A Solitary Example

Friends,

At the hour of our Lord's greatest need, He left His friends behind and went to be in the presence of the Father.

Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. Mark 14:39 [NKJV]

In the hour of our greatest need, where do we go? Is it the familiar routines of work and busy-ness? Do we seek comfort in the sinful patterns of our youth? Do we wallow in despair? Do we seek the company of friends and loved ones?

Or do we follow the example of Christ?

He did not abandon His friends and followers. He went away, though, to seek the comfort of the One True Source of all comfort and strength. And then, when He returned to His disciples, He brought with Him all of the strength and power that the Father bestowed on Him.

You see, Jesus' purpose in these solitary times was not to disconnect from His people, but to more deeply connect with the Father. The renewal that we all receive when we reconnect with Almighty God is what He brought back to the disciples, and to us. In our greatest need, we must return to the Father.

Be encouraged, Jose

Fragmented Focus

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

One of the subtle and effective tools that the enemy launches against us is to inundate us with a series of trivial, yet legitimate issues so much so that these things obscure every other item, issues in our lives. When our attention and focus is taken away from the Source and Giver of life and dissipated on the cares and demands of the world, we gradually render our connection and fellowship with the Giver of all good things weak and ineffective.

A fragmented focus will trigger a series of things in our life - a fragmented prayer life, worship and witness - which will usher in disobedience, defiance, rebellion and compromise with the world. A fragmented focus will weaken us, derail us, and ultimately enhance the enemy's destruction plan. In all that life brings our way, let us keep the focus on our Lord Jesus Christ, who in pain, agony, joy, and suffering took not his focus away from the crown of glory but endured the heat of the moment for our sake.

Let us reject a fragmented focus lifestyle and embrace a Christ focused life. It will help us put every moment of our days in proper perspective.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi