Tag Archive: Jesus Christ


Dawn’s Light

Filed under: Creatively Speaking, Focus, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, True Story, Uncategorized, Winning — 4 Comments
June 26, 2015

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

'DAWN' by D.J. Martin

‘DAWN’ by D.J. Martin

Have you noticed that no matter how darkness crowds out the light of day, dawn still comes in the morning? It looks truly dark these days. While there are mad men all over Africa and the Middle East trying to wipe out the name of Jesus Christ from the lips of the people by murderous slaughter, there are delusional leaders in the free world, thinking the people gullible, declaring war and making treaties on climate change. They are like blind men, in the dark, groping for reading glasses or artificial light.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee.” Nehemiah 9:6

We are in a time where the voice of the people overwhelmingly cries out for a return of our nation to righteous God-fearing laws, while the judges hastily declare evil to be right and good to be evil. They do not hear or listen to the voice of God; it’s no wonder that they do not listen to the voice of the people. So the government tries to silence the lips that declare, “The Word of God is true and Jesus is Lord” by passing ungodly laws; declaring that babies should be killed at will and men and women should be allowed to behave even as animals don’t do, and psychologist and counselors are forbidden to try to break the chains that hold perverted minds captive.

Every generation has had challenges that causes the darkness to try to conquer the light. While the children of Abraham were in Egypt, the Pharaoh tried to quench the birth rate of the Israelite by legalizing the late-term abortion of all baby boys. Spiritually speaking, this was the devil’s attempt to squash the promise of God to Abraham. Even so, they still grew in number. Though the time was dark, Moses, the deliverer, was born (Hebrews 11:23). And when he was older, he lead his people from the darkness of oppression and slavery in Egypt to the light of freedom.

King Saul insanely tried to snap out the life of David, because he was jealous and wanted to prevent him from becoming king in his stead. Alas, Saul died at his own hands and David became king anyway (1Samuel 31:4).

Though they captured Samson and blinded his eyes so that he walked in darkness the rest of his imprisoned life and would no longer continuously defeat the Philistines; which was what he was anointed to do. Even so, Samson defeated more Philistines when blind than he ever did when he could see (Judges 16:30).

King Herod tried to prevent the coming of the Messiah by killing baby boys, but Jesus was born and lived anyway. The religious leaders tried to stop the ministry of Jesus Christ. Therefore they tried Him in an illegitimate court and unjustly convicted Him to death on a cross. It was a very dark day; the day He died. Hope faded into darkness for some, on that day. There was no light on the day He died (Mark 15:33–34). Then to prevent any resemblance of His resurrection (for He said He would rise), they placed guards around His tomb, rolled a huge rock to cover the tomb where His body laid and then they sealed the tomb. But, He arose anyway! It was at dawn, in the early light of the morning (Matthew 28:1), that they found the tomb open and the stone rolled away and that Jesus, the Light of the world, was no longer dead. He had risen just as He said He would.

They intimidated the Christians and sent those who uttered the name of Jesus Christ into the darkness; hiding from the Romans for fear they would be crucified also. But there in the upper room, the Light of the Holy Spirit came and the disciples emerged from the darkness and boldly declared the name of Jesus Christ. They were thrown into the darkest of prisons, beaten, beheaded, crucified, ridiculed and exiled; all to silence the lips who called Jesus Christ, “Lord.” Even so, His name continues to be on the lips of people of every tongue and every nation.

I’m thinking that the reason every generation has their days of darkness is because, there is in every generation someone or some government or ruler, who is on the devil’s side (Ephesians 6:12), trying to hide the Light by trying to silence the lips that call the name of Jesus Christ and declare Him Lord. But I’m reminded that the light of the truth of Jesus Christ emerges despite all that darkness tries to do.

John tells us in the book of Revelation that darkness will come with great vengeance and the rulers of darkness, in the last generation, will again ferociously try to silence the lips of those that call the name of Jesus Christ. They will beat, oppress and kill their bodies. They will pass laws to oppress and silence them and chase them into darkness, hiding for fear of persecution and death. But, dawn will come and there will be a removal of darkness and the light of the Son will rule and vanquish the rulers of darkness into a pit (Revelation 21:23). The dead in Christ will rise and the Light of the world will visibly rule forever more.

Jesus put it this way, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man [the Light] coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:29-30).”

How fascinating that God put in place a demonstration of the victorious truth of this spiritual warfare. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).” No matter how dark the night on this pilgrimage, the dawn’s light of day effortlessly comes and consumes the darkness.

Truly, this generation, is witness to darkness, but praise be to God, just as surely as the dawn comes after the darkness of night, we know that the Light ‘cometh’ and conquers the darkness of this world.

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1

  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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What Price Loyalty?

Filed under: Creatively Speaking, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Staying Together, Uncategorized — 10 Comments
April 17, 2014

brazillianChrist2by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Imagine someone who walks and goes with you wherever you go.

Imagine someone who is with you when you’re in a storm

and when you are weeping in front of a burial tomb.

Imagine someone in whom you trust with your money.

Imagine someone who you speak with everyday.

Imagine someone who values your insight and advice.

Imagine someone whom you pray for and with every single day.

Imagine someone who you always invite to go with you to dinner parties.

Imagine someone who is there every time you lead Bible study.

Imagine someone who eagerly does anything you ask them to.

Imagine someone who you love enough to wash their feet.

Imagine someone who sat next to you at your last supper.

Imagine that someone taking 30 pieces of silver to help imprison you.

Imagine that someone going to your favorite praying spot

and betraying you by kissing you on the cheek.

Imagine that someone helping church leaders frame you

and bring you into Federal Court and falsely accuse you.

Imagine that someone hidden in the shadows as he hears you sentenced to death.

Imagine that someone watching you be paraded, bloody, beaten, and bruised

on your way to die on Calvary.

Where is the loyalty? What price for unfaithfulness to a friend? Is 30 pieces of silver a fair price for betrayal of a trust? What is so valuable that betrayal of a friend, spouse or family, whom you profess love, is more profitable than loyalty? Do the disloyal get caught up in momentary pleasure?

What Price Loyalty???

This Judas decided that 30 pieces of silver was indeed not enough to watch his friend die. So he tossed the money away and hung himself (Matthew 27:5). Alas, so much death follows betrayal of a trust.  So much is lost after disloyalty: life, friendship, family, even a nation.

But praise be to God, Christ did not betray His loyalty to God, the Father. Christ never, not once, betrayed His faithfulness to the words the angels said, “Unto you is born… a Savior (Luke 2:11).” Thereby the disloyal and the unfaithful can be redeemed and receive forgiveness (1John 1:9).

Christ did not betray His friends; in that He gave His life for His friends (John 15:13). He died on Calvary for you and me, even before we became His friends.

Wow! That’s loyalty, trust and faithfulness extraordinaire!

Praise be to God, unlike Judas, the betrayer (Matthew 10:4), Christ got up from the grave and is seated on the right hand of the Father making intercession for His friends (Romans 8:34).

But according to 1Thessalonians 4:17 that’s not how the story ends…

“… and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”  Revelations 17:14

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

 

 

 

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The Lion’s Den

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Overcoming, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized, Winning — 12 Comments
February 6, 2014

lion

It is a difficult thing to find a job where everything is like a paradise; everyone agrees that God reigns and Christ is Lord of their lives in every way. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to work in an ‘all pleasant’ atmosphere, even when you work for an evangelical church, because the jealousy demon spirit lingers at every corner.  I would venture to say that most faithful children of God have or will encounter this jealousy spirit as a roaring lion at one time or another.

Paul writes that we were chosen before the foundation of the world for a purpose (Ephesians 1:4-5). God knew us before we were born and has chosen us and compassed us with His favor. The glory of the Lord is all over us. We are a light that blinds the wicked. Wickedness determinedly cannot prevail as long as the servants of God are present.   Furthermore, the purpose of God will be fulfilled, if they don’t stop us (Amos 3:4). But I think that the story of Daniel illustrates our victorious position even in the midst of a Lion’s Den.

Compare your family or your co-workers or your government to the Lion’s Den. What do they have in common? They spread rumors and lies about you with their roaring mouths (Psalm 22:13). They encircle you with their plots against you (Psalm 17:12). They lay in wait ready to devour you (1Peter 5:8) as meat as they conspire against you. They watch your every move, like a lion tracking his prey, to report negatively if you even twitch. They aren’t concerned about your God, they are just jealous of your presence, your favor, your position and your focus on God’s ‘Will and Purpose’ for your life. They are your jealous adversaries who, unwittingly, are in league with the devil. So how do you handle the torment? Jesus said, “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come (Luke 17:1)!” “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Take Daniel for an example. This is a man who worked most of His life for governments who did not know his God. Yet Daniel was highly favored.  In Daniel Chapter 6, we see the ‘green-eyed monster’, jealousy, take an extreme turn. Daniel was faithful and wise and loyal in his position as a president. The scripture says that an excellent spirit was in him (Daniel 6:3 ) and the king wanted to make him head over the whole realm. That meant that he would be promoted over all the presidents and princes. So like a lion stalking his prey, they spied on Daniel, hoping to find a flaw that they could report to the king. But they couldn’t find anything negative to report. Daniel showed up on time to work, he put in his ‘eight hours’ and fulfilled his duties without hesitation (most likely because he worked as unto the Lord); they had no opportunity to pounce. So they stroked the ego of the king and persuaded him to create a 30 day law. They decided to make Daniel’s love for God a crime. So like a pack of roaring lions they went to the king and charmed him into making it unlawful for anyone to petition their God or gods for 30 days; as Daniel had a habit of praying to the excellent God three times a day (Daniel 6:10). The law was that anyone caught would be thrown to the lions.

Well they knew Daniel would continue to pray, because they had watched his every move for days. Like a pack of lions wetting their lips, they hurried to the king and reminded him of the new law. Though angry at himself and the trickery of his princes and presidents, the king had Daniel put into the Lion’s Den (literally). But, look who encouraged Daniel; the king who did not know his God but had observed Daniel and the excellent spirit (God) with him (Daniel 6:16). This king expected impossible results.

He was anxious all night and hurried to the Lion’s Den early the next morning. There at the top of the Lion’s Den, the king called out Daniel’s name and Daniel answered saying, “My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me (Daniel 6:22).” The king had Daniel promptly removed from the Lion’s Den. Then he gathered all those two-legged lions who had plotted against Daniel and ordered they and their families to be tossed into the Lion’s Den where they were utterly destroyed by the four-legged lions. And then the king said of God, which is the moral of the story of you and the Lion’s Den; “He delivered and rescued, and He worked signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, Who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Do you feel like you are a Daniel in a Lion’s Den? If you are a “servant of the living God, [your] God, whom you serve continually, is able to deliver you from the lions (Daniel 6:20)” If you are a faithful servant of God, “…God [will] send His angel, and [will] shut the lions’ mouths and they will not hurt you.

The scripture goes on to say that “this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 6:28).” You may be in a Lion’s Den surrounded by roaring lions, but you are filled with an excellent spirit (the spirit of God). Praise God and give Him glory, because He will shut their mouths, deliver you from the lions and their power and then cause you to have favor and prosper the rest of your days.

Thy God whom thou serve continually, He will deliver thee.  Daniel 6:16

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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Enjoy the Fireworks!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 8 Comments
December 31, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

English: Fireworks on the first day of Summerf...

I hurried to try to make it, before the celebration was over, to hear a great gospel singer. However, when I got there, the singing was over and the fireworks was about to begin. So even though I missed her singing, I stayed around to enjoy the fireworks.

After finding ourselves in an untimely circumstance that appears to not work out the way we had planned, unfortunately we seem to have a habit of abruptly giving up and deciding that help is none existence or this is not the correct path. So we stop our journey and turn around to go home. Even when we are timely and there are no signs that help or the man of significance is not in front of our eyes, we end our pursuit and turn around to go home.

Sometimes it’s because we really don’t know what they look like or how they will be dressed or what stage they are on. Sometimes we aren’t in sync with their timing.

The wicked, however, will pursue their devious plans or the defeat of the righteous no matter how late they are. They most likely will say “We just missed them therefore let’s run faster.” But the religious tend to give up or even deny the existence of hope and victory or even deny the Author of hope and victory.

Just because you didn’t see Him, doesn’t mean that God wasn’t there. He’s omnipresent! We (the religious) will stay around to watch fireworks faster than we will stay around to see how God will come through. But, you won’t know if you stop your journey and turn around . If you decide not to stay around, you’ll miss the evidence of His Power and Glory performed!

Judas was one man who didn’t stick around. I don’t know if he expected Him to break chains and call down warring angels, but Judas was obviously disappointed about the defenseless state of Jesus Christ and His humility in the face of tremendous opposition. It didn’t work out the way Judas had planned. But, those who hung around and held tightly His Words to their bosoms; they saw His power and His Glory; they saw His triumphant and victory!

Whether we hang around or not, whether we decide to not believe in Him and walk away from Him, it will not change the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified for our transgressions and did rise from the grave, and is now sitting on the right hand of God the Father having all power in His Hand, making intercession for us; and soon one day, will come again to receive us to Himself and every knee will bow and every tongue (believers and non-believers) will confess, “Jesus Christ, Lord of Lords and King of Kings!”

I pray that this New Year,

  1. I will not be too quick to give up on the merciful and powerful intervention of God.
  2. I will be more diligent to take the time to actively pursue seeing His power and His glory in every situation to victory.
  3. I will vigorously pursue righteousness and seek a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.
  4. I will chase a thousand and seek God’s kingdom agenda.

I pray that this New Year, all who I come in contact with will have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; and in our walk and our talk we will be quick to confess that Jesus Christ is real and indeed Lord of Lords and King of Kings!

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (KJV)” Psalm 27:14

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

Photo credits:

English: Fireworks on the first day of Summerfest, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Can True Love Wait?

Filed under: Have You Thought About?, Uncategorized — 8 Comments
February 20, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

Late one night I made the mistake of going to a popular Drug Store on the eve of Valentine’s Day. When I got there I decided that there must be a great sale going on because, the parking lot was unusually packed.  I had done my Valentine shopping earlier in the month; therefore, it didn’t dawn on me until I got into the store and saw the long lines; “Valentine’s Day!” The crowd was there to buy Valentine gifts and cards. These were the ‘True Love’ procrastinators.  I turned around and walked out, because it was obvious that I should wait and make my purchase on another day.

Can ‘True Love wait’? Think about it. How thespian it is to see God’s creation running even sprinting to ‘Love’; desperately clinging with emotional tongs to someone (anyone) while musing, “Could this be True Love?” They are not sure, but they will not let go. They will do whatever it requires to keep this ‘True Love’ in their grasp.  The problem is, however, that they don’t resemble the ‘Love’ that movies are made of. Like ‘nickel plated silver’, the ‘Love’ begins to expose its deficiency. The sparkle begins to fizzle. They begin to wonder, how this can be ‘True Love’ when there is no Disney magic; there is very little “happy ever…”  Is this the ‘True Love’ that movies are made of?  Who is directing; who wrote the script? Is it improvised? Has your ‘True Love’ story turned into a nightmarish comedy; absent of humor?

lftChristLuvIn order to make a beautiful compelling ‘True Love’ movie, you’ve got to have outstanding actors.  The problem is that ‘True Love’ is not a movie, but too many desperate idealists have subconsciously blurred the lines between realism and fiction. Therefore they cling to the illusion that they saw the actors perform in the movies. When they face reality they discover that life is not a movie and the ones sticking to the script are really actors who are ‘True Loves’ only until the credits begin to roll. Then they go on to the next movie set. You are simply one of the stars that they were in a movie with.

 Can ‘True Love’ wait? Are you tired of waiting? Perhaps that’s why you are clinging to anyone who is needed to complete your fantasy. Are you so anxious for ‘True Love’ that you have settled; anybody breathing will do? Are you like that ‘State Farm Commercial’ where the woman picked a boyfriend from the internet who claims to be a Parisian model, but obviously is neither French nor a model? If you’re at that stage, perhaps’ True Love’ can wait.

With divorce at epidemic levels; ‘shacking’ as an expected norm; teenage promiscuity spurring the surge of transmitted diseases; infanticide (abortion) as a billion dollar business; and domestic violence alarming frequency; it is evident that there needs to be a curriculum course, at all education levels, on ‘True Love’. However, mankind has so ‘devolved’ that they refuse to teach ‘True Love’ in the public schools. As a matter of fact government actively tries to discourage its very mention in any public arena and the psychologist, divorce lawyers and undertakers are reaping the benefits.  Oh, they will teach about sex education; how to use condoms; and how to tolerate perversion (governmentally sponsored). That’s because educators and government officials are intellectually deficient on the knowledge of what ‘True Love’ really is.

‘True Love’ is when you have disobeyed the One who created you, but that Creator has mercy on you and sacrifices another of His created being to cover you. Adam and Eve didn’t follow the script, but their Author loved them in their weakness.  They didn’t measure up to His standards, but He loved them anyway.

‘True Love’ is when you were given a promise, but though you could not wait and decided to make your own fulfillment of the promise, God loves you anyway. Though your “promise come true” was artificial or fake, God loves you and gives you the promise anyway.

‘True Love’ is when you’ve been an adulterer and/or an idolater, but God loves you so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son to pay the bond for your crimes; for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

‘True Love’ is when you’ve been willingly imprisoned by deadly habits like substance abuse and sexual immorality, but Christ loves you enough to come and break your chains and set you free.

‘True Love’ is when you’ve made bad choices and your sins are like crimson, Christ willingly comes down off His throne to take your sins upon Himself and is beaten, mocked, and crucified to cover you and your sins; past, present and future (“love covers a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

‘True Love’ is though you reject Him and deny Him; Christ is willing to forgive you and sit down to eat with you. He still stands at the door of your heart and invites you to come unto Him and walk with Him (Revelation 3:20).

‘True Love’ is God relentlessly seeking your good and seeking to assure you of eternal life thru Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:16).

‘True Love’ is not a movie nor is it a fairy tale. ‘True Love’ is real and not based upon a man-made script.

‘True Love’ is written by the Holy Spirit on the hearts of all who are willing.

‘True Love’ can be experienced by all who are willing to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

You may not be married or you may have been married 50 plus years, but until you’ve met Jesus Christ; until you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will never know ‘True Love’.

‘True Love’ waits for you…

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us… (NIV)” 1 John 3:16

 “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

“God is love.” 1 John 4:8

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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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 11!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose? — 4 Comments
January 11, 2013

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…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 7!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 3 Comments
January 7, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 4!

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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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