Tag Archive: Genesis


Even If You Are The Only One

Filed under: Creatively Speaking, Focus, Uncategorized — Leave a comment
April 16, 2023

by DJ. Martin (Singlefocus ®)

Light In The Darkness

‘LIGHT IN THE NIGHT’ by D.J. MARTIN

Have you heard your child, or you say as a child, “But Mom, everybody is doing it!” Teenagers, of every generation, have the desire to be accepted by their peers. So, to be popular and not shunned, they dress according to the trends and do things their peers do (good or bad). Unfortunately, for some, that kind of craving continues into adulthood, the good or the bad. Thankfully, one day my mom replied, “You are not everybody!” That clicked inside of me. It was a revelation that it was okay to be me. I did not have to be a clone of the best-dressed or most popular. Who I was, and my preferences were fine.

With all that aggressive attempt to fit in and be in step with the custom of your generation, have you ever thought about being the best at being all that is good in you so that others would desire to emulate you? That’s what some celebrated singers are trying to do (more bad than good). Have you ever considered yourself becoming a trendsetter (Romans 12:2)?

You know the murder story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8). Cain went into exile after killing Abel, leaving                  Eve with no son. After one hundred and thirty years, God provided Eve with another son named Seth               (Genesis 4:25). Then, men began to worship God through seven generations. Noah was the product of the seventh generation. At some time, within the five hundred years of Noah’s life, unearthly beings began marrying the daughters of men, creating giants and wicked offspring (Genesis 6:2). The world grew increasingly sinful and caused God to regret that He created man (Genesis 6:6). However, there was one man who found grace in the eyes of God. One man righteous in the entire world. Noah had a wife, three sons, and three daughters-in-law. But the scripture says that only one person found grace, Noah. Noah did not crave popularity from people or beings. Noah did not regard the world’s customs, changing trends, religions, or traditions. He continued the pursuit of God’s good pleasure. Since Noah deliberately chose to be different, God and his family were probably his only company and friends. The wicked didn’t hang around him, and he didn’t socialize with them. Noah was okay with being Noah and not one who imitated the world. In the whole world, Noah was the only one that reverenced God, His will, and His ways. One man (Genesis 6:8)!

Amid the evil going on in the world, Noah continually walked upright before God. The unholy mating produced offspring who carried unrighteous DNA (Genesis 6:4-5). Therefore, God told Noah of His plan to flood the earth, destroy the world and its inhabitants, and start over with him and his family (Genesis 6:13). The mandate He gave Adam He would now give to Noah (Genesis 6:18; 9:1). He told Noah to build an ark that would house his family and the animals as shelter from the flood. So, Noah began to build the boat. Though it had never rained, Noah believed God. As five years went by, ten years went by, Noah kept obeying and honoring God even though it didn’t rain. Certainly, he was ignored and ridiculed but did not waver from his faith and trust in God. I imagine that he didn’t shop at the same shops for clothes. He probably didn’t play the world’s music but sang worship to God. He remained different and faithful in his walk with God. Noah, though it was now hundred years passed, did not compromise nor stop doing the work of the Lord. All indications are that he did not seek reasons to stop building the ark or dismiss saying what God said. I imagine the giants laughed because they believed they were high enough that no mist from the ground or heaven could drown them. Noah never stopped being the one righteous man. He didn’t say, “Oh, this is a nice custom of the world; let me try it.” Years passed, but he didn’t start looking, acting, or talking like the world. He persevered, not as a reflection of the world but of obedience and trust in the living God. Noah never wavered. He was a single light in the darkness of the world. Noah was okay with being Noah in an increasingly wicked world.

There are Christians in the sports world, but they, like Noah, don’t conform to the world. Unfortunately, some Christian athletes do mimic the world. Noah spent hundreds of years in a wicked world, but he did not emulate the world. There are different Christians in the entertainment world, but then there are those who compromise and walk and talk like the world. There are Christians in the world of business or politics, etc. And those Christians are different and deliberately do not blend in with the world culture, morally or ethically (Ephesians 5:1). But then there are Christians who are the spitting image of the world.

These are crucial days of decisions: whether you will pursue the favor of God or the favor of the world, whether you will walk with God or walk with the world. Noah chose the way and favor of the living God (Hebrews 11:7). The world did not, and the world did not survive. The world you pursue more than the pursuit of God will falter and not be able to save you nor desire to save you. God is looking for some Noah’s in every genre; families, government, media, sports, arts and entertainment, religion, business, education, etc., even if you are the only one. (1Peter 2:9)

We know how the story ended. We are a part of that ending. Men live because God found one man righteous in the entire world. Thankfully, there is now more than one man who has found grace in the eyes of God. It is tremendous because the only living God, from the beginning, decided to make the ultimate sacrifice. He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our sins and take the punishment for our sins by shedding His blood on the cross. And whoever confesses and believes in Him and His sacrifice “shall be saved” (Romans 10:9). One man, perfect in all His ways, gave His life so that we might become saved.

Whatever world you are a part of, persevere in the pursuit of the favor of God, even if you are the only one.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

That’s Today’s Single Focus

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True Love Valentine Card

Filed under: Gift Ideas, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, True Story, Uncategorized — 2 Comments
February 14, 2015

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Valentine Card by d.j. martin

Valentine Card by d.j. martin

I don’t know a lot about Valentine’s Day. When it first became a holiday or its origin is a mystery to me. I did investigate the holiday a long time ago. I don’t remember much about what I found. However, I do have sense enough to know that the cupid with its arrow is undoubtedly of pagan origin. The Holy Bible, from Genesis to Revelations, makes no mention of heavenly angelic beings called ‘cupid’.

Though Moses never put it on the Holy calendar and Jesus never commanded that we follow such an edict, I am grateful for the day. Hey, what may have been meant for evil, I’ve seen God transform for good (Genesis 50:20).

On one day of the year, everyone is reminded that they need to take time to tell someone who they love, that they are loved. People get so busy living that they take love ones for granted. Sometimes the love ones need to hear or read the words. Sometimes they need to see that they are not being taken for granted, and need someone to remind them that you’re grateful that they are in your lives. Sometimes they need to know that they are appreciated and special to you.

This day is more than about cupid’s conditional amorous arrow. I like the fact that this day is reminder to take the time to let someone special know they are loved. This day should not pass without you expressing love and appreciation for somebody; be it your mentor, your best friend, your confidant, your parents, your siblings, your children; or your husband or wife. Somebody in everyone’s lives needs to know that they are appreciated and loved, unconditionally.

No, Moses never commanded that there be a feast with unleavened bread shaped like a valentine heart, but he did command that we should “love the LORD God with all our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:5).” Jesus never commanded the disciples to celebrate a day of love, but He did give a commandment about love:

“This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:12).”

Everyone is going around celebrating the love they have for someone, but not many truly know how to love like God knows. God’s love is overwhelming. His love is faithful. He never breaks a promise. God is forgiving and He is a covenant keeper. Not only was it written, but He demonstrated His love toward us in that “He sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him (1John 4:9).” “God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”

You may not get a valentine’s card or flowers on this day, but in no wise does it mean that you are not loved. God has already sent you an everlasting card straight from His heart. He has established His unwavering love for you. His love was written and expressed, even before you were born. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).”

Red is the color God used to express His love: the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed as atonement for my sins. Oh how I love Him! Oh, how He loves me! Oh, how He loves you!

God’s love is written on my heart and He expresses His love to me through His mercy and grace every day. That’s why I have a different attitude about this day.

It’s a good day to abide in the love of God! It’s a good day to let God’s love be written on your heart.

It a good day to think upon how great a love God has for you and me!

“God is love.” 1John 4:8

That’s Today’s’ Single Focus…

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SPITTING IMAGE

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — Leave a comment
October 14, 2014

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

MirrorGirl

People are always saying that I look like my Aunt and they’re always telling my niece that she looks like me when I was here age. We’re frequently commenting that my nephew looks like his daddy when he was his age. One day my nephew mistook a photo of his granddaddy for his dad.

No doubt someone is always remarking that you are the image of your dad or your mother. At one time or another, we’ve all probably been mistaken for someone else by a stranger.

I ran into a woman at the entrance of a bookstore and mistook her for someone I hadn’t seen in months. She looked so much like her, but when I looked a little closer, it became obvious that I didn’t know her at all. On another occasion, I walked up to an older lady in a grocery store and expressed how happy I was to see her. I proceeded to try to remind her where we had met. She worked with a missionary that ran Summer Bible School where my parents had sent us every year. She was instrumental in my acceptance of Christ as my Savior. Before I could continue to tell her that, the lady smiled and said, “You have mistaken me for my sister, I’m her twin.” She was the mirror and truly spitting image of her sister, who had led a room full of kids to Christ.

According to Genesis 1:27 God (Elohim) created Adam and Eve in His own image; “…in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them…God created man, in the likeness of God made He him (Genesis 5:1).” Obviously, according to the scriptures, God told us once and told us twice that Adam was the spitting image of God. Then it goes on to say that Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and Eve bore him “a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth (Genesis 5:3).” So, conclusively, Adam looked like God and Seth looked like Adam.

Then Immanuel (God with us), Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), walked this earth and lived among His creation. He gathered to Himself disciples and chose 12 Apostles to whom He gave power to preach, cast out evil spirits and heal the sick. He proceeded to give them instructions on what to carry and how to behave. Then He said unto them “He that receives you receives Me, and he that receives Me receives Him that sent Me (Matthew 10:40 ).”

Just before Christ was to present Himself as the sacrifice for our sin, He washed the feet of them and said, “If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you (John 13:13, 14, 15). A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you… By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another (John 13:34,35).”

Christ (Immanuel) taught and walked the image of God. He said to Phillip in John 14:9 “He that has seen Me has seen the Father.” In other words Christ was the spitting image of God. Not only that, but Christ, all that time with His disciples, was teaching them, and empowering them so that they might become a spitting image of Himself.

Apostle Paul put it this way in Romans 12: 2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8). For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29).”

Consider your ways and your walk. How diligently do you study His Word and how much do you believe and practice His Word? Every Sabbath you talk a good talk, but your co-workers, Church members, strangers, children, spouse, family, friends and acquaintances; who do they say you are the spitting image of: the world, the devil or the Christ?

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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I’m Talking About Power!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 6 Comments
November 5, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Creation of Adam ( )

In the beginning the earth was a garbage dump; void and dark (Genesis 1:2). It was chaos having no substance and no life. God said, “Let there be…;” and it was (Genesis 1:3). What astounding power! With His word darkness disappeared and light surrounded the earth. At His word waters separated into the heavens and the earth. Not only that, but at His word, the waters separated and contained themselves in the clouds in the heavens and in the crevices in the earth. God merely spoke and whatever He said, “Let there be…” came into fruition (Genesis 1). And get this; He has preserved the earth from destruction (Nehemiah 9:6). The sky has not fallen, birds still fly and flowers still bloom. The moon has not fallen; neither has the sun.  No one can compare to such power!

God said “Let there be…” and the sun and the moon still hang in the sky without wires. No man has to groom the sun or the moon; no man has to devise a plan to keep them from falling or getting too close. Man uses the power from the sun, but no man can contain the power thereof.  Man has been to the moon, but no human being has preceded its existence.  There is no power like the Word of God.

I’m talking about power!

Elijah went to the temple mount and challenged the priest of Baal.  He said, “If the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” So they took two bulls; one for them and one for Elijah; and laid them on wood, but did not put fire under them. The priests called on the name of Baal, their god, from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice, nor any that answered. So they leaped upon the altar and cried loudly, and cut themselves. Into the evening of the day, they did this, but there was neither voice, nor anyone that answered, nor any fire from their god (1 Kings 18:26).

Then Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. He had four barrels, filled with water, poured two and three times on the bull, and on the wood. The water ran all around the altar. Then he filled a trench around it with water; and said, “LORD God, let it be known this day that you are God and that I have done all these things at Your word (1 Kings 18:36).” Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, “The LORD, He is the God; the LORD, He is the God.” Elijah did not cut himself; neither did he have to shout as if God was hard of hearing, asleep or made of stone. He merely spoke as His servant and the power of God was manifested.

I’m talking about power!

God took Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones and said, “…Can these bones live (Ezekiel 37:3)?” Ezekiel replied, “O Lord GOD, You know.” So God told him to speak to the bones and tell them the words God had given him to say. As Ezekiel spoke the words of God, there was a noise, then a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. Then he saw the sinews and the flesh cover the bones, but they had no life, until God told him to speak to the wind. So Ezekiel spoke to the wind the words that God had said and when the power of God had moved; before his very eyes there stood a great army where once were dead men bones (Ezekiel 37:10).

I’m talking about power!

A Roman centurion, a Gentile, sought after Christ to heal his servant. Jesus said “I will go see your servant.” But the centurion said, “I’m an officer, I just send my word and it gets done. Just send Your word (Luke 7:7-8).” Christ praised his faith and sent His word. Then they found the servant alive and well where he had been sick and dying. This man of earthly power understood and had faith in the extraordinary power of the Lord and His Word.

rembrandt_resurection_christ_1639I’m talking about power!

In the middle of the night, they took the Lord Jesus Christ from courtroom to courtroom. They paraded Him before the people, bruised and beaten beyond recognition (Isaiah 53). Then they hung Him on the cross (John 19:16-19), where He died. They placed Him in a borrowed tomb (Matthew 27:60) and the guards rolled a stone over its entrance. “At last,” thought the self-righteous Pharisees, Sadducees and Romans; “Their nuisance was defeated and would trouble them no more.” But when two women came to His burying-place, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. As they were perplexed, they saw two angels who said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5)? He has risen just as He said He would!”

I’m talking about power!

Before Christ ascended into heaven upon a cloud, He was seen by over 500 people (some even sat down and ate with Him (Luke 24:43), and He reiterated the fact that; “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).”

He has all power in His Hands (Matthew 28:18).

I could go on and on… There really are no earthly words to adequately describe the astounding power of our God! There have been countless times, experienced and written about where if it had not been for the power of God…! One day, it won’t be long; God will command the angel to blow a trumpet. Then the dead in Christ will rise and those who remain will be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye and  (1 Corinthians 15:52) caught up in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16), to meet the Lord in the air…

I’m talking about power!

Have you a personal experience that you can share of the power of God intervening in your life?

“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (KJV)” Psalms 62:11

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

Photo credits:

Creation of Adam (Wikipedia)

Rembrandt_Resurection_Christ_1639 (ErgSap)

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