“…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 26 - At Jerusalem’s annual Passover celebration, meeting together in an upper room, the Master ominously warned the disciples of His betrayal. Afterward, He prayed in such agony that sweat drops and
blood dotted the ground. The chief priests, captains, and elders of the temple, along with Judas, arrived with swords, preparing to arrest Jesus and put Him on trial.

Ever before God’s Son was the cross. And Jesus, our greatest example, demonstrates the supreme power of accurate focus, even in the chaos of His trial and crucifixion. James 1:2 tells us that life brings many storms and tests our way. Only those who focus on the grapes of Canaan survive. We can have the determination to press on if we prepare by asking ourselves:

• Where am I headed in life?
• What do I want to accomplish, possess, and become?

It is a reality that those who have nowhere to go usually have no internal fortitude to advance. We must always remember—our lives move in the direction of our focus. Although what we go through may seem too difficult to overcome, it is imperative we focus on the victory that awaits us. For Christ, that focus was the cross. And just as an athlete focuses on running the race to win the prize, so we also must have a clear, distinct image of the victory, and not the storm. As we focus on what we are going to, Heaven gives us the strength to make it through.

Father, I am thankful for the promises of Canaan in my life. I declare that I will go up and take possession of what is rightfully mine. I look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith.

Family Scripture Reading

Titus 1

Featured Resource

Your Spiritual Checkup - CD Series

Have you accepted your new identity in Christ or do you continually deal with shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. The thoughts we identify with, whether good or bad, sculpt our destiny. Envision the marvelous transformation that would take place if we learned how to walk in our true identity. Imagine what life would be like if you were able to confidently identify with Christ instead of your old sin nature – nothing but victory, joy, and fulfillment. If you desire to learn the keys to walk in your new identity, this series is for you!

Posted under Focus

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart…”
Proverbs 4:20–21 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 10 - Involved in an intense conversation with her teenage daughter about boys, sex, and God, suddenly, the doorbell rings. Now who’s that at the door? I’ve already broken my train of thought! One of our greatest enemies in life is broken focus. The Bible tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” People of excellence refuse to break focus, because they realize doing so results in their demise. The mediocre always focus on what they go through…the excellent focus on what they go to.

How many times have we decided to rise earlier in the morning to have more prayer time? Then, the distractions begin. Perhaps an untidy area catches your attention and you want to straighten it; your child calls and you tend to them; and then a phone call which eats away your time. All the while, in your mind, you tell God, “I’ll be back in a minute.” One thing leads to another and before you know it, the day is half gone. This type of situation is not uncommon, and days lead to weeks, which lead to months, until one day we look back at our lives and ask, “How did I get here and how do I change my life?”

During His lifetime on earth, Jesus’ focus was constantly upon the cross, His assignment for mankind. Now, Jesus’ focus is on our future—preparing Heaven, interceding, looking straight ahead, being ready to perform the Father’s will at any given moment. And so must we continue to look straight ahead and not allow ourselves to be distracted.

Father, I thank You that I attend to Your Words, and incline my ears to Your sayings. I keep Your principles before my eyes; I keep them in the midst of my heart, for they bring life and health to all my flesh.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 12

Featured Resource

You Are Healed - Book

From God’s perspective, health is not something that we lack and must try to attain. Rather, it is a possession that is already ours – but the thief is trying to steal it!

Jesus went to the cross to deliver us, once and for all, from the curse of sickness and disease. So, why does divine healing often seem to be so elusive? It’s because the only proof we have of our healing, until it is manifested, is the written Word of God.

Nevertheless, God’s Word is all the proof we need! Dr. Thompson shows you how to apply the principles of God’s Word to your life, until you experience the divine health in which God intends you to walk. This book equips you with the spiritual prescription needed to attain health, wholeness, and vitality in your body.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 Man’s Opinion or God’s Word on Healing?
2 Healing Must Be Pursued
3 Different Ways Jesus Heals
4 Believing God For Yourself
5 Adjusting Your ‘Receiver’

Posted under Focus, General

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)

AUGUST 29 - When Jesus came down off the mountain following His powerful sermon, great throngs began to follow Him. Their attention was focused upon the Man who spoke, produced thoughts and expounded wisdom like none other. And that clearly was the purpose of His sermon—to capture their focus so it would eventually alter their lives. If something captures your focus, it eventually alters your life. The emotions you feel, whether good or bad, reveal what snares your attention. God gave us all the power to control our focus. You don’t have to live discouraged, sad, or depressed! You can, through choosing your focus, live a happy, joyful, and  peaceful life. Please remember:

• Harboring negativity prevents you from achievement.
• Negative thoughts keep you from pursuing what you want.
• If you think you can’t, you won’t, and you will never walk in the destiny God has for your life.

Anything you want requires you to passionately pursue it, otherwise you fall short every time. Focus on God’s Word, go after everything He promises you, and experience Heaven’s blessings. Today, practice thinking upon that which is good and pure. You’re destined to win!

Father, I thank You that I do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary and subject to change, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Family Scripture Reading

Revelation 17

Featured Resource

You Are Healed - Book

From God’s perspective, health is not something that we lack and must try to attain. Rather, it is a possession that is already ours – but the thief is trying to steal it!

1 Man’s Opinion or God’s Word on Healing?
2 Healing Must Be Pursued
3 Different Ways Jesus Heals
4 Believing God For Yourself
5 Adjusting Your ‘Receiver’

Posted under Focus

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

JULY 6 - One common mistake many individuals make in their pursuit of success is to focus on the very thing they don’t desire. Many people want to live happy and fulfilled lives, but how many truly do? Most people want to succeed and impact the world, but few ever do. In order for you to succeed and accomplish the things God has for you to accomplish, you must point your life in the direction of your desired destination. It is not enough to say you want these things. Unless you become clear and adamant about what you want out of life, you’ll never attain it.

• Where do you want your life to go?
• Which direction are you pointing your life?
• Are you moving toward or away from God?

Just as soon as King Herod died and God allowed Joseph and Mary to leave Egypt safely with Jesus, their lives were pointed back in the direction of Judea. They dare not remain on foreign soil one moment longer than necessary. Make the choice today to point your life in the direction you desire to go.

Remember, you cannot control the winds, but you can govern the sails. God gave us the power to choose the outcome of our lives. The question is: Will you point your life in the right direction? I believe you will!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I am kindly affectionate toward others with brotherly love. In honor I give preference to others.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 28

Featured Resource

Perfect Peace Pack - Special

Perfect Peace Pack contains:

2 Scripture Confession CDs
- Power Over Fear
- Your Worry For God’s Peace

Plus 2 mini-booklets of the scriptures

DVD with two messages:

- “Beating Worry and Anxiety”
- “Taking Control Of Your Thought Life”

Posted under Focus

“…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

MAY 19 - Palestine of the ancient Hebrews; modern-day Palestine; now—first-century Palestine of Jesus is firmly set before us. Intended as a type of public humiliation, Roman execution by means of crucifixion, was reserved for slaves, foreigners, robbers, and troublemakers. Undoubtedly, the whistles of the mockers’ cruel taunting, the slap of the soldiers’ violent whips, and the slivers of the wooden cross as it backed up against His mutilated form attempted to create obstacles within the Savior’s mind. But Jesus, our greatest example, boldly demonstrates the power of focus. James 1:2 tells us that life brings many storms and tests our way. However, only those who focus on the promises of God survive. Not understanding your purpose causes any obstacle to appear insurmountable. It is important to ask ourselves: “Where am I headed in life…What do I want to accomplish, possess, and become?” Those who have no clear purpose have no internal fortitude to press beyond their current circumstances.

We must always remember—our lives move in the direction of our focus. The road to Jerusalem was consistently before Jesus’ eyes, and nothing could deter Him. Although what we go through may seem too difficult to overcome, it is imperative that we meticulously focus on the victory that awaits us. Just as an athlete focuses on running the race to win the prize, ignoring sore muscles and irritating cramps, his mind relentlessly concentrates upon his feet traversing the finish line. So we must possess a clear, distinct image of the joyous victory.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that as Christ, I endure the trials of life and focus on the joy set before me.

Family Scripture Reading

1 John 1

Featured Resource

Upgrading Your Mind - CD

Without frequent upgrades, your mind quickly becomes susceptible to destructive thoughts of fear, doubt, worry, and offense. Unless you daily scan, update, and renew your mind with the Word of God, you cannot effectively perform the will of God in your life, and you are in danger of damaging your system beyond repair.

“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 NLT

God’s Word contains the answers for every issue in life. If you’re facing problems you feel ill equipped to handle, then it’s time to change the way you think — it’s time for a mind upgrade! As you upgrade your mind with God’s Word, your thoughts come into line with His thoughts, and you begin to see how you can have victory in every area of your life.

In this series, Dr. Robb Thompson, one of America’s leading experts on Mind Mastery, shows you step by step how to harness the power of your mind to serve God’s purposes, rather than to sabotage them. Start upgrading your mind today!

Posted under Focus

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

MAY 4 - Your focus profoundly determines your life’s direction. Ascertain what you would like to do, and focus precisely upon that objective, like a bullet to its target. And as we have so prolifically seen over these past few days, General Moshe Dayan intently focused upon the freedom of Israel since the time of his pre-teenage days. Nothing deterred him—not prison, nor a missing eye, nor the death of his only brother, Zohar, who was killed in the 1948 War of Independence. Undoubtedly, General Dayan knew that an idle mind becomes a negative mind. That is the reason it is so important to focus on God’s Word and His will for your life.

What have you focused on lately? I personally have found it to be true, not only in my life but in the lives of others, that my moods are determined by what captures my focus. The enemy understands if he captures our focus, he alters our lives.

Very few individuals realize the power focus plays on their life. Until they do, they never experience the rewarding life God promised them. The emotions you feel, whether good or bad, reveal your focus. God does not and will not starkly force you to focus on His Word. It is your responsibility to focus your attention upon what He says. As you do, your feelings follow. This is the key to mastering any and all of your negative, unhealthy emotions.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I think upon what is good, noble, just, and pure. I meditate on whatever things are of good report.

Family Scripture Reading

James 3

Featured Resource

Your Rights As A Believer - CD

Before giving your life to Christ, you were imprisoned in the inescapable cage of sin. Satan was your prison guard, making certain you exercised no rights, privileges, or claims to anything that happened to you…you were helplessly subject to his tyranny.

Then the wonderful day came when you put your faith in Jesus! Immediately the prison door was flung open and you were free to live as a child of the King, with all its inherent authority, rights, and benefits. Did you walk out of that cage? Or do you remain imprisoned – subject to the shackles of depressing circumstances, stressful relationships, poor health, and unending lack?

It’s time to step out of the cage and into your royal inheritance! In this six CD series, Dr. Robb Thompson teaches fundamental principles that demonstrate how to boldly walk by faith, confidence, and authority in any situation, no matter what the circumstances may dictate.

With topics such as: How to Meditate on God’s Word, Believing in God’s Character, and Rejoicing Regardless of the Circumstances, you will find yourself equipped and full of faith for every situation!

Posted under Focus

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)

MARCH 25 - It happens every year, doesn’t it? Whether it’s the winter’s first few inches of slushy snow, the tiniest threat of a brewing hurricane, or the slightest possibility of any perceived shortage; just as soon as the rumor hits the airwaves, what usually happens? You guessed it—the supermarkets are flooded with people, anxiety-driven folks who must charge out for milk and eggs, even though many of them have two refrigerators completely filled with food. Friends, we have to stop panicking! If we are going to believe God, then let’s act like it! Care, anxiety, and heart-stopping fear indicate that we lost sight of God’s promises. But how do we become fully persuaded, once and for all? Romans 10:17 says tells us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

To find a place of peace and overcome the worries in life, we must realize that everything externally functions precisely according to what we believe internally. Unless we are meditating on God’s Word, the outcome of our lives won’t be very appealing. Neither prayer nor any other activity can override the turmoil  created by neglecting the meditation of God’s Word. We must install God’s Word into our conscious and subconscious minds (with as much desire as when loading our favorite DVD), before we can walk in the peace that passes all understanding, creating an unwavering scarcity of anxiety and fear for the  remainder of our lives.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that Your Word is eternal and unchanging. I am a champion, and I focus on the dream of my future.

Day 25: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Ecclesiastes 11

Featured Resource

Put It On: Women’s Conference 2007 - CD

The “Put It On” Women’s Conference contains the exciting ministry of the Family Harvest Church pastors’ wives from all over the United States! With colorful diversity, engaging humor, and refreshing honesty, these anointed women of God encourage you to not only dress stylishly on the outside, but to also put on the garments of Godly character.

The Bible tells us to “put on” several important things, including garments of praise, the new man, the armor of God, incorruption, immortality, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and long-suffering. A woman who clothes herself in these garments becomes exceedingly beautiful to her Bridegroom, Jesus (as well as to everyone around her)!

The teachings of this conference encourage you to give as much attention (maybe even more!) to dressing up the inside as you do to the outside. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised” (Proverbs 31:30, NLT).

Posted under Focus

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NKJV)

MARCH 6 - Because of the scent and sight of savory stew, Esau’s focus was broken, ripping away his inheritance, his birthright, and his entire life. One of our greatest enemies in life is broken focus. The Bible tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” People of excellence refuse to break focus because they realize that doing so results in their demise. The mediocre always focus on what they go through; the excellent focus on what they go to.

How many times have we decided to rise earlier in the morning to pray more? Then, without realizing it, the distractions begin. Perhaps an untidy area catches your attention and you want to straighten it; your child calls and you tend to them; and then a phone call saps your time. All the while, in your mind, you tell God, “I’ll be back in a minute.” One thing leads to another, and before you know it, the day is half gone. This situation is not uncommon. Days lead to weeks, which lead to months, until one day we look back at our lives and ask, “How did I get here?”

We must continue to look straight ahead and not allow ourselves to be distracted. Esau was sorely distracted and he lost everything! Our ability to maintain focus causes us to rise above the circumstances that come our way, and excel above the expectation of those God called to promote us.

Daily Confession

I attend to my Father’s Words and incline my ears to His sayings. I keep His principles before my eyes and keep them in the midst of my heart, for they bring life and health to all my flesh.

Family Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 10

Featured Resource

Personal Advancement iPod -Video/Mp3 Player

32GB iPod Touch

Personal Advancement iPod:
We have created a 25th Anniversary iPod with a large selection of material from Dr. Thompson that is sure to enrich your life! Purchase yours today!

25th Anniversary iPod includes:

• Dr. Thompson’s entire topical collection
• (Relationships, Career, Finances, and Personal Transformation)
• 24 TV Episodes
• All 10 Confession CDs
• 3 Family Harvest Church Worship CDs

Posted under Action, Focus

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: ‘Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.’”

Genesis 13:9, 14-15 (NKJV)

FEBRUARY 27 - The world’s oldest lock is said to be an Egyptian pin tumbler lock found in the ancient ruins of Nineveh. It is fascinating to note that modern cylindrical door locks still operate on this same tumbler principle, discovered thousands of years earlier. The call to follow Jesus requires us to give up, to lock up, and lock away, many things of our past. Whether it is a destructive relationship, a harmful thought pattern, an injurious addiction, or some other negative endeavor, God summons us to sacrifice what we already have in order to possess what we truly value. We, as believers, are required to focus on who we are, and what has been given to us in Christ Jesus. As we focus on what we possess, we will begin to overlook what we have lost. Many of us reading this have lost a job, a home, money, or even a loved one. If we begin to focus on what we’ve lost in the past, we will become bitter towards others, as well as towards Heaven. So, we must continually focus on what we have right in front of us.

God has given to us and done so many things for us—we are blessed. There is no one who can say they have nothing. All possess something for which they can be truly thankful. Society influences many to dwell on what they have lost, and then to devise a plan to retrieve it. We must choose to direct our focus upon what we have in an attempt to forget the things we don’t. We must maintain our focus and give thanks for everything we have in our possession, locking up and locking away those things that are behind, throwing away the proverbial key, reaching forward to the upward call of God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I do not count myself as having apprehended, but I forget those things which are behind and I reach forward to those things which are ahead.

Day 27: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 5

Featured Resource

Character: Building A Godly Foundation for A Successful Life - CD Series

A house built on a faulty foundation soon becomes unfit to live in. Shifting soil causes cracks in the foundation, and those cracks lead to costly damage. Think of the trouble that could be avoided if only the foundation were repaired!

Character is the foundation of your life; you can save yourself a lifetime of grief if you will honestly inspect your character, making sure it is built firmly upon the strong, immovable foundation of God’s principles. Dr. Robb Thompson shares many of these valuable principles in this dynamic series – principles such as:

• It’s not what you say that matters, but what you do that makes all the difference.
• Character prefers the rejection of men to the disappointment of Heaven.
• It is impossible for your life to produce anything beyond the strength of your moral fiber.

Let Dr. Thompson help you explore what God has to say about pursuing excellent character. Then start building a rock-solid, Godly character that will lead you to God’s highest for your life!

Posted under Focus, Greatness

“What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come to be.
I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest; instead, only trouble comes.”
Job 3:25-26 (NLT)

FEBRUARY 13 - Born with the rare defect of fused legs, sometimes known as the “mermaid syndrome,” the Peruvian parents of this otherwise vivacious little girl did not fear. Instead, they allowed doctors to perform the risky surgery of separating her tiny legs, the outcome a great success. And it’s no wonder – they had named the child Milagros, focusing upon the “miracle” that they believed would ultimately come to pass.

But rather than dwelling upon the good things of life, Job began to focus on loss. His broken focus invited fear to show its menacing face, which is why he candidly declared, “What I have always feared has happened to me.” Though Job was a righteous man in every aspect, when he decided to focus on the expressed possibility of losing his splendor, he opened the shabby door of fear to overtake him.

Do you live in fear? Do you focus on the possibility of negative things coming to your life? If you choose to focus on the “what-ifs” of life, you’ll persistently exist as a hostage to fear, incarcerated within the solitary prison of pessimistic dread. Conversely, Jesus did something quite different. The “what-ifs” were of no concern to Him. He trusted in the faithfulness of God—confidently recognizing that He himself was able to determine the outcome of His life.

Remember, God is the one who calls into existence what never existed before. You can do the same. So change your focus today, and believe with the fervor of little Milagros’ parents, directing your sights completely upon the God who will never, ever fail.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that You are my God and that You care for me.
I choose to focus on Your promises of eternal life even while I live in this world.

Day 13: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 11

Featured Resource

The Keys of Your Freedom - CD

4 CDs

John 8:36 says, “For whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” But how do we walk in the freedom that was purchased for us? How do we go from “white knuckling it,” to simply “believing it?”

In this dynamic series, Dr. Robb Thompson gives you the keys to unlock the door of your freedom. You will learn that freedom isn’t something you are trying to attain; it’s something that is already yours – but someone is trying to steal it! Dr. Thompson shows you how to expose the thief, defeat him, and walk in overcoming victory!

Freedom is God’s will for every believer. Find out how you can experience it today!

Posted under Focus