Tag: #dailydevotional

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP407 MISSED OPPORTUNITY

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As I was driving past a church the other day, I noticed that the marquee sign out front was blank. I remembered when a message on a marquee sign was used by God to call this prodigal home. Well, that and a billboard earlier that day. But that is a story for another day. As I looked at the blank sign disappointment filled me, I thought, wow what a missed opportunity to turn someone’s life around.

Many times, I have been encouraged by a scripture verse or nugget of wisdom on church signs. As I continued driving, I wondered how many times I have missed opportunities to be the light that I was created to be. How many times have you missed opportunities to let your light shine?

At times has my life been like the blank marquee? Have I been so closed down that my witness was like a blank sign?

There is a Latin phrase that many are familiar with, Carpe Diem. It means to pluck the day, most say seize the day. It means that we make the most of every opportunity that we have been given. We pluck the opportunities out of each moment.

Each day is a blank page and how we fill it is totally up to us. Will we go about our day on autopilot? Will we try to find opportunities to be a light and a witness? I don’t want there to be any missed opportunities in my life. I don’t want to be a blank sign. I want my life to be a witness. We do not know what a day will bring our way. Life is like a vapour, here one moment then it’s gone. Because time is slipping away, we have to take hold of the chances given to us.

James 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I believe God allowed me to see the blank sign and to feel complete disappointment to remind me to go out and do all that I can to reach the lost. They cannot come to God on their own, they don’t know that they can, except someone tells them.

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

Faith in God comes by understanding the word of God. They must hear it with their ears or see it on a billboard. The word of God is powerful to transform lives, but it has to be where it can be seen and heard. So that understanding can lead to salvation.

We would not be saved if someone had not told us about the power of the cross to transform lives. We must seize every opportunity to be a light and hope to the lost.

When I think about missed opportunities in the bible, the parable of the ten virgins comes to mind. Some would say they should not have slept. But all ten slept, while they waited. The difference is that five of them were prepared. They had gathered their supplies and were prepared. The foolish five, were not prepared, they had no oil. They didn’t do all they could ahead of time to assure that they would be ready to meet the bride groom.

Our faith walk boils down to us being prepared and doing all we can to help others prepare to meet Jesus in the air.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EPISODE 406 WALKING IN THE DARK

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: WALKING IN THE DARK

Imagine you are lost in the woods and it is dark. There is thick dark cloud cover that you cannot see the stars and the moon. It is so dark that you cannot see your hand in front of your face. Every slight sound causes you to fear. A squirrel running through the woods sounds like he’s as big as king Kong. Every step could send you falling over a mountain or could be your last. You find yourself wishing for just a little light.

This is how a large portion of the world lives spiritually. They walk in the dark, with only a hope that they will find light. The thick dark clouds of sin, adversity and the lies of satan blocks the light. Every step they take causes them to fall deeper into darkness. They need the light, but do not know what they need.

Then as you are feeling your way through in the dark. Your eyes catch a glimpse of something, it is someone with a tiny lit match. In the total darkness, you feel a small glimmer of hope. This person has the light that you need to see through the darkness. They share that match with you and light a torch you are carrying.

Soon you realize that the torch lights up the area around you and you can see others in the dark. As you share light with them things look brighter and brighter. Each one, lights the torch of another until the darkness is gone.

Spiritually, we are the one with the match. We have the light to share with others that will spread and give light to many. If each one wins just one think how many that would be in a week, a month or year.

Matt 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We cannot hide our light or it will get snuffed out, then no one will benefit from the amazing gift God has given us. We are the light of the world. It is time we acted like it and shared what burns within us.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

EP404–SPIRITUALITY IS NOT A BUFFET

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: SPIRITUALITY IS NOT A BUFFET

When I was a young person, it was a treat to go to an all you can eat buffet. I would always pick what tasted good, never thinking about if it was good for me. I always saved room for a brownie and ice cream with way too much chocolate sauce.

Because we have more freedom of religion in America than most countries, we have adopted a crazy notion. Our way of thinking has become dangerous to our spiritually. Acceptance of others has been used to tear down the foundation of our beliefs. You can love people and hate their sins and choices.

You can stand against a belief or false religion and still love the person. We are called to love them, even if they do not agree with us. But that doesn’t mean that we indulge in their rituals and shrug things off as if it doesn’t matter.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus is the only way for us to understand and know true freedom. His spirit makes us free.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I know other will argue their ancient books could be just right. Because they have chosen wrong. We cannot base our spirituality on a buffet style set of morals and rituals. We do not want to choose a religion or make up our own. When we choose a ritual from this religion and a chant from another, a prayer from one and a guiding text from another, the only thing we have chosen is to make ourselves spiritually sick. Like someone who eats too much at a buffet.

All the religions of the world lead back to one source that will not save your soul. He will give those who follow him an illusion of inner peace. But all Satan is doing is deceiving.

Take yoga for an example. People say it relaxes them and give them peace. What they do not realize or want to hear is that they are yoking or attaching themselves to a demon. Do you own research, the word yoga means to yoke. Yet followers of Christ do this without understanding.

Many say that burning sage will get rid of evil spirits. It is a witchcraft practice. It actually invites evil into your home.

By now some of you think I am crazy. That is ok, you can choose to believe what you want. That is the point. Just because you believe something doesn’t make it true. Things are true or they are not, period. My opinion or yours will not change the truth to Iie or deception to truth.

This is why we must choose to follow Jesus. Listen for the Holy Ghost inside of you to lead you. Never stop learning and growing in understanding.

2 Tim 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The best way to not over indulge at a buffet is don’t go there. Take time to question everything.

Example: Why do I lift my hands in worship?

Psalms 63:4 – Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Why do we sing praises?

Psalm 47:6 — Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

When it comes to our spirituality we cannot treat it like a buffet. We must depend fully on God to lead us.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORINING-EP405–LIVING WATER

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: LIVING WATER

Adam lost it, the Egyptians believed it was beneath the Sphinx. The Celts thought it to be deep in the forest of an island of the Atlantic. The Vikings said it was beyond the frozen North Sea; at the top of the world. King Richard claimed it was buried near Jerusalem. Ponce De Leon searched the New World for it.

What is this treasure that has driven men to the four corners of the world. It is the Water Of Life, and though it has been known by many names, people from all over the world have known about its power.

This water can heal any wound, cure all illness, even raise the dead and make them live forever. I HAVE FOUND IT. It was right there waiting for me. Where did I find this miracle water? Jesus had it all along.

He shared the news of it with a woman that people treated like an outcast. She was treated badly by those around her, because of her choices. But Jesus didn’t see the past as much as he could see what she would become, if she had living water.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

How can you find the well of life? There is a map, it is called the Holy Bible. What’s more Jesus is waiting for you. He wants to share the water of life with you, so you can live forever.

John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

The living water inside of us has to be able to freely flow from our lives to others. They need to see the power of God’s living water in our lives.

2 Jer. 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Israel and Judah kept doing good and then turning their back on God. He would deliver them and they would turn to God. Then over time they would grow complacent and turn their back on God, the fountain of living waters.

We can learn from their mistakes and not forsake God, the fountain of living water. We must not become complacent but allow God to flow in our lives.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING–EP403–UPHELD BY THE LORD

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: UPHELD BY THE LORD

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

The word uphold means to sustain, confirm or support. If God upholds us with his hands take a moment and think about it. He will support us with his hand. There is no better support system in the universe than God’s hand.

The word sustain means to support or keep from falling. Like helping someone elderly to walk. It wouldn’t be good for someone who is weak to lean on someone who doesn’t have strength to hold them up.

God confirms who we are; by telling us we are his children. Support can come in all sorts of forms spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally. He has promised to strengthen us and be our support.

Spiritually He has given us His Spirit to be our guide. We should never have fear as long as God is leading. We do not need to see where we are going, we just need to trust that he is leading. He will not steer us wrong. He wants what is best for us.

Eph 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Physically, he has promised to be our healer. He wants us to walk in health and enjoy the life he has given to us. When the enemy tries to attack us with sickness and disease, we need to look to Jesus, who is our healer.

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Financially, he is Jehovah Jireh our provider. He has promised in his word to be our source. Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Whatever we have need of he will provide. We must learn to trust him.

He has promised to uphold us or prop us up. It is a good thing to know we can lean on him. There is no safer place to be than to lean on Jesus.

Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

Without God on our side, we are without hope, we are merely existing. Sleepwalking through life without joy or any real peace. When we trust in the Lord, we turn the responsibility for our lives over to him. We have peace in knowing he will work things our for our good. We don’t have to worry or second guess what is going on because we can trust in God’s hands to protect, strengthen and guide us ever step of the way.

He will uphold us and give us the support we need.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING — EP402–A PLACE OF SAFETY

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: A PLACE OF SAFETY

In ancient times, cities were fortified with walls. These walls would have high towers or places that overlooked the land around the city.

This would give them a good view to see the enemy coming. These towers were for protection, when the enemy would attack. They were heavily fortified to withstand weapons of the time.

For example: The walls of Jerico were so thick that they held chariot races on the top of the wall. No army, with the weapons of the time could penetrate the walls of safety. It took God to cause them to fall.

Just as these fortified towers were protection from physical attacks, God is our strong tower or place of safety that will give us protection from the enemy.

In order to be safe, people had to be humble enough to seek shelter. Just as one lone man could not defeat a huge army alone, we cannot defeat our enemy in our own strength. We have to seek God’s strength and protection. We must seek shelter in the shadow of his wings.

We are assured in Prov 18:10 if we seek refuge in Him, we will be safe.

Proverbs 18:10-The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

One of the Hebrew names for God, Migdal-Oz translates to tower of strength. He is our tower of strength. A place we are safe and the enemy will not be able to touch us.

As we face uncertain times, we need to reinforce to ourselves that God is our strength, our safe place and our refuge. Getting this concept in our minds will give us comfort and strength when the enemy is trying to attack. We know that we have a safe place to run to when we need shelter. I googled a definition for refuge it said, refuge is a condition of being safe, sheltered from pursuit, danger or trouble.

The phrase sheltered from pursuit stuck out to me. God does this with the enemy. He shelters us from the enemy launching an all-out assault against us. We are safe because he will not allow us to be overtaken. We are sheltered from the pursuit of the enemy.

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

Let’s break this down. God is our refuge our safe place. The strength God gives will empower us with the ability to stand in the face of adversity. He is always available to give us immediate help.

Psalm 91:9-11 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalm 91 is a chapter full of encouragement. Because we trust in the Lord and make him our safe place or the place we dwell. He has said no evil will befall or no evil will happen to us. We will not be overtaken by a plague. Because he has given his angels the responsibility to watch over us and protect us.

As uncertainty in our world is on the rise. Many people are worried about the things going on around us. As children of God, we can be assured that none of it matters, because we are sheltered safe in God’s presence.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP401–TRANSITIONS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: TRANSITIONS

We all experience many transitions in life. We go from infant to toddler then to school age child, to high-school graduate. Some transition to college, while others become soldiers or join the work force.

Life is about changing and growing. We should never stop growing and learning. Especially about God’s Word.

Places of transition are normally accompanied by anxiety and fear of the unknown. We wonder how things will be once we are in the new place. What we learn during the process can be invaluable. Look at the children of Israel. Because they didn’t trust God, they were stuck in transition. This is why we must trust his plan.

Only those born during the transition got to see the promised land. In other words, we cannot take our old ways of thinking into the new season. We need to shake off religion and find the old path.

We need to get on the path of God’s ways and not man’s traditions. They were following their old way of thinking and built a golden calf. We don’t need any idols of religion. We need to be sure we are in God’s will. Only his way will lead us to the transition of what God has promised.

Caterpillars go through an amazing transformation. In the transition they are closed up in a cocoon. Only God see the transformation. But one day, God says ok, now is your time to fly. That butterfly with its newly formed wings pushes out of its shell and takes to the sky.

Only God knows when we are ready for the next level in Him. But we can be assured, he will never allow us to be unprepared for what he has for us next.

Just as the butterfly has to push its way out of the cacoon, we have to press our way out of the comfort zone. We must trust God and learn to be content in whatever phase of the transition we find ourselves in at the moment.

Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

If you find yourself in a transition, trust in the Lord. He will see you through it. Embrace the process and try to be content in whatever phase you find yourself. Remember the children of Israel didn’t trust and they spent 40 years going around the same mountain.

We can prolong the process of transition by not surrendering, but we cannot shorten the time. Growth takes time and we need to never stop growing.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING — EP400– GOD’S HANDS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: GOD’S HAND

As children of God we often say that we are in his hands. There is safety and strength in God’s hands. Today I want to take you through the scriptures and share more about God’s hands.

When I think about being in his hands I think of safety. Being in his hands means we are protected from the storms of life. One verse says we are under the shadow of his wings. We are safe when we put ourselves in his hands.

Because it is a choice, and we have free will, we can choose to leave the safety of his hands and choose to walk away. Nothing can take us out of God’s hands. There is nothing or no one bigger and more powerful.

Jer 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

We are in his hands so that he can shape our lives, like a potter does clay. He knows how long to allow us to be fired in the kiln of trials and adversity. In the times of fiery trials we become who God wants to make us.

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

God spoke everything into existence, but he formed man with his own hands. Like a master potter, he forms us and molds us into the people we need to become. As long as we are moldable clay. As long as we yield to the way he tries to shape our lives. We can become usable vessels. Vessels that can be used to pour out the goodness of God in witness to the lost. We can pour our encouragement to those who are hurting.

If we do not yield to God and are not moldable clay in His hands. We will never become the vessels that God can use for his glory.

Is 41:13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

We have every reason to trust that he will help us. We are not to fear, he has promised to help us. His hand is not too short that he cannot reach us. It doesn’t matter how far we fall, he will pick us up.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING–EP399–EMPTY TO OVERFLOW

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING, I AM THRILLED TO BE BACK AND HAVE EVERYTHING WORKING AGAIN.

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: EMPTY TO OVERFLOW

I often think about Peter fishing all night without a catch. He was ready to give up. Peter had used his equipment and experience, all that he had within his power to catch fish. We too can do everything in our power to get a good outcome, sometimes, but in spite of our best efforts we fail. Then Jesus came by and said go out and cast your net on the other side. I am sure the last thing Peter wanted to do was go back out after a long night. But he listened to Jesus and went back out. He was obedient.

The first time he was out he was fishing in his own strength and wisdom. The second time he went on Jesus’ word. He caught so many fish; he had to call for another boat to help him. We may accomplish thing on our own. But it is always more profitable to listen to the leading of God.

When we are obedient, we go from an empty vessel to one that is overflowing. When we are obedient, not only will God bless us, but he will bless those around us. It doesn’t say, but I think it is safe to assume that the boat which came to help Peter had fished all night too without much to show for it.

The blessing that God gives us will always overflow onto others. He pours into us so that we can pour out to others. He fills us with encouragement so that we can encourage others. The hope he gives us to give us something to share with others. He gives us faith to share the good news of salvation.

When we are tired of trying, like Peter was that morning, remember God has a plan. We may be empty like the boat Peter was in, but God can fill us up to overflowing. We just have to cast our net on the other side. If we follow God’s instructions and are obedient, we will be blessed and many around us.

Now is not the time to sit in the empty boat feeling tired and frustrated. The world is depending on us to try again. We need to keep fishing, keep trying to win the lost to Jesus. Now is the time to look for answers, listen for God’s direction. He will not leave us empty handed but will tell us to launch out into the deep.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

VOL1, WK3-SAT-HOPE–HIDING THE WORD IN OUR HEARTS

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Welcome to Hiding The Word In Our Hearts. A morning scripture writing devotion. The scripture for today is Rom 12:12. The subject this week is HOPE. We write the scripture in the heart labeled Saturday, if you have the book or in a notebook. Actually, writing the verse will help you to remember it.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Chapter twelve in Romans is all about our growing in the spirit. Learning to be more like our God. This is how we develop the fruit of the spirit. When we rejoice in our hope, we find strength. God gives us strength beyond our comprehension. It is amazing how we can develop patience when necessary. The rough times of life can create in us strength to face everything that will come our way.

Prayer is the key to growth. Prayer will give us hope that God will work things our for our good, just as we have asked. Prayer gives us hope and a stronger connection to God.

Thanks for watching

Keep Hiding The Word In Your Hearts