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What are you focusing on?
What are you Focusing On?
So we ask ourselves, what is at the center of our minds throughout the day?
What do we pay the most attention to throughout the day?
What do we find ourselves meditating on throughout the day?
When we focus on a thought, an action, a task, a memory, or a topic, it becomes the main thought in our minds. And it seems like the problem becomes enlarged. Well, it has, in our mind. When we focus on something, it takes up more in our thoughts throughout the day.
Lets look at it this way:
Imagine your thoughts are separated into categories, thought most often and thought of least often. What would be at the top of that list today? Then let’s say we simplified these categories and placed them into two groups. Positive and Negative.
Which would take up the most space in your thoughts? Positive thoughts, or negative ones such as worry, fear, anxiety, stress?
The truth is, we all dwell on negative thoughts way too often.
This topic is nothing new to ponder or discuss. We know what we should be doing, but do we do it?
What can we do to change our focus?
In the Bible, in Philippians chapter 4,
we find an encouragement to stand firm in the Lord.
To rejoice always! To not become anxious about things but instead take our problems, worries, and concerns to the Lord. Paul’s advice is to pray to the Lord. Take your cares, worries and concerns to Him. Get this- it doesn’t say He will solve our problems, fix our mistakes, or change our circumstances (although He could and sometimes does). Instead, it says, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
He will give us peace in our troubled situation, and He will guard our hearts and our minds.
When I read this verse on Sunday, I realized many times I’m looking for God to bring a solution to the problem I am bringing Him and when He doesn’t I grow anxious and worried and fearful. I noticed that I need to consider more often (because, like I said, we all already know this!) that He may not fix this issue, but I can look for and wait upon the peace He promises to bring, and ask Him to guard my heart and mind as I go through whatever He is having me go through. And when the peace comes I can rejoice and be thankful for the peace, regardless if my problem remains.
Take courage today, stand firm in the Lord, rejoice in Him, and find more reasons for rejoicing!
Reflect:
Take your worries to Him and let him bring peace to your situation today. The Bible goes on to say in Philippians 4 to not allow your thoughts to become stuck on negative ways of thinking but instead mediate on anything good, anything lovely, anything of good report! Paul writes to us while sitting in a jail cell. His advice is that there is always a reason to rejoice and to focus our thoughts on what is good.
Loving God as our Highest Priority
Yesterday’s Devotion discussed Peter’s commitment to his calling and how he dropped it all after the Lord’s Death. But Jesus came back and asked him three times, do you love me more than these “things”? Ouch. How would we feel if the Lord comes to our door step and asks us the same?
Later God said to Abraham, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2) This child of their old age surely had become the object of their affections. He was the embodiment of God’s promise: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Yet in total obedience to God’s command, “Abraham rose up early in the morning” and began the 3-day northward journey. As “Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son,” an Angel of the Lord said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:10,12). Who was central in Abraham’s heart, Isaac or God?
Now Abraham had everything—sheep, camels, a wife, Isaac, friends—but he possessed nothing. Abraham had become as Jesus later would teach: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24).
Love of God or Love of Things
A Love of God
Our love of God and of His Son must be our highest priority. We must place the highest possible value on being full of His Holy Spirit if we are to be motivated to fulfill our calling.
On the night Jesus was arrested, the apostle Peter denied his Lord, valuing his personal safety. After Jesus was crucified, had risen from the dead, and had shown himself to His disciples, Peter said, “I am going fishing” (John 21:3). Morning dawned over a fishing boat that still contained no fish, but Jesus was faithful to those whom He had called even in this day of disappointment. He commanded that they “cast the net on the right side of the ship… “So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” (John 21:6).
After they had brought their 153 fish to shore and had eaten the breakfast prepared by Jesus, He confronted Peter with a question regarding his values. “Simon, son of a]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). “What are you really sold out to, Peter? These fish, nets, and boats? Other fishermen? Or are you sold out to Me and My calling?”
Peter replied, , “Yes, Lord; You know that I b]love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:1). Twice Jesus repeated His question. Twice Peter repeated his answer. Twice Jesus repeated his instructions.
“God picks his leaders from those who are willing and able to disentangle themselves from the affairs of this life… But perhaps the greatest facet of availability that God looks for is a heart that cries out after God.”
Love of God or Love of Things?
Behold, I do a New Thing, Don’t miss it
Behold-
In Hebrew: to perceive through sight or apprehension; to gaze upon; to observe.
It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset
In Greek (eídō): to know; to see; be sure to see.
Behold. Don’t miss this! It is an observable, objective fact!
I like the, “don’t miss this…be sure to see,” definition. The modern use of “see” does not communicate this same sense of importance and urgency.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it? (Other versions say: “Do you not see it?”)
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
On Sunday, we were reminded, it is a new day, a new time, a new season. God is doing a new thing in the Earth today! The Lord wants us to pay attention, be alert, aware, don’t miss this… be sure to see this! We can’t allow ourselves to become distracted with these earthly things. WE MUST press on towards the prize. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. Don’t miss it, pay attention, be sure to see! -Behold
As Mom shared on Sunday, so many of us are going through tough situations. As we talk with one another about our hardships and ask for prayers for needs and hard situations or circumstances… One thing is for sure… We are all going through so many different trials and tribulations. But we are not alone. You are not alone. God is with you. God has a plan, even when we don’t see it. Our current trials and issues may seem baffling to us. Our current issues seem all encompassing to us in the moment, but to God, it is just a minor detail in a much larger picture. -Like one puzzle piece in a 1000 piece puzzle. (as ugly as that piece may be, it is still one piece, and I assure you, the masterpiece is beautiful!!!)
Its easy to feel forgotten. Its easy to feel like He doesn’t hear, or see us. But, God’s hand is not too short. We are not left forgotten, abandoned or lost. We discussed at Bible Study last week, about how we so easily overlook God’s faithfulness to His promises. His faithfulness to us is not based on our behaviors, its based on His Word. Others shared on Sunday, God’s Word will accomplish what it was sent out to do. Man’s word is worthless, but God’s word is Faithful, True, reliable and will be accomplished. We can always count on Him. He will never fail. He may not do it the way we would have done it, but He doesn’t need our approval nor our permission. We forget that He is not simply a character in the story of our life. We are the characters in HIS Story.
Isaiah 43:14
God says of Himself: I am your Lord, Your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, Your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, Your King.”
Jesus said in Matthew 18:18 “I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it”
Galatians 3:7 says, “The real children of God are those who put their faith in God.” So, all the promises of Abraham are for all those who put their faith in God!
The Bible is full of promises for the believer, do some reading today, find out what God has promised you and remember, HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES.
Remember, just because we don’t understand something, doesn’t mean that God isn’t at work in the midst of it. We just don’t have the full picture, we’re only looking at one tiny confusing piece. God has the box top and knows what the finished product will be.
Put your trust in the Lord, wait on Him, remember all His promises. He will make a way in the wilderness; don’t miss it! Behold! Don’t miss out on hearing Him because of the noise or distraction of the enemy.
Philipians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Through all our trials, troubles and issues of life; press on. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. As we sang Sunday: “Though the tears may fall, my song will rise to you, though my heart my fail, my song will rise to you, When I cannot feel your hand in mine, I will lift my eyes to you, when the waters rise I will lift my eyes to you, while there is breath in my lungs, while there is hope in my heart, I WILL PRAISE YOU LORD!”
Emmanuel, God with us
Emmanuel, God with us
Jesus, God in Human Flesh
Grew hungry at times, he needed rest at times.
Needed to be by himself to think and pray,
Became stressed in the garden, He had friendships,
Loved, He had been betrayed, He cried,
Had compassion, He was angry in the temple
Felt the sting of grief and sorrow.
He was despised, rejected by his own town.
Slept in a bed, He woke up in the morning and worked with His hands.
(Mark 6:3 “Isn’t this the carpenter?” (the Greek word of carpenter here is one who is skilled with wood, metal or stone)
He knew timing was important, He didn’t try to push ahead of God’s schedule. He waited until the appointed time before revealing who He was. Jesus left His throne in heaven, came to Earth and endured all the hardships we have to endure daily. Yet still, He preached the gospel relentlessly, with vigor, with purpose, knowing His destiny. Jesus endured all what we have to endure today while also working toward the goal that God had set before him. Jesus knew his mission and didn’t become distracted with the things of this world.
Jesus, In the Flesh
Jesus, the overcomer
Jesus an example for us
Spend some time with Jesus this week. Know He understands your hardships, he lived them, and overcame them. He gives you power to overcome whatever comes your way and he is here for you. He loves you and He will help you. Seek Him.
Nehemiah 8
Are you Happy?
On Sunday, Dad’s sermon was about our Happiness and our pursuit of it. He used scripture to point us to the Word of God as a means to achieve that Happiness. He emphasized that the things in this life are perishable, unstable, and vanity. But the Word of God is a deep well of which we will draw up life, joy and peace if we read it, understand it and allow it to change us from within. He used many examples, one being Mary and Martha… Martha was busy serving and preparing for the crowd listening to Jesus. Mary was at Jesus’ feet attentive to His Word not allowing anything to distract her. (I can Imagine Martha pestering her to get up and come help! Haha) But Jesus’ said Mary has chosen the good part and it will not be taken from her. She chose to be attentive to the Words of her Lord.
Nehemiah 8
At the Watergate
The Words of God they read
Nehemiah 8 at the Watergate
The power of the Word of God
God is a God of restoration, Making things new, He is the source of Strength that comes from within. He is a source of unspeakable joy, He can bring us from our captivity into a place of celebration. Vs. 12 The people went away… with great joy!!!! -This is the power of the Word of God, the law that convicts and the grace that forgives that redeems and restores.
The title of Dads message Sunday was, “Are you Happy?” – Seek the Lord, and You will be.
**Additional interesting information for anyone interested in doing a little prayer and research:
As far as I have found… We are currently in that week of celebration!
Whatever your need today, The Lord has answers for you.
Interesting Facts I’ve found about the Festival of Booths are:
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Then Jesus responds, not Seven times, but seventy times seven!
We could try to keep track of the times we forgive someone up to 490 times, but if we did that we would be missing the point.
Lets keep reading and find out just what that point is…
The parable on Forgiveness in Matthew 18:23-35
A Servant Forgiven
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. (*Thousands of lifetimes worth of debt) But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.
The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.
The servant’s mistake
So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
[But] He would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
The servant’s consequences of His mistake
Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
Jesus’ response to his disciples regarding forgiveness:
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Forgiving others
Wow. Heavy words right there at the end!!!
In Peter’s mind, His idea of forgiving others was generous. But Jesus’ answer makes him quickly realize His generosity didn’t compare to God’s. Think about it… if we were told the rule is: we only had to forgive a man 3 times, I’m sure there aren’t many who would be willing to double that number and plus one. Peter had it in his heart to do even more than what was required of him. And It still didn’t come close to what God expects of us.
The man in the parable was forgiven thousands of lifetimes worth of debt, and wasn’t willing to forgive a man who owed him 100 days of debt. When we read it we can plainly see how wrong it is. But when we do the same things, it doesn’t look so wrong, does it…
This is exactly the point of the parable. Jesus shows us plainly how God feels about us forgiving others.
Jesus expects us to forgive as we have been forgiven
It is expected that we forgive everyone who sins against us. Up to the amount that we have been forgiven by God.
Since every sin we commit is committed against God, all who are forgiven by Him are forgiven for every sin. As well as every wrong and wicked choice we ever do over the course of our lifetimes.
No one will ever sin against us anywhere near the amount we have sinned against God.
He essentially says If God forgave our debts (a lifetime of sin), how can we hold a debt (one or two instances of wrong) against another?
Gods power to help us forgive
Those who want to forgive but are struggling to do so, don’t feel burdened. This is not held against you. We are not perfect, but we can demonstrate our willingness to obey His Words. We can start by understanding God has forgiven us for far more than we will ever need to forgive in others.
Sources:
Give us this Day our Daily Bread
Give us this day our daily Bread
On Sunday, Dad focused on this scripture. He pointed out 3 things:
1. The Source (Give Us) 2. The Schedule (this day) 3. The Substance (Our Daily Bread)
We are to fully rely on the Lord for all our needs. God alone is our provider. Dad gave us examples in scripture where God delivered food to Elijah by ravens, and other examples of Gods miraculous provision. As well as present miracles God provided for us here, at Word of Faith, in the days after the enormous disaster Hurricane Katrina. God was our provider. Sending food and supplies from all over America by the hands of HIS people.
A beautiful reminder
Hebrews 13:5-6 “I will never leave you or forsake you”
Matt 6:26-27 look at the birds of the air, they are provided for, aren’t you of much more value than they?
Matt 6:31 Why do you worry about clothing? I will clothe you.
Matt 6:31-34 Don’t worry about what you will eat or drink or wear… Your Father knows what you need. Seek the Kingdom of God and all things will be provided for you.
What a beautiful reminder of God’s awesome power. His ultimate control, and his absolute love for His children that He will “Never leave or forsake us.”
Matthew 6:11, What does it mean?
Read it below.
“Bread”
Bread for us today vs. for Ancient Jews
such makes it difficult to grasp the dependence expressed by this prayer. This is especially true for those who have never had to wonder if they would be able to feed themselves, or their families on the following day. Many in the world, unfortunately, face that very challenge. Most of Jesus listeners, even if they weren’t desperately poor, knew what it was like to face uncertainty in their basic needs.
Ancient laborers, including many Jewish people, were paid daily in exchange for their efforts. They often earned just enough to cover basic survival for the following day. Being sick or otherwise missing a day’s wages meant genuine danger for them and those dependent on them.
We are not meant to ask of God frivolously
In fact, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, we are reliant on God for all things at all time. Every good gift we receive comes from Him and not from ourselves (James 1:17). The prayer for our daily bread is the humble expression that we understand that to be true.
The difference between “needs” and “wants”
Love
Love
“He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes for the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
The LORD says in Genesis 4:7 “If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
The Choices we make
What will you choose?
We must remember to walk in His ways, not our own. Jesus says in Matt 22:37-39 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Love
In 1 Cor 13:4-8 we see the example of love: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provided, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Love the World
Love
Concluding Questions…
Are we actively living a kingdom lifestyle?
Are we trying to line ourselves up with the Word of God?
Links
Why are you so afraid?
Why Are You So Afraid?
Mark 4 Jesus calms the storm.
Click Here to read Mark chapter 4. Or if your familiar with the story, just read on. Some important details to remember are as follows.
Jesus spoke to many in parables so that only some will understand.
Vs. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
As mentioned in verse 34, … when He was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. I love that. Here we can see that it is in the alone time with Jesus where we will have the hard things explained to us. Many times we read and we ask God for understanding and wisdom of the scriptures but we have to discipline ourselves to spending alone time with Him. If we do, he will explain everything.
The Other Side
When we leave the crowd get alone with Jesus and head over to the other side, there we will find revelation, inspiration, divine purpose and our calling. The Other side is what we were created to do. Ask yourself, do you know you were created for a purpose? Scripture says you are. God has called you and is continually calling you to come closer with him to “the other side” He longs for one on one time with you so that He can develop you into the person he has created you to become. Don’t fight the process. Get in the boat and head on over!
Suddenly a furious squall came up…
As the disciples got into the boat with Jesus, and began their journey to “the other side” a furious squall came up.. A storm arose, and waves were crashing their boat. In life, we journey though storms here and there and we always feel like the disciples did. “Do you even care if we die?” The storm in this story is proof that even when we are with Jesus, even when we have Jesus “in our boat” troubles come. And just as these disciples did, when our troubles come we often run to Jesus and say… Father!! Father!! Don’t you see what’s happening around me??!! Take notice! Pay attention! Hey! I have some trouble down here!! Hey, where are you? Help me!!!! completely forgetting that Jesus is “in our boat” we frantically run to him distraught and fearful of the storms raging and waves crashing into our boat.
Why Are You So Afraid? Do you still have no faith?
He spoke straight to my heart
This is when it happened, I read those words, and as mentioned above… I could feel all my insides tense with urgency. I knew God was asking me, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? A little embarrassed, a little disheartened and sorrowful, I simply apologized for my worry and fear. Thankful for His faithful love and compassion, I reassured myself… Don’t be Afraid. Have Faith.
He asks you too: Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?
Don’t be afraid. Have Faith.
We can then wonder… If he asked them, “why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Then wouldn’t that mean he expected his disciples to not be fearful in the midst of the storm. He expected his disciples to have faith in him, no matter what storm raged around them.
They (and We too!) should have faith in Jesus that he can make the impossible possible just as he had done before their eyes time and time again.
Remember today, Have faith enough in Jesus that when the storms come in our lives we will not be afraid but we will put our hope and trust in Him. Have Faith.
The Sons of God
The Revealing of The Sons of God
The Lord is seeking those who are truly His. Who put their priorities in order and place Him first above all else. He says in John 4:23-24 The hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth. Are we true worshipers?
The transformation Process can be uncomfortable
Although times may seem strange, uncomfortable or just down right rough, its good to remember the gift of salvation God has given us. And keep in mind, God is molding and making you and I into the people He desires us to be. He has a bigger plan, He has an eternity in mind for you and I. Maybe, just maybe the uncomfortable times, are a time for growth. Maybe things are happening just so, so that you and I can put our faith into action, building it and strengthening it. Remember, scripture says, trials produce patience, and we need to let that patience have its perfect work…
Will we surrender ourselves to the change God has in mind for us? Or will we fight it and resist it? Will we hold on to safety, security, comfortable and easy? Or will we accept this new stage we are approaching as a time to strengthen of our Faith.
It will be Revealed
-Meaning, if we have built our lives on the truth of God, it is sure, it is tried and true, we will endure. If we haven’t really stood on the truth of God, but have been leaning on other things for strength, “the Day” will declare it, it will be revealed. Those who are really Sons of God, will be revealed.
You are Able
A time is coming, and now is… when we will see the revealing of the sons of God. Will we be among them?
Are you a Child of God?
Stay focused