Focus on Faith

Focus on Fat?

Dieting is a constant in my life.   It seems that I am always resolving to “lose at least  ten pounds in a month”.   Setting my mind to “loss mode” requires a total commitment  of measuring food, counting calories, food journaling (even an app on my I-phone!), water and more water, empty the grandkids snack drawer, empty the refrigerator, never open a Southern Living and turn off all TV food shows.  As long as I maintain my focus, success is eminent.  If the focus wavers…. it’s all over.  As for most of the world, my “Focus on Fat” is generated by a desire to feel better, stay healthy and look better.  

Isn’t it strange that I can spend that much energy and time on something as “temporary” as my body, when I was born with a desire for God and eternity already in my heart?   As much as I desire success in my “Fat Focus”; my heart yearns for the presence of God in my every moment.   I want the unwavering faith and joy that comes from a personal daily relationship with Christ.

Focus on Faith?

Hebrews 11:6 - King James Version (KJV)         ⁶But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

My greatest desire is to know God so intimately that everything emanating from me is a reflection of Him.   We are born with a desire for God and eternity already in our hearts.

"I will give them a heart to know me."   - Jeremiah 24:7

"Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord ..."     Hosea 10:12.

"God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."  - Psalm 53:2

"If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways, so I may know you and continue to find favor with you... Show me your glory."   - Moses (Exodus 33:13,18)

" Now devote your heart and souls to seeking the Lord your God."    - I Chronicles 22:19

This Godly intimacy is boundless in reward and benefits.  It is a relationship that brings freedom from pride, fear, indecision, hurt, pain; and freedom from the price of sin in our lives. 

" For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  - Jer. 29:11-13

" I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ... I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings..."     - Paul (Philippians 3:8-11)

The result of “Faith Focus” is diligently pursuing the relationship that God wants and demands from us which creates in us joy, hope and the abundant life that God wants for all of his children.    There is no secret to this type of “Faith Focus”.  It is as simple as seeking God with all our hearts, seeking God “first”, and seeking Him continually. 

" O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory... your love is better than life..."    -
David (Psalm 63:1-3)

" And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him he will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." -                 I Chronicles 28:9

So… where is your focus?  What comes first in your life?  What comes between you and God?  What are you seeking?  What are you persuing?  What really counts in eternity?

Deuteronomy 4:29 says,

“From there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.”