Maintaining Focus Series

Maintaining Focus

Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44

Mark 1:35 (HCSB)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.

A Pattern to Follow

* Very early in the morning

• Before the demands of the day

• Sacrificing sleep

• The first priority

* He went out to a deserted place

• Away from the distractions of life

* He was praying there

• Open communication with the Father

Mark 1:36-37 (HCSB)

Simon and his companions went searching for Him. They found Him and said, “Everyone’s looking for You!”

Luke 4:42 (HCSB)

When it was day, He went out and made His way to a deserted place. But the crowds were searching for Him. They came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving them.

Focus Hijackers

* Well intentioned

• Tyranny of the urgent

• The demands of others

* The hijackers will find you

• Jesus was in a deserted place

* Their purpose

• To shift your focus

• To get you off course

Mark 1:38 (HCSB)

And He said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”

Unwavering Focus

* Jesus returned to His call

• To preach the good news

• The Kingdom of God has come

• Repent

• Believe

* Jesus recognized the error of staying

• Doorway to pride

• Hindering the work of God

• Did not force the people to grow

Mark 1:39 (HCSB)

So He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Implementing the Plan

* Jesus left Capernaum

• The message needed to be spread

• God’s plan was not just for Capernaum

* The ministry was constant

• The message didn’t change

* God’s message is for all people

• We must continue to take the message beyond where we are today

What is hijacking your focus???

**Powerpoint available on request