Tag: God Focus

PRESSED

Isaiah 53:5 -But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Often, we use this verse as one that encourages people to know that our God is a healer of our bodies and emotions. But he also was bruised and beaten for our spiritual healing. If He had not gone to the cross we would not have any right to salvation. I want to focus on the bruised portion of this verse.

Olive oil is often used for anointing oil. It is an earthly representation of God’s anointing or the Holy Ghost. In order to understand the oil of anointing (Holy Ghost) in our lives as Christians, we need to understand how olive oil is pressed.

The fruit is washed and then put into a press where the fruit is pressed and crushed. There are different presses and processes. But the oil is squeezed out of the flesh of the fruit. Jesus was beaten and bruised in order that we could receive healing spiritually, physically and emotionally.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

The oil of the anointing of God is placed within us as believers. When we are born of the Spirit (Holy Ghost) we have that anointing within us. It is what sustains us and gives us the power to walk out our witness. As we grow from level to level we must walk through some trials. The things we face will press in and squeeze our flesh, it will bruise and crush us. Every trial takes us to a new level of anointing.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We don’t have to literally hang on a cross, but we must constantly sacrifice (crucify) the desires of our flesh. As we do this, we release what God has placed within us as his anointing. We will walk through tough times and things that we will not know if we can get through process and pain. But with every pressing, God’s oil will help us grow in Him.

2 Cor 3:20-18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

With every new level, we will walk more like Jesus and less like us. With every new level, there is a new devil. The enemy will fight because he knows if we truly get a hold of who we are in Christ, there will be no stopping us. With every new attack, we need to press into Jesus. Knowing that He is always with us and will not leave us to fight alone.

Within ourselves, we do not stand a chance against satan. That is why the world is so dark and evil right now. But being blood-bought, Holy Ghost-filled children of the Most High God and King, the enemy is under our feet. He will not defeat us, as long as we walk in the power and anointing that has been given us by Jesus Christ.

NO COMPLAINTS

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result. I often feel stuck in a situation that is total insanity. But God has told me to stay for now. When it comes to some situations it is to teach us something. Other times it is to let our light shine.

The Children of Israel kept going around the same mountain. They wandered for years in the desert. God was trying to teach them who He was and who He wanted them to become. They didn’t learn either lesson instead they complained and complained.

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

I try to keep a good attitude, but sometimes life piles so much on me that I find myself being like the Children of Israel. I admit I turn to complaining. Then I come across Philippians 2:14 and that verse steps on my toes.

God is faithful to forgive me when I am ungrateful. I was sent a video this morning that made me think about complaining. It is the opposite of being grateful and thankful. The video said, what if you woke this morning with only what you thanked God for yesterday. It is something to think about. God wants us to have an attitude of gratitude. How do I know? Because His word says so. I Thes 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

in everything… in everything. It is hard to give thanks when you are not in a good situation. It is easier for our flesh to complain. Learning to overcome our fleshly instincts is part of walking out our faith. Sometimes we get so frustrated that all we can do is cry. God understands our tears, he knows our heartache. He is faithful to pick us up if we just trust him. All things work out for our good, because God’s got us.

I often think about the old song, “Til the storm passes by” One line says, “hold me fast let me stand, in the hollow of your hand.” I can see His great big hand and little me sitting deep in the hollow of His hand. Fully protected from all the storms that try to overtake me. The God of the universe, who is so BIG cares about me and you. He cares about our heartaches and our fears. He is faithful to carry us when things get rough.

God has promised, he will never leave us or forsake us. With a promise like that, we have no reason to complain.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

WHO WE ARE

It is important now more than ever to understand our identity. We are blood bought; spirit-filled children of God. Ephesians Chapter 1 is full of descriptions that define Christians. Paul was trying to explain to the church at Ephesus who they were in Christ.

Verse 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

This verse says we are chosen. It is easy to accept that we are chosen but take a moment to think about it. Christ the hope of glory, our savior, our father loved us so much that he made a choice to die for us. He chose death to save us. We are chosen.

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Verse five says we are adopted. The spirit of rejection comes from satan. It makes us feel unwanted like spiritual orphans. It is a lie from satan that says, you are not really a son of God. God says he accepts us and makes us his children. We cannot listen to the attacks of the enemy on our minds. We are loved and precious in God’s sight. He wants us with him throughout all eternity.

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Verse 6 says we are accepted. The enemy will make you feel rejected by people and tell you that you are so worthless that God cannot even love you. Don’t believe the lies. Believe the word it says we are accepted.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; We are redeemed, which means to make up for a fault. Christ redeemed us from our sins. God sees our flaws and imperfections but ignores them because the blood of Christ covers us and says we are redeemed.

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Verse 11 says we are heirs of a home in heaven. Satan tries to get us to give up and tell us the road is too hard. Philippians says I can do all things through Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. I think about this being like home canning food, the food is preserved from spoiling or rotting. God will keep our souls from corruption if we abide in him and stay in his presence.

Chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, heirs and we are sealed. All these things say that we are loved by God. The God of the universe who created everything, LOVES US. Take a moment to let that sink in, HE LOVES US. We should never allow the enemy to tell us that we are less than, worthless, useless, hopeless or any other “less” words. Notice he takes good words and adds less, suddenly we are feeling bad about ourselves.

We should never wallow in self-pity or self-loathing even if we make a mistake and fall down. Jesus is there to pick us up. The next time satan comes whispering his lies about who we are, we need to stand boldly and tell him he doesn’t define us. Jesus has redeemed us and he names us. His opinion is the only one that matters.

SEEKING GOD

People and things are not always as they appear to be. Manipulative people doing satan’s work are all around us. They have evil agendas for our future and those of the children of this world. We cannot believe everything we see or hear. Technology has become so advanced you cannot even believe a photo or video any longer. Anything can be manipulated. How do we tell the good guys from the bad guys? It is not always easy, many times we allow our emotions or compassion to make us second guess.

If we have God’s Spirit inside of us, one of the nine spiritual gifts he promised we could have is discernment. (Listed in I COR 12: 4-11) This is when the Spirit of God warns us when the enemy is using someone to lay a trap for us. Discernment will let us know what we need to know in order to help ourselves or others to not be harmed by the enemy.

God does not reveal things to harm anyone, but to bring His people together. Just as he has always used prophecy to warn His people and guide them during tough times. The body of Christ needs to shake loose the doctrines of men and get in the word. Ask God for answers. I promise he will guide us if we are willing to listen to him.

The Holy Ghost is our guide, He is waiting to speak to us and direct our footsteps. But we cannot hear his voice if we don’t slow down and listen. God is calling us to rest in him and listen for his still small voice.

In a world where there are so many voices trying to get our attention, it is even more important than ever to find quiet time with God. Psalm 62:5-6 (5) My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

Jer 29:11-13 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God has plans for us, plans for good and not evil. But we have something to do too. God is not a genie in a bottle that grants wishes. He is a loving God that wants a relationship with us. We have to pray and follow Jesus. Verse 13 says we will find him when we search with all of our hearts.

God doesn’t want a ritualistic prayer. He wants an honest conversation with us. He is not afraid of our honesty. He already knows what is in our hearts. But by opening up and asking the hard questions, we can find the answers we seek.

I don’t want to see anyone miss the move of God that is coming because they are too afraid to step out of their comfort zones. Now is a time to be praying like never before, asking for God’s guidance. Big changes are coming, we need to be ready for the move of God.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The Spirit of truth is the Holy Ghost, He is our guide. But someone traveling could have the best guide ever, but if they don’t listen to them, or follow them they may as well be without a guide. We need to follow Him closely and pray every day for Him to lead us. By yielding our lives to Christ, we will never be alone, even in the worst of times.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

OUR DELIVERER

In the book of Exodus God sent Moses to set his people free. All the plagues that God sent were in defiance of the gods of Egypt. Someday I will go through each one and explain in detail. Right now, I want to focus on the next to last plague. The plague of darkness.

Exodus 10:20-29 (20) But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you. 25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God. 26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither. 27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. 28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die. 29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.

God caused the enemy to be in darkness so that one didn’t see or know what the other was doing. The darkness was so thick that they didn’t even leave their homes. By creating darkness over them Our God was saying your sun god, Ra, has no power.

Meanwhile, in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites dwelled had plenty of light. This was a sign to them too. They had been raised in bondage, they knew as much or more about the gods of Egypt as they did their own God. He was preparing them to learn about Him and His power.

I often wondered why God hardened Pharoah’s heart. It was so that God could prove to the Israelites who He was and to set up the enemy for their destruction. God will only allow people to go so far with their evil before he puts a stop to it. Egypt had enslaved God’s people, killed their children and worked them until they died, building monuments to the greatness of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. God allowed it to go on for a season. Then he stepped in and made a way for his people to be free.

If Pharoah would have let them go after the first or second plague the story would have been different. The people would not have seen their enemy destroyed before their eyes. Also, the Children of Israel left Egypt with great wealth. If Pharoah had let them go after a plague or two they would not have left with the wealth. When they first entered Egypt they had great wealth, but they were slowly taxed out of it all until they were plunged into slavery. God hardened Pharoah’s heart in order to restore to his people what the enemy had stolen from them.

When the final plague hit and Pharoah’s son died, his anger burned hot, and he decided to chase down and destroy the Israelites. That final plague was retribution for all the children that Pharoah had murdered of the Israelites. This was the point of the story that God completely set free, his people. There was no one left to pursue them after God closed the Red Sea on the Egyptian Army.

Things in this life will often look dark, but we need to remember that Jesus is the light. As his children, we are the light to shine in the darkness of this world. The enemy will make things seem really dark and scary. God will not allow us to suffer in darkness. He is there even when it looks bad. Every plague that hit Egypt never touched God’s people.

It is up to us to let our light shine and help pull the lost out of the darkness of this world. We can trust God to take care of us even in the darkest of times. Read the Bible, not once did He ever let down, leave or forsake His people.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

THIRSTY?

Sometimes people can be so nonchalant about their responsibilities as Christians. I too have been guilty of taking the cross for granted. All too often I feel like we are too blessed in America. As a whole the body of Christ has been guilty of seeking his hand and not Him. Jesus suffered horrific things for our sins. Yet we don’t seem to understand what a price he paid for us. We have heard it so many times that we have become desensitized to the message.

I feel it is my job to encourage everyone to search their hearts and minds. Is your heart following hard after Jesus. Psalm 42:1-2 (1) 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? Do we follow hard after him as a deer that longs for a water brook? Are we thirsty like someone who has been lost in the desert, longing for water?

Jesus told the woman at the well that he could give her living water that she would never thirst again. In other words, he could fulfill her thirst for spiritual things. If the Spirit of God dwells within us, we have the living water He spoke of to the woman.

John 7:37-39 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. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

If we stay in the flow of the Spirit, we will not thirst because we are constantly refreshed by His presence. This is why he told the woman at the well she would never thirst again. But we too can get so far outside the flow of the Spirit that our flesh has control. When this happens, we are not thirsty for the things of God either. We become complacent and just go through the motions for appearance’s sake. There has to be a balance somewhere.

It is my prayer that God empties me of me to make for room for Him. I encourage you to take a few moments and check the water flow in your life. If the well gets too much debris (sin or non-complacency) it will stop the flow of the well. There is nothing that pleases satan more than to stop up our wells and keep the spirit from moving in our lives.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

TRADITIONS VS TRUTH

I was watching reruns of a TV show where people race all over the world against other people for a million dollars. I find different cultures fascinating. It is amazing most of all to me the different religions that people of this world have adopted. A lot of it depends on the culture and the traditions that were passed down from generation to generation.

One particular challenge got me thinking about the traditions of men and religion. The contestants had to walk through a temple in India. This temple was to worship rats. These people would cut themselves and put their blood on the door or walls of the temple. Then they would walk barefooted through a maze of rats and rat droppings to leave food for the rats as an offering. To the people in India, this is normal and what they have done from childhood. I don’t even want to tell you what I think is wrong with their religion. The point I want to take away from it is that this is a tradition of mankind. Something that has been passed down from generation to generation.

All the false gods of the world have a very devoted following. These people do all sorts of things for their false gods. Some climb flights and flights of stone stairs on their knees to get to the top of a mountain to make offerings to false gods. It is amazing the things people will do in the name of religion.

Our Real God; the Lord Jesus Christ is different than any other of the false gods. One he is real, and two he never asks us to do ourselves harm just to worship him. There was bloodshed, but he shed it for us. He sacrificed for us. All He asks of us is to follow him with all our hearts.

Christianity in America has almost become a cultural thing. People have left true faith for a watered-down version. They want to be Christians and still do their own thing in the name of grace. His grace is not so we can live any kind of way and walk in sin. God forbid. They do not know what it means to be dedicated to the cause of Christ. They want to embrace the fact that God is Love and miss the fact that we have to live a holy life. Will we ever be perfect? No. But we can walk as close as possible.

Phil 2:12-15 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

People think that working out your own salvation means you can piecemeal whatever you want to do as long as you say you have accepted Christ. Some are even adding elements of new age or witchcraft to their beliefs, without understanding what they are doing. But this verse means that we all are responsible for our own souls and the salvation of those souls. Do we follow Christ and follow close or do we repent and then do our own thing? We have to study the word of God, it is our roadmap for our soul. This is a lifelong study and we have to pray for God to guide us. We cannot lean on a denomination, a preacher, a pastor or teacher and fully trust them. We have to ask God for guidance. Many of these things seem right in man’s eyes but lead to destruction.

John 14:25-27 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

We need to have God’s Spirit within us. Then we need to listen to that Spirit. He will lead us and guide us. (John 16:13–13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.) He is the ultimate teacher. No longer can we depend on what we have been taught. Every denomination has things that are not right. It is time the body of Christ got on our faces before God and questioned everything. Ask Him to lead us in unity as the body. Only in the unity of His Spirit will we find true grace.

II Tim 11:15 –11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We cannot even begin to understand the depths of God without His Spirit leading us. It is time for the body to grow up. It is time to leave the milk bottle of man’s divisions, doctrines and denominations to honor God with our whole being, leaning on him. This is leaning not on our understanding but in all of our ways leaning on Him.

I Cor 3:1-4 3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

If Paul were writing to the American church today he would say we were carnal. Instead of saying I am of Paul or I am of Apollos. We would be saying, My family has been in this denomination or that denomination for ten generations. There is strife and divisions that need to stop. God will settle the matter if we come to him with an open mind and heart and seek understanding. We all come short of perfection. None of us will ever be perfect enough to sit on the judgement seat. It is not our job, so we need to quit being “religious” and start searching the word for direction.

We are not to walk after the traditions of men, but we are to follow Jesus. The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day were the equivalents of our denominations today. People look to them as if they are good. But many would not know Jesus if he walked into the room. I want to know him. I don’t want to miss him because I am wrapped up in the traditions of men. He is coming back for a people without spot or wrinkle. It is time the body of Christ started removing the spots and getting out the wrinkles. Time is short.

God will never leave us or fail us if we can FULLY put our trust in HIM. Have a good week. If you like my blogs feel free to share with a friend.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

TRUE OR FALSE

When I was growing up, we took tests in school called true or false. We were given a statement and had to decide if it was true.

Times have changed, our society has gone mad. They are saying whatever you believe is “true for you”. You can be a boy but believe you are girl and that makes it so. You can believe you are a cat and that is “your truth”. It is all lies from satan. There are only two answers to every fact it is true or it is false. It doesn’t matter if we believe the facts to be the opposite. Our opinions don’t change the truth. Just like the Bible; it will not change to please us. It is truth, it doesn’t matter if we choose to believe it or not. It will still be true.

Some synonyms for truth are honest, sincere, accurate or correct. Apply these to the statements above. There is no way that a boy can be a girl. They have lost touch with reality. It doesn’t matter what lying spirit, straight from the pit of hell is whispering in his ear. It doesn’t matter what he feels, truth is not a feeling it is a fact.

We are to walk in truth. This means we cannot allow ourselves to be lied to by the enemy. He tries to define us, but we need to tell him who we are, not the other way around. If we do not put on the full armor of God as protection against the enemy, we can fall prey to his lies. He loves to use fear, depression, anxiety and rejection to keep people from believing in God.

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

This verse tells us that the word of God is the word of truth. Because God is not a man that he could lie. His word is life to our soul and a light to our path. We can always count on it to be true. As Christians, we need to stand for the truth.

John 8:31-32 – 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

How do we get free from lies? We need to get the word of truth inside of us. Then we will spot the lies every time the enemy tries to spread false statements. The truth of God brings freedom. Learning of the truth of God’s love brings salvation to our souls. Then the Love that he gives us helps us to show the truth to others. God is the embodiment of truth. Everything about him is honest, sinless, pure and truthful.

The enemy is the opposite in every way. He is the father of lies. The devil will do everything in his power to destroy the truth. If he can plant a little doubt in our minds, he has the toe hold needed to keep lying to us. I chose to believe the word of God.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SALT

I was inspired by a quote I saw on social media. “The church cannot be salt if we sugarcoat the gospel.”

How often do we tiptoe around the subject of the truth of the gospel? We don’t want to offend anyone. But now is the time to do the right thing. People’s souls are hanging in the balance. Many want to embrace every sinful thing and every sinful lifestyle. They say they are showing God’s love, by being accepting, but this is not love. If we love them we will tell them the truth and not sugarcoat the gospel. If we love them we will be the salt of the earth.

Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

To understand the above verse, we need to investigate salt. Salt for centuries has been used as a preservative of meat. It has properties that inhibits the growth of bacteria and keeps the meat from spoiling.

If we are the salt of the earth, we will have something that will prevent the spread of spiritual decay. God’s spirit in us, can help others find their way out of sin. Sin is the bacteria that rots our lives.

Salt creates thirst. If we live our lives according to the word of God. People will see something in us that will make them thirsty for God.

Matt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

God promises us if we hunger after righteousness if we crave the things of God, we will be filled. He gives us fresh bread daily, if we only trust.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

HEALING

Isaiah 53:5 – But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

He was wounded for our sins. Jesus’ death brought healing opportunities for our souls. But he also took stripes for our physical healing. Jesus heals us today. We can anoint one another with oil and pray for healing. God will heal us if we have faith.

Some say I don’t believe it; miracles don’t exist today. To those I would say don’t waste your time praying if you don’t believe it. If you don’t believe you won’t receive it. If God is not able to heal these bodies, he has created, then how can we trust him for our salvation from hell? That is a bigger miracle than healing our bodies.

James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

I have a unique perspective; I was raised to know the power of God. My grandpa had the gift of healing and miracles. I used to travel in the summers with him and my grandmother to revivals all over the upper east coast. I have seen things that God has done. I have experienced healing of my own. I recently was sick and had pain in my side after a few minutes of my parents praying for me I got better. I claim the blood Jesus shed for me. I am blessed to be his child. He healed me of chronic sinus headaches many years ago. He delivered me from depression and constant anxiety. Many more things that I cannot even remember.

Our lives as Christians are based on faith. Heb 11:6 -But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The God of the universe lives within us, we have all power. We just have to access it by faith.

As Jesus was being beaten, bruised and crushed something happened, his anointing flowed. Just as olive oil flows from crushed and bruised olives. That process released anointing. That same anointing lives within us. This is why we can pray and ask for healing, and he will deliver us.

3 JOHN 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. If we expect to receive things from the Lord, we need to have a relationship with him. We need to walk by faith and not by sight. As we grow in our relationship with God we gain power. The power we gain is to be used for the glory of God and to help others.

James 1 3-8 (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

It comes down to what I wrote about a few blogs ago. Who’s report are your going to believe? Are you going to trust God or trust man. Do we have faith? Do we not have faith? We have to have this matter settled concerning these things before the enemy attacks. We have to have a made-up mind that no matter what comes our way we will walk by faith. That is what it means to be a child of God. We have to be determined that on this day, I will trust the Lord for all of my needs, physically, spiritually and financially. He is the God that cannot fail. When our eyes pop open tomorrow we need to say, “I trust you Lord to supply all my needs and take care of me. I will do all I can to be the light and witness you have called me to be on the earth.”

The time is drawing close that God is going to divide those who fully trust from those who partially trust. We are about to see the church rise up in the power and anointing that it once had many years ago. How else will we show the unbelievers the way to Jesus? Evil is all around us, but do not fear Lord Jesus is near.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS