No Distractions +

Tell everyone to sit down, Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted. So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting! When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

John 6:10-15 NLT

I take notes. I take them at work and I take them at church and I write them at home because I'm easily distracted and it helps me on two levels. It forces me to be fully in the moment and also helps me to remember even when I see, Oh, shiny!!  But they only work if I know where they are and keep them in front of my face.

Jesus is not easily distracted. In Truth - He has never been distracted. Our text for today is just one more example of that. You see, Jesus is - and has always been - the King of kings. As Christians, we know that. Yet when faced with the prospect of the people forcing Him into kingship, Jesus slipped away. Why? Because the motives were wrong and their hearts were, too. Jesus didn't come as the prospect - He came because we the people were/are His purpose. His assignment on Earth, from the very beginning, was always about the Cross, not about the crown. And He never lost sight of that.

If we are to live like Jesus, we must stay focused. We must live a life of love and sacrifice for others. In looking over some notes tonight, I found these gems.

The effectiveness of life comes through the Cross.

The Cross is neither convenient, nor conventional.

Sacrifice is intentional and often, painful. If we schedule sacrifices for our convenience, it's not sacrifice.

We have to stay on track. If an opportunity comes our way, but it does not fit into the objective or purpose of our lives, it's not of God.

Recognize those areas where you are easily deceived or distracted.

Know your weaknesses, but even more than that - know HIS strength!

Stay focused through His Word.

Prayer:

Father,

          According to Your Word, Your grace is all we need. Your power works best in weakness. So now we are glad to boast about our weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through us. Father, work in us to accomplish Your will for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen