UNEXPECTED ON EAGLE
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9
by D.J. Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
Arcade on the Midway D.J. Martin©
While at the State Fair, I found mothers for all seasons on the Midway Arcade. Strolling down the Arcade were five mothers and five different generations. One family on the right exemplifies all seasons. A mother strolls ahead while her daughter pushes a baby carriage and two different generations of toddlers, a boy and a girl, walk alongside while big Sis walks ahead with grandmother.
Another mother reaches out to grab the hand of her little girl as they walk; and the mother ahead of them talks with her teenager. In the foreground is an older mother who is not with her children. She no longer has to hold their hand while walking down the Midway. She gets to stroll down the Midway for her own pleasure.
Now that her children are grown, she gets to stop and browse, and toss a nickel in the bowl. No longer does she really have to push them, hold their hand or say or do things to make them smile. Now that they are all grown up, she can stroll down the Midway and see things that make her smile and laugh out loud.
It’s a good day to remember moms who pushed you in a stroller, held your hand and walked with you through the Midway Arcade. Though there were times you were chastised, most of the time she made you smile.
Today is a good day to remember Mamma and do things that make her smile…
“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD!” Psalm 113:9
That’s Today’s Single Focus…
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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…
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’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…
“…The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21
“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face” Ezekiel 14:3
There they burnt incense in all the high places, as [did] the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger. For they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” 2 Kings 17:11-12
“The LORD shall send upon you cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that you set your hand to do, until you be destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the wickedness of your doings, whereby you have forsaken Me.” Deuteronomy 28:20
“Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.” 2 Kings 17:14
“For after they had slain their children for their idols, on the same day they came into My sanctuary to profane it; and indeed thus they have done in the midst of My house.” Ezekiel 23:39
“For all the gods of the people [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” 1 Chronicles 16:26
“For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5
“They served their idols: which were a snare unto them.” Psalm 106:36
“And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols …: and the land was polluted with blood.” Psalm 106:38
“Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.” Psalm 106:39
“Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” Psalm 115:2-4
[It is] better to
[It is] better to
I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:4
For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods. ” 1 Chronicles 16:25
Every man shall
“If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1
“Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” Colossians 3:6
“And whatever you do in word or deed,
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24
“They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places where they have sinned, and will cleanse them. Then they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:23
“For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God? ” Psalm 18:31
“For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3
“You shall
“For your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. “ Matthew 6:32-33
” I [am] your shield, [and] your exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1
This New Year it is imperative that we examine ourselves. We can easily slip into idolatry when we take our eyes off of Christ, our source, and focus on His resources made available to us at the command and favor of God.
I remember working so much overtime, because of the money, that I lost focus on doing the kingdom work God had called me to do. I was so focussed on the money, that I was too tired to do the work of the Lord. One morning I looked at my W2 and discovered that all my overtime work was paying homage to the government; the harder I worked, the more the government took. My job and the money had become my idol. I didn’t go into it thinking; “I’m no longer trusting in God, I’m going to trust in silver and gold,” I just slipped into idolatry.
Idolatry comes in all forms: people (living or dead), government, leaders, rulers, job, silver, gold, nature, food, rituals, philosophies, animals, race, gender, religion, traditions, sports, carvings, charms, body, habits, immorality, etc. Is there something or someone you are more passionate about or more focussed on than Jesus Christ; who was so passionate about His love for all of us that He died a violent and humiliating death for our redemption? Seriously think about it! Are you depending on the government to feed you, cloth you, heal you? Are you depending on: actors, movies, entertainment, immorality, drugs or alcohol to give you joy? Are you depending on: your job, politicians, your spouse or your children to give you security? Are you depending on: your Pastor, your denomination, your horoscope, your psychic, your tradition or your rituals to give you hope and a future? Are you depending on the work of your hands; are you giving or doing good deeds to receive forgiveness? Are you more passionate about buying a car or a house then about developing your relationship with God? Does someone saying something about your friend, lover or mother offend you more than you take offence if someone says something derogatory about Christ and/or His word?
Someone said (it might have been my pastor) that “ we make time for what we care most about.” I also say, “when you see what someone is most passionate about, you see who or what he worships.” Unfortunately, many have idols in their lives. They think that because they go to Church every Sabbath, they aren’t idolaters, but God sees that we give more time and glory to other things and people than we do Him.
This is serious and demands our serious consideration. God is not pleased about idolatry. We must resolve that, in this New Year, we will consistently analyze ourselves and be careful to flee idolatry, where and when we find ourselves to be idolaters. We should resolve to become more passionate about glorifying God and acknowledge that there is none greater than He. He alone is our saviour. He is God and no one in heaven or earth is greater than He.
May we resolve to be thankful to God and focus on Him as our source for health, joy, security, hope and prosperity. Let us put no other gods before Him. Worship God and Him only, for He is LORD and He provides all that we need! HE IS GOD ALONE!
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” 1 Corinthians 10:14
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
I believe that this is God’s resolve for us. I’ll let Him speak in His own Words…
“Why boasts thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God [endures] continually.
Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, and lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all-devouring words, you deceitful tongue!
God shall likewise destroy thee forever, He shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. The righteous also shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, “Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bolder in their wickedness. But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise You forever, O God, for what You have done. I will trust in Your good name in the presence of Your faithful people.” Psalm 52:1-9
The fear of the LORD is to
A. Hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way; And the perverse mouth I hate.Proverbs 8:13
B. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.Proverbs 21:23
“For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
“Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a snare for him.” Jeremiah 9:8
“Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand [is] stretched out still.” Isaiah 9:17
“Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ” James 3:10
But He answered and said, “It is written,
“Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
“That we [from now on]
” My mouth shall:
“I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be
able to contradict or resist.” Luke 21:15
Indeed we have exited an old year and entered a New Year full of lying tongues from ungodly leadership and their followers to godly leadership and members of their churches. As you see in His word, God is not only concerned with deceitful tongues of leaders, but He is concerned about each person, individually. Christ is concerned about what proceeds out of the mouth of the person. This mighty God is a personal God, concerned about what proceeds out of the mouth of the individual and our personal singular growth. Taking His correction is good for our body and soul. May we resolve to take seriously God’s warning about guarding our tongues. We should pray for discernment, because the wicked is cunning and deceiving. Remember the conversation in the Garden of Eden? The whole earth was served notice that this is the plan of attack: cunning and deceitful words from the devil. Because of his cleaver words they were deceived and believed a lie.
May we resolve to be careful who we hang out with and whose words we hear or we may not only believe a lie, but we will become disciples of liars and repeat their lies, even to our children. Test the words of your acquaintances, your leaders and your lips to see how their words measure up to the word of God. May we resolve to: guard our tongues; to not deceive or slander men; and to not diminish their spirit with our words, but rather use our lips to praise God, speak truth, extend grace and encourage others.
Let our conversation be in love and careful not to grieve the spirit, but speak words of truth, which is His word, glorifying and praising God daily! May this New Year bring to our lives: evidence of Praises to God; ever-increasing appetite for His word; and lordship of Jesus Christ over our tongues.
As we plant seeds of blessings; grace; righteousness and truth with our mouths, may we reap bountifully the same in return (Luke 6:38).
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3
That’s Todays’ Single Focus
by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)
In His Own Words: “… got a gun threat today at Home Depot for speaking bad of Obama“
I have always seen in the news or heard of white dems being violent toward opposition as in the acts of kkk,union thugs & other white dems hitting repubs or knocking prolife signs out of Repub hands ! However I met the first heard of Political violent BLACK democrat today at Home Depot in Dallas ,tx ! I told a white & black worker at contractor register counter, that i have friendly debates with sometimes, that i will tell them another day when no customers around why they should not have voted for Obama. They laughed like normal saying” ok bring it on !” Then as i walked off, a black customer heard my low voice & loudly said ” i heard that & i have a gun in the truck i will use on you if you tell them while i am here” I then asked are a Christian ? He said “yes but i know u are not a Christian cause u speak against Obama !” I Then said “i am sure you would not shoot me, if i talked against Jesus Christ but u willing to shoot me for talking about Obama shows everybody listening to us who you really worship your Obama god & would you like me to tell that policeman at the other end of store that u threatened my life ?” He stayed silent as a mouse while many black & white customers clapped & laughed at him looking like a 100% fool ! Then he stormed out of the store & my cashier friend said u forgot your $20 ??? change; he YELLED back ” i got to come back Friday anyway i will get it then !”
Wow…!
I imagine that Christ wished we had a tiny bit of that passion for Him, His ways and His word!
“And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them” Psalm 106:36
“The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken Me.” Deuteronomy 28:20
I think that sometimes we continue in a way that we are not aware of as being sin. However, by the grace of God, one day He causes us to consider our ways. Then He removes the veil from our eyes…and behold, we discover that we have sinned. Believe me I’ve been there (Thank God for His grace!)! We must examine ourselves.
Idolatry comes in all forms. Consider your ways… Is there something or someone you are more passionate about then Jesus Christ (and His word) who was so passionate about His love for us that He died a violent and humiliating death for our redemption? If so, I have no doubt that God is not pleased about that. But, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” 1 Corinthians 10:14
That’s Todays’ Single Focus…
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SOMETHING HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRAY by D.J. Martin
SingleFocus
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