Tag: #Jesus

EPISODE 255 STEADFAST IN THE STORMS

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The title of today’s episode: STEADFAST IN THE STORMS

Often, as Christians, we are told we need to have deep roots. When the storms of life come, we will not be able to survive unless we do. Now is the time to make sure our roots are strong. We are facing a storm and when it comes, we will stand strong if our roots are deep. If we are not deeply planted on a solid foundation, we risk being blown over or damaged by the storms.

It is easy to be optimistic when the sun is shining, but when the rains come, and the sky is dark it is more difficult. We, however, can overcome anything we face with God by our side. I was thinking today about how far God has brought me. I have walked through some hard things. I am sure all of you have walked through some serious storms. But be encouraged, we are still standing.

Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Jesus made us free; we need to stand fast or be strong and determined to hold onto that freedom. The word tells us to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. It means to not allow ourselves, to give up in a weak moment and fall into sin. If we can stay focused on God and stand strong, it is impossible to fall into sin. It is when we allow ourselves to lose focus on God that we could end up in the bondage of sin.

Standing strong is easy as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus. It is when the tragedies of life happen, when the storms of life blow in, that it is easy to lose focus. In those moments, we are most vulnerable to the enemy.

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

We should never feel like anything we have done for the kingdom is in vain. There are times that things do not work out like we planned or expected. This is often because the enemy has got his hands in the mix. But God can take even the things we perceive as mistakes and use them for His Glory. God doesn’t waste anything, but uses it to build us and grow us.

The word tells us to be steadfast and unmovable. Steadfast means to be constant, firmly loyal or unwavering. We need to be solid and strong in our faith, not allowing our circumstances to move us.

James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

If we are steadfast and unmovable, we will not waiver. Allowing our circumstances to move us, we risk becoming double-minded. The word tells us that it makes us unstable in all our ways. We do not want our circumstances to dictate our faith. We want our faith to dictate how we handle our circumstances.

People often say, Don’t tell God how big your mountain is, but tell the mountain how big your God is, I say to you, don’t tell God how big and scary your circumstances are, but tell your circumstances how big your God is.

Just as God took the animals to Adam to see what he would call them, sometimes God is waiting to see what we call our circumstances. The words we say, will determine out outcome and how long we are stuck in the circumstances.

Stand strong; you do not stand alone. God goes before us, is with us and will fight for us. We have no reason to fear.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP254 THE LIGHT WILL SHINE AGAIN

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: The Light Will Shine Again

The new year always brings thoughts of being better organized. I always have a long list of things I want to get done. As the cold darkness of winter sets in, I normally allow procrastination to give me excuses to just sit quietly in my recliner with a cup of tea and something to read.

As children of God we cannot allow the enemy to whisper excuses to us. He will tell us there is time to read our Bible’s later. He will whisper, it’s cold outside, it won’t hurt to miss one church service. The more we listen the darker and colder it gets. Just like winter, the light verses darkness ratio is unbalanced. We find ourselves longing for warmer and brighter days. But things will not change unless there is more light. When the earth is in alignment with the sun to shine on our area more, the days will be brighter and longer.

Spiritually we are in a place of darkness. Which means, we are in a time when there is an absence of light in a lot of places. We are at the breaking of day, in the darkness before the dawn. The short period ahead will soon give way to brighter days. The things in the world appear scary. It is easy to want to hide away from it all. But God didn’t design us to hide from evil. He created us to let our light shine. We are made to be warriors and those who stand strong. He is looking for those who will not hide from the giant but will be willing to stand and boldly proclaim, “I come to you in the name of the Lord.”

Now is the time for those who are willing to stand, to take a stand. Where are the Joshuas and Calebs. Where are the Davids and even the Esthers and Deborahs? We, too, have that kind of fire within us if we can just access it. We do that by not giving in to the enemy when he whispers his distractions.

We sometimes forget that we have been bought with a price. We have God’s fire within us to shine a light into the darkness. We have a choice to make; will we curl up and hide? Will we run into the battle and say, We are more than able to take the territory that God has given us. Because we do not battle alone. If he goes with us we are guaranteed to win the battle.

Romans 8:31-33 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

If God be for us, then who can be against us? Jesus already gave us his all when he died on that cross. He has nothing left to give us. Everything we need is within us, because His Spirit dwells within us. We just have to learn to trust, believe and surrender to the leading of the Spirit.

I understand that it is so easy and so difficult at the same time. It takes us a long time to learn to lean on him. He wants us to be like little children. God wants us to depend on him for everything. Because He is our everything.

When the days ahead appear dark, know that Spring will soon be here. The more we do to let our light shine, the sooner the tables will turn and God’s light will be shared all over the world.

Go out and let your light shine; you can make a difference in someone’s life. It is up to us to destroy the darkness.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP253 – RESTORING THE CORNERSTONE

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: RESTORING THE CORNERSTONE

As we begin a new year it is good to take time to reflect. The body of Christ is in a good position to make a large impact on the world. But first we need to make sure we are strong and fortified. My mind wanders to Nehemiah’s story today. The walls of Jerusalem were in ruin. God placed it on Nehemiah’s heart to restore what made Jerusalem strong. The walls needed to be rebuilt. People needed to have faith in the fact that God was going to watch over them again.

The people of Jerusalem had been carried away, captive by a foreign king. God allowed it to happen because the people lost sight of their relationships with God. They turned to false gods to worship.

The modern church today, has left the old paths, they have been drawn away from God. They worship man’s ideas of God, but neglect the one true God. There are a few, a remnant, that have held on to the truth of God. It is up to us, to strengthen the wall and rebuild the church.

Just as the Jewish people forgot God, we have forgotten the cornerstone. We have become the builders that rejected the cornerstone. But we are not without hope, it is not to late to rebuild the church. But the cornerstone has to be restored. Jesus must become the center.

The word tells us that Christ is our foundation, the chief cornerstone that we build our faith upon. A cornerstone in ancient Israeli architecture was a large center stone that was placed under a building. It was the point that the building was supported upon, as well as the outer foundation. Without the center stone or cornerstone that was support for all the corners, the building would collapse in on itself.

Eph 2:18-19 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

This is saying that through Christ, we both, Jews and Gentiles, have access to God by one spirit, which is the Holy Ghost. We are no longer strangers but are part of God’s family.

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

We have to follow the teachings of the apostles and prophets laid out in God’s word, because they all point to Jesus as being our foundation.

Eph 2:21-22 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The church, the body of Christ is fitly framed and growing together as one to become a holy temple in the Lord, we are put in the place God needs us to fulfill the purpose of strengthening the body of Christ.

Imagine you are a contractor in charge of building a house. Would you use pvc pipes as a substitution for 2×4’s in a wall. That is not the purpose of the pipe and the building will not stand. Just as a 2×4 is not good to use to run water but a pvc pipe would work much better. We have to find our place in the body to be the most effective. But we all work together to build up and edify one another and Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

For context this is when Peter and John had healed a man outside the temple, at the gate called beautiful. The church people of the day were trying to give them a hard time. But they explained to them that Jesus was the cornerstone on which they had faith. Jesus was the reason they had the power to heal the man. They went further to say there is no salvation except by Jesus. This was blasphemy to the people of that day. They rejected the cornerstone, but he was who they needed and they didn’t want to give up their religion.

Jesus came to save those who were lost, he didn’t come to start a religion or a denomination.

Psalm 118:19-22 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: 20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

We are at the moment of decision as we start this new year. Will we be like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day and reject him in the name of our ideas. Will we continue to follow man’s ideas of Jesus? Will we be guilty of continuing to build on a foundation that is not the truth of God’s word but man’s perception of that word? How long will we allow the enemy to divide God’s people with denominations? How long will we reject the cornerstone?

It is time that we make sure that our house is built on a solid foundation. Jesus Christ is our cornerstone, our structural support. Anything less is going to leave us in a mess.

As we start a new year, take a moment to think about how much of a priority Jesus is in your life. Do you talk to him often or only when you are in trouble? Do you study his word or only open your Bible on Sunday mornings? Jesus doesn’t want to be in our church box, he wants to be in every aspect of our lives.

As I have said before, I never ask you questions or to reflect on things that I have not already asked myself. It is good to take a moment to check our lives and make sure that the cornerstone is where he belongs, in the center of our lives.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EP252 REAR VIEW MIRROR

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: REAR VIEW MIRROR

It is often said the reason our rear-view mirror is smaller than our windshield is because we are not supposed to spend too much time looking back. As 2024 comes to a close, I will spend the day, as I always do on Dec 31, reflecting.

It is good to look back and think about the lessons we have learned. It is good to think about what we could have done to make our walk with God better. I often think about the story of Lot and how when his wife looked back to Sodom and Gomorrah she turned into salt.

She was punished because she looked longingly to the place of sin that they left. We can look back in a way that is productive. When we draw on past experiences to sympathize with someone who is stuck in the same trap you were rescued from by Jesus. There is nothing wrong with thinking about how far we have grown. But if we are looking longingly at our old life of sin, then we are going to end up in trouble, like Lot’s wife.

One year ago, after wrestling with God for months, I started my video devotional channel. I do not have a large following, but the ones that I do have are faithful to check in. There are some things I have planned for this channel in 2025. But I am waiting for the right time to start.

Time is a curious thing, we can do the right thing, and if it is not in God’s timing, it is normally a wasted effort. Praying for God’s timing in the upcoming year will be more crucial than ever. Our world is on the verge of some major changes. It is most important for us to stay strong and hold onto our Faith. God has amazing things in store for his people. I would not want to be found in the shoes of those who defy God and fight against his will.

For those who have shown an interest in scripture writing, I am working on a project that I should have completed soon. I will share more about that later. Let me know what you think about a Bible Trivia question on Monday and an answer on Friday. If it is something you would enjoy, let me know. But if you are going to google the answer, you would be cheating yourself out of leaning more. It is all about getting to know the word of God as well as we know our TV trivia or sports trivia.

At the beginning of each year, many pick a word as their word for the year, for example, faith, meaning they want to increase their faith. It is good to reassess our goals for the upcoming year. Figuring out where we are weak and trying to do better is a good thing, especially when it comes to the things of God.

We cannot change the past, so there is no use worrying and wishing it were different. There is no reason to look back, except to draw perspective and strength or to remember something or someone who is not a part of our present day.

We can only make the most of each day that God blesses us with; what can I do today that will prepare me to be a stronger Christian tomorrow.

We can only look with hope to tomorrow, that no matter what we face, God is there, and he will take care of his people. We cannot allow the things we see to cause us to get battle-weary. We need to be strong like David and believe that we never go to battle alone.

Take some time to reflect on the good. Try to let go of the bad. One thing we can always count on, God is in control as long as we yield to him, and he will see us through whatever 2025 brings.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve!

EPISODE 251 – NO LACK TO OUR GOD

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Our world is in the middle of a time of spiritual starvation, but not for lack of food. There are plenty of bibles. Many people that are not willing to accept the word of God as a source for their soul. There are too few people trying to share the amazing word of God. The word that has the power to strengthen, enlighten, encourage and transform even the hungriest soul.

We find a story in the fourth chapter of 2Kings about a poor widow. She approached Elisha and told him that her husband was gone and that they were going to take her sons for bondmen to pay off her debt. Now there was famine in the land. People lacked a lot of the basic necessities of life.

The prophet said to her, what do you have in your house? She started to say nothing then she said except a pot of oil. He told her to go barrow vessels from all her neighbors, and he told her to not barrow a few but many. When she had them all she was to go into her house and shut the door.

2 Kings 4:4-7 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. 5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

Because there was a famine, people were lacking oil also. She was able to sell all the oil and become debt free.

I was thinking about how we have a spiritual famine in the world today. It is not because God is lacking. We are not using what we have in our house. The Holy Ghost is often referred to as being oil or the anointing of God. There is not a shortage of oil. But there is a shortage of willing vessels.

In order for us to complete the harvest so that Christ can come and get his bride, we need to go gather vessels. We need to gather as many as we can. People are needing to be filled with the power of God or the oil of his anointing.

The widow poured and poured until she ran out of vessels. God will do the same, he will pour out his Spirit until there are no more vessels (willing vessels). Then he will call his children home.

Just as her children were almost sold into slavery. The whole world is a slave to sin unless they have let God fill them full of his precious oil. This story is often used to reflect the nature of how God provides and takes care of his people, even in famine.

He sent the children of Israel to Egypt to get away from a famine. When Joseph was second in command of the land of Egypt. They were not meant to stay 400 years. Sometimes we move in and take up residence in the places that God only meant to be a temporary situation. A place to ride out the famine.

It is time that we help those around us to get out of the place they have set up residence. We need to help them get back to the place God has for them to dwell. We are to dwell in the secret place of the almighty, not be traveling in the sinful world. It is easier to dwell in the secret place of the almighty if we have oil in our vessel.

The next time your spiritual life feels like you are in a famine, remember the Lord will give strength to his people. There is nothing that we face today or will face tomorrow that he cannot handle. He tells us to not walk in fear, but to trust him. God is with us and will provide for us. He will fill our vessel or refill our vessel and give us a refreshing of his power and strength, if we trust in Him.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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CHRISTMAS EVE

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The title of today’s episode: CHRISTMAS EVE

I thought since today is Christmas Eve I would read the Christmas story found in Luke chapter 2. There are many opinions among Christians about Christmas. They argue over Christmas trees and other thing that have become American traditions. I am not going to debate those here. I want to embrace what we have come to know as the meaning of Christmas, even though the birth of the savior probably was in the summer months the early church moved it to be when the winter solstices happened to keep people from being drawn away to worship idols during pagan festivals. Just as the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated during the spring equinox, for the same reasons. But I think most can agree it is good to remember the stories of Jesus.

Luke 2 – And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

It doesn’t matter what day he was born, we need to be sure we celebrate the fact that he was born. We celebrate the fact that we have eternal life because he was born, lived and died and rose again.

I appreciate all my viewers, I want to wish you a wonderful Christmas tomorrow. I will not have any videos the rest of the week so I can spend time with my family. I will resume on Monday Dec 30 so we can get prepared for the new year.

God Bless each and every one of you. Merry Christmas!

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 250 WAITING FOR STRENGTH

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: WAITING FOR STRENGTH

All around us are people who are growing battle-weary. They are facing terrible things and have been praying it seems like a long time for their answers. Almost anyone who has been around Christians or church any length of time has heard the following verse.

Is 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.

We often are encouraged and want to soar like an eagle above our issues and problems. But even though we read it, we often do not allow the Wait part of the verse to sink into our thoughts. They that wait upon the Lord. That is an important part of the process.

There are times when we barely get finished saying a prayer and it is answered. That is awesome and wonderful, other times he wants us to wait. There is something to be said about the waiting process. In the waiting, we learn to trust. In the waiting we learn that God has a plan and lessons to teach us. We are strengthened by the process.

Once we have gained this amazing strength, God is growing in us, we will be able to run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint or give up by falling to the side. During the wait we often have to encourage ourselves, and find strength to keep trusting, because things do not look like we are praying for them to look. But he is still God in our trials, in our problems and in our victories. He is still God.

Being a child of God is not always an easy road. Anyone who tells you that life is always wonderful when you are a Christian is a liar. We are subject to the same ups and downs in life as anyone else. We often have more issues, because the enemy tries to put things in our path to see how we will deal with them. He uses people to try to trip us up.

But those who wait….will gain strength. Think about the eagle’s wings. They are large and powerful. An adult eagle can lift their body weight. They can fly between twenty and thirty miles per hour.

Learning to wait on the Lord is often a difficult process. We are the instant generation. We want everything right now. God says there is something to be said about the waiting.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

This verse again tells us to wait on the Lord and we will gain strength. This says strengthen thine heart. Often, it is our heart that needs courage and strength. God will provide what we need, but first, we must go through the growing process. In our waiting, we learn to trust.

Psalms 37:7-9 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

It is easy to get discouraged as we see the wicked prosper and we seem to struggle. But their prosperity is only temporary. His word says that the evildoers will be cut off and not inherit the earth or eternal life. We should not be discouraged everything in this life is temporary both good and bad.

Psalms 130:5 – I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits for God to move but in his word (which he promised to strengthen us) I do hope. Every word in the Bible is there for us to be strengthened and encouraged. It is there to teach us to trust and what will happen if we don’t fully trust in him.

We can be sure that God will strengthen us to run our race to the end, as long as we wait on Him.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 248 A FLOCK, A STONE, AND A BANNER

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: A FLOCK, A STONE AND A BANNER

I came across a verse that I have read before, but today it seemed like it had a lot to say. This one verse I look at like it is a summary of God’s people.

Zechariah 9:16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Let’s start by breaking it down in smaller pieces. “The Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people.”

We are often referred to as sheep and Jesus our shepherd. There are many lessons we can learn from this comparison alone. I will try to summarize for time sake. Shepherds are people that watch over and care for their flock of sheep. They make sure they have a place to graze and find water. They anoint them with oil to keep away bugs and snakes. Just as God’s anointing drives away the serpent the devil.

Is 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. There is no one else that can save, heal and deliver us except our God and God alone. When the new lambs are born, the shepherd talks to them often so they can get used to his voice. They know by his voice that they are safe and he will take care of them. Just as Jesus takes care of us.

Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Just like God provides all we need to live.

Shepherds protect their sheep from predators even if they are putting themselves in danger of being hurt. Because they love their sheep they want to keep them safe.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Shepherds keep their sheep together, if one gets lost they go and look for the lost lamb. Just as it is often said about us, Jesus left the ninety and nine to find the one lost lamb. Each of us has been that lost lamb at some point in life.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

The next part of the main verse says, “for they shall be as the stones of a crown,” We are the embellishment that make his crown to have meaning. If he didn’t have people to be king over the crown would not mean a whole lot. The crown is a symbol that Jesus is our king. Jewels are valuable, the more that a king has in his crown the richer the kingdom.

The third part of the main verse for tonight, “lifted up as an ensign upon his land.”

Many think of a military rank in the navy when they hear the word ensign. But it also means emblem or banner. It comes from the latin word insignia. We see in history when a people conquered a land they would plant their flag or banner. This was a sign to everyone, who was in control of that land. They always planted it on the highest ground possible, so everyone could see.

God is our banner. Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. A banner is a symbol that people can rally around. Just like our the stars and stripes of America. That banner identifies us as citizens of this great country. We come together under that banner from every walk of life and bind together as Americans against our enemies.

As Christians, we are a sign to the world that God has control of the world. We are like a banner to show the world that he is real. Just as banners or flags were always planted on high ground, we too are in a place that people will see God. When we let our light shine, it is unmistakable that we are the children of God. Matthew says a city on a hill cannot be hidden, because of the lights.

Think about how amazing God is to give us ways to think about our relationship to him. All the stories and parables in the word of God to help us understand God in a deeper way. And all of them are there to help us hear the voice of our shepherd.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 247 – WHY EXPECT LESS

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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: WHY EXPECT LESS?

Yesterday, my scripture writing was to write the fourteenth chapter of Matthew. One of the portions of that chapter is the story of the miracle feeding of five thousand. With five loaves of bread and two fish, he fed about five thousand men, not counting women and children. I would say that most of those men had wives, and people back then had large families. I am guessing it was probably closer to ten to twelve thousand. Either way, by human standards, it would be hard to feed a few people with two fish and 5 loaves of bread. And still, Jesus fed a large number of people and had food left over that it filled twelve baskets.

People often use this to show that if we give God what little we have, He will multiply it, use it, and give us back more than we had at the start. This is one of God’s principles throughout his word. We cannot outgive God. He will bless it and break it and create more than was there to start with once everyone is satisfied.

Why should we expect less today? Why do we act like God cannot provide for our needs? Why do we walk in fear and worry about tomorrow when God is already there and will take care of his people.

Then, the next section is about the disciples crossing the sea to the other side and Peter walking on the water. Anytime we try to make a crossing to get away from the large multitude, we will face a storm. The word tells us to be set apart from the people of this world. Because we are not of this world when we become children of God. We are travelers passing through. Those who choose to walk in darkness are of this world.

But even in the middle of our worst storms. Jesus is there to protect us from serious consequences. Peter was more in the storm than those who sat in the boat. He was the one stepping out, trying to get closer to Jesus. His faith was increased because of his brief moment of walking on the water. But Jesus protected them all. None of them were harmed by the storm.

Why should we expect less?

Jesus has promised to go with us and to be our provider, protector and safe place. There are many examples in the bible of how God looked out for his people. I feel it is safe to say, we should not expect less.

I used to wonder what I would do if put to the ultimate test, like Daniel or the three Hebrew men. Bow to this false God or die. But every day, we are put to that test in smaller ways. I feel sure that if it ever came to the ultimate test, the Spirit of God would rise up in us and we would stand strong.

Some people say they don’t want to serve God now, that they will be saved during the Great Tribulation. That is a lie of the enemy they have chosen to believe for two reasons. One, unless you are Jewish, you will not have a right to be saved. But the one that came to my mind first when I heard it was, what makes them think they can defy the anti-christ and stand against the evil then, when they cannot stand against it now. Because it will be even harder to survive in those days.

Many people down through time have been blessed, healed, delivered and set free by our Lord and our Savior. Every promise in that Bible belongs to his children. Why should we worry, fear and be down trodden. God will save, heal, provide for whatever we need and deliver us from our storms. He has never failed his people. Why should we expect less?

Have faith, stay strong, be encouraged Jesus is coming soon for his bride. We need to make sure we are ready. Many say that it is just a story. That Jesus will not return. Some say, people have been saying that for over two thousand years and it has not happened. But you can be sure, Jesus said it, it will happen. Why should we expect less?

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 246 WHY SO SAD?

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I was out shopping yesterday, now I know why I order my groceries and pick them up. The people in the stores were all walking around looking sad and defeated. It was almost like they were wearing a dark cloud that was pushing them down. It is easy to let the cares of this life weigh us down. It reminded me of the question, “Why has thy countenance fallen?” God was talking to Cain.

I am sure the enemy was working on Cain, telling him that God loved Abel and if he wasn’t around then Cain could be God’s favorite. He was filled with jealousy and rage; God warned him what would happen. He had a choice to make, but he didn’t make the right one. It is important that we always choose to do and say the right things.

Genesis 4:6-7 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

It wasn’t because he gave vegetables and his brother gave sheep. Notice Able gave of his first fruits. I imagine Cain picking up a basket of vegetables and thinking this is good enough. He didn’t give God of his first fruits. I believe he did it with the wrong mindset and attitude. Where Able gave to God first. It meant that Able knew where God fell in the order of things. God was first.

Genesis 4:8-10 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Cain allowed the enemy to get him in the wrong mindset. When our countenance falls and we start thinking negatively, we are going down the wrong road.

Another example of a fallen countenance.

Nehemiah 2:1-3 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. 2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, 3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Nehemiah was sad because Jerusalem lies in ruins. The people were living in captivity in a foreign land. But God gave him favor with that king. He allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to repair the walls and gates to the city.

In our society today with all going on in the world we have every reason to appear, sad, down-trodden and depressed. Many are fighting severe illness; others are struggling to survive financially. But we do not have to carry these things alone. Our king is waiting like Nehemiah’s to do something to fix our problems.

We can have peace like a river that washes away our pain and sorrow. God’s peace can whisper to our broken spirit, “It is going to be ok, I am with you.” Even if things may not be going our way at this moment, we can have peace if things are well with our soul.

Nothing we face in this life will ever cause God to give up. We have a choice to make, we can keep doing the right thing and eventually things will work out. If we choose to make the wrong decisions, we will end up in an even bigger mess.

We have every reason to be encouraged, God is going to save America and other countries around the world. We have a lot of work to do as the body of Christ. A huge harvest is coming. Do not worry, do not fear, do not be discouraged. I want you to have hope in the Lord. He will always lift our head when we are downtrodden.

Psalms 3:1-3 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

He lifts our heads when we are looking down, so that we can see him. If we keep looking up, we will see him more clearly.

Psalm 3:4-6 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

This was David’s reality. Large groups of people, armies from all around were out to destroy him. If we are honest most of us do not have that many wanting to destroy us. Only the evil one, the forever loser and he was defeated a long time ago.

Psalm3:7-8 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

We can be encouraged and not be downtrodden. It doesn’t matter what we are dealing with in life. God is with us.

When Moses had been on the mountain with God and came down, his face glowed. We too can shine if we take the time to spend with God.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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