Author: angied

EPISODE 379 LOVE NOT HATE

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The title of today’s episode: LOVE NOT HATE

I have been feeling God press me to return to the basics. To encourage others to check the firmness of their foundation. This week I will be covering a few things to encourage you to check your foundation.

A shaking is coming, we have to be on a solid foundation. As we return to the basics of our foundation I want to discuss walking in love. As followers of Christ, we are to walk in love and not hate. God is love, the more of his spirit we have within us the easier it is to love and have compassion for others.

Hate leads to a bitter end. To hate means we lack the proper amount of God’s will in our lives. Yes people hurt us, yes they may talk about us, but we cannot allow the actions of others to cause us to not walk in the Love of God. As I discussed yesterday, we have to forgive and not allow hate to take root in our lives.

When we give our lives over to God, we are saying we don’t have all the answers. We yield our lives to a higher authority that does have all the answers. God is love and he only wants what is best for us.

Prov 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”

We are to hate evil, but not the people that do evil. They are caught in a trap of the enemy. They need to be set free by the power of God. But it takes them yielding to the power of God, when he sends us to witness to them.

Ps 97:10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

God preserves the souls of his saint that love him and hates evil. We cannot allow the enemy to infiltrate our lives with his evil. One verse says I will set no evil before my eyes. We should not spend time dwelling on the evil in this world or participating in it. We are called to be set apart from the world. We are in the world but are not of the world or we are not partakers of the evil around us.

Learning to walk in God’s ways and to walk in his love is a lifelong journey. The more we yield to God’s Spirit the more love he gives us to share. As we grow the fruit of the spirit, we gain compassion for the lost and the broken. We want to see everyone saved, even those who have treated us unfairly. If we are going to reach the final harvest, we must learn to walk in love and compassion.

Eph 5: 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

We need to reach the point where no sacrifice is too great to demonstrate God’s love to the world. We can be that beacon of hope if we allow the Spirit of God to lead us and guide us.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP380 FORGIVE

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The title of today’s episode: FORGIVE

This week we are going back to basics. It is good to be reminded and make sure our foundation is solid. I have been feeling like God is wanting the church to go back to basics and check to see that they are still on the solid rock.

Many things can come into our lives slowly. We don’t even think about them at times. But the enemy can slowly chip away at our rightness and cause us to become wrong.

There is power in forgiveness. First, I want to share with you the most amazing power of forgiveness. Jesus was brutally beaten, mocked and tortured. But still he had forgiveness in his heart. He had forgiveness for every one of them that hurt him. He had so much forgiveness for us that he suffered for our sins.

After those people had beaten him, whipped him and tore open his flesh and after all the mocking then nailing him to a cross, he said, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. Such love and forgiveness goes beyond our human capacity to let go. It takes the spirit of God to help us to let go of certain things, but we have to be willing to try.

Jesus was our example, as followers of Christ we are to strive to walk as much like he did as possible. Walking in forgiveness is something that we all struggle with from time to time. Things happen that cause us hurt and disappointment. People do not always have our best interest at heart. Which causes us pain and unforgiveness.

Carrying the weight of what has happened comes with the weight of unforgiveness. When we do not forgive, we keep ourselves tied to the situation. Not forgiving keeps us tied to the situation and the hurt. It is impossible to heal from being hurt when we don’t forgive.

Some say, I forgive but I won’t forget. This statement is true and false. Yes, our memory will recall the situation from time to time, like so many of our experiences. But not forgetting, means you are purposefully holding onto the situation as if you are waiting for the right time to retaliate.

Matt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

We do not forgive for the other person, we forgive for ourselves. It doesn’t matter if they are sorry or not. It makes no difference if they ever admit wrong doing or ask for forgiveness. We have to live by Jesus’ example and forgive them even if they don’t know what they have done.

God will hold us accountable for our unforgiveness. In order to accept his forgiveness, we have to give the same courtesy to others. Even if they don’t deserve it. Because we do not deserve to be forgiven for trespassing against God’s laws. Yet he extended to us the ultimate forgiveness. When we truly forgive, we are releasing ourselves from the hurtful situations.

Is the situation worth holding on to so much that you would risk not being forgiven.

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

We cannot fall into the enemy’s trap to allow unforgiveness to harden our hearts. God cannot use a hardened heart. He can only use a heart that is surrendered to him. A heart of compassion, love and forgiveness.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 378 TIME FOR A DECLARATION

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The title of today’s episode: TIME FOR A DECLARATION

Our forefathers were oppressed by England. The king was forcing them to pay large taxes for delivering goods from England. That is why the Boston Tea Party happened. They were tired of oppression and came together to make a declaration that they were binding together and that they were not going to take it any longer. They were setting themselves free from their enemy. Our country was established by this powerful declaration. This declaration said we are no longer under your control.

The body of Christ now faces oppression by an enemy; satan. He will continue to oppress the church until we collectively take a strong stand and make a declaration of freedom from his oppression. Our words have power, God gave Adam dominion over all the earth. He had dominion over the animals. The word dominion means- rule, control or authority.

When Adam and Eve sinned and were thrown out of the garden, they lost their control and authority. They gave it over to satan. It took Jesus to take back the authority. Now that authority has been given to the church. We have power over the powers of the enemy.

Over the years through sin and unbelief we have allowed the enemy to chip away at our dominion and control over the earth. Sin has allowed the evil that is going on today to get a strong hold. It is time we open our mouths and declare that we are binding the enemy. He will no longer rule over our friends, families, our country and all the countries of the world. We have the power to bind the power of the enemy.

Matt. 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

We as the body of Christ need to bind together and declare to the enemy we are taking back our territory. You will no longer steal from our friends and families. You will let go of the places that you have strongholds. We take back the territory that we have given up over the years. We declare freedom to the people of the world from your oppression. Satan you will not win, we declare your power null and void over the people of this world. Jesus gave the church dominion, and we will walk in our authority and be the body of Christ in the earth.

Job 22:26-29 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

There are many examples in the bible about declaring the works of the Lord. Our words have power. The fact that America is still standing is testament to the resolve and power of the declaration of that group of people that wanted our country to stand for God.

Abraham was made the father of many nations, because of his declarations.

Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Making declarations, is a statement of faith. We have asked God for this thing, now we are going to speak as though it already has happened.

Each one of us that have accepted the work of the Cross and God’s plan to redeem us from sin have made a declaration. We will walk in the ways of the Lord, we have denounced a life of sin. We will no longer live by the lies of satan. We accept that God’s grace will stand in the gap when we fall short, but it is not a license to live any way we choose. We have to strive to live the best life we can live. God will take care of the rest. Looking unto Jesus who is the one that authored and carried out this plan of faith.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Confessions and declarations are both made with the mouth. Confession is to admit wrong doing and ask for forgiveness. Declaration is speaking about a subject and making a stance.

First we confess our sins, then we declare that we will live for the Lord. So do not feel like I have been covering new territory when speaking about declaring something. We have to stand on our faith and declare things that we pray for as if they are already tangible circumstances.

July 4^th we celebrate our country and the religious freedoms we have in America. We need to be thankful for our country. Living in American cannot be taken for granted, we have a responsibility to future generations to carry on the freedom to serve God. We celebrate the freedom from England today, but let us not forget to celebrate the freedom from our enemy, satan.

Thank God for the day we gained our Independence, so we could give it to God. We give up living like we choose to become dependent on the one true God, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a safe and happy July 4^th. God bless you and God Bless America.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 377 KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE

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The title of today’s episode: KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE

There is an old form of needle work that many generations of people have used to create clothing, blankets and many items that are useful. Knitting takes a single thread and weaves it into intertwining loops that hold on to one another. All the loops keeps the garment from unravelling. But if one loop gets broken the whole garment could unravel. The broken thread needs to be restored to save the garment.

When a person gets a bad cut, they require stitches. Someone will clean out the wound to prevent infection, then stitches bring the two halves together. This helps the skin to repair itself and grow together.

In life we often have misunderstandings and differences of opinion. Each side holds back and doesn’t truly listen to one another. If they do it is to respond with a counter argument. Instead of listening to understand. This attitude comes from pride. We know what the word says about pride, it goes before a fall. When things become about who is right and not what is right, everyone loses.

Col 2:2-4 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

The body of Christ is supposed to be one body. This says we are knit together with love. Other scriptures say that if one member hurts we all hurt. It is time we cleanse the wounds and come together with love. Let God’s love be the stitches that pulls us together.

The thing our enemy satan fears more than anything is unity in the body of Christ. Because if we would spend the time we invest in fighting one another and start rebuking him instead, he would not stand a chance.

For us to be effective in the last days, we are going to have to come together. We will never win souls until people feel there is a safe place for them to run.

Prov 18:19-21 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

How many people out there have suffered church hurt. They have been hurt by someone in the body of Christ. Then when they left the local congregation no one even checked on them to see where they were, to let them know that they care.

By our words we are justified and by our words we are condemned. Our words have power. We can restore or kill with our words. It is time we restore and bind up the wounds of those who are hurt. In restoring those who are hurt, we strengthen the body of Christ.

To be effective in the last days we are going to have to come together. The prodigals will not come home, if they do not have a safe place in which to run. In bible times when someone was injured they would use wine and oil for healing. The oil had healing herbs and the wine would kill germs. If we spiritually pour in the oil and the wine, they are representations of the Holy Ghost. When we allow the anointing of God’s Spirit to flow, it will heal our wounds.

We must remember that it is not all about us. We are all members of the same body. Unity will go a long way in us seeing the final harvest come in before Jesus returns.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 376 WHO TOUCHED ME?

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The title of today’s episode: WHO TOUCHED ME?

There is a story in the gospels that show how important not only the power of touch can be, but how faith changes things.

Luke 8:43-45 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

It wasn’t just that some one made contact with him. As Peter said, many people has pressed into you and you question who touched you. Peter didn’t understand how that woman’s faith could draw something out of Jesus. Her faith drawled anointing from him that healed her of the affliction she had suffered for twelve years.

Luke 8:46-48 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

She could have touched any other garment, but nothing would have happened. She was afraid when she heard Jesus ask who touched me. But she once again found boldness and admitted that she needed healing. Because of her boldness, Jesus was able to tell her that she was made whole. When our faith can reach out and touch Jesus we will see miracles.

People can lay hands on you and pray until they turn blue, but without the anointing of the Holy Ghost and faith there will never be a transfer of God’s power. The enemy loves to use examples of when someone doesn’t receive healing to try to tear down our faith. There are too many examples of when God does heal.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Our enemy comes to destroy, but Jesus came to give us an abundant life. That includes walking by faith. Every choice we make in life needs to be led by Jesus. We can always reach out and touch Jesus. He will supply our needs. He is our savior, healer, deliverer and our guide. He will never lead us in the wrong direction.

Touch can transfer healing power. Think about Peter and John and the man at the gate, beautiful. He had sat at that gate for years and begged for money. Peter and John came by, and he looked at them, expecting they would give him some money. Peter said, Silver and gold have I none, but I have something better. Then he reached down and got him by the hand, lifting him to his feet. The man was not healed until Peter commanded in the name of Jesus for him to rise and walk, then he touched him by reaching down to help him up.

Never underestimate the power of prayer, faith and simply taking someone by the hand and lifting them up. There is power in prayer and power in a touch.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 375 GO TO THE SOURCE

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The title of today’s episode: GO TO THE SOURCE

There is a game that children often play to learn the lesson not to gossip. It is called the telephone game. Everyone stands in a line, and one whispers a sentence or two in the ear of the person next to them, they repeat it to the one beside them and the game goes on and on. When the person at the end of the line seems confused by what they were told they have to go to the original source to see what the sentence actually said. Things along the line always gets confused when it comes to human beings.

Jesus is our source, he has given us his Spirit to always whisper the right information in our ear. We can depend on Him to lead us and guide us, every step of our way.

People in many countries carry their water for many miles. They have to go to the rivers or streams. They have to go to the source to get the water. Like those of us who are blessed to have water come to us by pipe, our sink is our source.

But to find living water, we have to go to Jesus. He met a woman at a well in the heat of the day. She was being shunned by the other women in her village, because she had been married several times and was currently living with a man she was not married. She came for water, but ended up getting so much more because she met Jesus.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

How many people try to run from their problems, only to find that they carry them wherever they go. I have been known to go to the beach in search of peace. I always feel close to God standing on the edge of the ocean. I feel like my problems are so very small. I realized that the destination was not my peace, but God was my peace. Yes, maybe the beach helps me to connect to God, but ultimately, anywhere God is, there is peace. He is our source.

When a car breaks down, you have to take it to someone trained by the manufacturer to fix it. You have to take it to the source that it came from originally. When we get sick, Jesus, our source, is waiting to bring healing to our bodies.

Psalm 34:18-19 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Whatever we have need of Jesus is our source. All we have to do is call on His name. He will save, heal, deliver and set free those who need help.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

This verse is a good way to summarize what I have been saying today. God is the vine, we have to connect to the vine or our source for strength or we will never produce fruit. Whatever we need, we can go to our source.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 374 HE’S STILL GOD

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The title of today’s episode: HE’S STILL GOD

When we can’t see the path before us. When we wonder if our foundation is solid. When the storm clouds are so very dark and the rain is beating down. He is still God.

When we are in so much pain that we do not know if we can get out of bed, or we are so emotionally heartbroken and smothered by grief that we find it hard to breathe. He is still God.

He will never leave us or forsake us. God will see us through whatever we face. He is still on His throne, and He is still God. Our faith has to be in Him and not our circumstances. No one knew this better than Job. He didn’t allow his grief, sickness or the influence of others to shake him. He lost all that he had for a season. He didn’t look outward to the influence of others. He didn’t look inward to the voice of his flesh, but he looked up to God for the answers.

The one who held his every breath in His hand. He kept his focus on God and God turned it all around to pour out a blessing on Job. God wants only what is best for us, we can trust him. He is bigger than our circumstances.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I want to encourage you with a true story…

There was a man who was stranded on a raft in the middle of the ocean. He survived several days. He went through a couple of hard storms. When he was asked how he survived the storms and waves he said, “I had to be here now.” In other words, he had to focus only on that moment he was living.

He could not be overwhelmed by all the waves that may come at him. He had to focus on the one in front of him. He could not celebrate all the ones that were behind him, because he had to focus on the one in front of him.

If he had gotten wrapped up in fear and worry about all the waves, he had yet to face he would have become battle weary and fallen into fear. He would not have survived. If he had been caught up in celebrating and looking at all the waves behind him, he would not see what was coming at him. We have to learn how to live in the moment.

In the hard moments we need to keep breathing and know he is still God. We cannot worry about tomorrow’s problems. Tomorrow, will bring what it brings, and we will have time to face it then. He will still be God. When our time on earth is done. He will still be God and He will be there for his children.

Phil 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

We have to remember that nothing we face is bigger than our God. When things are going wrong or when they are right, He is still God. He will forever reign. He is good and in every moment of every day, He is still God.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 373 LAGNIAPPE

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The title of today’s episode: LAGNIAPPE

I used to work with a man that had a retirement cabin on a lake. The name of his cabin was Lagniappe. He explained to me that it meant “a little something extra”. That cabin was his something extra.

According to Wikipedia, A lagniappe is “a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase” (such as a 13th doughnut on purchase of a dozen), or more broadly, “something given by way of good measure.” It can be used more generally as meaning any extra or unexpected benefit.

I was reminded of this when I started to think about what God expects from us. We need to be willing to give all that we can give to the cause of Christ. Not just what is expected or required but we need to give the little something extra.

God is worth us making the effort to give that little something extra. To go above and beyond what is required.

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Jesus did not deserve the punishment he received. He went above and beyond what was required of him. We have been given a so very much because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Since the word says whomsoever, much is given of him shall me much required. It leaves me to ask, what is required and how can I give a little something extra?

MATT 5:40-42 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Jesus shared how his disciples should treat others. He says if someone asks us to go a mile with them we should go two. Many times we do not even want to go one. This is when we need to remind ourselves that Jesus went above and beyond for us. He gave more than we could ever give. So we should be willing to give more than is required.

MATT 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Loving our enemies is a difficult thing that God asks of us. It is hard to be good to those who are trying to destroy us. But Jesus was our example. When Peter cut off the ear of the soldier that came to take Jesus away. Jesus healed him. That was an act of love on Jesus’ part. He also saved Peter who was acting on emotion. Without proof of Peter cutting off the man’s ear, there was no way he could have been punished for a crime of assault on the man.

Our actions can affect those around us, both good and bad. We have to be ready to do all we can to further the cause of Christ, even if it is Lagniappe.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 372 STANDING IN THE GAP

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The title of today’s episode: STANDING IN THE GAP

Today we are going to explore where the phrase standing in the gap originated. As I was reading the other day, I came across a chapter that made me think about the state of our country.

When paganism, witchcraft, voodoo and idol worship is mentioned, people often think about it being on a small island. They think that only primitive people practice such things. These things added to idol worship of those in Hollywood encompasses the moral decline of our country.

The twenty second chapter of Ezekiel goes into great detail about how morally bankrupt Jerusalem had become. It sounds a lot like America today. Notice verse thirty.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

I have to wonder is God saying the same thing today. I felt like this was a call for all of us to pray. Then I started thinking about the use of the word hedge. In bible times, a hedge was a fenced-in area built of shrubs and vines to create a large area that protected the sheep from wolves, etc. The area was surrounded by shrubs, vines and on the outside, away from the sheep, many even had thorns. The area inside the hedge only had one opening for the sheep to enter and exit. In the opening the shepherd would stand. This was to prevent anything from coming in to destroy the sheep. The shepherd also prevented the sheep from getting out and going astray. He literally stood in the only opening there was, he stood in the gap.

God has a spiritual hedge around his people, and he is in the gap of the gate. Satan cannot touch us except God allows it from time to time, to keep us strong. Look at the story of Job. Satan said to God,

Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

We may not understand why he allows things in our lives, but it is for a purpose. God told Satan he could do what he wanted with Job, except touch him physically. The enemy sent liars to tell Job all he had was gone. He was told that all his children were dead.

Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

In the midst of all the pain and disappointment of what he was told, he fell down and worshipped the Lord. This is a powerful lesson for us. It doesn’t matter what we face in life, we need to keep looking up and giving God praise and worship.

Satan again approached God and said, If you allow me to touch him, then he will curse you. God said, Do what you will, but do not take his life. God let down the hedge of protection. Many things came against Job’s health, including painful boils.

On top of all the grief over his family and his body being under attack, then his wife came and said, why don’t you just curse God and die. His friends were a miserable comfort to him. He was all alone except for God that he could not hear at the moment.

Job 42:10-13 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.

We do not want to be like those who came to comfort Job. They didn’t do anything to encourage him. We want to stand in the gap and pray for those who are in the grip of the enemy.

We need to stand in the gap for this country and those around us. It is time for revival; we must pray for the lost to come to know Christ. Remember, the only way the enemy can get to the sheep is through the gap in the hedge. Jesus is standing in his way.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 371 STOP THIEF

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6va3on-god-focus-this-morning-ep371-stop-thief.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: STOP THIEF!

First, I want to share a story with you for illustration.

There was a woman who was home alone one night. She was in bed almost asleep when she heard someone enter her living room window. She quietly slipped down the hallway when she spotted a guy standing at the kitchen door. He was trying to unlock it. As soon as the door opened, there were two big guys dressed in black entering the kitchen.

They were standing in the center of the kitchen, near the sink. They were discussing how they could steal or destroy the sink. She went back to the bedroom and called the police. Then she yelled at them, “I have called the authorities, you better leave.” They fled from the house quickly in fear.

This story illustrates a few points. The first guy was smaller than the other two. He represents the little thing we allow to creep into our lives that create a stronghold. A weakness in our flesh or emotions like selfishness, bitterness, prejudice, strife, and addiction to drugs or alcohol. He could represent many things.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

It seems silly that they would want to steal the sink and not some priceless art or electronics. But the most valuable thing we have in our spiritual house is the living water. If the enemy can stop the place where the water flows from the sink, or remove it all together, we will spiritually dry up. This is why we need to keep the spirit flowing in our lives through prayer and communication with God.

Notice in our story, the woman called someone who had the authority to arrest the intruders. When she told them to leave because she had called the police, they fled. God has given us the authority over the enemy and if we resist him he must flee. As children of God we need to learn to walk in the authority that God has given us.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

What is the enemy trying to steal from you? What window is he trying to quietly sneak into thinking you will be unaware? What does the first small thief represent in your life? We all have small things that can steal our joy and peace.

Both good and bad things can steal our alone time with God. Not allowing the enemy to distract us, we will be able to stand strong against our enemy. The key is stopping the small thief from entering. Then he will not be able to open the door for the bigger and darker thieves.

We have to protect the flow of God’s living water at all cost.

Prov 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

This verse is the key to keeping out the enemy. Being diligent to guard ourselves from any deceptions of the enemy. We do not want our living water flow to be stopped by anything.

God’s glory will flow through us as long as we keep our hearts with all diligence. We will be able to help many. We want to be able to help them find their security in the Lord. So that they too can use their authority to stop the thief. Make no mistake he is out there, watching and waiting for an opportunity to get an opening into our lives.

Remember God adds and multiplies good things in our lives. The enemy comes to divide and subtract from our lives. Keep your guard up and stay strong.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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