FOCUS ON HIM
Last year I put together a little meditation guide entitled FOCUS ON HIM. The Lord inspired it and has used it to change my life and bring me through some very difficult times. Those who joined me in using it daily have also experienced spiritual growth and comfort.
We’re going to talk about those principles here over the next several weeks, and I invite all readers to share their own insights by posting a comment. Before we begin looking at the different aspects of Himself, I want us to look and comment on the scripture verse that inspired me to write it.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee,
for he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
I believe that Word of promise from God through the prophet Isaiah. When we fix our mind on God, we are looking to Him instead of the world, others, or ourselves for the answers we need in this life. And He will keep or protect us in perfect peace.
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom means connectedness with God, wholeness, completeness, health, prosperity, success. A Hebrew scholar once said the best definition of Shalom is “nothing missing, nothing broken.” When we focus on Him, He keeps us connected to Him and makes us whole and complete in every area of life. No wonder the apostle Paul opened and closed most of his letters with “Grace and Peace unto you.”
God’s undeserved favor and wholeness in every area is given to you as a free gift. Focus on Him!
If you click on the comments, you will see where I've added an exerpt from and a recommendation of Lynn Zuk-Lloyd's new release "Awaken Me: Crying out for more of the Lord.". You can purchase it by going to the link on this page Promise Garden. For some reason, possibly because I'm very new at this, my comment showed up as from Anonymous. But it was me !
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About Me
- Amy
- Hi, I'm Amy Barkman. I've been the Director of Voice of Joy Ministries since 1979, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors since 1989, and the pastor of Mortonsville United Methodist Church in Central Kentucky since 1998.
I'm happily married - we recently celebrated our 30th anniversary. Between the two of us, we have five wonderful daughters and thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Besides holding workshops, retreats, and private prayer appointments, I hope I can serve through this website.
I'll be looking forward to meeting you and discovering the Lord's love for you, just as if we were sitting in my parlour with Him.
Special Award!
6 comments:
This is going to be good. I'll be here often!
So true, Amy. You are an amazing person!
really great!! I know I'll be learning alot from you, as usual!
It's great to see ideas materialize and goals get met. You are going to bless a multitude with your wisdom and insight. I intend to be one of them. : )
God bless all your hands find to do for the Lord Pastor Amy Barkman.
With much anticipation,
Pastor Cindy Hyde
This excerpt from Lynn Zuk-Lloyd’s book “Awaken Me!” is reproduced here with her permission. Each devotional is a heart cry to our Lord followed by a place for you to write a letter to Him in your own words. “Treasure” is one of my favorites.
“Lord Jesus, there are times when I feel like buried treasure that is locked I a secure chest, hidden beneath deep layers of dirt and stone, where no one can find me. Help me!
Only You can remove the gravel of fear and the sands of deception that layered themselves on top of me. Only You can shovel away the hardened clay of pride that packed itself around me. Only You can lift off the heavy stones of my ‘refusal to let go’ that are wedged tightly against the lid. Only You can cut away the strong roots of unforgiveness that wrapped themselves around my prison.
Only You can pull me out of the pit of discouragement. Only You can remove the buckled straps of self-pity and self-focus. Only You can unlock the latch of unbelief and open the grimy lid of self-righteousness. Only You can free me from the prison of self-limitations and set me firmly upon the Rock of my Salvation, which is You, Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude. You are the Treasure in my life.”
You may purchase “Awaken Me!” by following the link to Promise Garden.
Amy~What a beautiful website. Congratulations! I am touched by your blog and this excerpt is powerful. Thank you for sharing it!
Vicki
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