"Be Focused!"
December 15, 2024 | Pastor Charles P. Akins, Sr.
Passage: Isaiah 26:3-4
Intro:
I often remind others that “Life is only 10% what happens to us but is 90% how we handle it!” How you handle what happens is directly impacted by where your mind is focused!
Prop:
If you can learn to focus on the bigger picture without sweating the details, you will live a Peaceful life! In other words, let Yah sweat the details!
Body:
You can control what you think and worry about, as well as fear or doubt!
Many times, in scripture Yahuwah has offered the “Keys” to life to us all! Peace!
He warned us in Matt 6:30-31 not to sweat the details:
30” Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”
Why do we worry? Would we worry if we knew our worth in Yah’s Eyes?
- Don’t make a problem a God! Fearing circumstances makes them your Master!
- Know what you’re worth to Yah!
The Holy Spirit informs Paul in: Philippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
So, ask yourself if you need peace, joy, or hope?
All we really need to do is to learn to totally trust in our God!
When you think about it, the concept that Man has adopted is strange at best.
We spend most of our lives worried about things we simply cannot change.
We become ill and lose the quality of life preoccupied with life!
Are you focused? What are you focused on?
- If you need Peace, then get focused!
- If you need strength, then get focused!
- If you want Joy, then get focused!
- If you want deliverance, then get focused!
Whatever we decide to focus on is what has our attention!
When Yahuwah has your attention, you focus on:
- Reading and absorbing The Word of Yah (Transform your thoughts)
- Prayer to hear from and get closer to Yah
- Meditation and studying the Word for understanding and revelation
- Repentance and righteous living (Changing according to Yah’s Will)
- Learning what will please and bring you closer to Yahuwah
- Staying in the Presence of Yahuwah
- Living in a state of constant Peace
As you focus on Yahuwah you become more like Him!
- II Cor 5:17, your ways and thoughts change to Holy ones
- Your desires become purified and selfless
- Love becomes a natural necessity in yours and others lives
- You see the world through a Holy lens
Proof:
According to cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf, 12 minutes of focused prayer each day for eight weeks can have a measurable impact on the brain. These changes can be seen on a brain scan.
Prayer can:
- Improve brain structure and function: Prayer can positively impact areas of the brain associated with compassion, empathy, social interaction, focus, attention, and emotional regulation.
- Reconfigure neural pathways: Prayer can rewire neural pathways, creating positive changes in brain structure and function.
- Release healing chemicals: Prayer can release chemicals that promote healing and well-being, while toxic thoughts like fear, anxiety, and unforgiveness can damage the brain.
- Shift focus: Prayer can help shift focus from worry to God.
- Deepen spiritual connection: Prayer can deepen spiritual connection and impact mental health.
Prayer can also change the brain by shutting down certain parts of the brain, such as the parietal lobes. The parietal lobes are responsible for sensory information, orientation in the world, and a sense of self.
Focus on Yahuwah and not your problems if you truly trust in Him.
Stress, anger, fear, depression, wrath, and doubt are mere carnal responses to spiritual issues, or demonic attacks.
Focus on Hayah prevents many medical issues derived from carnal reactions.
Questioning Yehudah is to forget our place in Creation, much as Job did.
We are the created, not the Creator. We often remove ourselves from His protection and blessings by reacting wrongly in times of challenge.
Conclusion:
There is only one way to obtain the Peace, Joy, and Love we all desire.
We must seek the Kingdom of Heaven and God’s Righteousness!
Yahuwah will provide everything we need as we seek His presence!