FOCUS

Have Faith In God
By Andrea McKeithan
(c) October 1999

FOCUS: To settle or concentrate on one thing.  Have Faith In GOD

I recently had the opportunity to facilitate a workshop at a local Women's Fellowship where the theme was, "I'm not intimidated because the battle's not mine, but the LORD's." It was truly a blessing and I was honored to have participated. However, try as I might to center the workshop around that particular scripture, the Holy Spirit continuously lead me to FOCUS on Mark 11: 22b, Have Faith In GOD. I said, "Yes LORD, I know and I do, but they're not going to let me teach anymore if YOU change the subject!" HE changed it..isn't that just like GOD?

Although we know that vengeance is mine saith the LORD, we sometimes feel like not only do we have to fight our battles but we've got to fight everybody's and their Grandmother's battles as well. However, GOD is telling us to fight only the good fight of Faith by focusing on HIM.

Focus defined is to settle or concentrate on one thing. Our Father GOD is the object of our affections; HE alone is our strong tower; in whom else can we depend? Amen?

FOCUS. In the midst of it all we have to Focus on HIM.

When we find ourselves in a bind we're to ask our heavenly Father how we got into the bind (if we don't know), what we're to learn while we're there, and how to get out and not go there again. The WORD of GOD says that if any Man lacks wisdom, let him ask and GOD will give him liberally (James 1:5). GOD knows the end from the beginning so let's start there.

SLOTHFUL OR STUDYING?

Slothful: The disinclination to work or exert oneself.

Study: Process of applying the mind so as to acquire knowledge or understanding; critical examination and investigation; to apply oneself.

When attempting to FOCUS, discern whether you have been slothful or studying.

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6: 10-12, KJV.

GOD doesn't want us to be ignorant concerning HIS promises towards us.

GOD wants us to know how HE feels about us and what we are: heirs to by having believed in the LORD JESUS Christ as our personal Savior. But if we are ignorant of HIS word then we can't stand or sit on anything.

We will find ourselves feeling like we are in a fight because we are not FOCUSING!!!!

Mark 11:22 tells us to "Have Faith in GOD."

Jesus then tells us:

"For verily I say to unto you that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire when you pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them." Mark 23,24 KJV

However, if we have not studied what to say to the "mountain" then the mountain won't move. We can't believe GOD for miracles, signs and wonders because we have not studied to know what His perfect will is.

• We're not to be ignorant

• We're not to mystified about everything!

• We're not to be caught off guard all time the time!

• We are to be focused

• We are to Study..

Don't get me wrong. Before I realized that it was GOD fighting my battles, I was in a battle and I felt like Stephen. It actually felt at times as though those commissioned to destroy me were gnashing at me with their teeth. However, the Lord showed me through His word that I had the victory and I was going to make it. However, I had to focus and I had to study.

Study: The Process of applying the mind so as to acquire knowledge or understanding; critical examination and investigation; to apply oneself.

2 Timothy 2:15 says that

We are to study to show ourselves approved, a workman rightly diving the word of truth, need not be ashamed.

In Joshua chapter 1, Moses is dead and the mantle has been passed on to Joshua.  GOD assured Joshua that he would be with him just as he was with Moses.  Joshua only had to do one thing.

(Joshua 1:8)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

GOD told him to keep the word before him because he would need it when he came up against the Cannanites, the Hittites, the Jebusites and the Amorites.  These represented various forms of oppositions to the WAY of God.  God's people were not to conform to the ways of the Cannanites, etc.

• Any of you have some Hittites in your church?

• How about Jebusites on your job?

• Amorites running around calling you Mommy or

• Or what about Cannanites in your BED?????

When Joshua would have to look at what appeared to be real, he would have to remember what GOD had to say about the promise instead of what the situation represented.

We know this book to be the book of Miracles. GOD opened up seas and tore down walls.

But note this!

GOD did not do any miracle by natural or common means. They were supernatural!!

The Israelites were told to walk around the Wall of Jericho seven times and then "SHOUT" and then the walls would come tumbling down.  They did as the Lord commanded and the walls came down.

Joshua could have tried a plan of his own. But he didn't.

He could have modified GOD's instructions, and walked around six times and then shouted!

But what did GOD Say?

Did GOD say:

"I'll pull down that wall of Infidelity?" Or did you decide to listen to your girlfriend and kick him out on the sixth walk around?

Did GOD say prepare the fatted calf because your daughter is coming off drugs and she will stop sleeping around in the Name of JESUS? GOD said, I have a program for her and it's an one step program and it's called JESUS! I'll take that thirst for Drugs from her and she will taste and see that the Lord is good.

Or, did we stop praying just before the promise was manifested?

Were we slothful?

---

UNSTABLE OR UNMOVABLE?

Unstable: Easily upset or unbalanced.Unmovable: Fixed; kept; to stay in position; not able to arouse or stir the emotions of.

Or were we unstable?

Unstable: Easily upset or unbalanced.

God wants to know if we're Focused or unstable?

James 1:8 Says that a doubled minded man is unstable in all his ways!

Are we tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine? Whether it be secular or scriptural?

What do we believe? Who do we believe?

Does that describe us?

Still talking about being FOCUSED.

GOD wants to know whose report are you going to believe? Do we have faith in GOD?

The word says :"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." 1 Peter 4:12

It's not a mystery! GOD said this stuff will come. The devil will challenge you on every inch of ground that you gain!

But the question is: What do we do with it when it comes? Have we studied to know that (IF you were not deliberately being disobedient) all things truly work together for the good of them that Love the Lord and are called according to HIS purpose.

Are we falling apart or are we being Unmovable?

Still talking about being FOCUSED>>>>>>>

Unmovable: Fixed; kept; to stay in position; not able to arouse or stir the emotions of.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says : Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD for you know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.

Know this: if you are saved, resistance is coming.

JESUS said that all who live GODLY will (not maybe) suffer persecution.  See Matthew 5:10-12.

But don't believe the hype!

We have a tendency to believe and listen to people and situations that have credentials rather than listening and believing what God has to say about us or our situation.

JESUS didn't have  two million credentials and titles behind his name.

Col. Sanders didn't let it startle him that somebody else knew how to fry chicken.

GOD uses ordinary people! Just stay FOCUSED!!!!

He used an unwed mother and a carpenter to raise a savior (Jesus).

He used a stuttering murderer to deliver a people out of bondage (Moses).

He'll use the low and abased things of this world to confuse the wise. If that's the criteria then I'm qualified and so are you. Just stay FOCUSED!

Remember: Just like God watches over His Word to perform it, likewise the Devil sends people and stuff our way to help set us up. Amen?

These people and things will make the set up feel real.

But don't go for the hype! Stay FOCUSED!!

The woman with the issue of Blood was focused:  "If I could just touch the hem of his garment, I WILL be HEALED!" (See Matthew 9:21).  It was a battle! A press! However, we go from glory to glory and faith to faith. For twelve long years people told her it was useless! Just live with it! And to that, the LORD is saying, The Devil is a liar! GOD is the GOD of all flesh.

She focused!

GOD is saying: I don't care how many kids you have.  I have a mighty man of valor for you! Consider Rahab (See Joshua chapter 2).

GOD is saying: I don't care how long you've been out of school, "You've got the mind of Christ! GO BACK!

GOD is saying: Don't throw away your man! Just like you, I'm conforming him into MY image!

You'd better pray and work with it, Amen?

Don't throw away your kids! They are a crown on your head. A jewel around your neck. They are a blessing from GOD. GOD doesn't care what the critics say. HE said, "To train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.  Don't wash your hands of your children! That's exactly what the Devil wants you to do. To let him have them. Don't give up!

Be unmovable!

Be focused!!!

Cursed: To be afflicted with; suffer from; to bring evil or injury on.Covenant: A binding and solemn agreement to do a specific thing.

Romans 8:1 says that there is now no condemnation unto them who are in Christ Jesus.

1 Cor 6:11 says that "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our GOD!

We're not cursed, we're blessed! Don't allow people to dig up your past. If someone attempts to do a "I knew you when," then tell them that she's dead and I didn't even go to the funeral! They're unfocused, don't listen to them

And such were some of you!

Refer to it only when you need a memory to be compassionate towards someone else. Otherwise FOCUS!

But now that you're saved, sanctified with the blood of JESUS, then you are in covenant agreement.

JESUS has redeemed us from the curse of the LAW!

We are under grace!  You can't buy covenant with GOD.

You can't earn it. 

Covenant: A binding and solemn agreement to do a specific thing.

A covenant is different from a contract. A contract is an agreement between two or more people to do something.

A covenant is a binding agreement that's enforced as long as one of the parties is still living .

(Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever!)

GOD is in covenant with you and I and we didn't do a thing to earn it.

GOD made a covenant with Abraham that if Abraham allowed GOD to establish his people through he and Sarah then GOD will bless Abraham and his descendents .

Galatians 3:29 tells us that we are Abraham's seed if we are in Christ.

Are you in Christ JESUS?

Are you righteous through Jesus Christ?

So, if GOD owns the cattle on a 1000 hills, then I have access to it according to his will.

If GOD tells Gideon that he doesn't need 3000 men, rather take only 300 then you too can similarly  stand back and see the salvation of the Lord in your situations.

If GOD says....

• "There are twice as many angels fighting for you then the demons against you"

• "I'm not a man that I should lie, nor the son of man that I must repent"

And if God is for you, then who can be against you?

Or let me say it this way:

Since GOD is for me, who cares who is against me?

I'm not being arrogant, but GOD is saying to us

"Stop saying: Well, what if such and such happens?"

The word says that there's enough to be concerned about today, let tomorrow take care of tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).

I'm going to believe GOD.

Let's get FOCUSED!

Still talking about being FOCUSED! Having Faith in GOD!

OFFENDED OR OVERCOMER? Offend: to create resentment, anger, or displeasure; hurt the feelings of; cause to feel displeased.Overcomer: To master, prevail over or to be victorious.

Psalms 119:165 says Great Peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them

The Holy Spirit wrote this because HE knew that we would stumble if we became offended by the fiery darts that come to kill us.

We talked about this earlier but lets talk about it a little more here.

The devil knows what sets us off because he and his demons have been watching us.

What ticks me off may not bother you, but there's something that sends up a red flag for all of us.

For some it's our children. Talk about me, beat me up, but don't touch my kids. Amen?

But for each one of those "Somethings," we can go to GOD and say,

There's a song that says, "HE Meant it for my good" The devil meant it for bad, but I'm so glad, He meant it for my GOOD!

Well, through that experience, which almost wiped me out,

I stopped being so slothful and started to study God's Word because there was nothing else that could comfort me.

GOD took the pain,

sorrow,

neglect,

backbiting (Tell me when I land on your street, Amen),

loss of friends and family,

money,

all of it, and he's making me an....

OVERCOMER

Joseph was an Overcomer. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him. He went from the pit to the prison to the palace. He was an Overcomer and GOD was establishing him to be a blessing for the very people who set him up.

At times, as we go through, we're actually being strengthened to be an anchor for the very people that are used by the devil to hurt us. But we have to choose to overcome and not be offended. When GOD establishes you, no man can bring you down. But we have to stay FOCUSED!

Finally, when we talk about being focused, GOD wants to know if we are in Fear or Faith.

FEAR: A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, dread; terror fright or apprehension.

FAITH: (1)

FEAR: A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, dread; terror fright or apprehension.

I think what upsets GOD more than anything in the FOCUS realm is that we have a tendency to Fear people more than we fear HIM. Amen?

Don't be afraid of people if you're not afraid of GOD.

The psalmist said that the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear (See Psalm 27:1)?

Who do you fear?

Do you remember when the hyenas were making fun of the King Mustafa? And they were saying "OOOOOOh Mustafa!  OOOOOOh Mustafa! Until Mustafa showed up and then they shut up!

And GOD is saying to his Saints: How DARE You be more afraid of the Devil than you are of me!

Remember when you were little and your parents told you

"If you don't get out there and whip Johnny's you know what, then you're going to have to come in the house and fight me?

How many of us chose to go outside and whip up on Johnny?

You would rather deal with a Constrictor coming out of the East instead of dealing with your parents, wouldn't you?

Well, that's the kind of reverence we're to have for GOD!!

GOD wants us to FOCUS on Him, no matter what's going on!.

The Devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. And

Fear is mentioned more than 330 times in the bible. GOD knew it would be a stumbling block for us and that's why He addresses it!

The devil wants to

Steal

your vision and testimony (He wants people to say: "I knew she wasn't no Christian. Look at her cut up!")

GOD has given you business ideas and plans to establish yourselves, but you hyave been in Fear!

He wants to literally kill you with the pain and anguish of this situation (Look, she lost her mind when her mother, father, sister and brother forsook her.  Where is her faith?)

And he wants to

Destroy

any fruit that may remain. (See, I told you she wasn't spiritual! I don't know why you liked her anyway!)

But what did GOD say? When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Psalm 27:10.

GOD wants us to FOCUS and run towards the Roar and face the confrontation, that thing that so easily besets us

Our eldest son is a very mild mannered person. However, when he was on the sidelines waiting to get into the game, he would walk back and forth like a lion and stare at the opposing team. He would roar and jump up and down like a Mandrill. When he positioned himself as middle linebacker on the field, the opposing team would literally move out of his way because they thought he was crazy!

Run towards the Roar! Not away from it!

Talk back to the pain and tell it it has to go, in Jesus' name!

When we get to the old lion, we'll see that he has a great roar but no teeth. Only fear GOD, FOCUS!

Now Faith!

Hebrews 11:1 says that Now faith, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is now! Not future, but now!

When do I forgive? Now!

When do I believe GOD's word? Now!

Faith is Now!

Now Faith. When Faith? Now Faith. When Faith?

When do I believe that my children are doing right? Now, when I pray and Focus

When do I believe that I have favor on my Job? Now, when I focus

When do I believe that my entire family will be saved? Now, when I focus

When do I believe that all my bills are paid and I have money to give, not lend? Now when I focus.

But you may say isn't it true that

• my husband is being mean to me?

• my kids aren't doing right,

• people are talking about me,

• lying on me,

• I can't get no parts of a promotion. Isn't that true?

It may be true but it's not the truth.

What does the Bible say?  God calls those things that aren't as if they were (Romans 4:17)!

Praise GOD: He inhabits the praises of His people.

When the righteous cries out, the LORD hears and HE delivers them.

The word says: Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and his righteousness and all these  things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

The only time you'll receive the Free things of GOD is when you BUY them with Faith!

 We've decided to

Focus

In closing I want to say:

• You're already a winner

• With GOD all things are possible

• You and God are a majority

• We're making a decision to Walk in

Faith

because we are

and we know in whom we believe because we're in

Covenant relationship

with the great I AM. GOD will fight our battles, we just have to be

Unmovable!

And

Study to show ourselves approved. A workman rightly dividing the truth of GOD need not be ashamed.

Do you have any questions or comments about this study?  If so then email Andrea McKeithan and she will answer your questions or address your comments.  Andrea and her husband Ray, has a Christian ministry in operation and they are very good friends of my wife and I.