Author: angied

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP513 GET OFF OF THE ROOF

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: GET OFF THE ROOF

There is a story that preachers often use as an illustration. It is about a man that is standing on his roof, with flood water rising quickly. Along comes a guy in a raft and offers him a ride to safety. The man or the roof says, “No that’s ok, God is going to save me.”

The water gets higher and the man prays for God to help him. Along comes a guy in a boat and offers to take the guy to safety. Again, he says, “No that’s ok, God is going to save me.” The water continues to rise now its up to the roof. Again, the guy prays for help, “Lord, save me, the water is getting deep.”

A helicopter flies over and drops a rope. The guy yells, “that’s ok, I am afraid to fly, God will save me.”

It will come as no surprise that the guy drowns. When he gets to heaven he questioned God, “Why didn’t you save me?”

God answered, I sent you a raft, a boat and a helicopter, what more should I have done?”

Often God’s answers do not come the way we think. But he always answers. This is why it is so important to pray for discernment. We do not want to miss his answers. Often, we have to do something to get the right result.

James 2:20-24 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

If the man had stepped out and got on the raft, boat or helicopter. God would have protected him. He would have made it to safety. But because he refused to take a step of faith, he died where he was standing.

We need to learn to have faith to step out of our comfort zone. The roof at the time seemed safer than the boats or the helicopter. But the big picture, it would not always be the safe place. Walking by faith, doesn’t mean we know beyond our next step. If the entire plan was before us, we would probably be overwhelmed by it all. We would feel like there is no way we could ever be who God needs us to be in the future. But God grows us and when the time comes, we will be ready. God grows us very patiently one step at a time.

I often think of a scene from one of the Indiana Jones movies. Indy was at edge of a cliff. The ancient book he was using for a guide said something about the path to God being a leap of faith. To the human eye, it looked like there was a chasm, too far to jump across. The holy grail he was looking for was on the other side.

It looked like he would fall to his death, but he took the next step. There was a bridge to catch him. It blended in with the chasm and was invisible to human eyes. Faith is taking that next scary step, knowing that God has a bridge to catch us.

The answers rarely come as we think they will. I would imagine the children of Israel never thought about the Red Sea parting for them. We must open our minds and believe that faith means trusting God for the right outcome even when we don’t see even the next step.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

The question is, are we going to trust or are we going to stay on the roof top? Remember the comfort zone is only comfortable for a season. Something to think about today.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGMENT

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP512 EASIER SAID THAN DONE

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: EASIER SAID THAN DONE

Often, we read things in the bible and accept them at face value. We understand with our minds. But applying the word to our lives is often more difficult than we first thought. For example:

Matt 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Lets take verse 37, we can say we love God will all of our heart, with all our soul and all our mind. But our actions do not reflect that love. If we truly loved God with all of our heart we would want to be in his word more, in his presence more. But it is easy to allow the distractions of life to make our good intentions seem like weak attempts. This is why it is easier to say you love God and harder to do it.

It is even more difficult to love some people, because they do not treat us right. We are to love people and want the best for them. We can love their souls and pray they find God. It is our duty to show them the right direction. If they don’t want to be rescued from their life of sin, there is little we can do. They have free will.

Sometimes loving people means telling them the truth, even if it will hurt. I would rather be hurt by truth than be comforted by a lie.

Another verse I think of is:

Eccl 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

It sounds simple to fear God and keep his commandment. If we fear God we will keep his commandments. At times, it is easy for our flesh to override our good sense and fear of the Lord. When this happens we are not walking in all the love and reverence that God expects from his children.

He wants us to be hungry for his presence. To long to sit quietly and listen for him to sing over us and pour into us. God is so loving toward us and we all fall short of showing him that love in return. That is why God made grace, it is the filler that helps us to meet the mark of God’s expectations.

Don’t think I am trying to be judgmental and legalistic. I am simply trying to share that it’s not easy to love God and do the right thing while we are in this flesh. Our will can get in the way easily if we do not keep a tight reign on it.

We must strive to do our best to measure up and God will meet us where we are with his amazing grace.

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.

I always want to share with you things that make you think and want to seek God just a little longer or with a little more passion. Because if we sow good thing into our lives those things will grow. If we sow unappealing things in our lives the weeds will overtake our garden of good.

I want to encourage you today to pray for God to help you to learn to love him more.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP511 WHERE ARE THE WATCHMEN?

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: WHERE ARE THE WATCHMEN?

What would happen if God’s watchmen all left their post. Evil would swallow up the earth. The enemy would come in and overtake everything and the people would have no warning. No one would be guarding the weak. God is needing us to stay on the wall and keep watch. This is what has been happening in the world today, many left their post.

In America in 1963, watchmen left the wall and one woman was able to take prayer out of the school system. Where were the watchmen? Then they removed teaching morality and biblical principles. All of this before I was born. Why were the watchmen not on the wall?

In the 1980’s, my generation saw the ten commandments being removed from the schools, while drug use and sexual immorality increased. Where were the watchmen?

Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

This could very well say children of God I have made you watchmen over America and the world warn them about their evil. Compel them to turn from their worship of the little gods of this world. Compel them to return to me.

Every generation has let down a little more of the fortress. It is like each generation removes a row of block from the high walls of protection. If allowed to continue soon there will be no walls and the enemy can walk in and set up his kingdom. But for now, we have something to say about it. We can find our place on the wall and watch.

Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

Have you ever gone to your pantry, you are hungry but are not sure what you want to eat. I can honestly say I often opt for something quick to fix, but it may not be the best choice.

Spiritually, morally, people are like this: they are hungry, but not sure what they are hungry for, they opt for the quick fix. They allow the enemy to tempt them into sin which satisfies for the moment. But long term does nothing to help them be better, stronger or happier.

The famine is for the word of God and his presence. Many churches have “feel” good messages, but the watchmen have left the wall years ago. Now they tell people how to gain wealth or live their best life. They never mention the blood because it is too gory. They don’t want to preach about hell, because they don’t want to offend anyone. Week after week, people leave their services unchanged and still starving for God.

Where are the watchmen?

We all can be watchmen and guard our own lives. Once we get ourselves to the place that we can be of use to God he will set us to watch and warn of the enemy’s attacks.

Ways we can be watchmen: Guarding our hearts, guard against distractions from the enemy, pray for help, study God’s word and apply it to our lives.

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

We are the only ones who can guard our hearts. No one can do it for us. The enemy will try to get us distracted by the world. He will try to bring offense to cause us to lose our focus and develop unforgiveness. He will offer us shortcuts to success, even when we have not put in the work to make success possible. He will try to fill our mind with lies about God and his plans. The enemy wants us to look at circumstances and fall into fear so that we do not focus on God.

Watchmen know the word of God and can use it effectively. We must know how to use our sword to show compassion and not to harm. Praying daily for fresh understanding will help us to see the enemy’s next move long before we ever see him. Fresh anointing and discernment daily should be what we ask for when we pray. The anointing will give us power to overcome and discernment will show us what we need to do next to avoid the enemy.

As we each guard the gates of our own hearts, we learn how to help spiritually guard the gates of our nation. We have a powerful tool in our arsenal; we have the power of prayer. It is time for the watchmen to arise and find their place on the wall. There is much work to be done to see the harvest gathered. If we stand side by side the enemy will not prevail. With God on our side, we cannot fail. We are stronger when we stand together.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP510 PERFECT PEACE

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: PERFECT PEACE

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

How do we walk in perfect peace? We do not look at what is going on around us, but we keep focused on God. Perfect peace is not the absence of conflict. It is having God’s peace in spite of conflict.

As soldiers in God’s army, we need to train ourselves to not look at what is happening around us. We cannot watch the news and fall apart by what we see there, but we have to say, I know it looks bad, but I trust you, Lord.

How often do we allow things to distract our attention and cause us to start falling into anxiety and fear? Far too often, our flesh wants to worry about all the what if scenarios. That is just the enemy speaking to us trying to destroy our peace. We have to fight to keep that peace in our hearts, by keeping our minds on God. By talking to him about the anxiety and concerns we have about the chaos we see around us.

It comes down to, trust. Do we trust that God is going to keep his promises? He has promised to give us peace, protection and healing. But do we walk by what we see or do we trust God to keep us in perfect peace.

We have to have a made up mind that circumstances are not going to dictate our peace. God is love and God is peace. Sometimes peace is earned by going to battle. The enemy needs to be put in his place. Satan will not win, he cannot steal our peace if we don’t let him.

It’s not easy to get our focus and keep it at times. But God has promised to never leave us and he has promised to fight for us. We can overcome the enemy. We can walk in peace, like we walk in faith. One step at a time.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

These were Jesus’ words. He tells us to not allow our heart to be troubled. That tells me we have control if we are troubled, fearful or if we are walking in peace. If we lack peace, we can ask God to give us peace.

Phil 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The atmosphere is full of anxiety and uncertainty. It is easy to fall into being anxious and worrying about thing around us. Paul said, be careful for nothing. In other words, do not be anxious about anything. He tells us to pray and the God of peace will give us his peace. Keep holding on and keep fighting the good fight of faith. One day it is all going to be worth it.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP509 ENDURANCE

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: ENDURANCE

Endurance is talked about in the word. But what is endurance? When we are thinking about endurance in the bible, we can trace it back to a Greek word, hypomone pronounced (hoopmon a) which means remain under pressure without giving in. It means to have perseverance and to be determined to reach your goal. Which is often on the other side of a difficult trial.

Psalm 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Endurance is about more than patience, although patience has something to do with it. It means having a deep determination to keep going in spite of the circumstances. It means overcoming obstacles and struggles even when we feel we cannot. Jesus will give us strength to endure, if we hold on to him.

There is a reward on the other side of the endurance, if we do not give up. We have to run our race, determined. We have to dig deep within our souls and find that courage to hold on just a little while longer. These rewards are the fruit of our labor or our patient determination to keep going.

James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

I can not think of a better reward than to face my trials with grace and strength. Knowing that one day I will hear him say, “Well done.”

Right now, the body of Christ is going through some growing pains as God removes things that have slipped into the body to cause spots and wrinkles. We will never be effective to reach the lost while there is strife and blatant sin in the body. God is separating those who are serious about their faith walk and those who attend services to personal gain and to deceive others.
Once the shaking has occurred and there is only left those who are serious about running their race with faith. Then we will see many souls added to the kingdom of God. There is joy in serving Jesus. We need to remember to share that joy with those around us. If we can endure the tough times, we will reap in joy.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP508 THE ACCUSATION

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: THE ACCUSATION

When Jesus was on the cross with him was his accusation. Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

The Pharisees didn’t like for that to be there, they wanted Pilate to change it to say, He says he the king of the Jews. But Pilate refused because he had already had an encounter with Jesus that convinced him that he was possibly the son of God.

Jesus was accused of many things when he shook religious spirits. The Pharisees loved their select seats in the synagogue, their prestige and power. Jesus challenged it all. That is why they hated him.

Their motives were grounded in the fear that he might be real. They feared losing their standing in the community. They would no longer be rich or be able to gain great wealth. The Pharisees, Sadducee and scribes often made accusations against Jesus. He was accused of breaking the sabbath, because his disciples picked corn and ate it.

In their eyes he blasphemed against God because he told the paralyzed man his sins were forgiven. Then he healed him. They also said he blasphemed on other occasions, he claimed to have a unique relationship with God, the “Great I AM”

When he cast out devils they said he did it because he had power through the devil. They were afraid to admit he might actually have power from God.

They got all upset and judgmental when the disciples ate without doing all the “man-made” hand washing rituals. They would often demand a sign to prove his authority. Their greatest accusation came when he was brought before Pilate. They accused him, they lied about what Jesus supposedly said about paying taxes to Caesar.

Pilate could find no fault with him. He believed him to be innocent. He even gave them a chance to let him go. Pilate said he would release one prisoner, the murderer, Barabas or Jesus. The crowd yelled for Barabas to be free.

Have you ever thought about how that was symbolic of Jesus setting all of us free, because we deserved punishment just like Barabas deserved punishment. Yet because Jesus went to the cross Barabas was free and so are we, if we accept what he did for us.

Then when Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus they shouted crucify. Pilate washed his hands before the crowd, because he could not find any fault with him. The Pharisees said, “Let it be on our heads.”

All of their accusations were lies and misconceptions. They were supposed to be the enlightened ones, the ones who would know the Messiah as soon as they saw him. But instead, they feared him and what he represented. They didn’t want to lose what they had built, their kingdom.

Everywhere Jesus went, he brought freedom to the broken and hurting. He also stirred up the religious people who thought more of their religion than they did the God they were supposed to be serving.

It makes me wonder if there is enough of Jesus in our lives to upset a few religious spirits? Is our walk with God close enough that the enemy is on alert?

Out of all the accusations against Jesus. The truth was on his cross. JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS.

Not only is he the king of the Jews, but king above all kings and lord above all lords. In the times we are living many worship Baal. When they talk, they will say things about the lord. We as Christians assume they mean the one true God, our LORD JESUS CHRIST. But they are talking about Baal or satan. Do not be deceived, there is only one true God and de died on a cross under the accusation of being King of the Jews.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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2/26/26

Today, there is not a video. I didn’t have internet service to upload one. But I want to encourage you today to stand strong.

There is not anything the enemy can throw at us that we cannot handle with God’s help.

He has promised to be with us and fight for us. We must look to him and believe…yes I said believe, that he will work every situation out for our good.

Have a blessed day and keep your God Focus!

Angie

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP507 THE MANTLE

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: THE MANTLE

In the story of Elijah and Elisha a mantle was a piece of clothing. It was a cloak or cape, a wrap or shawl. It was symbolic of how our calling in God wraps around us. A mantle in the calling sense means we have a role, duty, responsibility or position given to us of God. It is often passed from one person to another as God calls them home. A person’s mantle will fall to the next generation.

We may carry a mantle for different things. Learning to operate in our calling under that mantle is where many stay. They never step fully into their position. They never use their faith in combination with their mantle. To find the boldness to actually use the gifts that God has given. Too often we allow fear to get in our way. We need the boldness of Elisha to receive and walk into our calling.

Let’s look at the story of how Elisha received his mantle to be a prophet. He had traveled with Elijah for a while and had watched him operate in his faith. Elijah was about to leave he told Elisha he had to go to Bethel and that Elisha could stay behind. He pressed him to go along with him. Then again Elijah said he had to go to Jericho and told Elisha to stay. But he pressed again to go along. Then Elijah had to go on to Jordan. Again, the same thing happened. Each time Elisha pressed him to go along. Each stop along the way, prophets would tell Elisha that the Lord was removing Elijah that day. He kept telling them he knew.

I am sure he had many questions like we all do. But he decided that he wanted to walk in Elijah’s footsteps and be a prophet of God. He had witnessed the boldness of Elijah and knew God honored boldness. The scripture I will share picks up right before God takes Elijah. To get the full effect I suggest you read the whole second chapter of 2 Kings.

2 KGS 2:8-15

8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. 9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

In order to operate in the mantle of a prophet, Elisha had to have faith. He had seen a lot while he was with Elijah. He didn’t pick the mantle up and wonder, will this work for me. No, he believed because he knew what Elijah had said to him.

2 Kgs 2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

Elisha saw him be taken up and the mantle fell to the earth. He trusted that God would give him the anointing in abundant measure. He exercised his boldness to even ask for a double portion of anointing. He was bold to refuse to stay behind, but to follow Elijah.

Why would he not boldly pick up the mantle and use it. He asked where God was, when the waters parted, he knew God was with him. If he had been like some of us, that may have not happened because of doubt. He didn’t pick it up and say, “I wonder if it will work for me?” “Will God really give me a double portion of his anointing?” But he didn’t doubt he proceeded boldly to cross.

This was the beginning of him walking in the authority and anointing without a mentor. He had to rely on God for himself. We have all had that special person that was our compass. Someone who kept us pointed the right direction and in God’s will. Mine was my very wise grandfather. He served God will all of his heart and strength. When we lost him, the whole family not only lost a father and grandfather but we lost our mentor.

Suddenly we were all left to find our own way to hear from God. It has been a long journey, but I know that God is getting ready to do amazing things in the earth. We as his children are privileged to be alive in this day and age. We will see God move in miraculous ways, but we have to be bold enough to pick up whatever mantle he has given us and strike the water.

If you don’t know what your calling is, it is ok. God will show you if you ask him. He is waiting for your surrender, he will shine down on you and lead you to where you need to be, because he has plenty for us all to do. The harvest is ready and the time is short. This is why God is going to empower our generation, like no generation before us. If we are bold enough and obedient enough to pick up the mantle.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP506 DON’T JUDGE THE WIDOW’S MITES

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: DON’T JUDGE THE WIDOW’S MITES

God’s economy doesn’t work like the rest of the world. He can take two fish and five barley loaves and feed a multitude. He can take a small amount of oil and fill many vessels, enough for a widow to get out of debt. Then there is the story of the widow who was at the temple, Jesus used her to illustrate a point to his disciples. He wanted them to understand God doesn’t see money like we do.

Mark 12:41-44 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

She gave all she had, the entire amount of her wealth or substance. Jesus said it was more that those who gave large amounts out of their vast wealth. God doesn’t judge things as we do. He judged their offering by the amount of sacrifice and the attitude with which they gave it. Did they give it to be seen and admired of men? Did they give it with a pure heart before God? The widow gave to honor God, this is why we know about her even today.

The Pharisees with their large egos wanted to show how holy and righteous they were, so they would make a show of their giving. They may have impressed people standing by, but it didn’t impress God. Just like their worship was for show.

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.

God wants everything we do to be intentional and with the right attitude. Are people worshipping to be seen, or are they touching the heart of God. With their consecration to him? He doesn’t want us to worship to be seen. People may judge your worship one way, but God sees the heart. He knows our hearts. He sees all the times we worship him in private and how many times we search for that secret place to get in his presence. Many worship in their prayer closets away from prying eyes.

Jesus spoke against the Pharisees, standing on the street corner in their elaborate costumes reciting long eloquent prayers to impress people. They wanted admiration of men and that is what they received. But God was not impressed with their robes or prayers.

Matt 6:3-7 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

There is a phrase, “Little is much if the Lord is in it.” This is true of the widow’s offering. Because she showed God that she trusted him to take care of her. In giving she had peace that he would see to her every need.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP505 BREAKING THE CLAY

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: BREAK THE CLAY

A few days ago, I was praying and God said, “It’s time to break the clay.” I immediately thought about, how Gideon and his army broke the vessels and let the light shine. When the light burst forth, the enemy ran, because they were afraid of what the light represented. I thought God was wanting me to remind you it is time to shine your light.

We are often referred to as clay on the potter’s wheel. Man was made from the dust of the earth. God formed us and planned our days before we are ever born.

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

As I pondered it and prayed more into it. I thought about how we need to break our flesh, or the will of our flesh and allow God’s light to shine forth. It will take a lot of effort to break before the Lord. He wants us to set aside everything for him. God will put us on the potter’s wheel and make us more useful vessels. If we are willing clay.

People in the world do not want others to see them as weak. They wear false toughness. When we can get before God in a quiet way, we can show him the real us. If we can just allow our persona and how people perceive us to fall away. Just break our clay and be real, letting God shine out of us. We could accomplish great things for the kingdom of God. Imagine if we were all shining our light and there was unity. God is going to bring unity by breaking the clay.

Both of those were good thoughts and I decided to share them with you. It is important to let our light shine. It is even more important to draw closer to God by tearing down our flesh or breaking the clay. Digging deep to allow God to mold and shape the real me and the real you.

As I prayed over the weekend, I realized it was a warning to the lukewarm church and those who know the truth of God, but will not yield. It is a warning for us all to check our lives and make sure we are walking as God would desire. Praying and asking him to search our hearts and reveal any hidden thing. It is a warning for those who know the truth but want to do church their own way. God is weary and judgment is beginning at the house of God. We have already seen some mega church leaders fall because of corruption and perversion. It breaks my heart and I am sure it breaks the heart of God. There are more that will fall for disobedience and refusal to repent.

How does judgment align with breaking of clay? It goes back to the story of the prodigal son and how his father ran to him. He had been looking for him to return so he could reach him before the rest of their village. Although it was considered undignified for a man of his wealth and status to run, he didn’t care he wanted to reach his son and restore him.

In ancient Jewish culture there was a ceremony called Kezazah. This was a public cutting off of ties from the village. It was normally performed when a son would take his inheritance and waste it by living wildly among the gentiles. If the son tried to return the village would break clay pots at his feet, as an outward act of saying you no longer are a part of our community. It was an outward act of shame and rejection. It was irreversible.

Some have gone too far, they have rejected God’s calling too many times. It is a hard thing to say. These people have taken the name of God and used it to build their vast wealth. They have taken advantage of the vulnerable who trusted them. They do not live for God, they only pretend to be godly while they live like the world, deep in perversion and sin.

God has warned them and tried to deal with their hearts to turn and repent. But they have chosen to worship satan and his ways. So, God is turning his back on them and allowing them to have their choice, but the perversion and manipulation of the body of Christ will no longer be tolerated by God.

He is breaking off ties with them, by breaking the clay. He will not run to their rescue any longer. Some say God is loving and would not turn his back on those who pretend to be Christians, who pretend to do good.

Prov 1:23-27 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Prov 1:28-32 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

You can be sure God is long suffering, he has given these people many, many, many opportunities to do the right thing. We should not fear the wrath of God if we are trying to do the right thing.

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

As children of God we have no reason to fear, he will protect us and keep us safe. But for those who are children of the devil, God will not tolerate but for a little while until they reject his last call. Then he will break the clay.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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