Tag: #Jesus

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP407 MISSED OPPORTUNITY

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6yrrn6-god-focus-this-morning-ep407-missed-opportunity.html

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 MORINING-EP405–LIVING WATER

GOD FOCUS THIS MORINING-EP405–LIVING WATER

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6yomh4-god-focus-this-morning-ep405-living-water.html

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 — EP402–A PLACE OF SAFETY

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING — EP402–A PLACE OF SAFETY

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6yfc42-god-focus-this-morning-ep402-a-safe-place.html

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 — EP400– GOD’S HANDS

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6ydgla-god-focus-this-morning-ep400-gods-hands.html

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

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6yd866-god-focus-this-morning-ep399-empty-to-overflow.html

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

VOL 1 WK2 WEDNESDAY–FAITH

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6xthzo-vol-1-wk2-wednesday-faith-hiding-the-word-in-our-hearts.html

Good Morning my God Focus friends.  Today is Wednesday, Week Two of Hiding The Word In Our Hearts.  Week Two is all about Faith.  Our verse this morning is Romans 10:17.

Romans 10:17-18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

How do we get faith. This verse says it comes by hearing. Actually, hearing in this circumstance means understanding. Faith comes from understanding and understanding from the word of God.  This is why it is so important to study the word. Understanding of God through his word creates faith. The word is alive and we always find just what we need when we search for God in the pages of the Bible.

Many think it’s just an old book. But it is life, it’s love, it is the very essence of God’s character. Faith comes from learning about God in his written word. That written word will teach us that when we are born again, his Spirit will lead us and guide us. This is what it means to walk by faith, we allow God to lead us.

Let’s recap the week so far, faith is pure and cannot be mixed with doubt. We grow in faith through understanding of God’s word. We are justified by our faith. We trust that we will be saved by a just God. That belief is Faith.

Thanks for watching

Until next time,

Be bold, be brave and keep your God Focus

HIDING THE WORD IN OUR HEARTS

The reason there has not been any God Focus This Morning Videos is that my computer crashed. I have ordered a new one. I should have it soon. I will start posting videos as soon as possible. Until then I want to share with you something that has helped my faith walk; scripture writing or scribing. I started a journey of scribing or copying the entire bible.

I created a scripture writing journal called Hiding The Word In Our Hearts. Each morning, I will be uploading a video to encourage you until I can get my computer up and running.

Below is the link to the Intro and the upload for Monday.

Intro Link Sunday : https://rumble.com/v6xeffg-hiding-the-word-in-our-hearts-vol-1-wk-1-sunday.html

Link to Monday video : https://rumble.com/v6xev2y-hiding-the-word-in-our-hearts-vol-1-week-1-monday.html

EP396 THERE ARE NO WORDS

EP396 THERE ARE NO WORDS

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6wx0jo-god-focus-this-morning-ep396-there-are-no-words.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: THERE ARE NO WORDS

People sometimes use the phrase, There are no words, when they are surprised or in shock. Events unfold in ways that are beyond our imagination and we cannot find words.

Five days a week, I come to you with words of encouragement. There is so much in the Word of God to discuss and share. But there are times when there are no words. God, at times, touches us on a level that goes beyond words. When all we can do is sit quietly in his presence or softly cry in worship. In those times, there were no words.

How do we tell someone how good God is? There are no words to describe that place in his presence. Surrounded by his peace and love. He is more powerful than powerful. He is more loving and compassionate than we can fathom. His vastness is beyond measure.   

Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

It is hard to imagine being able to hold heaven in the span of your hand. God is amazing. He could do anything, but he chose to make us and be our provider, protector and friend.

There are no words for what he endured on the cross of Calvary.  If you really think about it, it is hard to comprehend what he endured. The modern-day church has watered down the description of what he suffered. They feel it is too gruesome to mention that he was beaten beyond recognition. They display pictures of his perfect, almost porcelain skin with only small trickles of blood from the spikes in his feet and hands. There are even smaller dots of blood around the crown of thorns. They are afraid to preach the truth of how he shed his blood. He was beaten beyond recognition.

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

The word remission means to cancel a debt. Jesus cancelled our sin debt with is own blood. I think about how he suffered for me and there are no words. It is unimaginable how someone could make a choice to be brutalized in this way, just to save mankind. There are no words for the amazing strength it took for him to not cry out for his father to send angels to stop it.

His love is beyond measure, beyond comprehension; there are truly no words. Take some time today to reflect on all that God has done for you. I am in awe of how much he loves me. I think if you take the time to ponder what I have said today, you will be in awe, too, of his great and compassionate love for us all.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 397 –LOOKING FOR A CLOUD

EPISODE 397 –LOOKING FOR A CLOUD

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v6wyrqw-god-focus-this-morning-ep397-looking-for-a-cloud.html

The title of today’s episode: LOOKING FOR THE CLOUD

I want to encourage you today with a thought God gave me while driving home from work yesterday. The enemy will hold on with everything he has to try to destroy us. It’s like on TV you see the person hanging over the side of a building by their fingertips. They do everything in their power to hang on, but when the time comes that they can’t hold on, they fall. Satan too will have to let go, he knows he cannot hold on to us forever. The stronghold he may have built, will crumble if we turn it over to Jesus. The battle always gets the most intense right before the enemy falls.

We have to be encouraged and determined not to give up. When we turn it over to God, he will give us what we need for our battle-weary souls. It takes us being just as determined to hold onto God and his promises.

I Kgs 18:41-43 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

What if Elijah was like a lot of us. He sent his servant, and he came back and said there was not a cloud. Most of us would complain or say, “well I don’t know if there is any use to keep praying or not.” But Elijah was not shaken by how things appeared; he simply told him to go look again. This happened seven times.

He would pray and send his servant. I am sure by the sixth trip the servant was starting to wonder if Elijah was just trying to run him ragged. Elijah didn’t give up, but knew God would answer in his perfect time.

I Kgs 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not.

The seventh time the servant saw a little cloud come up out of the sea.  The cloud represents God’s presence.  We have to hold on and keep praying until we see God’s hand in our situations.

Think about the tent of the tabernacle that was a place God designed, and the children of Israel built. It was a place of worship. When God’s presence would come down and rest upon the tabernacle, it would be overshadowed by a cloud. It is interesting how His presence shows up in a cloud.

We need to keep our focus on God and look for him in every situation. He is not far from us when we seek him. He will answer. Sometimes we have to pray several times before we see his hand, like Elijah. But we cannot give up.  Breakthrough comes from persistence and prayer.

Keep looking up, don’t give up, you will reap great things if you keep looking for God’s hand in every situation.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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