Tag: #beboldbebraveandkeepyourgodfocus

EPISODE 109 — WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/GR4Vzjimc3M

The title of today’s episode is: “WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?”

2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

A few verses before these listed speaks about how the spirit of the antichrist is in the world. Many will be deceived by this spirit. The only way we can guard ourselves against the spirit of the antichrist is prayer and study of the word. Right now, there are preachers and teachers out there deceiving many.

We are to love people and try to show them the truth. But as much as we are to walk in love, that is not license to accept anything coming and going. When the word says something is a sin, it is a sin. Some are afraid to stand up for the truth. They say it is not love to hurt someone’s feelings. Sometimes the truth hurts. Saving them from hell is love, even if it may initially hurt their feelings.

I am not saying we should jump on people and tell them they are horrible sinners. We can speak the truth in love and maybe gain them by planting a seed. But if we do not walk in love, telling them the truth, we will never gain them. They may not agree with us, but they will respect us for having the backbone to stand for what we believe; the truth of the word of God.

We should not open the door widely for them to share their false teaching. The word says do not receive them into your house. I think that could mean do not allow them to come into where you live (earthly house) and tell you some false thing. It can mean do not let them behind the pulpit of the church to spread false doctrines. But most of all do not accept their doctrines into your heart. Ask Jesus to guard the door to your heart from anything false.

We are to be ever vigilant to know the truth and to only follow Jesus.
I Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

There are other things that can corrupt our spiritual house. Sometimes it comes in the form of something on the television that we don’t agree with, but do not turn off either. When we don’t turn it off we are allowing it to penetrate our thoughts and mind. If we are strong enough in our convictions, we will stop the thing at our mind. It is when our heart dwells on it that we are in danger of accepting it as not that bad.

Well not that bad is not a standard to shoot for. Not that bad by what standard? If it is wrong by God’s standards then it is wrong. We can justify almost anything, if we think about it long enough. But it boils down to this, if it is wrong in God’s eyes, then it is wrong.

Sometimes we allow attitudes to creep in over time. Maybe we are not as vigilant as we once were to fight against the enemy. Great mountains normally do not crumble in a day. But over time, wind, rain, heat and cold can cause it to erode. Every now and then we need to take inventory and see what we have in our house. If we could walk through our spiritual house like we do our natural homes what would it look like?

Would everything be the way it should be, so that it looks like the pictures in a magazine or would it look like an episode of Hoarders. Stuff piled from the floor to the ceiling. Emotional baggage everywhere ready to fall at any moment. Most of us live somewhere in between.

But most people have a closet or two that is just junk we cannot part with, like painful experiences from the past. Bitterness, anger, possible hate, feelings of despair, depression, judgmental attitudes all are things that we need to toss out in the dumpster of life. This will help us to have the kind of house that Jesus would be comfortable occupying. After all, our heart is home.

We have cleared out the clutter, now what? Normally in the natural we try to organize that space to make it more useful. Allowing the Holy Ghost to have free reign to decorate, will help us to become more like Christ.

In Second Kings, there is a story of a widow who went to the prophet Elisha for help.

2 Kgs 4:1-4 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. 5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

The prophet asked her what she had in her house. Often God has already provided our answer. She was getting ready to say nothing then she said except a pot of oil. But at that point one little pot was not enough. If we are willing to give God what we have he can bless it and multiply it.

She felt like this trouble was going to swallow her up. But God turned it around with a miracle through the prophet Elisha. She barrowed many vessels then God allowed her to have enough oil to fill them all. When she finished there was still oil in her original pot. She was able to sell the oil and pay her debt.

She already had the answer to her problem in her house. It was the oil that was her answer. There was more than enough to save her household. Sometimes trouble comes our way. We do not think we can go on. We search and search for the answer. We need to be reminded that we have a pot of oil in our house. (The Spirit of God often referred to as oil in the word.) So there is not a problem too big that the Spirit of God (which dwells in our house) cannot see us through.

We need to be like Joshua and have determination to always follow God. The children of Israel were in a strange land just like we are strangers in this land. We are children of the most high king. We are just passing through this life. We cannot allow the things of this life to clutter up our house.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

So I ask the question that Elisha asked the widow. What do you have in your house?

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 108- WARNING-FOLLOW THE RIGHT JESUS

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/xhNif4IMOsQ

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: WARNING: Follow the right Jesus

I feel the heaviness of God’s presence this morning as I get ready to do this video. I had a plan for a completely different word this morning. However, I was in prayer last night for a long time with a group of intercessors. God really impressed on us many things that I am still praying and working through myself. But I feel like I need to share the following warnings with you.

There are many religions around the world. Because deep within mankind is a desire to connect with a higher power. We long for a relationship with the God who created the heavens and earth. In absence of true understanding and knowledge of the One True God, people have created their own gods. These people that worship idols of gold need an encounter with Jesus.

There are many denominations of Christians around the world. Each denomination holds onto their version of Jesus. Some think that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three entities that share heaven. NOT SO, the devil believes in One God and trembles.

How many denominations have created false Jesus’. This church on this corner believes that he is so loving that he would not send anyone to hell. This one on the other corner believes that Jesus is a God of wrath and is waiting for us to make one mistake and he is going to pour out his wrath and turn us into a cinder. Some say one thing and some say another. How many of us have asked God?

There are many examples in the Old Testament where God poured out his rath. But he always sent warnings and gave chances for people to do the right thing. The word says his sheep knows his voice and a stranger they will not follow. Do we know his voice? Or are we following man’s ideas of Jesus? Do we believe what we have been taught, or have we questioned God for the direction that our feet need to go?

We are at a pivotal time, where the rubber meets the road. Lines are being drawn and decisions are being made about the future. I am not necessarily talking about our political climate, although God is going to take care of the evil in all the governments around the world. That is a subject for another day. I will say that if you study the kings of the Old Testament when the king did right in the sight of God the people were blessed and prospered. When the king did wrong in the sight of God the people suffered also. This is why we need to make sure that we have godly leadership in our government.

The coming of Christ is near, he will only come for those who are ready. He will only take those who belong to him. If we are not following the one true God, we risk being left behind. I wish I could make you see what I have come to understand by some recent events.

Let me try to explain this way. Satan goes to church too. He is out to deceive and will speak to people too. If he cannot keep us from attending church, he will send false teachers among us to deceive us. This is part of the spirit of the anti-christ that is in the world. Many people believe they are doing the right thing. They have sold out completely to an ideology about God. But are not sold out to God. They completely miss the boat with their man made rules and doctrines of man.

I felt this strongly when praying, God is warning and trying to wake people up.

Woe be unto those that are snakes lying in wait for God’s people. They will be thrown into the lake of fire.

I feel so strongly in my spirit that it is time to get on our face before God and ask him to search our hearts. David often asked God to search him. David was far from perfect, but God loved him. His love for God and his worship created a relationship.

God is not looking of perfect people that look on the outside to be a certain way. We have all been guilty of judging people by appearance. It is a human flaw. God knows the heart of each person. If we cannot understand our own heart and our own faults. How can we judge another? We have no right to sit in the judgment seat.

Samuel was guilty of judging the sons of Jesse when God told him to go anoint the next king. Samuel picked the one that was tall and looked strong. He looked like a warrior.

I Sam 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

God knew that all the sons of Jesse would be trembling before Goliath. But he knew that deep inside the smallest of Jesse’s sons beat the heart of a warrior. God knew David’s deep passion to do God’s will. David had righteous anger that Goliath would stand in defiance of God. That gave him the boldness to go out and take down Goliath. But he didn’t do it alone, God went with him.

I said all that about David to make my point, you can’t judge a book by its cover. I have been dismissed like I didn’t know what I was talking about when I was 100 percent sure. I have been overlooked for promotions and have walked through some things that were hard. Simply because people judged me incorrectly. I am sure that everyone of you has a story or two about how you were misunderstood by man.

It is comforting to know that God sees all and knows our heart. This is how he can have grace for those that make mistakes. He can be that God of wrath for the disobedient. Many times I have heard people say, If your God is so loving how can he throw people into hell? God gives everyone a choice and ample opportunities to do the right thing. It grieves God when people will not obey, and he has no choice but to turn them over to their delusions and eventually to hell.

This is why I could not get away from warning each of you to ask God to search your heart. I beg you to let him lead you. He is coming for a unified bride that doesn’t have denominational boundaries. She will be a beautiful picture of God’s love and compassion. She will have a perfect heart, one that has searched for God’s heart. She will not be spotted by the world. Her sins will be under the blood and she will have ironed out all the wrinkles of man’s ideas of how she should be and will walk boldly in the love of Christ.

I want to leave you with a passage that we should all be praying:

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

I know this was a little heavier than most of my posts. But recent prayer time has led me to this place of feeling like God is wanting to move among his people. He is wanting us to yield a little more of ourselves and our will. He is wanting us to surrender the things we have held back. He is wanting to lead us into the fullness of what he has for us. We have been on the milk bottle long enough. It is time we grew up and got a hold of the meat of his word.

Take some time to seriously think about your life. Are you following the Jesus that died for you or man’s watered-down version of Jesus?

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 107 — VESSEL

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/xQMmBDqI_E0

CONGRATULATIONS TO DALLIE POLLARD FOR WINNING THE GOD FOCUS GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY!

The title of today’s episode: Vessels

Yesterday I spoke about sincere vessels. God has been dealing with me further on the subject of vessels. Webster’s dictionary defines a vessel as an object used as a container (especially for liquids). When I read that definition, the following verse came to mind.

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, our of his belly shall flow the rivers of living water.

God has designed us all with a void in our lives. Many choose to try filling the emptiness of our vessel on our own. They think the answer is in a needle they put in their arm or a new relationship of the week. They turn to many other things that can destroy our vessels. None of these things can fill our vessel. They may distract a person temporarily from their despair, but the all leave an even deeper emptiness behind.

When we feel that deep emptiness, there is an answer; his name is Jesus and only Jesus. He alone has the power to deliver us from our despair. We normally think of sinners as bein the only ones that have a void in their life. Christians can find themselves empty sometimes, too. At times in our Christian walk, we have spent so much time pouring out our vessel to help others that we find ourselves empty.

Although we find ourselves empty, we are not as empty as the sinners of this world. We have peace to know Jesus is there. We can take some time to get alone with God, and he will open the tap and fill us up once again. A vessel is a container made to hold liquids. God designed us to hold living water (His Spirit). Without that spirit, we do not belong to him.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Without that living water, we will continue to be empty. Sometimes, we need to empty our lives of distractions so God can use us in a deeper capacity. We need to pray every day to be empty of our fleshly desires, hang-ups, selfishness etc and pray for God to fill us up so He can use us for his glory. The most awesome, fulfilling experience any vessel can have it to be used by God.

The world is tired of Christianity with its judgmental, self-righteous, self-centered people. The need to see sincere vessels is greater than ever. People want us to admit we are not perfect. They need to see that we sometimes make wrong turns. Then and only then will they understand about God’s unfailing love and overwhelming forgiveness.

Dear Lord, Help me to be a sincere vessel. Empty me of me and fill me with you.

Until Next Time,

Be Bold, Be Brave and Keep Your God Focus

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EPISODE 106–SINCERE VESSEL

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: Sincere Vessel.”

Jer 18:3-6 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

We want to be a genuine vessel. Sincere is something every Christian should be at all times. Webster’s Dictionary defines sincere as genuine, honest or real. Looking further I discovered the origin of the word sincere. It comes from the Latin word meaning without wax. In the Greek it means sun tested.

This word originated in Bible times to show that porcelain vessels were unblemished. During the firing process tiny cracks would appear. These second-rate vessels sold for less money. Dishonest merchants would sometimes fill the cracks with pearly white wax. To the naked eye they appeared to be unblemished, which would of course sell for a higher price. The only way a person could tell if they were wax filled or unblemished was to hold them up to the sun. This was called the sun test.

God is sometimes referred to as a potter and we are referred to as clay. Because he molds and forms our lives. We; however, have a flaw, we live within this flesh. We will never be perfect until we shake off this mortal shell and get our glorified bodies.

Sometimes during our firing process (trials of life) tiny flaws appear in us. Instead of God filling those cracks with wax he has a special covering which makes us unblemished, it is the blood of Christ. If we allow him to wash over us and recreate the flawed parts, we will be a sincere vessel.

If we decide to fill the void spaces or small cracks with the wax of sin, bad attitudes, dishonesty etc. We would never pass the “son” test. We can only be an unblemished vessel with the light of God reflecting in our lives.

Unblemished porcelain is a beautiful white. Just like we become when washed by the blood of the lamb. Porcelain vessels and earthenware are made of the same clay. The major difference between a porcelain vessel and an earthenware mug is the porcelain vessel is fired hotter. If you feel you are in the middle of a fiery trial it could be that God is turning you into a porcelain vessel.

With that being said, let us return to sincerity. We need to have an honest heart. We need to discover our own flaws and how to get rid of them. Covering them is never a good idea. Being a sincere vessel will help us to be a good witness. We cannot be a light if we are full of bitterness, jealousy, unforgiving attitudes and dare I say it, hate or judgmental attitudes.

There are a lot of vessels full of wax. These people can look good. They can walk the walk and appear to talk the talk, only God knows if their heart is sincere. Remember the vessels, they look identical, only the sun-test can reveal the one with wax. As we face tests and trials in life sometimes, we are allowed to face them to see what we are made of; can we walk the walk when the way is hard?

We need to learn to look at others through the “son” test with a sincere heart. Knowing that we all have come short. If we can learn to look at others with the love of God, suddenly they look like unblemished vessels. We can pass the “son” test by trusting in him with an honest heart. By walking with integrity.

I ask myself, “If someone were to shine a light on my life, would they find me to be a sincere vessel? Would they see that there is some wax that needs to be removed from my life?

People in this world are starving for Jesus. They are wanting to see Christians that are real, genuine sincere vessels. We need to allow the master potter to mold us and form us into a usable vessel.

2 Tim 2:19-22 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

We want to be vessels of honor, or sincere vessels. Those are the vessels that will hear him say, Well done my good and faithful servant.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 104 — PETITIONING THE COURT OF HEAVEN

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v4wvs80-god-focus-this-morning-episode-104-petitioning-the-courts-of-heaven.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: “PETITION HEAVEN”

I am going to talk today about petitioning the court of heaven. I have a friend who inspired me this morning with the story of one of her dreams. I will not go into details about the dream it will appear on her blog. She is a gifted writer and God uses her in many ways. She is also a prayer warrior. You can find her blog at: www.writinggodsvision.com

She inspired me to start thinking about the courts of heaven. In the times of kings, they would sit on their throne. They had a royal scepter that was basically a staff with a ball on the end of it. Many were gold with jewels encrusted on them. The purpose of the scepter was to signal to his bodyguards that someone could approach.

People were killed for approaching the king without his approval. This scepter was the ok signal to keep his bodyguards from swinging the large axes and beheading the person approaching the throne.

This is the dilemma that Queen Esther faced in the book of Esther. The king had not sent for her, even though she was queen, he could have let the guards kill her for breaking protocol. Because of their relationship and the fact that the king loved Esther, he extended his scepter. There was a relationship, we must have a relationship with the king if we expect His favor to be on our lives.

Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

In other words, as Children of God we have a relationship with the king. We can boldly stand and petition the court of heaven. Because God sees us through the blood of Jesus. We have been given power over the enemy. God will restore what the enemy has stolen we just have to ask for it to be returned. He took your health, then petition God for restoration. If he is stealing your peace, you can ask for it back. If the enemy is attacking you financially, God can restore that too.

Prov 6:30-31 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; 31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. We can ask God to restore to us what the enemy has stolen and he has to give it back. We just have to make a petition to the court of heaven that we want it back.

A petition is a formal request made to a court or governing body. It is normally in writing, but when it comes to petitioning heaven, it can also come in the form of prayer and supplication before God. If we obey God he will restore the things the enemy has stolen.

Mal 3:10-11 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Mal 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

I think this means all the good things we do not just the money or first fruits. But if we are faithful to God and use what we have been given to bless the ministry and others, he will pour out a blessing that we will not have room enough to receive.

He will rebuke the devourer, satan and keep him from stealing from us. Whatever we do will prosper, because the enemy will not be able to touch it.

Luke 18:1-5 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

This is encouragement to be persistent. She didn’t give up on the first try she kept going to this unjust judge. God granted her favor and the judge gave her what she wanted. Not because he feared God or man, but because she was persistent.

We cannot pray halfway once about something and forget it. We have to boldly come to the throne and petition the courts of heaven. Spending time with God in praise and worship will go a long way to build our relationship.

Luke18:6-8 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

This tells us that God will avenge us speedily. In other words, God will punish the enemy by making him give back what he has taken from us. Just as the unjust judge restored the widow’s house to her.

The word avenge means to take vengeance on someone for a wrong. It is when you retaliate for a prior wrong. People often take vengeance on someone on behalf of someone close to them. Like in a lot of the old cowboy movies they would take vengeance on someone who killed their family.

Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

We are to give everything to God and he will work it out for our good. We don’t even have to think about vengeance God has got that covered too.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. It is amazing to know that we can come boldly to the throne and petition the one true king. He will deliver us and avenge us. He will restore all the enemy has tried to steal.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 102– SOLID FOUNDATION-SOLID FOOD

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/n61ri9qUygY

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING
The title of today’s episode is: “SOLID FOUNDATION /SOLID FOOD”
When a baby is born it is unable to eat solid food. It doesn’t have any teeth to chew it up. The baby will eat it’s mothers milk which has all the nutrients it needs. This milk also contains anti-bodies against disease. As a child grows they develop their teeth. Then they can start eating solid food. But you don’t give a toddler that has just started to develop teeth a steak or raw carrot. They start off with things like macaroni and cheese and cooked apples.
As they grow up a little more then they are ready for chicken or steak. They are mature enough to be able to chew the meat and digest it properly.
Paul found the church at Corinth in a mess. They were arguing over minor points of doctrine, and each stood with the minister that led them to Christ. Paul said I fed you with milk and not with meat because you were not able to bear it.
A large portion of the church is in this state today. They have been on the milk bottle too long. If a baby is not introduced to soft foods and is continued to be fed with milk they will never develop into a strong child.
I Cor 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Paul told them that they needed to see that it didn’t matter if they came in under Paul or Apollos or someone else, it was still the same Jesus. We cannot be carnal and spiritual at the same time. He went on to tell them that Christ was the foundation on which to build our faith and doctrine.
1 Cor 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
We must build on a solid foundation. Once that foundation was laid, we need to build our spiritual house upon the foundation of the gospel of Christ. Everyday the enemy is releasing new doctrines into the world to confuse people. These amazing revelations often come from people taking the word out of context.
I saw where someone said we should not say Jesus when we pray because of Acts 4:18. This is the danger of taking one verse and basing a doctrine on it. The word of God says, precept upon precept, line upon line.
Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
If you read the whole chapter for context, Peter and John healed a man in the name of Jesus. The religious people who thought they knew it all was concerned about losing their status in the peoples eyes if Jesus continued to be preached. They are the ones that commanded that Peter and John not say or teach about the name of Jesus.
This doesn’t mean that we cannot teach and say the name of Jesus. Because the whole rest of the bible says we should use the name of Jesus.
I said all of that to say this, it is easy for people to get confused if they do not have a solid foundation. To someone who did not know the word of God says all through the New Testament that we should use the name of Jesus. They would be lacking the foundation necessary to say that the above assumption, built on one verse is incorrect. Colossians says whatever we do in word or deed to do it in the name of Jesus.
Heb 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Paul was telling them that they should be matured in the doctrine of Christ Jesus. They should be helping the new converts to build a solid knowledge of the truth. Instead, they were holding on to the milk bottle and didn’t have sound doctrine themselves. In other words, the deep things of God that help us to grow the spiritual fruit, comes from the meat of the word. A lot of fruit will not grow from staying on the milk bottle.
I think many of the body are clinging to the milk bottle. They are satisfied with just basic knowledge. They don’t want a deep walk with God because it will cost them something. They will have to give up their canal ways and dig into the word of God. It will cost them doing some of the things they would like to do, in order to spend alone time with God in the secret place.
I pray the Body of Christ can grasp the concept of digging deeper into the word. We have been on the milk bottle too long, its time we grow up. We will never have the necessary tools for the harvest if we don’t grow up.
Take time to read the word and ask God to give you insights to the meat of the word.

Until next time,
BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS
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EPISODE 101 — JUDGING THE SACRIFICE

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION : https://rumble.com/v4w955h-god-focus-this-morning-episode-101-judging-the-sacrifice.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: “JUDGING THE SACRIFICE”

History gives us the story behind the story of Jesus and the money changers at the temple. Many only want to speak of Jesus’ loving, peaceful side. They say Jesus didn’t judge. They do not speak of the Jesus that stood boldly before the religious people and called them a den of vipers. He told them they were open sepulchers of dead men’s bones. In other words, he was standing against their evil. That is what we are expected to do is take a stand against evil. Many people are afraid to take a stand. If we are going to be like Jesus, we are going to have to be strong and speak the truth in love, but still speak the truth. I am not saying we need to go as far as Jesus did with a physical confrontation. He had to make them hate him so that they would crucify him.

During the season of Passover, the Jews would travel to Jerusalem. When the people came to Jerusalem to sacrifice an animal for their sins, the evil ones would tell them that their lamb for example had a blemish. They would have to buy one from them. The people would often trade that lamb to lower their price. Then the evil men would turn around and sell that lamb to someone else.

They would overcharge the widows who could barely afford a dove to sacrifice. The sacrifice was not about the monetary value of the animal, but the cleansing of sin. They cheated the people when they changed one currency to another. They were evil men, profiting off of peoples desire to be obedient to God. They played off of their willingness to be obedient to God.

Jesus was sickened by their evil. He took a scourge and ran them out of the temple. He turned over their money tables so that the money was scattered on the ground. He did this to cleanse the temple. It cost them a lot of money and they hated him for it.

We are the temple of the Holy Ghost. This is symbolic of how Jesus cleansed our temple of evil. When we make him Lord of our life his blood cleanses our sins. He removes all the evil that was trying to corrupt our temple. Just as he ran out all the evil merchants that were taking advantage of the peoples desire to do the right thing. He runs off all the evil spirits that were trying to control our lives.

It was not right that these men were judging someone else’s sacrifice. Like we don’t have the right today to judge what someone else does for God. Maybe they are doing all they can do. In our eyes it may not look like much, but we don’t know the whole story. People, even ones close to us often deal with things we do not understand. We don’t know how big of a sacrifice they are making. We do not know with what attitude they make the sacrifice. If they do it with a love for God and a will to be obedient it is viewed by God as a big sacrifice. If we do it for attention of men and out of obligation it is not viewed by God as much of a sacrifice. That type of sacrifice, God would reject like he did Cain’s sacrifice in Genesis.

Mark 12:38-44 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 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.

Many would have judged the woman as being stingy or not caring. Monetarily she didn’t give anything in comparison to the others. However, God doesn’t judge by the monetary value, he judges by the sacrifice. The widow loved God because she gave all she had to give. The others gave a small portion of their large amount of money.

It doesn’t matter what we give to God, people will often look at it like its not a big deal. But we are not to judge another man’s sacrifice or servant.

Romans 14:1-4 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

This is one way of saying don’t be legalistic like the Pharisees. We are not to judge our brother. God alone has the right to judge, because we are his servants. None are perfect and we all have our ideas and opinions about small things. Some try to pick up elements of the law and others have too much grace. But as the saying goes, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” We need to come together as the body of Christ and set aside the little things. Let God work it out.

Romans 14:5-6 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Paul was trying to get the church in Rome to see that it wasn’t about works and observances as much as it was about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It was about their acceptance of this sacrifice and God’s amazing grace.

Don’t allow others judgments of you pull you away from God. If you have his spirit inside of you, listen to Him. He was sent to be our guide. If we have faith and believe, then follow with our whole heart, we cannot God wrong.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 100 –GOD IS FAITHFUL

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v4vpe6x-god-focus-this-morning-episode-100-god-is-faithful.html

Hello My Friends,

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

I cannot believe we have reached Episode 100 already. When I started, I didn’t know if I would be able to keep up the pace of a devotional every day. God is faithful to pour into me what He wants you to hear for the day.

Since this is Episode 100, I decided to do something fun to give back to you. If you would like to be included in a drawing for a God Focus gift pack. You will need to sign up by May 25, 2024. Included in the gift pack will be a copy of my short bible study books. Set Aside Every Weight- which is about getting rid of things that keep us from our goals. Drawing lines in the concrete – which is about dealing with temptation. The third one is Determined Individuals which is all about brave people that were determined to reach Jesus. All of which will soon be listed on my website with links to amazon. A god focus insulated mug and other goodies.

To register go online and sign up to receive my blogs. www.godfocus.net. If you are already getting my blog then send me an email to be included in the drawing. Email: angela@godfocus.net You have until May 25, 2024 to be included in the drawing. I will do a drawing and announce the winner on Friday May 31, 2024 on Episode 110.

Over the course of 100 videos, I have encouraged you to be bold and brave, to not be double minded, to fight the good fight of faith, to stand strong, to walk in love, to pray with determination and faith, to think about how Big our God really is, to be the warrior God created you to be by picking up the gauntlet. I have shown you how God wants us to encourage one another and keep looking up. We have looked into different aspects of God’s character which happens to be the fruit of the spirit. We have also called out sin and explored the works of the flesh. So I sit wondering where to from here, I am in anticipation of God revealing many more things to us as we go forward trying to live each day according to his word. Pray that God will reveal fresh manna in his word that I can share with you. Thank you for being faithful to watch my videos.

Now the title of today’s episode is: “GOD IS FAITHFUL ”

I want to talk to you today about how God is faithful. First, I want to define the word faithful. To be faithful means you are loyal or unwavering from your word. When you make a promise you keep it. Some other characteristics of God are purity, truth, holding steadfast to the truth, being trustworthy and honest.

2 Thes 3:1-3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

When we give our lives to Christ, our lives become God’s responsibility to establish us in his truth. He is obligated to keep us from evil. Because he is faithful to his children. He does this by infilling us with his spirit. If we allow His Spirit to be our guide, we will be established and righteous.

Lam. 3:22-24 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

We are fortunate that His mercies are new each day. His compassion does not run out. As we start each day with him, he is faithful to give us the strength to get through what we are going to face that day. We can have hope that he will see us through whatever we face. He will be on the other side of our trials with renewing strength and peace. We can ALWAYS depend on Him.

Ps 36:5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

David had a heart for God. Many of the Psalms speak of Gods love and compassion. This is a reminder of how big our God is and is David’s way of saying that our God is limitless.

Ps 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

The psalmist wanted us to know that God’s faithfulness wasn’t just for a few people in Bible times. But is for all generations as long as the earth remains. His faithfulness will be with us through all eternity.

I Thes 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church, That the God who cleanses us fully from sin, is able to keep us preserved blameless until Jesus returns. If we continue to abide in him and allow his Spirit to be our guide. He has called us all to do things to further the gospel. He is faithful and will do a work in people’s hearts, if we go and do what he called us to do. He will work with us to change lives. Because he is compassionate, unwavering, loyal, loving and honest.

He will never let us down. He will see us through the fiery trials of life. We are never alone. He will fight our battles for us. All he asks is that we trust Him. He is not moved by the circumstances that seem to be huge in our lives. He knows the end from the beginning. He loved us so much that he died for us. For all of these reasons he can be called faithful.

He asks that we are faithful to the promises that we make to him. We can be if build our Christian character. Allowing the fruit of the spirit to grow will give us unwavering faith and the characteristic that will help us to be faithful to God.

Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

God will not give up on us. He has a plan and will finish what he has started in us. We will be all he created us to be as long as we remain faithful to the cause of Christ.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 99 — WAITING FOR AN ANSWER

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v4vgaml-god-focus-this-morning-episode-99-waiting-for-an-answer.html

The title of today’s episode is: “WAITING FOR AN ANSWER”

Have you ever wondered why it takes so long for God to answer some prayers? God even sent prophecies and years passed from the time the prophecy was released to the time of fulfillment. In other words, we hate to hear the word wait.

We go to God in prayer, believing that he will answer us. Sometimes the answer comes quickly and it is yes or no. The yes is easy and we are excited and rejoice telling everyone, “I prayed and God answered.”

The word “no” is disappointing and we do not understand why, when our request is a good thing. At least in our minds, it is good. But God sees the whole picture he sometimes says no to a temporary thing. This will leave us free to receive a better thing a little farther down the road. Another explanation could be that God sees how that good thing could destroy us later down the road. He says “no” with our best interest in mind, because He is a good father.

But when he says wait, that is even harder to receive. Wait means I am going to give you what you desire, but not yet. Again, he sees the big picture. Sometimes there are lessons we need to learn before he can trust us with our request.

God gave Abraham the promise that he would be the father of many nations and he didn’t have one child. He and his wife Sara were by human standards too old to conceive a child. After a revelation like that I am sure Abraham was excited. But God made them wait for the fulfillment of the promise.

During the course of the “waiting” Abraham and Sara were growing weary and she came up with the idea of letting Abraham have a child with Hagar her handmaid. This only made things worse for them in many ways. Because they did not trust God, Ishmael was born. The descendants of Ishmael still fight against the Israeli people today. By them not waiting on God, they created turmoil not only for themselves, but for their descendants.

God did fulfill his promise to Abraham. It took twenty-five years. If God said it, he will fulfill his promises. Because he is truth and he cannot lie. We in our weakness sometimes hinders God’s promises. Our negative talk and saying things like, “Well God said he would answer my prayer, but I don’t think its ever going to happen.” That is not faith, neither is worry. Once we hear from God and he says wait, we need to get out mindset right. We need to look at each day with hope and anticipation of the “yes, today is the day.”

It takes, timing, faith and trust to see the promises fulfilled. In the time from the yes until we see the manifestation of that yes is the wait. What do we do in the wait? Thank him for the answer, just like you already have it.

Romans 4:16-21 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

He calleth those things which be not as though they were, against hope believed in hope, and being not weak in faith but was strong in faith, giving glory to God and being fully persuaded that what he promised he was able to do.

He was fully persuaded that God was able to give him a son. He was not weak in faith, but had strong faith. When it looked like things were not going to work out he hoped against what the enemy was telling him.

When you are in the waiting the enemy will come and tell you that it is not going to happen. He will manipulate the situation to make it look like it is going the opposite direction. The waiting is a firing process in which faith grows. We have a hope deep within the depths of our soul that through the process God will come through and meet us on the other side of the wait with the answer “yes”.

Abraham was fully persuaded, which means he had wrestled the matter thoroughly while he was waiting until he has a mindset that there was no convincing him that he would not have a child with Sara.

Abraham called things as not, as though they were. One way he could have done this was to say, “Thank you God for my child with Sara.” “Thank you God for fulfilling your promise.”

Let me see if I can break it down, lets say you have asked God for a new car. God has said wait. While you are in the waiting process, you can thank God everyday for your new car.

I have a friend that asked God for a vehicle. She was specific with him, I want it to have less than how ever many miles. She was specific about how many people she could haul in the vehicle. God answered her prayers down to every detail. But in the wait, she said, Thank you God for my new vehicle, with x amount of miles etc.

She called things as not as though they were and God’s answer went from wait to “Yes”.

Isaiah 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.

In the waiting our strength is renewed by God. He will help us soar above the storms the enemy tries to put in path. We will run the race with God renewing us and helping us to stay strong in our faith and not give up while we wait for the answer.

We have to guard our hearts against unbelief and discouragement, both will prolong the wait. If you find yourself waiting for an answer from God. Remember Abraham and how he waited. Allow your faith to convince your flesh that God is going to answer, then hold on to the answer, thanking and serving him in the wait.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 97 –THE PRESSURE OF ANOINTING

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/IBKq71NBUow

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is, “THE PRESSURE OF ANOINTING”

Everyone wants an elevation of level in their spiritual walk. But many do not want to go through the trial that grows them to be able to step up. Each new level requires us to go through something to bring us closer to God and a new level of anointing. Think about an olive, it doesn’t bring forth oil unless the flesh is crushed. We need to press our flesh to give up control. We cannot grow in the spirit unless we deny our flesh.

Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. This was an olive grove that had an olive press. There was no greater pressing than when Jesus was preparing for what he was about to face. Olives are always pressed three times. The first press was used in the temple and for religious purposes. The second pressing was used for cooking. The third press was used to light a lamp.

Jesus took disciples with him. But left them and went deeper into the garden to pray. It was in this prayer time that he was preparing and being pressed like never before in his life. His human side didn’t want to go to the cross.

Matt 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

But he allowed God to press him to accomplish what he needed to do to save all of mankind. He prayed three times or was pressed in the oil press three times. Each pressing squeezed the flesh of the fruit a little harder.

Matt 26:40-41 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus understood that our flesh is the weakest part of our being. Often our spirit longs for deeper things in God. But our flesh does not want to sacrifice whatever we have to give up in order to rise up a level. This is where the pressing comes in, we have to force our flesh into the position that we can be squeezed. Allowing God to draw out of us that precious oil that leaves the anointing of God.

We cannot take anyone with us on the journey of pressing in or being pressed. It is a personal thing that is between us and God. People can only go so far with us. But ultimately the journey is ours to take alone. But on the other side of the pressing, we will be stronger in our spiritual walk.

Matt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

First, he had to surrender the will of his flesh to God. That made it easier to stand before Pilate and not say a word. He had the matter settled in his mind before the kiss of betrayal from Judas.

Matt 26:43-44 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

It took Jesus three times praying to fully release his will to go forth and be punished for the sins of all mankind.

Luke 22:39-44 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke’s account is further proof that this was an agonizing prayer. He really struggled and pressed into the will of God. It is hard for me to imagine what Christ suffered for you and me. But it took a lot of preparation to carry out the will of God. He was already feeling the weight of those sins in the garden. But he surrendered the will of his flesh so that his flesh could give up its life’s blood for us. Prayer is not always pretty and dignified. Sometimes it’s ugly crying and sobbing.

God is not asking us to endure anything as difficult as Jesus suffered. But he does realize it is hard to give up the will of our flesh. He knows temptation and understands what it means to go through a pressing. If we can endure the pressing, we come out on the other side more like Jesus. Because his oil of anointing is released to us. That anointing can break any yoke.

Kathyrn Kuhlman said, The anointing will cost you something, it will cost you everything. But it is worth the cost to be under the anointing presence of God.

I Pet 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

As we overcome different trials we grow stronger. It also increases our joy in the Lord. Knowing that he will never leave us and has seen us through yet another pressing.

Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

We have to trust that God knows what he is doing. Just as clay is in the potters had and is formed into the vessel he chooses; we are in God’s hands. He is patient and will continue to work on us until we are what he created us to be all the time. Each trial is pressure from his hand to bend our will to his. Be encouraged when trials come, God is right there with you and will not leave you.

The next time you feel the pressure of the oil press, remember that God is preparing you for the next level of his anointing.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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