Focus On God

With the holidays behind us and into a new year, it is time to set our sights on what’s ahead of us and forget the past. I’m sure we’ve all set new goals for this year and, more than likely, they may be the same goals we tried for last year but were unsuccessful in our efforts.

As we set out to accomplish anything, whether it be a new resolution or new challenge that has been put before us, what do you feel is the biggest hindrance that blocks your path? I’ve got an answer for you… it’s the inability to stay focused!

Everything we set out to do, we do so earnestly and with best intentions in mind. What happens is, the troubles of this world step in front of us; shield our eyes; cover our ears; and, most importantly, close our hearts.

Well, this year, I think we can do this! I think a lot of us here today may finally have the realization that we are not alone in our efforts and, instead, have an Almighty God, a Savior that died for us as well as the power of The Holy Spirit, that will help us through our struggles this year.

Ask for Help

The first thing we should be doing when we set out on our new ventures, is ask for God’s help. This is easy to do when we simply remember how steadfast His Love for us truly is and how many times in the scriptures He has told us to do so.

Jesus reminded us in Matthew how giving our God is and how, in so many ways, we can ask for His help… and received it.

Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Remember the power of prayer? We talk about it just about every week. We have seen the results right here, within our little Church to people and families that are with us. Remember how simple it is to pray and how Jesus told us how to ask?

Matthew 6:7-8 – “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

So, this year, when we’re trying to accomplish our goals, let’s remember to ask for help. Ask God and understand that He already knows what you need!

Believe

We know we should ask for God’s help. We just talked about how to ask for it but, once again, I ask you… what is the most important part of prayer? Do you truly believe He will help you?

I have to tell you, from my own personal standpoint on asking God for help… every time I ask for it, I do so remembering the scripture and what was spoken straight from the mouth of Jesus.

Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Remember what we talked about last week? Every thought, every wish or hope that comes into your heart that is good and kind, understand that this is a sign from God that you have already received it!

Again, God already knows what we need but, if you don’t ask Him for His help, how will we show Him that it’s truly what we want as well? Ask… and know you will receive it!

Give Thanks

Okay, now I know this may sound a little premature, but it’s also a very important part of asking and receiving God’s help.

We’ve talked about how we should ask. We’ve talked about believing and understanding we will receive it… so let’s put the icing on the cake and remember after we’ve done steps 1-2 of 3, let’s complete the process… let’s give thanks!

When we thank God in advance, it’s really a declaration of our faith in Him. Your thanks is saying “God, I’m so sure of your goodness, I’m so sure that you’re working in my life that I’m going to thank you right now for what you are going to do tomorrow.” And “I thank you for all that I’ve been given and all I’m about to receive!”

Remember also, when you give thanks to God and believe in all you have been given and all you are to receive, you are glorifying His name.

Psalm 136:1-3 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.”

Enter with No Fear

God’s Word brings us a comforting promise, along with an insightful command as we face a new year.