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.
At some point, in our Christian experience, we should be very concerned about our spiritual status with God. Yes, there are obvious sins that we can identify, but it is the hidden desires of our hearts that we need the Holy Spirit to identify as unrighteousness. Pray and Obey. Study the Scriptures and Strive for Spiritual growth. Live righteously!
We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to receive the daily transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. Revelation 22:12 is sooner than we think. Peace and Blessings!
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” -Matthew 22:37
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:35
“It is no secret what God desires and requires of those who would claim to love and obey Him. He specifies very clearly in Micah 6:8 (and in similar passages elsewhere): ‘He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ ” (NKJV).
The two greatest sins are both tied to love. The failure to love God and to love everyone else results in the loss of receiving our reward of eternal life. Many believers feel that loving God is easy, but add qualifiers and conditions for loving others.
“Loving Everyone” includes those who have despitefully used you, attempted to defame your character, and abandoned, or abused you. Everyone is the 8 billion plus people that live on the planet Earth. Loving others unconditionally reveals that our hearts are overflowing with Agape love.
Our role model is Jesus. In His earthly life, Jesus was hated by the majority of the Jewish leaders who not only schemed everyday to kill Him, but also attempted to entrap Him by asking questions which appeared to have no correct or acceptable answer. Jesus proved that loving others despite their hatred is possible.
God is Love! Yes, God, the Father knew the majority of people would reject the gifts of His precious Son and Salvation, still, Jesus humbly, lovingly, and willingly gave His life for us. Are we willing to walk in the Loving footsteps of Christ by asking God to teach us how to love?
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” -1 John 4:11
Lord God, we ask you to teach us how to love as You love us. And we ask for forgiveness for not loving others as you love. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional — March 16, 2025
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8
“What more could He do? The Father loved us so much ‘that He gave His beloved Son’ (John 3:16).” Because of Redemption, we demonstrate our love for God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, God, the Son for their plan to save our souls through daily personal worship, surrender, and faithful obedience.
Prayer is our connection to Jesus who is still serving humanity as our Heavenly Intercessor [Jesus receives our prayers], Forgives our sins, and Mediates for us. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6).
Daily worship includes consecrating oneself to a sacrificial life—living a Christ-centered, faith-based life. Surrendering our desires in exchange for God’s plans is the greatest challenge in our Journey with Jesus. Although we are gifted with self-control, we must pray for the Divine Strength to overcome temptation.
Worship invites the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts when pursuing our desires and allows us to receive in-depth wisdom to understand and appreciate God’s greatest gift to humanity, The Plan of Redemption. Humility is the spiritual catalyst required to actively participate with the Holy Spirit to receive spiritual wisdom and character transformation.
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12
Christianity is much more than attending church every week. Our salvation requires continuous cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We cannot change ourselves! Heart conversion begins our spiritual journey. Sanctification is the spiritual lifelong process of daily spiritual growth and character transformation.
Yes, the Holy Spirit performs our transformation, but God also requires the human effort of faith, obedience, and works: “Those who have genuine love for God will manifest an earnest desire to know His will and to do it.” Personal worship demonstrates our love for God which is revealed by separating ourselves from life’s distractions to enter into His presence [at least twice a day].
“We have the responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to live out our faith with humility and reverence, recognizing that God is the Source of our salvation and ability to live a life pleasing to Him.” Without the commitment to faithfully seek God through prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures, the depth of Christ’s amazing love for humanity cannot be understood, nor will we desire to seek and fulfill God’s plans.
“Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.” — John 15:4 (Good News Translation)
We desperately need Jesus to live as overcomers. It is the transforming power of God’s Spoken Words that keeps us grounded and faithful in our relationship with Christ. Scriptural knowledge must include the Life of Christ with an emphasis on His Righteous Character. Still, knowledge alone cannot save us, discipline, self-control, surrender, and obedience demonstrate our willingness to live as faithful followers [disciples] of Christ.
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]” (Luke 5:16). Christ revealed the importance of solitude to maintain His connection to God through prayer. Many believers do not feel that Jesus lived as a human being with limitations as we have, the Scriptures prove that Jesus did not possess the same Divine power on earth as He possessed in heaven.
Jesus’ question to Peter at the time of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals that Christ was 100% human and had to depend on God, the Father for the strength to live Holy and to perform miracles: “Or Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53).
We have the same access to God’s Divine Power as Jesus did in His earthly life. How do we accomplish this? “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ ” (Matthew 22:37).
Loving God is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus Christ. We study the Bible to know who He is and maintain our earth-to-heaven connection to Him through much prayer. From studying “The Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John” we gain an intimate, heart-to-heart relationship with Christ. Heartfelt love and faith combined with Biblical knowledge allows us to fall in love with Yeshua and our response will be to do His will.
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). Yes, without fail, Jesus loves us, but He also clarifies that He must be our first love. Without committing John chapters 16-21 to memory and reflecting on Jesus’ sacrificial gift every day, Calvary’s Cross will not have a life-transforming impact on our hearts. Jesus’ greatest gift to you and me will only be perceived as a historical event. What more could He do?
A Time to Reflect: When we first accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we were excited and readily shared our decision and commitment to becoming a Christian. As time passed, the journey became tough. We had to choose right over wrong, truth instead of worldviews, and we succumbed to the busyness of life. The believer’s lifestyle involves a daily decision to resist the temptations that interfere with the personal worship required to strengthen our relationship with Christ.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” —James 4:8
What more can we do? For Christ to remain our First Love requires intentionality, courage, and time management. Our spiritual perception must be highly sensitized to recognize the desires, interruptions, distractions, and screen time that threaten to keep us from inviting the presence of God into our lives. Consistent worship invites the Holy Spirit to shower us with the blessings of spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength that we desperately need to renounce sin.
From the Earth’s beauty that is still intact and the progression of technology, we know that God desires us to be well-rounded—possessing a diverse set of skills, experiences, and interests. Even so, our highest priority is to remain a steadfast Christian amidst the constant presence of evil. Without hesitation, we learn to say No to time-wasting activities that do not enhance our spiritual and personal growth.
“Now let me sing to my Well-beloved A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard On a very fruitful hill. He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, And also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes.” —Isaiah 5:1-2
“What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes?” —Isaiah 5:4
The parable identifies our spiritual status of whether we are good grapes or wild grapes. Every day our decisions, habits, and lifestyles demonstrate love for Christ or love for ourselves. Only the good grapes seek to do more for Christ through a sacrificial life of faithful dedication.
God gave His beloved Son, Jesus to save our souls by giving us the option of choosing Redemption and living forever in the New Heaven and New Earth. Now Jesus asks, “What more can I do for humanity?” “It is finished!”
Lord God, we surrender ourselves to Your perfect will. Thank You for loving us unconditionally and dying on Calvary. Thank You for giving us the option to overcome sin and choose a life of righteousness. We realize that You have given Your all. Lord, we pray for the desire and strength to love You by faithfully doing our part through daily consecration. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – January 19, 2025
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” —John 4:24
Spirit: “Worshiping in spirit means worshiping from within, without formalism or traditionalism. It means having a new disposition and a humble, grateful heart.”
Truth: “Worshiping in truth means worshiping based on a correct understanding of God and what He requires. It means having a true perception of God and obeying His word [The Bible].”
Balance: “Worshiping in spirit and truth requires a balance of emotion and thought. Without emotion, worship can be lifeless, and without truth, worship is empty.”
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:25
The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin it means [Christ] taking away our sins, and filling the emptiness with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul there is purity and freedom from sin. The glory, the fulness, and the completeness of the gospel plan are fulfilled in the life. —Christ’s Object Lessons
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” —Luke 6:46
God’s Love is unconditional, yet to receive His benefits [including the reward of Eternal Life] requires total obedience to His Righteous Conditions of Participation in the Plan of Redemption. Obedience is worship that reveals our love, loyalty, and willingness to seek God’s Divine will. Our affirmation of “I choose not to sin against God” reveals our steadfast love and faith in God and renounces self-reliance.
Obedience Is Worship
God’s Promise to Abraham: “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” —Genesis 17:4-5, NIV
God Tests Abraham’s Faith: “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’ ” —Genesis 22:1-2
It is quite amazing that God would ask faithful Abraham to sacrifice Isaac whose birth fulfilled God’s promise to make Abraham the father of nations. “Child Sacrifice of the first-born sons was a common practice among pagan tribes to ensure their land would reap the prosperity of abundant crops” (myjewishlearning.com).
God always tests our faith, and Abraham understood this was a test of faith. Still, the spiritual meaning of God commanding the sacrifice of Isaac was it foreshadowed [an indication of a future event] God sacrificing Jesus, His only Son on Calvary’s Cross. “The story shows how God provided a substitute for Isaac’s sacrifice, just as he would later provide Jesus as a substitute for all of humanity’s sins.”
Abraham’s Response: “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’ ” —Genesis 22:4-5, NIV
Abraham’s directive to his servants indicates that he understood God’s requisite of total obedience and one of profound faith. “When we learn to walk by faith and not by feeling, we will have help from God just when we need it, and His peace will come into our hearts.” The defining characteristic of a true believer is Faith in God demonstrated by a life of surrender and obedience.
Scriptures Identifying God, the Father Required Obedience From Jesus
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).
“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).
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
“[Christ]…who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:7-8).
“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).
“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus was One with God, yet, when clothed in human flesh, Jesus was never presumptuous and remained devoted to God, the Father, always seeking His will through constant prayer. Even in Gethsemane when Jesus asked His Father to take the cup away, God’s answer was “No, Son,” Jesus obeyed by fulfilling the Plan of Redemption for you and me.
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” —John 6:38
Brothers and Sisters, we are too distracted by earthly success and trinkets to reflect deeply on Jesus’ obedient sacrifice to save our souls. Abraham identified obedience as steadfast worship to God, “We will worship and then we will come back to you.” We must have the mind of Christ who always surrendered and obeyed God in His earthly life. Without total surrender to God, we develop a rebellious spirit as Cain did leading to a spiritual separation from God.
Making the commitment to faithfully obey God is to worship Him in spirit and truth. We express gratitude for the mercies of a new day through surrender. Our prayers should ascend to Christ, our Intercessor, and Mediator throughout our waking hours asking for the Holy Spirit to teach us how to recognize God’s Voice.
“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Worship is a lifestyle of reverencing God. We desperately need the Divine strength and power of the Holy Spirit to stand down our carnal desires and overcome daily temptation. Obedience aligns our hearts with the will of God which is the only way to worship God in spirit and truth.
“The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life, testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour” (Christ’s Object Lessons).
Prayer: Lord God, teach us how to worship You in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
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