truly are (Colossians 3:1-12).

5. We will remain childlike in our faith, always trusting in our Heavenly Father to perform His Word and bring about His purposes (Matthew 18:3-4).

6. We will trust in the love of Jesus and cast our cares (concerns, fears, doubts, distractions, discouragements) upon Him, allowing Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen us so that we can continue doing good, believing for the best, and contending for the certain victory (1 Peter 5:7; John 14:26; Romans 8:37).

7. We will be absolute in our resolve to continue on in our assignments, advancing the Kingdom and bringing Heaven to earth (Isaiah 50:7; Philippians 3:12).

8. We will praise the Lord in all things and at all times knowing that, no matter how things might look or seem at present, His Word never returns void but always accomplishes all it is sent to do (Isaiah 55:11).

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
https://afministry.ning.com/