Focus dude

Crush: Dude? Dude? Focus dude... Dude?
[Marlin wakes up]

From Finding Nemo, according to:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/quotes

This is one of my favorite movies, and I think Crush is a favorite for anyone who has seen the movie. Nevertheless, this cute quote has a profound message.

 Many problems in the world today are caused by a lack of focus. Take driving for instance, most accidents are caused by distracted drivers. When I googled "most common cause of car accidents," distracted drivers or distraction came up first on the first three websites listed.

Distractions can be dangerous not only for drivers but also for followers of Christ.

I have learned from experience that becoming distracted results in depression, self-pity, a warped perspective, anger, hurt, believing lies, and much, much more.

Maybe that is why God emphasizes focus in the Bible.

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 3:1 says, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."

Proverbs 4:25 says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."

Now, we have to be careful what we focus on as well. These verses, especially the first two, tell us to focus on Jesus! Focusing on anything else is just as destructive as distractions.

Key Point: Focus on Jesus!

Secrets of Prayer

After many years of growth, these are just a few lessons I have learned about prayer.

First, prayer involves praising and thanking God for who He is and what He has done.

Second, prayer involves confessing what we have done wrong and turning away from sin.

Third, prayer involves lifting others before the throne of God.

Fourth, prayer involves accepting God's blessings and gifts.

An effective method for prayer involves praying Scripture, such as asking for and accepting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), putting on the armor of God (Eph. 6), and using the apostle Paul's prayers for the churches in order to pray for the people in your life.

These ideas are simply some of the areas where God has been teaching me.