“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). Praise and Worship is a daily personal experience magnifying the Lord and rejoicing in His goodness.
Separating ourselves from the noise of distractions is the only way we can enter the presence of a Holy God, and receive a blessing of wisdom, discernment, and strength.
Lord God, we worship Your Holy Name, and honor You through surrender and faithful obedience. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Hallelujah and Amen!
From the moment that we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we are enlisted in God’s Army which requires unwavering love, steadfast faith, commitment, and much courage. Every believer is in a Spiritual War that we cannot win unless we rely on the Power of God.
The daily face-off between choosing right over wrong requires us to make adjustments in our lives.
Manage your time by eliminating all unnecessary distractions. Replace excessive screen time with prayer and Bible study.
Do not let people’s petty pursuits become your problems. Satan’s most effective strategy is to use people to prevent us from completing our daily activities and spiritual goals.
Everyday consecrate your life to Christ through total surrender and faithful obedience. Prayer: LORD, fill my life with your Holy Spirit.
Twice a day separate yourself for personal worship. We are living in the Last Days [2 Timothy 3], and require the Holy Spirit to empower us with spiritual wisdom and strength to live as Victorious Overcomers.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is our spiritual lifeline and connection to Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor.
Prayer acknowledges that God is Sovereign. Our lifestyle should reflect that we honor God as the Supreme Authority and Ruler over this universe, and in our lives.
“Reverence, is not just a feeling, but a deep respect and honor for God’s greatness and holiness, demonstrated in both our actions and attitudes. Reverence is a Response to God’s Majesty.”
“Reverence in Daily Life: Reverence should extend beyond formal worship and be integrated into our daily lives through obedience to God’s commandments, honoring His name, and treating sacred things with respect.”
“Reverence for God’s Word: We approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing it as God’s voice speaking to us. The Holy Scriptures provide a rich resource for understanding and cultivating a deeper sense of respect and honor for God in our lives.”
Our thoughts regarding God’s Omnipotence and Sovereign Authority are demonstrated by our lifestyle and pursuits. As believers, if we persist in following our thoughts and desires then we will receive only the temporary rewards this earth provides.
“I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; here me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2).
“David’s prayer in Psalm 141 is a heartfelt plea for God’s guidance and protection, acknowledging his own need for Divine intervention. He wants his prayers to be genuine and pleasing to God, seeking to live a life that reflects his devotion.”
Our love, honor, and reverence for God’s Supremacy is demonstrated by a surrendered, and sacrificial life of humility and obedience. The converted heart is one that is filled with the Oil of Grace, which is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Seeking God’s will and plans every day through prayer is the sweet incense that ascends to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, demonstrating our love and loyalty to God.
Sanctification is the daily spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ performed by the Holy Spirit when we cooperate by serving God with love, loyalty, and faithful obedience.
Praise God, that Jesus suffered, bled, and died for us. Yes, this earthly journey is like traveling on a rocky road, and at times we will stumble and fall, but if we look up, and pray for help, our Savior, and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ is extending His Hand of Mercy to pick us up.
Lord God, we pray for Your guidance, protection, correction, and redirection when we are tempted to follow our thoughts. We realize that we cannot stay on the Path of Righteousness without Your Divine help. We ask you to reveal all obstacles that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life, and ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
Have you ever read a great book, and the plot begins to evolve? You pause for a few moments as you perform a mental sweep, after assuring yourself that all tasks are completed, you place yourself on a “Do Not Disturb” status. Eagerly, you continue your journey prepared to transition into the exciting depths of the unknown.
The Holy Bible is the Greatest Book of All! Never can we exhaust our acquisition of spiritual knowledge and wisdom when the Holy Spirit is our Teacher.
The Plot we will explore explains the sacrificial life of suffering that our Protagonist, King Jesus, endured to free us from the chains of sin.
The Place: The Synagogue, The Day: The Holy Sabbath.
Mark tells us of Jesus’ practice of attending the weekly Sabbath Service, where one would expect to receive God’s blessings of spiritual renewal and transformation. But as soon as Jesus entered the synagogue after a busy week of teaching and healing the multitudes, He faced controversy initiated by the Jewish leaders.
“Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath” (Mark 3:1-2).
For the believers who attend church [in-person services], verses 1-2 should immediately raise a Spiritual Red Flag. Can you imagine, after a mentally, emotionally, and physically draining week, you look forward to attending church only to face controversy as soon as you enter?
Opening the Door of Controversy: Jesus Heals On the Sabbath
The Command: “Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, ‘Stand up in front of everyone’ ” (Mark 3:3, NIV).
The Unanswered Question: “Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent” (Mark 3:4, NIV).
Jesus’ Righteous Anger: “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored (Mark 3:5, NIV).
The Plot Twist: Evil Hearts Revealed: “Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus” (Mark 3:6).
“In Jesus’ time, Jewish leaders were primarily priests, scribes, and Pharisees, holding positions of religious authority and influence. They oversaw the temple, interpreted and applied the law, and played a role in the legal and political spheres.”
“These leaders, particularly the Sadducees and Pharisees, were often in conflict with Jesus, challenging His teachings and authority.” The leaders manipulated the religious practices to include extreme burdens and unreasonable goals that were humanly impossible to achieve. Yet, they did not adhere to their rules, which were only for the common people.
The Jews Reject Jesus: John 10 “The Festival of the Dedication of the Temple took place in Jerusalem during the winter. Jesus was walking on Solomon’s porch in the temple courtyard…”
“The Jews surrounded Him. They asked Him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly…'”
“Jesus answered them, ‘I have told you, but you do not believe me. The things that I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf…”
“However, you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me, and I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one will tear them away from me…”
“My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than everyone else, and no one can tear them away from my Father. The Father and I are one…'”
The Plot Twist: “The Jews had again brought some rocks to stone Jesus to death. Jesus replied to them, ‘I have shown you many good things that come from the Father. For which of these good things do you want to stone me to death?…'”
“The Jews answered Jesus, ‘We are going to stone you to death, not for any good things you have done, but for dishonoring God. You claim to be God, although you are only a man'” (John 10:22-33, GW Translation).
As we immerse ourselves in reading just one of the diabolical situations in the Scriptures, which document the continuous hatred and rejection that Jesus faced, we should deeply reflect on the extreme suffering that our Savior was willing to endure to save our souls.
The Reveal of the Religious Antagonist’s True Condition of Their Hearts: “‘You claim to be God, although you are only a man.'”
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). In our Book of Life, the only way that we can receive the Crown of Life is if Jesus Christ, the Triumphant King, is the Righteous Protagonist, and we are covered with His Righteousness.
“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).
Unless we surrender daily with a spirit of humility by seeking God’s Sovereign Will and Plans for our lives, then just like the Jewish leaders, Pharisees, and Sadducees, we are antagonists who demonstrate by following our own thoughts that Jesus is only a man.
Our cooperation with God’s Divine Plan is revealed by a life of sacrificial surrender. Only from receiving Jesus’ Divine strength and wisdom can the Holy Spirit lead us daily on the Path of Righteousness.
The lifelong Spiritual Transformation of our Character, Sanctification, requires daily teamwork between the Holy Spirit and ourselves.
“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4).
The Holy Spirit does not enter unclean bodies—our hearts must be pure to mature spiritually. Through faithful obedience, we worship God with love and in spirit and in truth.
Yes, we have received God’s Grace, still God requires total surrender and obedience as demonstrated by Jesus in His life. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to surrender and let go of all unrighteousness.
Without compromise, God requires us to exchange our desires for His will. And sadly, this stringent requirement causes many believers to abandon God’s Personal Plan Book for their lives. But rewriting our story has devastating consequences.
Obedience is the character trait that paves the road of the Christian’s Spiritual Journey. Our priorities and lifestyles must align with the Holy Scriptures, which Jesus will use to judge everyone.
By fulfilling the sacrificial role of obeying God, we proclaim that Jesus Christ is truly the Righteous Protagonist, King, Lord, and Savior in the books of our lives.
Lord God, we ask You to search our hearts and reveal everything that prevents us from receiving Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Jesus proclaims that He is the Lord of the Sabbath which implies that He is also God, the Creator of the Sabbath. Study Genesis.
God, Jesus, and the angels celebrated with Adam and Eve in worship on the first Creation Day Sabbath. We honor the Seventh Day as the Sabbath because God commanded us to honor the day that He sanctified and blessed.
Human wisdom says God changed the Sabbath, sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, to Sunday. But the Bible gives us the Plain Truth and there is not one inspired Scripture to substantiate this human speculation.
My Testimony: At the age of 15, the Holy Spirit told me to honor the Sabbath commandment. I am trusting God’s Spoken Words in the Bible because my reward of Eternal Life is too precious for me to play the Game of Chance and follow human interpretation. It just doesn’t make sense that God would keep nine of the Ten Commandments and only change the Fourth Commandment.
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!” (Isaiah 55:13-14, NLT).
Lord God, we thank You for blessing us with 24 hours to worship You in spirit and truth. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit as we study your Holy Words. We ask you to bless us with wisdom and discernment, and to refresh us mentally, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. In Jesus Righteous Name, Amen.
Sheep have a unique attribute, they always follow their Shepherd. Unless we surrender ourselves every day, asking God to reveal His plan, we are not part of Jesus’ spiritual flock.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NIV). True heart conversion is demonstrated by worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Faithful Followers live Faith-based, Christ-centered lives.
Christ in His earthly life said, “The Father is with Me because I always do what pleases Him.” Unless we ask God to reveal His plans for the given day of mercies, we are lost sheep.
Without Faithful Obedience, we are not following Christ on the Path of Righteousness. Humility and surrender are the character traits of those who truly love their Shepherd.
There will be no reward for following our thoughts and plans. Jesus reminds us that He knows His Sheep because they always follow Him. Repent and Obey. The King is Coming Sooner than we think!
Lord God, we pray for those who are deceived by thinking they can pursue their desires, and still receive the reward of eternal life. As Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled, we pray for a revival of holiness within our hearts. In Jesus’ Righteous Name we pray, Amen.
When we are unsure of how God wants us to use our spiritual gifts and talents, we can always pray for others. On social media, countless people are asking for prayers due to the death of their newborn babies, family members attempting suicide, receiving cancer diagnosis, depression, and so much more.
It is not enough to post, “I am praying for you.” We should always post a short, heartfelt prayer. When we pray for others the Holy Spirit responds by comforting and providing direction, and strength to the individuals who desperately need a healing touch from God.
Praying for others also invites the Holy Spirit to bless us with spiritual strength, wisdom, peace, and direction as we navigate through life
The Apostle Paul’s Prayer
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19). Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we ask You to remove our stony hearts, and to replace them with hearts filled with love and compassion for those who are hurting mentally, emotionally, physically, but most importantly teach us to pray for their spiritual well-being. In Jesus’ Loving and Holy Name we pray, Amen.
“For it is written, “Be Holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Acknowledging that God exists is part of many individuals’ fundamental beliefs, yet, it doesn’t necessarily equate to living a holy life that represents Christ’s Righteousness.
What is the status of our relationship with Christ? Our clothing preferences reflect the true spiritual condition of our hearts and character. The converted heart loves God, and hates sin because sin is rebellion against God.
“…come out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17). God commands us “to separate from the world’s ways, including its values, behaviors, and influences.”
The sanctified man and woman of God choose modest clothing because their hearts are pure, and filled with the Righteousness of Christ. Spiritual transformation begins in the heart and is reflected outwardly.
Tight revealing clothing entices unbelievers who assume that we are also unbelievers. God will never bless us with a man or woman of God to be our husband or wife when our hearts are impure.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit who transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth arises from our love and desire to obey His commands. We use our faith to reveal to a corrupt world that accepting Jesus changes our sinful habits into visible differences that honor Him, and reflect His glory.
We look forward to living in our Forever Home with Jesus because love, purity, and holiness will permeate the atmosphere like the aroma of sweet smelling incense. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we love You, and ask You to teach us how to be holy. We ask this prayer in faith, and in the Worthy Name of Jesus, 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.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
When we love God more than ourselves, through daily prayer, we seek His plans. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength of Jesus Christ as we strive to live righteously. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to stay on the Path of Righteousness.
Because of Jesus’ sacrificial gift of His Divine life, we have the option to receive Eternal Life. Without a daily spiritual commitment, our minds become desensitized to sin, and we live a compromised life. Rely on Christ and He will transform your mind, character, and personality into His likeness.
The King Is Coming! Prepare, Pray, Obey, and Persevere.
Lord God, we pray for the desire to live a life that represents Your Divine love and Righteousness. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Teach us how to live holy as we prepare for your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Bank and Credit Card companies often compete for customers by offering perks and rewards. But the low interest rates, and rewards exclude those with a less than desirable credit history.
When we face difficulties that human effort cannot resolve, how do we respond? Either we put our faith and trust in God’s Sovereignty, Power, Promises, or because of a history of relying on ourselves, we exclude God as if He is a risk.
Yet, excluding God by attempting to resolve the issue places us in a high risk situation. Not only are human solutions unreliable, trusting in ourselves diminishes our faith and trust in God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Steadfast faith is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Christ. When facing adversity, although not expressed in spoken words, excluding God reveals our true feelings, “I do not trust God.” Self-Reliance is a bitter fruit of pride.
The proud heart always rejects God. Serving God requires a heart filled with reverence and humility. “If we come to God feeling as helpless and dependent as we really are” with childlike faith and trust, by asking for our Father’s Divine help, we will receive victory over every situation.
“Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:10 -11).
God revealed His Omnipotence when Job questioned God as to why he had to endure the extreme suffering in his life. Yes, Job lived sinless, but trials are part of every believer’s life. Job repented for his haughty attitude against the Most-High God, and God blessed him with double the amount he previously possessed.
Throughout the Psalms, David, a mighty warrior, cried out to God, not because he was weak, but because he knew that God is a Loving Father, and human reasoning and ability does not compare to God’s Supreme Omniscience.
“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). Everyday we have the opportunity to pray and thank God for His amazing love, grace, and mercies. Only trust Him, and you will enjoy the blessings of peace.
Lord God, we confess that our faith is weak. We desperately need Your help in our journey of life. We ask for Your Divine Intervention in the struggles we face. Give us wisdom and the strength to persevere. Thank You for never leaving us alone. In the Righteous Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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