Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
I have a print of a famous painting in my office called Daniel in the Lion’s Den. It is an 1892 painting by Brinton Rivere. I love the print for many reasons – one is where Daniel’s focus is in his current predicament. He is facing up and when you read what happened in Daniel 6:1-28 Daniel’s face is towards God. Daniel knew his only hope and help would be from God.
Psalms 121:1-2 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
As you read the Bible book of Daniel it is easy to see Daniel was devoted to God. To be devoted to God is a wholehearted allegiance to God and His way of life Proverbs 3:5-6. Devotion to God is a loyal love of God Matthew 22:35-37 and that includes following and obeying His commands and ways of life John 14:15. When we focus on God, on who He is, His amazing promises, and His way of life, the circumstances of life, the anxieties, the struggles, the decisions, the ‘lions’ of life are stilled and there is help and hope.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you;be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalms 46:1-3 1 God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah (Selah means to pause and consider what this verse is saying)
Psalms 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
The help in a focused devotion happens as we seek God and His kingdom. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. To seek God’s Kingdom is to hold Jesus as King of our lives, making Him the highest influence, being fully devoted to Him. To seek His righteousness is to seek to God’s way of life, being devoted to live life God’s way as best we can. Yes, focused devotion helps and even calms life’s lions.
Attending church helps us focus more on God. If you do not already have a church you regularly attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking a deeply devoted focus on the Lord along with you,
Messages From Mike 
