Category: BLOG

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP552 FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD

The saints of God are fighting a battle like none before, we are in end times and with that comes an urgency to see the harvest gathered. Jesus is coming soon. There is I short time to work. Right now, there are so many pressures around us. The spirit of fear has been unleashed on the world. Anxiety and depression are at an all time high. Because the enemy is using every means necessary to distract our attention and cause fear.

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 has promised to strengthen us, he will help us. He says he will uphold us with the right hand of his righteousness. His right hand always brings, protection, peace, help to his people. While his left hand is judgement and wrath. He will bring wrath again one day upon the earth. But for now he is protecting and upholding his people from evil plots of the enemy to destroy us. He is starting to show judgment, in a time of waking people up. Giving everyone a final chance. Then he will return and take his bride away.

Then he will pour out his wrath in a way the world has never seen. The anti-Christ will take his place for a season. But God has the final say. For the children of God we have nothing to fear, God has never poured our wrath while his people were in harms way. The Children of Israel were in their homes under the blood covering. God released death to their enemies. We too are safe if we are covered by the blood of Jesus.

Before God could pour out wrath on the city of Sodom and Gomorra, he told Lot he needed to be gone. He told Lot that he needed to hurry because he could not do anything until they were gone.

Before the flood hit the earth, Noah and his family were in safety. He will protect his people, we have nothing to fear.

When the enemy cannot get us to fall into fear then he will try to distract us and make us tired. Many in the body of Christ are fighting fatigue without any reason to have fatigue. It is the enemy trying to get us to sit down and do nothing. He wants us to be bound up with something. If it’s not sin or fear, then he wants to prevent us from working.

Now is the time to press through. Time to keep pushing forward, we will get to where we are going, if we put our trust in God.

2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

If God doesn’t give the spirit of fear then it is safe to assume it comes from the enemy. God will give us power to overcome each and everything the enemy tries to put on us. He will try to convince us we are going crazy or that we are depressed. But God gives us a sound mind. He gives us overcoming power.

Fear is a liar, it says that the enemy is going to win. It says that the enemy will destroy us. God says, you are blessed, protected by my angels, nothing the enemy can form against you will prosper. But you will be powerful enough to stand against the enemy.

With God on our side we cannot lose.

Romans 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

He freely gives us the strength for a new day. Peace to walk it out and protection from the evil one. Fear is not from God, he only gives good things to those who love him.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP551 GOD GLOW

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: GOD GLOW

Many people cannot wait for summer so they can get that sunglow. It shows that you have spent time outside in the sunshine. But even more than having a light tan, we need a God glow. Being in his presence will give us a glow. Our light will shine and let the world know we have spent time with the king.

Do you have a God glow? Do you let your light shine?

Exodus 34:29-33 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. 31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. 32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai. 33 And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

I am not saying we will glow as much as Moses did. After all he was on the mountain with God for many days. But if we have spent time will God it will show. We may not need a veil, but it will make the enemy nervous. It will help us to be a light to the world around us.

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our lives and the light we are is about bringing glory to God, not to be seen. The world is full of darkness which makes our light even brighter. Many people are afraid of a really bright light. I know I have shared this before but, I am going to share it again. Years ago, I was praying and I said, “God make me a big bright light.” This went on for a couple of weeks. Then one morning God said, Why, a bright light is blinding? My heart was in the right place. I didn’t want to be a bright light so that people saw me, but so that they saw God.

I understood what he meant. We don’t want to blind people. They are already in darkness. If a bright light suddenly turned on, they would cover their eyes. It is about letting our light shine. Sometimes it doesn’t even take a light, but just a bright glow.

Jesus said we are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. A city is many little lights. If we combine our little light, with the light of other believers, we will make disciples. People will want to come out of the darkness and have a light of their own.

Do you have a glow? Can the world see that God’s love shines in you?

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP550 REJOICE

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: REJOICE

The word rejoice is used in several places in the Bible. The Psalms are full of verses about rejoicing in the Lord.

Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Rejoice means to take delight in God. It is an active expression of joy because of God’s character. It is not based on emotion. We can and should rejoice even in the bad times. The size of our storms should not matter. What matters is being in the presence of God. Worship is about a God connection. As we lift our hands and focus on the presence of God, he will meet us there.

In other words, if we trust in him, we will rejoice because he is God. Rejoice is a lot like worship both are about who he is; our God. Praise goes with thanksgiving to show him we are grateful for all that he has done for us.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Thanksgiving will get you in the gate. You are in the courtyard. But to get to the king you have to enter into his court house with praise. Worship and rejoicing will get you into the court room for an appointment with the king. It is easier to petition the court if you are in the court room with the judge.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

We gain many things by being in God’s presence. While in his presence he restores us and renews our strength. He fills our hearts with gladness and joy. But we have to worship and get into his presence to be renewed. Take time to praise the Lord for all that he has done. Worship him for who he is, our Lord, our Savior and soon coming King.

Until next time,

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

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP549 SURRENDERED HEART

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: SURRENDERED HEART

A surrendered heart is a sign of a surrendered life. People often say when someone makes a start to serve Jesus that they surrendered their heart. But that surrender normally takes a life time to achieve.

I know from personal experience that I am more sold out to the cause of Christ than at any point in my life. My heart is more surrendered than it was five years ago, ten years ago or even when I started my journey of a faith walk with Christ.

He desires our surrender. He wants us to give up total control to him. As someone who is hardwired to be in control, it is a hard thing to relinquish. But by giving up that control we learn to trust him more and more.

Matt 16:24- Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

What does it mean to take up our cross and follow Jesus? It was not easy for the man part of Jesus to go to the cross. He asked that the father let the cup pass from him. But he then surrendered to the plan, even though it meant horrific pain. Surrender involves personal sacrifice and sometimes making painful choices.

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.

Surrender means we pickup our Bibles to renew our minds instead of doing something we want to do. Surrender means that we listen for God’s voice and try to walk in his path for our feet; his will.

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. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Surrender means that we give our cares and concerns to God. We are not supposed to allow anything to cause us to be anxious. When we give God our cares he turns around and gives us peace. Keeping ourselves in a place of surrender means we will have peace.

Matthew 6:34 -Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Surrender means that we trust God to provide whatever we need when tomorrow becomes today. We were never meant to live in any other day but the current one. We cannot get so wrapped up in the past that we carry the pain and hurt from the past into a new day. We cannot be so worried about the future that we do not live today.

God has promised to provide for us. He will give us what we need. Surrender means that we will submit to his will and not worry about tomorrow.

When we surrender, we are telling God that we trust him to keep his word. It opens up our lives for him to work. We often tie God’s hands when we pray for something then turn around and try to work it out for ourselves. He is all knowing, all powerful, he doesn’t need our assistance. He needs our surrender.

Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When we truly learn to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts he will do amazing things with us and for us. Surrender means trusting with all of our heart. If we can do that and not listen to our human reasoning but acknowledge God and his plan, he will always keep our feet on the right path.

Walking by faith, we continue to surrender each day. Paul said, “I die daily.” Meaning he had to get up everyday and make a choice. Do I lean on my understanding and human instinct or do I follow Jesus and allow him to direct my path.

In our path is confusion, lies of the enemy, obstacles to overcome. If we trust in the Lord he will help us navigate all the traps and keep us going in his wisdom and peace. A surrendered heart is a sign of a surrendered life. God is not looking for perfection, but a life fully surrendered to him.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP548 DO NOT CHEAPEN THE BLOOD

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: DON’T CHEAPEN THE BLOOD

There is not as much talk about the blood of Jesus in many churches today. They don’t want to offend some overly sensitive person with the story of how Jesus shed his blood for us. The word says he was beaten beyond recognition. The only way Jesus endured the beating he received was the part of him that was God. A normal human being would have died from the beating long before they made it to a cross.

Yet people take that blood too lightly, with man’s ideas of a loving God that will forgive. We can live anyway we wish and not suffer the consequences because we repented once many years ago. But the word doesn’t say all of that. True God is a loving God and he has plenty of grace for us when we fall into a trap of the enemy. Maybe we make a wrong choice because we did what we thought was best instead of praying about our decision. God is faithful to forgive us if we repent. Because his blood covers all our sins.

Does this mean then that we can continue in sin because we have his grace? God Forbid. We are supposed to live in freedom from sin. Walk as children of the light, as children of God.

Romans 6:1-4 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Walking in newness of life means we do not continue in sin. We walk as Jesus walked. Because our sins are under the blood. Will we make mistakes and mess up? Yes, we are human. And the is where grace comes into the picture. It is not meant as a lifestyle, saying you are a child of God with lips service, but not walking as a child of God. But it is a sign of a loving father that understands we are not perfect and will fall from time to time.

Luke 13: 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Miriam Webster Dictionary defines the word strive – to make great effort to achieve or obtain something. Struggle or fight vigorously.

Jesus says for us to strive to enter. Make great effort to enter in at the strait gate. We have to try our best to do the right thing. Looking unto Jesus for help to stay on the narrow path.

It all comes down to our hearts. What is in our hearts will come out. If we have a love for God we will want to keep his commandment. If we do not truly love God we will treat the blood and grace as a get out of jail free card. Neither God’s grace or the blood of Jesus should be so disrespected.

Think again about the cross, we do not want to think about the brutality. It was horribly abusive and cruel the way Jesus was treated. He didn’t look like all the pictures we see in book and home décor. A porcelain complexion with five little drops of blood. He was brutalized, beaten, his back was ripped open with whips that had metal claws on the ends. He suffered beyond anything we would be capable of suffering.

That should not be treated like it was nothing. That was something amazing, all for me and all for you.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP547 PRESSED BUT PRAISING

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: PRESSED BUT PRAISING

We all have felt overwhelmed at times. It seems like everything you try to do ends up in a mess. This happened to me this week. I didn’t think I could handle one more thing, then something happened and I did handle it. Human beings have the capacity to grow and adapt, especially children of God.

As I prayed this morning for all that is pressing on me. I felt like God started to deal with me about being stretched. I recently felt like he was telling us to empty our lives of what was unnecessary. Emptying our lives is not enough. We need more capacity to hold what God is getting ready to do. This is why he is stretching so many of us. He is increasing our capacity to hold more of him.

Many Christians have said they are going through a time of feeling heavy and pressed. The crushing is bringing on God’s anointing. We will one day be on the other side of this and there will be a large harvest of souls that will need mentoring. God is preparing us.

God is getting ready to increase our territory. We will need a greater capacity to hold the things he wants to give us. Now is the time to get serious about removing things we do not need in our lives. It is going to take a great move of God’s power with demonstrations of that power, to see the lost saved, healed and delivered. The body of Christ needs to be ready for the harvest.

Many are dealing with a lot of things. It’s easy to blame the enemy. It is not always his fault. God sometimes allows things to open our eyes. Maybe he is trying to get us out of our comfort zone and walking in a new path. That way will add to your life skills, revelation or something you are missing in your life. The main thing is we stick to the path and God’s plan.

Like with any good exercise routine, we have to press through the moment of doubt that nothing is changing. When doubt starts to set in, we must look to Jesus with hope. He wants us to be ready for what is coming. Ways we exercise through the weight of heaviness, is to put on the garment of praise. Praise God when we are overwhelmed, it puts things into perspective. It invites the presence of God. His presence will lift us up.

ISAIAH 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Lifting up the Lord gets our minds off of our feelings and pressures. It aligns our perspective with God’s presence.

Determination to follow Jesus comes from deep within us. He will be with us every step of our journey. We must learn to trust him, even in the times of crushing. Like the olives that are in the oil press, things can get messy. But it is in the crushing that we bring forth oil of anointing.

Be strong and have courage, you can walk thorough the hard times. One day at a time. I want to remind you that you never walk alone. Get in the word, it is light for your path. Make sure you have all of your armor on. Allow the warrior God placed within you to arise.

Is 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We can trust him because his ways are higher than our ways. He knows what he’s doing. He wants only what is best for us. Even when he allows hard things, painful things. It is for our good if the long term gets us to a new level of understanding. Keep praising him in the pressing.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNINING EP546 STAY ARMED AGAINST THE ENEMY

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: STAY ARMED AGAINST THE ENEMY

God woke me early with the verses in Ephesian chapter 6 and a though I want to share.

Eph 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

People are always saying how we need to put on the armor of God every day. That is good to have a few moments of a morning to check your spirit man before going out the door. You look in the mirror and make sure you are dressed appropriately for the day. Why would we not check our armor.

But we know the battle plans of the enemy. He could attack at any moment. We have to be good soldiers and be ready. I believe there is some armor we should never take off. Let’s look at the list.

Eph 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

After reading the list, I am wondering why you would have to put on your armor every day. Truth and righteousness, yes we need those in our homes. We don’t lay them down at the door. If we have studies and are learning God’s word, I don’t know how we would remove the shoes. Without faith we cannot please God. We need our faith always. The shield protects us from all the negative things the enemy tries to put in our minds. Our salvation should always be worn. We are children of God. That is our identity. It comes through salvation. Knowing who we are in Christ keeps us from falling for a lot of the enemy’s traps. Any good soldier would have their sword close if they know the enemy could attack at any moment. Our word is our weapon. Jesus showed us how to use our swords when he was being tempted of the devil. “It is written.” Then he would quote the appropriate verse to the enemy.

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We are called to pray and watch with all perseverance for the body of Christ. We are always on duty. Our identity as Christians cannot be something we lay down and pick up. Take time and check your armor, make sure all the pieces are in place. We are in a battle for the soul of our nation. This is not a war the enemy will win, but we have to be prepared for the fight.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP545 A BELIEVER IS A RECEIVER

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: A BELIEVER IS A RECEIVER

My grandfather often said, “A believer is a receiver, a doubter goes without.” He would use this when he preached faith. With out faith nothing happens. Mountains don’t move. People are not saved, healed and delivered. Without faith God is not pleased.

If we want to receive anything from the Lord, we cannot be double minded. Believing one moment and then talking negatively the next. Guarding our words is the hardest things we have to do as Christians.

The word says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If our heart is full of faith, we will speak faith and life. Getting past our human doubt and fear is the hard part for any Christian.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The word diligently means: to laboriously, actively, energetically.

We must be enthusiastic about seeking God. This is how we build our God connection. A five-minute prayer once a week will not build a relationship. We must believe that God exists and he will reward those who actively seek him.

My grandfather often said, “Little prayer equals little power” We cannot overcome most things that happen without an active prayer life.

James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

In order to not be double minded we have to be sold out to the cause of Christ. He has to be our Lord. Not in name only, not to give him lip-service, but he has to be the one in charge of our lives. If not, we will try to walk in the flesh and in the spirit. That would be double minded and unstable.

Verse seven says unstable in all of his ways. If we become double minded and unstable concerning one thing, it can carry over to other areas of our lives. This is why it is so important to have unwavering faith. Our mind needs to be made up that we will follow Jesus no matter what happens. This is having faith in God.

MATT 12:34-35 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

What ever is in our heart is going to come out. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that their hearts were evil because they seen evil in everything he done. Then he explained that if we have our hearts right and they are good they will bring forth good things. But because their hearts were not good, they spoke evil.

This is why we have to speak life. Be encouraging and talk faith. Keep looking up in worship and keep praying in faith believing. Because a believer is a receiver and a doubter goes without.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP544 CONSTANT COMPANION

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: CONSTANT COMPANION

True encouragement is based on God’s truth through reading the word, we find strength to keep going. The word is full of examples of God’s faithfulness. Not one time in the word did he let down those who trusted in him. He is our constant companion, because he lives on the inside of us.

We tell the stories of impossible odds. The Red Sea parting, David and Goliath, Jesus delivering a man from a legion of demons. Every time God moved when the odds seemed impossible. He is the God of the impossible. We will even tell people that he can do all things.

Then why when we come up against what seems impossible do we find ourselves in a struggle? Because we are human and sometime walk by what we see before we can walk by faith. This is why we need each other. When one is struggling the other can stand strong in prayer and faith to pick them up.

We never walk alone, even when others cannot go with us. Some things we have to face on our own. But that doesn’t mean that Jesus is not with us. We can always depend on him to go with us.

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.

We all have times of weakness when going through a struggle. But it is in admitting those weaknesses to God that we gain strength and power to overcome.

2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God’s grace is more than enough for us. We gain strength when we show God our weakness. We can learn a lot from not having it all together. Some go to church and put on a cheshire cat grin and say everything is wonderful. But behind that grin they are broken and hurting, but are afraid to admit that they are weak and need God. There is often a misconception among church people that we are supposed to have a perfect life. We are not supposed to have doubts or struggle, because that is being weak. Actually, that is being human and God knows we are struggling. Pretending everything is wonderful is actually a form of false humility.

We need to learn to be real, especially with God. I am not saying that we should tell everyone our issues, doubts, fears or even sins. Some people will hold things against you that happened fifteen years ago before you gave your heart to God. Be careful who you allow into your circle of confidence. But God can always be trusted to be the center of that circle. He knows our pain, fears, cares, worries and he understands we have questions. Sometimes we may be on the border of not trusting God.

He desires us to bring it all to him. There is nothing we can say or ask that will shock him. There is nothing that can make him want to run the other way. He is God. He knows our thoughts before we think them, he knows our hearts better than we do.

God wants to go into the hidden places; the places we have tucked away painful things. He will drag them out into the light and dust them off. Then he will remove them and leave us peace, where hurt once stood. There will be healing where the scars were very prominent. The scars will no longer be painful. But they will be reminders of how faithful God is to heal our hurts. There will be the memory of how we were done wrong and hurt, but he will remove the sting of the pain.

There is great comfort in knowing that no matter where life takes us, we will never walk alone.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP543 WAIT OR RUSH AHEAD

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: WAIT OR RUSH AHEAD

While having quiet time with God I was directed to the book of Isaiah, specifically Chapter 30. When I think of Isaiah I think of the eagle verse. If we wait on the Lord we will receive renewed strength. We will be able to soar like the eagles. The key part is to wait upon the Lord. When we rush ahead and do our own thing, in our own strength, we often end up in a mess that only God can reach down and save us.

In the waiting we often find struggle and a feeling of numbness. We cannot walk by feeling, we are to walk by faith. But there are times we couldn’t walk by feelings if we tried, because we are not really feeling anything. We are just going through the motions.

When we find ourselves in such a place, we have to take time to sit quietly and wait on the Lord. God has perfect timing; he sees all things. Therefore, he knows when we need to step out and move and when we need to wait. That is one thing we never want to hear. When we have quiet time, the enemy will do everything in his power to distract our minds. The battle comes when we try to stay focused on God and his plan for our lives.

Chapter 30 is all about Judah’s rebellion.

Isaiah 30:1-3 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: 2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

A little over 700 years after the children of Israel were freed from Egypt, Judah wanted to seek their help as a military ally against the Assyrians. Egypt represented a place of bondage that Israel had been freed from, but instead of waiting on God, they wanted to turn to them for help.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

God was telling them to return and rest in him. He would help them fight their battles. But they wanted to do their own thing. How often are we this way? God tells us to wait on him, but in the waiting we get anxious and try to do things our own way. Our way verses God’s way, we will always lose. He knows best and only wants what is best for us.

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

This was encouragement to wait on the Lord. Yet Judah would not listen. God intervenes on behalf of Judah. But also brings judgment on them for not listening to the Lord. God is faithful and just, but people often forget that God is a god of judgment.

Isaiah 30:30 And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

Isaiah prophesied a great display of God’s judgment aimed at Assyria. Every time God’s people would turn to idols and turn to other nations for help. Every time when they would repent God would save them from the choices they had made. But there was always a price to be paid.

We cannot judge them too harshly. Why would they turn to idols? Why would they look to an enemy that God had defeated for them a little over seven hundred years prior? We turn to other people for advice all the time in tough situations. Why do we not turn to God? We may not have golden statues, but if we are not careful we can build idols in our lives and look to them for guidance. When the God of the universe, who made heaven and earth and created and formed our lives, is there waiting for us to look to him.

We don’t care to make God wait on us to make up our mind to trust him. But we hate waiting once we ask him to help.

During the wait we must keep serving him and trying to win the lost to the kingdom. We need to distract our focus from our situation with praise and thanksgiving. Thanking him for moving on our behalf. This is an exercise of faith.

We must do all we can to keep our mindset right. The enemy will try to tell us that God is never going to move, and it will never workout. We must maintain hope, even in the darkest times. God is faithful to answer if we wait on his perfect timing.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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