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Faith in God

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Life is tough. But Jesus told us that when we committed to serving God that we would have hardships.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world, you shall have tribulation. But be of good cheer [have courage]; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We can never have peace and joy without Jesus, nor did God create us to be alone and on our own.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

Do you have a prayer partner? It is vital to our spiritual, mental, and emotional growth that we bond with at least one person excited about serving God and is preparing for eternal life.

Yesterday, I spoke to my sister-in-Christ, Linda, who lives 1500 miles away. We chatted, spoke on the goodness of God and the blessings and miracles that we have received. We ended our conversation with a prayer. Both of us felt refreshed. Pray for God to connect you with someone who loves God and loves others.

Believer’s Alert: Start a prayer group to serve those in need.

God loves us. No one is excluded from God’s love. Please remember that we are required to serve others. One of the greatest blessings is to encourage others through prayer is not an option.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself.

Bible Study: Colossians 1

Prayer: God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus who died that we may have eternal life. Please bring people into our lives who love you and are committed to serving others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Destroy Fear with Faith and Prayer

Fear has several dictionary definitions:

1. An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.
2. A feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone.
3. A mixed sense of dread and reverence [refers to God].

Countless situations initiate fear. We will not speak on the physical dangers of where someone or something threatens our physical safety because God has given us a “fight or flight” [stay or run] system in which the body prepares to protect itself.

The third definition of fear is one that all believers should challenge because it refers to God, our Creator, and Heavenly Father. When we love God, we do not have dread. Our fear is reverence and awe of God. But truthfully, if we believe that God is Omniscient and Omnipotent–that He is fully aware of our hardships, problems, and situations before they happened then what is the basis for our fears?

We have two issues: 1. Lack of faith. 2. Focusing on our limited abilities.

Fear is an age-old problem. Even with God’s countless promises, miracles, and deliverance, we still fear our circumstances. Our minds immediately become bombarded with the thoughts of how we will take care of yet another problem or life event.

The Israelites also lived with fear, and God comforted them: “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!” Deuteronomy 20:1, 4

Jesus’ disciples who had seen the power of God through Jesus, the Son of God required comfort: That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. John 20:19.

How is that possible? Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Matthew 26:40. The disciples also had the same deficit that many of us have: Limited time spent with God in prayer.

I asked my mother, who is 87 y/o this question: “Why do modern-day believers have so many doubts and fears?” She responded: “They do not pray enough. It is not enough to pray one or two times a day.”

Last night, I prayed for God to reveal the answer to alleviating all of our fears and wavering faith. This morning, my sister-in-Christ sent me the following devotional reading:

DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:24

God who heard Daniel’s Prayer will hear ours when we come to Him in contrition [repentance]. … It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the Prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow, did we not thus ask. – Great Controversy, p.525. Ellen G. White

• A Point To Ponder •

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray. – Samuel Chadwick

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is not an option when serving God. It is a privilege to pray to the God who sees all, knows all, and lovingly cares for us. God always answers prayers.

It is time for us to acknowledge the ceaseless love of our Heavenly Father by communicating more frequently. When hardships hit like a tsunami, pray prayers of faith and thanksgiving. Who else can comfort us as God can? Who else can provide the answers?

Develop the habit of praying more and more each day. Your faith will strengthen and you will be confident in knowing that God will bring victory. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

God’s Promise: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24. Yes, God is aware of our challenges. Because we need reminders that we are to remain dependent on God, we are required to approach Him in prayer with reverence and humility. Be transparent and honest. God already knows that we are fearful with weak and wavering faith. Even so, verbalize your feelings in your prayers and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers. He knows, and He cares.

Bible Study: Deuteronomy chapter 20

Prayer: God, although you have taken care of our challenges in the past and performed mighty miracles, we are still are overwhelmed with fear. We acknowledge that we are not praying enough, nor do we have the faith and trust needed to serve you. Please forgive us for our lack of communication, our doubt and unbelief. Thank you for the privilege of prayer and thank you for being our Jehovah Jireh–our Provider. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Benefits of Serving God: No Worries Ever!

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

God, we desperately need your help. Please forgive our doubts and unbelief. In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen.

The Prayer for Peace

Desire Optimal Health? Put God First!

In our pursuit of physical health, we change our eating habits and increase movement through exercise. Not only does our body respond to the change, but our mental health also improves as we begin to view life from a different perspective.

Even so, for the believer, we must take additional action to achieve optimal health. Put God first! The desire to be at peak level requires that our spiritual relationship with God to be our #1 priority. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33.

The consequences of pursuing our plans without God’s approval and blessing results in anxiety, worries, depression, and low self-esteem. The Creation story shows us God’s meticulous planning for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs before creating the first humans. Adam was created on day six to dwell in a home complete with the beauty of nature, animals, and food. Since the weather was a perfect temperature and rain did not exist, there was no need for clothing.

In the beginning, Adam (and Eve) willingly accepted God’s plan and agreed to God’s conditions for them. Unfortunately, we continue in their footsteps to desire more than God has given to us. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Obedience to God becomes our only choice when we love God with all of our hearts, soul, and mind. There is no conflict. We acknowledge the deity of God and readily admit that our feeble plans can never supersede His plans.

If we believe that God knows best then how do we transition from happy and healthy to anxious and worried? I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:15

God has given us a fail-proof rhythm for our lives. The sequence of creation included six days of meaningful labor. God gave us the blueprint on how to maintain a healthy, happy, and productive existence. Following His plans always results in victorious outcomes. Through obedience, we make accomplishments that bring satisfaction and inner joy. Even God was pleased with the results of the creation. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good. Genesis 1:31

God’s Plan: Six days of effort and work to accomplish our earthly tasks. The seventh day: To cease, to stop what we normally do, and to focus completely on Him.

On the seventh day, God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:2-3. And on the seventh day, Saturday-Sabbath, we STOP our labor and focus on our relationship with God. Keeping the Sabbath provides complete spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal. God blessed and rested on the seventh day because He declared it holy. Faith says yes, I believe in God and trust His plans for my life. And because I love God and belong to him. I obey His commands.

When God rested on the seventh-day, Saturday, blessed and hallowed [to make holy; consecrate] it as the Sabbath, only Adam and Eve existed. Another false teaching is that the Sabbath was created for persons of Jewish descent. Challenge: Pray, and ask God to reveal to you through the Holy Spirit the importance of honoring and obeying His command to keep the Sabbath holy, Exodus 20:8-11. Remember that God is old-school. “For I am the LORD, I change not….” Malachi 3:6. The doctrines of new covenant churches have convinced many that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh day to Sunday, the first day. It is the human mind that is enmity against God. Satan has easily persuaded us that God has changed His commandments.

What difference does the day make? “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

I am going with God on obedience to keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. I have never found definitive proof in the Bible where God said, “Now that Jesus died for the remission of sin, and animal sacrifice is no longer required, I am also changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.” “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” … It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

Did Jesus obey God, His Father? And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8

Do you desire optimal health? Do you desire the ultimate reward of Eternal life? Stay connected to God!

How important is it for us to stay connected to God? I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV. In every aspect of our existence, we have to “Put God first!”

Living in the imaginary gray area is created by a lukewarm commitment to God, which results in mental anguish and emotional turmoil. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… Joshua 24:15. The inner conflict between our desires versus God’s commands leaves us confused. A mind in turmoil impacts the ability to live a faith-based and purpose-driven life. Without commitment, we lose sight of our priorities. Our time is easily mismanaged as we struggle to finish essential tasks. Without the ability to focus clearly, we cannot complete our goals, which leads to self-esteem issues. We become anxious and worried as we watch our lives decline into chaos.

My past disobedience created the terrible condition of insomnia for many years. Yes, I attended church, and heard many sermons. I was not chasing after sinful pleasures. I believed in God, but my career was first as evidenced by the drive to pursue my plans and goals. The root of the problem: God was never first, which resulted in a superficial relationship. It is only those who claim to love God that challenge Him through disobedience. Yes, we believe in God but approach Him in a ritualistic manner, reciting the same hurried prayers and never taking the time to study the books of the Bible. Because we lack true spiritual transformation, we never understand who God, our Heavenly Father is. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Now that we have identified the problem, our solution is easy. The questions: Do I really love God? Am I willing to put God first by praying, “Not my will, but your will for my life?” Who is God? Daily and diligent study of the Bible is required to know who we serve. We are anxious and depressed because we read a few verses of our favorite chapter to get us through the tough times. From Genesis to Revelation, the “I Am” describes His character along with countless promises to take care of us. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27.

Is there a relationship that can survive without active, ongoing communication? Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. There are no shortcuts to establishing and maintaining a relationship with God. We must reconnect to the Vine, Jesus Christ, for complete deliverance from our mental anguish and emotional instability. The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27, Amplified version. Turning our lives over to God requires total commitment, faith, trust, and obedience.

As we contemplate deeply on the blood sacrifice that was required for humanity’s redemption, we must ask ourselves, “What more can Jesus do for me?” It’s time to put God first! Living righteously brings peace: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” Isaiah 32:17

Bible Study: John 14

God, we thank you for giving your only Son, Jesus, who died for us, was resurrected, and now serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. We ask forgiveness for not putting you first. Our lives are full of anxieties and worries because we have not fully committed to serving you. God, we need you. We desire to put you first. Thank you, Jesus, for your great sacrifice. We love you and ask this prayer in your Worthy Name. Amen.

Happy Sabbath!

Remembering Jesus’ great sacrifice should produce prayers of forgiveness and thankfulness every day. Our Savior suffered, bled and died for you and me. Jesus gave His life to prevent the destruction of the human race.

Oh, how He loves you and me. He gave his life on Calvary, what more could He do?

Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13

Prayer: God, we thank you for giving your only Son, Jesus Christ who died for the redemption of our sins, but rose again. And Jesus, we thank you for your unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice your life for humanity. Thank you, for being our Heavenly Intercessor. As we prepare for your soon coming, we pray for perseverance, and the desire, and obedience to live holy and righteous lives. We ask this prayer in your Worthy Name. Amen.

Never Forget Jesus’ Sacrifice Via Dolorosa by Sandi Patty

The Great Deceiver

Before my employment with the New York State Division of Parole, I took many strenuous psychological tests. One of the deal-breaker tests was the Skills of Observation exam that was pass or fail. Being raised by a Christian mother who always paid attention to the activities of her eldest daughter gave me the advantage of learning her skills of observation. Even so, keen observation is a skill that demands continuous work.

Why is it so easy for humanity to fall into sin? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor And set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7

Do you believe that we have an enemy that seeks to attack us from within?

We must never forget that Satan was Lucifer. Although he is a fallen angel, he has the power to create chaos in every life of a believer. Many individuals blame Satan for their secret desires and believe that he can possess our minds because we are entirely helpless. Not so! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

There is another false teaching: Satan has the power to read our minds. Only the three persons of the Trinity Godhead [God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit] are Omniscient–all-knowing. Humanity would be doomed if Satan and his evil angels could read our minds. Our Heavenly Father, who bent down, picked up dust, and created a perfect man in His image, would never give Satan the power of Omniscience to use for evil.

So, if that is truth, then how do we fall into the very temptations that we detest? We embrace the unholy and the ungodly things of this world because they are the deep, hidden desires of our hearts. Like Eve, we are deceived and fall into temptation because Satan and his angels have observed our behaviors. We read books that promote financial success, watch movies that contain profanity, justify adultery, believe in sex outside of marriage, and the people we have in our friendship circle are not praying and having Bible study with us.

There is an area where many believers fall hard and fast, being involved in unequally-yoked relationships. God created human beings from unconditional love. We have the innate ability and desire to give and receive love. But when we attempt to eliminate loneliness by any means necessary, we open ourselves to deception.

And that great deceiver, Satan, is always ready to send the wolf in sheep’s clothing. You know, the smooth talkers who are skilled in saying the right words that are meaningless. They are the men and women whose outer appearance and spoken words reflect a good character. Still, Satan is using them to distract us, and to sin against God. Visual imagery is the most effective weapon that Satan uses to entice us intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Eve was not afraid of a beautiful serpent, an animal that she probably saw every day in the Garden of Eden. But this one was special, the serpent could speak. Eve was mesmerized as he told her the lie of deception, “…then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. Satan used all three components: Visual imagery, along with intellectual and emotional stimulation. He is still using the same old methods to make humanity doubt God, and we are continuously falling for Satan’s lies. If God said it, and we believe it, then do not engage in debates or verbal sparring concerning the Word of God.

In 2021, we are the easy marks that the con-artists boast about. Satan preys on our weaknesses. Best-selling books and blockbuster movies are created by people who have the talents of developing imagery and writing scripts that easily pull us into the storyline, mentally and emotionally. If human beings can write songs and music that penetrates our soul and produces feelings that we were not aware of, please accept that we are no match for Satan. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

If you follow my blog, you know that I am old-school, but I am also a seeker of knowledge. Yes, I am tech-savvy (not an expert, still learning). It is true, I love social media; Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are three of my favorites. I also have a couple of online games that I enjoy.

But yesterday, I had a spiritually eye-opening experience. While I was caught up in having fun, the Holy Spirit gave me a deeper insight of the content that I was watching. Was this person promoting an ad for sexy designer clothing or perfume while speaking about Jesus Christ? Some of the individuals that I was following under the label of #christiantiktok are sending mixed messages. Do we need to see an individual dressed in tight, suggestive clothing–both men and women–to say, “Jesus died for us?” Yes, Jesus did give His life for us, but we cannot use the cover of sexy and enticing to witness and spread the plan of salvation.

Although it was easy to hit the unfollow icon, not falling into temptation is impossible without God. Our Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses. He is aware that we are gullible [easily persuaded to believe something] because of the desires of our hearts. The year 2020 left many with broken spirits and caused them to see their lives as hopeless. With the adversities that we have faced, it doesn’t take much to give in to sin. Total dependence on God is necessary to sustain our spiritual, mental, and emotional strength.

Beware of your words! We are too transparent, disclosing feelings and situations that we should only tell to God. Even so, I would like to encourage you to stay prayed up! Decide to give God your all, your everything, and you will receive power! Satan is easily defeated when we stay connected to the source. We have come too far to lose our reward of eternal life. Prayer brings power, healing, and spiritual discernment {the ability to see situations through spiritual eyes].

Let Satan know, “You, are not in control of my life!” No more deception! We are soldiers in God’s Army, marching forward to God’s voice. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27. Hallelujah! We will not be deceived!

Bible Study: Revelation chapters 21-22

God, we need you in every aspect of our lives. We are tired of being deceived because of broken spirits or the secret desires of our hearts. We pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Please give us discernment and the strength to walk away from all temptation. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

The Prayer of Humility

Our thought, desires, words, actions, and plans are so misaligned with God’s will for us. We cannot change our past actions, but we can begin today and pray every day for God to reveal His will for our lives.