~~ July 29, 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

Giving







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

With Dr. Baker


Men Should Praise God


Animals have no reason to worry about tomorrow. They do not worry about what they will eat, what they will drink, or what they will wear. Their only responsibility is to be exactly what God created them to be. They don't strive to become something else or compare themselves to other creatures. They simply live according to the purpose God has given them.


Although animals cannot praise God with spoken words, they glorify Him through their very existence. Every bird that sings, every deer that runs, every fish that swims, and every creature that fills the earth declares the wisdom, beauty, and creativity of its Creator. Their lives are a testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness.


That is why Psalm 150 calls on everything that has breath to praise the Lord. Throughout Scripture, all creation is invited to worship its Creator. Why? Because there are countless reasons to praise Him. He is the Giver of life, the Sustainer of all things, and the One who faithfully provides for every living creature. His power is displayed in creation, His mercy is renewed every morning, and His love endures forever.


So, if all of creation instinctively glorifies God, why is it that mankind so often withholds praise? Unlike animals, God created us in His image and gave us the freedom to choose. Sadly, many choose self over the Savior, pride over humility, and the gifts over the Giver. Some fail to praise God because they do not know Him; others become distracted by the cares of this world, forgetting the One who has blessed them so abundantly. Yet, we have more reason than any other part of creation to praise the Lord. We have experienced His grace, His forgiveness, His mercy, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our praise should not depend on our circumstances but on the unchanging character of God. If the birds can sing, the oceans can roar, and the trees can clap their hands in praise, then surely we, who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, should joyfully lift our voices in worship.


Today, let your life be a song of praise to God, not only with your lips but through your faith, your obedience, and your love for Him. After all, we were created for His glory. Amen!


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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This week's prayer is offered by our cousin, Rev. Ellery Hunter, who reminds us that we can bring every care to the Lord, trusting that He hears and answers. Join him in prayer.

It’s almost inevitable that we will get discouraged. When we’ve been trying to do the right things and we run into opposition, it’s hard to stay positive. And, when it looks like the people that are trying to stop us are winning, it’s super hard. As Christ-followers, we search the Scriptures for encouragement and strength. Our situation can be described in the five verses of Psalm 43,


1 Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. 2 For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies? 3 Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. 4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! 5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God (NLT)!


The poet begins with a request for God’s help against evil, lying, and cheating people, but then they reveal their own despair, almost accusing God of abandonment. The question is asked, “Why should I have to go through this?” But even in this state of depression, the writer catches themselves and asked God to “…send your light and your truth, let them lead me…”. The Psalmists ends by telling their own soul to, “Hope in God…my salvation.” In our moments of discouragement, or even deep despair, we can – we should – go to our God and ask for His Word of light and truth.


Prayer


Dear Heavenly Father, You are our shield and refuge. When life gets hard and we get discouraged, Your Word reminds us that we have help, we have salvation, and we have a Savior. So, help us turn our eyes away from the problems long enough to see deliverance on the horizon. Help us, Lord, for a moment to tune out the noise of the world and tune our ears to Your voice. Father, lead us away from the lies of the evil one, and pull us toward Your truth. Even when darkness seems to be all around us, we ask You to shine the light of Your Holy Spirit within us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.


Offered by Rev. Ellery Hunter

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


Join us for Mid-week/Mid-day virtual prayer, 11:30am - 12:00pm. We've set aside time to pray and share His Word together. Our next session is July 29, 2026. Use THIS LINK to register and receive the Zoom link to join.

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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

💙 Help FOCUSED Ministries Continue The Work! 💙


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


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.

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


Today's devotional, July 29, is another prayer offered by Mother Marguerite Blassingame on June 17, 2020 with the accompanying scripture found in Nehemiah 4:6. Be blessed!


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