As I looked at this spectacular, and most beautiful sunset photo taken by one of Brevard County’s nature photographers, the Sun radiates the Light of Christ, and reveals His overwhelming love for humanity.
Only from Agape love can a heavenly star exist that rises and sets in obedience to its Creator. The Sun is both Perfect Beauty and Multifunctional providing the light, heat, and energy necessary for every living creation to thrive.
“The Sun’s primary function is to radiate light and heat, providing the energy that fuels life on Earth. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which are essential for the food chain and the production of oxygen. Without the Sun’s energy, Earth would be too cold to support life.”
Jesus, our Triumphant King, we thank You for loving us. We bow to Your Excellence, and we praise Your Holy Name. Lord, bless us with wisdom, strength, and peace as we celebrate the Sabbath. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to enter into Your rest every week. Amen and Amen.
Many Believers complain that God does not answer their prayers. Is there anything within your heart that has hindered your prayers?
Our hearts must be filled with love, compassion, a spirit of forgiveness, and a covenant of obedience before we approach God with requests.
Since we cannot judge ourselves, the safest action is to always confess and repent of our sins whether known or unknown.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within Me” (Psalm 51:10).
Lord God, we ask you to search our hearts and to reveal all sinful desires and negative emotions which separate us from You. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.”
Every day, we receive God’s love, grace, and countless mercies, especially for the forgiveness of our transgressions, yet, we are often harsh and unforgiving with those who offend us. When God’s love reigns in our heart, we forgive easily because we are forgiven.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). If our facial expressions are pleasant, and we easily smile then it is easy to speak encouraging words.
Maintain a heart filled with forgiveness by never allowing your emotions to override your love for God and others. The Jewish leaders despised Christ, yet, He always answered with words of wisdom, using a parables, and the Scriptures.
Regardless of how programs like “The Chosen” portray Jesus, the Scriptures reveal that He never spoke in harsh tones. Even when unkind, angry words are directed at us, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to others. We choose to nurture a spirit of humility by not retaliating.
Satan uses people to disturb our peace in an attempt to make us react negatively with emotions, which reveals the lack of discipline and self-control. When facing the conflict of contentious words, whisper a prayer, and remain silent. If we must reply, then simply say, “Jesus loves you,” and walk away, or end the call.
Not only should our words be spoken with a pleasant voice, breathe a prayer before sending text messages. Texting poses challenges because written words are often misunderstood, we never know how the recipient is going to perceive our message.
[Disclaimer: This Devotional is not advocating for one to remain in an abusive relationship.]
Staying close to God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our status of sons and daughters of God. We will face fiery trials and spiritual warfare in various ways. Satan’s goal is always to disturb our gifts of internal peace and joy. With the strength of Christ, we can overcome every situation. Study Ephesians 6.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to experience the spiritual growth and transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. The human effort of exercising patience and self-discipline in troublesome situations reveals our cooperation with the Holy Spirit to develop a righteous character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Fruit of the Spirit represents the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, the Christian journey involves suffering, still, if we speak encouraging words, we fulfill our part in cultivating a righteous character.
“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1).
“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings.”
“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).
At first, speaking only positive, and encouraging words requires much effort, yet if we persevere, the Holy Spirit softens our inherited, hardened hearts, and we begin to perceive life with a spirit of love and gratitude.
One day soon, we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth where love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and love-infused words will permeate the atmosphere. We should look forward to that Great Day!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Encouraging words always bless the giver and receiver. Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we pray to have a spirit of love, compassion, and self-control as reflected by our words. Please help us to love others as you love them. We pray for the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through the eyes of Christ. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.
Love is a Fruit of the Spirit, and the Fruit of the Spirit represents Christ’s Righteous Character [Galatians 5:22-23].
“When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and [elevates] the affections.”
“This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing all around.”
“Without a living faith in Christ as a personal Savior it is impossible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world.” Unless we possess Agape Love, we will not have the power to demonstrate the difference Christ makes in one’s life.
We cannot give to others that which we do not ourselves possess. It is in proportion to our own devotion and consecration to Christ that we exert an influence for the blessing and uplifting of mankind.” EGW
Lord Jesus, we live in a world void of love. We ask You to teach us how to love others as You love them. Please remove all the harshness from our character. Empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we can represent Your Righteous Character. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” —Proverbs 3:5-7
We can agree that successful personal relationships require love, forgiveness, quality time, creating goals, and working together to achieve them. For a relationship to thrive, the individuals must align their morals and values, agree to become interdependent, and communicate using loving, compassionate, and respectful responses, which are the primary building blocks for bonding with each other.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
The Scriptures teach us that we were created to depend on God. Every day, our Heavenly Father desires that we approach Him in prayer to seek His will and plans for the day. How do we describe our relationship with Christ? Strong and thriving, or weak and wavering? Many believers do not have a personal relationship with Christ because of the character trait of self-reliance.
“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting in the tax collector’s office; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’ And he got up and followed Him.” —Matthew 9:9, NASB
“Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, and Matthew immediately leaves everything and follows.” Although our Christian experience differs, accepting Jesus as our Savior is comparable to sheep following their Shepherd. Dependency on God requires us to redirect our faith from ourselves to God and to relinquish our desires in exchange for His Divine plans for our lives.
“…blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). One of Satan’s most effective deceptions in the Christian Community is for us to believe the Holy Scriptures [God’s Spoken Word] are optional suggestions. Jesus refutes this false doctrine of having the privilege to decide whether or not to obey and practice God’s Righteous Commands.
Consider this: Every employer has policies and procedures that comply with State, Federal, or National Labor laws. Upon hire, the legal contractual agreement between an employer and an employee is presented and accepted based on a written agreement between both to adhere to the existing policies.
“Corporate Compliance and Human Resources departments ensure their organizations adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, and ethical standards.” All employer/employee infractions are immediately dealt with and resolved with disciplinary measures, and may escalate to legal action.
The Bible, spoken to righteous men by God, is our Spiritual Guide and Blueprint, teaching us how to live holy and acceptable lives pleasing to God. Without studying the Scriptures, we are relying on our thoughts, which will never coincide with God’s command to “…Be holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” —Luke 6:46, ESV
Something is not right when we can pledge faithfulness to obey employers who can only offer us salaried compensation, but we practice disregard for God’s Righteous Precepts. The acceptance and daily practice of the worldviews of self-governance have caused many believers to reject seeking God’s guidance, resulting in a life of disobedience.
Before Jesus took on humanity, His mind was one with God the Father, perfectly synchronized to His Father’s thoughts and desires. Although it is a mystery, Jesus always knew exactly what His Father was thinking. In Jesus’ earthly life, He did not have the privilege of knowing God’s thoughts and plans as He did in the Heavenly Courts.
Born as a human, Jesus had many limitations. Without prayer, He could not know God’s will. Jesus spent countless hours praying, which empowered Him to live a sinless life. He knew the importance of communing with God in personal worship. With humility and surrender, our Savior always asked for His Father’s will to be revealed. If Jesus required spiritual guidance, may God have mercy on us, we desperately need God’s Divine Help!
Jesus, Our Role Model: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29).
In John 17, Jesus prayed, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (verse 4). To love God is to live a sacrificial life of surrender and faithful obedience. King David reminds us, “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet, and a Light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“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. 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)
The Plan to Reconnect to Christ: What steps can we take to align ourselves with God’s will and plans?
Every morning, we consecrate ourselves as followers of Christ through personal worship. We pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit before making all decisions. Invite God in every aspect of your life, and you will learn to hear His voice. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our conscience, and the Scriptures [Study Romans 12, Galatians 5:22-23, and Ephesians 6].
Do not believe everything you think! Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and teach you what God requires to live a Christ-centered, Faith-based life. Learn to whisper prayers for Divine strength throughout your waking hours.
Humility Cures Worldliness: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). When we commit to following and obeying Christ, we face the spiritual warfare of temptations on a greater level. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Remain prayerful, and study the Scriptures every day.
“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). We were given spiritual gifts meant to be used with prayer. We need Jesus’ Divine strength to renounce sinful temptations that Satan creates based on our personal desires. Still, we cannot be coerced into sin against God. It is a free will choice to say yes to temptation.
Will we accept God’s mandate for the righteous? “LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” ( Jeremiah 10:23, NIV). If yes, we will receive the spiritual power from the Holy Spirit to live as victorious overcomers.
Trusting in God is the willingness to let go of one’s thoughts, inclinations, and desires. We use our faith to honor and reverence God because He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. When we accept our spiritual adoption as sons and daughters of God, we begin to think differently, and our choices reflect holiness.
Last week, I consecrated myself to a life of surrender and faithful obedience. Honestly, it is the toughest journey I have ever encountered. Our battle against Satan is one of External Opposition. We have the power to resist temptations with Divine strength. Thankfully, Christ sets limits on Satan; if it were Satan’s choice, he would aggressively pursue and intimidate believers, leaving us worn out and hopeless.
Still, our greatest battle is the battle of the mind! We inherited carnal hearts that are driven to pursue prosperity and pleasure. The Internal Conflict of renouncing our heart’s desires is one in which we must have Divine help. Not all temptations are easily discerned, especially after an 8 -12 hour, busy day.
After work, we are tired and just want to relax, so one of our favorite podcasts or programs just happens to be on, so we choose screen time instead of worship. If exhausted, pray for strength and spiritual clarity, listen to the audio Bible of one of the Psalms, and pray again before falling asleep.
Prayer is Power! When we pray continuously for Divine strength and guidance, the Holy Spirit transforms our minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character. Sanctification is the lifelong process of spiritual growth and transformation performed by the Holy Spirit when we strive to live faithful and obedient lives.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Matthew 16:26, Amplified Bible
Faithful obedience is our highest worship. As time draws closer to Christ’s Second Coming, we must decide whether we will surrender and faithfully obey God or continue to operate with a mindset of self-governance. Nothing on this present Earth is worth giving up our reward of the Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10
Lord God, we ask forgiveness for living according to our thoughts and plans. We seek Your guidance because we love you, and desire to live a faithful and obedient life that we may receive our reward of eternal life, and meet our Triumphant King who willingly gave His life for us. We pray for the strength to live as faithful overcomers awaiting Your soon return. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, Amen.
Jesus, God, the Son is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, and our Triumphant King. The King of kings stepped away from His throne, leaving His Magnificent Heavenly Home where the Angels bow in obedience and cry Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lamb of God.
Before the creation of humanity, Christ volunteered to die a heinous death on Calvary’s Cross, so we would not have to pay the wages of sin [Romans 6:23]. Yeshua willingly condescended to live as a Man of Sorrows and endure rejection and hatred to save our souls. Thank You, Jesus!
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31
The only thing we can do that is worthy of His Love and Excellence is consecrating ourselves daily to live a life of surrender and faithful obedience. Our thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyle reflect our dedication, appreciation, love, and loyalty to our Triumphant King, who will soon take the righteous home with Him. Yes and Amen!
Thank You, Jesus, for the shame and spilling of Your precious blood. We honor You with surrender and faithful obedience as we wait with joyful anticipation for Your soon return. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 10, 2025
Luke 15:17-24, NLT. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “
During an intense and eye opening Bible study, a perplexing question came to mind: What is it on this Earth that is keeping us from surrendering daily to God through faithful obedience, engaging in personal worship with much prayer, studying the Bible, renouncing sin, and using our spiritual gifts to witness to others which is required to receive Eternal life?
“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. 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
From a love that we cannot understand, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ who willingly sacrificed His life to fulfill the Plan of Redemption to save us from the wages of sin which is death. Jesus died for our sins, so we do not have to die for our sins.
The natural disasters and perilous times described in Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 are occurring now. “The Great Falling Away” indicating the End of Time which Jesus told His disciples about has not been fulfilled.
For many believers, sadly our priorities and lifestyles indicate that we are comfortable in our temporary existence on this Earth which Jesus says He will destroy [2 Peter 3:10] along with the wicked [Malachi 4].
“Be holy, for I am holy.” -1 Peter 1:16
Preparing for Christ’s Second Coming is not based on a scare tactic to incite fear into our hearts, it is based on a heart filled with love and the desire and determination to serve God.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26
Jesus gave his life for us. Like the prodigal son, if we truly desire to live forever in the New Heaven and New Earth, we must come to our senses and return to living a sacrificial life fully dedicated to God. Yes and Amen!
Lord Jesus, we are returning to You, our First Love, and ask You to reveal through Your Holy Spirit all habits, behaviors, and pursuits that will prevent us from receiving our reward of the Crown of Life. Teach us how to live righteously, as we prepare one day at a time for Your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 8, 2025
Every day, we face opposition from spiritual warfare. The toughest battles include conflict on our jobs and dissension in our families. Satan, the roaring lion easily uses familiar unbelievers to strive against us and create havoc in our lives.
Satan’s goal is to make us feel that God does not care. By creating additional stressors and burdens in our already busy lives, we easily succumb to feelings of doubt, anxiety, and discouragement. Regardless of our extreme challenges, God does not change! His promises to intervene and deliver us remain steadfast.
How do we respond when facing the adversity of conflict?
If we resolve life’s minor obstacles without God, unfortunately this habit produces a spirit of self-reliance. From excluding God in the little matters of everyday life, we place burdens on ourselves that God never intended for us to carry.
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” -1 Corinthians 14:33
At some point, we will encounter adversities that our human effort cannot resolve. For the Christian believer, conflict with others is always a God battle. We whisper a prayer, exercise self-control by remaining silent, and walk away.
“…Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:5
The worldview of depending on ourselves to resolve conflict is in opposition to God’s command to rely on Him. Displaced faith in ourselves always results in the distress of frustration and doubt in God’s power. Without a history of faith and trust in God, we will react emotionally to hardships.
“What will I do?” Stand down! We must guard our mouths! Hostile angry words can never be retrieved. Pray!
“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:25
Throughout the Bible, God reveals His love and desire to intervene and give us victory. Yes, facing enemies is an overwhelming challenge! Still, God’s promises remind us that we were created to depend on Him. It is the “impossible situation” that propels us to call on His Name for help.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7
Our prayer of repentance for the sin of self-reliance demonstrates our willingness to surrender to the Almighty God. With humility, we pray for Divine Intervention which honors and reveres God’s Sovereignty and Power. God is Love!
God’s Answer: “You will not need to fight in this battle… Stand still and see the salvation of the lord, who is with you… Do not fear or be dismayed… For the Lord is with you.” -2 Chronicles 20:17
Faithful obedience is demonstrated by believing in God’s never- failing promises. Patiently wait for His resolution with joyful anticipation and a heart filled with gratitude. When God is involved, we can always expect a victorious outcome. Who can win a battle against Yeshua, the Mighty Warrior God? Yes and Amen!
Prayer: “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me” (Psalm 35: 1, 24). In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 6, 2025
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness [humility], temperance [self-control] against such there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23
In performing a spiritual self-evaluation, one must ask, Am I in right standing with God? Are there any secret sins, habits, or behaviors that are separating me from Christ?
“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
Our thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyles reveal whether or not we are devout followers of Jesus Christ. True believers consecrate and surrender themselves daily by abiding in Christ through the personal worship of prayer and Bible study.
“Many believers who have no real faith in God or in His Holy word, [the Scriptures] often agree with some principles of Truth and often pass as Christians, yet they do not obey and practice Scriptural doctrines.”
“The Bible was designed to be a Guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker.”
Jesus invites us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace to receive help in our time of need. We are always in need of Divine help.
To pray without ceasing means to have a continuous mindset of honoring God’s Sovereignty through silent or audible prayers. Seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives demonstrates our willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit.
The human effort of exercising our faith, and obeying and trusting in God, praying for guidance, searching the Scriptures, and renouncing sin invites the Holy Spirit to give us strength, wisdom, and the spiritual discernment to fully understand the Scriptures, and to recognize, and overcome temptation.
Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of growth and the transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ demonstrated by our efforts of striving to live holy.
Living holy is a tough battle! Our part is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit by letting go of all sinful habits, and seeking God everyday. From our perseverance, the Holy Spirit gradually changes us and we begin to reflect the Fruit of the Spirit.
Stay connected to Christ, our Savior and Triumphant King who forgives our sins and covers us with His Righteousness.
We are living in perilous times, 2 Timothy 3. With humility, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us on the Path of Righteousness as we prepare one day at a time for Jesus’ Second Coming.
[Psalm 139:23-24] Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
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