Tag: #beboldbebraveandkeepyourgodfocus

EPISODE 140 RESPECT GOD’S PRESENCE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v579ev9-god-focus-this-morning-episode-140-respecting-gods-presence.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: RESPECT GOD’S PRESENCE

The Lord had Moses to build a tabernacle for him to come down and be in the middle of his people. Many places speak of God’s glory as being a cloud of God’s presence. In bible times his presence dwelled in the holy of holies. In this place was the ark of the covenant with the mercy seat on the top. The Old Testament is full of types and shadows of what will be in the New Testament Church. Like the tabernacle is a type of temple.

I Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

We are now where God comes and dwells. God also comes down with power and authority. Make no mistake, he is in control of what is going on. There are times his glory shows up in the form of a cloud. His presence manifests in different ways but it is still God.

In the New Testament, people in positions of authority in the body of Christ (the ministry) have a responsibility to live holy and clean lives. When people in ministry commit sin and continue to live in that sin, he will remove them from their position of influence.

If we respect God’s presence in our lives, we will live like we honor him. We will not intentionally sin or walk in immorality. Does it mean we are perfect? No. But we need to do all we can with our daily choices to honor God with our lives.

The example of the Old Testament disrespect of the temple of the Lord in I Samuel. Eli was starting to be blind. When the ministry starts to become blind to sin, it only goes downhill from there. I think about the sons of Eli, they committed sin right in the temple of God. Hophni and Phinehas were given chances to change but they were arrogant about their sin. They felt entitled, like they were special and could do what they wanted. (Pride goeth before the fall). When the Philistines and Israel went to war, they were both killed. When Eli heard the news, he fell off of his seat and broke his neck. God raised up Samuel and he became God’s prophet to Israel. God is weary with the Eli’s and the entitled second and third generations of corrupt ministry.

God’s glory can bless or destroy. Sin cannot stand in the presence of God. This is why we have to approach the throne of God through the blood of Jesus. It is the cleansing of the blood that gets rid of our sin.

In Chapter 4 of 1^st Samuel is the story of the Philistines and Israel went to battle. Just as God told Eli that both of his sons would die the same day, they were killed. The Philistines stole the ark of the covenant.

Chapter 5 The ark was taken back to the camp of the Philistines. The placed the ark of the covenant in the temple of Dagon their god. The next day they went in to find the statue Dagon on it’s face, on the ground. Fake gods will not stand before the presence of God.

The Philistines set the statue back up in his place.

I Samuel 5:4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

God showed them that their god was not anything. The statue didn’t just fall over by accident. It head and hands were cut off. God showed them that without a head it cannot function. Without hands it cannot work.

The hand of the Lord was heavy and they realized that they made a mistake by taking the Ark. The Philistines understood when God smote some of them with hemorrhoids. Others he struck down with death. Their leaders came together and returned the presence of God.

The arks stayed in the house of Abinadab for twenty years. There was much prosperity there, because they respected the presence of God.

Skipping ahead twenty years later, David 2 Sam. 6:3-7

2 SAM 6:3-7 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Uzzah put his hand on the ark and he died, because he was not authorized to touch the ark. Jerusalem prospered once the ark was returned.

God’s presence will either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how we treat his presence. Eli’s sons disregarded God’s presence and God killed them. Uzzah died for his mistake.

Those who respected the presence of God are blessed and prosperous. God’s glory fills our temple if we are obedient and walk in his ways. He will take care of his people. God’s people are not arrogant and prideful that we are blessed. We use our blessings to be of service and help to others.

If we choose to walk in arrogance and feel that we are better than everyone else because we have received God’s Spirit, then we’re headed for a fall, very quickly. Because pride goeth before the fall. I beg you to get right with God if you’re not right with God. And to respect his presence. You will be blessed all of your days.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 139 — PEOPLE OF UNDERSTANDING

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v5751s5-god-focus-this-morning-ep-139-people-of-understanding.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: PEOPLE OF UNDERSTANDING

I have always prided myself on being a good multi-tasker. The trouble with multi-tasking is that the attention is so divided that deep understanding is often missed. If the tasks are only partly important, then multi-tasking is the way to go to get that to-do list checked off. But to be a person of understanding, it takes a singular focus.

I often listen to preaching, worship music, or my audio Bible while doing my household chores. This multi-tasking is ok, but there are times when I have to sit quietly with my Bible and speak the word out loud. While listening for that still small voice to give me understanding.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hearing has two definitions. For our ears to pickup on sounds. The other definition is to understand. This verse is saying faith comes by understanding and understanding by the word of God. It is helpful to audibly hear the word. It helps with understand. Our faith will increase as we understand what God is trying to say in the Bible. This is why it is so important to make the word a part of everyday.

When it comes to the things of God, we need to learn to slow down. Discernment and hearing the voice of God is crucial in the times we are living. It is time for us to have a singular focus on God. The enemy is trying to distract in every way. He is trying to destroy our country. America will be responsible for sending many missionaries to the world. God will not allow us to be fully destroyed. He is allowing a shaking to get his people’s attention. Many blame a political party or a politician. But the true enemy is satan, and he is controlling these evil people.

But our fight is the fight we have on our knees. As children of God, it is time to not be double-minded but to focus on declaring and decreeing that the enemy will fall. God’s will be done. It is our job to pray for America to be restored to its foundational roots.

James 1:6-8 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.

We have to fight the good fight of faith. Standing strong in the name of the Lord. Now is not the time to get into fear or be double-minded. Now is the time for a single focus; God’s will be done. Being people of understanding puts us in the perfect position to discern God’s perfect will.

God doesn’t expect us to fight the battle at hand. He doesn’t want protests of violence. He wants us to battle with our words in prayer. We need to decree that the enemy will fall. Declare that God is going to move mightily and set his people free. We need to be singularly focused on him and pray.

There is not one example in the word that someone depended fully on God, and He let them down. He has put forth much effort to prove his love for us. He died for us, how much more proof do we need? He made a way for us to escape sin and hell. Speaking of hell, many have the misconception that satan will be in charge of hell. Movies and cartoons have shown us that he is planning parties and it will be one big sinfest. But my bible, which is the ultimate authority of what is to come, says he will be bound and tossed into the pit of hell. Does that sound like he is in charge?

1 John 3:7-8 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus destroyed the works of the devil. Satan tries to make us believe that he has power. He tempts us to sin but cannot make us surrender our free will. We will be controlled by something. The choice is ours, will we choose life or death, whole or broken, purity or sin, Jesus or satan?

Our enemy may seem big and scary. But our God is bigger than anything the enemy can use to bring us down as long as we resist the enemy. The word doesn’t say to play with the devil-like Samson did Delilah. He knew the enemy was trying to get his secret. All he had to do was keep his mouth shut. Instead, he was snared by his words. He allowed the cunningness of an attractive woman to get him to tell the enemy what would defeat him.

Our words have power, we have to guard our words. The things we speak in negativity and complaint give the enemy tools to use against us. He will turn our words into weapons against us.

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

Whatever is in our hearts will come out. This is why we need to renew our minds and our hearts with God’s presence and his word. Reading the word out loud will help us to get it into our spirit.

Now is not the time to be slacking or to be asleep while on guard duty. We have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters and the lost to stay alert. Satan is on the move, it is up to us to be people of understanding and not allow him an inch of space to form a stronghold. Stay strong my friends, fight the good fight of faith. It is all going to be worth it in the near future.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 138 — WALK IN PEACE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v56zyth-god-focus-this-morning-ep138-walking-in-peace.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: WALK IN PEACE

Many opinions have been aired in the past days since the attempt on President Trumps life. I want to share mine. We are in unstable times. But make no mistake God is in control.

As children of God, we cannot allow ourselves to be overtaken with anger. I have been through the emotions of shock, anger and overwhelming sadness for the victims that were minding their own business and their families. My heart goes out to the family of the shooter. Any life lost is a potential soul that the church allowed to slip through our fingers.

I want to encourage you today, that we need to be united more than ever as the body of Christ. There is not a devil in hell that can stand against us, if we walk in love and unity. Because there is a strength in that unity, it concentrates God’s power on earth. In the middle of the worst chaos, we can walk in peace. Because our peace doesn’t come from our circumstance. Our peace comes from the Lord.

Phil 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

It doesn’t matter how much chaos is going on around us, we can have peace. This is a peace that only God can give because it passes all understanding. It is impossible for our human mind to comprehend how we feel peace, when logically we know that we should be feeling anything but peace.

Psalm 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

God’s truth is our shield. He will give us peace and strength to face each new day. There is safety and when we put ourselves in God’s care, he will protect us and give us strength.

Part of having peace is to not allow fear to overtake us when we see horrible things happening. The opposite of faith is fear. The enemy will insert fear at every turn. As we see bad things unfold before our eyes, we cannot give in to the enemy and allow ourselves to fall into fear.

When we see these things happening, we need to hit our knees. Prayer will overcome the emotions of fear, anxiety and all that the enemy tries to put on us.

I know I say this a lot,

2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

We cannot look at how scary things appear. It is a scary thought that someone tried to kill our president. It is scary when we get personal news that looks like there is no way out of the situation. Many things will come our way in life. It is how we deal with them that affects the outcome. Do we cower and get into our emotions of fear and anxiety? If we do, things will take a bad turn. But if we stand strong in our faith and face the enemy, he will cower.

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

If we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil he will flee. Because when we submit to God, we come under his covering. We have power over the enemy. When we resist and not allow him to fill our minds with negativity and fear, we gain the strength to keep going.

Do not be discouraged, keep praying, keep looking up. God is with us if we are with him. That is the key, America is going to have to turn to God and resist the devil.

I am remined of the story of Jehosophat. It seemed like the enemy was all around and there was no hope. But they changed their focus from the enemy to God. They began to worship.

2 CHR 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

I say to the enemies of all mighty God. You will not prevail. The more you do to put God’s people in fear. The more we are going to worship our God and look to him.

To my brothers and sisters I say, Pray for our country, Pray for the victims of this assassination attempt and their families. Now is the time to make sure we are walking in God’s peace and love. Keep the faith and stay strong. The battle is not ours, but God’s.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 137 — FAVOR

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v56mdit-god-focus-this-morning-ep137-favor.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: FAVOR

The past few days I have been meditating on walking through darkness and how that elevates us. I want to share a few of those thoughts with you today.

Joseph had the favor of his father on his life. His father Jacob gave him a coat of many colors. This coat was a mantle that his father gave him. Like our heavenly father gives us our callings and purpose. His coat stood out because no one else had a coat like the one he had been given. This represented his identity and favor of his father. It also brought out the worst in his brothers because they were jealous of him. Not everyone is going to be happy for you when they see the mantle that God gives you. Some will be jealous of your gifts and callings.

I saw this happen sometimes when travelling with my grandparents. My grandfather was a walking concordance. God used him to completely turn people’s lives around. He had the gift of prophecy and would give people words of knowledge. God used him to work healing miracles. Other preachers sometimes would become jealous of his gifts. That is something I never understood, because God is no respecter of persons. They could have had the same gifts if they wanted to pay the price. My grandpa spent countless hours on his knees with the Bible asking for revelation. He fasted and prayed over every revival before going that God would show up and deliver people.

He used to say everyone wants to ride the wagon down the hill, but no one wants to help push it to the top. Everyone wants God’s favor. But few want to do the work and fully whole heartedly sell out to the cause of Christ.

Everything we go through in life is to get us to where we are supposed to be when it is time for our divine purpose to be revealed. God gave Joseph a dream and when he told his family it made his brothers even more angry. They took him out and put him in a pit. This was the first time Joseph knew true darkness.

He felt the sting of betrayal and loss. I am sure he didn’t feel favored at that moment. Unwilling to kill him they eventually sold him into slavery. But first they stripped him of his mantle or coat. He ended up in Egypt and found favor and elevated to working for a man named Potiphar Captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Joseph was an honorable man and would not have an affair with Potiphar’s wife so she lied about him. She told her husband that he attacked her, so he threw him in prison. Once again Joseph was put in a pit of darkness. I am sure he didn’t feel favored. He was there for a long time before another elevation by God. This time he interpreted a dream for the Pharoah and became second in command over all of Egypt.

The boy who had the coat of many colors would never have been made second in command over Egypt. If he had not gone through bad times, he would not have reached his destiny. It took all the growing that Joseph did during his lifetime to make him that man. The one that was made leader over Egypt. He was in a position to be able to save his family from famine. The boy with a coat of many colors would never have found favor with Pharoah.

All through his life he had God’s favor. Even when he was in prison, he was given a position over the other prisoners. Because of his integrity and the favor of God. We sometimes walk through our own times of darkness. Sometimes, it is because others are jealous of the favor of God in our lives. Other times it is because we choose to not participate in sin and immorality. Not everyone is going to like us or treat us fairly. Joseph remembered his love for his God. He walked in with integrity and had a servant’s heart.

Joseph walked through darkness many times. God always brought him out the other side, wiser and stronger. These things formed him into the man that God could use to save his people from famine.

The stripping process often hurts. Every time he entered a dark period of his life, he was stripped of his mantle. But when he became elevated, the one in authority always gave him a new garment. Sometimes we have to let go of our old identity and who we think we are in order to step into the new identity in Christ.

We go from a sinner, full of sin to being in a safe condition or saved. There are times that we go through fiery trials as we walk out our faith. These trials and times of darkness strip us of the things that we need to let go of in order to grow. Every level of growth is a new opportunity to become who we need to be in life for that moment.

It wasn’t that all that Joseph went through was just for the one day he could save his family. There were many along the way that he was able to help and encourage. We need to have faith that God will take us where we need to go. He will use us at whatever level we are on, even if we haven’t reached our destiny moment.

These trials and what we think of as dark times are never as dark as they could be to children of God. Because of the light of Jesus within us, even in dark times, there is a ray of hope.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We have the light of life that will shine on our path. There are days when a little of our light can spill over on someone else’s path. That light gives them what they need to take one more step. So go out and let your light shine, even if you feel like you are walking through a time of trial yourself. We never know when our moment may be for God to move us to a new level of His favor.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 136–STIRRING RAIN

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v56fsoy-god-focus-this-morning-ep136-stirring-rain.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: Stirring Rain

I am encouraged this evening as I get ready to shoot my video for my morning devotional. I spent a few hours on Wednesday with a group of intercessors. It was an uplifting experience. It is when we are in the presence of God, that we find strength and encouragement. There is nothing on earth that can compare to being in the presence of God.

When I sat down to pull my thoughts together, I planned on a different subject for this morning’s devotional. But God kept saying to me stirring rain. I can feel a stirring in my spirit. God is getting ready to do some amazing things on this earth. We have to keep holding on to Him and keep walking by faith.

When a person is said to be stirring, they move slightly in their sleep. They may be starting to wake up. I feel like the church is on the edge of stirring rain. The movement of the Holy Ghost is called the former rain. This was when God poured out his spirit on the earth, the first time.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood and proclaimed that what they were experiencing was God’s Spirit. This was according to the prophecy of the prophet Joel.

Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

The modern church was in a state of slumber. We allowed the enemy to all but take over what God had given us dominion over; the earth. But there is hope, the rain is stirring in the atmosphere and God is getting ready to pour out revival. This spiritual rain is referred to as latter rain. We are in those days now, it is time for the final harvest.

Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Oil and wine were used for medicinal purposes. They helped with the healing process. I find it interesting that the floors will be full of wheat and the vats of oil and wine will overflow. The floor being full of wheat refers us to the harvest. The oil and wine are both words used to describe God’s spirit.

He will pour down the latter rain to help empower his people to collect the final harvest. They will do that by walking in the anointing (oil and wine) of God Almighty.

We have been in a spiritual drought for many years. We have been experiencing a small flowing of God’s living water. There are many reasons, but God is moving them out of the way, including man’s religion and false preachers and teachers. We are living in amazing times, even as thing appear to get darker in our land, God is going to be the light that gets us out of our darkness. God is getting ready to allow the free flow of that living water.

Be encouraged. There is a stirring of rain. It is forming in the spiritual atmosphere and will soon begin to fall. Old timers had a phrase, “I want to be under the spout where the glory comes out.” That is true today. We need to be under the spout of heaven, where God’s glory is going to pour out on the earth. I can promise you, that you do not want to miss this rain shower.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 135 — THE FINISH LINE

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v55ziqu-god-focus-this-morning-episode-135-the-finish-line.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: THE FINISH LINE

On our headstone, there will be a beginning date and an ending date, but what counts is how we live the time between. I read a poem one time it is call its how we live our dash. It talked about many things, while we are living out our dash between the dates. It was about doing the right things and not getting caught up in material things and the trappings of life. How big our house is and how many cars we have in the driveway will not matter. Because when we come to the end of our journey, all that will matter is the people that we have loved. Only the lives we have touched with kindness, encouragement and love.

Some people have a rough start, and it is hard for them to get beyond what has happened in their past. They find it hard to walk out their faith walk because they do not feel worthy of God’s love. We were all sinners and Christ died for us. It is his blood that makes us worthy.

We chose a path to walk for Jesus, the enemy will try to use our past against us. If he cannot get us to turn around and quit. He will do all he can to slow us down. He tries to fill us with fear and unbelief by whispering lies and doubt.

In a natural race there is a finish line and getting to the end the fastest is the goal. However, our goal is not speed, but to finish and finish well. With us, there are certain things we need to accomplish. Many times, we have to pace ourselves. We cannot accomplish certain things when the timing is off.

Running in the natural, if you go too fast sometimes you will feel a pain in your side and you have to slow down. Sometimes God allows things to come into our lives to slow us down until we can get our pace right. God’s timing is perfect, and we need to be in his timing. He will accelerate us or slow us down to get us to be in the perfect timing.

Eccl. 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Now more than ever, we have to make sure that we do not allow the enemy to slow us down. There is a harvest of souls that we must reach. Our time is short before our finish line. Now is the time to dig in and push harder. A runner, in the natural, will pace themselves, but when they are close to the finish line, they will run as hard as they can. This helps them to reach their goal. Our goal is to harvest many souls for the kingdom.

God has put us here on the earth for such a time as this, we all have an important part to play in reaching the lost. Many souls are depending on us to run this race at the right pace. God is the one that gives the increase and the timing of it all. We need to be ready to fight hard, dig deeper and run this race with all we have got within us.

Along the sidelines of long distance races there are water stations. God’s living water, the Holy Ghost, will help us to be refreshed so that we can keep running. It is time that we get the refreshment that comes from the presence of the Lord. His Spirit is the hydration our soul needs to keep going.

Runners often win or lose a race based on their beliefs. If they believe they are going to finish well, they do. But if they feel like others are better athletes than they are, they will not finish well. This is why God tells us not to compare ourselves to others.

Faith is our fuel to keep us running the race. We cannot allow the enemy to plant unbelief and fear. We have to open our mouths and speak faith. Something happens when we speak it; we hear it. If we keep speaking it and hearing it, we start to believe it.

I often think of the widow woman who’s son died. She left him on the bed and went to find Elisha the prophet. All along the way, she had opportunities to speak out of her mouth that her son was dead. She could have gone to her friend for sympathy and to cry on her shoulder. But any time anyone asked about how she was, she would just say, “It is well.” She was speaking faith. She did not accept the fact that her son was gone, because she knew he would live again. Keeping her faith strong, with her words was important to the miracle that God was going to give her.

We speak faith, we run our race, we dig deep and fight for the right things. We dig into the word and ask God for understanding. He will not leave us wandering lost. He will keep us on the course if we just keep the faith.

Lots of times in battle, armies would be battling one another. The one who won was the one that didn’t retreat. We have to have a made-up mind to finish our race strong. There is no time to retreat or surrender to the enemy. It is time to not only hold our ground but take back territory. We can only do this if we walk by faith and speak faith.

One day we will come to the finish line. I want to be happily greeted by my heavenly father saying, “Well done.”

I Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Instead of a blue ribbon or trophy, we will receive a crown of righteousness. If we are looking for him and love his appearing, we have to want to finish the race strong, not for bragging rights but so we can see Jesus face to face.

Paul said I have fought a good fight. That takes a lot of prayer and walking by faith. Finishing our course is all about God’s timing. Keeping the faith is important because that is what will see us through to the end.

Don’t give up; we are too close to the finish line to give up now.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 134–DON’T GO THE WRONG WAY

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v55zbd2-god-focus-this-morning-episode-134-dont-go-the-wrong-way.html

God Focus This Morning

The title of today’s episode is: “Don’t Go The Wrong Way”

—JONAH DIDN’T WANT TO GO TO NINEVAH HE ENDED UP THERE

We can do things the easy way or the hard way. God sometimes asks us to do things that makes us uncomfortable. Fear of failure is often one of the biggest excuses. Do we go where he asks, or do we take the long road there? We will end up where he needs us. It just comes down to will we go willingly, or will we be a spoiled brat that He has to drag along. Unless we completely turn from God. We will end up where he wants us to be, how we get there is our choice.

God asked Jonah to go to Ninevah. He didn’t want to go there, he felt they were all evil. Maybe there was a little fear there. He had many excuses to not go. He wanted to go the opposite direction toward Tarshish.

He put it off and then started on a journey the opposite way. He went to Joppa and got on a boat. A storm came up. The storm was rough on the boat, and they were afraid that it was going to sink. Jonah knew it was because of his disobedience. He told them if they tossed him overboard, they would be spared. The men on the boat tossed Jonah overboard.

God had prepared a fish that opened its mouth and swallowed him. He was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. He prayed and asked God to deliver him and he said he would go to Ninevah. After his ordeal Jonah went to Ninevah and God saved many.

Jonah took the long way around to get to where God wanted. God understood Jonah could reach a lot of people that is why he told him to go to Ninevah in the first place. How often does God ask us to do something and we end up taking the long way there but end up in our Ninevah. If the tasks could be accomplished in our own strength, we wouldn’t need God. Jonah forgot that God would go with him. How often do we forget that we don’t have to do hard things alone, God is with us.

We all want to be used by God and want to do the right thing. Often our idea of what we want to do, and God’s ideas are different. We cannot allow fear to control our every move, we have no reason to fear. God is with us. Fear, doubt and many things will cause us to run the opposite way if we are not careful. Either way we will end up in Ninevah. We can be obedient and just step out in faith and go or we can take the long way there. I want to be obedient and don’t want to take the long way there. I know there are no shortcuts in life, either. This is why it is best to follow God’s plan. Taking the long way is full of pitfalls and stressful situations.

Jonah seemed to lack compassion for the lost people in Nineveh. Above all else we need to have a heart of compassion. We need to be soul winners. It doesn’t matter how wicked the people, God loves them, and it is not our place to judge. We are to show them God’s love and speak the words He wishes.

When he told them that they had 40 days then God would pour out his wrath. They fasted and put on sackcloth, even the king. God changed His mind because of the people had repented and turned from evil. Jonah was not pleased that God changed His mind.

Remember Jonah, the next time God asks you do to something that takes you outside of your comfort zone. It is not easy to step out in faith. We question, did I really hear from God? Lord, do you really want me to do this or that, we will question. All the time, knowing that was exactly what he asked us to do. I don’t know if we think that by stalling, He will give us a pass. He has everything in the universe working like a well-oiled clock. Everything is in his timing. He knows what he created for us to do. We must be bold enough to step out in faith and do what he has asked of us.

After a couple of days of self-pity, Jonah saw things God’s way. Read Chapter 4 of Jonah to see how God used a worm to make his point and give Jonah understanding. God often uses simple things to reach us.

Thanks for watching,

Until Next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 133– SWITCHBACK

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v55yxre-god-focus-this-morning-ep133-switchback.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: SWITCHBACK

A switchback is a road that is somewhat like a rollercoaster, with rises and falls, twists and turns. But when it comes to train tracks and trains the tracks are laid out with as little twists as possible. Switchback is a term used when a train climbs a mountain in a zigzag pattern. It will go forward up a hill. It passes a switch, which allows the train to switch directions. Then it will go in reverse, climbing the hill in elevation, even though it appears to be backing up. Once it gets past a certain point the switch can be thrown for it to climb forward again. This repeats until the train has climbed a steep mountain to the top. It would have been too hard for it to climb straight up the hill.

At times we want to go at things the fast way, the difficult way, just to get to the top. It is at these times that we do not realize we cannot climb to the top without the switchbacks of life. In our lives, there will be times when we feel like we will never see the top of the mountain. The process of climbing is taking forever.

Standing at the bottom of the mountain looking up the steep incline, we are not even sure there is a way to the top. It seems too monumental to try to climb to the top. Jesus is there with the answers, but he only gives us one step at a time, so we have to trust that he will get us to the top. Letting go of our ideas of how to get there and just allowing him to lead is the first step. We cannot possibly see the reversals ahead, but we have to trust that even in reversals, he is elevating us.

We go so far and then we have to make a switchback. At this time, it seems like we are losing ground by going in reverse. But all along we are climbing in wisdom and understanding. In the case of a switchback, reverse is not losing ground. Remember the train is still climbing, it just appears to be losing ground.

Life often throws us things that makes us feel like we are in reverse or losing ground. But when we look back a little later the switchback set us up to climb higher and reach our final destiny.

1 Peter 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.

Fiery trials are allowed to enter our lives for different reasons. Some are to grow us and make us stronger. Others are to burn out impurities and make us more like Jesus. While in the middle of the process, we may feel like we are backing up or losing ground. The fiery trials make us partakers of Christ’s suffering. But one day, we will look around and find the things that appeared to be failures and reversals were actually steps forward. Remember when the train is in reverse it is still climbing.

We cannot allow the things that happen to cause us to fall. Even when we seem to be going in reverse, pray and ask God to help you climb higher. He has the ability to turn reversals into triumphs. He turns pain into joy and fiery trials into glory.

If the trials of life will eventually bring us joy, then they also give us strength. Because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Psalm 84:7 “They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”

When faced with a mountain, many of us want to pray for God to remove it. We do not want to have the difficult process of climbing. Someone went to all the trouble to lay the track with switchbacks to help our journey. The same one will elevate us and give us what we need to keep climbing.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

There is not a trial we face, not a mountain that needs climbing, not a river too deep to cross that He is not with us. We can be encouraged that even in the times when it looks like we are suffering a reversal, he is there to say no you are in the middle of an elevation.

This is why we walk by faith and not sight. Looking at the reversal could be discouraging. Because it appears to be going backwards. No one ever wants to lose ground, especially in a battle. Faith says we are not going down, not going under but we are rising above like an eagle.

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

As long as we allow God to order our steps, even if we fall he will lift us up. Upholdeth- is defined by dictionary.cambridge.org – to defend or keep a principle or law, or to say that a decision that has already been made, especially a legal one, is correct:

God holds us up with his hand, even when we fall. Get an image of a toddler walking beside of a parent and they fall, but because the parent has a hold on their hand, they lift them up before they are completely on the ground. Though we fall, God will keep us from completely falling flat.

We can be encouraged that we never walk alone, he is holding our hand. Even when things look like they are going the wrong way. God is raising us higher, just like the train on a switchback.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 132 — DISCIPLINE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v55mg22-god-focus-this-morning-episode-132-discipline.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is Discipline

We have often heard the quote spare the rod spoil the child. While it is often believed to be a bible verse, it comes from a 17^th century poem. Discipline is defined by Oxford Dictionary as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

Many experts have argued about discipline when it comes to children. Some take the, “let them learn naturally” in other words let them run wild and as they get hurt, they will learn.

Others are too strict; they have every moment of the child’s life structured. They do not allow them to be children but expect them to act like adults at all times. Both approaches are too far in one direction. There needs to be balance between the two.

Children that run wild do not have boundaries. They are under the impression that the whole world should bow down to them. They feel like rules don’t apply to them, because they are so special. They never learn how to be productive adults, because they lack discipline or the ability to follow rules. They never learn how to live within the boundaries of normal society.

Those that have been under too hard of a task master are like a dog that has been chained up most of its life. When given the opportunity they will run. They will spend a long time trying to learn to live without someone telling them what to do every moment. When someone gives advice, they often do the opposite to prove they are grown up and do not have to listen.

The parents in the middle of the extremes will raise the best children and the most productive adults. These people punish their children for disobedience when necessary. They set boundaries to protect their children. Teaching them to be responsible for their actions.

This is what God wants from us, for us to be responsible people, having discipline to walk in the Spirit. He wants us to admit when we go astray and do wrong, asking for his grace. God disciplines those he loves. He wants us to be a shining light to the world. We cannot be a good light if we lack self-control. We have to be able to resist the devil when he comes to try to drag us into trouble.

Heb 12:9-11 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. Soldiers are brave, disciplined and follow the rules. They are not weak when it comes to being ready to stand for the right thing. If they have good leaders, they will be prepared for battle.

This is why God allows things in our lives; to make us stronger and give us structure. The trials of life can be a good lesson of how to lean on Jesus. He is our example in every way.

Heb 12:12-14 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

There is a difference in chastisement and God’s wrath. Chastisement is the equivalent of being sent to our rooms to think about what we did wrong. Knowing that after we think about it, we will repent.

His wrath is saved for those who will not admit they are wrong. His wrath is for those that are disobedient and show no signs of changing. Those who have a hardened heart. His wrath is reserved for those who will not turn from their evil but boast in it, like Pharoah.

Learning to have discipline will help us in our faith walk. If we have self-control, which is the fruit of the spirit, we will walk upright and be a good light. We need to submit to God’s chastisement. Knowing that he chastises us not to be mean, but to shape and mold us into the light of the world.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

EPISODE 130 – STANDING IN THE GAP

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v557mvb-god-focus-this-morning-episode-130-standing-in-the-gap.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

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

We have a unique opportunity to be gap fillers in our world. Many great people before us have been that someone willing to stand in the place of another. First of all, Jesus is the ultimate one; he filled the largest gap of all. His choice to be the go between of sinful man and a righteous God, repaired the relationship that man had with God.

Moses stood in the gap for the Children of Israel when God was angry with them. At the first opportunity, they turned away from the one true God and created a golden calf to be their god. While Moses was on the mountain getting the commandments of God.

God spoke to Moses and told him he was angry with the people and that they had betrayed him. The Lord then told Moses he was going to destroy them. Moses stood in the gap and reminded God of his promise to Abraham, Issac and Jacob (Israel). The promise to multiply their seed and create a great nation.

Exodus 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. 14 And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

All through out the bible many prophets have stood in the gap for the people when they were disobedient to God. But someone doesn’t have to necessarily be disobedient to God to need intercession and intervention.

This brings me to a story of a man that was too sick to do anything but lie on a cot, they called them couches, but they were not like we would think of a couch today. This man had amazing friends. They carried him on his cot to Jesus. But when they arrived where he was, they could not get into the house for all the people that were gathered around.

They believed that if they could get him to Jesus he would heal the man. They climbed up to the roof of the house and peeled back the roof. They lowered the man down to Jesus, to be healed.

Luke 5:18-26 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

Jesus is the one we go to when there is a gap in our lives. He is the one that we take people to when they need God. If this man had not had such amazing friends, he would not have received his miracle. This is why it is so important to surround ourselves with people that we know can reach Jesus. People that have a gift of intercession can reach the throne room of heaven.

Often life throws us hard things. Sometimes they are paralyzing to us. We do not have the strength to pray for ourselves. We are too close to the situation. If we have friends that can carry us to Jesus in prayer, we will receive what we need to pick ourselves up and walk again.

The entire world is in need of intercessors. These are people that have a special anointing to pray. It is amazing to just sit back and listen to how they put their whole heart into their prayers. They touch the throne room of heaven because they make it personal. The need touches their heart, and they take it to Jesus as if it were their need. This is what it means to stand in the gap.

Just as Jesus took on our sin or Moses stepped in and ask God for mercy for the sinners we too can stand in the gap, praying for the lost. People need the Lord for guidance in every aspect of life. He is our savior; he saves us from our sins. He is our comfort, healer and strength. Life is close to impossible to navigate without him.

God doesn’t want us to worship him with words and a nonchalant attitude. He doesn’t want our prayers to be that way either. Just a ritual, just a bunch of words that we repeat while our mind is thinking about other things. He wants to connect with our heart.

I have a friend that has the gift of intercession, I often pray with her. She touches my heart when we are in prayer, and she starts to intercede for the children of the world. Many are being held captive and all sorts of horrible things are being done to them. When the news of this reached my friend years ago, she took on their cause and cries out to God on their behalf. As if each one of those children were her very own.

It is this kind of passion to help that creates the filling between the need and the answer. Intercession from the heart causes God to come down and meet us where we are, and his presence fills the gap between the prayer and the need. God doesn’t do anything in the earth unless it is an answer to prayer. What would happen if everyone stopped praying? Evil would prevail. This is how we got to the place we are in our society. Many people stopped praying and interceding for those around them.

Our country, this world, the children, and the lost are depending on us to stand in the gap and intercede on their behalf because they cannot do it themselves. Who needs you to be a friend like the ones that lowered the man to Jesus? What need is out there that God has put on your heart? The world is waiting for us to step up and stand in the gap for them. It is time for God’s prayer warriors to arise and take back what the enemy has tried to destroy and steal. Think about it, then take a little extra time and stand in the gap. God is waiting to answer.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT