Despite our unexpected stormy trials, believers are never alone. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Trials, sorrows, and difficulties are designed to give us spiritual growth and increase our dependency on God. We were not created to live without God’s divine intervention. It’s normal for our emotions to intensify when we feel our hardships are drowning us. If we allow our emotions to control us, our faith diminishes and we risk losing our confidence in the love and strength that God provides.
Take the time to separate yourself and pray for help. Pray an honest prayer. “God, I am feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. I need your help. I know that you love me and will bring me victoriously through this situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Praise God and thank Him in advance for His Divine Intervention. Prayer does not take away our trials. Consistent prayer allows us to receive strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Study the Scriptures every day. Include time for quiet meditation. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. As believers, we can hear God’s voice through different means such as our thoughts, reading scriptures, listening to sermons, or hearing another believer’s testimony of victory. Sometimes, God communicates through spiritual dreams or a fellow believer who may not even know our situation. However, it’s important to note that God’s answer always aligns with the Holy Scriptures. Through daily worship, we learn to recognize the voice of God.
When the disciples were in the boat, fearing for their lives, Jesus appeared to them by walking on the water. “Be of good cheer! It is I, do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Remember, we are never alone. Jesus is with us in every stormy trial. The human effort of faith and trust along with Divine intervention always ends in victory! During the challenges of the raging storm, Jesus says, “Come to Me.” Take the giant leap of faith and “Go Ahead! Walk on the Water.”
Throughout the Bible, Jesus revealed His Power and Authority: When the disciples and the other followers in their boats were facing death from a vicious stormy sea, Jesus stood up in the boat and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still,”
“…the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” (Matthew 8:27).
“The raising of Lazarus is one of Jesus’ most profound miracles, detailed in the Gospel of John. It is the ultimate display and proof of His Power over death and serves as a preview of His own Resurrection.”
Jesus tells us that without Him we cannot function spiritually without Him: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
Behavior Modification, stopping habits and behaviors that produce negative consequences is not Spiritual Growth and Character Transformation.
When we accepted Christ as our Savior, He accepted us just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. “For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:16).
Jesus’ Power and Authority: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).
To be holy cannot be accomplished by using human thoughts and strength. Spiritually, we cannot change our heart, mind, and character, only Jesus can cleanse and change the human heart!
Cooperation is our responsibility! We must renounce sin and follow Jesus with faithful obedience; only then can the Holy Spirit give us a clean heart that is responsive to Jesus’ Voice, guiding us day by day in our spiritual journey.
Daily surrender invites the Holy Spirit to Sanctify our thoughts, words, behaviors, and lifestyle. We use our faith to pray, asking for guidance, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.
To differentiate between our thoughts and God’s Guidance, we ask ourselves, Does this thought reflect, honor, and glorify God?
Because God loves us, He gave Jesus, as the Sacrificial Lamb to redeem us from the consequences of sin. (John 3:16). We choose to accept or reject Christ, and we choose our destiny of life or death.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Our Salvation requires an active faith, trust, and obedience to God. We must know the difference between God’s Absolute Truth and Satan’s false teachings.
Keeping our focus on Christ requires Biblical knowledge and the intentional awareness of the people, programs, and activities that we allow to enter our lives.
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, BSB).
Every Son and Daughter of God is the target of Satan’s Spiritual Warfare. All of Heaven is dedicated to guiding and protecting us from Satan’s covert deceptions and temptations.
As Children of the Light, we are responsible for maintaining control of our Gift of Time. Always pay close attention to interruptions and distractions.
Saying No, to most unplanned activities is necessary, so we can spend quality time with our Savior and Shepherd in personal worship.
To Grow Closer to Jesus Christ, Practice Separation, Solitude, and Silence
We dismiss all desires and distractions that prevent us from praying for and receiving Jesus’ Divine Guidance, Wisdom and Strength.
It is the time we spend in personal worship that invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures, and what we need to do to maintain an unbreakable spiritual connection with Christ.
Studying and obeying God’s Precious Promises, His Commands, Precepts, Moral Law, and the Life of Christ in the Holy Scriptures is crucial for our Spiritual Transformation.
The Scriptures reinforce God’s Truth, reveal His Promises, give us the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes, and teach us how to think, respond, and live as Jesus did in His earthly life.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
Satan cannot deceive Christ’s followers, who make it their priority to have daily Bible Study, whispering prayers throughout their day, asking for wisdom, discernment, and Jesus’ Power. “Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
To receive spiritual growth and character transformation, we cannot rely on hearing weekly sermons. Just as physical food is required daily, every day, we must engage in personal worship with the goals to learn how to live righteously.
We receive spiritual empowerment from the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s Will and Plans for the given day. “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done,” is the prayer of victory that demonstrates our willingness to obey God.
The Apostle Paul was an awesome, loving, and caring Pastor to the members of the Early Churches; the Believers faced continuous challenges and hardships, because paganism [idolatry] was the standard of worship:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).
Paul’s instructions to each of his churches: Consecrate yourself to Christ by letting go of unrighteous people, worldly behaviors, profane words and habits, and immorality are still valid for us today.
To be a Christian is to remain steadfast in our Spiritual Journey with Jesus. We must learn to hate sin!
Following Christ may cause us to lose relationships with friends, family members, and at times, our jobs. Facing compromising situations is the true test of our faith.
The possibility of loss reveals to us whether or not, we really believe in Jesus’ Sovereign Power and Authority. Even if your faith is weak, Never compromise!
Our faith will be tested. Still, we must possess courage and the ability to say “No, I will not sin against God!”
I can recall a behind closed doors meeting with the company’s Regional Nursing Director, who relayed an unwritten corrupt policy that I was expected to follow; her exact words, “I will return to your office in 1 hour and we can discuss the changes that will be implemented.”
I prayed and within 10 minutes, walked to her office and stated, “I am ready to meet with you.” She smiled with the look of victory on her face. She entered my office with confidence, but my words were brief, “I emailed Human Resources my letter of resignation that is effective today.”
Her response, ” I cannot believe that you are willing to give up this excellent job.” Within a week, God blessed me with a new job that was a work from home position.
Reflection: Do we really believe that Jesus has All Power and Authority?
Our faith and trust in God’s Love, Sovereign Authority, Power, and Promises is the foundation of our beliefs, morals, values, and most importantly builds and sustains our relationship with Christ.
“…continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the Name of Christ]. (Philippians 2:12, Amplified Bible).
The Holy Spirit is responsible for performing the lifelong spiritual process of Sanctification: The daily spiritual growth and transformation of our mind and character, and our role is to cooperate with surrender and obedience.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).
“God requires a decision on who we will serve, challenging us to make an active, daily choice between worldly influences and God.”
We were created with the power of choice, to either love and obey Christ, or to reject Him and live as we please. God will never coerce us to follow Jesus or to participate with the Holy Spirit.
Many believer’s pursuits and lifestyles reveal they are content with receiving only earthly rewards. But to follow Christ, there is no middle ground, and no areas of compromise; we cannot think and live as we please and inherit the reward of Eternal Life.
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10).
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ has a remnant of faithful followers that love Him, denying themselves of life’s pleasures to implicitly [without hesitation] follow Him.
When our love and loyalty is to Jesus Christ and we desire our reward of the Crown of Life, then we will remain steadfast, and the Holy Spirit will give us the Mind of Christ. Yes and Amen!
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth and the light. We are instructed to represent His Love, Light, and Righteousness in a morally corrupt and dark Earth.
We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth! Prepare every day for your Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!
Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
As Sons and Daughters of God, who are preparing for our King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming, our thoughts, spoken words, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle must always represent the Righteousness of Christ.
Even when facing the brutal loss of income, relationships, marriage, and severe health challenges, we may feel weak and dejected, but in faith, we must remember that Jesus Christ is still in control!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Loving Christ is to experientially know Him, only then can we abide in Him..Studying the Life of Christ changes our desires, thought processes, and goals, inviting the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, teach us spiritual priorities, and strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus’ Divine Power.
When our journey is tough, and we feel our faith failing, deeply reflect on Jesus’ Promise: “My Power will give you the Strength, you need.”
Immediately Pray for Divine Comfort, Strength, and the Power to persevere! Your prayer will be answered before you say, Amen!
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
To stay on the Narrow Path, like the men in the boat, we must ask ourselves, “Who is Jesus Christ?” He is the Only One who can save the human soul!
Through His blood, we are forgiven, and our heart, mind, character, and body are cleansed from the unrighteousness of sin.
Jesus covers us with His Righteousness, transforming us daily into His likeness through the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Because of Jesus’ Infinite Love, we can receive the Power to overcome sin, and to live holy!
The Cost of Our Redemption: “…the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).
Who Am I? Jesus, God, the Son’s Answer: “‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God'” “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.'” (Revelation 3:14; Revelation 22:13).
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 21:3).
Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and Promises to empower us with Your strength to overcome the temptations and the darkness of sin on this present Earth. We ask You to forgive us for the many times, we have rejected Your Love by following our sinful desires. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us with an Everlasting Love and willingly sacrificing Your life to save our souls. Today, we consecrate ourselves to follow Jesus with humility, surrender, and faithful obedience. We ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our spiritual journey, especially when we are discouraged by our presenting circumstances. We look forward to the day when there will be no more sin and grief. Until then we ask You to please be our Strength. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.
“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:3).
“So the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:28, ESV).
Lord God, Your Love is so Amazing! We thank You for blessing us with 24 hours to redirect our faith and focus from the duties of everyday life to worship You, and express our heartfelt gratitude for Your continuous Love, Faithfulness, Grace, and Mercies. Lord, we ask for Spiritual restoration, peace, joy, and the mental, emotional, and physical healing that only You can provide. We also ask for the wisdom, discernment, and strength needed to persevere in our spiritual journey with You. Jesus, our Savior and Triumphant King, we look forward to the day when You will come, and we will worship together with the angels every Sabbath giving You the honor and glory that you rightfully deserve for redeeming us from the penalty of our sins. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6).
Who is Jesus [Yeshua]? Jesus is the Only Son of God, the Father and Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead [the Holy Spirit is the Third Person].
In Hebrews Chapter 1, God, the Father makes the absolute declaration that Jesus, His Son is also God, refuting that Jesus is a created angel:
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?…Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6).
“But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Hebrews 1:8-9).
God, the Father proclaims again that Jesus is not a created angel:
“But to which of the angels has He [God, the Father] ever said: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).
The Creation of This World and Humanity
God, Jesus Christ created the world and life, by His spoken words, with the exception of Adam and Eve, who, He formed with His hands.
“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3:).
Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
The Creation of Human Beings
“‘Let us make’ is evidence of the Godhead working in unison. God, the Father and God, the Son planned and executed the creation of humanity together.”
Outward Resemblance and Character: “Humanity was created in God’s image both in physical form (bearing a likeness to their Maker) and in moral character. This gave Adam and Eve perfect, holy attributes where reason controlled their passions and their affections were pure.”
“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s One and Only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT).
Jesus Proclaims His Authority: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18).
Because the powerful Jewish rulers denied that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus proclaimed His Authoritative Status given to Him by God the Father to His disciples.
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11).
So that every believer has conclusive proof that Jesus is also God, the Holy Scriptures validate that God, Jesus Christ has always existed with God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit.
Yes, we are given conclusive evidence that we must revere Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Savior, Heavenly Intercessor, and Mediator through the worship of faithful obedience.
Our Royal Status: We are Sons and Daughters, heirs of the Promise, who are preparing to live with and worship Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior and Triumphant King, for Eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Living As True and Faithful Believers reveals to the world that we are Sons and Daughters of God!
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14-17, ESV).
Satan’s False Teaching: We can live as we desire and still inherit our Crown of Life.
“But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Obedience to Jesus is not an option.
“Empty Profession: Simply calling Jesus ‘Lord’ is just a verbal acknowledgment; only acknowledging His authority means little without obedience.”
True discipleship requires actively applying and obeying God’s Spoken Words, [the Holy Scriptures] to direct your thoughts, behaviors, actions, and lifestyle to reveal obedience to God’s command, “Be holy, for I am Holy.”
God not only calls believers to have a pure heart and clean lifestyle, but Jesus actively supplies the strength to achieve it. We can do nothing for our Spiritual growth and transformation without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).
“The Bible clearly teaches that living a holy life is not achieved through human willpower alone, but through the transforming Power and daily guidance of God’s Spirit.”
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5, 8).
If God the Father required Jesus, God, the Son, in His earthly life to faithfully obey Him, then we as created human beings, certainly must acknowledge God’s Sovereign Authority over this universe and our lives through obedience.
Reflection: If we obey our employer’s policies and procedures, and county, state, and governmental laws and regulations, then how much more does God expect us [mortals who live and die] to worship Him through daily surrender, humility, and faithful obedience?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38).
When we love God, following Jesus with total surrender and faithful obedience is not a burden or an inconvenience.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).
“We love Jesus because He first loved us,” unselfishly sacrificing His life to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is the second and final death [Romans 6:23].
We love Jesus because through His blood, we have the opportunity to overcome sin and receive the greatest reward of living with Him forever [John 14:1-3, Revelation 21-22].
“I will praise you with my whole heart; I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 138:1, Psalm 139:14).
It is our heartfelt worship of obedience, praising God with our prayers of gratitude and singing joyfully that reveals our reverence, love, and loyalty to the Sovereign and Faithful God, the Sustainer of our lives.
The Path of Righteousness is Narrow, requiring a commitment to live a sacrificial, holy life of self-denial and overcoming our desires and Satan’s temptations through the Power of the Holy Spirit [Romans 12:1-2].
The Beginning of Our Spiritual Journey With Jesus: From our declaration of faith to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, He cleansed us from all our unrighteousness, giving us a pure heart.
Abiding in Christ is a lifelong commitment of following Jesus, requiring continuous Prayer, Bible Study, and asking for His Divine Guidance and Strength.
Daily spiritual growth and character transformation requires a partnership with the Holy Spirit; we must use our power of self-control to say No to our desires, sinful pleasures, and chasing wealth and success.
Keeping our faith and focus on Christ and being content with our blessings, denying our sinful desires, and Satan’s earthly pleasures is the lifestyle of a dedicated follower of Christ.
From our love and willingness to humbly follow Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to Sanctify us, resulting in Jesus covering us with His Righteousness, and this is the Life of an Overcomer. Yes and Amen!
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelation 3:21).
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant…” (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 86:16). Lord God, with surrender and adoration, we kneel before Your Throne of Grace, asking for Divine Strength and Guidance. As we strive to live holy, we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Lord, teach us how to reveal Your light into a world that is dark from the plague of sin. We look forward to Jesus’ Second Advent when we will finally see our King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Triumphant Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21).
Praying for God’s direction before making decisions reveals if our faith and trust is in God’s Faithfulness and His Promises.
Last week, I had a conversation with the maintenance supervisor in our complex and he shared with me that he is teaching his 9-year-old daughter to think carefully and slowly about the decisions that she makes.
Every decision, either produces good results or negative consequences. The consequences take away our happiness and peace, leaving in our minds a dark cloud of misery and regret. This is the surprising part, he is an unbeliever.
The Scriptures teach us to Always Rely On God! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean [rely] on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5).
Reflection: In John 3:16, God proclaims absolute proof of His love for humanity. Our love relationship with Jesus Christ requires reciprocity; Jesus loves us and we love Him by being faithful and obedient.
Unless we love God and practice our spiritual gift of self-control [2 Timothy 1:7], our desires will force us to compromise and disobey every directive that God has given us in the Holy Bible.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2: ESV).
The Believer’s Walk of Faith is a lifelong journey of daily self-denial, surrender, and faithful obedience to God.
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.'” (Jeremiah 17:5, NLT).
King Solomon learned from experience, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). From studying the Bible, we find that God is doing all He can to keep us from being lost.
We have a Heavenly Father, who cares about the smallest details in our lives, and expects us to pray for His guidance and obey, by doing exactly what He tells us to do.
Adam, Eve, Cain, and Samson’s decisions teach us that relying on human wisdom is always a deadly choice, producing unwanted consequences. All repented, except Cain, who embraced pagan customs.
We cannot know what is going to happen from one minute to the next minute, or guarantee the outcomes of our decisions. If we love God, then we Rely on God.
The Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy, who he was training to become a Pastor: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2 Timothy 2:7).
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12).
Self-Reliance reveals that the bitter fruit of Pride has taken root in our heart, preventing our Spiritual Teacher and Guide, the Holy Spirit, from giving us the wisdom to make the right decisions, according to God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways [Isaiah 55:8-9].
“Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14, MTB).
We Pray, Wait for God’s Answer, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our thoughts, and the Holy Scriptures.
Not only do we receive God’s Answer, but the Holy Spirit also gives us clear and concise directions to do exactly what God has commanded.
When God emancipated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the journey to the Promised Land was only 11 days. Because of their continuous disobedience of doing as they pleased, they wandered aimlessly in the wilderness for 40 years.
The Final Outcome: “Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me.” (Numbers 14:29).
“God declared that everyone 20 years and older would perish in the wilderness—due to the people’s disobedience and lack of faith after the spies returned from Canaan.”
Joshua and Caleb were the only two faithful and obedient men from the generation freed from Egyptian slavery, who received their reward of entering the Promised Land.
Canaan, the Promised Land in the Old Testament symbolizes The New Heaven and New Earth in Revelation chapters 21-22.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). On the Day of Judgment, what possible answer can we provide to Jesus’ question?
The Walk of Faith requires a sacrificial life of seeking God’s Guidance through continuous Prayer, Bible Study, Faith, Surrender, and Obedience.
Are we willing to faithfully obey God for the remainder of our lives, which is required to receive Jesus’ Promise in John 14:1-3?
Lord God, we ask You to forgive us for our sins of disobedience and self-reliance. We also ask You to give us wisdom and strength, and to guide us in our daily lives as we prepare for Jesus’ Second Advent. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
According to religious statistics, “Globally, there are approximately 2.3 to 2.6 billion Christians worldwide. And there are over 4.3 billion people who have never accepted Christ.”
“Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority (All Power of Absolute Rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'” (Matthew 28:18, Amplified Bible).
The remaining people have various religious beliefs, but do not believe that Jesus Christ is God, the Son and the Second Person of the Triune Godhead.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Let’s direct our focus to the 2.3 to 2.6 billion Christians, who may attend weekly church services, yet many do not follow Jesus with surrender and faithful obedience, nor do they pray and study the Bible daily; “in the USA, only 11 to 13% of Christians study the Bible.”
The number of individuals who proclaim to be Christians are actually not practicing and living according to God’s Biblical Truth, or obeying His Righteous Precepts.
To God, the Father, we are His “Spiritual Investment.” Jesus gave His life to redeem us from the only penalty of being born into sin: “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV).
The Spiritual Returns That God Expects
Every day, our choices, thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyles reveal whether or not, we are living a sacrificial life of self- denial and faithful obedience.
Representing the Light of Christ to others is our greatest witness that following Christ makes a difference in one’s life. These Spiritual Returns are required to receive our reward of Eternal Life [Revelation 22:12].
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10).
Because we inherited sinful hearts, our minds and characters are easily influenced by the evil of this world. But the Holy Spirit convicts us when we are disconnected from Christ.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, God tells us that His thoughts and ways are much higher than our thoughts. Jesus tells us that we are on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, or the wide path leading to destruction [Matthew 7:13 – 14].
Many Believers are living compromised lives, never praying and studying the Bible, thinking that all is well. How is that possible?
Satan has spread a false teaching that has been readily accepted in the Christian Community: You can live as you please and still go to Heaven.
Jesus Says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). We cannot live as we please and expect to inherit the Crown of Life [Revelation 3:21].
As Biblical Prophecy is being fulfilled, Christian believers will either fall into the group of the consecrated, faithful and obedient followers of Jesus Christ, “His Remnant:”
“And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved!” (Romans 9:27, ESV).
“The “remnant” in the Bible refers to a faithful minority of believers whom God preserves and protects during times of widespread rebellion, judgment, and hardship.”
Or as the Apostle Paul describes the majority of believers living in the Last Days, [In 2026, we are the Christians, who are living in the Last Days].
The Behaviors of Compromising Christians:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers [and sisters], by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1).
Yes, our gift of Salvation is free because Jesus paid with His life. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Yielding Spiritual Returns: And for Jesus’ great sacrifice when we love and appreciate that we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, it is not a burden or an inconvenience to dedicate ourselves to follow and obey Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Resurrected King. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, many are standing at the Spiritual Crossroads, because they are attempting to portray themselves as dedicated Christians, but possess divided hearts. Yet, You know the true status of the human heart, and whether our love and loyalty is to Christ, or for ourselves. Lord, we pray for those who are wavering between the choices of life and death that they will come to their spiritual senses, making the decision to follow Christ with love, humility, and obedience. We ask the Holy Spirit to teach every believer how to live righteously, so we can be transformed, and receive our inheritance of Eternal Life. In faith and with humility, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
“In 701 BC, King Sennacherib of Assyria swept through the region, conquering 46 fortified cities in Judah. He laid siege to Jerusalem, trapping King Hezekiah and his people inside ‘like a bird in a cage.'”
“The Assyrian King claimed the God of Israel was no match for the Assyrian Empire. King Hezekiah prayed, believing God is The Sovereign Power!”
“God sent Isaiah, the prophet to tell King Hezekiah, ‘You will not have to fight the Assyrian Army.'”
“That very night, the angel of the Lord went out into the Assyrian camp and struck down 185,000 warriors.” Study 2 Kings 18–19 and Isaiah 36–37.
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:27, ESV).
Three habits are preventing most believers from having steadfast faith and trust in God: Practicing the unbeliever’s mindset of self-reliance; Following our own thoughts and strategies; And not knowing God’s Righteous Character and His Sovereign Power.
Self-reliance creates “unbelieving” believers. They acknowledge that God exists, but the faith building habits of daily Prayer, Bible Study, and asking for God’s guidance and spiritual wisdom are non-existent.
The absence of daily surrender and faithful obedience reveals that we have an issue of the heart: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” (Matthew 22:37).
“Would not God discover this? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21, ESV). Loving God means that we have a God First mindset, serving and honoring Him with surrender and obedience.
King David expresses the love relationship that true believers have with Jesus Christ:
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.'” (Psalm 27:7-8).
Hebrews 11, the Faith Chapter, tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Every Christian must have their faith tested with trials and hardships, because relying on God is the only way for our faith to strengthen.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33, CSB).
At some point, God will allow us to face adversity that human effort cannot resolve. And because we have directed our focus and faith to ourselves, trusting in our human wisdom and abilities, we will feel that our Heavenly Father has abandoned us.
To clarify, God does not send adversity. It is Satan, the Destroyer who creates chaos and corruption, afflicts humanity with disease, and causes the natural disasters on this Earth.
Every day, Satan unleashes his anger on those who follow him. Sadly, self-reliance places us on the same spiritual level as unbelievers.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Self-reliance produces a disobedient spirit that dishonors God’s Sovereignty, resulting in a spiritual disconnection from Elohim Shomri: “God is my Protector.”
Unless we remain faithful in our relationship with Christ, instead of enjoying Jesus’ Spiritual gifts of peace, joy, happiness, and angelic protection, we invite Satan to bring additional chaos into our lives.
The Sacrificial Life of Self-Denial and Obedience Is Required to Follow Christ
“…in view of God’s mercy…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).
Every day, we must choose who we will follow, God or ourselves. If we consecrate ourselves to follow Jesus Christ then we have His Absolute Promise of continuous protection against Spiritual Warfare and Satan’s diabolical attacks. Yes and Amen!
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible gives us countless examples of God’s Love and Faithfulness, and His Commitment to protect the righteous.
Because of King Saul’s jealousy, David lived as a fugitive in the wilderness and mountains for 15 years. Once David became King of Judea, he faced many enemies, including two of his sons.
During David’s reign, Prince Absalom schemed to kill his father and take the throne, but David had Jesus’ heavenly angels protecting “the man after God’s own heart” and Absalom died an unusual death because he dishonored God’s Anointed King.
“No weapon formed against us will prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17).
Jesus Christ is still sending His angels to protect the righteous. We can only see the visible, but behind the scenes, there is an ongoing invisible spiritual war, and every believer is Satan’s target [Study Ephesians 6].
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).
Lord God, we ask You to forgive us for our sins of self-reliance and disobedience. We have decided to follow Jesus with love and loyalty. Lord, we need You to be our Source of Strength and our Protector against Satan’s schemes to harm us. Thank You for Your continuous Love, Grace, and Mercies. We ask for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to teach us how to redirect our faith and focus back to You. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14, 16
Pastor G’s Testimony of His Life-Changing Experience
“It was a busy morning for Pastor G. He had awakened early to prepare for the Bible Class and the Sermon, and he was also leading an Evangelistic Series in the afternoon. He grabbed his keys, ran out the door, and sped away….
He drove through the city traffic, annoyed that so many people were out on that morning and could make him late for church. Where were they all going? Then, out of nowhere, one car cut in front of him. He slammed on the brakes and held up his fist in frustration and anger, yelling at the driver.
Finally, Pastor G arrived at the church. As he stood up to teach the lesson, his eyes scanned his class and came to rest on a familiar face: the driver of the car he was angry at just 20 minutes earlier was sitting on the church pew.” SSNet
Jesus’ disciple Peter was a fisherman who was prideful, aggressive, impatient, and usually the first one to express his feelings using harsh words.
In fact, at The Last Supper when Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him, Peter immediately stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33).
As the disciples followed Jesus to the Mount of Olives and entered the Garden of Gethsemane before He separated Himself to pray, Jesus told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
The Rest of Peter’s Story: After Jesus’ arrest, Peter viciously denied knowing Christ three times, swearing and cursing, and then the rooster crowed, just like Jesus prophesied.
Jesus Forgives and Restores Peter: After Jesus’ resurrection, He had breakfast with His disciples by the sea. “Jesus asked Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’ as recorded in John 21:15–17.”
“By asking Peter, ‘Do you love Me?’ three times, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of Peter’s love and [unrelenting] obedience to his Lord as necessary for his future ministry.”
And from deciding that he desired to love like Jesus loved, Peter cooperated with the Holy Spirit, who changed his crude, unloving heart into a gentle heart that was tender and responsive, a heart overflowing with God’s Agape Love.
Yes, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave Peter the wisdom and the words to witness Jesus’ Love and Saving Power: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36).
When Peter spoke, the people who knew him as the rough fisherman listened closely to his words. Yes, Peter revealed that following Jesus, and surrendering to Him with faithful obedience, invites the Holy Spirit to transform us from roaring lions into gentle sheep.
The People’s Response: “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:40-41).
Today, Jesus is asking His believers [you and me], “Do you love Me?” Yes? Then Feed My Lost Sheep!
Possessing the Love of Christ Is the Foundation of Our Relationship With Christ and Our Most Powerful Witness: “Though I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Like Peter, if we desire a spiritual transformation [total makeover] of our heart, mind, and character, we commit daily to following Christ with love, surrender, faith, and obedience, always praying for wisdom, guidance, and strength.
Spiritual Growth Requires Human Effort and Divine Help! We were not created with the ability to change ourselves. Behavior Modification is the attempt to change by using human strategies and effort, but Spiritual Transformation can only occur when we are empowered daily by the Holy Spirit.
Human Effort: To follow Jesus requires a life of self-denial, renouncing sin, and agreeing to live as clean vessels with pure hearts. Spiritual transformation is a lifelong, daily spiritual process, which requires us to be in total agreement with the Holy Spirit.
Yes, the spiritual journey is tough! Yet, we have hope; eleven of Jesus’ twelve apostles were transformed [Judas had his own agenda, including betraying Christ].
Through prayer, we commit to actively participating in our Salvation. We must maintain the continual desire to be one of Jesus’ faithful disciples. Using self-control, when we resist our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations, the Holy Spirit gives us the Divine strength to overcome.
To Be a Light Requires a Daily Battle With Self and Satan!
Reflection: Are we ready to use our faith and self-control, praying to be empowered with Jesus’ Strength when facing challenges and temptations?
Jesus revealed in His earthly life that He relied on the Divine Power of the Holy Spirit for strength to accomplish His daily goals and to say, No to temptation.
The Character of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible).
How do we know we are growing spiritually?
Spiritual Growth is gradual, but consistently progressing, from the invisible spiritual, mental, and emotional changes to the visible physical changes.
Jesus’ Promise: “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT).
From the moment we wake up, we have peace and joy from being filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion—our presence, facial expressions, attitude, thoughts, spoken words, and actions reflect that we are “lights” in darkness.
The Holy Spirit, through daily Sanctification, changes us from the inside; we let go of worldly habits, clothing, and lifestyles that we used to enjoy; and the things that used to annoy and upset us, instead, we whisper a prayer or sing a song, praising God for His Faithfulness.
“The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NIV). To be a “light” requires continuous self-denial and steadfast faith, courage, and prayer. You will lose friends and family.
“We live in a world that hates God’s Truth, but that reality should not prevent us from sharing [God’s Love] in thoughtful, loving ways.”
As empty vessels, if we allow ourselves to be filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion, serving as witnesses of God’s Steadfast Love, Grace, and Mercies, Jesus has this promise for you and me:
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV). Yes and Amen!
The Apostle Peter’s Guidance:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers [and sisters], be tenderhearted, be courteous;
not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, 12).
Lord God, we thank You for choosing us to follow and represent Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world. We pray for a spiritual makeover, one that represents a heart filled with Christ’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, and self-control. We desire for our minds and characters to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, revealing to the world that loving and following Jesus makes a difference in one’s life. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to those who desperately need to know that Jesus loves them. We also pray for wisdom, guidance, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
“‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.'” (Jeremiah 33:3, Amplified Bible)
Through daily surrender, prayer, and studying the Holy Bible, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and the One and Only interpretation of God’s Truth in the Scriptures.
“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NLT).
The Bible is God’s Love Letters, written for every Christian believer. Because we inherited sinful hearts [Jeremiah 17:9], it is easier for us to follow our desires, leading us into disobedience against God.
Every day, we must choose to do what is right according to God’s Righteous Principles. The test of our love and loyalty for Jesus is one that we cannot pass without being empowered with our Shepherd’s Divine Wisdom and Strength.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control]. (2 Timothy 1:7).
God gifted us with the Spiritual Fruit of self-control, but we must pray, asking for the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize sin, and the strength to say, No.
In Ephesians chapter 6, we learn that we are in a spiritual battle, requiring us to continuously overcome our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations.
Still, we are not helpless! Satan can never force us to sin against God. We decide to embrace or to renounce sin. We have the power to be loyal to God by proclaiming, “No, I will not sin against God.”
“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.” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The Bible also serves as our Spiritual Map. We were created with limitations, including the inability to see beyond the moment, we are living in.
God’s Words of Warning: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” In Proverbs 3: 5-7, God tells us not to trust our own thoughts or follow human wisdom.
We are blessed to have the Holy Spirit who convicts us through our conscience when we are considering choices that separate us from God.
Recently, I had a “Come to Jesus” experience. While preparing for personal worship, the Holy Spirit convicted me of only sporadically praying for God’s Guidance. I quickly came to my spiritual senses, asking myself, What were you thinking? How can I know more than God?
When we separate ourselves to pray and meditate on God’s Love, Saving Grace, Mercies, and His Sovereign Authority and Power, the Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand the magnitude of our disobedience against God.
“Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people]…”
16 “making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Do not trust your salvation to anyone else! Do not believe the enemy’s lie that you do not have to pray and study the Bible!
Praying, Studying the Scriptures, and Obeying God is the way Jesus intentionally lived. Christ always prayed for spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to overcome temptations.
The Apostle Paul was given the Spiritual Assignment of starting the early churches.
Since most of the converts were from pagan backgrounds, they required the knowledge to let go of former hatred for others, lustful desires, and idol worshipping practices.
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul with the knowledge to teach and guide the new believers in letting go of their sinful habits and lifestyles.
The Epistles [Books] of the Bible that Paul wrote are not only letters to the members of the Early Churches, his writings are still relevant for today’s Christian believers, who have the same unrighteous behaviors and temptations to overcome.
“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. Through daily personal worship [Prayer and Bible Study], with faithful obedience, we surrender to Christ, inviting the Holy Spirit to give us the Spiritual Knowledge and Wisdom that we need to navigate in this sinful and evil environment that we live in.
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by Divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]” (2 Timothy 3:16, Amplified Bible).
God teaches us His expectations and how to live holy through the Scriptures.
The Bible teaches us about God’s Loving Character, the Creation, the history of God’s Divine Help, and the life of suffering that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, endured to complete the Plan of Redemption, required to save us from the wages of sin [Romans 6:23].
God’s Holy Word has separated the Christian Community into two groups of believers:
Those who study and obey the Scriptures will remain faithful and steadfast, because they invite the Holy Spirit to empower them with the highest level of Spiritual Knowledge and Wisdom; And those who refuse to study the Bible, who will continue to live a life of compromise, following their thoughts and living as they please.
God’s Grace and Mercy: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Everyday, we have the opportunity to choose Eternal Life by renouncing sin, and dedicating ourselves to follow and obey Jesus through continuous prayer, and the study of the Word of God.
Bible Study: The Book of Philippians
Lord God, we come to You with humility, asking for the forgiveness of wilful disobedience. We have come to our senses, realizing that You demonstrated Your Love for us, by giving Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered, bled, and died on Calvary’s Cross. We know that the next time Jesus comes, He will come as the Triumphant KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. Today, we commit ourselves with faith and surrender to follow Jesus Christ, our Savior and Shepherd. And we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with wisdom and understanding, as we seek knowledge in Your Holy Word. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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