Tag: #Jesus

EP271 WAITING

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The title of today’s episode: WAITING

If God shuts you in it is for your protection or preparation. If he shoves you out of a room and shuts the door it is for your protection or preparation. You don’t belong there anymore. Life is a series of rooms. We spend a designated amount of time in each one. God often has others in these places. They are there to help us or for us to learn how to help others.

How many times has God shut a door, leaving you in a hallway with no other doors in sight. When this happens, we feel like we have misunderstood God when he closed that door. But we all have seasons of just trusting him in the hallway. Then one day a door will open, and we can’t believe we didn’t see the hidden door sooner.

It is all in God’s perfect time. Just as Jesus went apart from the crowds to rest and pray. We too need times to refresh our soul. We need renewal and fresh infilling of his power. Think about a pitcher of water. You take that around and pour a little out into everyone’s cup you meet. Soon you will run out of water. You have to go back to the water source to fill it up again.

God’s mercies are renewed each and every day. Our strength is renewed if we look to him. He will also refresh our thirsty souls.

It is easy to tell someone that is in a place of isolation or standing in their hallway that God will open a door. But when you are the one waiting on the door to open the time can seem to drag on forever.

God values patience and will give us peace to wait out the transitions that happen in our lives. He will make a way when we don’t see how he will. We don’t doubt his ability, but we get battle weary sometimes and wonder when he will move. The answer is when it is time for us to walk through the next door.

Take the time to just sit in his presence and spend time with him renewing your strength. Allow him to fill you up to overflowing so you will be ready to pour out what God has given you to share.

We cannot allow our human nature or the enemy to cause us to act on our own. Taking our own path or opening our own door will lead to a place we don’t need to go. Even if it seems harmless. Things only work out right when we allow God to lead us.

Waiting is another way God develops our fruit of patience.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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.

This helps us to become complete and will help us be a capable light to those around us.

Do not fall into the trap of the enemy. He will try to create opportunities that look to be just what you were waiting for, but a little voice says, wait do not enter that door. If we don’t listen to that still small voice of God’s Spirit, we will end up walking into a room where we do not belong. Once in the trap, it is hard to get out of and we have to pray for God to save us. This only delays the blessings and opportunities he has for us to be all that he has created us to be.

God will show us the way if we wait on him. When we are waiting, we can spend quiet time meditating on the word of the Lord. Great things are coming to the body of Christ. We need to spend our time preparing now for the revival that is about to sweep our land.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP270 GOD’S GARMENTS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: God’s Garments

In the Luke chapter fifteen, we find a parable of the prodigal son. The man had two sons. One asked for his inheritance and went off to live his own way. This is the beginning of trouble. When we start to think we can live however we choose and that there are no consequences. The enemy will do all he can to get us to use our talents and resources for things other than the work of God.

The word prodigal, means extravagant, spending resources recklessly. He had gone off and lived like the world in sin. Until he found himself in a place where he didn’t have any friends. Most would leave after the money was gone. There arose a famine and he didn’t have any resources left. He ended up working for a man feeding his pigs.

Often, we have to hit our rock bottom before we realize that there is a better way. He was so hungry he thought about eating the slop of the pigs. Then he remembered that his father’s servants had plenty to eat. He swallowed his pride and returned home. It is sad that human nature will lead us to the place of the pig pen every time. We have to fight against nature and take care of the resources that we have been given by our heavenly father. Our father in heaven expects us to use whatever we have wisely. Whatever the resource, our money or our talents and creativity.

Like the father in this story our God is waiting and watching for us to come to our senses and run to him. This applies to anytime we are in trouble, not just when we have been living a life of sin.

Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Think about it, he had been working with pigs. You know he didn’t smell like roses. But the father didn’t care how he smelled and how dirty he was. He had been watching for him to come home. His father saw him a far off and ran and embraced him. He was excited that his son had returned.

Luke 15:21-22 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

Jesus puts on us the robe of righteousness. He removes the filthy robe of our righteousness, what we have done and can do with our ability.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

There is not anything that we can do to earn our salvation. Our best behavior is as filthy rags. Because we must come through the blood of Christ.

The father put shoes on his feet so that he could walk like a son. The ring is the seal of the promise of God. Which we are given when we are born of the Spirit.

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

He clothes us with garments of salvation, a robe of righteousness. He gives us the garments of praise.

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

We can walk through difficult times that we find ourselves sad and down. It seems that nothing is going right. This is when we have to hold on to the promises of God. We take hold of our garment of praise and wrap it a little tighter around ourselves and begin to praise the Lord. Not because we feel like it, but because he is worthy. He will lift the spirit of heaviness that has tried to take over our souls.

When we focus on God, it doesn’t matter what is going on in our lives. Grief, sadness, depression, disappointment all can be powerful things. But we have to allow God to carry them for us and help us get through the hard things in life.

Just like the father in this story, Jesus is always watching for us to come to him with our problems. He will see us through it all.

1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

An entire book could be written about humility and pride. God’s Spirit within us will make us humble. He gives grace and strength to the humble. He can use the humble because they are willing to give God the glory for the outcome.

We are warned not to be prideful because pride goes before a fall. If we come to God and are willing to allow him to dress us, we will always have on just the right garment.

Don’t forget the whole armor of God, which equips us to be warriors in his army. His armor protects us from the attacks of the enemy.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP269 – WAITING FOR GOD’S TIMING

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: Waiting For God’s Timing

Imagine what a long night of waiting it was for the children of Israel when the death angel was passing over the land. It must have seemed like a week. The anticipation of being set free from bondage must have been hard to wait out. They had waited a long time for their freedom. They were obedient and waited. What if they had gotten impatient and left the safety of their homes? The alternative would have been devastating.

What if Noah got anxious to get out of the boat before it was time? The story would have been a lot different.

We can’t give up now. God is doing some amazing things in the earth. America is in the middle of major changes. It is easy to let our human reasoning get in our way. We cannot allow fear to overtake our faith. God is in control.

Where would the three Hebrew men have been if they had looked at the flames? Where would Rahab been if she was afraid and started to run out of the city. Instead of staying under her roof where to men of God told them to stay. But they all had enough courage to be patient and wait to see what God was going to do. We are standing in such a moment. We have to remember that no matter what the news says, we have to wait upon the Lord. We are his people and he will take care of us.

Isaiah 40:31 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.

This is everyone’s go to verse when we think about waiting on the Lord. We need to be encouraged that he will renew our strength. The hard part for us is to not fall into fear.

We have to walk through a fiery trial to make sure we are ready for the promotion God has for us. Soon there will be a large number of people coming into the church. They are going to need us to be their examples of Christ.

As difficult as the truth can be to face sometimes, we must find the strength to listen. God himself will give us discernment if we ask him for truth. Because God is truth, He cannot lie. He wants us to know the truth.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Jesus is our truth. He will show us the way to go. His Spirit within us will lead and guide us. We just have to be sure to listen to the still small voice.

We love to quote what Mordecai said to Esther as an encouragement to approach the King… who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:11-14 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

I would say the same to you. God could have created you and me at any point in history. He put us on this earth at this time in history. We are the generation to see the coming of the Lord. I am sure many would argue that people have been saying that for years. But look how much closer we are to the end.

God is our deliverer; he is getting ready to come and get his bride. But she is not quite ready, there are too many divisions in the bride. She has wrinkles and spots; because of what we have allowed to enter the church. It is time we took a stand against the enemy and took back the pulpits. It is time for us to be bold and speak the word of God in love.

Prov 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Speak the truth in love and pray for the lost. Stand strong, ask for discernment in this time in which we are living. God will not fail us. He will lift us up. Together we can win the lost to Christ before it’s too late.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP268 A NEW THING

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: NEW THING

Many atheists will say that the word of God cannot be true because it contradicts itself. What is a contradiction is in the understanding not in the word itself. Today I want to discuss two concepts that seem to be in conflict with one another but once we understand the meaning is very clear.

Is 43:18-19 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

It is exciting to think about God doing a new thing. But then there is the verse that says there is nothing new.

Eccl 1:9-10 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

These seem to contradict one another. The nothing new under the sun I have come to realize that we are fighting against the same spirits that they fought in bible times. Just because the prophets of Baal were killed after God sent fire down from heaven, doesn’t mean that Baal worship was wiped out completely.

Until recently I was ignorant about idols. I thought they were just statues that people created and said, this is my God. I will do this as a ritual, and I will burn incense to it. But in all reality, these statues have evil spirits attached to them.

Baal worship exists today. (There is nothing new under the sun). The false god Moloch and Chinu, found in Amos chapter five, are behind the abortion movement around the world today. People are still sacrificing babies to these gods. Some religions of the world that people think are good are controlled by evil spirits. (nothing new under the sun)

Our God answered with fire on Mt Carmel for Elijah. He parted the Red Sea to save his people from the evil that was Egypt. Today we are fighting the same evil. But God has a plan to draw his people back to him once again. The new thing he will do is to work things out for our good in this time. The new thing is instead of literal fire on a mountain top, he will pour out his Holy Ghost fire to prove he is God.

He will not part the Red Sea to allow us to cross because we are not physically leaving a place of slavery, but will bring about supernatural deliverance in other ways, from the bondage we have been under in our society. Something new. God used what the children of Israel went thru to not only show them that he was their God. But he used the plagues to show the Egyptians that he was a God that was above all their gods.

Make no mistake, we are about to see the wrath and the mercy of God. What you experience on a personal level will depend on if you are openly evil or if you are a follower of Christ.

In summary, God has shown up in supernatural ways in the past. When he shows up in supernatural ways today it is not new to him, but is new to our generation. I for one am excited to see what God is going to do to set us free.

Continue to pray for our country and the nations around the world. Pray for the children that are being abused at the hands of traffickers. May they all soon be set free.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP267 OUR BIG TASK

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: OUR BIG TASK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP266 STOP THE INSANITY

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: STOP THE INSANITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP265 DEEPER WATER

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: DEEPER WATER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP 264 STEPPING OUT OF THE BOAT OF FEAR

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 263 SPIRITUAL EMERGENCY ROOM

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Welcome to God Focus This Morning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

Be Bold, Be Brave and Keep Your God Focus

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EPISODE 262- PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

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PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time,

Be Bold, Be Brave and Keep Your God Focus

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