Tag Archive: Grace and Mercy


Closer Than Realized

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized, Winning — 4 Comments
September 13, 2016

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

glasseson-book1Preparing to accompany my dad for a short drive, I watched him turn to the right and then to the left. I saw him go to the kitchen and then back to the den. Then he turned and went down the hallway and returned to the den again. As he stood there, I inquired if he was ready to go. With a puzzled expression on his face he answered, “I was looking for my glasses.” I matter-of-factually replied, “They are on your nose.”

This is an event that is ageless. Everyone has observed or been in a similar situation whether it is sunglasses or readers: looking for the glasses and discover that they are on the head, around the neck or in the hands. Everyone has misplaced something and as they say when you’ve found it, “If it had been a snake it would have bitten you.” It was closer than realized.

Every Sunday morning we go to worship and faithfully assemble in the Sanctuary to seek the face of God and His presence, but during the week, too many of us have misplaced Him and left Him there. It’s as if (in our minds) His place and power is only in that edifice. As we face the battle of life, we think God can’t catch us when we fall unless we’re at the church house, so we come up with our own devices and search for solutions in the world.  Too many of us are satisfied to be victims instead of victors as if ‘victory in Jesus’ is only a praise song we sing on Sunday mornings.

Remember the two walking a seven mile journey back to their home (Luke 24)?  Jesus walked up to them and inquired what it was that they were discussing so intently. Surprised at the question, they told Him all about what had tragically transpired with Christ. Notice that angels did not blow trumpets, nor was there a choir or praise team anywhere around. Jesus merely came along side, and began to explain the truth of the Scriptures and reveal Himself through the words of the prophets. He didn’t wait until they got to the Sanctuary; He walked with them on the road as they made their long journey. Yet, they did not know that it was Him, until He broke the bread at their table. They were very sad, but their sorrow turned to gladness and discouragement turned to hope as He walked, talked, and dined with them. They were perplexed and dismayed, until they realized He had been with them all the time. When they realized who He was, they were so overjoyed that they ran back another seven miles to tell the other disciples that Christ was truly alive and had walked and talked with them. As they reported this, to their surprise, He appeared again to all of them.

Christ is not just in the Sanctuary. He is more than a song we sing or a sermon we hear on a Sunday morning. He is strength and security on a Monday morning. He is encouragement and enlightenment on a Wednesday afternoon. He is rest and refuge on a Friday evening. He is comfort and companion on a long day’s journey. He is truth and triumph, our up close and personal champion.

If Christ is not with you until you get to the Sanctuary, life is a defeated and depressive mystery.  The two travelers were not looking for Him along their journey, because all they knew was that He was crucified and buried after He died; and now the tomb was empty, and they didn’t know where His body was. But suddenly there He was, walking with them, closer than they realized.

Have you misplaced Him in your life? Where are you looking for Christ? Where are you looking for God? Do you get so distracted that you lose sight of Jesus? Do you leave Him at the Sanctuary or in the Sunday-School classroom?

Don’t just place Him as Lord of your Sunday mornings.  If you take time to meditate on His Word and what you’ve been taught, the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of the Scriptures to you. I’m confident that you’ll find that He is closer than you realize. Placing Him as Lord of everyday means that you don’t have to wait until Sunday morning or when you get to heaven to experience freedom and victory.

“Christ with you” is more than a song on Sunday morning!

 

“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  Matthew 28:20

 “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  Hebrews 13:5

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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Know When to Wait and When to Go

Filed under: Creatively Speaking, Focus, Have You Thought About?, Hope for a struggling Marriage, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, Staying Together, Uncategorized, Winning — 8 Comments
April 16, 2016

by d.j. Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

To Wait... To Go by D.J. Martin

‘Waiting’ by D.J. Martin

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Wait, I say, on the LORD.

That’s one of my favorite scriptures, but there is a dilemma. How do you know when to wait and when to go?

Take Moses and the children of Israel. Moses heard he was called to deliver his people and he proceeded to go and murder an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12). It was not time to go. So, when was the time to go? When he was eighty years old, at least forty years later…Then when he got them to the entrance of the promise land, they decided to wait instead of go. They died waiting.

How in the world do you know when it’s time to wait or time to go?

Look at King Saul. The prophet Samuel told him that he would meet Saul at a specific time to make sacrifice and bless them before they went into battle. So Saul waited, but when the time came, Samuel had not arrived. The people began to get restless, making King Saul anxious. He now had a dilemma: whether he should wait or whether he should go. He made the wrong choice. He didn’t wait on Samuel, and his position as king of Israel became very shaky. It was time to wait, not time to go (1Samuel 13).

The time King David was to go with the army into battle, he thought it was time to wait. His poor choice resulted in adultery, murder and death of a baby boy (2Samuel 11). For him, it was time to go, not time to wait.

And then there was the prodigal son. He couldn’t wait for his inheritance. Things didn’t turn out so well (Luke 15:16). He should have waited.

Solomon tells us, in the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, that there’s a time for everything. But he didn’t tell us when… Just how do you know when it’s time to wait and time to go, especially if you are trying to grow your faith in God? ? ?

Four years ago, I decided that it was time to go, but God made it quite clear that it was not the time. I got pressure on every side to go, but God also surrounded me with people who had a word of wisdom. So I changed my mind and waited. I prayed for wisdom while I waited so that I could discern when it was the right time to go. Graciously, He gave me the wisdom and I chose the right time to go.

I think that the time to go or the time to wait is not based on circumstances or time of day, month or year. We at times make poor choices, because we think it is about circumstances and timing, but it must be more than that. It’s about wisdom and discernment. Since God is omnipresent, He can best reveal the wisest time to go or to wait. Thankfully, even though we can’t seem to figure it out and occasionally make the wrong choice, God forgives and re-routes us.

Patience is truly a difficult thing, especially when you don’t know exactly when it’s time to wait or time to go. But as Solomon concluded, the best way to know is to remember our Creator God who righteously judges whether it be good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12). To know when to wait and when to go, seek wisdom from God (James 1:5). I’m a witness that He gives it freely!

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 

 

That’s Today’s Single Focus.

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FOREVER LIFE

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, True Story, Uncategorized — 2 Comments
April 5, 2015

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
Forever LifeFor ages men and women have searched and researched methods to prolong the youthfulness of human beings. Until they find the real ‘Fountain of Youth’, they hire makeup artist and purchase cosmetic Do-It-Yourself kits that give the illusion of youthfulness. They even have cosmetic surgeons that nip and tuck, lift and lower the skin to create and maintain a youthful appearance forever. But God has a plan that money cannot buy.

Since He is the eternal God who has a forever love toward the people He created, He has the solution. It’s a solution that doesn’t have to be camouflaged and is not phony. It is a formula and a recipe which value is immeasurable; no human being or nation has treasures adequate enough to buy. All the gold in the entire world cannot purchase this balm. The largest vault in the entire world cannot contain it; no not even the oceans can hold it. There have already been advertisements about it, but many don’t believe it, because it’s ‘free’. Many don’t believe that it will work, because it is too simple. But God has an ‘organic’ perfectly safe and perfectly free solution. He has the perfect formula to give mankind eternal life. It’s ‘free’; God has already paid the perfect price, because the cost was too high for even the richest person alive to afford.

God sent His only begotten Son to make the purchase which was at a tremendously great price. His Son did not bring, from heaven, silver, gold or precious stone. His Son gave His life. The formula required the blood of a perfect sacrificial lamb. This lamb was Jesus Christ. Anyone, rich or poor, male or female, young or old can acquire eternal life. All they have to do is believe in the Son and His blood sacrifice. All who believe in Jesus Christ and except Him as Savior can have forever/eternal life. To everyone who receives it and believes it, they can have everlasting life; they can live with the forever God forever.

Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. He did not have the blood of a man running through His veins. He was the only begotten Son of the true and living God. He was the perfect sacrifice. Because of God’s great love for mankind, His creation, God gave His Son to make the payment for our sins. Before Christ, life’s end was a certainty, because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Because of the Son’s love for the Father, Christ willingly offered up Himself as the blood sacrifice for the atonement of our sins; thus, assuring the opportunity for all mankind to live forever.

Jesus Christ has already put in the time, blood, sweat and tears and death to make the payment required to ensure your life forever. All you have to do is believe in and accept the gift. If you believe that He has paid the price, you can receive forever life for free.

You don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to receive eternal life. You don’t have to write more books of the Bible; you don’t have to persuade ten men to join the church; and you don’t have to give more money to the preacher. Nothing you can do, buy or sell will give you forever life. Forever life is ‘free’! Christ, alone, has picked up the tab. All you have to do is accept the gift. It is by the blood of Jesus Christ, alone, that forever life is available.

The great thing about the formula for eternal life is that it has been tested and proven. Jesus volunteered to prove its truth. He let people beat Him, nail Him to a cross and keep Him there until He died. Then they laid Him in a tomb and covered it with a great stone. Early one morning one of the women followers met Him near the tomb where they had laid His body. To her amazement and delight, He was alive and well!

He now sits on the right hand of God, ready to give forever life to anyone who desires it. “No Charge!”

All you have to do is believe, ask Him and receive it. I am a witness; it works! Christ is alive; He has risen just like He said He would and He lives forever more!

“I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelations 1:18

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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ASSURING THE PROMISES OF GOD

Filed under: Creatively Speaking, Focus, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized, Winning — 11 Comments
June 12, 2014

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Have you ever headed out to a place you’ve never been before? No doubt the first thing you do is search or ask for directions. I have an invisible lady in my car that will give me directions when I ask. She talks me through the right turns and the left turns to get me to my destination. Sometimes I think I know where I’m going and tune her out. When I miss the turn or make a premature turn, she responds, “You have left the planned route, do you want me to update your route?”  Then she proceeds to get me back to where I made the wrong turn or simply redirects me back to the correct route that leads to my destination.

I recently took a trip to a place where I was promised that I would get wisdom and instruction. I had the invisible lady telling me how to get to where I would receive the promised wisdom, but I kept coming to streets thinking this was a better way to go. Because of that I was constantly being told that I had left the planned route. I was often confused, constantly driving down dead-end streets, but thankfully she mercifully calmly re-planned my route and patiently guided me to the place where I would receive that which I was promised.

The life of the children of God is like that. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to get off the planned route, because we think we know best; we decide to make a stop and make what we think is a more pleasurable detour; we don’t think that it’s a good idea to take that route; we decide to get there in our own way or the way our friends tell us we should; or various other reasons. Like the children of Israel who died in the wilderness, sometimes we go in circles when our destination is right there in plain sight.

We have access to the invisible voice of the Holy Spirit, but often don’t hear or we ignore that voice warning that we have left God’s planned route. So by the time we reach the destination, we are frustrated and have scrapes and dents: probably following those in front or stuck on the wrong path in the middle of a traffic jam of peer pressure and unable to take the off ramp for fear or intimidation. After being lost, when finally arriving at the destination, someone always asks, “Don’t you have a Navigation System?” Well the children of God do have the Holy Spirit, who is ready to route or update the route to the planned destination. But it will be very difficult to reach the destiny, if the voice of the Holy Spirit is not heard or is ignored.

“All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God…”           2Corinthians 1:20

They who are in Christ are heirs and joint heirs of the promises. Because of the sacrificial blood of Christ, all who are in Christ can expect the good promises of God, however not all experience the promises of God (Deuteronomy 29). Sadly, not all reach their planned destiny. Truly God is faithful to all His promises, but you have to stay on the planned route.

So that I can get a general idea of where I’m going, I like to look at the map and study my route first, even though the invisible lady is going to be guiding me. ‘Assuring the Promises of God’ is a self-paced devotional that can help give you a general idea of the invisible Holy Spirit’s directions and planned route to your destination to receive the promises of God.

In this devotional, ‘Assuring the Promises of God’, not only will you discover how oversight of key concerns impact experiencing the promises of God, but you will also see how individual godly character impacts the community, from your personal household to the White House.

The devotional, ‘Assuring the Promises of God’, will encourage and motivate all, whether Single or Married, regardless of age or gender to stay on God’s planned route and pursue the will and purpose of God. If you listen to the Holy Spirit, through His Word, you will reach God’s planned destiny; thereby assuring the promises of God.

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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IMAGE

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 7 Comments
February 1, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

At an appointed time, King Herod put on his royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made a stirring and eloquent speech. The people gave him a great ovation and would not stop shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” And immediately the angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers in Jesus Christ (Act 12:21-24).

This world is so tricky and cunning. As soon as you’re born, your self-worth, value and purpose is challenged. Suddenly you see the light of day and just as suddenly you are surrounded by mercenaries of the ‘adversary’ trying to shape and mold you into the image of the world value system. When you were born, you were cute and sweet, lovable and precious. You were fine just like you were. As you begin to mature you begin to be bombarded with: “If you don’t dress like this, you are not fashion literate and that’s not good”; “If you don’t get your hair done at that shop you’re not in tune with what’s happening”; “If you don’t drive that car you’re killing the planet”; “Everyone has an iPod, you should too”; “If you’re not politically correct you’re a bigot”; “If you don’t drink, smoke, get high or be promiscuous or immoral, you can’t be a friend or achieve success, because everyone who is somebody drinks, smokes, gets high and is a whoremonger.” Unfortunately some of the very talented and gifted people fall in line with that peer pressure and their lives are a total mess! You know, Apostle Paul made a very simple statement, but when you observe the Corinthian life style of the rich and famous, you realize that it is a very profound and prophetic statement; “Don’t give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).” Let’s say you are an aspiring actor or actress and you meet with an agent or a talent scout, but you don’t drink hard liquor. Your agent says, “We will meet in a bar, have a few drinks and discuss the movie project they want you to be a part of.” You go there with the intention of having ginger ale, but your agent tells you that you will have to start drinking hard liquor. Now you’re faced with deciding if getting somewhere in the industry is worth compromising your principles. You say it’s just one drink, but you have just given “place to the devil.” As the years go by, you wake up with a successful acting career, but you’ve so compromised your principles and value system that your life is a mess and the whole world feeds off your moral degradation. All this because one compromise led to more and more demands and compromising your value system…

I’ve got a question for you; did that agent, or director or talent scout or boss give you the talent that you have? Think about it. All they have done is mold you into the image of the world, telling you that “you have to do this in order to get the world to see your talent.” It seriously sounds like prostituting your talent or gift. Really! Note that God declares that He knew you when you were in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). God gave you your gift; but He gave it to you for His good purpose (Ephesians 1:11) and not to be another notch on the world’s belt. If you have observed: notches on a wall or a belt just look like notches… nothing special. However, it looks like graffiti to God (a sinful mess all over your soul). You can act like everything is okay, but you have sold yourself and worth for “30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).” A struggling street musician has more self-worth then you do because every time he gets applauses, every time he sees someone put money into the hat, he gets encouraged and assesses his growing value, and not one of his audiences asks him or compels him to compromise his principles.

Well, that is the sad state of affairs. So how do you get joy and freedom? I suggest that you step back and take a serious look at the trappings and maneuver your way through the entangled worldly maze. I like the way Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13:12) and Michael Jackson put it, “Take a look at the man in the mirror”. If you look, you will see the reflection of how the world has molded you; but if you look at the reflection in the Bible, you will see how God made you. He formed you as a man or woman and He said it was good (Genesis 1:27-31 ) He stitched into your essence a gift or a talent and placed on your imageheart a charge to use that gift to sustain your provisions and to impact others for His glory. Your image, your moral instincts and discernment between right and wrong were God infused into the fabric of your soul, but now your vision is impaired and cloudy; your image is sinfully stained.  Because of His love, grace and mercy, you can be rescued…you can be saved! You can be delivered in a crowded room or in the privacy of your home. All you have to do is confess to God that you have sinned against Him, invite Christ into your heart and confess Jesus Christ, who died on the cross then rose again on the third day, as your LORD and Savior. Then you shall be “changed, freed and delivered.” After this, when you look into the mirror, God will show you just how much He treasures you and how you can use your talent and walk in His purpose without compromise. You think your talent is seen now, just wait until God becomes your agent. The world “ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Those people who have made you a disciple of the world with promises of wealth and fame… Don’t you know that God can take them out faster than a blink of an eye? We really dwell too much on how we appear to man who is subject to God (whether they know it or not). It’s not just the publically immoral, but it’s the average Jane Doe and John Smith (whether they go to church or not) that spend too much time being anxious about how they appear to other people. The One who created heaven and earth with a Word; the One who already declared that He will make a new heaven and earth whenever He pleases; the One who decides whether you live or die; the One who has already promised eternal death for the wicked; that’s the One who you should be concerned about pleasing.

Caution! Don’t be as the rich man who asked what more can he do to assure himself of eternal life. Christ replied, “Sell all you have and give to the poor and follow Me.” The man bowed his head and went away sorrowfully (Matthew 19:21-22). I don’t know how great your acquaintances are, I don’t know your economic status or your influential position, but it is not greater than what God can give or take away. All those ‘things’ will become ashes. The disciples asked Christ, “then who can be saved?” Christ replied, “Anyone who gives up anything to follow Me will get it back a hundred times more.” (Matthew 19:25-29)

I have placed before you a plan of deliverance. Right now, you are a Spiritual ‘Zombie’: dead in your trespasses; and the world you are in is shoveling sand on your body every day. The media has already written your obituary! Christ is giving you a choice: Life or death. You don’t need a scriptwriter or a talent agent to be set FREE. The Holy Spirit breathed the Holy Bible thousands of years ago. Jesus Christ has already given the perfect sacrificial ‘performance of a lifetime’. He gave up position, status and wealth just to write your life story with His own blood, sweat and tears. He was your ‘stand-in’. Jesus Christ died on a cross so that your life story would have a happy ending!

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (NIV).    1 Corinthians 13:12

That’s Today’s Single Focus.

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 4!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Leave a comment
January 4, 2013

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…

“For thus said the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.” Jeremiah 30:5
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” Proverbs 29:25
Howbeit no man spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.        John 7:13
And He said unto them, Why are you so fearful? how is it that you have no faith? Mark 4:40
The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. Proverbs 9:10

After these things the word of the LORD came , saying;
A. Fear not… I [am] your shield, [and] your exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1
The LORD [is] on my side;
B. I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psalm 118:6
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to
C. Speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:14

So that we may
A. Boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and
B. I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrew 13:6

Pray:
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that
A. With all boldness they may speak Your word, Act 4:29
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Act 4:31

“Have I not commanded you?
A. Be strong and of good courage;
B. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
C. Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 1:8

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? Mar 4:40-41

Is there any doubt? Better yet; is there any fear? Daily the wicked and followers of demonic doctrines boldly wave their fist at God; declaring that His word and righteousness is not relevant. Deceivers ridicule and twist Truth and Righteousness without shame. You have governments boldly declaring, at every opportunity, that the Word of God is not expedient for their ungodly agenda. Adultery and Idolatry is the envy of even God’s ‘very elect.’ Be assured that all wicked and wickedness have a destiny of defeat and destruction (Revelation 19:20), because regardless of how the world tries to make it seem otherwise, God is greater than them all. He is God and no one in heaven or earth is greater than He.

God is calling us to start sounding the alarm without fear of man. No doubt, this New Year, many have been called to proclaim the truth of God’s word and His redemptive grace and mercy, but because of the nature of wickedness in high places and the depravity and foolish doctrine of their family, friends and acquaintances, they are fearful to speak the truth. God is calling on us to resolve to be not afraid, but be strong and courageous. He is calling on His children to be bold and speak deliverance to the captive and sight to the blind. Look at the parable of the seeds in Mark 4. Christ tells us that if we sow seeds, thereSowNew Years4 could be a growth in some that might multiply: “the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred (Mark 4:20).” We clearly see what the seeds planted by deceivers and warriors against truth and righteousness has produced; that’s why, since the Resurrection of Christ, the devil has tried to silence the saints of God thru fear; because if you sow seeds, something is going to grow.

May we resolve to not fear men and sow seeds by boldly proclaiming Truth; knowing that God should be feared much more than man. Our trust shall be in Him, our Rock, for He is almighty and powerful; surrounding us with His presence; protecting and shielding us from our enemies.

This New Year, let us resolve to fear God and see “… one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, as the Rock has sold them, and the LORD has shut them up (Deuteronomy 32:30), because we, being filled with the Holy Spirit, courageously use our gifts to speak the word; boldly championing and espousing the truth of Christ and His righteousness relentlessly!

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

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®)

Happy New Year!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

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

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

  1. Do not be quick with your mouth,
  2. Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so
  3. 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,

  1. 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?

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

“That we [from now on]

  1. 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
  2. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: Ephesians 4:15
  3. Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Ephesians  4:22
  4. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians  4:23
  5. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.                        Ephesians 4:24
  6. Wherefore putting away lying,
  7. Speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Ephesians  4:25
  8. Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians  4:27
  9. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians  4:31
  10. 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:

  1. Speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.                  Psalm 145:21
  2. In God we boast all the day long, and praise Thy name for ever. Psalm 44:8
  3. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
  4. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm* of praise. Psalm 47:7
  5. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of His holiness. Psalm 48:1
  6. For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14
  7. 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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New Year’s Resolve: Day 1!

Filed under: Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 2 Comments
December 31, 2012

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

Happy New Year!Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me; Oh, what a sinful nation they are loaded down with a burden of guilt. They are evil people, corrupt children who have rejected the LORD. They have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire; Strangers devour your land in your presence; and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
Stop bringing Me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts Me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting; they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. Your new moons and your appointed feasts I hate: they are a trouble unto Me; I am weary to bear [them].
When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.
A. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
B. Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil;
C. Learn to do good;
D. Seek justice,
E. Rebuke the oppressor;
F. Defend the fatherless;
G. Plead for the widow.”
“Come now, and let us reason together”, saith the LORD: “though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land: But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:1-20

Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt
A. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”                       Matthew 22:37

And when you stand praying,
A. Forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

Jesus said unto them, “My meat is to
A. Do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and
A. Fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
B. 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

Though we face uncertainty and challenges in the New Year, may we resolve to examine ourselves and put away sinful disobedience so that we will do the work that God has called us to and focus on His will & purpose. May this New Year bring ‘Good News’ and experience of the delivering, providing, forgiving, healing and victorious grace, mercy and power of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ!

“Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”   3 John 1:2

That’s Todays’ Single Focus

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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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Tired of being the Punch Line?

Filed under: Uncategorized — 3 Comments
December 31, 2011

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

They say that true life is a comedy…  But, when will we get tired of being the punch line in the devil’s joke?  I mean, he is going around causing all kinds of havoc in relationships and laughing all the way to heaven, telling the joke to God (Job 1:6) and guess what…we’re the punch line of each joke (Job 1:11).  For example: I was idealistic, determined to financially promote the kingdom of God. I got to working overtime, and my ideals became a joke in the devil’s comedy routine.  I forgot the reason and purpose and just worked for the money.  At the end of the year I found out that I supported the government more than myself.  And I can’t say that the kingdom received any financial benefit. The joke wasn’t on me… My selfishness, greed, self-gratification and my lack of trust in God was the story and I was the punch line.

In the beginning God officiated the marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen 2:24). Nowadays some men are telling the ladies, “Lets live together first.”  That’s the fad today.  The world has all kinds of excuses for ‘shacking’ instead of marriage.  You’re led to believe that it is temporary, but how long has it been now?  Have you set the date yet?  Only heaven knows who you could be married to by now… The joke is not on you… It’s your world view; your selfishness; your self-gratification; your lack of trust in God, His love and His will that is the punch line of the devil’s cruel joke.

God said, “be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28).”  Some years ago some people determined to get rid of as many Black American babies as possible through wholesale abortion (genocide).  Teenagers are having premarital sex, abortionists are living in mansions and the teenagers’ adult lives have become shaky, because of possible side effects from abortion: emotional stress, barrenness, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and death… ‘Pro-choice’ marketing helps them to feel comfortable and you can’t watch anything on secular TV without viewing sexually suggestive commercials. Even the kids’ TV sitcoms subtly promote promiscuity. There are other minority groups out numbering Black Americans, because too many are choosing to behave immoral and consequently participate in abortion (there have been approximately 13 million Black American babies aborted since 1973 according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control). There are some church elders recommending abortion and there is government support (Planned Parenthood) paying for it. The joke is not on these young women… It is their naivety, self-centeredness; self-gratification; recklessness; maneuverability; vulnerability; poor self-esteem; disobedience and lack of trust in their parents’ sound advice; and their lack of trust in God, His love and His will that is the punch line in the devil’s cruel comedy routine.

God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Therefore, He has the Bible full of relational wisdom and self-growth counsel from Genesis to Revelation.  However, all kinds of turmoil are being stirred up in marriages: adultery, financial struggles… high stress situations!  Sometimes it is a matter of un-forgiveness; selfishness and pride; and lack of discipline or self-control. It probably could be remedied by giving God sovereignty in your life; studying individually and collectively the word of God and applying it in your relationship. Sometimes couples find themselves in a heated argument about dinner, discipline of children, a new purchase, a relative coming to visit, scrambling the eggs or boiling the eggs… I mean, have you ever stepped back and looked at what you’re arguing about? But then there is always someone who comes along who understands you better than your spouse. Stop! Don’t fall for that! When some person of the opposite sex comes at you when there is conflict in your marriage, that’s a clear sign that you are about to become the punch line in the devil’s comedy routine.  You’re not the joke, but your selfishness and pride (it’s my way or the highway attitude); your unwillingness to forgive (which God requires before He hears our prayers) and/or your self-centeredness (instead of focusing on the will of God) is the punch line in the devil’s cruel comedy routine.

I have too many family, friends and acquaintances whose lives and relationships are the punch lines of the devil’s cruel comedy routine.  Christ made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the price because, it is the will of God that no man parish (2 Peter 3:9).  He extends love, grace and mercy to each of us each and every day.  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25).  That’s seeking the will of God, then sacrificing for her good, forgiving and showing grace and mercy. Wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22).  Christ submitted to God the Father.  It is more than about you and your spouse’s personal preferences. Children are to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1).  We all are to love our neighbor as ourselves. That’s seeking their good and not their harm. It must start with the focus on the sovereignty and will of God.  After His extraordinary sacrifice and obedient submissiveness to God’s will by dying on a cross, Christ arose from the dead in power and victory.  All things are under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:27).  We may be the unsuspecting punch line, but God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). We who are in Christ are victorious in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).  Your life story is written with a happy ever after ending (Romans 8:37).  But, if you are not discerning, you will find yourself continuously being the punch line in the devil’s cruel comedy routine.

Notwithstanding, not all is a result of selfishness, but some is due to wickedness at the hands of evil people who live to prey on the innocent, undiscerning and vulnerable. Victims can be assured that “vengeance is mine” says the Lord (Romans 12:19). The Apostle Paul said that God would eventually make the disobedient believe a lie and He will turn them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28).  You’ve seen adulterous Pastors teach the word, shout and go on like nothing is wrong, because they don’t know that the Spirit has left them.  You’ve witnessed the immoral or addicted sing or play the piano every Sunday Morning.  They spout the word of God eloquently and get all emotional as they sing or play the keyboard, but they have no idea that the Holy Spirit has left them (Judges 16:20), because they continue to live the worldly lifestyle and they haven’t been ‘zapped’ by God.  They have been given over to the devil as a punch line in his cruel comedy routine!

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of being the punch line in the devil’s cruel comedy routine. This new year, let’s resolve to be alert and discerning.  Let’s obediently prioritize and honor our commitment to God and in all our ways acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:6). In every temptation or turmoil, let’s pray for discernment to know whether it is a test from God or a temptation from the devil (James 1:1-15).  Whichever it is, let’s resolve to handle the situation the way God would have us to.  Let’s pray for His guidance and direction; study His word so that we can handle any relationship the way He teaches; and trust Him for the victory (John 16:33)! Let’s put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11); thank Him for the victory by faith; and apply His word at all times. Sometimes you have to go the second mile (Matthew 5:41): forgive (seven times seventy) even when it seems unforgivable (Matthew 18:22); show grace and mercy as Christ has shown to us; love the way Christ loved us (John 14); and focus on the promised victory (Romans 8:37) even though it looks like imminent defeat.  We must resolve to have faith in God and establish that God’s way is better than the writer of Soap Operas; soft porn movies; TV sitcoms; politicians, champions of ungodly causes or doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1).  And finally, let us resolve to no longer allow our selfishness, greed, self-gratification, disregard for the will of God, un-forgiveness, and our pride to become the punch line in the devil’s cruel comedy routine.  In Christ we are victorious and that’s no joke!

 “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, [even] our faith.”1 John 5:4

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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His Backside

Filed under: Uncategorized — 3 Comments
August 29, 2011
Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments...

Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments, painting by Rembrandt (1659) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Moses was born at a time when all Hebrew boys were targeted for full term abortion (Exodus 1:16), but his life was saved.  After three months of his life, he was placed in the water inside a basket and rescued by the princess of Egypt, raised by his birth mother and lived in the palace of Pharaoh (Exodus 2:2-10). Now a grown man, Moses, in defense of one of his fellow Hebrews, killed an Egyptian, but escaped punishment as he fled out of Egypt into the desert.  From living in the palace of Pharaoh to living in the desert, Moses dwelt in the land of Midian as a husband, a father and a shepherd of sheep and goats.  It was there that God revealed Himself to Moses in a burning bush which would not be consumed.  God called Moses to deliver His people from the oppression of Pharaoh in Egypt.  So at 80 years of age, Moses crossed the desert sands into Egypt and gained audience with Pharaoh.  Moses saw the mighty hand of God send plagues of all kinds upon Egypt, but sparing his people from those very plagues.  After Pharaoh finally heeded to God’s request and let His people go, Moses led six hundred thousand of the people (not counting the women and children) away from oppressive Egypt. They were preceded with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, only to find them up against the Red Sea and chased by Pharaoh’s army behind.  Moses saw God open the Red Sea and the people cross that Sea without getting their feet wet, but Pharaoh’s army drowned in that very sea (Exodus 14:28-29).  During their journey, Moses frequently talked with God up close and personal upon Mount Sinai.  Every time he did, Moses returned to the people changed, both spiritually and physically.  Without him saying a word, it was obvious that Moses had been in the presence of God.  However, one day Moses told God that he wanted to see His face.  But God said, “You cannot see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live… And the LORD said, Behold, [there is] a place by me, and you shall stand upon a rock:  And it shall come to pass, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand while I pass by:  I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back parts:  but My face shall not be seen (Exodus 33:20 & 23).”  So as Moses stood in the cleft of the mountain and God passed by, Moses saw His backside.

One morning I knelt to pray. However, every time I started to make supplication and intercession all I could do is give thanks.  Every time I would go to open my mouth in petition I would see where I used to be and where God has brought me to.  Every time I would start to make a request, I would see the trouble I had been thru and see how the hand of God brought me victoriously out.  On this morning, when I called upon His great name, I would remember the times He rescued me, delivered me, my friends and my love ones.  Every time I would start to plead for His mercy and grace all I could do is remember how He showed me mercy and grace on yesterday.  I would remember the times when I didn’t have the money to pay my bills, but God mysteriously would have someone put funds in my mailbox.  I would remember the times when accusations were brought against me, but God compassed me with His favor. I would remember the times I didn’t leave to start a long or short trip at the time I had planned, but along my way, God showed me an accident I missed being involved in, because He is omniscient.  I would remember the times my enemies sought me out to solicit my prayers. I would remember when I had no job, but God provided enough funds to pay my car off.  Then at the right time and the right place God provided employment.  I would remember the times when the Doctors said that I was sick, but God healed me.  I would remember the time I was in a car accident, but God kept me safe.  I started reflecting on His grace and mercy and realized that He is my constant rescuer, my shield and my fortress.  I didn’t realize that all the time God was present until this particular morning that I knelt to pray…

Obviously, I’ve never seen His face nor have I met and talked with God as much as Moses did.  I have not seen the years that Moses saw nor performed such a great rescue mission.  But I’ve seen the evidence of God doing the impossible and I’ve seen His hand of deliverance.  I’ve lived in the embrace of His mercy and grace.  He has shared with me things I couldn’t paint a picture of nor write a description of.  I’ve seen Him blaze a trail for me and cover me under the protection of His wings.  I’ve experienced the evidence of His healing mercy and His saving grace. He has been my faithful provider and constant guide. I’ve seen evidence of His presence and benefitted from His favor.  Even so, there have been times I have experienced His mercy and grace and did not realize that He had been there until I’ve had a quiet moment to reflect on my journey.  It’s then that I see the evidence that God had been there each step of the way and would give Him praise.

Moses stood in the cleft of a rock as God passed by covering his eyes so that all he could see was God’s backside.  How incredible!  For Moses to feel His hand cover his face and then get a glimpse of His backside is extraordinary! As I knelt there, like the one leper who returned to Jesus (Luke 17:15-16), all I could do was give Him thanks!  In the midst of praise I realized that I too have seen His backside.  As He passed by He rescued me, saved me, delivered me, comforted me, provided for me, healed me, guided me, and countless other acts of love, grace and mercy.  As I reflected on each time victory was achieved, there was no doubt that God had been there.  The evidence of His presence: the victory, the overcoming, the deliverance, the healing, and the provision.  It was neither by my might nor power, but by the spirit of the true and living God.  It is all evidence that God passed by and I have seen His backside.  Thank God, it is truly by His overwhelming love, grace and mercy that He passed by.  It is indeed a blessed, grateful and wise person who recognizes the grace and mercy of God in their life.  God has come to my rescue so many times.  I have seen His glory. He has shown me His backside!

Just yesterday I turned the corner in my new car and did not see the car coming at me, yet we both safely continued traveling without having an accident;  I tripped coming out of a store and did not fall nor break an ankle; I paid my bill;  I experienced God’s favor and someone brought me lunch; I talked to my sister who confirmed God’s healing presence in her life; though I experienced some disappointments,  I have this peace that surpasses understanding;  I went to sleep and no one disturbed my rest…

Thank You Jesus! He is still showing me His backside!

“God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

That’s Todays’ Single Focus…

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