How can we stay focused in all the storms about us? How can we sleep through the night and wake up refreshed? What are the culprits that keep us awake and how do we attain the peace we so desperately need? These storms are real and they need our attention, but how do we put them in their right place? Staying Focused!

There are many things we need to do each day, but sometimes deciding on what is priority is the hard part. There are many voices in the wind that tell us we need to do this or we need to do that. Some of these voices are from the TV, the internet, the radio, laws, opinions, our thoughts and everything else. They are called the “shoulds.” You should do this. You should do that. This is the trap and we need to be aware of it.

In reality, we don’t need to do anything the Lord isn’t telling us to do. We know what is right but it is hard not to bow to the pressure of  this world system. Our biggest enemy can be time if we let it dictate to us. Some things can wait. Some things don’t need to be done at all. Some things just work themselves out in time. But when they are coming at us all at once, it can be really overpowering.

I remember when computers were first arriving on the scene. Everyone was saying that they were going to enable us to do things faster so that we could have more time to do the things we wanted to do. The only problem is that the faster we are able to do things the more greedy people become so we now have to accomplish more and we end up using the free time that we desired to have in the first place. It is a never ending cycle once we buy into it. We need to overcome the curse of time and walk in the blessings of eternity.

When we are born again in Christ, we become new creatures. Our spirit is alive and we communicate with and in eternity. We will never die. We start to understand that we have a place on this earth for a season and then we have eternity with God the Father and Jesus in Heaven. We are here on this earth for a purpose and however long it takes is how long we will remain here. If we look at some of the saints of old we can get a glimpse of this. Abraham was given a promise that he longed to see fulfilled. Because of him, history was changed. Others had to walk different parts of it out for it to be fulfilled.

Why are you here on this earth right now? Do you know? If you do know, are you walking everyday with the Lord? At the end of the day can you say, “I did everything You wanted me to do today, Lord!” This is all there is. It is simple but it is not easy. The world system does not operate this way and it doesn’t like anyone to go against it, hence the storms that come our way.

What happens when we start walking the way of the Lord? First of all, we notice His peace that envelopes us. His presence is all about us. Sometimes others are attracted to us and some are repelled. His presence causes different responses, yet all will notice something different. Look at the different ways people responded to Jesus and to the disciples in the book of Acts. Those who were religious were the ones who fought them. Those who were needy received from the Lord. Those who have a form of godliness by denying the power of God, (2 Timothy 3:5) will always fight against the anointing. They rely on rituals to feel good instead of confessing the truth and getting right with the Lord. Then they put their rules and regulations on everyone else. The truth is simple. The truth brings freedom. Religion brings bondage, fear, and control. Please understand that the religion I am talking about is based upon rituals, rules and regulations taught by men and demons. A person or group can use parts of the truth, make a doctrine and beat others with it. We need to be careful that we live in the freedom that Jesus died to bring us. Holy Spirit will show us the truth. 1 John 2:26-27 says, “I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” Do not let anyone rule over you as a god. Do not give away your freedom in Christ for someone else’s doctrine and belief. You are responsible for your life. When you leave this earth and meet face to face with the Lord, He is going to ask you about you, not someone else.

It is one thing to say you are a Christian and go to a church fellowship on the weekend. It is a totally different thing to be one. I can either have this religion that is a mere ritual that does not benefit me at all or I can have the real thing and walk everyday with the living Lord. I don’t want to share any religion with anyone else. I do want to share Him with everyone else. I want His love to flow through me so that others can feel Him touch their heart. I want His healing to heal those places that have been torn. I desire for everyone to walk in His peace and let stress be gone. I want everyone to be able to talk to Him and to hear His voice. He is not a religion. He is reality! He has changed my life forever and He can change your life too.

In my next post I will be writing about getting started in walking with Him. May you be blessed today. May the Lord’s peace envelope you as you seek His face. Remember, He loves you no matter what you’ve done or have not done. He will never leave you. He will always be with you. Get to know Him and experience a life of fullness and joy. Staying Focused!

Joseph James