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  GETTING GOD IN FOCUS
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: Faith is directing the heart's attention to Jesus, lifting the
mind to behold the Lamb of God, and committing to Him for the rest of
our lives.

Topics: "Diligence In Faith", "Christian Discipline"
Scripture References: Galatians 2:10, Ephesians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:11, 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Peter 3:14

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DESCRIPTION
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The preacher emphasizes the importance of being diligent, using the
Greek word 'spoudazo' which conveys the idea of hastening to do
something with intense effort and motivation, suggesting zealous
concentration and diligent effort. This word is found 11 times in the
New Testament, urging believers to give their utmost for God's highest,
to be conscientious, zealous, and earnest in fulfilling their duties.
The verb 'spoudazo' speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity
of effort toward the realization of that purpose, calling for careful
and persevering application in all tasks and obligations.

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CONTENT
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While many are busy trying to set forth satisfactory definitions of the
word "faith," we do well to simply consider that believing is directing
the heart's attention to Jesus! It is lifting the mind to "behold the
Lamb of God," and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our
lives. At first this may be difficult, but it becomes easier as we look
steadily at His wondrous Person, quietly and without strain.
Distractions may hinder, but once the heart is committed to Him the
attention will return again and rest upon Him like a wandering bird
coming back to its window.

I would emphasize this one great volitional act which establishes the
heart intention to gaze forever upon Jesus.

God takes this intention for our choice and makes what allowances He
must for the thousand distractions which beset us in this evil world.
So, faith is a redirecting of our sight, getting God in our focus, and
when we lift our inward eyes upon God, we are sure to meet friendly eyes
gazing back at us!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/getting-god-in-focus/
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