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New Year’s Resolve: Day 8!

Filed under: Focus, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 1 Comment

January 9, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I will let Him speak in His own Words…

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8

You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Malachi 3:9

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:11

Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you to live in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts; “Consider your ways! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Thus, says the LORD of hosts; “Consider your ways!” Haggai 1:4-7

“Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze.” Exodus 35:5

“Well, then,” He said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matthew 19:21

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:22

“Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Act 20:35

“This [I say], “he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And do not give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

“In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” Ephesians 4:28

“She, poor as she is, has given everything she had…” Mark 12:44

At a time when unemployment is high and there is an over abundance of empty houses and standing room only homeless shelters; frequent calls are from bill collectors; the cost of energy and healthcare is rising; and government is taking more in taxes, God has called us to be givers. I know that it seems like an enigma that one who is in need is asked by God to give, but he is. Think about it. If you were a farmer desiring potatoes, you would plant potatoes. However, you can’t stand over the dry ground and pray “Lord give me potatoes!” That’s not faith; that’s a magician’s dream. Faith is when you put some seeds in the ground and pray. By the same token if you need finances, you have to plant money.

Some of you might laugh at this resolve or even get angry, but it’s the law of reaping and sowing. If you don’t sow, you don’t reap. I’ve been in a period where I had no money and no job. I went on interviews after interviews. One day I was challenged to make a vow to be a giver not a blamer. This is what a blamer says; “the preacher is a crook and I’m not going to give him my money”; “I don’t have a job”; “I have bills that I must pay”; “I don’t have a dime”;etc. I was going to a church where the pastor was a crook. I did have bills and I didn’t have a job. Nevertheless, God chose this time to teach me about the law of sowing and reaping. Because I valued my relationship with God, I decided that I would make the vow according to my means. I started giving a quarter and doubling the quarter when I could. Eventually my giving increased, because God began to provide me a resource of income. As a matter of fact, instead of my thumbing thru the ‘want ads’, the jobs started chasing me. It would take a book to tell you my experience of giving my way out of financial deficiency. Believe me, it is more blessed to give than to receive! God can bless you beyond measure.

Pardon me, but I’ve got to shout right now: Hallelujah!

You won’t understand it until you try it. Because of the uncertainties and the economic collapse, I must confess that I have frequently been a blamer, but God by His grace has once again confronted me. Therefore I have repented and promised to remember my vows. I learned that the money is God’s and He decides if, when and how He will give the increase. I vow what the Holy Spirit tells me to give.

Some may be experiencing what Haggai spoke of: eating but still hungry; drinking but still thirsty; putting on clothes but still cold; and working but your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! You might want to “Consider your ways!” Do you give? That is the bottom line. Do you even give to God what is due Him? Do you tithe? Now, some say that since we are New Testament Christians, tithing is not necessary. Okay, by that logic then God is not obligated to give to you… That is a theological argument that those who are financially deprived don’t need to have now. The question is ‘are you willing to accept God’s challenge?’ You have tried everything else. You have tried ‘get rich’ schemes and fads, and lotteries. You probably sent your money to TV evangelists and you are discouraged. How about this, give some time to God in prayer and Bible study, you will reap wisdom and direction. How about giving yourself to Jesus Christ, you will reap an immeasurable relationship.

May we resolve to be givers who give as The LORD instructs. Remember it is not just about money, though the Bible talks a lot about money; it is about what you value and your willingness to sacrifice whatever you treasure. It is about a mindset, relationship, and honoring God with our obedience. In Matthew 25, Christ talked about the people who will depart from His presence, because they did not give. He embraced and rewarded the ones who gave a drink of water; gave the time to visit the sick and imprisoned; gave food to the hungry and clothes to the naked. He talked about this after He told the parables of the talent. God gave the talent so that you could prosper and be able to give to the needy. However, if you do not sow, you cannot be a giver. If you do not use what God has given you, you cannot prosper and be a blessing to others.

Remembering that obedience is better than sacrifice, let us resolve this New Year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be obedient to God and His Word and practice giving more than receiving.

“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 9:7

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

2 Corinthians 9. The importance of giving cheerfully (bummyla.wordpress.com)

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 7!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 3 Comments

January 7, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…

This is what I commanded them, saying, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23

“Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.” Jeremiah 7:24

“They and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to Your commandments, Nehemiah 9:16

They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion, they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.” Nehemiah 9:17

“If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the one who reigns over you will continue following the LORD your God. But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you.” 1 Samuel 12:14-15

“But if they do not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 12:17

“If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” Job 36:11

“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: Deuteronomy 11:27

and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” Deuteronomy 11:28

“Until You disciplined me, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.” Psalm 119:67

“Therefore you shall

Obey the voice of the LORD your God,
And observe His commandments and His statutes today.” Deuteronomy 27:10
“And return to the LORD your God and
Obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul” Deuteronomy 30:2.

“Now therefore,

Amend your ways and your doings, and
Obey the voice of the LORD your God;

Then the LORD will relent concerning the doom that He has pronounced against you.” Jeremiah 26:13

“Obey My voice according to that which I command you.” Genesis 27:8

“My son,

Keep My words, and
Treasure My commandments.
Keep My commandments, and live, and My law as the apple of your eye.
Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 7:1-3
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, Colossians 3:23

Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23

He who does not love Me does not obey My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” John 14:24

Peter and the other apostles answered and said; “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Act 5:29

Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the LORD, which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.” Jeremiah 38:20

This New Year we should resolve to obey the voice of the Lord. Unfortunately many times we find ourselves obeying the dictates of the ungodly world rather than God. We flock to the countless self-help groups and “How to be successful’ seminars, but how often do we measure their advice against the Word and commandments of the Lord. I don’t know about you, but someone is always approaching me with some scheme to bypass the law. I have no doubt that before the cunning approaches you with their devilish scheme, God has already told you what to do. I can’t tell you how many times after ‘falling on my face’, I have had to say to myself, “ I should have obeyed God instead of listening to that man or that woman.”

Let’s face it, we are Children of Eve. I remember a time when I needed finances. God told me what to do, but somebody told me of another way. Foolishly (failing to discern) I thought it was wisdom. Needless to say their way failed and I had to go back and do things God’s way. Listening to the voices of others and not God, just delayed my victory. I felt like someone had given me a kick in the gut. I finally got tired of that and decided to listen carefully to God and strive to obey His will. There have been times that God has given me clear instructions, but I always had a “better idea,” because the world has always done it my way. My way always led to embarrassing failure. I can’t say that I am completely cured, but I resolve to be more discerning and obey Him and not man. It just saves a lot of time, headaches and heartaches.

I’m a firm believer that God’s way is best. Therefore, let us resolve to obey God without hesitation. If you observe the successful and victorious people written about in the Bible, you see that they all had several things in common: they obeyed God and because they were obedient, God was with them; God exalted them, and He gave them the treasures of their enemies. It’s a good thing to obey God! It could be that you are not experiencing victory because of disobedience. Just because the world has made sin lawful or acceptable, doesn’t mean that His children should participate in sin; like gambling for example. If you fall for living a life of disobedience and not walking in the Word or not obeying the Word of God, then your destiny will be as those who are not followers of Christ. Destruction and defeat will be your meat, and those who obey Him will feast upon the treasures God has taken from you.

What has God told you to do? Why do you hesitate? I know that it isn’t what the world is doing or the way the world is doing it, but the power of the world is limited to what God will allow. The power of God covering His obedient children is limitless.

We have to study His word and talk with Him so that we can be discerning and able to distinguish between His voice and that of the devil or this world. I like the way Jeremiah put it: “Please obey the voice of the Lord” But we cannot if we don’t recognize His voice or His word.

May we resolve this New Year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be obedient to God and His Word. Having resolved to obey God, may we be discerning and experience exceedingly abundant victory, health and well-being, loving relationships and prosperity according to the promises of God. We must allow Christ to be our Lord and diligently seek to be known as His obedient servant.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 6!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Hope for a struggling Marriage, Searching For Purpose?, Staying Together, Uncategorized — 2 Comments

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…

“Behold, I [am] against thee, [O you] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for your day is come, the time [that] I will visit you.” Jeremiah 50:31

“The most proud shall stumble and fall; and no one will raise him up; I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all around him.” Jeremiah 50:32

These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look,
a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood, Proverbs 6:17
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:18-19

“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.” Jeremiah 13:15

“Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5

“But if you will not hear it, My soul will weep in secret for your pride; My eyes will weep bitterly And run down with tears, Because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.” Jeremiah 13:17

“The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.” Psalm 10:4

“All that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“The LORD of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall

humble themselves, and
pray, and
seek My face, and
turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“For you are bought with a price: therefore

Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Psalm 34:2

In God we boast all the day long,
and praise His name forever. Psalm 44:8

[It is] better to

Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] His name.

For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16:25

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

And whatever you do in word or deed,

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, Colossians 3:23

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24

This New Year we should resolve to resist pride and flee from the company of the proud. We must humble ourselves and allow Christ to be our Lord. The gifts and ability we have is all from God. Whatever good we do should be for the glory of God, not for the gratification of our ego. We should be careful not to boast in ourselves or our ability. We ought not to think more highly of ourselves than others. It is God that gives the air that we breathe. He deserves the greater applause.

Some boast in their: riches ; houses; talents; skills; churches; groups; vehicles; wardrobe; education; position or status etc. But we must be ever mindful that God is the source of all that we are and all that we have. He can take it away in an instant, if we continue in pride and do not humble ourselves.

Knowing that God hates pride, we must be careful to not let pride keep us from fellowship with God, our friends and love ones. Sometimes having too much pride to say, “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you” tears a family apart, and divorce lawyers are outpacing the undertakers.

May we resolve to walk in humility, boasting in the Lord, acknowledging and glorifying Him for every good work and accomplishments.

This New year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, may we resolve to pull off pride, humble ourselves, and be careful to give God the honor, glory and praise due Him.We should seek to point all eyes toward God and not on ourselves.

“Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 5!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 5 Comments

January 5, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…

“…The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21

“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face” Ezekiel 14:3

There they burnt incense in all the high places, as [did] the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger. For they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” 2 Kings 17:11-12

“The LORD shall send upon you cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that you set your hand to do, until you be destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the wickedness of your doings, whereby you have forsaken Me.” Deuteronomy 28:20

“Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.” 2 Kings 17:14

“For after they had slain their children for their idols, on the same day they came into My sanctuary to profane it; and indeed thus they have done in the midst of My house.” Ezekiel 23:39

“For all the gods of the people [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” 1 Chronicles 16:26

“For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5

“They served their idols: which were a snare unto them.” Psalm 106:36

“And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols …: and the land was polluted with blood.” Psalm 106:38

“Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.” Psalm 106:39

“Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” Psalm 115:2-4

[It is] better to

“Trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8

[It is] better to

“Trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:9
“Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves.

I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:4

“Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] His name.

For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods. ” 1 Chronicles 16:25

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

Every man shall

“Cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.” Isaiah 31:7
“Turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God” 1 Thessalonians 1:9
“Flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5

“Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” Colossians 3:6

“And whatever you do in word or deed,

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, Colossians 3:23

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24

“They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places where they have sinned, and will cleanse them. Then they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:23

“For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God? ” Psalm 18:31

“For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3

“You shall

worship the LORD your God, and
Him only you shall serve. ” Luke 4:8
“Keep yourselves from idols. Amen. “ 1 John 5:21

“For your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. “ Matthew 6:32-33

” I [am] your shield, [and] your exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1

This New Year it is imperative that we examine ourselves. We can easily slip into idolatry when we take our eyes off of Christ, our source, and focus on His resources made available to us at the command and favor of God.

I remember working so much overtime, because of the money, that I lost focus on doing the kingdom work God had called me to do. I was so focussed on the money, that I was too tired to do the work of the Lord. One morning I looked at my W2 and discovered that all my overtime work was paying homage to the government; the harder I worked, the more the government took. My job and the money had become my idol. I didn’t go into it thinking; “I’m no longer trusting in God, I’m going to trust in silver and gold,” I just slipped into idolatry.

Idolatry comes in all forms: people (living or dead), government, leaders, rulers, job, silver, gold, nature, food, rituals, philosophies, animals, race, gender, religion, traditions, sports, carvings, charms, body, habits, immorality, etc. Is there something or someone you are more passionate about or more focussed on than Jesus Christ; who was so passionate about His love for all of us that He died a violent and humiliating death for our redemption? Seriously think about it! Are you depending on the government to feed you, cloth you, heal you? Are you depending on: actors, movies, entertainment, immorality, drugs or alcohol to give you joy? Are you depending on: your job, politicians, your spouse or your children to give you security? Are you depending on: your Pastor, your denomination, your horoscope, your psychic, your tradition or your rituals to give you hope and a future? Are you depending on the work of your hands; are you giving or doing good deeds to receive forgiveness? Are you more passionate about buying a car or a house then about developing your relationship with God? Does someone saying something about your friend, lover or mother offend you more than you take offence if someone says something derogatory about Christ and/or His word?

Someone said (it might have been my pastor) that “ we make time for what we care most about.” I also say, “when you see what someone is most passionate about, you see who or what he worships.” Unfortunately, many have idols in their lives. They think that because they go to Church every Sabbath, they aren’t idolaters, but God sees that we give more time and glory to other things and people than we do Him.

This is serious and demands our serious consideration. God is not pleased about idolatry. We must resolve that, in this New Year, we will consistently analyze ourselves and be careful to flee idolatry, where and when we find ourselves to be idolaters. We should resolve to become more passionate about glorifying God and acknowledge that there is none greater than He. He alone is our saviour. He is God and no one in heaven or earth is greater than He.

May we resolve to be thankful to God and focus on Him as our source for health, joy, security, hope and prosperity. Let us put no other gods before Him. Worship God and Him only, for He is LORD and He provides all that we need! HE IS GOD ALONE!

“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” 1 Corinthians 10:14

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 3!

Filed under: Focus, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 4 Comments

January 3, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…

“For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.” Jeremiah 4:22

“Forget not My law; but let your heart Keep My commandments:” Proverbs 3:1

For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. “

“Let not mercy and truth leave you;
Write them deep within your heart” Proverbs 3:3
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And
Lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5
In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct* your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and
Depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; Proverbs 3:31

Keep sound wisdom and discretion: Proverbs 3:21

“For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright.” Proverbs 3:32

“The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” Proverbs 3:35

“A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.” Proverbs 14:3

“The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

“He that walks with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

“Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.” Proverbs 19:29

“The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14

Therefore:

“incline your ear unto wisdom, [and]
apply your heart to understanding” Proverbs 2:2
“Get wisdom!
Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of My mouth.” Proverbs 4:5

“Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore]

get wisdom: and
With all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
“Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:13

And:

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, And
Do not walk in the way of evil.” Proverbs 4:14
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Walk in wisdom” Colossians 4:5

“Man shall

not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4

“Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?

Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13

“That we [from now on]

Be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” Ephesians 4:14

It seems as if the 21^st century ushered in a heavy cloud of cunning men who so heavily crafted their words that foolishness and perversion of the Word of God is believed and espoused by many, even those called by His name. Evil men so cleverly disguise their words that it is difficult to distinguish sound doctrine from foolishness. Let us resolve to hide the word of God in our hearts so that we can discern wisdom from foolishness. Let us get wisdom and understanding. May this New Year give us the resolve to seek wisdom from God with all diligence and strength like we pursue riches. Let us resolve to pursue wisdom and understanding as if it were more precious than gold or diamonds, because it is (Proverbs 8:11)!

May this New Year bring: wisdom and understanding so that we will not be the blunt of the devil’s cruel comedy routine and be counted among the wicked and foolish by God.

In this New Year, let us resolve to experience ever-increasing victory because we lean not to our own understanding; in all our ways we acknowledge God; and fervently read His word aggressively seeking “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding (Proverbs 1:2).”

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all [men] liberally, and scolded not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 2!

Filed under: Focus, Hope for a struggling Marriage, Searching For Purpose?, Staying Together, Uncategorized — 2 Comments

January 2, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…

“Why boasts thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God [endures] continually.

Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, and lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all-devouring words, you deceitful tongue!

God shall likewise destroy thee forever, He shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. The righteous also shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bolder in their wickedness. But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise You forever, O God, for what You have done. I will trust in Your good name in the presence of Your faithful people.” Psalm 52:1-9

Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you. Proverbs 4:24

The fear of the LORD is to

A. Hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way; And the perverse mouth I hate.Proverbs 8:13

B. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.Proverbs 21:23

Do not be quick with your mouth,
Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so
Let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

“For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

“Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a snare for him.” Jeremiah 9:8

“Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand [is] stretched out still.” Isaiah 9:17

“Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ” James 3:10

But He answered and said, “It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4

“Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?

Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ” James 3:13

“That we [from now on]

Be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Ephesians 4:14
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: Ephesians 4:15
Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Ephesians 4:22
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23
Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Wherefore putting away lying,
Speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25
Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ” Ephesians 4:29

” My mouth shall:

Speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:21
In God we boast all the day long, and praise Thy name for ever. Psalm 44:8
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm* of praise. Psalm 47:7
Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of His holiness. Psalm 48:1
For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11

“I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be
able to contradict or resist.” Luke 21:15

Indeed we have exited an old year and entered a New Year full of lying tongues from ungodly leadership and their followers to godly leadership and members of their churches. As you see in His word, God is not only concerned with deceitful tongues of leaders, but He is concerned about each person, individually. Christ is concerned about what proceeds out of the mouth of the person. This mighty God is a personal God, concerned about what proceeds out of the mouth of the individual and our personal singular growth. Taking His correction is good for our body and soul. May we resolve to take seriously God’s warning about guarding our tongues. We should pray for discernment, because the wicked is cunning and deceiving. Remember the conversation in the Garden of Eden? The whole earth was served notice that this is the plan of attack: cunning and deceitful words from the devil. Because of his cleaver words they were deceived and believed a lie.

May we resolve to be careful who we hang out with and whose words we hear or we may not only believe a lie, but we will become disciples of liars and repeat their lies, even to our children. Test the words of your acquaintances, your leaders and your lips to see how their words measure up to the word of God. May we resolve to: guard our tongues; to not deceive or slander men; and to not diminish their spirit with our words, but rather use our lips to praise God, speak truth, extend grace and encourage others.

Let our conversation be in love and careful not to grieve the spirit, but speak words of truth, which is His word, glorifying and praising God daily! May this New Year bring to our lives: evidence of Praises to God; ever-increasing appetite for His word; and lordship of Jesus Christ over our tongues.

As we plant seeds of blessings; grace; righteousness and truth with our mouths, may we reap bountifully the same in return (Luke 6:38).

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3

That’s Todays’ Single Focus

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GOOD NEWS!

Filed under: Focus, Uncategorized — 4 Comments

December 23, 2012

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

In a time when the ungodly, claiming to be deity, was in power and ruled and demanded that all the people leave their jobs and travel to their homeland by foot or donkey or wagon or camel to pay unjust taxes (Luke 2:1); Mary and Joseph arrived in the city of David, Bethlehem, which was so overflowed with people that they could not find a place to stay. All the inns (hotels/motels) were full. Mary, being pregnant, was ready to deliver and they had to find some place. They had to stay in the stables or barn. So here they were in a smelly barn with hay as the pillow and having to deliver the baby where the animals were kept. Joseph was a small business owner who worked as a carpenter. Mary took care of the house. But because of the tax law, they had to lay her new-born baby in a manger (Luke 2:7); from which the animals ate their food. There was no time to get to a hospital or a midwife. It was just Joseph and Mary, then the baby which they wrapped in swaddling clothes. In the same city, but in the fields, were poor shepherds watching their flock. These were men of meager means, who had to work nights and a stone or a sheep or the ground was their pillow. They kept warm by a fire in the field; night watchmen if you will. A pregnant woman who has to deliver her child in a stable in an overcrowded city; a hardworking man has to use his earnings to travel from his home to pay the Roman Government part of his wages as an unjust tax; poor shepherds in a field who have to sleep on the ground; and as they are there in the field, the sky breaks and the shepherds see angels filling the sky making a joyful noise saying to them; “Good News…!” “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings (news) of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11 (KJV).”

Truly these were people who needed Good News, and so do we. Thank God for ‘Christmas Celebration’ for it is a reminder that in spite of the difficulties in our lives, Immanuel: God is with us! A Savior was born and is and will always be.

We in the twenty-first century live in a nation where obviously the ungodly rule (champions of infanticide; burdensome and unjust taxes; champions of perversion; etc.). Streets are littered with homeless people, joblessness is skyrocketing; government powers and judges are trampling on Christian religious Freedoms; adultery and divorce is epidemic; diseases from promiscuity and drug abuse is epidemic among the young; Corporations are closing and/or fleeing from a nation with unjust regulations and the highest corporate tax rate in the world; parents are burying their children; poverty is growing so that even the food banks are hungry. Unusual disaster has people still trying to find a place to stay. It’s hard to be in a celebratory mood these days. For some, it is a time of mourning and memories of grief gone by. For many, it’s a time of uncertainty: bills are due and the company you worked over twenty years for has just announced Bankruptcy and closing of its doors. It has not been good times for the majority of us. It seems like an odd time to announce Good News, but actually it is the best time! We need some Good News! Christ our Savior is born! Though oppressed, He can make you free even when you work for a hard taskmaster…; even when your government oppresses you with unrighteous laws and regulations. Though depressed, Christ can give you joy in the midst of sorrow. Though weak, Christ can give you victory when everyone around you is defeated. Though broken-hearted, He can mend your broken heart. Trust Him! Though hungry, He will not forsake the hungry nor will His seed beg for bread. Christ will provide! Though unemployed, Christ will open doors so that you can start your own business. Listen, I’ve been hungry, without a place to stay and jobless and couldn’t pay my bills. But in the midst of those times, ‘Good News’ was always in the mix. He was always providing when it looked like there was no provision. Christ, the Savior, always saw that I had food to eat and a place to sleep. He provided transportation and gave me favor and provided a job. Even in the bad times, watch Christ work in your life. He is providing ‘Good News’ every day in every situation.

I know that for the majority of us, there doesn’t seem to be much to celebrate, but let’s celebrate anticipation of ‘Good News’! Christ the Savior was Born and He sits on the right hand of God making petition to God, our Father, on our behalf. Start looking for His hand of grace and mercy. You will start seeing how He’s providing and comforting. You will see Him use the unlikely to take care of you. Notice that the angels did not announce His birth to the rich and famous. The kings and the rulers didn’t know He was born until He had long left Bethlehem. It was the poor and oppressed, it was the lowly that needed ‘Good News’!

Christmas is about the physical birth of Jesus Christ. It’s also about the spiritual birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts. Christmas is also about “Good News” to those who need a Savior, a provider, a friend, a healer, a deliverer, hope and peace giver, a mender of broken hearts, protector, etc. Christ is all that you need!

“The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

Good News! Christ the Savior is born and will ever reign!

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Isaiah 7:14

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

Tags: Christ, Christmas, deliverer, God, Good News, healer, hungry, Immanuel, Jesus, Luke, Mary, protector, Savior, unemployed, ungodly, Unjust Taxes

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WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Filed under: Focus — 2 Comments

October 12, 2012

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Born Again, Holy Ghost filled, God called, purpose driven Christians, with passion and excitement, are encouragers and dispensers of grace and mercy to the body of Christ (believers in Christ). This causes us to be misunderstood by church folks. You change your co-habitation habits, and your boyfriend thinks you’re cheating. Give someone a holy embrace, and their spouse thinks that you are flirting. I took a guest to a Bible Study where my best friend also attended. After Bible Study, I went home and my best friend later called, accusing my guest of flirting with her boyfriend. She then proceeded to accuse me of trying to do the same, even though when we talked, we hardly, if ever, talked about him, because she had other drama going on in her life. This was a Bible Study, so why did her mind go in that direction? What was she thinking?

Difficult times come in life. Even true believers have bad days. Yes, even true believers have times of depression and despondency. Remember Elijah. He boldly went before the priests of Baal and saw the hand of God do a marvelous and miraculous work (1 Kings 18). Then he hears that a wicked woman has put a contract out on his life. He runs and hides and remains in a funk for several days. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t drink. He entertained thoughts of suicide. What was he thinking? Even so, God sent ravens to feed him and spoke to him comforting words telling him that he was not alone. Sometimes we get blindsided and we let emotions and fear get all caught up in our thoughts and mind even though God was in our mind and thoughts just the other day or even a second ago.

Unfortunately, though we have that same powerful God as Elijah on our side, sometimes we experience fear and despondency before we get started on the venture of pursuing the purpose or dream which God has called us to. Sometimes we do things all the wrong way or we do nothing, being paralyzed by our own depressing and fearful thoughts. Sometimes we pursue the purpose, the dream in the ways of the world, even though God told us to do it differently.

I’m not saying that days of discouragement, depression and despondency won’t ever come, but if we would spend some time thinking or focusing on what is “just, pure, lovely, of good report; virtuous and praise worthy (Philippians 4:8),” perhaps drama like this could be avoided. If we spend time remembering the merciful and miraculous things that God has already done in our lives, we can encourage ourselves. If we think about all the marvelous blessings and all the doors that He has already opened; and if we think about how He has always given success accordingly as we trusted Him, our mind will be strengthened. Reminding ourselves of the powerful force the hand of God can be and has always been in the life of His children can embolden us to go forward and pursue our God-given dream with confidence.

When times get tough and distractions and drama comes, pray and concentrate your thoughts on the powerful, omnipresent, omniscient wise and faithful God. Think on His ability to do the impossible in seemingly impossible times. Think about all the times He has done great things in your life and how He gives wisdom and understanding in our times of confusion. Think about how He provided when you were in need. Think about His power, His goodness and His love, and how He has already demonstrated those things in your life. Think on these things!

Thinking on this can transform your mind, which allows the God of peace to be with you, comfort you and encourage you. Think on these things and you will begin to see mountains move and doors open. Think on these things and you will begin to see the drama have a triumphant outcome and His word performed. If God gave you the dream, it will be achieved, despite the drama and despite the distractions. I am decidedly thinking as the Apostle Paul thought; “in all these things, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).” What are you thinking?

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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