"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses." (Joshua 1:1-3)
Every human being has the same problem lately; difficulty concentrating or failing to focus. Failure to focus can be fatal because life is short. There is one thing that was not redeemed at Calvary, it is time. Wasting opportunities is easy but we need to remember that time cannot be repeated. Therefore, we must make a decision today to focus on what God wants in our lives. So that we don't become humans who live in vain.
God doesn't waste time or opportunity. As soon as Moses died, God immediately spoke to Joshua. Why did God say that Moses was dead? Even though the death of Moses was already known by Joshua and the Israelites? When God speaks, it is not just information or notification, but a word and revelation; Joshua received authority and power to do something.
Don't become a Christian for the sake of knowledge, but earnestly seek God's face and open your heart. While our hearts are open, we will receive revelation and power to do His will. God wants us to receive life force not just knowledge. Find out what the Lord has said to us and our families, and what His future plans are for us.
When our spirits receive revelation, it's not just the brain that receives knowledge, something will happen in our life, we will receive authority. We will partner with God to walk His plan. Become doers of the word, not just hearers. It all started with a quiet time.
How to focus?
- Know that we will definitely win
"Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west." (Joshua 1:4)
Short-minded people find it difficult to focus. People can focus if they can see God's vision deep into its fulfillment. Faith has a long-term vision. If we want to focus on things that are according to God's plan, we must know that we are sure to win. We don't need to know how, but we do need to know who we trust and that He is able to sustain and fulfill His plan to the end of our lives. Faith doesn't have to be great, it has to be whole.
- Put your heart and mind
"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them." (Joshua 1:5-6)
Being strong and courageous means being determined; If there is a goal, it can't be deflected. Don't focus on the scoreboard, but focus on the game. No luck or blessing comes without the willingness to pay the price. God wants us to work not because of our efforts that bring blessings, but because God wants us to pay the price. Whatever it is you want to achieve, you have to put your heart and mind there. Pursue, invest time, invest prayer.
- Reject all distractions
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7)
Be careful with interference or distraction. God reminded Joshua not only to be strong and courageous, but also to act carefully, and not stray right or left. This means that we must be careful and willfully reject all distractions in our life.
Don't let us be constantly distracted by things like social media; this does not mean sin, but the Bible says that everything is good, but not everything builds up. Make sure we can stay focused. In addition, don't be easily distracted by what people say that is not in accordance with God's Word, so that it disturbs our minds. Leave also sins that hinder or prevent us from focusing on living in God's plan.
The source of authority and revelation is the Bible and the Holy Spirit. This is what keeps us focused. If we are difficult to focus, ask Holy Spirit to guide us, and meditate on God's Word day and night.
Excerpted form Ps. Philip Mantofa's Sermon, 15 August 2021, Youtube & Instagram Live
https://youtu.be/FlEEhy7WKC8
