Tag: #Jesus

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP541 OIL FROM ONE VESSEL

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: OIL FROM ONE VESSEL

An empty vessel is one that is ready to be filled. What you pour into the vessel is what will come out of the vessel. Sometimes a vessel needs to be emptied of what it carries in order to be filled with something else.

We are like those vessels. We empty our lives of the things of the world and ask God to fill us with his Spirit. As time goes by, we allow the world to creep back in or we pour out the love of God that he has placed within us and it is time to get refilled. Revival used to be about searching our hearts and making sure that we empty our lives of the things that are keeping the power of God from flowing in our lives. We need to ask God to help us to get rid of our selfishness, our pride, our distractions from doing His will.

Lam 3:40-41 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

Soul searching is necessary and so is worship. Our worship helps us to strengthen our connection to God. By emptying our lives, we make room for God to refill us with his Spirit again. This will give us his anointing to help others find their path to Jesus. We will have fresh anointing to pour out on the hurt and depressed; the broken. But we have to be willing to empty the space.

We came to know Jesus because someone else had emptied their life from the cares of this world and took the time to pour out some of the anointing of Jesus that they carried. It is time to pay it forward and find empty vessels in which to share Jesus.

Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

It is easy for us to get side tracked by our flesh. Not everything that distracts us is necessarily a bad thing. But too much distraction leaves us empty and void of God’s presence in our lives. We drift too far from him and have to pray for him to draw us close in his arms and refill us with his presence.

Jer 29:12-13 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.

We have to desire his presence in our lives. As the older saints used to say, we must stay prayed up. I think that was their way of saying, keep their lives clear of the wrong things and full of God’s presence.

Jesus filled the body with his anointing; also referred to as the oil of anointing or the Holy Ghost. From one vessel, many have been filled.

When I think about empty vessels I am reminded of the story of the widow who was about to lose everything. Her sons were about to be taken as bondmen to work off her debt. Elisha asked her what she had in her house. She told him she didn’t have anything but a pot of oil.

He told her to go to the neighbors and borrow lots of vessels. When she had them to go inside and shut the door. He told her to pour out oil into all the vessels. She went in and filled all the empty vessels from one full vessel.

Notice she had to go inside and shut the door. Like we need to get into a quiet place with God. She was able from one vessel to fill many. Just as we are able to pour out Jesus to others when we are full of his anointing. But if we allow ourselves to get down to the point we have little or no oil, we will not have the strength to help anyone else or help ourselves.

Being surrounded by his presence and filling ourselves with his word helps us stay connected. So that we will always be in a position to help someone else on their faith walk. We will always be ready to pour out the precious oil that we as believers to share.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORING EP540 BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: BEING LEAD BY THE SPIRIT

There is none so blind as the one who refuses to see. People often have different opinions. As they go about debating it, the conversation becomes about who is right and not what is right. When it turns to an argument everyone loses.

When approaching the scriptures, I believe it is wrong to argue over the meaning of verses. Everyone’s opinion is filtered through the lens of their experience. There can be unity in the body if we pray sincerely for the truth to be revealed. Then have an open mind enough to admit that we don’t know it all.

When we approach a discussion with a rigid, prideful attitude, then nothing will be accomplished. This was how the Pharisees were, they had very rigid, judgmental ideas about everything. Not even Jesus could change their minds. That is how stuck they were on their ideas about God’s will and plan for man.

Stop and think about your approach to the word of God. Is your denomination a hill that you have chosen to die on? In other words, are you so convinced that you are right that you are not the least bit open minded.

We are entering a time when God is going to unite the body. He cannot come back for a bride that is in pieces. He wants a united bride. Now more than at any time in history we must come together and reason out God’s plan.

Matt 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

We do not want to be lead, by the blind. Allowing the spirit of God inside of us to lead us we will never be on the wrong path. God has not hidden the truth in his word, he will show us the way, if we ask.

I Cor 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Paul understood that man’s wisdom does not dictate God’s truth or plan. Our faith comes from the Lord. Wisdom and understanding comes through the power of God which dwells within us. We must allow God’s Spirit to lead us. Each and every one of us needs to pray for God to make his word clear.

He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He will take care of us and will lead us the right direction if we choose to follow.

Jesus prayed that his disciples be one. I think he meant for that to carry over to all the followers of the gospel.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING –EP538 CHANGING IDENTITY

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: CHANGING IDENTITY

We all want God to move immediately when we pray about something. Our timing is not God’s timing. Yes, we have faith that he can move mountains if we ask. But sometimes we have to climb those mountains instead. It is in the struggling, that we gain strength.

When I think about struggling, Jacob wrestling with the angel all night comes to mind.

Gen 32:24-28 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

This story in Genesis should be encouragement for all of us that change is painful. Growing in the Lord is always a struggle, but it is worth the struggle. God always turns around and leaves us a bigger blessing than we needed or expected. Because Jacob held on and wouldn’t let go God changed him. He was no longer the deceiver Jacob, but was now Israel. The man who would father twelve sons that would become the twelve tribes of Israelites.

With the wrestling came a name change. God sometimes wants us to fight our way through situations. When we get on the other side, we will have a new identity. We will also have strength for the next leg of the journey.

It is easy to get frustrated when we pray and it looks like God is not moving. He is often waiting for us to step out in faith and show him our courage and strength. God desires to see his children be bold and brave in our faith.

After Jacob wrestled with the angels, he came out different. We are often changed by our battles and we have the battle scars to prove it. But those scars give us a testimony that can shine a light on the path of others. So don’t give up when it looks like God is not answering, he will be with you to give you strength to keep climbing.

As Children of God, we have changed identities. We went from being an orphan to a son or daughter of the most high king. Having access to the king has given us a lot of privileges not given to the lost of this world. We need to take our role seriously in the family and do all we can for the kingdom of God.

One day we will get a new name.

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

How has God changed your identity? How does he want to make more changes? Something to think and pray about today.

Until next time,

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP536 NOT MY CUP

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: NOT MY CUP

Jesus prayed in the garden for God to let the cup pass. It was not an actual cup, but a metaphor for his suffering before and on the cross. In other words, he didn’t want to have to go to the cross. That was a cup he did want to drink. Who could blame him. The flesh side of Jesus didn’t want to suffer for all of mankind. But still he submitted and he said, not my will but yours be done. He willingly went to the cross because of his compassion for all of us. He wanted to protect us from eternity in hell.

But how many times do we try to drink from the cup that belongs to someone else. How often do we take on someone else’s burdens and try to carry them, when only God can help them. It is easy, out of our compassion to get wrapped up in other people’s situations. Before we know it, we are trying to fix their issues. When that is God’s job. We are trying to drink from their cup or Jesus’ cup.

Either way we need to learn to set the cup down and walk away. We have our own situations and cup that we must drink from to finish our race. I am not saying we cannot have compassion for others. It is up to us to encourage them and pray with them. But it is theirs to carry. It is often because of our love for people and the compassion that Jesus put within us that we desire to jump in and fix things. It’s not our responsibility. When we do this, we are overstepping and trying to put ourselves in God’s place. He has got it under control. He doesn’t need our help. He needs our obedience and for us to pray.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

His arm is not short, so he cannot fix the situations that we care about. He is not shaken by circumstances. He saw them coming and has already made a way of escape. We must trust his timing and his plan.

Jesus already carried whatever cup we are trying to pick up and carry. Every pain, every thought that needs taken into captivity, every burden of any kind was in that cup. That cup carried sin, shame, disease, mental disorders, evil thoughts, hate, bitterness, envy, strife, murderous plans, unforgiveness. Every bad thing the enemy could conceive, everything that God is not, Jesus took on himself. Not to become it, but to gain power over it. So, we too could have power over it.

That cup also carried joy. Think about that for a moment. His flesh didn’t want to suffer, but still he took spiritual joy in knowing it was for the good of mankind.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Because he drank from his cup, he is our redeemer. We can have joy, peace salvation and eternal life.

Everything that we overcome in this life, we have power over it. We then can use that power to help someone else dealing with that situation. The next time you find yourself getting caught up in someone else’s situations. Ones you know you are not meant to carry, pray for them and set down the cup. Then pickup the one you are supposed to drink from, because we are all on our own journey of finding out what God had in store for us. Finding out what he has for us to do for the kingdom.

We are all here for a purpose, we cannot allow the enemy to tie us in knots over things that we cannot control. Our only hope is to give it to Jesus. The author that holds the pen and is writing our story. He will lead us to the right path. He will not fail us.

Until next time,

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP533 PRECIOUS OIL

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: PRECIOUS OIL

As I think about God’s word and how there is so much there. I think about worshipping at Jesus’ feet. There is a story of two sisters. One named Martha, she was a planner and a practical one. Martha was busily preparing a meal for Jesus and those with him. Her hospitality was driving her to make everything perfect, but she was feeling a little overwhelmed. She complained to Jesus that her sister should be helping her.

It is not that Mary was lazy and didn’t want to help. But Mary felt it more important to be sitting at Jesus’ feet. She was practicing for her a special moment and didn’t realize it. But Jesus understood, Mary was where she needed to be at the moment. Jesus told Martha to leave her alone that she had made the best choice. Mary had a heart of worship.

There are times we need to stop in the middle of what is expected of us and take time to sit at Jesus’ feet. Just as Mary chose to listen to the teaching of Jesus, instead of fretting over a meal. She learned to be comfortable at his feet. If she had not gotten comfortable at his feet, she may not have had the courage later to worship in front of a room full of people.

She would later take very expensive oil and anoint the feet of Jesus. To her it was worship of the Messiah. She didn’t know it was for his burial. Because when they came to put spices and oils on his body in the tomb, he had already risen. When the disciples told Jesus to stop her, he told them to leave her alone that she did it for his burial.

Often expensive oils would be sealed in a container made of alabaster. The seal kept the oil from evaporating. The container has to be broken in order to get to the oil. This act of Mary was more than just simple worship, it was an act of sacrificial worship. That oil was expensive so it was a sacrifice to pour it out on Jesus’ head and feet.

There are many things we can use in the story of the alabaster box. In order to pour out our worship, we too need to be broken sometimes. Worship is an act of the heart. As we let God’s presence in it can break us down, allowing the worship to flow. Drawing us into a place of greater connection to God.

He understands our sacrificial praise, just as he knew how much that oil that Mary poured out on him cost. He knows when we sacrifice and worship even when we do not feel like it. But we push through our sickness, fatigue or overpack schedule to stop and give him praise.

This is precious oil, spiritual oil because we are connecting our spirit with God. That time of worship although we do not worship to receive but to give, God will in that time of connection, break yokes, encourage us, strengthen us. When we pour out our precious oil of praise and worship. That leaves room in us for God’s spiritual oil to refresh us.

Our attitude should be like Mary’s, no oil is too precious or too expensive. It is a privilege to worship at Jesus’ feet.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP532 TRIM YOUR LAMP

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: KEEP YOUR LAMPS TRIMMED

This refers to the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins. The word says that when they heard that the bridegroom was coming they all rose up and trimmed their lamps. Five had oil and five did not. A lamp without oil will still burn for a few minutes as the wick burns on its own. But it will not burn long.

This is why it important to have the oil of the Holy Ghost in us. So we will not burn on our own, and burn out. We will be able to burn longer and brighter with God’s anointing within us.

The Bible talks about keeping your lamp trimmed. Most people today would not understand what it means to trim your lamp. Modern day lamps run on electricity or battery. During the times of the bible people used oil lamps. They would burn by the oil being absorbed into a string known as a wick.

After a wick burns a little bit, the flame doesn’t burn as bright. Unless you trim off the edge that’s burnt before you light it, and then it lights better, and it burns brighter. We have to keep our wick trimmed. We have to remove all the dead stuff, all the burnt stuff. All the things that are hindering our light needs cut off and out of our way, so that our light can shine.

MATT 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

By letting our light shine we show the world our good works. Our works are important, not for our salvation, but to show the world Jesus. What makes a better impact on someone, kindness or some one who is hateful or judgmental. Of course, the kind one.

James2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Our faith has to have works for others to learn about Jesus. If we didn’t show any good works or any fruit of the spirit, we would never win anyone to Christ. Everyone wants their light to shine, but no one wants to trim the wick.

HEBREWS 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

We are to set aside the weights and sin which trip us up and run with patience the race that is in front of us. Setting aside the weights and sin is one way to trim our lamps so our light can shine. Another way, is to check our lives against the word of God. Are we in alignment with what God desires for us and in us.

Other things we need to trim is fear, anxiety, worry and negativity. God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. It is not ours to carry. Anxiety comes from the enemy, he likes nothing more than to keep out focus off of Jesus, by worrying.

By removing the things that are not serving us, we will make room for more of God’s anointing and his fire. Which will give us a better light for the world to see. When the enemy tries to weigh you down, fight against the things that can cause your light to be dull.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP530 TWELVE SPIES

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: TWELVE SPIES

In the book of Numbers, God’s people had been released from Egypt. They saw many miracles, signs and wonders. They watched as the Red Sea parted before them. They watched as the waters closed in behind them to destroy their enemies. They had head knowledge that God would deliver them, he promised he would. But they lacked heart knowledge. That deep down knowing that comes from time spent growing our faith. This is why we are encouraged to get in the word and learn more about the character of God.

Number 13:17-21 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: 18 And see the land, what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20 And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes. 21 So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

God also made a promise of a large amount of land for the people of God to take possession. He wanted them to live long, fruitful lives, under his blessings. They came to the edge of the land that was promised to them. Moses sent in twelve spies to search the land. They searched the land for forty days.

Upon returning ten gave bad reports. They were discouraged about the stature of the giants. They were afraid of the number of those who dwelled in various walled in cities. They allowed fear to make them forget who parted the water. They forgot who sent the plagues and rescued them from Egypt. God all mighty, that is who had delivered them.

Joshua and Caleb were ready to go to battle. They knew their God, they had seen the fruit of the promise. The others had allowed fear to distract them from the fruit. Many today are like the ten. They only see things with a carnal mind. They do not bear any fruit of God’s Spirit. If we are God’s chosen, we will have fruit in our lives. Our faith will be strong even when we are weak. Even if it doesn’t feel strong, all it takes is to keep holding on to God. He will go before us and run out our enemies.

Those who walk according to their flesh will manifest the works of the flesh.

Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Because of unbelief, they wandered for forty years until all those that didn’t believe had died. Those born on the journey were the ones to see the promised land.

Notice our lives we live in the flesh and have the works of our flesh manifesting in our lives. But when we become born again, we will no longer desire to walk in the flesh. Yes, it is a battle. Follow me for a moment, On our journey of life only what is born in our wilderness moment will see the promised land of heaven. This flesh is not going to see heaven. Only what is born during the process will make it to the promised land.

The fruit that Christians should have operating in their lives is in Galatians chapter five.

Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We want to always have good fruit, so we won’t be like the ten unbelieving, fearful spies. We never want to be found walking in the flesh. But we always want to be found walking in the Spirit.

Ask yourself which type of spy are you? Do you stand and say, we can overcome because God has given us the land. Or do you allow the size of the giants to dictate your future and blessings or lack there of? If this is you, it is not too late to change, God can and will help you grow in faith and in fruit.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP529 JESUS OUR DIRECTION

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: JESUS OUR DIRECTION

We as human being are going to be led by something or someone. It is human nature to want to fit in with those around us. But following the crowd is not always a good thing. Unless that crowd is following Jesus.

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

“I am the way.” That is direction. We can count on his Spirit to lead us in the right path. If we accept what Jesus did on the cross. The work of the cross is foolishness to those who will not accept Jesus. But to those who accept him, it is the power that drives the decisions of our lives.

“I am the truth.” He is real, sure, steady, and true, not fake. When you are talking about direction true north is a set point that doesn’t change. It is the starting point for any direction you would want to go. Jesus is that to the spiritual direction of a believer.

“I am the life.” Apart from Jesus, you have no life. You may exist in this world until death. Then you will have death for all of eternity, never to experience true ever lasting life. But to those of us who are saved, our life begins with Jesus. When we close our eyes in death here, we will have life forever with Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Listening to anyone but God will not get us where we are going. We have to trust God with our whole heart. Not looking toward our ideas or someone else’s ideas, but acknowledging God in all things. If we can fully trust God, he will lead us the right way. We will not have to worry about what tomorrow holds. We will not have to worry about what a day brings forth, because we can trust that he has a plan and is leading us.

Psalm 27:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Our steps are ordered or put in place in proper order by the Lord. If we fall, God will not allow us to stay down he will lift us up again. He will set our feet on that solid rock.

If we grow weary, we are not alone. God is with us to strengthen us and keep us on the right path. He restores our strength. He will not allow us to be overtaken.

Psalms 23:3 – He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

The word of God is a lamp to our feet. It is important to seek answers in the pages of his word. He will not let us down, he will lead us to the answers we seek. His word will open up to us and reveal the hidden mysteries of God. All we have to do is ask, study and trust.

Now is the time to make sure you are going the right direction and that you are trusting in Jesus will all of your heart. Now is not the time to be playing around. We are in serious times. Lines are being drawn in the sand, it is time you need to decide which side you are on, Jesus’ or satan’s. There is not room for fence straddling, playing church. The fence belongs to the enemy and so do churches that are playing around with feel good sermons. They are fluff with no substance, and they will not lead anyone in the right direction.

Find somewhere that challenges you to walk closer, study the word more and most of all, look to Jesus for direction. he will lead us and guide us and will not fail us. We will reach our destination as long as we walk with him.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING EP528 GIFTED VERSES ANOINTED

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THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: GIFTED VERSES ANOINTED

In Jeremiah, God says he knows the plans he has for us. They are plans for our good. He gives each of us natural abilities to do what he has called us to do. But we will never reach the place that he will enhance our natural ability until we surrender to the anointing. There are those who do quite well on their natural ability. They often lack spiritual growth in those areas, because they rely on their own abilities. These people often end up wanting the glory, because they have not surrendered that part of themselves to God.

Then there are those who have pushed beyond their fleshly desire for the spot light. They realize that if anything gets done, God will have to do it through them. They will give God the glory, because they understand that the power and anointing come from God.

The anointing is heavy to carry. This is why God slowly moves us up a level. One step at a time. He grows us to carry what we were created to carry. The example, I often think of is the story of Elijah. People wonder after a moment like calling fire down from heaven why he would run and hide in a cave, overtaken by depression.

While he was battling the prophets of Baal, he was under strong anointing. God was heavy upon him. He has the pressure of creating the atmosphere for a miracle, with God’s leading. Then the miracle happened. Fire fell and consumed the sacrifice. Notice while this was going on no one bothered Elijah.

Once the anointing lifted, Jezabel sent messengers to threaten Elijah. He was in a state of fatigue from the weight of the anointing, so he ran to a cave to hide. The mighty man of God who had just prayed fire down from heaven and destroyed the prophets of Baal was now hiding from one woman who was full of evil.

God understood Elijah needed physical rest and food. But once he was refreshed, God sent him on his way to anoint kings and train his replacement the prophet Elisha.

God’s Spirit lives within us, it is often referred to as oil. In the Old Testament they would anoint things with oil to set them apart. Example:

Gen 35:10-14 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; 12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. 13 And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

Anything set aside for God’s use was anointed. Kings, implements for the temple, priests. The oil was applied as an outward sign of something being set apart from the others like it. Jacob was showing respect to the place he had talked to God.

If we are God’s children full of His Spirit, we already have a measure of anointing. But as we grow in wisdom and knowledge of God, we gain more of God’s anointing. We need to pray for more of God’s power in our lives. Not so we can be self-righteous acting like we are better than someone else. But so we will become closer to fulfilling the plans God had for us from the beginning. Remember, when he was forming us in the womb, he was placing things within us. Some will stay dormant until God awakens them with his anointing.

We have to be ready, by praying and asking God to help us to flow into the anointing he has for us. We want to walk in God’s empowerment and the authority he gives us in different areas of our lives. When we walk in the authority, power and anointing God wants us to have, we will be equipped to be a better light to the lost.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v77tjd4-god-focus-this-morning-ep526-embrace-the-wilderness.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

THE TITLE FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: EMBRACE THE WILDERNESS

Most would say the wilderness is a place of temptation and trials. Things happen that test our faith and our strength. God will not allow us to be overtaken that is not the point of the wilderness.

It is a place we learn to trust, lean, and rely on God. It is a place we must through to the other side. We will be ready for the next level of glory and responsibility. Things looked bad for Moses in Egypt, he fled to the wilderness to escape punishment in Egypt. While in the wilderness he learned skills he needed to be an effective leader. He also learned survival skills and his way around the desert.

Then one day he had an intimate encounter with God. The creator of heaven and earth spoke to him from a burning bush. That experience changed him. In the process of the plagues, Moses learned to lean on God more and more. He learned how to survive in the wilderness from spending time as a shepherd tending his father in law’s flock.

God won’t stick us out in the wilderness without provision. He gave the Israelites whatever they needed. Manna, water, their clothing never wore out. Think about that, they travelled for forty years and their shoes and clothes never wore out.

The wilderness is a place of testing. Jesus was in the wilderness and was tempted of the devil after a long fast. We must trust God’s plan. Yes, the enemy may come on strong, but we can combat him the same way Jesus did and quote the word to him.

The wilderness is also a place of preparation. It was after Jesus was in the wilderness that he started his ministry. He began walking into the fullness of what God needed for him to accomplish on the earth.

The wilderness can be a place of refuge from a famine. God sent Elijah into the wilderness. There he sent ravens to feed him. Showing that God will take care of his people, even in the wilderness of life.

Elijah also fled from Jezabel after the miracle of him calling fire down from heaven to prove God to the Jewish people. It was in that wilderness that he found a cave and God provided him food and drink to strengthen him. Once he was stronger God showed him that he could also come in the form of a still small voice.

God sent Elijah to anoint Hazael as king over Syria or Aram. He sent him to mentor Elisha to be a prophet in his place.

We should not dread our time in the wilderness. Because, God is getting ready to show us something wonderful on the other side of our time in the wilderness.

Our time in the wilderness is a time that God strips us of our human arrogant complacency and self-righteousness. He humbles us to better rely on him. He always reveals himself in a new way to us. If we can get past our pity party and listen for his voice. We don’t like the wilderness because it is uncomfortable. Human beings are very much creatures of comfort.

Deut 8:15-16 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

Notice the last part of verse sixteen, that he might humble thee and that he might prove thee to do thee good at the latter end. God just wanted them to learn to love and trust him. Being in the wilderness is all about trusting in the Lord and resisting the trappings of the enemy.

If we can learn to do those two things in the wilderness, we will have a stronger faith walk. We will be a better light to the lost and broken. Instead of dreading the wilderness, we should try to embrace the lessons, God is trying to teach us.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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