UNEXPECTED ON EAGLE
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9
DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
How many years have passed since you have been so bitter that you served notice that your son or daughter is not welcome back into your house until they repay a debt or until they come back and help run the family business? Has it been years since you’ve been angry with your children for leaving you to stay with your estranged spouse? How long has it been since you vowed to disinherit them if they married someone you disapproved of and they married them anyway? Have you extended the bitterness toward your estranged grandchildren too?
Everybody that knows you is aware that you are still angry with your children, because you can’t stop talking about it. Just the very mention of their name subjects anyone within the sound of your voice to the verbal prosecution of your children’s’ offense towards you. I don’t know how long you’ve kept the fire of bitterness to your bosom, but I bet it shows up in your human and spiritual shaky relationships, suboptimal business affairs, and perplexing health issues.
You’ve worked very hard to do well in your chosen vocation or occupation. You have a home, transportation and money in your pocket. You have done very well preparing yourself to be in reasonably good financial shape. Though he is talking about agriculture and financial status, I think that Moses gives an excellent command to seriously consider for more prosperity of your health and your soul (3John 1:2).
“But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.” Exodus 23:11
This is a new day. To paraphrase Moses, “It’s time to give it a rest!” Let it go. You’ve been toting that bucket of bitterness too long (Ephesians 4:31). Put your kids back in the will or at least back in good fellowship. No doubt, they are saddened by the separation. Now is a good time to bless the poor in spirit.
Is it difficult for you? Is it hard to apologize or say, “I’m sorry”? Are you having problems forgiving them?
Let God help you to bless the poor in spirit. That’s you and that’s your children. God wants to bless you all. Therefore, I have no doubt that He is willing and able to help you reconcile. He will help you to forgive (Matthew 6:14) and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Just pray and ask Him to help you; if you are sincere, I guarantee that He will.
Now is a good time to turn it over to Christ and let Him heal you of bitterness. It’s a new day; forgive (Luke 17:4) and “let it rest!”
I pray that this is the day that you lay aside bitterness and give it a rest.
“…thou shalt let it rest” Exodus 23:11
That’s Today’s Single Focus
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
How many years have passed since you have been so bitter that you served notice that your son or daughter is not welcome back into your house until they repay a debt or until they come back and help run the family business? Has it been years since you’ve been angry with your children for leaving you to stay with your estranged spouse? How long has it been since you vowed to disinherit them if they married someone you disapproved of and they married them anyway? Have you extended the bitterness toward your estranged grandchildren too?
Everybody that knows you is aware that you are still angry with your children, because you can’t stop talking about it. Just the very mention of their name subjects anyone within the sound of your voice to the verbal prosecution of your children’s’ offense towards you. I don’t know how long you’ve kept the fire of bitterness to your bosom, but I bet it shows up in your human and spiritual shaky relationships, suboptimal business affairs, and perplexing health issues.
This is a New Year. As a matter of fact New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, every seven years. You’ve worked very hard to do well in your chosen vocation or occupation. You have a home, transportation and money in your pocket. You have done very well preparing yourself to be in reasonably good financial shape in this New Year. Though he is talking about agriculture and financial status, I think that Moses gives an excellent command to seriously consider for more prosperity of your health and your soul (3John 1:2).
“But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.” Exodus 23: 11
This New Year is the seventh year. To paraphrase Moses, “It’s time to give it a rest!” Let it go. You’ve been toting that bucket of bitterness too long (Ephesians 4:31). Put your kids back in the will or at least back in good fellowship. No doubt, they are saddened by the separation. Now is a good time to bless the poor in spirit.
Is it difficult for you? Is it hard to apologize or say, “I’m sorry”? Are you having problems forgiving them?
Let God help you to bless the poor in spirit. That’s you and that’s your children. God wants to bless you all. Therefore, I have no doubt that He is willing and able to help you reconcile. He will help you to forgive (Matthew 6:14) and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Just pray and ask Him to help you; if you are sincere, I guarantee that He will.
This is a good year to turn it over to Christ and let Him heal you of bitterness. It’s the seventh year; forgive (Luke 17:4) and “let it rest.”
I pray that this is the year that you lay aside bitterness and give it a rest.
“But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest…” Exodus 23: 11
That’s Today’s Single Focus
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
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,
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)
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I will let Him speak in His own Words…
‘I have said to you, “You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples. Leviticus 20:24
And if you [be] Christ‘s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, Romans 4:20
And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:21
For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
God’s promise of entering His rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. Hebrews 4:1
For all the promises of God in Him [are] yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20
Imagine yourself, told by your dad, that he has prepared a good and marvelous gift for you, but you will have to rise early prepared to go with him to get it. You and your dad get up early the next morning, but he receives a telephone call just before you get into the car. Therefore, your trip to pick up the gift gets delayed. Then when you and your dad finally leave, a thunderstorm starts and your dad has to drive thru the storm to get to your gift. As you ride with him, you marvel at your dad , because he remains calm driving thru the storm even as it begins to hail and he passes thru traffic and accidents along the way.
When you get there, your dad pulls out a giant umbrella, carries you in his arms, and walks under a long awning into the building, which contains the gift. When you get inside, you see that you and your dad are dry. As you walk towards the door, behind which is your gift, there stands a man who looks like a giant and like your past nightmare. Therefore you turn to your dad and say, “That’s okay dad, I don’t need the gift,” because you fear that the people behind the door might be as frightening as the doorkeeper appears. No matter how much your dad softly encourages you, you cry hysterically and refuse to go in. He even shows you a picture of the gift though he wanted it to be a surprise. However, you remain steadfast. You will not go in. You will not accept the gift!
That is what happened at the River Jordan in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. 
God persuades Pharaoh to release His people. Not only does he let them go, but also they are loaded down with riches. Moses leads them to the edge of the promise land and at the command of God, Moses sends out spies to report the depth of the riches of the land, which God was giving them. After God brought them across the Red Sea on dry land and then overflowed their enemies with that same Red Sea, the people acknowledged the richness of the land, but refused to go in for fear of the giants they had seen in Jericho. They reported that it was a great land, but refused the gift! Everyone who refused to go in died in the wilderness. Joshua however, led the new generation into the promise land. They received so much land that it took several chapters to record it all. The elder children of God refused to take Jericho and died in the wilderness, but their children did not die in the wilderness and received Jericho plus much much more.
This New Year let us be careful not to refuse the promises of God. I don’t know what He has promised you or what He has desired to give you, but don’t be foolish; take it! Let Him express His love for you in His own perfect way! All through the Bible and testimony of the saints and throughout life, God has demonstrated that its He who gives victory over adversaries, no matter how giant or fierce they seem to be. Remember that they stand there, like the walls of Jericho, to keep us from taking what God has given us.
That house, car or position you feared to be too much of a challenge for you, pray about it before you refuse it. Whatever it may be, let the Jordan experience be an example. We should not be hasty to fear the giants more than God and His promises. May we resolve to prayerfully accept the promises and/ or gifts of God and be careful to give Him glory in our testimony.
Have a blessed and victorious New Year! Let the love, favor, grace and mercy of God be experienced each day!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” James 1:17
That’s Today’s Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
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 
me 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…
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I will let Him speak in His own Words…
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, or give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”* says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34
from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD; I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
But, if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15
forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6:12
when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:26
“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:3
“And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:4
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:10
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Romans 4:7
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:8
And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ‘s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the un-circumcision of your flesh (your sinful nature was not yet cut away), God has made alive together with Christ, having forgiven you all trespasses Colossians 2:13
I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 1 John 2:12
Have you ever had the occasion to sit down and try to think of ways to get back at someone who offended you? Maybe you’ve had sleepless nights, because all you can think of is how they have hurt you; embarrassed you; offended you; or, as Christ would put it, sinned against you? Have you gone as far as looked for a lawyer so that you can take them for every penny they have? Every time you look at them, do you just want to smack them upside their head? Don’t you just love their gall to grin in your face after stabbing you in the back? It was mean and spiteful, and they think it is funny! They were wrong and that’s the truth! However, God says, “you must forgive them!’
Seriously…? Yes, seriously! You see, when Christ died for your sin, He died for their sins too. Look at what He said in 1 John 1:10; ‘If you say you haven’t sinned, you’re lying (which makes you a sinner).’ The point is that married couples will live with 
one another long enough to offend one another at some time. Some couples hold a grudge right into divorce court and accuse each other of being at fault. Okay, one started it and said the wrong thing or did the wrong thing; then the other retaliated in a way that offended the other; and now it has escalated to “irreconcilable differences.” The fact of the matter is both sinned against each other. Christ teaches us that, if one repents and one forgives, differences can be reconcilable.
You have sleepless nights; you may even have an upset stomach every time you think of or see those who have offended you. That’s really showing them… You’re sick and tired while they merrily go on their way healthy and well rested. Let me let you in on a little secret: they say that ‘you can’t beat God giving’; you can’t ‘beat God avenging’ either! So if you really want to get back at them, forgive them and let God take care of your enemies! Take my word for it: you’ll have the last laugh” You’ll get healthy and some sleep too!
Unfortunately, the prisons, hospitals, and graveyards are overflowing with people who were bitter and wanted revenge. Un-forgiveness will imprison you or kill you!
It’s a New Year! Don’t let bitterness and anger divide, imprison or hospitalize you! It’s time to move on. It’s time to focus on God’s grace and His will to forgive you of your sins. It’s time to stop focusing on enemies and their evil devices so that you can diligently succeed in reaching your goal and fulfilling your dreams! It’s time to be grateful for the forgiving mercy of God towards you. Let us give God thanks and resolve to enlist the help of the Holy Spirit to help us forgive…
May this New Year bring us peace of mind and vibrant health, because when we pray, we are careful to forgive others and receive the forgiveness of God.
“Forgive, and you shall be forgiven” Luke 6:37
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I will let Him speak in His own Words…
He said unto them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? Mark 4:40
They feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:41
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
O LORD my God, in You do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver
me. Psalm 7:1
Trust in Him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before Him: God [is] a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Psalm 56:11
I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Psalm 91:2
We should not trust in ourselves, but in God, which raises the dead: 2 Corinthians 1:9
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Psalm 37:3
Delight yourself also in the LORD; And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people, in mortal men; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. Psalm 146:3-4
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. Psalm 146:5-7
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous. Psalm 146:8
The LORD watches over the strangers; He cares for the orphans and widows, but He frustrates the plans of the wicked. Psalm 146:9
The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. Psalm 18:2
I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:3
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them, which hated me: for they were too strong for me Psalm 18:17
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Psalm 18:48
Commit your way to the LORD; Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Jesus answering said unto them, “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24
Truly, I know that it doesn’t look like there is any reasonable hope, but there is hope in God. You can approach the doorkeeper who clearly has the keys in his hand; and though he is a good friend of a friend; he cannot open the door. I know this, because it has happened to me. People tell you that it is not what you know but whom you know, but unless God says so, whom you know does not help you get a fingernail into the door. People tell you, “I got your back,” but when the time of reckoning comes, there is only air at your back. Let’s face it; human beings have the best of intentions, but from time to time, they will let you down. The only certainty is God! He never changes and He is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or think!
Are there those who have come against you and jealously actively pursue your defeat? God is our advocate and He can make our enemies our footstool. All the money in the world can’t guarantee our health or happiness. Let us not be so quick to devise our own plans without first seeking the counsel of God. In all we do and encounter, we should never fail to trust God! It is easier said than done, therefore, we have to consistently pray, read His Word and remind ourselves that He is a present and faithful help in time of trouble.
May we resolve to stop hoping in ineffective friends or perishable things. They can only help, if God allows and /or compels them to. Let us resolve to not panic and lose focus for fear of man and negative circumstances, but put our faith in God. Some say, “ if I had ‘X’ amount of money; “if I had a spouse”; “if we had a child”; “if I had those clothes”; or “if I only knew those people…” All those things can disappear at an instant. Government, people, riches, etc. will let you down.
Let us resolve, this New Year, to not trust in things or people for hope, health, freedom and victory, but Trust in God first instead of after trying all others who failed to help. May we experience the grace, favor, power and mercy of God victoriously moving on our lives as a result of our faith in Him.
“Hope in the LORD from now on and forever..” Psalm 131:3
That’s Today’s Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I will let Him speak in His own Words…
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8
You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Malachi 3:9
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:11
Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you to live in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts; “Consider your ways! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Thus, says the LORD of hosts; “Consider your ways!” Haggai 1:4-7
“Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze.” Exodus 35:5
“Well, then,” He said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matthew 19:21
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:22
“Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Act 20:35
“This [I say], “he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And do not give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 
2 Corinthians 9:7
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4
“In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” Ephesians 4:28
“She, poor as she is, has given everything she had…” Mark 12:44
At a time when unemployment is high and there is an over abundance of empty houses and standing room only homeless shelters; frequent calls are from bill collectors; the cost of energy and healthcare is rising; and government is taking more in taxes, God has called us to be givers. I know that it seems like an enigma that one who is in need is asked by God to give, but he is. Think about it. If you were a farmer desiring potatoes, you would plant potatoes. However, you can’t stand over the dry ground and pray “Lord give me potatoes!” That’s not faith; that’s a magician’s dream. Faith is when you put some seeds in the ground and pray. By the same token if you need finances, you have to plant money.
Some of you might laugh at this resolve or even get angry, but it’s the law of reaping and sowing. If you don’t sow, you don’t reap. I’ve been in a period where I had no money and no job. I went on interviews after interviews. One day I was challenged to make a vow to be a giver not a blamer. This is what a blamer says; “the preacher is a crook and I’m not going to give him my money”; “I don’t have a job”; “I have bills that I must pay”; “I don’t have a dime”;etc. I was going to a church where the pastor was a crook. I did have bills and I didn’t have a job. Nevertheless, God chose this time to teach me about the law of sowing and reaping. Because I valued my relationship with God, I decided that I would make the vow according to my means. I started giving a quarter and doubling the quarter when I could. Eventually my giving increased, because God began to provide me a resource of income. As a matter of fact, instead of my thumbing thru the ‘want ads’, the jobs started chasing me. It would take a book to tell you my experience of giving my way out of financial deficiency. Believe me, it is more blessed to give than to receive! God can bless you beyond measure.
Pardon me, but I’ve got to shout right now: Hallelujah!
You won’t understand it until you try it. Because of the uncertainties and the economic collapse, I must confess that I have frequently been a blamer, but God by His grace has once again confronted me. Therefore I have repented and promised to remember my vows. I learned that the money is God’s and He decides if, when and how He will give the increase. I vow what the Holy Spirit tells me to give.
Some may be experiencing what Haggai spoke of: eating but still hungry; drinking but still thirsty; putting on clothes but still cold; and working but your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! You might want to “Consider your ways!” Do you give? That is the bottom line. Do you even give to God what is due Him? Do you tithe? Now, some say that since we are New Testament Christians, tithing is not necessary. Okay, by that logic then God is not obligated to give to you… That is a theological argument that those who are financially deprived don’t need to have now. The question is ‘are you willing to accept God’s challenge?’ You have tried everything else. You have tried ‘get rich’ schemes and fads, and lotteries. You probably sent your money to TV evangelists and you are discouraged. How about this, give some time to God in prayer and Bible study, you will reap wisdom and direction. How about giving yourself to Jesus Christ, you will reap an immeasurable relationship.
May we resolve to be givers who give as The LORD instructs. Remember it is not just about money, though the Bible talks a lot about money; it is about what you value and your willingness to sacrifice whatever you treasure. It is about a mindset, relationship, and honoring God with our obedience. In Matthew 25, Christ talked about the people who will depart from His presence, because they did not give. He embraced and rewarded the ones who gave a drink of water; gave the time to visit the sick and imprisoned; gave food to the hungry and clothes to the naked. He talked about this after He told the parables of the talent. God gave the talent so that you could prosper and be able to give to the needy. However, if you do not sow, you cannot be a giver. If you do not use what God has given you, you cannot prosper and be a blessing to others.
Remembering that obedience is better than sacrifice, let us resolve this New Year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be obedient to God and His Word and practice giving more than receiving.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 9:7
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…
This is what I commanded them, saying, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23
“Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.” Jeremiah 7:24
“They and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to Your commandments, Nehemiah 9:16
They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion, they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.” Nehemiah 9:17
“If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the one who reigns over you will continue following the LORD your God. But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you.” 1 Samuel 12:14-15
“But if they do not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 12:17
“If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” Job 36:11
“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: Deuteronomy 11:27
and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” Deuteronomy 11:28
“Until You disciplined me, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.” Psalm 119:67
“Therefore you shall
“Now therefore,
Then the LORD will relent concerning the doom that He has pronounced against you.” Jeremiah 26:13
“My son,
Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23
He who does not love Me does not obey My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” John 14:24
Peter and the other apostles answered and said; “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Act 5:29
Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the LORD, which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.” Jeremiah 38:20
This New Year we should resolve to obey the voice of the Lord. Unfortunately many times we find ourselves obeying the dictates of the ungodly world rather than God. We flock to the countless self-help groups and “How to be successful’ seminars, but how often do we measure their advice against the Word and commandments of the Lord. I don’t know about you, but someone is always approaching me with some scheme to bypass the law. I have no doubt that before the cunning approaches you with their devilish scheme, God has already told you what to do. I can’t tell you how many times after ‘falling on my face’, I have had to say to myself, “ I should have obeyed God instead of listening to that man or that woman.”
Let’s face it, we are Children of Eve. I remember a time when I needed finances. God told me what to do, but somebody told me of another way. Foolishly (failing to discern) I thought it was wisdom. Needless to say their way failed and I had to go back and do things God’s way. Listening to the voices of others and not God, just delayed my victory. I felt like someone had given me a kick in the gut. I finally got tired of that and decided to listen carefully to God and strive to obey His will. There have been times that God has given me clear instructions, but I always had a “better idea,” because the world has always done it my way. My way always led to embarrassing failure. I can’t say that I am completely cured, but I resolve to be more discerning and obey Him and not man. It just saves a lot of time, headaches and heartaches.
I’m a firm believer that God’s way is best. Therefore, let us resolve to obey God without hesitation. If you observe the successful and victorious people written about in the Bible, you see that they all had several things in common: they obeyed God and because they were obedient, God was with them; God exalted them, and He gave them the treasures of their enemies. It’s a good thing to obey God! It could be that you are not experiencing victory because of disobedience. Just because the world has made sin lawful or acceptable, doesn’t mean that His children should participate in sin; like gambling for example. If you fall for living a life of disobedience and not walking in the Word or not obeying the Word of God, then your destiny will be as those who are not followers of Christ. Destruction and defeat will be your meat, and those who obey Him will feast upon the treasures God has taken from you.
What has God told you to do? Why do you hesitate? I know that it isn’t what the world is doing or the way the world is doing it, but the power of the world is limited to what God will allow. The power of God covering His obedient children is limitless.
We have to study His word and talk with Him so that we can be discerning and able to distinguish between His voice and that of the devil or this world. I like the way Jeremiah put it: “Please obey the voice of the Lord” But we cannot if we don’t recognize His voice or His word.
May we resolve this New Year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be obedient to God and His Word. Having resolved to obey God, may we be discerning and experience exceedingly abundant victory, health and well-being, loving relationships and prosperity according to the promises of God. We must allow Christ to be our Lord and diligently seek to be known as His obedient servant.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…
“Behold, I [am] against thee, [O you] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for your day is come, the time [that] I will visit you.” Jeremiah 50:31
“The most proud shall stumble and fall; and no one will raise him up; I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all around him.” Jeremiah 50:32
These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.” Jeremiah 13:15
“Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5
“But if you will not hear it, My soul will weep in secret for your pride; My eyes will weep bitterly And run down with tears, Because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.” Jeremiah 13:17
“The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.” Psalm 10:4
“All that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
“The LORD of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
and He shall lift you up. James 4:10
that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6
“If My people, which are called by My name, shall
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“For you are bought with a price: therefore
The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Psalm 34:2
[It is] better to
For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16:25
And whatever you do in word or deed,
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24
This New Year we should resolve to resist pride and flee from the company of the proud. We must humble ourselves and allow Christ to be our Lord. The gifts and ability we have is all from God. Whatever good we do should be for the glory of God, not for the gratification of our ego. We should be careful not to boast in ourselves or our ability. We ought not to think more highly of ourselves than others. It is God that gives the air that we breathe. He deserves the greater applause.
Some boast in their: riches ; houses; talents; skills; churches; groups; vehicles; wardrobe; education; position or status etc. But we must be ever mindful that God is the source of all that we are and all that we have. He can take it away in an instant, if we continue in pride and do not humble ourselves.
Knowing that God hates pride, we must be careful to not let pride keep us from fellowship with God, our friends and love ones. Sometimes having too much pride to say, “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you” tears a family apart, and divorce lawyers are outpacing the undertakers.
May we resolve to walk in humility, boasting in the Lord, acknowledging and glorifying Him for every good work and accomplishments.
This New year, with the help of the Holy Spirit, may we resolve to pull off pride, humble ourselves, and be careful to give God the honor, glory and praise due Him.We should seek to point all eyes toward God and not on ourselves.
“Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…
“For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.” Jeremiah 4:22
“Forget not My law; but let your heart Keep My commandments:” Proverbs 3:1
For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. “
And He shall direct* your paths.” Proverbs 3:6
Keep sound wisdom and discretion: Proverbs 3:21
“For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright.” Proverbs 3:32
“The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” Proverbs 3:35
“A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.” Proverbs 14:3
“The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
“He that walks with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20
“Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.” Proverbs 19:29
“The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14
Therefore:
“Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore]
And:
“Man shall
“Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
“That we [from now on]
It seems as if the 21st century ushered in a heavy cloud of cunning men who so heavily crafted their words that foolishness and perversion of the Word of God is believed and espoused by many, even those called by His name. Evil men so cleverly disguise their words that it is difficult to distinguish sound doctrine from foolishness. Let us resolve to hide the word of God in our hearts so that we can discern wisdom from foolishness. Let us get wisdom and understanding. May this New Year give us the resolve to seek wisdom from God with all diligence and strength like we pursue riches. Let us resolve to pursue wisdom and understanding as if it were more precious than gold or diamonds, because it is (Proverbs 8:11)!
May this New Year bring: wisdom and understanding so that we will not be the blunt of the devil’s cruel comedy routine and be counted among the wicked and foolish by God.
In this New Year, let us resolve to experience ever-increasing victory because we lean not to our own understanding; in all our ways we acknowledge God; and fervently read His word aggressively seeking “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding (Proverbs 1:2).”
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all [men] liberally, and scolded not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
SOMETHING HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRAY by D.J. Martin
SingleFocus
SingleFocus 