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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:  TO KNOW HIM

God doesn’t need lip service. He doesn’t need us putting on a show of how great we are at worship. Do you worship in private like you do in front of people? Some people are loud and animated to draw attention to make others think they have a heart of God. As Jesus said about the Pharisees they have their reward.

Don’t misunderstand me there is a time and place for everything. I am not saying we cannot be loud. It is about the position of the heart. Sometimes the cry of our heart can be loud and animated. We may fall to our knees and weep in silence. God hears our hearts.

Matt 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Showy prayers or showy worship receives their rewards of approval of men. Jesus said to enter to your prayer closet and pray in secret. God will reward you openly. If we worship in secret pour out our praise, he will reward us openly. It is all about the heart and who’s   approval we are seeking; God’s or man’s.

It’s all about our desire to truly know him. That should be the cry of our hearts. Oh to know him…

As Christians we do not give our lives to Christ and then know all there is to know about Jesus. There are many false assumptions people have about Jesus. Many churches preach a version of Jesus that is not realistic or biblical. They grasp the love part, but never preach that he is a God of justice. They want people to think that God accepts sin, because he is loving. They skip over the Jesus that ran the money changers from the temple. The man who told the Pharisees they were open sepulcher full of dead men’s bone. These people have never read how it all ends in the book of Revelations.

True, God is loving, he wants us to be saved. But that takes acceptance of him into our lives. We cannot accept him unless we know him. Many picture Jesus as a statue with a few drops of blood trickling from his wounds. That is not my Jesus. My Jesus was beaten beyond recognition. He suffered for my sins, he shed his blood that we could have eternal life. That is what makes him Lord of our lives if we will let him.

Matt 24:23-24 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

How do we keep from being deceived? We have to get to know God. Deep intimacy comes from knowing him. We get to know him through prayer and study of his word. We reap what we sow.  It is important to sow into prayer and study to truly get to know God. Praying sincerely for God to search us and help us to know him.

Phil 3:10-12 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 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.

We don’t want to go through things to know him. We don’t want to be uncomfortable or go through the trials to know him. But trials often come to make us stronger. They teach us of his steadfast, reliability. He will be there for us. It is in the flames of adversity that we are forged. Our bond with God becomes stronger as we learn to lean on him.

We cannot jump up from the altar of repentance and instantly know God. It is a life long journey of learning to trust God. Reading and studying the word will help us to get to know him.

1 John 5:20: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

This says he has given us understanding. He will continue every day to help us grow in knowledge and wisdom. Because we are in him and he is in us.

Until next time,

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

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:  WHAT NOT TO SPEAK

As I read through Ephesians yesterday, the concept about what we do not speak came to light. We are told to not have anything to do with the unfruitful works of darkness. But we are to reprove them, which means to express disapproval of such behavior. We need to do it in a godly way.

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Some are so caught up in the things of this world right now. They want to know all the details of the Epstein files. I know enough to know that those people are evil and that is enough to know. I don’t want details about what was done or who was there. As Christian’s it is our duty to pray for the victims. Pray they are all soon free and that they find healing. Pray for the children to be set free. This is deeper than one island. But we are not to desire to know just how evil, evil can get.

Eph 5:12-13 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The days are evil right now. Evil has tried to take over the world. But we can redeem the time by shining our light into the world. We redeem the time by getting to know God in a deeper way.  Protection from the evil of the world comes from God. He will help us resist the devil.

Eph 5:17-20 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

God will give us wisdom and he will show us his will if we ask. We are not to be naturally drunk but to be filled with the Spirit of God. We are supposed to praise and worship God. Giving thanks to God for all that he has done for us. We keep our God Focus by singing and having a song in our heart to the Lord.

David knew how to worship and it helped him to keep his relationship strong. Although there were some times he got sidetracked, still he had a love for God and wasn’t afraid to worship him.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The more we focus on God the less time we have to dwell on all the details about the evil of this world. In summary, Focus on God and pray against evil. In doing this we will have the right perspective on God and his great and wonderful mercies. This perspective will prepare us to go out and reap the end time harvest.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:  LESSONS OF FORGIVENESS

The book of Philemon is a small book in the New Testament. It is basically a single letter from Paul to a man named Philemon. He was a rich man who led the house church in Colossae. Paul was trying to change Philemon’s thinking. Under Jewish custom if someone owed you money and could not pay, they became bond servants. Onesimus had taken from Philemon and then ran. Philemon had him put into prison.

Paul met Onesimus and converted him to be a follower of Christ. Onesimus started serving and helping Paul in prison. Paul tells Philemon he understands he is kind toward the saints in Colossae. He is asking him to extend that kindness to his new brother in Christ; Onesimus. He wrote the letter to get him to release Onesimus.

Philemon 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Philemon had every human reason to not forgive, as we often do. Feeling justified at making Onesimus work off his debt was normal. However, they were at the beginning of a new covenant in which Jesus said to forgive those who do us wrong.

Luke 17:3-4: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

There are many verses about forgiveness. There is even a parable about an evil servant who would not forgive another servant for a small amount he owed. This was after the master of the house had forgiven him a large amount of money. When the master heard he had not forgiven his fellow servant, he was very angry. He threw him into prison until he could pay off the debt.

Jesus forgave us for a debt we could not pay. We don’t want to be like the wicked servant and not forgive those who need our forgiveness. Holding on to unforgiveness hurts the one who is holding on to it far more than the one who needs forgiveness.

We can understand how hard it would be for Philemon to let go of being deceived by Onesimus. He has every reason to not forgive and be within his right, by human standards. But God calls us to a higher standard of forgiveness because he has forgiven us.  

Philemon is not mentioned in the book of Colossians; however, he was believed to be the leader of the Colossian church. Onesimus his servant is mentioned in Colossians. Which helps to tie the two books together.  

The book of Colossians encourages the believer to set their attentions on things above and not on things of the earth. It is full of instructions about how to treat others.

Col 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Forbearing means to restrain yourself, being patient when provoked. To hold back from justifiable actions of punishment. We need to forgive one another even when it is hard to do because Christ has forgiven us.

Paul encouraged them to put on love which is the bond of perfectness. I want to encourage you today to search your hearts. Ask God to show you if you are carrying any unforgiveness. It is easy to hold on to things that have made us feel hurt or betrayed. If you find something ask God to help you let it go, because that is what Jesus would do.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:  COMFORTABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES

The beggar at the gate called Beautiful had given up all hope he would ever walk. He had accepted his circumstances as unchangeable, like it was written in stone. This became his comfort zone. Survival depended on him begging from people walking past him.

He asked Paul and Silas for alms, not knowing his life was about to change. Paul and Silas gave him faith in God when he was lifted to his feet. As strength came into his feet and ankles, so did his faith in God. There are times we get comfortable in our circumstances. We need someone to lift us up out of our acceptance of the circumstances.

The cripple man laid at the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Every time the water was troubled someone else beat him to the pool. Only the first one in the water received their healing. He had little hope of ever being made whole. Then Jesus came along, the man started telling Jesus he had no one to help him get into the water when it was troubled. He was fixated on a possible cure. Jesus showed him a better way.

How many times does God have something better for us, but we don’t move because we are afraid. Our circumstances are not how we thought our lives would be, but we get comfortable in the circumstances. We allow fear to set in, because we aren’t where we wanted to be, but it could be worse so we become complacent.

Spiritual growth comes from stepping out in faith. It comes from being willing to try to walk on the water. I am sure it was a big stretch of faith for Peter to get out of the boat. But he wasn’t comfortable like the rest. They were afraid to try something new.

There are many different ways to be comfortable. Jesus can give us peace in our circumstances. We just don’t want to become stagnate to step out in faith. To walk out our faith, even when it is scary.

The body of Christ has been rocked to sleep with jokes and feel-good messages. Normally, the effect from these have worn off before the congregation gets their cars parked at the restaurant after service.

We need the old-fashioned preachers that dig deep in the word. Who have spent all week on their knees asking God. “What do I say this week to help the people draw closer to you?” We need to be challenged to be bold and take a step of faith. How do we get to the place we challenge ourselves. Pray, ask God for help.

We can be timid, but he can allow holy boldness to arise in us. Helping us to be his witnesses in our corner of the world.

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

We need God’s strength to find our boldness. God honors boldness of faith. We need to choose his path over our comfort zone. Being comfortable in our circumstances is not a place we have to stay. Jesus is right there to pick us up and show us there is a better way.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: NEGATIVITY SINKS SHIPS

Yesterday, I talked about stretching our faith. We also need to minimize doubt. Faith without doubt is pure faith. God honors faith in him. Speaking out of our mouths positive things will help us to not speak doubt. If we ask for healing, we need to thank God for our healing. Speak positive words. Declare that you are the healed of God. Even if the symptoms say otherwise.

I saw a quote the other day that made me think: “An entire ocean can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside.”

 It is not the ocean around the ship that sinks it. But it’s what gets inside that causes it to sink. Our lives are like that; we can be surrounded by negativity but we will not be sunk by the negativity unless it gets inside and takes root.

As I pondered that quote, I had to ask myself, “Is my ship sound?” In other words, are there any breaches. Do I allow anything inside that can sink my ship; negative talk, negative thoughts, sin of idolatry or pride?

Negative Talk

I often speak about how our words can affect our lives. Negative talk brings on doubt, fear, rejection and unbelief.

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

The word is full of verses about speaking life and not death. Speak positive words they are strength to the soul.

Prov 15:4  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

We must remain positive and not allow all the wrong things to get into our spirit. We are told to guard out heart.

Negative Thoughts

The things the enemy puts in our minds, we need to take control of and dismiss from our thoughts. He will bombard us with things of the past or worries about the future.

2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Identify the enemy’s lies, he will fill us with negativity any opportunity we allow him to have a small space.  He will give us feelings of worthlessness.  We must combat his attacks with the word.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

We should always pray PS 19:14. For the words we speak and what we allow our minds and hearts to meditate on to be pleasing to God. We want do what is acceptable in his sight. He wants us to speak faith and hope. Positive words are key to keeping our lives on track.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The more we know God’s word and have it in our hearts the stronger we are to fight against the enemy’s attacks. When we know the word, we will understand more how to avoid the pitfalls that cause us to fall into sin.

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Temptation comes from the enemy, if we can avoid temptation then it will not turn to desire and lust to entice us. Avoiding temptation will keep us from sin. All the temptation in the world like all the water in the ocean will not destroy us, unless it gets inside our ship.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:  PATH TO STRENGTH

I want to discuss strength, trust, weakness, faith with you today. Now each topic could be days long on their own. I want to share how they relate to keep us on the right path. In order for us to be effective in the land as witness, we must be strong. The enemy will try to discourage us and make us feel weak. Our faith and strength will keep us on the right path as the enemy tries to distract, deter and discourage us.

To be discouraged is to allow our joy to be depleted. Keeping the joy of the Lord is keeping our strength. Staying focused on the goodness of God is how to accomplish joy. It is separate from our circumstances.  Our future is not determined by our circumstances, but by the grace of God.

Psalm 28:7 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.

This verse creates a link between our trust in God and our joy.  Worship can help bring joy to our lives. Worship can help to strengthen us. But more than what worship can do for us, we owe it to God to lift him up. 

We can be strong and encouraged because God goes with us wherever we go. He will not leave us alone.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Because he is with us, we can trust him. He will watch over us and protect us. He is our hiding place, our strong tower, our deliverer. We will gain strength if we rest in him.

Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Faith over fear, takes joy and strength, we cannot allow weakness to cause us to fall into fear. Weakness is an opportunity to stand up and become strong. We cannot fail, God is within us. He will give us power to not be weak and weary, but will give us strength and power. In the physical when we exercise, we gain strength. Why would we not gain spiritual strength as we exercise our prayer and worship muscles.

Isaiah 40: 29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Waiting upon God to move in our lives is the ultimate way to strength. Our hope, our strength, our Joy and our Peace all come from Jesus. I encourage you to praise and pray for God to renew your strength and joy. Imagine soaring high above the cares of this life, like an eagle soars high in the sky. We can have that carefree feeling when we wait on God and allow him to give us peace and joy.

He will renew us to run and not be tired, if we can walk and not faint. This reminds us that he is always there to give us strength when we need it. Thank God for his amazing love and the strength he gives us everyday to keep running our race.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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