Refocusing Our Faith: The Power of Jesus
Summary
Today, we gathered to declare the power and supremacy of the name of Jesus over every obstacle, illness, and bondage in our lives. There is no other name that brings healing, deliverance, and restoration like His. As we worship, we remember that every chain—whether of addiction, trauma, fear, or division—must bow to Jesus. God’s promises remain true, and He is not finished with us yet; the best is still to come. Even when we haven’t seen our miracle, we are called to keep praying, keep believing, and hold fast to the faithfulness of God.
We are reminded that our relationship with God must be personal and direct, not dependent on another person’s faith or leadership. Throughout Scripture, the people of God often faltered when their eyes were on human leaders rather than on God Himself. When those leaders failed or were no longer present, the people would drift away, revealing that their connection was not truly with God but with a person. We are all followers at heart, and what or who we allow into our lives—whether objects, relationships, or influences—shapes who we ultimately follow.
God calls us to “put away” anything that competes for His place in our hearts. This isn’t just about removing physical idols or unhealthy relationships, but about destroying anything that draws our attention and allegiance away from Him. We are to love everyone, but not everyone belongs in our inner circle. The people and things we allow close to us can either draw us nearer to God or pull us away.
Jesus’ invitation is clear: “Follow me.” Our eyes must be fixed on Him, not on any man or woman, no matter how gifted or influential. People will fail us, but Jesus never will. When storms come—even when we are exactly where God has called us to be—our focus must remain on Jesus. Like Peter walking on water, the moment we shift our gaze to the wind and waves, we begin to sink. But Jesus is always ready to lift us up when we call out to Him.
Today is a call to refocus, to forgive those who have hurt us, and to realign our hearts so that our faith is rooted in Christ alone. Whether you are coming to Jesus for the first time or returning after disappointment or hurt, the invitation is the same: turn your eyes upon Jesus, and let Him be your source, your guide, and your hope.
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Key Takeaways
- The Name of Jesus Has Authority Over Every Circumstance
Declaring the name of Jesus is not a ritual but a powerful act of faith. Every obstacle—be it sickness, trauma, or division—must bow to His authority. When we proclaim His name over our lives, we invite His healing, deliverance, and restoration to manifest in tangible ways. [37:43]
- A Personal Relationship with God Is Essential
It is easy to let our faith be mediated through others—leaders, parents, or mentors—but this leaves us vulnerable when those people fail or are no longer present. God desires a direct, personal relationship with each of us, one that is not dependent on anyone else’s walk. Only a faith rooted in Christ Himself can withstand the storms and disappointments of life. [01:00:44]
- What and Who We Allow Into Our Lives Shapes Our Spiritual Direction
Objects, traditions, and relationships can carry spiritual weight, either drawing us closer to God or keeping us in bondage. Scripture calls us to “put away”—to destroy, not just store—anything that competes for God’s place in our hearts. The company we keep and the influences we entertain will inevitably impact who or what we follow. [01:04:56]
- Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Is the Key to Perseverance
Like Peter walking on water, we can do the impossible when our focus is on Jesus. The moment we shift our gaze to circumstances or people, we begin to falter. Jesus is always ready to rescue us, but the call is to keep our eyes on Him, regardless of the storms or the failures of others. [01:22:12]
- Forgiveness and Refocusing Are Pathways to Spiritual Renewal
Hurt from leaders, family, or friends is real and can deeply affect our walk with God. However, we are called to forgive those who have wounded us and to repent for placing our trust in people rather than in Christ. Spiritual renewal comes as we realign our hearts, choosing to follow Jesus above all else and letting go of past disappointments. [01:25:40]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:43] - Declaring the Name of Jesus Over Every Situation
[41:11] - Standing on God’s Promises
[47:57] - Praying for Miracles and Family
[54:11] - Who Are We Following?
[55:55] - The Influence of Culture and Trends
[57:41] - Israel’s Pattern of Following People
[58:57] - The Danger of Secondhand Faith
[01:00:44] - The Need for a Personal Relationship with God
[01:02:58] - Removing Idols and Unhealthy Attachments
[01:04:56] - The Spiritual Weight of Objects and Relationships
[01:05:59] - Loving All, Guarding Your Inner Circle
[01:09:18] - Driving Out What Keeps Us from God
[01:10:20] - Who We Follow Determines Our Spiritual Path
[01:11:27] - Jesus’ Call: Follow Me
[01:13:19] - The Danger of Idolizing Leaders
[01:15:23] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus Despite Disappointment
[01:17:48] - Lessons from Peter Walking on Water
[01:22:12] - The Consequence of Shifting Our Focus
[01:25:40] - Forgiveness and Refocusing on Christ
[01:28:22] - Responding to the Call: Turning Our Eyes Upon Jesus
[01:32:23] - Prayer of Realignment and Commitment
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus”
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### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
2. Judges 2:11-19
(Story of Israel turning away from God after their leaders died, following other gods, and the cycle of deliverance and failure.)
3. Matthew 14:22-33
(Peter walks on water toward Jesus, but begins to sink when he looks at the wind and waves instead of Jesus.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Joshua 24:14-15, what specific choice does Joshua challenge the people to make? What does he say about his own household?
2. According to Judges 2:11-19, what pattern do the Israelites repeat after their leaders are gone?
3. In Matthew 14:22-33, what happens to Peter when he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the storm?
4. The sermon mentioned that “we are all followers at heart.” What are some examples given of things or people we might follow, even if we think we’re not followers? [[54:11]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God commands the Israelites to “put away” or destroy the other gods, rather than just store them away? What does this say about the seriousness of divided loyalty? [[01:00:44]]
2. What does the story of Peter walking on water teach us about faith and focus during difficult times? How does this relate to our own spiritual walk? [[01:22:12]]
3. The sermon points out that when our faith is dependent on a person (like a leader or mentor), we are vulnerable to disappointment. Why is a personal relationship with God so essential? [[01:16:36]]
4. How can the people and objects we allow close to us influence our spiritual direction, according to both the Bible passages and the sermon? [[01:04:56]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “put away” anything that competes for God’s place in our hearts. Is there something (an object, habit, or relationship) in your life that you sense God is asking you to remove or distance yourself from? What would it look like to actually do that? [[01:00:44]]
2. Have you ever experienced disappointment or hurt because a spiritual leader, parent, or friend failed you? How did it affect your relationship with God? What steps can you take to refocus your faith on Jesus instead of people? [[01:25:40]]
3. The sermon says, “We are to love everyone, but not everyone belongs in our inner circle.” Who are the people closest to you right now? Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? Is there a relationship you need to reevaluate? [[01:05:59]]
4. When storms or challenges come, do you tend to focus more on the problem or on Jesus? What is one practical way you can remind yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus this week? [[01:22:12]]
5. The message calls us to forgive those who have hurt us and to repent for putting our trust in people instead of Christ. Is there someone you need to forgive or a disappointment you need to let go of? How can you take a step toward forgiveness and spiritual renewal this week? [[01:25:40]]
6. The sermon mentioned that sometimes we keep “spiritual heirlooms” or objects in our homes that may be holding us back. Is there anything in your home or life that you need to pray over, remove, or destroy to walk in greater freedom? [[01:04:56]]
7. Jesus’ invitation is simple: “Follow me.” What is one area of your life where you need to make a fresh decision to follow Jesus above all else? How can the group support you in this? [[01:11:27]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person fix their eyes on Jesus, let go of distractions, and walk in renewed faith and freedom.
Devotional
Day 1: Declaring Jesus’ Name as Authority Over Life’s Battles
The name of Jesus carries unmatched power over every challenge, illness, and bondage that seeks to hold you captive. When you boldly proclaim His name, you are not merely speaking words but inviting His healing, deliverance, and restoration to break through in your life. This authority is not limited by circumstance; it transcends trauma, fear, and division, reminding you that no obstacle is too great for Him to overcome. Trusting in His name is an active declaration of faith that shifts your spiritual atmosphere and aligns you with God’s promises, which remain steadfast and unchanging. Even when your miracle seems delayed, continue to stand firm in faith, knowing that God’s best is still unfolding. [37:43]
“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’” — Acts 9:15-16
Reflection: What specific situation in your life needs the authority of Jesus’ name declared over it today? How can you intentionally speak His name aloud as an act of faith this week?
Day 2: Cultivating an Unmediated, Personal Connection with God
Faith that depends on the presence or strength of others is fragile and vulnerable to disappointment. God desires a direct, personal relationship with you—one that is not filtered through leaders, mentors, or family members. When your faith is rooted in Christ Himself, it becomes resilient, able to withstand storms and setbacks without faltering. This personal connection invites you to engage with God intimately, seeking Him in prayer, Scripture, and daily life rather than relying on secondhand faith. Such a relationship empowers you to stand firm even when human leaders fail or are absent, anchoring your soul in the unchanging character of God. [01:00:44]
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” — James 4:8
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your faith to be shaped primarily by others? What practical step can you take today to deepen your own direct relationship with God?
Day 3: Removing Spiritual Competitors to Guard Your Heart’s Allegiance
The things and people you allow close to your heart carry spiritual weight that can either draw you nearer to God or pull you into bondage. God calls you to “put away” anything that competes for His rightful place—not just physically removing idols or unhealthy relationships but actively destroying what distracts your heart and allegiance. This process requires discernment to evaluate what influences shape your spiritual direction and courage to let go of attachments that hinder your walk with Christ. Loving others remains essential, but not everyone or everything belongs in your inner circle if it compromises your devotion. Guarding your heart is a daily spiritual discipline that shapes who you ultimately follow. [01:04:56]
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” — Ephesians 4:25-27
Reflection: What is one relationship, habit, or object in your life that may be competing with God’s place in your heart? How can you begin to “put away” or remove this distraction starting today?
Day 4: Fixing Your Gaze on Jesus to Walk Through Life’s Storms
Like Peter stepping out onto the water, the key to doing the impossible is keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. When your focus shifts to the surrounding storms—whether circumstances, people, or fears—you begin to sink spiritually and emotionally. Jesus is always ready to reach out and lift you up when you call on Him, but the invitation is to persevere by maintaining unwavering focus on His presence and promises. This steadfast gaze empowers you to navigate disappointments and challenges without losing hope or direction. Remember, people will fail, but Jesus never will; He is the unshakable foundation for your faith. [01:22:12]
“Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched, they will cry to the Lord, and he will hear them and save them.” — Psalm 34:5-6
Reflection: When you face difficulties today, what practical ways can you remind yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus instead of the “wind and waves” around you?
Day 5: Embracing Forgiveness and Refocusing for Spiritual Renewal
Wounds inflicted by leaders, family, or friends can deeply affect your spiritual journey, often causing you to place trust in people rather than in Christ. God calls you to forgive those who have hurt you and to repent for allowing disappointment to divert your faith. This process of forgiveness and refocusing is essential for spiritual renewal, enabling your heart to realign fully with Jesus. Whether you are coming to Him for the first time or returning after setbacks, the invitation remains the same: turn your eyes upon Jesus and let Him be your source of hope, guidance, and restoration. This renewal opens the door to fresh commitment and deeper intimacy with God. [01:25:40]
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today to free your heart and refocus on Jesus? What step can you take right now to begin that process of forgiveness and renewal?
Quotes
``And ultimately, we need to understand something. Man will fail you, but Jesus will not. Man will fail you. People will fail you. They'll fail us. Can I be authentic and honest with you? I've had men of God that were authorities in my life that failed me, that said something that hurt me. I've had people that said things or did things that hurt me. Other leaders, fellow co -labors, I've had sheep that have hurt me. But because my eyes are on Jesus, it doesn't matter what that person in authority, a person on the level, or someone that I'm pastoring, it doesn't matter what they do, it's not going to impact me following God. [01:14:56] (54 seconds)
And if you've ever had that temptation, that urge of quitting on God because a man or a woman failed, chances are your eyes were on that person and not on Jesus. It happens inadvertently sometimes. It happens subtly. But the reality is, is our relationship with God based on a person? That isn't Jesus. Because if our relationship with God is based on someone that isn't Jesus, we don't have a proper relationship with God. [01:16:03] (39 seconds)
Follow me, I'll make you a fisher of men. What did he say to Matthew? Come and follow me. Jesus constantly said, come and follow me. And many a times, we inadvertently put our eyes on a man or a leader, a person behind a pulpit, leading a church or a ministry. We put our eyes on them instead of our eyes on Jesus. And I need you to understand something. Our eyes need to be on Jesus. Our eyes need to be on Jesus. Jesus is whom we are to follow. [01:12:21] (38 seconds)
Because what we allow and who we allow is going to impact who we follow. Church, we must drive out, put away anyone or anything that keeps us from God. Drive out, put away anyone or anything that keeps us from God. That coworker, that business partner, if they're keeping you from God, if it's an idol, if it's something that's taken his place, drive it out. Don't keep it as a memory. Drive it out. What is it that is keeping you and taking away your time from God? And move it away. Destroy it. Get rid of it. [01:09:18] (55 seconds)
Who we follow will impact who we follow. Now, that may sound redundant. Who we follow will impact who we follow. But notice that the second who is capitalized on purpose. And so who you and I are following and listening to and following in a natural sense and following in a figurative through social media and other things, who we follow, who we keep our eyes on is going to impact if we follow God or we don't follow God. [01:10:20] (25 seconds)
He said to all of them, if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself take up his cross and follow me. It's funny because somebody sent me a message this week and they asked me, what does this mean, take up your cross? I thought Jesus already paid the price for our sins. Is he talking about taking up our sins? And I was like, no, it's not what it means. It's not your sin. Yeah, Jesus paid the price for our sins, but are you denying yourself? What is it? The things that are, this is what I want, this is the thing, but God says, this is what I want you to do and you take that up and follow him. [01:11:31] (40 seconds)
And the Lord started impressing on my heart. There's going to be people listening that they're going through motions. They might be sitting in church or watching online, but they still have their eyes on someone. Or they've had their eyes on someone and that person hurt them. So they're going through the motions and they need to forgive today. And boldly declare, I'm putting my eyes back on Jesus. [01:25:29] (27 seconds)
And so church, our eyes have to be on Jesus and they have to remain on Jesus. People will come and go. Listen, in life, people will come and go. Some will leave us because of an issue. Some will leave because of death. We're all going to experience it. Will we remain connected to God because our eye's on him? Or because that person's no longer there, do we go by the wayside? Our eye's got to be on him. [01:23:21] (52 seconds)
But the reality is we all do it. We all have moments where we say it was better before and usually it's because someone that we had our eyes on failed. Someone who was there is not there anymore. A pastor, a leader, a loved one, a parent, someone who was guiding you and they failed. And because they failed, your relationship with God went away. Because look at what it says. Go back to Judges chapter number two. [00:58:57] (34 seconds)
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