Welcome to Day 1 of The Focus Fast

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, God has given a word for this season: Focus on Home. To focus means to give careful attention to something important. Through this fast, we’ll work on refocusing on the most important part of life—our relationship with God. When our relationship with God is in order, other areas of life tend to flow more smoothly.

This journey starts with focusing on our "internal home." We’ll take time to do some "housekeeping" within ourselves, clearing out anything that blocks our connection with God and letting Him into places we may have kept closed.

Why Focus on the Secret Place?

For the first half of this fast, we'll explore the importance of the "secret place"—a quiet, personal space where we meet with God. The Bible talks about this in Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Here’s why this place is so vital:

• Building a Close Relationship with God: The secret place is where we connect deeply with God, sharing our true thoughts and listening to His voice.
• Finding Strength and Renewal: Time with God renews our strength and gives us courage.
• Seeking Guidance: It’s where we receive wisdom and direction from God.
• Feeling Safe and Protected: The secret place is our refuge, as described in Psalm 91:1.
• Personal Growth: In the secret place, God shapes us to become more like Jesus, strengthening our faith.

The next two days we will be Focused on  Moses’ Time with God on Mount Sinai

Moses frequently met with God alone, especially when he went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20). In these moments, God gave Moses revelation and guidance for the people of Israel.

Each day, a video lesson will cover the day’s topic. But you are encouraged to spend personal time in the Word to allow God to speak to you directly. By studying and meditating on God’s Word, we give Him space to reveal how it applies to our lives.

Bible Study: Meeting God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)

Objective: Understand Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai

 Introduction

Exodus 19  details Moses’ journey up Mount Sinai, where he met with God alone and received the Ten Commandments, showing the power of the “secret place” for revelation, guidance, and purpose.

Part 1: Preparing to Meet God (Exodus 19)

• Read: Exodus 19:1-15
• Summary: God tells the Israelites to prepare to meet Him by washing and consecrating themselves, showing reverence.
• Reflection Questions:
• Why did God ask the Israelites to prepare before meeting Him?
• How can we prepare our hearts to meet with God today?
• Application: God calls us to approach Him with reverence. Think about ways you can prepare yourself, like through prayer or setting aside time for God.

Part 2: God’s Revelation on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-25)

• Read: Exodus 19:16-25
• Summary: On the third day, God appears on the mountain with thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, showing His power.
• Reflection Questions:
• What do the sights and sounds surrounding God reveal about His nature?
• Why was it important for the people to stay back as Moses went up?
• Application: Reflect on God’s holiness and majesty, approaching Him with awe and respect.

Closing Reflection and Prayer

Reflect on the power of meeting with God as Moses did. God wants to reveal His will to us just as He did to Moses when we approach Him with sincere hearts.

Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word and Your presence. Help me to approach You with a heart that’s open and ready to receive Your guidance. Reveal Your will for my life and strengthen me to walk in Your ways, just as You revealed Your truth to Moses. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Memory Verse

Exodus 19:5 – “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

Declaration for Exodus 19:5

I declare that I am fully committed to following God’s ways and keeping His covenant. I choose obedience to His Word, knowing that through my faithfulness, I am set apart as God’s treasured possession. I am His, valued and loved among all, chosen by His grace to live in alignment with His will. I walk in His promises, secure in my identity as His cherished and loved child.