Category: Have You Thought About?


by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

‘I have said to you, “You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples.  Leviticus 20:24

And if you [be] Christ‘s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:29

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, Romans 4:20

And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:21

For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.  Hebrews 10:36

And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Hebrews 6:11-12

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

God’s promise of entering His rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.  Hebrews 4:1

For all the promises of God in Him [are] yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.           2 Corinthians 1:20

Imagine yourself, told by your dad, that he has prepared a good and marvelous gift for you, but you will have to rise early prepared to go with him to get it. You and your dad get up early the next morning, but he receives a telephone call just before you get into the car. Therefore, your trip to pick up the gift gets delayed. Then when you and your dad finally leave, a thunderstorm starts and your dad has to drive thru the storm to get to your gift. As you ride with him, you marvel at your dad , because he remains calm driving thru the storm even as it begins to hail and he passes thru traffic and accidents along the way.

When you get there, your dad pulls out a giant umbrella, carries you in his arms, and walks under a long awning into the building, which contains the gift. When you get inside, you see that you and your dad are dry. As you walk towards the door, behind which is your gift, there stands a man who looks like a giant and like your past nightmare. Therefore you turn to your dad and say, “That’s okay dad, I don’t need the gift,” because you fear that the people behind the door might be as frightening as the doorkeeper appears.  No matter how much your dad softly encourages you, you cry hysterically and refuse to go in. He even shows you a picture of the gift though he wanted it to be a surprise. However, you remain steadfast. You will not go in. You will not accept the gift!

That is what happened at the River Jordan in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.  promisesGod persuades Pharaoh to release His people.  Not only does he let them go, but also they are loaded down with riches. Moses leads them to the edge of the promise land and at the command of God, Moses sends out spies to report the depth of the riches of the land, which God was giving them. After God brought them across the Red Sea on dry land and then overflowed their enemies with that same Red Sea, the people acknowledged the richness of the land, but refused to go in for fear of the giants they had seen in Jericho. They reported that it was a great land, but refused the gift! Everyone who refused to go in died in the wilderness.  Joshua however, led the new generation into the promise land. They received so much land that it took several chapters to record it all.  The elder children of God refused to take Jericho and died in the wilderness, but their children did not die in the wilderness and received Jericho plus much much more.

This New Year let us be careful not to refuse the promises of God. I don’t know what He has promised you or what He has desired to give you, but don’t be foolish; take it! Let Him express His love for you in His own perfect way! All through the Bible and testimony of the saints and throughout life, God has demonstrated that its He who gives victory over adversaries, no matter how giant or fierce they seem to be.  Remember that they stand there, like the walls of Jericho, to keep us from taking what God has given us.

That house, car or position you feared to be too much of a challenge for you, pray about it before you refuse it. Whatever it may be, let the Jordan experience be an example.  We should not be hasty to fear the giants more than God and His promises. May we resolve to prayerfully accept the promises and/ or gifts of God and be careful to give Him glory in our testimony.

Have a blessed and victorious New Year! Let the love, favor, grace and mercy of God be experienced each day!

 

 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above”  James 1:17

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of LIFE; and man became a living soul.  Genesis 2:7

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was LIFE; and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

I will praise You; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvelous [are] Your works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, “I [am] the LORD that makes all [things]; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself.” Isaiah 44:24

Thou shalt not kill Deuteronomy 5:17

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:15

Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the LORD. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God. Isaiah 66:9

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, “Before I formed you in the belly I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:4-5

The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me LIFE. Job 33:4

“For the LIFE of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] makes an atonement for the soul.”  Leviticus 17:11

“That you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your LIFE and the length of your days;  Deuteronomy 30:20

For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your LIFE  Deuteronomy 32:47

Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death…”  Numbers 35:31

Who is the man who desires LIFE, and loves many days, that he may see good? Psalm 34:12

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:13

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of LIFE, to turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27

He who follows righteousness and mercy finds LIFE, righteousness, and honor.  Proverbs 21:21

True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long LIFE. Pro 22:4

Thus says the LORD: “Behold, I set before you the way of LIFE and the way of death.  Jeremiah 21:8

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live:  Deuteronomy 30:19

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your LIFE, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Matthew 6:25

The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His LIFE a ransom for many.  Matthew 20:28

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting LIFE. John 3:16

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting LIFE; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting LIFE, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto LIFE. John 5:24

 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of LIFE. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting LIFE. John 6:47

I am that bread of LIFE. John 6:48

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 I give unto them eternal LIFE; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of My hand. John 10:28

Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection, and the LIFE: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Jesus said unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6

And this is LIFE eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3

He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s LIFE does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:23

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to LIFE and peace. Romans 8:6

You know not what [shall be] on tomorrow. For what [is] your LIFE? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. James 4:14

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one (Adam), much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in LIFE through the One, Jesus Christ.)  Romans 5:17

For the law of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:2

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the LIFE which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved LIFEme and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal LIFE      1 Timothy 6:12

He that hath the Son hath LIFE; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not LIFE. 1 John 5:12

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of LIFE, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12

O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul; You have redeemed my LIFE.  Lamentations 3:58

[Seek him] that makes the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night: that called for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] His name: Amos 5:8

“But the cowardly, unbelieving,* abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”  Revelation 21:8

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of LIFE freely.  Revelation 22:17

Jesus came to a well filled with water. He who turned water into wine, set there without a scoop or a bucket to get the water out of the well to drink. There came, at the same hour, one woman with a bucket to fetch the water to drink, but who could not make the water quench her thirst. She had all that she needed to get water, but she had no favor with other women of the town. She had more in her hands than could be seen in the hand of Christ, yet she had no good reputation and no one who truly loved her. She was dressed well and her countenance was not hard on your eyes, however, she spent most of her time at home alone and depressed. She thought a lot about worshipping God, but never went to the temple. This woman knew the protocol: where to get the water; who to speak to; and whom to socialize with; but her only relationships were secret and immoral. She heard about the coming Messiah, but did not recognize Him though she stood face to face with Him.  She was at the well because she always fetched water about this time, but she had no one to share just how thirsty: spiritually and emotionally, she really was. She was an ordinary woman who knew where to go when she was thirsty, but when talking with Jesus she revealed that she really was not all that wise or secure. 

Unfortunately, every Sabbath, we sit beside a fellow parishioner who has all the appearance that they have LIFE and they know what to do when empty.  They dress the part, they talk the talk, they have the tools, but if the truth be told, they have not yet had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.  I don’t know if we expect Him to come in an astronaut suit or only appear surrounded by a host of angels. I don’t know what we expect. Maybe we expect Him to speak only to prophets and pastors, therefore we just live like ordinary people.  We hide in the shadows of the world and live like the world Monday thru Saturday, and change our façade on Sunday. 

If you’re thirsty (I mean really thirsty): spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc.:  the world says; “get a good job, climb the corporate ladder, marry the best looking guy or girl, have 2.5 kids, and go to church every Sabbath and network.” However, until you have a personal relationship with Christ, you will always be thirsty; just like the woman at the well. If you are thirsty, you need to drink.  If you are in the desert; if the plumbing is broke, the water is off, or you can’t pay the bill or buy the water, you will remain thirsty.

Depressed, though you have all that the world says that you need; relationships are always falling apart; and with all that you have, things, wealthy acquaintances, all the power and prestige that anyone could dream of; all the alcohol and/or drugs you can handle; are you still empty? You thirst. The body cannot live long without water. Actually the longer you go without water, the more you might as well start writing your will.

Beloved, there is a fountain, which never runs dry. There is a fountain filled with living water, which will supply whatever you need to quench your thirst eternally; a fountain that has what you need to Live and not die.  ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but the way of which is death.’ You choose.

When the woman realized that she was talking to the Christ, who had living water, which would eternally quench her thirst; she jumped for joy, came out of hiding, and went running to spread the news. Upon giving her testimony an entire town came alive and was saved; all because, she chose LIFE.

You know the story about how Adam sinned and caused death to be our destiny (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God  (Romans 3:23”).  But God so loved us; that He sacrificed His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross so that we might have eternal LIFE. Are you faking it or have you truly accepted Christ as your LORD and Savior? Have you chosen Life or have you chosen death?

Let us resolve, this New Year to repent, turn from our wicked ways, which is choosing death. When given every opportunity to choose between Life and death, I pray that we will choose LIFE.

May God give us LIFE and ‘LIFE more abundant,’ because we choose LIFE

 

 “Choose LIFE…”  Deuteronomy 30:19

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

He said unto them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? Mark 4:40

They feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:41

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

O LORD my God, in You do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and delivertrust me.  Psalm 7:1

Trust in Him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before Him: God [is] a refuge for us.  Psalm 62:8

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  Psalm 56:11

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.  Psalm 91:2

We should not trust in ourselves, but in God, which raises the dead: 2 Corinthians 1:9

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed.  Psalm 37:3

Delight yourself also in the LORD; And He shall give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

 “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people, in mortal men; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.  Psalm 146:3-4

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.  Psalm 146:5-7

The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.  Psalm 146:8

The LORD watches over the strangers; He cares for the orphans and widows, but He frustrates the plans of the wicked.  Psalm 146:9

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. Psalm 18:2

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:3

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them, which hated me: for they were too strong for me Psalm 18:17

He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Psalm 18:48

Commit your way to the LORD; Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  Psalm 37:5

Jesus answering said unto them, “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24

Truly, I know that it doesn’t look like there is any reasonable hope, but there is hope in God. You can approach the doorkeeper who clearly has the keys in his hand; and though he is a good friend of a friend; he cannot open the door.  I know this, because it has happened to me.  People tell you that it is not what you know but whom you know, but unless God says so, whom you know does not help you get a fingernail into the door.  People tell you, “I got your back,” but when the time of reckoning comes, there is only air at your back.  Let’s face it; human beings have the best of intentions, but from time to time, they will let you down. The only certainty is God! He never changes and He is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or think!

Are there those who have come against you and jealously actively pursue your defeat? God is our advocate and He can make our enemies our footstool. All the money in the world can’t guarantee our health or happiness. Let us not be so quick to devise our own plans without first seeking the counsel of God. In all we do and encounter, we should never fail to trust God! It is easier said than done, therefore, we have to consistently pray, read His Word and remind ourselves that He is a present and faithful help in time of trouble.

May we resolve to stop hoping in ineffective friends or perishable things. They can only help, if God allows and /or compels them to. Let us resolve to not panic and lose focus for fear of man and negative circumstances, but put our faith in God. Some say, “ if I had ‘X’ amount of money; “if I had a spouse”; “if we had a child”; “if I had those clothes”; or “if I only knew those people…” All those things can disappear at an instant. Government, people, riches, etc. will let you down.

Let us resolve, this New Year, to not trust in things or people for hope, health, freedom and victory, but Trust in God first instead of after trying all others who failed to help. May we experience the grace, favor, power and mercy of God victoriously moving on our lives as a result of our faith in Him.

 

 “Hope in the LORD from now on and forever..”  Psalm 131:3

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Happy New Year!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

  1.  Obey the voice of the LORD your God,
  2. And observe His commandments and His statutes today.”  Deuteronomy 27:10 
  3. “And return to the LORD your God and 
  4.   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,

  1. Amend your ways and your doings, and
  2. 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

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

“My son,

  1. Keep My words, and
  2. Treasure My commandments.
  3. Keep My commandments, and live, and My law as the apple of your eye.
  4. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
  5. Write them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 7:1-3
  6. “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…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Happy New Year!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:

  1. A proud look,
  2. a lying tongue,
  3. and hands that shed innocent blood,  Proverbs 6:17        
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans,
  5. Feet that are swift in running to evil,
  6. A false witness who speaks lies,
  7. 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

  1. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

  1. 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

  1. humble themselves, and
  2. pray, and
  3. seek My face, and
  4. 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

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

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

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

 [It is] better to

  1. 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

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

And whatever you do in word or deed,

  1. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
  2. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17
  3. 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…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Happy New Year!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 16:26idolNew Years5

“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

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

[It is] better to

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

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

  1. “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

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

Every man shall

  1.  “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
  2. “Turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God” 1 Thessalonians 1:9
  3. “Flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
  4. “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

  1. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  Colossians 3:2
  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,

  1. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
  2. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Colossians 3:17
  3. 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

  1. worship the LORD your God, and
  2. Him only you shall serve. ” Luke 4:8
  3.  “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…

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

In His Own Words:     “… got a gun threat today at Home Depot for speaking bad of Obama

I have always seen in the news or heard of white dems being violent toward opposition as in the acts of kkk,union thugs & other white dems hitting repubs or knocking prolife signs out of Repub hands ! However I met the first heard of Political violent BLACK democrat today at Home Depot in Dallas ,tx ! I told a white & black worker at contractor register counter, that i have friendly debates with sometimes, that i will tell them another day when no customers around why they should not have voted for Obama. They laughed like normal saying” ok bring it on !” Then as i walked off, a black customer heard my low voice & loudly said ” i heard that & i have a gun in the truck i will use on you if you tell them while i am here” I then asked are a Christian ? He said “yes but i know u are not a Christian cause u speak against Obama !” I Then said “i am sure you would not shoot me, if i talked against Jesus Christ but u willing to shoot me for talking about Obama shows everybody listening to us who you really worship your Obama god & would you like me to tell that policeman at the other end of store that u threatened my life ?” He stayed silent as a mouse while many black & white customers clapped & laughed at him looking like a 100% fool ! Then he stormed out of the store & my cashier friend said u forgot your $20 ??? change; he YELLED back ” i got to come back Friday anyway i will get it then !”

Wow…! 

I imagine that Christ wished we had a tiny bit of that passion for Him, His ways and His word!

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them”  Psalm 106:36

“The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken Me.” Deuteronomy 28:20

I think that sometimes we continue in a way that we are not aware of as being sin. However, by the grace of God, one day He causes us to consider our ways. Then He removes the veil from our eyes…and behold, we discover that we have sinned. Believe me I’ve been there (Thank God for His grace!)! We must examine ourselves.

Idolatry comes in all forms. Consider your ways… Is there something or someone you are more passionate about then Jesus Christ (and His word) who was so passionate about His love for us that He died a violent and humiliating death for our redemption? If so, I have no doubt that God is not pleased about that. But, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”

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

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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