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