Strength in Prayer and Community

~~ July 15, 2026 ~~

FOCUSED Ministries, Inc.

Focusing On Christ Until Spiritual Excellence is Demonstrated

Proverbs 4:25-27 Hebrews 12:1-2

In this edition...

Listen and Lean in with Dr. Baker

Weekly Prayer

Opportunities to give

Dr. Baker is Founder and CEO of FOCUSED Ministries, Inc.

With Dr. Baker

Don't Let Indecision Make Your Decision

"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30 NKJV).

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word" (1 Kings 18:21 NKJV).

We've talked about the importance of choices in previous exhortations because making decisions is simply a part of everyday life. From the moment we wake up until we go to bed, we're constantly making choices, some small, some life-changing. In fact, it's been estimated that the average person makes more than 35,000 decisions everyday! That's an incredible number, and it reminds us just how much of our lives are shaped by the choices we make. The greatest choice, however, is not about what we'll wear, where we'll go, or what we'll accomplish. It is the choice of whom we will follow.

God extends that invitation to every person, everywhere. He calls each of us to choose Him wholeheartedly. There is no middle ground. Delaying a decision is still a decision. Choosing not to choose is, in itself, a choice. Jesus made it clear in Revelation 3:16 (NKJV), "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." God desires wholehearted commitment, not divided allegiance.

Whether you're working, enjoying summer break, or simply taking life one day at a time, there is no better time than today to make the decision to follow Christ. Tomorrow is never promised, but today is a gift and an opportunity to respond to His loving invitation.

I encourage you today - Choose Jesus. Choose life. Choose hope. Choose Him wholeheartedly. Blessings!

In His love and always FOCUSED on Him,

Dr. Baker, Founder & President

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Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts

(Is. 55:6-9 NIV). When you seek Him, you will find Him.

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Mrs. Nicole English is a wife, mother, and educational administrator. She loves the Lord and His people. Mrs. English currently serves as a member of the Governing Board of Directors for FOCUSED Ministries, Inc.

“For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which he gave to us in such large measure” (Ephesians 1:7-8 GNT)!

Father God in Heaven, we thank and praise You, for You alone are worthy of our praise! We thank and praise You for sending Your one and only Son to die on the cross to set us free. Jesus, we thank You for Your obedience in going to the cross. We thank You for shedding Your blood and for the remission of our sins. God, thank You for Your mercy and grace towards us that allows us to live free from sin, guilt, and shame. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to live free, free to worship You in Spirit and Truth; free to live boldly with power and without fear so that we can partner with You to build Your kingdom! This freedom is so precious because Jesus purchased it with His precious blood! We praise God for this gift, in Jesus' name, we pray, Amen!

~~ MID-WEEK/MID-DAY PRAYER ~~

~~ Attention: Today's session is canceled. ~~

Join us for Mid-week/Mid-day virtual prayer. Every Wednesday this summer, 11:30am - 12:00pm, we are setting aside time to pray and an opportunity to share His Word. Our next session is July 22, 2026. Use THIS LINK to register and receive the Zoom link to join.

Connect with us!

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focusedministries2@gmail.com

Prayer of Repentence

If you’re questioning your faith or considering following Jesus for the first time, this message is for you. Today is a beautiful opportunity to say “yes” to Christ, a decision that can change your life and into eternity. If you’re unsure where to begin, click the Prayer of Salvation link here. Know that FOCUSED Ministries is praying for you and here to support you every step of the way. Jesus loves you, and so do we. Blessings!

Our Giving Cirlce

~~ ATTENTION Friends and family: Your support means a lot to us! ~~

💙 Help FOCUSED Ministries Continue The Work! 💙

We have the opportunity to receive funding through My Giving Circle (click for more information) as part of their grants and donations program, and we need your votes. If you're unable to make a financial contribution to our work, you can make an impact in another way - by casting your free vote for FOCUSED Ministries. Every vote helps increase our chances of receiving much-needed funding to continue empowering youth and families through faith, mentoring, and community programs.

Your vote costs nothing, but it could make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your prayers. We believe in the power of prayer and believe that God answers. Together, we can make an even greater impact for God's Kingdom. Please take a moment to vote for FOCUSED Ministries today. God bless you! ❤️

Click here to VOTE for FOCUSED Ministries, Inc.

Click here to DONATE on the My Giving Circle website.

Other ways to give:

Donate $20, or any amount to FOCUSED Ministries, Inc., Morton grove, IL, through:

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PayPal

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By mail to: Send to P.O. Box 746, Morton Grove, IL 60053

We hope you're enjoying the journey as we go through FOCUSED Prayers Devotional.

Today's devotional, July 15, is a prayer offered by Mrs. Tricia Murray on July 15, 2015 with the accompanying scripture found in Psalm 136. Be blessed!

Get your copy at Christian Faith Publishing, or anywhere you get your paperback or hardcover - Reader House, Amazon, Barnes & Noble Book Sellers, or on digital books - Kindle, iBooks, and iTunes. Already have your copy? Use THIS LINK to write us a review on Amazon. Thank you in advance. Proceeds go to support the ministry.

Dr. Baker and members of the FOCUSED Ministries Family