John 7:37-39
38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit,
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
If you put these two scriptures together, you get something like this…
“I came that they might have (the flow of life from the Holy Spirit, just like a river, coming from their heart) and a (great flow of the Holy Spirit).”
You see the “life” and “abundant life” comes from the manifest Power Flow of the Holy Spirit.
Conversely, the other part of John 10:10 is, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”
And how does the thief come to steal, kill, and destroy? It’s simple! Through distraction!
The job of Satan and all evil spirits is to distract you and shift your attention and focus from Him, to you and your circumstances! If he can do this, he can shut off your Power Flow!
He knows that if you release this River Flow, that it will cast off His Power and Presence in and on you! That is why scripture says…
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, let us throw off every weight
that hinders and the sin that so easily encircles us.
By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and finisher of our faith.”
Now, the word used here for “fixing” is actually the Greek word, “aphorao,” and means…
Definition: to look away from all else at
Usage: I look away from (something else) to, see distinctly.
HELPS Word-studies
872 aphoráō (from 575 /apó, “away from” and 3708 /horáō, “see”) –
properly, “looking away from all else, to fix one’s gaze upon” (Abbott-Smith).
Notice how the emphasis is put on “looking away” not looking too.
The Lord is teaching us that in order to be able to fix our gaze upon Him, we are going to have to “look away” from the distraction that seeks to keep our focus and keep our attention. The enemies job is to keep us preoccupied with everything but THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST, and realizing all that God has done, is doing, and is going to do to us, and through us, and in the future!
We are going to have to look out for the distractions that will keep us focused on the problems, circumstances, threats, and any other fear based object that would take our eyes off of Christ and His finished work! Check this out…
Mark 4:15
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown.
As soon as they hear it,
Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
How does he do this? He does this by shifting their attention to what will go wrong, what might go wrong, what they are doing wrong, what they might do wrong, or anything EXCEPT what Christ has done, is doing, and HAS PROMISED to do in their life!
His goal is to shift their attention to their works, and their promises, and their sacrifices so that they are filled with pride, fear or self-righteousness which will clog, and shut down the flow of God’s Presence from the inside out! Until they are so consumed with the problem, that they HAVE FORGOTTEN THE SOLUTION. He shifts their attention from Grace, which is “Up,” to “Down,” which is Works and Performance, everytime!
But let’s look a little closer, starting with the story of Martha…
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village.
And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary,
who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
But Martha was distracted with much serving.
You can easily see here that Mary had a focus on Jesus and Jesus alone. She had a singular focus, that was powerful and was yielding the fruit needed to stand the storms that were to come! Both her and the Apostle John, where the only ones who were with Jesus at the cross! Why? Because both focused on the Love of God through Jesus, and renewed their minds to the Love that God had for them, not their love for God. They “relied,” on the Love God had for them. They focused on it!
This is why John, continuously referred to himself as, “The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved.”
John 13:23
One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
John 19:26
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved
John 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved
John 21:20
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved
He wouldn’t allow himself to be DISTRACTED by his love for God, but only stayed focused on God’s Love for him, then allowed that Love to manifest, as he was filled!
Mary was the same way! And because of this the enemy could not defeat them! In fact, John was the only disciple who could not be killed. All the other disciples were murder/martyred by Satan.
But the “perfect” love of God that John stayed fixed on, casted all fear off of John, where the enemy could not defeat him.
So it was with Mary, she stayed focused on Jesus, but conversely Marth was distracted. Let’s look at the greek definition for the word, “distract.”
4049. perispaó
Definition: to draw away
You see to be distracted, is to be “drawn away.” But what is really drawn away? Our focus and attention is what is drawn away. The enemy comes to steal (our focus), kill (our flow), and destroy (our destiny). And he does this all through DISTRACTION.
Let’s go on reading…
Luke 10:38-42
And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?
Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.
There is so much here in this scripture, but we will keep to the point and the context of distraction.
So, did you notice how the Lord said Marth was anxious? Look at this!!! You are going to be amazed.
The Greek word for, “anxious,” in this scripture is the word, “merimnaó,” and it means…
3309 merimnáō (from 3308 /mérimna, “a part, as opposed to the whole”) – properly, drawn in opposite directions; “divided into parts” (A. T. Robertson); (figuratively) “to go to pieces” because pulled apart (in different directions), like the force exerted by sinful anxiety (worry). Positively, 3309 (merimnáō) is used for effectively distributing concern, in proper relation to the whole picture (cf. 1 Cor 12:25; Phil 2:20).
3809 (merimnaō ) is “an old verb for worry and anxiety – literally, to be divided, distracted” (WP, 2, 156). It is more commonly used in this negative sense in the NT.
As you can clearly see, to be “anxious,” means to be “divided,” or better yet, to have a “divided focus.”
There it is again!! And to have a divided focus is nothing other than being “double-minded.”
It’s all about focus! Focus on the Lord, and what He has done, Is doing, or Will do, opens the floodgates of Heaven, and manifests the Power Flow of the Holy Spirit to you and then through you, EVERYTIME!
Now let’s continue with the scripture about the enemy stealing the Word, this is EXACTLY how scripture says he does it…
Mark 4:19
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things
come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
He “chokes” it, with DISTRACTIONS!!!
Worry is focusing on the problem. In this case, the potential problem or threat is the distraction.
The deceitfulness of wealth is looking to it for our security and protection, we end up serving it and it becomes and idol, which is a distraction. And obviously our desires can become distractions, tempting to consume our every thought and daring us to serve them, rather than focusing on and serving Christ alone.
The entire diabolical world is set up as a distraction, to keep us from focusing on Christ’s finished work, lest we start releasing the Radioactive and Radiant Power Flow of the Holy Spirit.
And what does it mean to “choke?”
Well let’s look at a practical example.
Have you ever started your lawnmower, or an engine, and saw the “choke” adjuster on it? Well to choke it means to only allow a little bit of gas to flow, and a choke will shut off the gas from the engine, but you can turn it fully open!!
Isn’t this amazing!!! The word “choke” is the same word, used as “govern.” Both are mechanical functions and parts that regulate the flow of Fuel to an engine!!!
Well you are that ENGINE! And your focus is your choke! Your focus is your governor! And through it you can either be shut off through distraction, or you can be fully opened through focusing on Jesus!
And the enemies number one job is to turn your choke to the off position! He knows that the Power Flow of the Holy Spirit has and will destroy his work. This flow was the same Power operating through Jesus!
Acts 10:38
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
You see the Power of Jesus was the Power Flow of the Holy Spirit! It was flowing through Him, and was on Him and was in Him!
You see just as the enemy has come to “destroy,” so has Jesus, he too has come to destroy!
Both use the same techniques, that is THROUGH FOCUS!
Romans 8:6
6 The mind focused on the (self) is (in a state of) death,
but the mind focused on the Spirit is full of life and peace,
What you are full of, is determined by what your mind is set on.
Are you focused on and conscious of your works for God, or His Works for you? Your love for God, or His Love for you? The answer to this question will determine if you are operating in dead works, or works of life!
Let’s get back to distractions. Notice in Matthew 6:22…
Matthew 6:22
“If your eyes are single (focus) your whole body will be full of light (PROMISE).
”But if your eyes are focused on evil, your whole body will be full of darkness.
The definition for “single,” in this scripture in the greek, is 573, “haplous,” meaning…
Cognate: 573 haploús (haploós) – properly, unfolded, single – literally, “without folds” (J. Thayer), referring to a single (undivided) focus, i.e. without a (secret) “double agenda” which prevents an over-complicated life (becoming needlessly distracted). See 572 (haplotēs).
There it is again, not being needlessly “distracted,” which causes divided focus, and a double mind, which leads to a double agenda!
So in this next season, let’s ask ourselves and pay attention to what we are focused on. Are we focused on the problems of life, or are we focused on the Solution to every problem, that is Jesus. Are we focused on the threat, or the protection? Are we focused on what could go wrong, or on what we know He Promised will go right?
The answers to all these questions will reveal if we are full, or shut off, from the Power Flow of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord wants us to stay focused on Him, and His Work, in fact he says..
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
You know, in horse races, the owner will put what’s called “blinkers” over the horses eyes.
Blinkers are usually made of leather or plastic cups that are placed on either side of the eyes, either attached to a bridle or to an independent hood.
Many racehorse trainers believe these keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Additionally, blinkers are commonly seen on driving horses, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets.
These are common distractions… to look out for…
Distracted by much talk. (spirit of gossip, and chatter)
Distracted by insecurities. (spirit of defamation, accusation)
Distracted by self. (spirit of selfishness, ego, or self-centeredness)
Distracted by noise. (in quietness.. Isaiah, Jesus got up and went off to lonely places every morning. )
Distracted by busyness. (spirit of busyness, aka busybody)(in rest.. Is your strength)
Distracted by who you aren’t or what you did wrong (spirit of guilt, perfection, performance)
Distracted by relationships, that keep you stuck and distracted. (spirit of manipulation & control, fear, lust)
Distracted by what they said. (spirit of division, spirit of accusation)
Distracted by the expectations of others, what will they think, can’t let them down.
Distracted with keeping yourself safe, and trying to stay holy, rather than focusing on him keeping you safe.
Distracted with the problems rather than solutions, or thoughts that there might be a solution. (spirit of hopelessness, and weariness, and impossibilities)
Distracted by people’s opinions and what they think. (spirit of control, spirit of manipulation, spirit of false leadership, spirit of pride, spirit of misinterpretation)
Distracted by work, and accomplishment. (spirit of works, spirit of miserableness, spirit of busyness)
Distracted by future success. (spirit of disillusionment, anxiety)
Distracted by arguments and strife. (spirit of strife, and debate)
Distracted by threats. (spirit of threats)
Distracted by thoughts of failure, or I disappointed God. (spirit of failure)
Distracted by thoughts that I am going to lose what I have and it’s all going to fall apart. (spirit of selfish ambition)
Distracted by all the work you must do. (religious spirit)
Distracted by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (lustful spirit)
Distracted by the threat of death
Distraction by nature is an idol, or a desire or image that is out of place (idolatrous spirit)
Distracted by your own need for love, that you have no attention to giving others love. (lust for approbation)
Distracted by your own need to be served that you never serve. (ambitious spirit)
Distracted by your own thoughts that you have no room for the thoughts of others. (prideful spirit)
Distracted by the sins of others, that you don’t give attention to your own sins (critical spirit, judgmental spirit)
Distracted by what you have to do, rather than on what Christ is going to do through you. (religious spirit)
Distracted by what they did. (spirit of unforgiveness, resentment, or bitterness, hatred, malice)
Distracted by what you did wrong. (spirit of guilt)
Distracted by what might go wrong. (spirit of fear, false prophecies)
Distracted by what others have that you don’t. (spirit of envy and jealousy)
And the list goes on and on, and I am sure you can add many to this list.
In addition to cultivating the true focus of God, it is paramount that we create a conducive environment for this, and some habit patterns that will support this new way of life, and increase the odds of your success.
One of the most important ones is to spend time alone and away…
Luke 5:16
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 21:38
37 Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.
You see Jesus got out of the house, and away from all distractions and anybody or anything that could pull on and “steal” his attention. We must do the same thing in order to receive our healing, and others must as well in order to receive their healing, through the manifest Power Flow of the Holy Spirit. Look at the strategy of Jesus..
Mark 8:22-25
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
You see, Jesus knew, in order for this man to receive his healing, it would require his FULL ATTENTION, and full FOCUS, so he took him to a place where he couldn’t be distracted! This was the place he could get the man to focus in order to receive his healing, and to receive the Power Flow of the Holy Spirit! How awesome!
Here are other times when God proved this principle… and the men of God acted accordingly…
1 Kings 17
19“Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed.
Matthew 9:25
After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.
Acts 9:40-42
40 Peter made everyone leave the room. He knelt and prayed…
You see, they all understood the power of Focus, but more importantly the power of Distractions!
Their principle and strategy was, “First remove the distraction, so that we can focus and the promise!”
Let’s just finish up and pray.
Lord, give us spiritual blinkers and blinders, so that we are blocked off from the distractions of the enemy. Give us the power of Focus, and teach us and remind us to stay focused on you and what you have done, not us and what we have done! Give is strategy to get away so that we can focus, and Lord give us a heart that stays on your love for us, not our love and our efforts to earn your love!
Lord, we believe it and receive it, as Already Finished, In Jesus Name, Amen!
and then