FOCUS ON THE MISSION – Pastor Chris
Thursday, July 8, 2021
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 12:2).
There’re many today, including leaders, who have forgotten the purpose and mission of the Church. They’re carried away by the work, so much so they’ve forgotten the objective. It’s like being on a journey but forgetting the destination; they’re carried away by the sights and pleasures, the many distractions and attractions on the way.
Why do you live? What’s your purpose? In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, the Apostle Paul said, “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.” It’s only when you understand your mission that you can have an attitude and mindset as the one we see in the verses we just read.
Without a consciousness of the mission, you may be enjoying the journey, but you’re going nowhere. Therefore, you must live as one who has a destination, a God-given purpose. That way, nothing in this earth can shake you; the things of this earth will have no value to you, because your mind is on your purpose and on your mission.
It was so with Jesus, who “…for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2). It didn’t matter that they put a crown of thorns on His head with blood dripping from Him, and the excruciating pains from those nails; He endured it all.
It doesn’t matter what challenges you’re facing in your life; focus on the destination. Don’t let the things that happen along the way distract you from finishing your course. Paul demonstrated his resolve as stated in Acts 20:22-24: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
(
CONFESSION:
I refuse to be distracted by circumstances, experiences, or adversity. My focus is on Christ, His Word and His purpose for my life. I have a passion for God’s agenda, with my heart continually set on Him to do His will. I look beyond this world, and I’m ever strong in the Lord. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 19:8-41 & Job 15-18
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:18-35 & Joshua 3-4
