Author: angied

EPISODE 360 HOPE IN THE LORD

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The title of today’s episode: HOPE IN THE LORD

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

In the world that we are living in, hope seems hard to find. The news is full of things that if you allowed your mind to dwell on them it could be depressing. From the way things appear on the news, we have no hope. But I want you to be encouraged, we cannot go by the news. God is on our side. He will give us strength.

Psalm 119:49-50 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Quicken means to make alive or revive. It is often associated with the renewal of faith. We have to lean on our hope in the Lord. There is nowhere else we can look. He is our hope. He is able to quicken what needs to be revived in our lives.

Without him, we have no hope. When something is alive, it needs food. The more alive we are in Christ, the hungrier we will be for the word of God. The more we will desire his presence.

Being aware of God’s presence as we go about our day will keep us on the right path. He gave us His Spirit to be our guide, yet we often do not pay attention to His leading. Then, when we end up in a mess or find ourselves without hope, we wonder what has happened. The answer, we lost our God Focus. At this point, we must turn our attention back to God.

Oxford dictionary online defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen:

How could we not live in a state of being hopeful? God has made so many promises to us. He has promised to lead us and guide us. Which means we will always be at the right place at the right time. If we follow him. He has promised to protect us from all evil. He sent angels to watch over us. And someday, he will take us home to be with him. For all of eternity, we will live and reign with him. We have this hope in the depths of our being. He has given us life beyond this life. He has proven to us in the past that we can rely on him.

To our natural man, things seem a little hopeless and worrisome, but God will give us hope through his Spirit that dwells within us.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

He is the God of hope. He will fill us with all joy and peace that we may abound in hope. How do we abound in hope? Through the power of the Holy Ghost. Which goes back to being led by the Spirit of God.

Deut 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

With the promises of God like this verse, we should be filled with hope. He tells us to be strong and full of courage, that we have no reason to fear the enemy. God goes with us and will not fail or forsake us. How much more should we be filled with hope, knowing he has our backs?

We are not full of hope just for ourselves. We have hope in order to share and encourage those who have no hope. There is a great big world full of hopeless people that needs to meet Jesus. They need to know that there is a great big God who loves them and wants to watch over them, too.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Even our trials are to strengthen our hope. When things come into our lives to burn them down. Our suffering produces strength and persistence, perseverance. As we build our character through faith we also build up our hope.

Do not allow the enemy to destroy your hope. If he can cause hopelessness, he can tear down your faith and cause fear. Hope comes from the Lord, because we know that it doesn’t matter how things appear, God can change circumstances in the blink of an eye.

Stay strong, be encouraged, hold on to your hope. Things may appear dark and scary, but that means we are on the edge of a breakthrough.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 359 – SPEAK LIFE

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: SPEAK LIFE

Many places in God’s word tells us that our words have power. Having the right attitude has to be the beginning of our Christian Walk. If our words are negative and not in alignment with God’s word, then we will cause many things to be out of balance. When we complain and speak negatively then the enemy can use those word seed to grow things in our lives that we should not have to deal with as a child of God.

Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

People use this to portray God as a genie in a bottle, granting our every wish. But it doesn’t mean that at all. It means if we delight in the Lord, our ways will align with his ways. Our desires become the right desires. Then we will pray and ask God for the right things. If we commit our path to following the teachings of the Lord and place our trust in him, he will bring to pass the things we desire.

Nowhere does this say he will give us large amounts of wealth to stockpile and live like a king. God will, however, give us the finances necessary to further the gospel. He gives us wealth to be a blessing, not stockpile material things.

Prov 4:14-18 Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

We, as God’s children, cannot get caught up in the ideas of man. We have to turn from the wicked ways of man. Our path is like the shining light. He will illuminate our way so that we can see where we are going. We will not be lost in the darkness.

He has given us the power to resist the devil. We have been given the power to overcome evil with good. The words we speak are life to the soul, as long as those words align with God’s word.

Parents do not realize the power they have over the future of their children. Many want to send them to a big-name college and want them to have successful careers. But then they will fuss at them and tell them they will never amount to anything. They will say things about how unintelligent they are when they do not do as their parents wish. They do not realize they are actually cursing the future growth of that child. Over the years I have heard people say all sorts of things to their children that made me want to shake them. I once heard a woman in the store call her child a demon spawn. Knowing how powerful words are, it broke my heart for that child.

Prov. 18:20-21 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.

If you receive a diagnosis from the doctor, don’t start saying I have this disease or that affliction. It is ok to ask for prayer and to pray against it. It is ok to say, I have symptoms of this disease or that affliction. As soon as you say, “I have,” you have laid claim to it, and it now belongs to you. Some would think this is extreme. But remember, the power of God lives within you. That power is creative and can change outcomes. Do not speak negatively; speak life.

James 3:2-4 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

This is saying that we can control the direction of the whole body by our words. A horse is bridled so that the rider can control the direction of the horse. A small rudder can control the direction of a large ship. By speaking life-affirming words, we can help to lift up others. We can change the course of our lives.

Negative words are fuel for the enemy to tear down everything we try to build with faith. Faith is pure and there is no room to mix it with doubt. Doubt is created by speaking negative words out of our mouths.

James 3:5-8 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

By saying the tongue no man can tame it seems like an impossible task. This is where being led by the Spirit comes into the equation. We can tame our tongue if we allow our words to be filtered through the Holy Ghost that lives within us and is our guide.

James 3:9-12 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Many verses in the Word speak about having our hearts right. If our heart is right, then good things will flow from it. We will speak life, encouragement and healthy things to others and over ourselves. Our words will align with God’s word and God’s will.

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

As we grow in our faith, we will become wise and will speak good things. Our works will align with our heart and with the wisdom that God has given unto us. This is all a part of learning to walk by faith, being led by the Spirit of God. When we surrender to the leading of God’s Spirit, we will speak life-affirming things that will be health and life to those around us.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 358 THE RIGHT HEART

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: THE RIGHT HEART

When we come to Jesus, we are sinners. People often say that because we have repented, we got our hearts right. But getting our hearts right goes beyond salvation. It is a process of learning to walk in the ways of the Lord. We can be saved and still not walk fully in a position of having our heart completely right. Out of our heart flows the issues of life. It controls how we handle the various things that come our way.

Especially new Christians will not react from a place of a right heart. We all have room to improve not walking by flesh but by the Spirit that lives within us.

I am going to share several verses that will show how important the heart being right is to a person.

Matt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Jesus was talking to the Pharisees. Because they knew the words of the law, but didn’t have a godly attitude he called them viper. They spoke the things of their flesh instead of speaking the things of God.

Prov 4:20-24 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

If we listen to the word of God and study it, until it gets into our hearts, we will find that it gives us life. The words of the scriptures are health to our flesh. We are to keep our heart with all diligence ( which means careful, persistent effort) because out of our heart flows the issues of life. Just as our fleshly heart provides life-giving oxygen and nutrients to our body, our spiritual heart can be life or death depending on the path we choose.

Prov 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

Even Christians can sometimes fall into a belief that they are right. This is why there are so many denominations. Everyone believes they are right. But God looks at our hearts, he knows those in every building that is called a church, who will come to surrender fully their will and ask God for his perfect understanding and will. He sees us as we can be, if we will fully surrender to him.

Ezekiel 11:21 But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.

Many believe they are right in the sight of God. But they are too full of religion. Isaiah 64:6 says our righteousness is as filthy rags. Walking the Christian Walk is about a right heart. From that heart comes our attitude, our words, our actions. If our heart is weak, we will fall into the works of the flesh. If our heart is strong in faith and the desires of God. We will have the fruit of the Spirit showing in our lives.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

We want to be found bringing good treasures to others. If our heart is right, we will share that perfect love of God. It is a process to increase our surrender to God. The more of our life we give him, the more our heart will reflect his love and mercy. Walking in love and compassion is not a sign of weakness, but of great strength.

It takes love to forgive those who have harmed you. It takes love to walk away instead of arguing with someone. It takes compassion to do good to those who have tried to destroy you in multiple ways. But the word says His love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Receiving his Spirit and learning to walk by that Spirit is the beginning of having a right heart. Even if we are not perfect, we will walk in God’s love and shine our light. Showing the world what it means to have a right heart.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 357 DON’T STOP – KEEP GOING

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: DON’T STOP – KEEP GOING

How often do we give up right before things change? God wants to deliver us from our troubles. But if we give up on him, he will allow us to stay in our circumstances. It is like a runner getting to within six feet of the finish line and stopping and then walking off. If this person were in first place, they would never be declared a winner. Because they didn’t finish what they started.

There is something to be said for completing or finishing what we started. If we can endure to the end of this spiritual race, we will get the prize we have been running for all along.

Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The word says to lay aside the weight and sin that get in our way. We need to work on our attitudes too. We cannot allow the enemy to talk us into giving up before we have completed our race. He will try everything to discourage us and weigh us down. He sends spirits like depression, anxiety and discouragement to keep us from our goals.

He will paint a picture of dark clouds and tell us how bad things are so that we do not see the light. But if we walk in the light that God gives us we will not fall into the mindset of darkness sent by our enemy.

Eph 5:6-8 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

If we are children of the light, then God’s light is within us. We cannot allow the enemy to dim our light with negativity, depression, and anxiety. I understand it is not easy if you are hard-wired to automatically go worst case scenario when you hear of an issue. That comes from walking through a lot of rough spots in life. But God can lift us above our circumstances. His light within us can give us hope to keep going even when we don’t know how we will find the courage or strength.

Gal 6:8-9 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

When we give in to the negativity and depression, we are sowing to our flesh. Walking by how we feel emotionally. But if we can pray and push away the negativity, we will sow to our spirit. Adding worship during times of trying to set aside negativity and depression will always lift away the dark clouds. If we can keep going, we will see that God has got us in the palm of his hand and will help us to keep running.

Do not be discouraged about yesterday. It is over and done with, today is a new day. We need to embrace God’s plan for today and look with hope to tomorrow. God is already there working things out. Things can turn around in a day if we fully rely on God.

So run today toward that finish line and don’t give up before you have completed the race.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 356 SIMPLE TOOLS / BIG RESULTS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: SIMPLE TOOLS BIG RESULTS

We never get to our goal in life without having to give up something. It doesn’t matter if it is natural or spiritual. If we want to learn to play piano, we have to sacrifice time practicing. The same goes for any sport or talent that we develop. We trade time for experience.

In our spiritual walk, we often want to gain strength and be used by God. But it will cost us something. We have to use the time that we would be doing other things to pray and study God’s word. We have to sacrifice something in order for God to give us something in return. The trade is always in our favor. He will never ask more of us than we can give, because he understands our limitations.

Exodus 4:1-5 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. 2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. 3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. 4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: 5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

God doesn’t ask us to do great big tasks that are beyond our capabilities. God had been preparing Moses his entire life to lead the children of Israel. He was raised with the Pharaoh so he was not intimidated by him like a lot of people would have been. He was raised to know and understand the beliefs of the Egyptians.

Moses came to know the God of his real people. He met The Great I AM, in the desert, in a burning bush. The bush was on fire, but did not burn up. Moses had never seen anything like it. He definitely never seen anything like that from the gods of Egypt.

When God told him to throw down his rod, he did. God will often ask us to relinquish something to him, so he can give us the tools necessary to fulfill our destiny.

From that point on Moses’ stick was called the rod of God. Because Moses had given it to God. It was no longer just a shepherd’s rod. It now would be used for the glory of God. During their wandering in the desert that same rod was used to bring water forth from a rock to part the Red Sea and many other things.

In the hands of a nomad, a tent spike is a tool used to keep the tent from blowing over in the wind. But in the hands of a desperate woman, a tent spike killed a leader who was fighting against God’s people. God used simple, everyday tools in many cases to defeat the enemy. Jael used a hammer and put a spike through the temple of the leader of the enemy’s army.

God uses simple things; instead of weapons, he used clay jars with Gideon. All he needed was a trumpet and war cry from his warriors and the walls of Jericho fell. Most people of that day believed that Jericho was a fortress that could not be breached.

God will never send us to battle without equipping us with what we need. He has given us his armor. Like David when he faced Goliath, we have to always go forth in the name of the Lord. Wearing the whole armor of God. We cannot rely on man’s armor. Just as David threw aside Saul’s armor, we have to set aside the worldly armor if we are going to win spiritual battles.

God used simple things to teach his people that victory was not in their weapons, strength and numbers. Their victories came through obedience to the one true God.

We, too, have power through walking in the anointing of God’s Spirit. Being obedient to his will for our lives. He can take foolish things and confuse even the wisest people. Because his ways are not our ways. He will show us the way if we are willing to give him something as simple as a stick or a clay pot. These things were not special on their own, but when given to God, they became tools of victory.

What are we willing to give to God to see miracles? Is it money, tools, canned food, or a blanket for someone who is cold? Anything we have in our possession could be required of us. We cannot outgive God. Whatever he asks of us, he will return in greater measure.

What do I have in my hand that I can give to God? This is a question worth asking ourselves.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 355 STAND STILL AND WAIT

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: STAND STILL AND WAIT

Standing still and waiting for God to move is always a hard thing to do. We pray, and then we have to stand on our faith, knowing God will answer. He rarely answers the way we think he will. His timing rarely happens when we think it should or want it to be. If we wait on him, doors will open that we could not have even imagined.

We are not the first to be surprised at how God chooses to help us in our situations. There is no way the children of Israel could have known that God was going to provide them an escape through the Red Sea. Many of them didn’t even see God delivering them at all. They accused Moses of bringing them out into the desert to die. But God came through for them and saved them from their enemy. I am sure that many responded first with shock, seeing the waters part.

God sometimes shows up in ways we cannot even imagine. He is never late, but always right on time. There is often a wait between the realization of the problem and God showing how He will deliver. Moses told the people to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Standing is the hardest thing to do. I am sure the time from the revelation to the time that the answer was revealed was quick for the children of Israel. For us, sometimes it takes days, weeks, months, or even years to see the solution. But he is still God. It is in the time of the “standing still” that our faith is tried. We cannot be guilty of doubting the Lord. Doubt and worry are not faith, but break down our faith. He will see us through if we stand strong on his promises. I want to share a few verses with you.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Lord is not slack but is long-suffering. He wants what is best for us. He loved us so much that he didn’t want to see us perish and die in our sin. So, how much more is he willing to do for those who are his children and have accepted the work of the cross? Those who carry his Spirit inside of them. We should have faith to believe He will do what He has promised. It may not happen the way we think or want it to happen. But He will take care of our situations and answer our prayers. He has promised us eternal life if we choose to follow him.

Number 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

If God says He will do something, you can be sure He will do it. He is incapable of lying. Because God is the truth.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God tells us to not fear because He goes with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He says He will uphold us with the right hand of His righteousness.

Is 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

This verse says If we wait on the Lord. In other words, stand still and be patient for him to work out our situations. If we wait on him and not try to fix things on our own, He will lift us up as if we are carried above our circumstances. Soaring high above the issues like an eagle would fly. He will give us the strength to run this race that is set before us. We will keep going and will not faint or give up. Because He gives us the strength to keep going. But it takes standing and waiting on the Lord. His timing is not our timing.

There is nothing in this life that we will ever face alone if we are His children. He has promised to provide for us. He has promised us power over the powers of the enemy so that we can stand strong. The comforter will be our peace, our guide, all we need to empower us to stand still and wait on the Lord.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 354 CLOUD OF WITNESSES OR CHAOS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: CLOUD OF WITNESSES OR CHAOS

It is nice to have people in your corner. One’s that you can rely on to see you through the tough times. To laugh with you in the good times. The bible refers to a cloud of witnesses. That phrase means like-minded people who support the same ideals and causes that you do. As Christians, we should be a cloud of witnesses for other Christians. People of like-mindedness are those who hold to the truth of scripture.

Those in the body of Christ can be our cloud of witnesses. Those who encourage us, to walk in the truth of his word. Hebrews says to lay aside every weight. Man is notorious for complicating the things of God. Look how many laws the Pharisees made out of a few commandments that God gave them. We, too, have complicated things with the religious rules of mankind. We need to get back to the basics.

These rules of man only add chaos to our faith walk. Some people would die on the mountain of their religious belief about the word of God, before they would yield to the truth of his word. These people are clouds of chaos in the body of Christ.

It is better to be in a cloud of witnesses instead of a cloud of chaos. I am not advocating that we give up on the truth so that there could be peace. Giving in to man-made religion is the problem with the body of Christ already. We have to stand strong on the foundation of God’s word.

We are supposed to run our race with patience. How do we develop the fruit of patience? By walking through tribulations and trials. We can get through it all with Jesus by our side.

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

This verse says that tribulation works patience. With patience comes experience and then hope, once we have walked through a few hard things. We know that if God saw us through that moment when we were at our most broken, he will come through again. It gives us the hope we need to walk in faith.

If we do not handle the tribulations well. We will not develop the fruit of patience like we need to develop. Without the fruit, it is harder to have hope. It is harder to walk by faith and not by sight.

Without the experience of the trials, we have nowhere to draw inspiration from except others. This is why we need the word of God. In it are stories of people who walked through difficult things. When they trusted God, he blessed them and helped them. When they didn’t trust God, they got an Ishmael.

Abraham and Sarah lost patience, waiting for the promise. We cannot lose sight of the promises of God and try to do things our way. We will end up in chaos. We have to wait upon the Lord. In his perfect timing, we will receive the things God has promised. We will not end up with our own version of Ishmael.

Today is the day you want to ask yourself: Do I want a cloud of witnesses? Those who encourage me in the Lord and give me encouragement to endure the trials. Or do I want a cloud of Chaos that walking in the flesh and trying to fix things my way will bring?

We have been promised that as long as we walk in the ways of the Lord, he will be with us and strengthen us. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He wants nothing more than to destroy our peace and steal our joy.

Surround yourself with a strong cloud of witnesses. Those who have walked through the fiery trials of life. They can encourage you and help you to go through your own fiery trials. Because no one wants to live with a cloud of chaos.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP353 THE HIGHER THE FEWER

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: THE HIGHER THE FEWER

It is easy to get lost in a crowd, just blending in and not having to do anything. Easy going with the flow. But songs are not written about the crowd. People are not inspired to go the extra mile by the people pleasers.

People that inspire others are those who are hungry for something deeper. The people that desire to climb higher than the status quo. Take the story of Zaccheus in the bible. He was with a crowd of people. We don’t know their names. They never made an impact on people to climb higher. To rise above the status quo. But Zaccheus’ desire to see Jesus was more important than blending in with the crowd.

The first thing he did was run ahead of the crowd. Then he climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. When Jesus passed by he noticed Zaccheus and told him to quickly come down, that he was going to his house. By running ahead of the crowd and climbing the tree he was given more than he was looking for, Jesus noticed him.

Most birds can fly; each one has a limit to the height that they can reach. Most are content to fly closer to the ground. But the eagle can soar high above them all. A crow can really harm an eagle if it starts an attack. But the eagle can soar high above the crow’s ability to breathe. Soon the crow has to break off its attack and swoop lower to the ground to breathe.

Many people we know can be the crowd in our lives. But we cannot allow their influence to keep us from climbing higher to get to what we desire. As Christians our desire should be to climb to the place where it is just us and the Lord. We should hunger more for God’s presence than man’s approval.

Matt 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The broad way is the crowd. Sinner’s don’t have to separate themselves and climb higher. They don’t have to seek God for deeper meaning and higher heights of understanding about God’s word.

Strait is the gate, this word doesn’t mean uncurved, but it means narrow like a passage of water between two land masses. Narrow is the way which is life and fulfillment. But many are not willing to leave the crowd.

Finding the narrow way will cost you something. It will cost being self-willed. It will cost allowing the flesh to do whatever it wants. It means having accountability to do the right thing. Walking in integrity and doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

Mountain climbers are unique individuals with a skill set to get to the top. Mount Everest is one mountain that only a few have successfully climbed. These are the individuals that had the most determination and learned skills to get them there. These people didn’t wake up one day and say, “I think I will go climb Mt. Everest today.” No, they worked out and trained their bodies to be in the best physical shape. They practiced on smaller mountains. They studied the stories of the ones who successfully climbed the mountain. Applying their stories to their own climb.

When it came time to climb the mountain, many may have started out with them, but the higher they went the fewer people went with them. The same can be said about our faith climb. The more we set aside the things of this life and focus on God and his will, the less people want to go with us. Often it means leaving them behind to find their own path.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We will never know the perfect will of God unless we go the extra mile to find out what he desires for our lives. It may mean praying more than others in the crowd. It may mean studying the word more than others. God will see that we have climbed up a little higher. He will respond with wisdom and understanding.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

How will we ever reach the top of the mountain if we don’t study the stories of those who have gone before us. Those warriors of faith that sacrificed and didn’t back down from the truth of God. The more we study God’s word the more the pieces fall into place. The more sense it makes.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Don’t expect the status quo crowd to be happy for you that Jesus notices you in the tree and wants to abide at your house. Many will not understand your choices. They will say this little thing or that will not keep you from being saved. That may be true, but how do you want to finish the race? Do you want to say, I have done everything in my power to surrender to the leading of God’s spirit. To quote a sports analogy, Have I left it all on the field? Or did I just do enough to get by; to just be a bench or pew warmer.

Katherine Kuhlman said, “Serving God will cost you something. To walk in his anointing will cost you something. It will cost you everything.” When we give our lives to Jesus, we need to fully surrender, giving ourselves completely to Him.

It is my prayer for you that you go the extra mile. Climb the highest mountains and do not be discouraged if the crowd gets a little thin. Remember the higher the fewer.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 352 PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

As Christians, we cannot be caught up in the past. We are to keep living in the present and looking with hope toward the future.

Phil 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The enemy wants nothing more than to use our past to distract us from our goal. He will use our past mistakes and sins as a guilt trip, telling us we need to suffer for them. He will tell us that we are so bad that there is no way that God has forgiven us for our mistakes or sins. Many fall into this trap at some point in life, living with regrets. Until they look at the scriptures that says Jesus’ blood cleanses all our sins. The only sins that are not forgiven are the ones that people have chosen not to repent.

Paul, more than most of them understood regrets. He persecuted the early church because they didn’t hold to the Jewish standards of the Pharisee’s. He helped those religious people martyr Stephen and others in the early church. He also understood that we have no ability to go back and change the past. We have to repent for the wrong and move on. Forgetting those things which are behind. Not in a denial that they happened. But in a Jesus has covered my mistakes and sins with his blood. We are no longer accountable for the past.

He says I press on toward the prize of our high calling in Jesus. We can only do what we can today to honor God. Our life needs to reflect daily our commitment and faith. We press forward to do the will of God in the earth. Looking to tomorrow with hope that we will be found doing the will of God when tomorrow becomes today.

Matt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Jesus told his disciples not to worry about tomorrow. When tomorrow became today, they would have time to deal with the issues that arose. Too often, we get caught up in worrying about next week, next month, next year. We don’t need to be concerned about tomorrow; there is plenty that needs our attention today. Many things can happen in a day. Being concerned about next year to the point of worry, stress and anxiety is pointless; many things can change in the time between now and then.

Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

His word says to be careful for nothing, which means to not be anxious about anything. We need to pray about our concerns and leave them at Jesus’ feet. He will take care of everything.

John 9:4-5 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

These were the words of Jesus before he healed the blind man. But it applies to our lives today. We must be doing what God called us to do while it is day. While we can make a difference. While people can still be saved. Because night comes when no man can work. In other words, the light will be taken from the earth and it will be dark.

Before Jesus ascended, he said, Now you are the light of the world. When the bride of Christ is taken from the earth, sin will reign. No one will be concerned about working for God.

We have to live in the moment. Do what we can today. Ask God to show us if we are lacking in some area of our lives. We need to be on fire for God. Allowing the flame of that light to shine to the dark, broken world. There are people who are waiting for us to just be kind and show them God’s love.

Forgetting the past, we need to live today as if it were our last. Making the most of every day. While we look toward tomorrow with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. There is nothing that we have been through or will face today that is a surprise to God. He will help us today and meet us in all of our tomorrows.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 351 UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Most of us over the age of eighteen remember our first love. At a young age you open yourself up and believe that the person you are dating is the one true love of your life. We love fully without holding back our affections. Most of us end up with our hearts broken feeling rejected. It doesn’t matter the reasons, even if they are noble, even if it is the right thing, it feels awful. No one wants to be rejected.

But Jesus gave everything for us. He laid down his life. He loves us without conditions. He believes in us and doesn’t hold back any of his love and affections for us. He is jealous for us. He wants nothing but our love and adoration in return. He desires to spend time with us.

If we are not careful, we can be guilty of pushing him away. Not even intentionally lots of times, but we get distracted by the cares of this life. Before we know it we find that we have not spent quality time with him. We have not poured out our affections on him. Leaving him feeling rejected.

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

All through the Old Testament, God’s people would do well for a little while, then they would fail God. They were excited when he brought them out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. But it didn’t take them long before they made their own god out of gold.

We cannot think that we are any different today. God will work out something in our lives and we rejoice. But a little bit of time goes by without the pressure of a trial, and we get complacent. God has to allow another trial to draw us to him. Complacency is the enemy of God’s plan in the earth.

We need to be in his presence, working to gather the harvest. Making sure that we do not leave him feeling rejected. He has poured out everything for us. All he asks is for us to love him in return.

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

When trials come, they often come to draw us closer to him. They teach us how to love in a deeper way. We are not born knowing how to love God. It is a process that we learn by studying the word. We learn about his love as he guides us and leads us into deeper understanding of his truth.

Worship should not be an act of raised hands and singing a couple of times a week at church. Worship should be something we do daily to show God affection. Let him know that we love him and appreciate all that he does for us.

It is hard for people to love God sometimes because they never had anyone in their life to show them love. They may have been born with bad parents. Something may have happened that they lost them at a young age and never experienced that bond. Without the reference of good human parents, it is hard for people to grasp how much God loves us.

Roman 8:37-39: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

None of these things can separate us from his love for us. But it doesn’t say that we do not grieve his heart when we are disobedient. It breaks his heart when we ignore him unless we have a crisis. He wants us to want him and not what he can give us and do for us.

Matt 15:8-9 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

We do not want to be guilty of being Christians in name only. Walking out our faith walk like the Pharisees. We want our hearts to not just match our words of praise but to be what generates the words of praise.

God gives us unconditional love but longs and desires for us to return to him our unconditional love.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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