Focusing Less on Yourself

Good Day Friends,

What a wonderful day that the Lord has made. Let’s rejoice together and be glad in it. There are many days that I feel like “today isn’t worth celebrating” because of all of the things that are currently wrong or things that could go wrong. But then I think about what the author of Hebrews said:

 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. -Hebrew 12:2 (emphasis added)

I love this version because it reminds me that Jesus suffered more than I am, yet, he endured because he knew what was at stake if he didn’t – and now he is right alongside God! I don’t know about you, but I want to be right alongside God, too (me and my family). Just chilling with God, Jesus, and all the saints that came before me.

And do you see where it says “and finished”?! That means that the battle has already been won; the enemy has already been defeated on the cross when Jesus said those sweet words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). We are living our lives because God has given us a choice to do so. Not so we can defeat the enemy. Jesus has already done that.

I love my children endlessly and I will do anything for them, even endure the sufferings of this world, as our brother, Christ Jesus, did for us because our Abba Father asked him too. Not only did God ask him too but Jesus happily obliged because of his love for us is that great.

When God asks us to do something, especially if it’s hard, he always equips us with the tools needed to accomplish the goal, especially emotionally and mental support. He has given us the authority that he gave Jesus to tap into our inheritance of demanding all demonic forces to flee from our minds, our lives, our circumstances, our families, and everything in between.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. -Ephesians 6:11

We forget at times that we have that authority. We allow the enemy to get inside our minds and make us forget who we are and whose we are in Christ Jesus.

Repeat After Me

I am a child of God (John 1:12)

I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16)

I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Romans 8:17

I am united with the Lord and am one Spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17)

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am a saint (1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1)

I am righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24)

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live (1 Peter 5:8)

One of the greatest ways to fight negative thoughts is to constantly remind yourself who you are in Him. When you focus more on Jesus and less on yourself, he will give you unimaginable strength.

I like to challenge people who do not believe in Jesus to repeat the above scriptures every day for a month straight and tell me that they don’t fell a difference in themselves afterward. You will definitely feel a difference. You will begin to see the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, you will begin to see great things happen in your life and the lives of those around you.

God’s Word is as alive as you and I. It transforms your mind and heart to bear the fruit of the living Spirit – love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) — I mean, who wouldn’t WANT to live a life filled with all of that? I know I do and I want the people around me to see it in me, too. So then, they will feel inspired to allow the Spirit to lead them.

I pray that you allow the Holy Spirit into your life. I pray that you allow Jesus to transform your mind and heart so you can inspire others to do the same. This world is so broken and hurt and I truly believe in order to change the hearts of others, we have to change the heart within us. I pray God shows His love for you as He wraps His arms around you during your difficult times. I pray that he does exceedingly, abundantly things in your life, more than you have ever imagined. And I pray that He continues to remind you that you don’t have to fight because Jesus won over 2,000 years ago.

Thank you for reading the thoughts and the words of the living Word. If you have any questions about what I spoke about in this post, if you are a new believer and want to know more, or if you aren’t a believer and have questions in general, please feel free to email me at HarotianEssentials@yahoo.com and I would love to share more of the gospel with you. Please remember to pray for one another and I love you all.