Tag: #dailydevotional

EP267 OUR BIG TASK

EP267 OUR BIG TASK

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6cete1-god-focus-this-morning-ep267-our-big-task.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: OUR BIG TASK

Yesterday, I spoke to you about the church being the church. Stepping up and winning souls. I used the story of how Jesus told them to cast their net on another side. As things in the world are starting to turn around, we cannot get complacent. We need to keep praying for our leaders and praying for the harvest of souls.

We are all in this together and have choices to make. Will we do all we can to win souls?

Luke 5:3-5 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

After Jesus taught them, he told them to launch out into the deep and fish. After they had just come in from fishing and not catching anything. Following Jesus’ direction, they caught so many fish they had to call for help. Friends brought another boat, and it was filled. The boats were so full that they began to sink.

Luke 5:6-9 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

It was impossible for them to harvest all the fish alone in one boat. Even two boats were filled so that the weight was almost putting them under. It is beyond my comprehension to think about what God is getting ready to do in our land. He is making known the evil that has been under our noses for years. Unimaginable evil that we were oblivious to while we went about our lives. We have been living in a bubble and it is about to break. Life as we have known it will never be the same. But God is in control, He will see us through whatever we have facing us. There is nothing we cannot get through if we look to him. But we need each other too. God designed us to be a community. Together we are the body of Christ. Together we can accomplish amazing things.

I believe we are about to see many amazing signs and wonders. Things our grandparents and great grandparents would have loved to see. Our God is an awesome God. That is not just a song or a phrase we say, it is the truth.

The sooner we embrace our place in the body of Christ and do all that we can do in our sphere of influence, the quicker things will turn around.

Because Simon was obedient and launched out and did what Jesus said, many people reaped the benefits. Sometimes we feel like it is about us, when really it is about what is best for the body of Christ.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to be perfect, talented and knowing what to do. He asks us to step out of the boat in faith and he will make sure that we do not get pulled under the weight of it. He will empower us to do what he has called us to do.

I am reminded of a moment not too long ago when I was explaining to my friend why I could not do this daily devotional channel. She looked at me at told me to get over myself, it wasn’t about me, it was about what God wanted. I realized that she was right, it wasn’t about my fear, or hating the way I sound on video. It was about being obedient and stepping out of the boat.

What is God asking you to do? Where does the body of Christ need your talents and your honesty? If you sincerely ask God what he has for you, he will show you. I almost guarantee your flesh will not be happy about it, but many souls need you to be obedient.

Ps 126:5-6  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

If we are going to win a massive number of people in a short time, then it is all hands on deck. We have to be willing to be vulnerable and share what great things Jesus has done for us. Jesus is coming soon, so we need to be prepared and make sure our sheaves are ready, too.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP266 STOP THE INSANITY

EP266 STOP THE INSANITY

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6c0i2d-gos-focus-this-morning-ep266-stop-the-insanity.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: STOP THE INSANITY

Most of you have heard the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well for far too long we have not had the right perspective about fishing for souls. We have to change something, the lost are going to have to see that we are different.

The body of Christ lost their sense of direction. We allowed satan to come in and take over our country without fighting against the forces of evil. We will not win the lost, without the drawing power of God. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Fire and truth must be restored to the pulpit. Preachers cannot be afraid of losing their crowds. If the truth runs people off then they were not there for the right reason anyway. They were there to network their business, to ease their conscience, because someone begged them, but they were not there to worship God. They were not there to find peace for their souls.

To illustrate my point, I want to go to John 21:3-6 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.  4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

They went fishing and didn’t catch anything. Because they went without instructions. They were not casting their net on the right side. They didn’t have Jesus’ blessing.

All their labor is in vain; just like Peter and those with him, they toiled all night. Many churches are fishing the wrong way. They are concerned about getting the fish in their boat. Not into the body of Christ. They worry about their numbers so they can brag about how many attended their services. It is not about the number in the pews, but the number of saved, healed, delivered and set free. People that God has transformed into new creations. Everyone that God changes is not meant to stay in your congregation. Some are meant to go spread the fire of God to other groups of believers.

We cast our nets out with gimmicks and people-pleasing messages. I have heard of some churches running a point system. For each person you bring to church, you get so many points. The points can be redeemed for gift cards and electronics. I ask why? How many of those people who attend their services are truly changed if people have to beg them to attend to get points? This is insanity because we are not fishing on the right side of the boat. We are not fishing at all but are building man’s kingdoms.

When Jesus told them to cast their net on the other side, he knew where the hungry fish were swimming. Just like he knows when someone will be receptive to the gospel message. It is not up to us to decide where to cast our net. Think about fishing with a net. Sometimes it pulls up lobsters and other sea creatures also. The net is not picky about what fish it brings up out of the dark waters. It is not our choice who we catch in our net. We are told to cast the net. We cannot see into a person’s heart or life unless God reveals something to us. Therefore, we cannot know if someone will be receptive or not. It’s not our job to judge and decide who will accept the gospel. We are to just share it and then it is up to them to decide if they will let God change them or not.

When we get serious about loving people and wanting to see them find what their souls hunger for, then we will see the pews full. It will not take gimmicks and points to fill the pews. The people will be there for the right reason and not just to warm the seats.

It is time the body of Christ come together in unity and stop worrying about the numbers in the pews and worry about the souls ready for harvest. Jesus is coming soon, and he is coming to get those who are ready. He is not coming to give us a pat on the back for the number of people in the pews. Many of whom will not go higher than the ceiling when Jesus comes.

People are sitting in our churches each week, dying and on their way to hell. It is time for serious change in the body of Christ. We need to stop the insanity, look to Jesus for instruction of where to cast our nets. We need to worry about serious prayer for guidance, then simply follow his lead and go fishing.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP265 DEEPER WATER

EP265 DEEPER WATER

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6bmf2p-god-focus-this-morning-ep265-deeped-water.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: DEEPER WATER

The Spirit of God is often represented by water. It stands to reason that the deeper we wade out into the spiritual water, the more strength and power we will gain.

The perfect example of how we are spiritually sometimes is the way I am at the beach. While some swim out into the deep or surf, I am content along the shore line in ankle deep water. I do not mind the waves splashing up to my knees, but I am uncomfortable going out any further, because I am afraid. The ocean waves are powerful and even though I can swim, I am not comfortable with the power of the waves.

EZE. 47:1-3 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.  2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.   3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.

First he measured 1000 cubits the water was to his ankles. These are the people who are just starting a new life in Christ or someone who never wants to go beyond their initial experience of salvation.

Eze. 47:4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.

The next step is wading out to the knees. We will never get anywhere until the spiritual water gets to our knees. We have to have a prayer life. Not a five-minute prayer a day. Not simply praying over our food, but deep meaningful conversions with God every day. It is in those conversations that we grow in spiritual maturity and strength.

Once we have started and developed a prayer life, we can wade out a little deeper. The ability to be fruitful and multiply is in our loins. When we wade out into the spiritual flow to our loins, this is where the fruit of the spirit develops. We will have the ability to let our light shine through that fruit and win souls to Christ. Waist deep, we can still touch the bottom and still have some control over our direction.

Ezek 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

If you find yourself ankle deep, step out a little deeper. If you are to your knees, then step out deeper. If you are to your waist there is only one thing to do and that is to go out so deep that you have to go with the current. We have to swim in the flow of God. Being totally led by him. Allowing the current of God to take us to the next level in him.

There are always deeper depths and higher heights to attain. One verse says we move from glory to glory. But many of us are stuck on the shore of “I can’t what will people think? I can’t because I am not good enough?” The enemy has many reasons he will give us if we want to listen to him.

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

We need to be so deep in God that people will only see him when they look at us. We are not our own, we were bought with a price. It is time we let go of ourselves and got into the deep current of God’s power and anointing. It is in that place that God can do the miraculous to change people’s lives.

Psalm chapter 42 is about a deep longing David had for God.

Psalm 42:1-2  As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

When we get to the point that we develop that longing that David had, that thirst for God and his presence, then we will know what it means to wade out into the deep.

Ps 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

We all go through times we feel like God is far from us. The deep longing within David was calling for a deeper connection to God. We all have a level of desire within us to connect with God. Some fill that void with things of this life. But to a child of God, the deeper we wade out into the water the deeper we desire to go. We want to know him more.

Do not allow the enemy to keep you stuck on the shore or in low water, there are many wonders in the depths of God’s living water.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP 264 STEPPING OUT OF THE BOAT OF FEAR

EP 264 STEPPING OUT OF THE BOAT OF FEAR

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6b6yrm-god-focus-this-morning-ep264-stepping-out-of-the-boat-of-fear.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: STEPPING OUT OF THE BOAT OF FEAR

We are standing on the edge of a decision. Are we going to stay in the boat of fear with many other people or are we going to step out and try to walk on water? Will we stay in the boat of fear because everyone else does or will we be bold and brave and do what God says? Every one of the twelve had the same opportunity as Peter did that day. But they were too afraid to try. They saw Peter fail, they saw the size of the waves and they stayed huddled in the boat together. They even doubted if it was really Jesus. At times, it is easier to go with the crowd and not stand up for the right thing. That doesn’t make us the warriors God has called us to be, that makes us just one in a crowd of fearful people.

Fearful people do not want others to succeed. Because if they do, then they themselves will have to step out of their comfort zone. This is why they are often controlling and try to cause fear in others. They need to realize that God is no respecter of persons and will do for them the same as those of whom they are jealous.

We cannot allow others fears to become our fears. Satan loves to cause us to get into fear. In a heightened state, fear can be paralyzing. Satan wants us numbed and stuck in our own emotions of anxiety. Fear like any virus can be contagious. On the bright side so can faith.

Reading stories of David and how he boldly went against Goliath. From looking at that situation through natural eyes. That boy had only a few moments to live, he was going against a trained warrior. One who was twice his height and who knows  how many times stronger. But David had boldness and stepped out when all the others we paralyzed by fear. God would have gone with any of those soldiers and defeated Goliath, because they were his children. Goliath was an enemy to God. But yet they stood in the unison of fear.  

It is not easy to take that step. We all have our reasons for not wanting to get out of the boat. But it is in those stepping out moments that we find faith we never knew we had within us. We gain valuable experience that we can use to draw on in the future.

Stepping out of the boat will help us draw closer to God. I don’t want to cower in the boat of fear with the rest. I want to be strong and have faith that says, Jesus said, “Come” so I am going.  The rest thought Jesus was a ghost or spirit. They didn’t believe he was really walking on the water. Peter learned to be bold because God was making him a vessel he could use to change the world.

Are you still in the boat, because you are waiting for the right time to shine? You are waiting to hear Jesus, say “Come”.  If you are waiting on God’s timing then be praying about the strength to step out when it is your turn. Many will never step up to the edge. Many will never be strong enough to step out and do what God has for them to do.

We are human, we will fail and fall just as Peter did, if we lose our focus for even a second. When we allow the waves of life to seem bigger to us that our Jesus. But even when the waves come and the winds blow, no harm will come to us. Jesus is there to lift us up out of the water. We just have to be willing to take that first step.

We may never take out a Goliath or literally walk on the water. But we all face moments that define us and our future. When that moment comes will we be ready to step out in faith or will we give into fear? I pray I am strong enough to step out of the boat of fear and on to the water of the future. A place where I do not allow fear to define me, but I allow God to define me.

We all know that fear is a liar. God cannot lie and he says we are bold warriors in his army.

Prov 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The next time you feel as timid as a mouse, remember God says you are bold as a lion.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 263 SPIRITUAL EMERGENCY ROOM

EPISODE 263 SPIRITUAL EMERGENCY ROOM

https://rumble.com/v69jbt7-god-focus-this-morning-ep263-spiritual-emergency-room.html

Welcome to God Focus This Morning

The title of today’s episode is, “Spiritual Emergency Room”

Prov. 25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Prov. 25:12  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Many think we are to go about screaming, “Repent, you are going to hell if you don’t.”  But that will not work unless this person believes in God, heaven and hell.  Most people who were not raised in church will not react to that approach.

People have to build a relationship with the one they are trying to help. Praying for God’s timing is also crucial.  Think about someone you don’t know telling you to “Repent or you are going to hell.”  More than likely you would dismiss that person. But what if your brother, sister or close friend talked to you?  It would be better received.  Why?  Because of the relationship.  You know that your brother, sister or friend has your best interest at heart.

 Our society is very untrusting of strangers. Sad to say they have seen enough fake preachers that are just out for monetary gain. Some would think you are trying to get them to repent so they will add to the numbers on the Sunday school attendance or to the offering plate.

The main thing is to have God’s timing.  Learning to listen to that still small voice is the first step in being a good witness. If we can learn to hear God’s voice, he will give us the right words to say to people.

I have a friend that does street ministry. She doesn’t approach it like most people would by setting up a table and giving away tracts. When she wakes up every morning she asks God, “what do you want me to do today?” She will go where He sends her. Then she waits for the person that she feels drawn to, she approaches them and starts a conversation. As far as I know, she has never started with, “Repent, you are going to hell if you don’t.” Allowing the Spirit of God to lead, He gives her what to say.

Once someone has made a decision to follow Christ, we need to remember that they are a newborn babe in Christ. They are not instant, mature Christian, they are a baby. Just as babies need the bottle and not solid food. These newborns need the basics of God’s word or the milk. Learning to trust God and understand His word will help them to become the mature Christian.

It is not our place to interfere with the process, by overwhelming them with a bunch of rules. That is what religion does, it smothers out the spark of enthusiasm with legalism. We want to encourage people to let their light burn brightly.

When a baby is born, they have to learn to walk, talk and eat solid food. This Christian faith walk takes time to learn. It takes a lot of time for us to learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

We are all on a journey, down the same road. It is up to each of us to not leave stumbling blocks behind us, but road signs of encouragement. When life gets hard, Jesus is the one to turn to for that encouragement and peace.

They need to understand the power of their words. Our words have the power to hurt or heal, build up or tear down. An encouraging word at just the right time can be just what someone needs to keep going. There is not one of us that is immune to being discouraged sometimes. We need to go out and do all we can to be a beacon of hope.

The church as a whole is failing these people, especially those who are different. I have a godly friend who was saved in the living room of a mutual friend. Many years ago this woman was involved in some dark things like witchcraft and she cut herself. She dressed in black and wore lots of dark eye make-up. She went to three different churches, each a different denomination, in her community. Each one told her to go home and change her clothes and get rid of the make-up and then come back.

That would be like someone going to the emergency room and them sending them home saying, “When you get that bleeding under control come back and we will look at you. If you go home and get your fever to break, then come back because we don’t want sick people here in this emergency room.” How crazy is that? The church should be a spiritual emergency room. Ready to spring into action with prayer if someone comes in who is obviously in crisis.

Sin is not pretty. Sinners are not always going to look like we think. But that doesn’t make them any less in God’s eyes. What would have happened to my friend if she had given up on God because she had been turned away from the churches. Thank God she had a praying grandma.

God has used this same woman to help countless troubled youth. She has authored books and blogs of encouragement. There are many people that God has used her to reach. She is an amazing prayer warrior and example of how to stay humble when people do not treat you with respect.

None of us have the ability to look at someone and know what they will become. Many may be on a bad path and we know if they do not turn around, it will lead to their destruction. But none of us knows what God can do with them if they will surrender to him. It is not our job to judge, but to show them Jesus and he will do the rest.

Which brings me full circle to our scripture verses above, a word fitly spoken is beautiful. The bible tells us to open our mouth and God will fill it. Only he can give us the right words to say to someone. It is all about the right words at the right time. If we pray for God encounters, he will create divine appointments for us to be able to let our light shine. He will give us the perfect thing to say that will uplift someone and not crush them.

Prov 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Until next time,

Be Bold, Be Brave and Keep Your God Focus

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EPISODE 262- PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

EPISODE 262- PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6960jg-god-focus-this-morning-ep262-pressing-toward-the-goal.html

PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

A goal can be defined as an objective or a desired result. A point we reach when trying to accomplish something. In a foot race it is the finish line. What is your goal in life? If you ask this question some say they want to be an Olympic athlete. Others go to school for years to be a doctor or engineer. Too often when thinking about life’s goals people think only of their careers. Others long for the day they can have their retirement home on the beach.

As children of God, we often do not think about pressing on to the goal of finishing this life’s race. The things we do in this life are temporary. The word says we need to occupy until he comes to get the bride. That is why we can have goals in this life for whatever we wish to do.

It is a good thing to have goals about the direction of our lives. However, we need to remember that only what we do for the cause of Christ lasts. Only following Jesus and doing what he has told us to do will matter. He has told us to go out and make disciples.

Phil 3:12-13 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Paul says He hasn’t arrived at his goal, neither is He perfect, but he follows after Christ that He may reach perfection. Then He goes on to say to forget the things which are behind. There is no reason to look back. We cannot change the past.

Phil 3:14-15 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

He keeps pressing on toward his goal, the prize of the high calling of God. He will reveal to us what we need to do on our journey for the next step toward our goal.

Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

We are to walk in the light we have been given while searching for the next level of understanding. As we walk in the light we are given, He will shine more light on our path. Paul told them to follow him and to mark them that walk as he did as an example.

Phil 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Paul warns that many walk as enemies of the cross. He warns of their destruction. They seek after what satisfied their appetite for sin. They boast and glory in their evil. Because they desire the earthly things. Even though we are to live and occupy until he comes, we need to keep our eyes on the prize of finishing this race strong.

Phil 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Our goal and focus should be on doing the will of God. Christ is able to subdue or bring under control all things.

Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Our goal as God’s children is to gather the harvest. Keep pressing on to learn the deep things of God.  As a part of the body, it is our responsibility to gather the harvest, and wait patiently for the day He comes to get His Bride.

Until Next Time,

Be Bold, Be Brave and Keep Your God Focus

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EP261 SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

EP261 SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v68r55p-god-focus-this-morning-ep261-spiritual-strength.html

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

I often talk about having faith and strength. But where do we get strength when we can’t seem to find it. New Age philosophies would say to look within. But the only way we can find it from within is if we look to God who is in us.

Strength can be defined as a state of being strong. There are all sorts of ways a person can be strong. Physical strength means that we can lift heavy objects or work doing physical labor for long periods of time. Mental strength is having an ability to remember large amounts of facts. Someone mentally strong may be good at solving puzzles or problems. Then there is strength of spirit, this is the essence of who we are. To be spiritually strong it means we have faith in God to see us through. All of our strength and ability comes from Him. What we do with it, what we give back to him is our gift to Him.

2 Sam 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

The word says he is our strength and power, he makes our way perfect. The way doesn’t always seem perfect, especially in the rough spots.  It is in the troubled times that we know really how much strength we have been given to overcome.

When life is easy, we do not need much strength. We may lose track of God is our strength if we never need to access strength. He gives us amazing overcoming power. But we would never know if we didn’t face things to overcome.

1Chr 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

This verse says to seek the Lord and his strength. In order to have strength we need to ask God for it. We need to seek him in the good times and bad; continually.

Many considered David strong for going against Goliath. It did take a certain amount of strength of character to be bold enough to go. However, David had put in the prayer time. He had spent countless hours building his relationship with God. He knew God would not let him down. He had proven to protect him and allow him to overcome the bear and the lion.

David gained strength from knowing how God had protected him and allowed him to overcome in earlier trials. This one was just a little taller with an attitude.

Goliath’s first mistake was mocking the God of Israel. God is patient and longsuffering but make no mistake you are on dangerous ground when you mock God.

Any battle we win, any trial we overcome will give us understanding and strength for the next battle. In this way, life can be like a lot of video games. As you clear a level, the next one gets more challenging. But with each level you overcome, you reap the rewards of climbing higher. Every time we overcome; we draw closer to God.

Psalms 28:7-8 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. 8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

He is our strength to fight and stand for what is right, but at the same time he is our defender, protector, and help. We can trust him because he only wants what is best for us. He works everything for our good even when we don’t think anything can ever be right again.

Look at the story of Sampson. He was known for his strength. The Philistines wanted to know where his strength came from, so they paid Delilah to find out.

Sampson in his strength killed a lion and left its carcass on the ground. Honeybees built a nest inside of the bones of the lion. Sampson came along in his weakness and ate honey out of the carcass.

There are many lessons in the story of Sampson, but the theme of his story is all about strength. Three main things to take away from it are: One-Never toy with the enemy like Sampson did with Delilah and the Philistines. He will get the upper hand and deplete your strength.  Two-The things we have overcome will nourish us when we are weary. Like the honey in the lion’s carcass. Three-Even in our weakest state, if we ask God, he will give us strength to overcome the enemy.

I want to encourage you that even when you feel weak, God is there waiting for you to ask him for strength.

Until next time

Be bold, be brave and keep your God Focus

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EPISODE 260 SPEAK LIFE

EPISODE 260 SPEAK LIFE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v67qbga-god-focus-this-morning-ep260-speak-life.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: Speak Life

I often speak of how our words have power in our lives. We often say things that we are pronouncing trouble and afflictions on ourselves. We have the ability to speak life or death over our future. Some think this is not true, others call it speaking things into the universe to manifest what they desire. The whole universe manifesting thing is satan’s way of trying to counterfeit the real power of God.

As his children, we have the God of all creation inside of us. How we walk and how we talk matters. Think about Jesus cursing the fig tree and it died. That same power is within us. But our human nature wants to speak things to get sympathy. We talk negative, because our attitude is not right.

Spending time in the word of God and in prayer helps us to not walk in our flesh. If we can walk in the Spirit and not our flesh, we will have a better chance of taming our tongue.

James 3:2-5 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Ships are turned by a small rudder. A horse is turned by a bit in their mouth. Our lives can be turned by our words. We have to speak life into our situations. How many were snared by the words of their mouth in the bible. One example that comes to mind is in Acts chapter 5. The story of Ananias and Sapphira, these people lied to the prophet of God and they fell down dead. Things would have been different if they had just spoken the truth.

When we speak truth in love it is life to the soul. I know certain religious people that jump on people and tell them they are going to hell if they don’t repent and change their lives. Then with a superior attitude they will say, “Well, I told them the truth.” Technically, they did tell them the truth. But if the delivery of the truth is not accompanied by love, the message will not be received. When this happens, normally, that person will only harden their heart against God.

We must learn how to deliver the message of God’s great love with compassion and non-judgmental attitudes. As long as we walk the earth we are at risk of our flesh allowing our tongue to say things that are negative. Only God can teach us to speak good things, life, health, peace and love.

When things in this life appears to be going wrong we need to get into the word of God and speak his promises. If we are sick, we speak healing. If we have financial difficulties, we don’t talk about how broke we are, but we speak that God is our provider, and we have abundance. God will provide, he will heal, he will save and deliver. We speak faith and God will move the mountains in our lives. But if we stand staring at the mountain speaking about how big it is, we will fall into fear.

Look at the children of Israel. They sent spies to spy out the promised land. Two spoke positively, we are more than able to take the land. Joshua and Caleb saw the giants, they were not ignorant of the obstacles. But they also knew how big their God was, this was how they could say, we are more than able to take the land. Physically, without God, they may not have been able to take it. But they knew God had promised them that land and God does what he promises.

They wandered for forty years in the desert because of their words of negativity. How long do we stay in situations when we do not need to because of the words of our mouth.

Think about the situations of your life. Are you speaking life, or are you speaking things that will keep you bound.

Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Are you going to speak life and faith or death and fear? Something to pray about because we always want to be found speaking life.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 259 – SAFE IN HIS HANDS

EPISODE 259 – SAFE IN HIS HANDS

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v67d91p-god-focus-this-morning-ep259-safe-in-his-hands.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: SAFE IN HIS HAND

As winter storms blow through my area, thoughts of safety is on everyone’s mind. But as a child of God. I am reminded that our safety is always in the Lord. He only knows the times he has protected us and saved our lives.

PS 91:11-12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

God loves us so much that he has created beings, just to watch over his children. We have no reason to fear the storm. When I say storm, I mean literal or spiritual. God has promised to keep us safe and watch over us.

We have no reason to fear the storms of life. The enemy will come along and try to cause us to fear when things have gone wrong. He tries to cause us to fall into fear because he knows that if we are fearful, we are not trusting. Fear is the enemy of our faith.

Trusting God is having faith that he will take care of us. It doesn’t matter what we face; the enemy will not win. Anytime the enemy tries to attack with fear, read Psalms 91. It is so encouraging and reminds us that God watches over us.

Isaiah 25:4: For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Isaiah says the Lord has been a strength to the poor. He will provide whatever we need to live. A strength to the needy, he has promised to supply our needs. He is a refuge from the storm. He is a safe place to run when life gets to be more than we can handle. Often, life throws us things we don’t think we will be able to survive. But the Lord is our shelter. We can run to him with our pain and grief from the storms. He is there to shelter us and give us strength to keep going.

Nahum 1:3: “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

When life’s storms blow into our lives, God will not waste it.  He will use it to draw us closer to him. The whole purpose of our life’s journey is learning to love God and rely on him. To learn how to walk in his love and show others love.

We are safe in the hollow of his hand. He is our strong tower that we can run to when life gets rough.

When the storms of life rage, we take shelter under the shadow of God’s wings. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We can count on him to keep all of his promises.

We often in the natural get weather forecasts that tell us of pending storms. When it is a huge storm, people prepare for it. They board up their windows and gather emergency supplies. When spiritual storms are coming our way, God often warns us by his Spirit that is within us. With the spiritual storm on the horizon, we can start praying for God to help us be strong when it hits us. He will be our shelter if we go to him. There is no safer place to be than in the arms of a loving God.

When we know a storm is coming, we should prepare as much as we can, making sure that our faith is not overtaken by fear.  Then pray for God to take control and have faith that he will see us through.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 258 GOD IS OUR DELIVERER

EPISODE 258 GOD IS OUR DELIVERER

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v66zn7j-god-focus-this-morning-ep258-god-is-our-deliverer.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: GOD IS OUR DELIVERER

How often do things look like there is no hope? How many bible stories look like the battle is lost, then God shows up. When God is on the move, hold on to your hat, things are going to turn around.

The children of Israel at the red sea are a good example. They were trapped and looked like they had no hope, then God showed up and told Moses what to do, and Moses said stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

There are times that we need to stand still and allow God to do what he does best. Standing still is hard to do. But while we stand, there are two things we can do, pray and praise. If we praise God, it helps us focus. We are making and keeping the God connection in our lives. Then, pray for strength to stand. Pray for God’s will to be done in our country.

For several years we have been fighting an intense battle for the soul of our nation. God has heard our many prayers. We have to believe that he will do what he has promised. We are at that moment when things are starting to appear scary, but as we stand strong in this moment, we will see the deliverance of the Lord.

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

God often tells us to not fear. I love this verse because He says do not fear because I am your God. That statement alone should be enough. Do not fear, I am your God. That switches the burden of us carrying everything to making it his responsibility. Then he says he will give us strength and will help us. When we feel we cannot go on, remember he is there and will give us strength. He says he will uphold us.

God is not surprised by anything that satan and those who he controls will do. If you know what the enemy is going to do, you know what to do to take them down. God is in control.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Many scriptures tell us that God is our strength. Others say the joy of the Lord is our strength. In order to have the Joy of the Lord, we need to spend time with him.

Psalm 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

It doesn’t matter how scary the red sea looks. It doesn’t matter that the enemy is closing in around us. We have to remember that God is with us, and he will take care of his people.

Fear is a strong emotion. It can be paralyzing if we allow it to, but we can overcome fear with faith. Our faith needs to be stronger and bigger than our fear. We often think about the cross when we think of salvation. When we say that God will save us in every way possible. He is our long-term plan for our soul. But he is the short-term plan for our lives here on earth as well.

We just have to keep standing while God is holding us upright. We will not fail, and we will not fall. God is with us, and he will save us from all our fear.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. It doesn’t say a few of our fears, but all of them. Victory will be ours as long as we can stand strong.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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