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.
Our Heavenly Father Cares – Devotional Reading – April 4, 2025
Celebrations occur every day. We celebrate a baby’s birth, birthdays, marriages, adoptions, anniversaries, educational and career achievements, and even in death, we can memorialize and honor the person’s life through a Celebration of Life service. Most countries celebrate national holidays. Yes, we can freely designate any event as a special occasion giving us infinite reasons for a celebration.
Many Christian believers actively participate in secular celebrations to express joy and happiness; however, we often neglect to celebrate God’s love, that we are created in His image, and His greatest gift to humanity, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Reasons for Daily Spiritual Celebrations
God Confirms His Love for Humanity: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16
God Confirms Our Identity: “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…” (Genesis 1:26-28). We are who God says we are, therefore, we dismiss the world’s hierarchy of importance based on financial wealth, career positions, and social status.
Because God is Omniscient and His knowledge is eternal, the Plan of Redemption was not an afterthought. The Triune God knew Adam and Eve would disobey His command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Although they sinned and had to leave their Garden of Eden home, Christ did not abandon them, “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NLT). Death entered the planet Earth when Adam and Eve sinned, not only did they lose access to the Tree of Life [losing immortality] innocent animals had to die to clothe the wayward couple, and lambs were required for a sacrificial offering.
“This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” —1 John 1:9-10
Until Jesus came to this earth, the ceremonial law of animal sacrifice was performed for the remission of sin. Thankfully, Jesus’ death on Calvary’s Cross fulfilled the Plan of Redemption eliminating animal sacrifice. On deep reflection of Jesus’ Ultimate gift of Salvation, we have the option not to die for our sins because Christ became the Sacrificial Lamb.
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a High Priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:25-26). We can celebrate with gratitude because Yeshua is still serving humanity as our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
We Have a Compassionate High Priest Who Invites Us to Ask Him for Help: “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15).
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:8-9
“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
By praying for help, we can receive the Divine wisdom and strength to recognize and resist temptation. Our God is All-Inclusive! We are not limited to seeking Divine Intervention for the forgiveness of sin and the strength to overcome sin, Christ also gives us comfort and peace in times of distress. We can live without worries because Jesus promises to provide for all our needs.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans [unbelievers] run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34). Yahweh Yireh always provides the necessities required to sustain our lives.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17
When we strive to live faithful and obedient lives, our blessings of good gifts come from God. In contrast, Satan manipulates unbelievers by fulfilling their desires while leading them to chase wealth and accumulate debt. Yes, we may have mismanaged our financial blessings, and now face consequences that usually result in the loss of our tangible purchases, still, God does not abandon us when we come to Him with a contrite heart asking for forgiveness.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. —John 16:33, Amplified Bible
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory…” —1 Peter 4:12-13
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Jesus warned us that following Him would result in a tumultuous journey. But we place our faith in His promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Prayer is our connection to Divine Power. We pray for help and the Holy Spirit gives us Jesus’ Strength to endure and persevere through our sufferings.
Sanctification can only occur through trials and hardships that God allows to produce unwavering faith, spiritual growth, and the transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” —John 14:1-3
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). Through daily personal worship, we redirect our focus from this temporary earthly life by dedicating ourselves to following Christ. To the faithful, Jesus promises to reward us with Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4
Every believer who is faithful and obedient to the will of God is guaranteed Divine Intervention, strength, wisdom, provisions, and the heavenly reward of a life filled with forever love, peace, joy, and happiness. These promises are a reason for celebrations of joyful praise! Our Father God deserves daily celebratory praise for giving us His only Son.
Unwavering faith honors the Triune God and acknowledges His steadfast love and faithfulness. The Holy Spirit is responsible for guiding us and performing our spiritual transformation, also known as the Spirit of Truth, we receive spiritual wisdom when studying the Holy Scriptures, and the discernment to recognize truth from the error of false teachings and doctrines.
With loving kindness, Jesus, God, the Son forgives our sins, covers us with His Righteousness, and presents us as faultless to God, His Father. Our King, the Lion of Judah is the Commander of angel armies whose primary role is to protect us from spiritual warfare and physical harm. Study 2 Kings 6 and Psalm 91.
Through the Holy Spirit, Christ intervenes in our earthly lives to save us from making devastating mistakes. What more can Jesus do for us? Taking the time to separate ourselves for personal worship is how we celebrate and manifest our love and appreciation for a More than Wonderful God!
If He said it then He will fulfill it! One day we will say goodbye to this present Earth and its sinful existence. Until then, we must keep our focus on Jesus by proclaiming faith and not fixating on our circumstances. Let’s make the daily Celebration of Worshiping our Amazing God our lifetime priority! Yes and Amen!
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:)
Jesus, we thank You for the gift of Your precious life required to redeem us from our sins and to save our souls. We pray for the strength and perseverance to overcome the sorrows of this life by keeping our focus on You. We celebrate You as our Triumphant King soon to come. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Your Holy Name, Amen.
“I will be like a shepherd looking for His scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.” -Ezekiel 34:12
Our identity, courage, confidence, joy, happiness, and peace remain steadfast when we use our faith to believe that Christ, our Shepherd loves us. Understanding God’s love keeps us spiritually grounded.
Our responsibility is to accept our role as sheep who willingly follow their Shepherd. We use our faith to stay connected to God, study the Scriptures daily, and maintain a life of much prayer which reinforces our spiritual bond with Jesus Christ. Loving God more than ourselves is the must have attribute of a follower.
The parable of Jesus, our Shepherd and His sheep reveals the spiritual bond that we have with Christ when we accept Him as our personal Savior. Loving and trusting the Shepherd produces the desire to follow Him. Whether the season is dark and stormy or peaceful, the Shepherd never leaves His sheep.
Jesus’ commitment was proven on Calvary’s Cross: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” -Isaiah 53:6, NLT
Even when we walk away from the Good Shepherd, Jesus never forsakes His sheep. Before a believer sins, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our conscience. At that point, we have the choice to pray and renounce the temptation, or we ignore the Holy Spirit, and fulfill our heart’s desires.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” -Jeremiah 31:3
In our state of rebellion, Jesus still searches for us by knocking on the door of our hearts. Through the Holy Spirit, our Shepherd calls us to return, yet, we are never coerced into returning to Christ. Sin is the decision to use our gift of free will to rebel against God. Often it is the plight of suffering consequences that causes us to desperately seek our Shepherd.
God’s Never-ending Love: With a prayer of repentance, we are forgiven, and that is the beauty of God’s grace and mercies.
“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” -Matthew 9:9, NIV
Jesus has proven His unconditional love for us and it is time to decide whom we will serve. Our Shepherd is committed to leading us through the rigorous journey of our earthly lives. With the spirit of humility and faithful obedience, we can receive the Heavenly reward of Eternal life.
Following the Shepherd [Jesus] requires the lifelong commitment to seek and obey His perfect will. Faithful sheep demonstrate their love for Christ through daily surrender, unwavering trust, and obedience, and will be greatly rewarded.
Lord God, we desire to follow You with love and dedication, and ask you to forgive us for our sins of rebellion. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Heavenly Father Cares Sabbath Devotional – March 28, 2025
“I appeal to you therefore, brethren, 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, RSV
In the 1980s, I was having a conversation about the Christian lifestyle with my Aunt, whose words were shocking: “Oh, niece, you are very naive. Not every Christian desires to go to heaven.” At the time, I thought it was the worst perception of believers that I had ever heard. Fast-forward to 2025, and now I realize her words were prophetic.
Pleasure, Prosperity, and Politics Have Changed the Culture of the Church
Although attending weekly church service is our duty to God, it does not supply the spiritual food and strength to sustain us for the six subsequent days of the week. Many believers are neglecting the necessary spiritual preparation for eternal life [Daily personal worship]. Instead of seeking God, we are too focused on our earthly pursuits of self-gratification.
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” —2 Timothy 4:3
Many pastors have also promoted the trend of Compromised Christianity by not preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Entire church services are led by worship leaders and consist only of singing, or sermons are watered down containing only selected Scriptures that do not offend the members.
The desire to keep members happy and content has resulted in the switch from Christ, Salvation, and Sanctification to motivational messages promoting the emotions of happiness, serenity, and prosperity.
Sadly, the pulpit has also become a political arena—sermons include defending political leaders even when the politicians clearly contradict the Christian values found in the Bible. Instead of a unified body of members, we are experiencing the same division that occurred in the churches the Apostle Paul started.
Challenges in Christianity have existed since the Early Churches. The Apostle Paul had a tough spiritual assignment when God appointed him to preach to the Gentiles. Most of the new members had a history of pagan worship and engaged in worldly habits and practices they enjoyed and were not ready to give up.
Christian Code of Conduct: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:14-16).
Paul was loving but straightforward when addressing the member’s unrighteous behaviors including the continuous conflict with fellow believers. In his letters to the churches, the apostle’s focus was to “Behave As a Christian” by possessing a Christ-like character filled with loving kindness for one another which revealed a heart filled with God’s love.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” —Isaiah 55:8-9
God’s perspective of this world and our earthly lives is very different from our thoughts and goals. To receive eternal life, our minds must align with God’s ultimate goal to save our souls.
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
God warns us that our knowledge and wisdom are limited—we cannot foresee the future or anticipate the possible consequences of decisions that exclude God. If we choose to rely on God’s Providence, we will enjoy peace despite our circumstances because Divine Intervention only produces victorious outcomes.
God’s Instructions On How to Live Our Best Lives
“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 12:2, NIV
To live our best lives, we must faithfully obey God’s Blueprint for living righteously. Many are well-fed from secular information but starving spiritually from the lack of personal worship and studying the Holy Scriptures. Prayer connects us to Christ, our Intercessor, and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Knowing Jesus’ words of promise fill our hearts with encouragement: “…I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Yes and Amen!
Reflection: Where do we stand in our relationship with Christ? Every day we receive the gift of time to worship and ask for Divine wisdom and the spiritual strength to overcome temptations. Our lifestyle and choices indicate whether or not we are preparing for Jesus’ Second Coming.
Time is fleeting! We must return to the basics of the Bible by devoting ourselves to the service of God. Because of Divine love, we are covered by God’s Grace. We use our faith to surrender, repent, and begin a new relationship with Christ built on humility and faithful obedience.
Pray King David’s 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 (Psalm 139:23-24).
God’s Promise: “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:12-13
Every day we receive the opportunity to use our faith to dedicate ourselves to God. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Helper who reveals God’s will, gives us wisdom and discernment when studying the Scriptures, and speaks to us through our thoughts, conscience, and the Bible.
“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).
God desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Pray daily for the physical and spiritual strength to complete life’s tasks and to renounce sin. The Holy Spirit also gives us spiritual wisdom to recognize sin, and the spiritual strength to overcome temptation. When facing questionable situations, Pray for Divine Help.
“Be holy for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Because we inherited hearts that are driven to fulfill carnal desires, we cannot use our thoughts to define righteousness. The human effort of faithful obedience is the worship that God requires. And from our willingness to honor God, the Holy Spirit transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ—Sanctification.
“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.…” —John 15:5
With Christ, we can live our best lives now. He will empower us to win the battle against the Pride of Life. Pray an honest prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your status with God. Repent and make the necessary changes to follow Jesus. Fight the good fight of faith! We cannot allow Satan to deceive us with worthless trinkets and false promises designed to make us lose our reward of the Crown of Life [Revelation 22:12].
God never leaves us alone to fight against Satan. When we pray for Divine help, Christ sends His army of angels with His Glory and Power and Satan must fall back. If we exercise steadfast faith and self-control, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously and to overcome all desires and temptations.
The Best Is Yet to Come! Have you considered the magnitude of the reward Jesus is offering us? “Rather, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear seen has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:8-9). Live as if your greatest desire is to receive your heavenly reward on that Great Day.
“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
Day by day, from devoting ourselves to following Christ, our Triumphant King, He will become our Greatest Influencer leading and empowering us with His strength to live as Victorious Overcomers! From Earth to Heaven, our Savior is longing to give us His Best! Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we desperately need Your guidance and strength to make it through this spiritual battle of life filled with temptations designed to separate us from You. We ask you to reveal the blueprint for each of our lives. We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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