July Beacon

“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Johoiada the priest instructed him.”  II Kings 12:2

The above verse is encouraging and unusual.  Too often the introduction of a new king began something like it did for Zechariah as it is found in II Kings 15:8-9.  “In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months.  He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his fathers had done.  He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit.”  Sin often characterized leaders from generation to generation.

The theme for the 2009 Moody Pastor’s Conference was ‘REFOCUS!’  Would that theme have been a good challenge to the many Israelite rulers who led their people astray?

Whether you are in a leadership position or not, you make decisions and live each day with a focus.  Where is yours?  Our culture makes it pretty easy for us to put time, money, and effort into three C’s.  Here are two sets of C’s.  Which set best represents where your resources are invested?  [Computers / Cars / Clothes] or [Christ / Church / Commitment]

Is it time to REFOCUS!

One of the great examples of refocusing is found in Jonah 3:6.  Nineveh was about to be judged by God.  Jonah had been sent by Him to warn of their need to repent.  After Jonah issued God’s message, the people changed.  Verse 6 reads, “When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.”  This preceded his proclamation for everyone to give up their evil ways and their violence.

Marriage, money, and medical issues are another set of issues that concern and often consume us.  What are you doing about these and more?  May I suggest a focus on Matthew (another M).

The worries of their day sidetracked believers.  It is recorded in Matthew 6:33 that Jesus responded to them with the words, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Can you find a way to fit that concentration on Jesus into the coming month?  May it be a priority for you and for your family.

Pastor Lerud