Tag Archive: trust in the LORD


Closer Than Realized

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

DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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Know When to Wait and When to Go

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

by d.j. Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

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

‘Waiting’ by D.J. Martin

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

Wait, I say, on the LORD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

That’s Today’s Single Focus.

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FOREVER LIFE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s Today’s’ Single Focus…

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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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Liar, Thief and Killer!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Hope for a struggling Marriage, Searching For Purpose?, Staying Together, Uncategorized — 4 Comments
March 17, 2013

by DJ Martin (SingleFocus Ministry®)

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.  Job 24:14

These are the days of frequent reports of: uncovered terrorist plots; drug cartel killings; nations warring and killing one another; and government methodically stealing citizens’ rights through unjust laws. There isn’t a neighborhood without some kind of security measure: burglar bars, security systems, security/police patrol or security dogs to protect against thieves who strike at any time day or night. We’ve got deadly domestic violence; endemic divorces; billion dollar baby killing (infanticide) industries; and deadly addictions that put young people behind bars or 6 feet deep, destroying parents’ hope of a great future for their children. That’s the national statistics of ‘steal, kill and destroy’, but there is a more up-close and personal battle that is waging. If we win this battle then hopefully the national statistics should change for the better.

“If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”  1 Corinthians 14:8

Jesus described the adversary (the devil) as a liar, thief, killer and destroyer (John 8:44, John 10:10). The fact is that we are in a personal battle; a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12); and we need to be equipped for the battle.  We also need to know the weapons and battle strategy of our enemy (Ephesians 6:11-17). In order to fight the good fight, we must be able to recognize him when he appears as a “wolf in sheep clothing (Matthew 7:15).”

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

One of the devil’s tactics was first displayed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7). That is the tactic of altering focus from the commitment to obey God. Also, he changes focus from the grace of God’s manifold blessings to the focus on the one thing that we do not possess, but we think we want. Adam and Eve were conned with deceiving words and the same tactic will be tried on the body of Christ, both individually and collectively.

You’ve heard the expression; “all that glitters ain’t gold.” Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean that it is good. Have you ever had a Lexus driver try to sell you a Pacer? Has a stallion rider ever tried to sell you a donkey? If these things are so good then why isn’t the seller investing in it himself? It’s like the President trying to sell you an economy car and He rides in a limousine or a jet plane every day. If it’s all that great, then why is the seller not an owner too?  We must be careful to remember that our lifestyle is a faith walk not an emotional walk. Get back in focus! Don’t let the adversary’s lies steal your joy and destroy your confidence in God’s faithfulness to supply all your needs and not deny you any good thing. Focus on the abundance God has already given you. Delight yourself in Him (Psalm 37:4) and He will give you the desires of your heart and more!

Don’t be deceived! Colossians 2:8

The deceiving spirit will use tactics such as trouble on your job: the boss treating you unfairly; co-workers lying and/or spying on you; etc. You begin to focus on the unfairness of it all: how you should have gotten that promotion or how you can get even; how you can quit… “Danger, Danger!” The deceiver will speak cunning and enticing words to get your concentration on one closed-door while they steal all that you possess in your many open doors. Your focus is being destroyed. You have lost focus on the fact that God supplies all your needs and that you are an ambassador for Christ whose goal is to cause others to seek Christ as their personal Savior.

Don’t lose focus!! (Philippians 3:14)

You may be happy at your job: coworkers are praising you, enticing you; and you are making a lot of money, and the more overtime you work, the more money you can make. Now you are too tired to go to Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting or even too tired to go to Sunday Morning Worship. You are never home in time for family breakfast or dinner; and you don’t make PTA meeting, etc. “Danger, Danger!” Your focus is being destroyed! You have lost focus on the fact that you wanted a good job to provide for your family the way God would have you do in the way God would have you to. Your job is your resource to provide for your family as you do the work God has called you to.

Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

lieKillStealDivorce is rampant. The adversary is killing the family network which eventually leads to ultimate destruction of a nation. Like shooting ducks at an amusement park, men are succumbing to temptation and walking away from wife and children. In Tyler Perry’s movie ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ the marriage counselor announced that she and her husband were divorcing. As they talked with their divorce lawyers, she kept saying over and over “It’s going to be okay. We love each other.” Huh! Isn’t that an oxymoron? There’s got to be a lie in there somewhere! Their close friend commented; “14 years you’ve been with this woman, there’s gotta be something in them 14 years’ that’s worth fighting for!” It’s baffling how we reconcile our differences in order to stay on a job for 30 years despite the difficult issues: awful boss; low wages; and backstabbing co-workers; etc.  We refuse to allow the devil to steal our job, but we give up and allow him to deceive, steal, kill and destroy a family we’ve invested in and committed to for so many years…

God reconciled with us who were wretched sinners unworthy of anyone’s mercy, don’t you think that He can help reconcile differences with your family? Perhaps your focus has been so deceptively altered that you are willingly “throwing the fight.”

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death.           Proverbs 14:12

This is indeed an adulterous generation (Mark 8:38). Recently it was reported that 48% of first births are outside of marriage. Sometimes the parents live together without making wedding vows, but eventually sever the relationship.  I worked with a single lady who constantly complained that her physical clock was running out. She was focused on world standards and not the awesome ability and sovereignty of God. The Christian life is not based on earthly varying ‘politically-correct’ absolutes, but on God’s immutable truth, omniscience and ability to do exceedingly more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Get back to the basics of Bible Study and Prayer so that you are equipped for the battle.  Search the scriptures and see how the adversary consistently attacks and tempts the saints. Be on guard. Pray, and again I say, “PRAY (1 Timothy 5:17)!” Study and pray so that you can discern both good and evil. Remind yourself often of what your focus should be. Remind yourself of the will and work of God (John 4:34). Let God help you fight. Let God exalt you. God is the source of your victory: physically, financially and relational.

Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body … Matthew 10:28

Life is a ‘spiritual battle’ that gets physical. The enemy is so cunning and cleverly deceptive, how can we win this heated battle???

God already made preparation for His own to win. In a Garden, late in the night, while He wept and anguished (sweat like blood upon His brow), they plotted the betrayal, capture and killing of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. As the hour grew near, He momentarily wished that the ‘bitter cup’ be removed (Mark 14:36), but His whole being was about the ‘will of the Father’. He also knew that if He did not go the distance, we would be defeated and we would be perpetually killed and destroyed as the adversary would have stolen our right to receive eternal life and right relationship with the Father and deny us victory. They stole Him away from the Garden and took Him secretly from court to court, falsely accusing Him, and then they stripped Him, ridiculed Him and beat Him, destroying His priestly appearance (Isaiah 53:2). Then they unjustly led Him, bruised and bleeding, up to Golgotha Hill, nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. After He died, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a borrowed tomb. No one is buried in a borrowed tomb, but Jesus Christ was not ordinary, because on the third day angels set upon the stone, which had covered the tomb, and reported to the women disciples that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. Over 500 witnesses saw Him before He ascended into Heaven on a cloud. Now He is seated on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf and ‘ALL’ things are under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). Jesus Christ has the victory waiting to give it to all who would receive it!

Thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Surely Christ would not willingly go through all that agony only to allow us to be defeated and destroyed! There isn’t a sin that He cannot forgive. There isn’t a theft that He cannot recover. There isn’t a death that He cannot resurrect. There isn’t a battle that He cannot win. Whatever you’re going through, Jesus Christ will equip you to win. If you make Him LORD of your life, He will even fight your battle. Read His word. You will find that someone in the Bible has already walked a path like yours and God gave them the victory. He will give you victory also, if you are willing. Trust in God (John 14). As Apostle Paul said, “Put on your armor and then STAND…” (Ephesians 6:13-14).

 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  Jesus Christ (John 10:10)

That’s Today’s Single Focus…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 9!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 4 Comments
January 10, 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…

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 delivertrust 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…

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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 6!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Hope for a struggling Marriage, Searching For Purpose?, Staying Together, Uncategorized — 2 Comments

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…

“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:

  1. A proud look,
  2. a lying tongue,
  3. and hands that shed innocent blood,  Proverbs 6:17        
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans,
  5. Feet that are swift in running to evil,
  6. A false witness who speaks lies,
  7. And one who sows discord among brethren.  Proverbs 6:18-19

“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

  1. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

  1. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall

  1. humble themselves, and
  2. pray, and
  3. seek My face, and
  4. turn from their wicked ways;

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

  1.  Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
  2.  My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Psalm 34:2

  1. In God we boast all the day long,
  2.  and praise His name forever. Psalm 44:8

 [It is] better to

  1. Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] His name.

For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods.              1 Chronicles 16:25

  1. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
  2. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

And whatever you do in word or deed,

  1. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
  2. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17
  3. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  Colossians 3:23

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…

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New Year’s Resolve: Day 5!

Filed under: Focus, Have You Thought About?, Searching For Purpose?, Uncategorized — 5 Comments
January 5, 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…

“…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 16:26idolNew Years5

“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

  1. “Trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8

[It is] better to

  1. “Trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:9
  2.  “Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves.

I am the LORD your God.”  Leviticus 19:4

  1. “Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] His name.

For great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also [is] to be feared above all gods. ”                  1 Chronicles 16:25

  1. “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
  2. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

Every man shall

  1.  “Cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.” Isaiah 31:7
  2. “Turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God” 1 Thessalonians 1:9
  3. “Flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
  4. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”                         1 Corinthians 10:31

“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

  1. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  Colossians 3:2
  2. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”  Colossians 3:5

“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,

  1. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
  2. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Colossians 3:17
  3. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  Colossians 3:23

“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

  1. worship the LORD your God, and
  2. Him only you shall serve. ” Luke 4:8
  3.  “Keep yourselves from idols. Amen. “ 1 John 5:21

“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…

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