Mark 16:15 in focus. Photo by Enoc Valenzuela on Unsplash

This month, I encourage you to stay focused on the things that are most important to the Lord. We are living in a time of great chaos and confusion, and if we are not careful, we can become distracted and lose our vision for the things of God. 

I want to remind you that our hope is in the Lord, and that He is our only source of peace. As we see troubles all around the world, in our nation, and even in the tragic events in our own state of Minnesota last month, we need to find our strength in the Lord and keep our eyes fixed on His will and purpose for our lives.

Perhaps you are facing chaos and troubles of your own today. But remember, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, MEV).

Let’s find our peace in Him and keep our focus on what is most important to the Lord. The last commands that Jesus gave us focused on His plan to reach the world: 

• Go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20
• Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
• Repentance and forgiveness should be preached in all nations. Luke 24:47
• Peace be unto you. As my Father has sent me, so I send you. John 20:21
• You shall receive power to be my witnesses. Acts 1:8

We can see that the Lord has called us to reach all people.

“Red and yellow, black and white,
They’re all precious in His sight.”

That would also include Republicans, Democrats, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or any other group. We are to reach all the precious people of the world.

The devil is doing all he can to sow hatred, bitterness, and division between the people of this world. But we, as Christians, are called to be different. It is our job to bring light where there is darkness, love where there is hate, and peace where there is confusion. We need to remain focused on our true purpose and not be distracted by the things that we see in the natural world.

I am reminded of the conversation that Jesus had with His disciples just before He ascended to heaven. They asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” They were naturally concerned about the situation in their nation at that time, and were looking to Jesus to save them by setting up His Kingdom on earth. Notice what He said to them:

“It is not for you to know the times or the dates, which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8, MEV).

In other words, yes, one day I will come back and set up my Kingdom, but the timing of that is in the Father’s hands. Your business is to be filled with my Spirit and be witnesses for me in all the earth. Let’s pray!

Father, help us to stay focused on the things that are most important to you and to resist the temptation to be consumed with natural things. We know that no man can solve our problems, but Jesus came to change hearts and transform lives. Help us to spread the Good News that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to be good witnesses for you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Jesus loves the Little Children,” by Clarence Herbert Woolston