Tag: uplifting

EPISODE 212 OPPRESSION

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v5kosa5-god-focus-this-morning-ep212-oppression.html

The title of today’s episode: Oppression

Today I want to talk to you about oppression. Oppression means that a person is being controlled by prolonged unjust and cruel treatment. We think about communist countries and how their people are oppressed. We may think of the millions of people are being held against their will and are being forced into all sort of cruel treatment.

But I want to talk to you about spiritual oppression. It is possible for a child of God to be oppressed by the devil. If we are filled with God’s Spirit we cannot be possessed by the enemy, but we can be oppressed. Many things in life can open up opportunities for the enemy to come in and oppress us.

He sends spirits to try to distract us from our appointed duties. He will use fear, anxiety, depression, anger to control us. It is hard to sum up this subject in just a few minutes. I grew up in church, but we were never taught about how we can open portals to the enemy. Music, entertainment, the way we speak, doing things like yoga, astrology, psychic readings, and celebrating Halloween.

I know many think that yoga is just breathing and relaxing the muscles and the mind. But in doing this practice you are opening yourself up to being controlled by a spirit. Don’t take my word for it, research for yourself.

You may not think it’s a big deal to own a Buddha statue, or statues of wizards, dragons and witches. But spirits are often attached to these things. When you bring them into your home, you are opening your home to the enemy. You are giving him legal rights to torment you.

Halloween is an all-out holiday of real witches. I am not talking about the ones on television that are green with big warts on their noses. Ones with pointy hats and are afraid of water. There are people that practice the arts of darkness. They have opened their lives up to the evil things of the world. Satan is their god. The very ritual of dressing up as something that you are not is in its very nature deceptive. But many Christians every year allow themselves to be drawn into the enemy’s trap.

Let me say, I would never mistreat a child that came to my door dressed like their favorite cartoon or candy bar. As Christians, it is our responsibility to show kindness. Children don’t understand, to them, it is just dressing up and getting candy. It is all about the candy.

But we have to understand as Christians that Halloween is evil. The same people who don’t want to hear about the blood Jesus shed on the cross because it is too gruesome or graphic, are the first ones in line for the next horror movie. The people that make these movies are evil. They have real witches on set casting spells and then people willing to submit themselves to take it all into their spirit by watching.

Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

We are supposed to come out from among the evil and be set apart for the good of God. We are not supposed to allow our spirit to take in the evil of this world. There is nothing new under the sun. God’s people have always struggled with staying away from evil and keeping themselves pure. How many times did Israel go after false gods?

For many years, even as an adult Christian, I didn’t understand a lot of the things that I am starting to learn. Like for many years, I didn’t realize that all the false gods of the bible are backed by real spirits. Of course, they are all evil spirits, but I thought that these people just made up a religion and built a statue to have something that they could see.

When the word says we do not fight against flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness in high places, it is referring to all the false gods of this world and the spirits behind them. In bible times they always built their altars to the false gods in high groves and high places.

It is time we walk closer to God. People always want to know how close they can walk to the world and still make it. That is the wrong question. We need to change our mindsets and ask How close can I walk to Jesus.

God will set us free from spiritual oppression if we ask him to, ask that he reveal places that you have opened to the enemy. They tell him you want the access to the enemy closed. Repent of allowing him in and ask for God to set you free. He will break the chains of oppression and set you free.

This was not my typical words of encouragement, but it was something that I felt needed to be said, many people are opening doors to things they are not equipped to deal with, then end up bound.

Prov 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

If we can keep our hearts right, the enemy will not be able to get a stronghold. He will not be able to oppress us if we can keep our minds on Jesus. I am completely convinced if we can keep our God Focus and not allow the things of this life to take control, we will prevail.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 114 –JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v50urg6-god-focus-this-morning-episode-114-judgment-begins-at-the-house-of-god.html

WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is: “JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD ”

I am going to talk to you today about wheat and chaff and wheat and tares. The chaff are people who enjoy the rituals of having faith. They look at church like a social club and not a place to gather and learn of God. They go through the motions but are not fruitful. They never grow fruit. They are an empty shell. The wheat farmers used to toss wheat into the air and the wind would blow away the chaff or husk.

Wheat represents those that have produced full fruit. It is that fruit that is harvested. The rest is thrown away. As we grow in wisdom and knowledge of God’s will and plan, we too become full of fruit. It is a good thing to be growing in the will of God. If you don’t grow, you become stagnate and empty. A husk without fruit.

Then they came to the threshing floor, in ancient times, there was not machinery to separate the wheat fruit from the rest of the plant that had grown. The wheat was extracted from the rest of the plant by beating it on a hard surface that was flat. This was known as the threshing floor. Sometimes they would have oxen pull carts across the wheat to separate the fruit from the chaff.

The threshing floor symbolizes judgment in both the old and new testaments. The prophet Hosea prophesied that God’s judgment would be on Israel because they went after false idols. Hosea said that God’s judgment would scatter them in the wind like the chaff is scattered on the threshing floor.

We all go through persecutions, troubles and trials. God allows each one to make us stronger. He protects us from a lot of stuff we do not even know about, but the things he allows in our lives is to make us more fruitful or spiritual.

We are in fast changing times, God is allowing things to happen that will separate the wheat and the tares. Only the ones with fruit will be left standing. Only those with fruit will be able to be a light and hope to the lost.

I Peter 4:16-19 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

We will not be able to bring in a large harvest as long as we are a divided body. There is a harvest that needs us to be who we were created to be by God. Notice verse 17 For the time is come that the judgment must begin at the house of God. He is weary with the preachers that have the fake smile and are only out for their gain. They tell people lies and half truths, because people want a feel good message.

Do we remember the crucifixion? It was not pretty. It was horrible. Jesus didn’t die to give us an ear tickling message every week. Those messages do not transform lives they are like a pacifier. It gives people a sense of comfort, but there is no food to live on and their soul dies a little more every week.

This is not fruitful. The first chapter of the Psalms is all about being fruitful. As we grow in our faith walk, we will produce fruit. Verse Three says we will be like a tree planted by the water and will bring forth fruit in his season. As we bring forth fruit, whatsoever we do will prosper. Verse Four is the opposite of verse three. Verse four is all about how the ungodly are like chaff which is blown away in the wind. We want to be the fruit and not the chaff.

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Another way to look at the church as compared to wheat is when the bible discusses the wheat and tares.

God says let them grow together. In the early stages of the wheat, it doesn’t look much different than the tares. God warned that we may pull up wheat by mistake, but to let them grow together and He will separate them. The tares looks like young wheat that has not produced buds yet.

We are not to judge anyone. We will see soon enough if God’s fruit is produced in their lives. If they have the endurance to fight adversity and trials sent by the enemy. Troubles have a way of separating the wheat from the tares. Many that say they are wheat will turn from God at the first sign on trouble.

Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Enemy comes in our churches often as false teachers and preachers and tries to deceive God’s children. This is why it is important to have God’s word in our hearts. So we will not be deceived. Tares will sow discord and cause trouble.

Matt 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

This is Jesus’ way of saying. We need to plant good seed. Then when the tares appear we are to leave them alone and pray for the ultimate judge to take care of the situation. In the end, they will be tossed into hell. The wheat will be gathered into the storehouse.

This is why we are to produce spiritual fruit. It is the easiest way for harvesters to tell the difference between wheat and tares. Remember that judgment is coming to the house of God. It is my prayer that we all produce fruit and walk in God’s love.

It is not God’s will that any perish, but they will have to yield unto God or be left behind.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 113–GET UP AND STAND

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v50otpl-god-focus-this-morning-episode-113-get-up-and-stand.html

The title of today’s episode is: Get Up And Stand

It is not a shame to fall. Everyone has fallen and many will fall again. The enemy is always roaming seeking someone to trip. We only lose when we allow him to win. If you find that you have fallen, Jesus is there to pick you up. He will not leave you there, face first in the dirt. Unless you choose to stay there.

Prov 24:16-18 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

This doesn’t mean you have seven mistakes and on the eighth one God says “Sorry, I have already picked you up seven times.” Seven in the word of God means completeness. A just man always rises when he falls. The wicked will not always get back up.

We are not to be happy when we see someone else fall. It makes the Lord unhappy, because it means we are not walking in compassion and love. We are supposed to forgive our enemies. If we truly forgive them, we will have a heart of compassion toward our enemies. This requires the training of a runner. We have to condition ourselves to let go of offense. It takes a lot of practice and endurance.

Think about the track and field events. Runners train for a long time to be able to run their race. It is always hard to watch a runner fall. But the crowd will clap and be happy when they see that person get back up. It is an even bigger thrill when they start running again.

Another thing that makes for good drama on a movie is when the person that has trained and trained for the big race falls down close to the finish line. Another person comes and helps them up and they cross the finish line together.

That is what we are supposed to do if we see a brother or sister fall. We are to try to help them back up. It is important to finish the race. It is equally important to help others finish their race.

Heb 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 sometimes carry things that weigh us down. We do not even realize that we are carrying them, because we have pressed on with the weight as a part of our daily walk. The enemy wants to give us things that weigh us down. He likes to pile on hurt, offense, physical pain, sickness, false ideas about how God works. Satan even creates false religious ideas about Christ.

Many of the churches across the world need religion broken off of them. Far too long each group holds onto their ideas. Not God’s ideas, but man’s ideas. That is a major weight. We can set aside religion for a relationship. Jesus is waiting for us to draw close to him. He wants us to get rid of the distractions of this life, even our religion.

He is waiting to give us joy and connection to him and all he has for us if we can set aside our religious hangup. It is all about our relationship. No one else can help us with our relationship but Jesus. We have to spend time with Him if we want to strengthen our relationship. Set aside distractions and weights and spend alone time with Jesus.

It is time we get up and stand still with our hands lifted in heaven. God is near when we worship. The enemy wants us to fall and stay there. Jesus has other plans, he is there to lift us up.

First, we have to set aside every weight and sin. Then once we have laid down our weight and sin, we have to run the race that is set before us. What does “set before us” mean? It is whatever we have facing us today. Each day brings things we cannot control. But we can control how we react to them. We can lean on Jesus and ask how He wants us to move forward. He will empower us to run the race that is set before us.

In order to finish this race, we do not have to have it all figured out. We just have to have faith that Jesus is running with us. He will pick us up when we fall if we let him. Nothing will be impossible as long as we trust.

Many places in the word, God told his people to stand. There are times, when we need to wait for God to move. We cannot take the next step until God opens the door. Then we have to take the next step only when he opens the door. Until the door opens we are to stand on the promise that God knows what is best.

Look at the children of Israel. They stood by the Red Sea not knowing which way to go. God told them stand still and see his salvation. He parted the Red Sea and they could not even imagine what would happen just five seconds earlier. God made a way where there was no way. We are no different from them, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Sometimes we have to stand on his promise that he has got us.

If we fall, we have to get up. If we come to a door or a place that we cannot move any further, we are to stand still and wait on God which is not easy. He has never let us down and doesn’t have any plans to start now. He wants us to finish our race so we can make heaven our home.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 37–OLD LANDMARK

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO VERSION: https://rumble.com/v4c3o2b-god-focus-this-morning-episode-37-old-landmarks.html

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “Old Landmarks”

Prov 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

The early church didn’t neglect prayer and fellowship. We need to be consistent in the word of God. We have been given a solid foundation. Standing firm on that foundation of the apostles is the old landmark that many churches have left in order to be more modern.

Jer. 6:16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

I recently heard it said that some mega-churches took the marketing approach to building their church. They did surveys about what people wanted in a church. This is why many are nothing more than social clubs, with their coffee bars and fog machines. Without sticking to the old paths, they have gotten away from what makes “THE CHURCH” different from the world.

In order to be effective, the ministry of “THE CHURCH” has to show people that they can walk the walk and not just talk the talk. People are craving a REAL move of God. They want to know him for themselves. All the marketing in the world will not replace prayer and knowing God. Really truly digging into the word. Putting it under a microscope and asking what does this really mean. Dig deep below the superficial surface of the word.

Psalm 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

This should be our prayer every day. Hold up my goings; in other words, support my sense of direction. Direct my way in your will. Because if you don’t, Lord, I might slip and fall.

Just like in the natural, if the wind blows strong enough it is impossible for a human to stand up. The winds of this life can spiritually knock us for a loop. Without Jesus to hold onto, it is possible that the storms of life will drown us. But he always keeps us settled and on the right path.

Let me repeat Prov 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Landmarks can be something unique so you know what city you are in, like the arch in St Louis. It can also be as simple as a stone, which lets you know you are on the edge of your property. It is something that gives you a sense of direction, in spiritual terms. The boundaries have been set long ago by God. His words are specific. The apostles and prophets of long ago set the guidelines as a landmark to keep us on the right path.

Our path is not as clearly marked as it once was, because the church has allowed weeds to grow up over the path. The road less traveled may not be as worn down. It may take a bit of looking to ensure we are going the right way. We need to find and stick to the old path. In it and in it alone we will find our way home.

Where are the children of God who are standing on the truth of God’s word? Even we can be road markers for people to let them know which way the need to go to find God. By being steady and strong in our faith, others will take notice and will want to know how we endure the things of life.

What makes us different than those who are lost?

What are some of the road signs along the way that we can use for our guide?

Prayer, honesty, study and knowing the word, loving others, abiding by what God’s word says we need to do. Put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6) Allow the Holy Ghost inside of us to produce fruit of the spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law)

Be willing to reach down and lift another up when they have fallen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Take some time today to think about the old landmarks. Do whatever it takes to find them in your life.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

EPISODE 16–THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY APPEAR

Episode 16 Check out the video version of this blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ek7gVcYpg

The title of today’s episode is, “THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY APPEAR” Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. The flood that destroyed the wicked elevated the ark. We often feel like the enemy has the upper hand when really God is just waiting on the right time to bring the flood. During that flood, he will elevate us above the destruction and destroy the enemy. Even though they were rained on just as hard as the rest of the world, they were safe inside the ark. God gave people plenty of time to do the right thing, but they just mocked and laughed at the preacher who was building a boat on dry land. God was patient, but once he sealed the door, it was too late.

God always has a plan. He always protects his people. Like during all the plagues of Egypt. God’s people didn’t suffer any of the plagues. They were safe in the place where they dwelled. Things escalated to the meeting at the Red Sea. That divine moment destroyed their enemy while delivering them safely to the other side. We can dwell in safety. He will never allow us to be overtaken by the enemy, as long as we dwell in the secret place with Him. We dwell under the shadow of His wings.

God told Jehoshaphat to go to battle. He had three different armies that were against him. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. To the natural mind, what Jehosophat did may seem silly, but God knew what needed to be done. He led him into the battle to see that God would take care of his people.

These are just a few examples of how God used different people to destroy the enemy. Each one took faith and walked in God’s promise that he would deliver. Can you imagine loading all those animals on a boat and getting inside, not knowing what was going to happen. It took faith to get inside with a bunch of wild animals. Under normal circumstances, they would have ended up ripped to shreds by claws and fangs. But God made the animals to even be peaceable.

Imagine how scary it was being trapped by a body of water and the enemy closing in fast. God used that moment to show the Israelites that he was their God, their provider and protector. He turned that moment of fear into joy as they saw God destroy the enemy.

Imagine you are a worshipper in Jehosophat’s army, he says, “God said you will go before the army.” To the natural mind that is a scary place to be, you would be the first one to see the enemy. You would be the first one attacked. As you march along praising God, you are also the first one to see that the enemies have destroyed each other.

The Jewish people in the book of Esther were going to be destroyed. Haman the evil advisor to the king we determined to kill them all and had a special hatred for Moredcai. (Esther’s cousin) But after calling a fast Esther boldly went before the king. At that moment, God started turning the situation around. Before that moment, the evil Haman had built a gallows to hang Mordecai. But because they prayed and trusted God, the Jewish people were saved from being slaughtered, and the evil Haman ended up hanging on his own gallows. Him and his sons. God even destroyed his bloodline.

These examples lead me to believe that as long as we trust Him, even when it seems to the natural mind that it is a crazy or bad idea, we will experience amazing things. We are about to experience what may appear scary to the natural mind. We live in uncertain times. But we know through reading the bible that there is nothing we face that we have to face alone. This is where we have to fully put our trust in him. He will keep us safe and will show us amazing things. He will allow what the enemy meant to destroy us to be our salvation. If we can only trust in Him. Take time to think about your life and your situation. Remember, things are not always as they appear. God may be allowing something that looks scary to launch you into your destiny. Hold tight to him. He will deliver you from the enemy as long as you look to Jesus.

Thanks for watching,

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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EPISODE 15–TREASURES

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “TREASURES

Matt 6:21 –“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Show me what people spend their money and time on, and I will show you what they treasure. Treasures are the things we value the most.

This verse made me think about what a lot of people treasure in this life. Many people will automatically think of a pirate chest full of jewels and gold worth a lot of money. Some people treasure their money and all the extravagance it can buy for them.

Then my thoughts turned to myself: what do I treasure? I was raised to value things like friendships and gifts made from the heart. I have never been a materialistic person.

Let me ask you a question? What if I told you that your house was going to blow up and nothing would be left, your family is safe and your pets are safe. I will even allow you a freebie of getting all your important papers that are in your fireproof safe.

The family is safe and your pets and paperwork, now I tell you that you can go inside and safely get five things before it explodes. What would you get? What would be the five things that mean the most to you? It doesn’t matter how big or small the items are, just that they are important to you.

I spent a lot of time pondering this question myself. I never want to ask you a question that I don’t ask myself first. I wish that I could say that my first thought was my bible. I would like to be so spiritual that it was my first thought, but it wasn’t.

I thought about a wooden shelf that my grandfather made me when I was six. It is not fancy, and neither is it made from some expensive wood. It was made from plywood. But my family was moving into our new house, and I told him I needed a shelf in my room. A couple of days later, he gave me this shelf. I treasure it because he made it for me. He has made me many nice pieces of furniture and shelves since, but that one means the most to me.

I finally completed my list, including my Bible, after I was reading my prayer journal from many years ago, and I came across an entry that had me in tears. I worked for a car dealership and used to work as a fill-in operator at lunch at my job. Every day, I would take my bible and a notebook to the switchboard with me. I would make notes for the next issue of my newsletter or daily devotionals.

One day, I was sitting there answering the phone when this lady approached me. I am not sure what nationality she was; she looked oriental. I assumed maybe Chinese. She was looking for the service department. Her eyes lit up as she looked down at my Bible and said, “OH, Is that a Bible? You are reading it out here?”

I said, “Yes, I try to read it every day while I am out here waiting for the phone to ring.”

She responded, “I have seen them a few times. Our church had one.” Our church had…One. Something tugged on my heart when she said it, “Our church had one.”

I looked at her and said, “You do not have a bible?” She sadly said no. I immediately dumped out all my pieces of paper that had notes on them and that I was using for bookmarks and said, “Here, you can have this one.”

She took a step backward away from me and said, “Oh no, no, I could never take such a treasure from you.”

I said it’s okay. I have another one at home.” It wasn’t even a fancy study bible. It did not have a thumb index or chain reference. It was one of the Sunday school award bibles I bought for like ten bucks. Just to keep at work.

She looked surprised and timidly asked, “You have two?” I said yes. Really, it’s okay; you can have it. She said ok, and she took that bible and clutched it to her chest like I had given her a million dollars. It made me feel like I didn’t treasure the word of God enough. I felt very spoiled and puny as a Christian not to treasure my bible.

Anyone who needs a bible I try to provide one or them. It is our lifeline, our road map. It is strength and life, it is God written out on a page that we may understand him better. It is our salvation, healing, and our manual for life.

There is another verse, Psalm 119:16-Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.

If we can take our bible and treasure it like that little woman did, we will read it and study it until we live and breathe it. No one will be able to remove it from our hearts. There could come a day when the government may come and steal the paper books from us. But if we have God’s word in us, they can’t take away such a treasure.

This is why it is important to study the word and hide it in our hearts. Many times I will be facing something and a verse will come to mind. God will bring it to our remembrance when we need it. But it must be hidden in our hearts first.

I encourage you to challenge yourself. Find a verse that encourages you. Memorize it. Think if you learned one verse a week. At the end of the year, you would know fifty-two verses. Now multiply that by five years, ten years. How long would it take before you were a walking concordance like my grandfather? More than the shelf he made me or anything he did for me, he was the one who pointed me to Jesus.

What do you treasure? Silver and gold, a big screen TV the newest smart phone? Or do you treasure that word, that has the power to transform, encourage, deliver, heal and save. Then next time you don’t want to read or study your bible think about the little woman I met, think about how excited she was to just have a bible in her hands that was her very own, because where she was from, her church had one.

The treasure chest of our spiritual life is our heart. If it is in our hearts, it will show on the outside in our lives. Our Christian walk is all about having a good heart. We need to pour good things into our lives, and it will show. When the heart is full of God’s word, we will have something encouraging to say to anyone who needs a little kindness.

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Thanks for spending a little time with me. Think about your treasures and choose wisely. Check out my blog at http://www.godfocus.net. Until next time, Be bold, Be brave and keep your God Focus.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

EPISODE 12 –HIS MERCY IS NEW

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “His mercy is new”

Some of us, like myself, have been Christians for many years. I will be the first to tell you that during my journey, I have fallen down a few times. I have sinned and begged for forgiveness. I have been unkind and spiteful and had to turn around and repent.

It is not a shame to be human and fall. It is, however, a shame to stay down. Many of us have the problem of forgiving ourselves and moving on. Once we have learned how to forgive and move on, then the healing can be completed. God has already forgiven us and we are still wallowing in self-loathing. I am not saying we should not feel bad about sinning. I am talking about asking for forgiveness, then six months later, we are still regretting and beating ourselves up.

Breaking that cycle takes understanding and prayer. Understanding that God has forgiven us, then who are we to continue the punishment. This is just a trick of the enemy to keep us tied up in knots. If we are worried about the past, we cannot be effective in the present, where God is wanting to use us. Forgive yourself and let it go.

Now that we have a new start, what do we do with it? I suggest praying for God to give us direction. He created us all for a purpose; we often fall down when we are running from that purpose. I was called to teach and would do it in small ways. Maybe fill in for a lesson or two in Sunday school. Once, I actually spoke at a women’s conference. I remember when it was over, feeling like I was doing exactly what I should be doing. It also scared me, and I ran.

God is now giving me another chance to do what he made me to do. People’s opinions really swayed me; now I pray for God’s opinion to be the only one I hear. His opinion is the only one that truly matters in the end. God is getting ready to do great things in our country and around this world. We are going through labor pains right now because God is trying to birth something new in each of us.

What does God want you to do? What is he wanting to bring forth in you? You were made for a purpose. Many are afraid; I understand that fear. The enemy sits on your shoulder and whispers, who do you think you are doing this thing? What qualifies you to be a teacher, minister of song, a preacher or a prophet, a prayer warrior? As long as God calls you to the job, he will see you through it. He qualifies those he calls. He does not use perfect people; he uses flawed people. If we were able to do things in our own strength, we would not need God.

If you choose to watch my channel and look for the fault, you will find it. But if you listen with your spiritual ears, God may use it to strengthen you. We are not the sum of our failures or successes but the sum of our moments that we fully TRUST IN HIM. He will never abandon us, but we often are like Peter we deny him.

Now is not the time to be denying Christ and his will. Now is the time to stand strong and lean on him. Let the weak say I am strong. In Christ, I can do all things. It is scary to step out in faith. But we will never reach our potential if we do not take the chance and step out in faith. Peter stepped out of the boat and he walked on water for a moment. Many say yes but he sank. In other words, he fell. But he had the experience of Jesus lifting him up when he fell.

The others in the boat did not get that same lesson. They had to learn of God’s faithfulness in other ways. Never criticize someone else for their sinking, at least they are trying to walk on the water with Jesus. It is time to get out of the safety of the boat and live life out loud. Taking a walk with Jesus. This is our time to shine our light. The world needs now more than ever for us to be the light we were called to be.

As I watch people struggle through all sorts of things in this life, I am reminded that life is not something that wraps up neatly with a bow. Life is messy, and it is painful. Anyone who paints it as a pretty picture of unicorns and rainbows is trying to sell something.

But life is still a blessing from God. Even though we go through times of struggle and pain, there are lessons to be learned every day. Even when we do not see it or feel it, God is with us and his mercies are new every day.

We have been given a great gift that we often take for granted. The gift of salvation. It is the ultimate new beginning. But each day we are given a new opportunity to begin again. Every morning is a blank slate. What are we going to do with the 24 hours in front of us? Will we pray for his direction and instruction? Will we rush ahead, doing our own will?

Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Lam 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

Our hope is in the Lord. Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can do all things.

We all have “go to” verses that we cling to in times of need. One of mine is:

2Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

When we are standing on the edge of a new beginning, what is facing us may seem scary. Many things could cause us to fear, if we walk in that fear, we will never reach our destiny. This is why it is important to have faith and walk in what we know to be true. God is faithful and will help us to do the tasks he has asked of us, if we TRUST and walk by faith.

Fear is from the enemy; it is one of Satan’s most used tools. The Bible is full of verses that tell us to not fear.

Perfect love casts out fear. God is love. Therefore, it is easy to conclude if we have God, we have no reason to fear. So be bold, step out of the boat, and walk on the water. Jesus is right there to help you stay afloat. Think about what God created you to do, then go do it.

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Thanks for spending a little time with me.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

DRY LAND

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

We have all walked through spiritual deserts in which we feel like we are alone. We feel like God is not there. But he is walking silently by our side while we work out our issues. Being in the desert gave David a good perspective. It was during the time he was running from Saul that God used to grow him. It was in the solace that God taught him to be king.

Our bodies desire water; we cannot function without it. But just as our flesh needs water, our soul needs God’s living water. I want to take time to remind those who feel like they are in a spiritual desert that God is there and will not leave you. He has promised he will never leave us or forsake us. Just when we think we cannot go one more step, he sends a refresh to our soul. We feel like we can begin to take one more step. O Lord, how our souls thirst for your presence. Help us when we find ourselves in a desert place. Remind us that you are with us and doing a good work within us by preparing us for the next level in our Christian walk. Fill us up, Lord.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SUBMISSIVE CLAY

Jer 18:5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Jer 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As long as we are submissive clay in the potter’s hand, he will form and shape us into a vessel of use. Sometimes, we feel like we are being put through a long, painful process of changing into what God wants us to become. Have you ever watched a potter work the clay? First, he has to beat out all the air bubbles, not because he loves to pound on the clay. If he doesn’t, it will explode in the fire.

There is much to be learned about our relationship with God by studying the process of pottery making. The thing that sticks with me most is a fine porcelain cup is fired hotter than an earthenware mug. God wants to use us to be examples to others. But sometimes, he also puts us on a shelf, so to speak. Earthenware mugs are used every day, but often, fine porcelain cups are kept for special occasions. Maybe during the waiting process, God is saving us for a special assignment. One that he has created us specifically to carry out.

We are not to waste the time that we are on the shelf…waiting. No one wants to be in a holding pattern. One of the worst things we can hear from God is wait. But there are things to be learned in the waiting. Sometimes, He is just wanting us to sit quietly with him and get to know Him. Don’t ever waste the quiet time of waiting.

I Peter 4:12-13 (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13)But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

This process is a long one, to take clay from the ground and form it into a vessel of use. Being submissive clay will allow God to form and shape us. We will become a beautiful (vessel) pitcher that can pour out water on a dry and weary soul. The life of a Christian who is sold out to God will have fiery trials. We need to remember that the things we endure are not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

Once we have been through a trial, we have power over it. That puts us in a place in which we can help others overcome that trial when they are faced with it. We will not overcome unless we are pliable clay in the hand of the master potter. Ask HIM to help you to be submissive clay in his hands.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

PAINTING

John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

In the hand of a master artist a paint brush can be an amazing tool. It carefully and creatively applies paint to just the right spot. But a painting is only as good as the skill of the artist. God created the heavens and the earth. He constantly changes the sky like a huge canvas. The beauty of all creation is ours to enjoy. God gave us life and he wants to make it beautiful. He wants us to have an abundant life.

But we have to be like paint, willing to go where the hand of God leads us.

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

Just like a brush would guide the paint, his Spirit is our guide into all truth and righteousness. He can turn our lives into beautiful masterpieces if we will allow Him to work on us until we are complete.

Ask God to make your life a masterpiece.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS