1. Begin the Day with GOD

If you are going to stay focused on God, you must include the things of God in your daily life.

You’ve probably heard that when something is repeated twice in the Bible it’s something to pay attention to, right? How about something that’s repeated 10 times in just one teaching? That’s how many times Jesus used the word “abide” or “remain” in John 15:1-11!

Jesus said in John 15:4, “Abide in me.”

“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”- John 15:5-7

Another word for abide is to remain. Staying focused on God requires remaining in Him. I know your mornings are rushed, but if you create the discipline to spend the first minutes of your day praising God, reading the Word of God and talking to Him about the day ahead, you will have a greater focus on Him throughout the day.

1st Assignment: Read John 15:1-11 each morning for a week.

Based on John 15, answer the following questions to ask yourself? Reflect on and journal your answers.

• What vine are you attached to? How do you know?

• What kind of fruit are you bearing?

• Can you accept the ‘lifting’ or pruning process?

• Do you abide in Christ?

• What steps can you take to help you obey Jesus by abiding in Him?

2. Remain in Prayer

If you haven’t developed a habit of praying. START TODAY!  

Prayer is more than presenting to God what we need or want. He already knows what we need before we ask. Prayer gives us the opportunity to open up to God what is going on in our hearts and let Him change us. Prayer is powerful because it can change us.

The Apostle Paul makes a simple yet bold command in his first letter to the Thessalonians:

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer is a habit worth developing and isn’t as difficult as you might think. Persistent prayer has a way of altering situations and changing lives.

2nd Assignment:

1. Connect with a prayer partner and establish a morning prayer two days a week for the remainder of Consecration.

2. Develop a prayer list. (Add your prayer list to your journal and share your list with your partner)

3. Join prayer call on Thursdays.

Ways to learn to pray without ceasing: (Add to this list)

• When you see or hear a news report that bothers you, pray for the people and the situation.

• If someone annoys you or tests your patience, silently pray for them.

• When you hear of someone facing some problem, large or small…pray for them.

• Pray every time they heard the sirens of a police car, ambulance or fire truck.

• Pray when you see any police activity.

God wants your heart in prayer.

3. Limit the Distractions

Learn that you have to keep a clear space between God and yourself. You can’t keep your eyes on what you can’t see, physically or spiritually.

In Joshua 3:4, the people of Israel are commanded to keep a distance of 2,000 cubits between themselves and the Ark of the Covenant. That’s about a half a mile and the purpose was so the people would always be able to see the Ark ahead wherever they traveled.

In your spiritual life, when you fill the spaces with all kinds of conveniences and distractions, it becomes very difficult and even impossible sometimes to see where the Lord is leading you.

You can overcome this by limiting the distractions, the busyness, and any lack of discipline by making a conscious effort to keep the Lord in the number one spot in your life.

3rd Assignment:

1. Make a list in your journal of the distractions you need to overcome. How do you plan to overcome them?

4. Serve God

On serving God, Jesus teaches, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

“Mammon” primarily represented money and possessions; it was also used to refer to all kinds of lust.

It’s impossible to be entirely committed to more than one thing. If you try, in time, things will drop off and one thing will take the lead. God doesn’t want to take second seat to anything else you can put in your life.

Serve God with all of your heart and mind. Include your resources like time, energy, talents, and even your money and staying focused on God will naturally follow.

“Only what you do for Christ will last.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

 

4th Assignment:

Attend church services faithfully. Be on time. Attend and participate in Bible on Tuesdays.

5. Remove Sin from your Life

This could have been the first point in the list.

What I mean by this is to remove the habitual, continuous, sinful habits and patterns from your life.

“Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us.” Hebrews 12:1

If there is something, someone, some place, or anything in your life that leads you away from God in any way, or that keeps you out of prayer, away from fellowship with other believers, or that distracts you from reading your Bible, you have one option: remove that thing from your life.

Staying focused on God or growing in your spiritual, prayer, or Christian life in any way with any habitual sin in your life is next to impossible. Kill the sin or it will kill you spiritually, physically, or both. I’ll say that again…

Kill sin or it will kill you spiritually, physically, or both.

NEW ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE UPLOADED ON WEDNESDAYS.

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Fasting Instructions

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1. Pray and seek the Lord for His strength and guidance.

2. Commit to the fast. Don’t quit.

• One meal per day (no beef, pork, fried foods, desserts, candy, ice cream, etc.)

• Drink Restrictions (no soda or other sugary drinks, one serving of coffee per day, DRINK LOTS OF WATER EVERYDAY)

• Try to have your meal before 8 pm. (This may be challenging for people that work late shifts)

• Limit physical and/or social activities restriction. (Shopping, social media, watching television, casual conversations)

• Set time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word.

• Get a prayer/accountability partner to help you sustain your fast.

3. Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers.

 

When you confess your sins and repent, you will be spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” - Acts 3:19 (NIV)

 

4. Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some people should never fast without professional supervision.

 

5. Put Yourself on a Schedule

The first two or three days are usually the hardest.

Morning

• Begin your day in praise and worship.

• Read and meditate on God’s Word, preferably on your knees.

• Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.

• Ask God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country and beyond.

• Pray for His vision for your life and empower you to do His will.

Noon

• Return to prayer and God’s Word.

• Take a short prayer walk.

• Spend time in intercessory prayer for country, government, our troops, nations around the world, members of the body of Christ, unsaved, other vulnerable and underserved groups, those with special needs, etc.

Evening

• Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”

• When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God.

 

6. Break Your Fast Gradually

Don’t rush in. Take your time to break your fast.

 

7. Expect Results from your Fast

Fasting is about sincerely humbling yourself before the Lord. It provides time to repent, pray, seek God’s face and meditate on His Word.

 

The Lord will give you fresh spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually and physically refreshed. You will see answers to your prayers.

 

It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. Try again God will honor you for your faithfulness.

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Week #2 Scripture Readings, Instructions and Assignments (Wednesday - Tuesday)

Focus on God – Faith (Daniel 3:1-30)

FIVE DAYS OF READING, REFLECTION AND ACTIVITY

 

What are your immediate thoughts of the faith, actions, and stance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in this story?

How did their faith in God fuel their decision to trust Him.

In what way did they abide in God?

 

Persuaded (Day 1)

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (Romans 4:20-21).

 

When you read the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, one thing is apparent: they were fully persuaded. Nothing could make them bow to Nebuchadnezzar's statue - no threats, no consequence, no punishment. They were fully persuaded of the promises of God and in their obedience to him (Daniel 3:16-18).

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If life has pushed you too far, it is time to rise up with the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - an attitude where you are fully persuaded.

 

ACTIVITY:

Journal entry -

Define the word persuaded.

Describe a time in your life when you have been fully persuaded.

Describe a time when you have persuaded someone.

Are you fully persuaded that God is faithful? Why?

 

The Pressure (Day 2)

You might expect a fully persuaded attitude would cause breakthrough. Not necessarily. When Nebuchadnezzar heard Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's words of defiance, he did not back down either. He turned up the pressure. Things got even hotter (Daniel 3:19).

Things may be heating up in your life – hardship, physical or mental illness, employment, relationships. You know you are committed to God. You found yourself in a fire you’ve never experienced before. You thought God would save you from the fire. You prayed God would save you from the fire. But it remains.

Don't despair. Because when the devil turns up the heat, God does too.

 

ACTIVITY:

Journal entry the following:

How do you respond to pressure?

 

What does each scripture say to you -

Psalm 118:5-6 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

 

Proverbs 24:10 “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

 

Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

 

The Promise (Day 3)

God isn't going to save you from the fire. He will bring you through it. When you walk through the fire of you shall not be burned. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

Nebuchadnezzar made the fire so hot it killed some of his strongest soldiers (Daniel 3:22). Fire is deadly - for some. But you will not be truly burned. If you are fully persuaded of the promises of God, you will not be destroyed.

You expected the miracle outside the fire. You thought God would save you before things went that far. But for you, the miracle is in the fire.

Like it was for three Hebrews.

 

ACTIVITY:

How do remind yourself of God’s promises when you are in the fire?

 

Read the scriptures below, select two scriptures and recreate them using emojis (you can make up your own). Share with 3 people with the emoji then in text version.

For example: Emoji: ✌🏾🅱🗽  Text: Mark 4:39 “Peace be still.”

 

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

 

Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”

 

Psalm 145:9 “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”

 

John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

 

The Protection (Day 4)

When Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fire, their chains broke, Jesus walked with them, and they did not smell of smoke (Daniel 3:24-27).

When you walk through the fire, chains will break. Satan uses your situation to keep you living a small and contained life. No longer! Chains break in the fire.

According to the promise of Isaiah 43, Jesus will walk with you in the fire. He leaves you with evidence of His presence. Jesus reveals himself in the fire.

 

ACTIVITY:

What evidence do you have that God was with you in the fires of your life?

 

In what ways has God protected you in the fire?

 

What would be the headline of your Fire Story?

 

Scriptures of God’s Protection to reflect on –

 

Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

 

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”

 

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

 

Deuteronomy 31:6  “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

 

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 

Promotion After the Fire (Day 5)

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exited the fire, they received a promotion. King Nebuchadnezzar saw the goodness and favor of God on their lives and promoted them in his worldly kingdom (Daniel 3:30).

The fire is a great test, but on the other side you will see promotion. You will experience spiritual promotion, for fire always refines. You may experience physical promotion and recognize the goodness of God through your faith.

Take heart. What God did for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, He will do and has done for us. Be fully persuaded. Believe the promise, so when the pressure increases, you receive protection and ultimately promotion.

Don't give up. Your miracle is in the fire. Have Faith. Keep your Focus on Him. He will deliver you.

 

ACTIVITY:

Write out your testimony of promotion.  

 

In what areas of your life did you receive promotion?

 

How have you used your promotion to glorify God?

 

Psalms 75:6-7 The Passion Translation (TPT)
“This I know: the favor that brings promotion and power doesn't come from anywhere on earth, for no one exalts a person but God, the true judge of all. He alone determines where favor rests. He anoints one for greatness and brings another down to his knees.”

Week #3 Deliverance from Fear . . . FOCUS ON GOD

FIVE DAYS OF READING, REFLECTION AND ACTIVITY

Day 1 Read 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. - KJV

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. – GNT

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. - ASV

We all struggle with fear at some point in our lives. Sometimes it’s hard to explain where anxiety comes from, but as children of God, we know that the enemy is the one who instills fear in us so that he can steal, kill and destroy.

Understand that we can’t get rid of fear from our lives. We just learn how to rise above it, and that is why the Bible has given us a “do not fear” for every single day of the year. Another critical thing to note is that you cannot talk yourself out of fear. Saying I will not fear does not make the fear go away. But when you focus on God and understand that He loves you so much, and He’s protecting you, you’ll be able to overcome fear with faith.

Yes, fear will still come, but you’ll be able to stand firm. And fight against it with faith because you know your rights as a child of God. You will stand firm in the promises of God because you know that He has not given you the spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7

ACTIVITY:

Journal Entry -

1. Meditate on the scripture. Read it aloud and memorize it.

2. List some of the fears you had as a child, teenager, young adult and now.  How did

3. How did you overcome those fear?

4. What are the three things God has given us instead of fear according to 2 Timothy 1:7?

5. Focus on the goodness of God while you are meditating on this scripture.

Have you let fear change your focus? Have you let fear cause you to miss out on serving God the way you were called?

If so, keep your eyes on Christ. See everything through a Jesus lens and put your trust in Him, not in your troubles. Serve Him as you are called to do, without fearing the people around you.

Day 2.  Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – KJV

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – NLT

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” - MSG

Fear not - This is both a command and a promise. In this text, Israel is commanded to fear not. Fear, worry, and anxiety are often sin. God chose us and loves and God tells us fear not, we must take it seriously! And there are also promises in not fearing, because the LORD tells us –

1. I am with you. What more do we need? “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

   1. We are prone to fear and discouragement we are when we are alone. But we are never alone because God has declared, fear not, for I am with you.

2. Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

   1. Dismayed means feeling distress or anxiety, typically at something unexpected. It also means to look around in terror. God is speaking with tenderness here, telling us not to look around as one might do in danger or in a state of alarm.

   2. God is saying to us, “Remember Me? . . . The God of all power and glory? . . .  I’m that One. . .  I am your God.” When people forget the greatness of God, they easily become dismayed. But God says, be not dismayed, for I am your God.

3. I will strengthen you - God is the source of strength.  The only way to access God’s strength is in weakness and in total dependence upon Him.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” – Psalm 46:1-3

1. I will help you - God’s love makes him say “I will help you”

2. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

The right-hand of God refers to giving help/strength where needed. “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; your right hand has held me up, your gentleness has made me great.” - Psalm 18:35

ACTIVITY

Journal Entry – How does the following resonate with you? How do these promises make you feel?

• I am with you

• I am thy God

• I will strengthen you

• I will help you

• I will uphold you with my right arm

Day 3 Read Mark 4:35-41

35And on that day, when even was come, he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side. 36And leaving the multitude, they take him with them, even as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him. 37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling. 38And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, don’t you care that we perish? 39And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions: (Write the questions and the answers in your journal.)

1. How could Jesus sleep during this?

2. What does this passage teach us about Jesus?

3. What does this passage teach us about the disciples?

4. If you were a disciple, what might you have done in that situation?

5. What should they have done?

6. What should you do when you face similar “scary” situations? Is Jesus any less able to help you than He was the disciples there?

7. How did the disciples respond to Jesus’ miracle?

 

Day 4 READ Psalm 91 in its entirety.

Focus on God’s faithfulness, and the assurance given to those who trust in Him.

ACTIVITY:

Journal entry - What is your favorite verse(s) and why?

 

Day 5 Read the following scriptures –

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”-Psalm 56:3

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:6-7

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”-Psalm 23:4

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”-1 Peter 5:7

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”-Proverbs 29:25

“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?”-Psalm 27:1

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” -Psalm 34:4

ACTIVITY:

Pick three scriptures from above and write a note to God what the scripture/promise means to you.

 

Focus on God

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

​Week #4 FOCUS ON GOD – Benefits

FIVE DAYS OF READING, REFLECTION AND ACTIVITY

If we are keeping it real, focusing on God can sometimes be a challenge. The world calls for our attention in so many different ways and we feel pulled in so many ways. Learning how to focus on God and not the world is a big part of the Christian life, but sometimes we also need to remind ourselves of why it matters if our focus is on God.

God is the God of glory. He deserves all of our praise and all of our focus. As Christians, we have been redeemed by the creator of the universe, who loved us and made a way for us despite our sin, not acknowledging Him as such. Why would we not want to focus our attention on God?

Focusing on God takes daily discipline, but it's not only something that is owed to God, but it also brings great reward to the believer who's mind is stayed on God. Keep reading to learn why we should focus on God.

What are the benefits of focusing on God? Why does it matter if we focus on God? Learn why you should focus on God today!

Day 1

Focus on God helps us REJECT SIN

Romans 6:12-14

“Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Romans 8:12-13

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Hebrews 4:15-16

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Sin is difficult to overcome sometimes, but when we focus on God (instead of ourselves, our sins, or our circumstances) it makes rejecting sin a bit easier. Focusing on God and the truth of his word helps us reject the lies of Satan and the temptations of sin. When our mind is stayed on God, we can recognize and evade the temptations of the evil one (through God's help).

ACTIVITY:

Read the scriptures above and answer the following questions:

1. What does “not letting sin reign in your mortal body” mean? Look up and write down three different versions of this verse. What words speak to you in the different translations?

2. Write out steps that you would recommend to someone trying to overcoming sin.

3. How does focusing on God helps you personally not to sin?

4. Meditate on the work of the High Priest as it is noted in Hebrews 4:15-16. What does He do for you? What does He encourage you to do? Use your own words.

Day 2

Focus on God keeps us from BEING SELF-CENTERED

The Bible tells us “People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God” (Romans 8:8). Self-centeredness is a sin because it leads to being devoted to self-gratification and overlooking other people’s needs (Romans 2:8; James 3:16). Self-centeredness and self-love are totally antithetical to the teachings of Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

Jesus uses our inherent self-interest as a basis for gauging our love for others (Mark 12:31). In other words, in the same way that you (naturally) love yourself, learn to love others. We should be others-centric, not self-centric. As Paul says it in Philippians 2:3–4. This command leaves no room for self-centeredness.

NIV translates “self-centered” as “in the realm of the flesh” (Romans 7:5). By being self-centered or yielding to our sinful, fleshly natures, we are bearing fruit that results in death. It is ironic that putting yourself first leads to a destruction of yourself (Luke 17:33).

Being focused on yourself usurps the biblical commands to love and care for our neighbors (John 13:34–35), to not pass judgment on others (Romans 14:13), to bear others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to be kind and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). Being self-centered is directly opposed to the clear command, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24). There are many other similar commands calling for selfless sacrifice and service to others (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21; Galatians 5:26). Every act of self-love is rebellion against the authority of God. Self-centeredness is rooted in one’s fleshly desire to please self more than God. In essence, it is the act of supplanting God’s authority with one’s own ego.

 

Jesus strikes at the very heart of the sin of self-centeredness with this unequivocal declaration: (Matthew 16:24). To deny yourself means letting go of the material things used to gratify self. To deny yourself is to let go of selfish desires and earthly security and focus instead on the interests of God (Matthew 6:33). Denying yourself turns us from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. Self is no longer in charge; God is. Christ rules our hearts.

We all have a tendency toward self-centeredness. Though we are still in the flesh, believers in Christ have God’s Spirit residing within (1 John 4:13). The question is, which will we allow to have control of our lives—the flesh or the Spirit (Romans 13:14; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:15-16)?

ACTIVITY

Look up the scriptures bolded in the above and write them out in your journal.

Day 3

Focus on God gives us HOPE

Read I Samuel 1:1-2:11

God is the giver of hope. Through Christ we have received ultimate hope, and yet we are such forgetful people. But when our attention turns to God and we begin to focus on God, we are reminded of the great hope we have in him alone.

We need that hope. We crave that hope. And by focusing on God we can remain encouraged and remember the true hope we have.

Though Hannah was resentful of Peninnah’s torture, her barrenness, her husband’s inability to understand the depths of her pain, and God not changing anything year after year, she prayed to God. She didn’t allow her resentment to stop her from believing God fully understood the extent of her pain and hopelessness and could take action on her behalf.

When believing gets hard, prayer can be one of the first things to go. We do not want to pray to God sometimes, because it just hurts too much. It feels much easier to be resentful.

Choosing to continue to hope has to be a deliberate decision. We have to decide to pray vulnerably when our hearts are in this state. Hannah didn’t just list the facts of her situation; she was vulnerable, and she talked about how she felt about the facts.

ACTIVITY

1. What did Hannah’s prayer reveal about her understanding of:

   1. God’s character

   2. God’s power

   3. God’s relationship with people

   4. God’s relationship with creation

   5. God’s judgment

2. How did waiting on God strengthen Hannah’s faith and hope?

Day 4

Focus on God reminds us that we are LOVED

Read Genesis 29

We are so very loved by God, but we forget how much God loves us. But by focusing on God and what he says in his word, we are reminded again and again of the love he has for us. When we focus on God, the Word, and what He says about us, we will remember his love for us and be inspired to love him more deeply because of it. So when we focus on God we will both see his love for us and continue to develop our love for him.

ACTIVITY

1. How did Jacob feel about Leah?

2. What did Leah name each of her first sons and what did their names mean. 

3. How did the naming of her 4th son demonstrate Leah’s focus had shifted?

4. Have you ever felt unloved by God? What were the circumstances that led you to feel that way? What happened to change your thoughts?

5. How do you know God Loves you?

Day 5

Focus on God is an act of OBEDIENCE

Jesus’ Example

Jesus always did the Father’s will, even when it was painful, like when He expressed in the Garden of Gethsemane the desire to have this cup pass from Him, but Jesus said, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus knew that “he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him” (John 8:29). In fact, Jesus said “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:24), and “even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (PhIl 2:5-7), and so Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Who could be any more humble than Jesus Who washed his disciple’s feet, including that of His betrayer, Judas?

 

ACTIVITY

1. Define obedience.

2. How did Jesus demonstrate He was Focused on the Father?

3. Why are you personally grateful for the obedience of Christ? List at least seven reasons.

4. How can focusing on God help you to be more obedient?

One way that we obey God is by focusing our attention on him and seeking him. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..."

This is a call and a command to us - to all believers. We are meant to seek God and his kingdom first, which means that choosing to focus on God is an act of obedience. We are not meant to be distracted by or focused on the things of the world.

Focusing on God takes discipline, repentance, perseverance, and the grace and help that only God gives. It may be challenging at times, but it's worth it, it's rewarding, and it's what we are called to.

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Week #5 FOCUS ON THE GOODNESS OF GOD

“God is good!” “All the time.” “And all the time God is good!” Most of us have this drilled into our heads. But what does it mean that God is good? How can we focus on God’s goodness? How can we live like we believe that God is good?

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Day 1

How do we know “God is good”?

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

In Psalm 34:8, we are invited to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” When we “taste” something for the first time, we are trying it out to see how well we might like it. In the same way, the Psalmist is sure that we will find God’s goodness to our liking and that he goes on to say in the second part of the verse, “blessed are those who take refuge in Him.”

To taste involves testing or sampling; to see involves understanding or perceiving. The phrase taste and see, then, means “try and experience.” David urges God’s people to discover the goodness of the Lord by personal trial and experience it for themselves. He doesn’t want readers to merely take his word for it that the Lord is good; he wants them to actively to experience and know for themselves the fact that God is good.

Humans associate taste with pleasure and satisfaction. Bible commentator Matthew Henry elaborates on this idea: “Let God’s goodness be rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel.” When David says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” he is calling us to figuratively take a bite—to try for ourselves by our own experience—and find out exactly how satisfyingly good God is. The apostle Peter applies the same language in 1 Peter 2:3 when he says, “You have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Tasting must happen before seeing; that is, our spiritual experiences bring us to spiritual enlightenment and understanding. David desires others to “taste and see.” He wants them to experience what he has experienced so that they can know what he has come to know, the soul-sustaining goodness of the Lord.

God’s goodness is not just in His nature, but it is also expressed in His actions and to His people.

ACTIVITY

Journal answers:

1. Name three of your favorite foods. Why are they your favorite? Use descriptive words to explain how they taste.

2. Can you use the same words to describe how good God is? List 10 words that describe God’s goodness in application to food. (i.e. savory, delicious, etc.)

3. This verse tells us to taste before we see. How does that differ from how we normally determine something is good?

4. Why do you think David says taste God first?

5. How do we know God is good?

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Day 2

How can we focus on God’s goodness?

We can focus on God’s goodness by focusing on His word. His word tells us He is good. It also recounts His good deeds toward His people. God’s goodness is also seen in His other attributes, love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and His compassion.

Read Psalm 23 - The Lord the Shepherd of His People

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

ACTIVTY

Answer the following questions:

1. How does David describe the Lord?

2. When do you most want peace and quiet?

3. What do you think David meant when he said that his cup overflowed?

4. In what ways had God made your cup to overflow?

5. Describe a time when the Lord restored your soul?

6. What things in life do you find it easy to take for granted?

7. What can you do to celebrate God’s goodness and provision other than praise and worshipping?

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Day 3

Bible Verses that Focus on God’s Goodness

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. Exodus 34:6 NIV

Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45 NIV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. Psalm 25:8 NIV

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 NIV

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:9 NIV

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7 NIV

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 NIV

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 NIV

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

ACTIVITY

Make a list all the qualities of God’s goodness in each scripture above: (i.e. merciful, gracious, long suffering, etc.)

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Day 4

How can we live like God is good?

It is one thing for us to say God is good and read scriptures about God’s goodness but if we truly believe it, then we have to put some focus into living like. God is good. Practically, this looks like us obeying His commands and sharing His goodness with others.

Telling Others that God is Good. In the New Testament, God’s goodness is spread to others through the gospel, or the good news of Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility as God’s people to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15 NIV)

Romans 10:13-14 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Someone has to tell the lost of the hope of Jesus. And, God has chosen us as His witnesses.

ACTIVITY

Challenge yourself to tell someone today about God’s goodness. It may be as simple as saying, “Can I tell you something good?” With so much bad in the world, no one will turn down a good story. Tell them how Jesus saved you, a time when He helped you, or what good God is currently working in your life.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” - Psalm 96:3 NIV

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Day 5

Worship Music helps you to Focus on God’s Goodness

There are so many songs help you focus on God’s goodness. Worship music also reminds us of the promises that He has for us. No matter what you may be facing, worship music is a great way to shift your focus away from your problems and onto the promises of God. God wants you to expect Him to do great things in your life and to depend on Him.

Benefits of listening to worship songs:

1. Worship music help you express your love and faith in God.

2. Worship songs help you reflect on the Goodness of God.

3. Praise music give you hope.

4. Worship music reduces stress and brings more peace into your life.

5. Worship music helps you feel more connected to God.

6. You can enjoy It anywhere at any time.

7. It’s good for your soul.

ACTIVITY

1. Listen to the song Goodness of God by Cee Cee Winans 3x today.

2. Create a worship playlist of at least 5 songs and share with 3 people.