12 KEYS OF SUCCESS IN 2018 ... KEY NUMBER 5 ... FOCUS ...

*SUNDAY 24.12.2017*

KEY NUMBER 5

*FOCUS*

In *Nehemiah 6:3*, Nehemiah replies to those who wanted to distract him from his project saying,

"And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: *why should the work cease*, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

This declaration is from a man of God named Nehemiah who was so focused that he did not allow anyone to distract him from his great project. With that clear and unchanging purpose of heart and mind, with that great resolve, the walls of Jerusalem rose until they were rebuilt in an astonishing 52 days as it is written in *Nehemiah 6:15*,

*"So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.."*

*IN 2018, if we ought to succeed, BE FOCUSED*. What does it mean ? We should not allow ourselves to get distracted from our sacred duty. We cannot and we must not lose focus on the things that matter most.

*WHY FOCUS ? FOCUS ENABLES TO FINISH WHAT YOU START*

Which means in other words that focus is a spiritual power that helps to not give up in faith, to not let discouragement take place. Focus is a power which allows nothing to be left unfinished, partial or incomplete.

Throughout Scriptures, God is revealed as THE BEGINNER and ALSO THE FINISHER of things. Whatever he starts he also finishes. Whatever he starts he also brings it unto completion. He never leaves anything unfinished because He is a Focused God.      

*Philippians 1:6* I’m convinced that *GOD, WHO BEGAN* this good work in you, will *CARRY IT THROUGH TO COMPLETION* on the day of Christ Jesus. 

*Hebrews 12:2 GWV WE MUST FOCUS ON JESUS*, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.

*WHY FOCUS ? FOCUS ENABLES TO CONCENTRATE ON ONE THING*

Martha and Mary received both Jesus but one was unfocused while the other was focused.

Martha was so distracted about many things. She was always complaining, unsettled, unhappy and unfulfilled. In another hand, her sister Mary was focused on Jesus and seated at Jesus' feet to hear the Word. Jesus was so displeased that he rebuked Martha for her lack of focus while he praised Mary for her focus saying,

"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41)

*HOW TO FOCUS ?*

*1) BY FAITH, Set goals, and measure the progress.*

1. Your goal must be very specific and measurable; it must not be vague.
2. Your goal must be time bound.
3. Your goal must be realistic and achievable.

e.g. 1 - Finish reading Bible in 90 days or 3 months, or 6 months

e.g. 2 - Finish reading 2 or 3 or 4 books by end of march 2018 

...

*2) BY FAITH, fight distraction* (everything causing diversion and weakening your attention ... : some tv programs, social medias, idle friends, idle thoughts, ...) and 

*3) BY FAITH, have your eyes fixed* 

1- On Jesus the author and the finisher of your faith (Luke 10:40/ Hebrews 12:1-2)

2- On your God-given assignment on the earth. (Acts 20:24 / 2 Timothy 4:7)

3- On the heavenly prize awaiting you when Jesus will appear (Philippians 3:12-15)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER 

1) Are you a focused man/woman? If no, why?

2) What are the things left unfinished and undone in 2017 ? Why were they left unfinished and undone?

3) Do you have a project or projects for 2018 and beyond ? If yes, what are they? (write them down)

4) What is distracting you or what makes  you lose focus on the pursuit of your God-given steam?

5) Are you focused on the things that matter most?

6) Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived fleeting things that matter only in the moment or on things that matter most?

7) What are the things that distract you from your duties or hinder you from magnifying your calling more diligently?

SO SHALL IT BE !!!

🔃🔃🔃🔃🔃🔃🔃🔃🔃

JESUS IS LORD !

Pastor T.D. KASUKU K.K.

The Word Of Life Church International

Nairobi/Kenya