Knowing God – Page 4 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

We Are the Beloved of Christ

Our Heavenly Father Cares Sabbath Devotional – February 14, 2025

“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. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” —John 14:1-3

Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled the great Plan of Redemption. If we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we do not have to pay the penalty for the wages of sin. The commitment to follow Christ requires us to live a sacrificial life as He did. Through faith, we seek God’s will and obey His plans because we love Him and trust that He knows and does what is best for us.

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:14

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). God knew that our spiritual journey would be tumultuous and filled with countless human-made doctrines, therefore, He gave us the Holy Bible which contains the Ten Commandments—His Moral Law. The Bible is our spiritual guide to receiving Eternal life.

“We love Him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Because our experiences with love differ, we desperately need the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom to understand God’s love. When we know within our hearts that God loves us, we receive validation of our worth and importance to God, therefore, our identity is not dependent on varied opinions and worldviews.

God’s Gift to His Beloved: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). God commands us to “Be holy for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Grace is not only unmerited pardon and mercy for our sins, through the Holy Spirit, God’s Amazing Grace gives us the power to live holy!

“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3). In our times of heart-wrenching distress, God’s Grace meets our deepest needs and out of God’s Heart, we receive His abundant, never-ending, and healing love. We should never feel alone and unloved. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

We must understand Grace to prevent us from becoming discouraged in our spiritual journey. Even if we fall, we repent and receive immediate forgiveness. Grace is God’s divine power freely given to transform our lives and make them new. Christ loves us! Spiritually, we are called “The Bride of Christ,” whom He loves immensely and has prepared a forever home for us to live with Him throughout eternity.

The Church is the Bride [Beloved] of Christ—The Righteous Comprise the Church

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” —Ephesians 5:25-27

In the Scriptures, the analogy of earthly marriage is used to represent Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church [which includes all faithful and obedient believers and is not based on denomination] as the Bride of Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus’ focus is on the righteous. In the Heavenly Sanctuary—King Jesus is our Intercessor, continually receiving our prayers, forgiving our sins, and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

God ordained the love of a husband and wife to be the strongest love between human beings. Yet, God’s Love supersedes all earthly love because, unlike our love, His love never ends and is not influenced by circumstances.

Agape Love includes Jesus’ sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, and the privilege to confess, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness for all sins [Redemption]. We have received an all-inclusive spiritual package of Divine grace, mercy, strength, wisdom, healing, guidance, and God’s intervention when facing challenges. Yes, we are deeply loved by God!

Sanctification, the lifelong spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities is accomplished daily through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. For all we receive from God, He asks us to love Him through faithful obedience which proves that we serve a Loving and Longsuffering [Patient] Heavenly Father.

“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

The Bride’s Life: Like Matthew, we agree to follow Christ through daily surrender and obedience. In preparation for Jesus’ Second Coming, much prayer and study of the Scriptures is required to fulfill our part in our spiritual growth and maturity.

The Bride’s Sacrificial Commitment: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:1-2

When we love God, worship flows from our hearts, souls, and minds. We seek God’s will instead of our desires. Our salvation requires active participation, we work with the Holy Spirit by renouncing sin. From our willingness to consecrate ourselves to God, we are empowered with Christ’s strength by the Holy Spirit to live as victorious overcomers.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” —Isaiah 61:10

Living holy invites the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and to glorify Christ’s Divine nature through us. We begin to perceive life through spiritual eyes resulting in internal changes. Our thoughts, behaviors, habits, and lifestyles transition from unrighteousness to reflect the Righteousness of Christ. As Christ’s representatives, we are proof that living righteously is possible through the power of God.

“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

Accepting our identity as the Beloved Bride of Christ is to engage in a life of prayer where we can receive the Divine wisdom and strength to withstand the harsh vicissitudes of life and overcome temptations. Every day, we should separate ourselves to reflect on our Savior’s unequivocal love and the sacrificial gift of His life. Never miss the opportunity to pray, praise, and worship in the presence of God!

In John 14, verses 1-3, and Revelation chapters 21-22, Jesus reveals through the prophet John that He never intended for this Earth filled with corruption and evil to be our permanent home. Study Revelation chapters 21-22 often to remind yourself that you are the “Beloved of Christ” and a member of His Church—The Bride who is preparing to live eternally with Christ, our Bridegroom and Triumphant King.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”—Revelation 19:7

Certainly, Jesus is excitedly waiting to come again and receive us—the Church, His Beloved Bride who He paid the highest dowry with His precious blood. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we thank You for loving us and the precious gifts of Your life, grace, and mercy. We desire to love, reverence, honor, and obey You and make a covenant to seek Your will daily. In Jesus’ Loving and Holy Name, Amen.

Changing Our Focus to Christ

Our Heavenly Father Cares Sabbath Devotional – February 7-8, 2025

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” —Psalm 103:2, NLT

“God desires that the whole life of His people should be a life of praise.” Every day we should devote at least 10 minutes in solitude to reflect deeply on the benefits and blessings God has showered down from heaven into our lives.

Having breath in our bodies and being in our right minds—alert and oriented—are two of the greatest blessings we receive daily, yet, we often fail to include the gifts of life and cognitive abilities when thanking God for our blessings.

Today, my reflection on God’s Faithfulness even in the countless times I forgot to say, “Thank You, God” prompted the writing of this Devotional of Gratitude. Today we can begin a new habit of thanking our Heavenly Father daily for His continuous love. Amen.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles” (Psalm 103:1-5).

Lord God, Thank You for Your love, faithfulness, grace, and mercies. You are wonderful, You are Holy, Holy, Holy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thou, Oh Lord – First Dallas Choir & Orchestra – Worship Music

Psalm 3: A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

“Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him. But You,’
Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my
head high.” —Psalm 3:1-3, NIV

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for Your love, protection, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

Keep Moving Forward!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional -January 21, 2025

“And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, ‘Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name, we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!’ ” —2 Chronicles 14:11

The story of King Asa reveals the importance of worshiping God with faithful dedication and obedience. When facing the Ethiopian army, the King’s first response was to pray for God’s Divine help which ended in victory. God sent the prophet Oded to the King with this message, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:1).

“…In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” —2 Chronicles 16:9

Sadly, in 2 Chronicles, chapter 16, the King reveals a decision that indicated he was no longer seeking God through dutiful worship. God did not forsake King Asa by abandoning him. From the king’s decision to disobey God by making a treaty with the pagan king of Syria, he broke God’s covenant to keep Judah as “the land of rest—without war.”

Obedience is our highest form of worship: “Many theologians interpret these verses to mean that actively following God’s instructions is the truest expression of love and devotion to Him, surpassing mere outward acts of worship.”

True Believers do not awaken with a plan to commit premeditated sins. We can pray and consecrate ourselves in the morning and a few moments later fall hard into temptation. How does a believer transition from a life of dedication to one that excludes God? It’s an issue of the heart. Our heart’s desires often take precedence over our willingness to surrender and obey God. This is evidenced by a change in how we worship; we no longer ask for God’s will to be done, and self-reliance replaces dependency on God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” —Proverbs 3:5-8

The failure to pray and ask God for His answer before decision-making reveals that we trust in our human wisdom. Without praying for Divine wisdom, at some point, we will fall either from Satan’s covert deception or the result of our strategies. The outcome of our choices reveals whether or not God was involved—Anything that Satan offers is not God’s will and always has a catch that leads to unforeseen consequences.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8

The enemy is creative, when we openly display or verbalize feelings of desperation in a given situation, it is an open door for him to use his various strategies. Satan uses coercion which is highly effective when we feel there are no options, and the bait-and-switch strategy which prompts us to fulfill our true desire instead of God’s choice. One of his most effective deceptions works on believers who react negatively to loneliness often driving them to seek a relationship or marriage not blessed by God.

Coercion: Your job search has been extended, bills are due, and finally a company has responded to your resume, the salary is great, but you have to decide now, the start date of the new job is tomorrow. Bait and Switch: You pray for a vehicle [within your budget], and receive God’s answer of yes, but at the dealership, you accept the salesperson’s invitation to test drive the luxury model and decide to purchase. Deception: You are preoccupied with feelings of loneliness. You try a Christian dating site that offers a free trial period and eventually meet someone you believe is a Godsend. However, when you invite the person to church, they make excuses for not attending. After two months, the truth is revealed, they think going to church is not necessary to serve God.

True Worship: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” —Psalm 63:1, NIV

The predicaments Christians find themselves in will never cease to amaze us. One thing is certain, we allowed Satan’s strategies have entrapped us. Make no mistake, following our thoughts and fulfilling our desires is extremely satisfying to our souls. Like King Asa, we easily rely on ourselves because we ceased worshiping God in spirit and truth. We can attend church, pray, and study the Bible, yet each day, we fail to pray, “God, not my will, but Your will be done in my life.”

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ” —1 John 4:10, NIV

So we excluded God and now, face unavoidable consequences. Our feelings of defeat and discouragement have escalated and our faith feels non-existent. How do we move forward? Our response determines whether or not we understand God’s love and the Plan of Redemption [God’s Agape Love, Confession, Receiving Forgiveness, Grace, and Mercies ].

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9

God’s love is Eternal! “He shall regard the prayer of the destitute. And shall not despise their prayer” (Psalm 102:17). We follow the plan of Redemption by praying an honest prayer of confession and repentance and asking God for directions to move forward. The journey ahead will require a spiritual change in your character and lifestyle. Pray for Divine strength.

Keep Loving God! Keep Praying! Keep Studying the Bible!

Stop remembering your mistakes! Moving ahead in our journey requires a different mindset, we must redirect our focus to Christ. God knew that we would make the wayward decision before we “fall down.” Our faith in God must supersede our feelings of defeat by focusing on His love. We pray and ask Him how to move forward—recovery from counterproductive decisions must be God-driven.

God’s answers will not coincide with our desires. We may have to continue on the unpleasant job until He blesses us with another one, the dealership may negotiate a deal to exchange the luxury vehicle for the affordable one of God’s original plan, and we will have to let go of the unbelieving believer who refuses to worship God as required for spiritual growth. If we obey then God will perform the miraculous!

Keep Moving Forward in the Strength of the Lord!

Pressing Toward the Goal: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:12-14

Prayer: God, we often find ourselves suffering the consequences of following our thoughts and plans and for this sin, we ask for forgiveness. We desire to follow Your will and ask You to reveal Your plans to move forward. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

God Is Always Faithful!

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional -January 17, 2025

“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

Our God is faithful! Regardless of the adversities, sorrows, or distress we experience in life, God knows and patiently waits for us to come to the Throne of Grace with confidence. Using our mustard seed of faith through daily surrender invites the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith in God.

Faith requires our active participation. Faith is beyond spoken words. Our willingness to seek God’s will reveals our desire to serve Him with humility and obedience. For those who practice faith every day, when challenges arise, our first response is to pray, wait, and trust Him to give us a victorious outcome.

In Luke chapter 8, Jesus performs four miracles: Calming the stormy sea, casting out demons, healing the woman with the issue of blood, and raising Jairus, the Ruler’s daughter. The Bible was given to reinforce our faith and keep our faith alive and thriving. How can we claim to believe in God if we do not place our complete faith and trust in Him?

“Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But he said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ ” Luke 8:24-25

In 2025, Jesus asks each of us, “Where is your faith?” It’s time for us to renew our covenant, pray, and study the Life of Christ. Yet, we need more than intellectual knowledge to believe that God is always faithful. Every morning, our worship reveals the decision to experience the joy of a heart-to-heart relationship with Christ.

To faithfully follow Jesus Christ is spiritually rewarding. Despite our stormy challenges, we know that our Shepherd will calm the raging vicissitudes of life. No longer are we in the valley of indecision, with courage, we take giant leaps of faith, and trust in our loving Heavenly Father who promises to help us.

“I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security).” —John 10:9, Amplified Bible

Living a Christ-centered, Bible-based life is the only way we can be spiritually transformed into faithful disciples. The Scriptures are the Voice of God speaking to every believer. From worshiping God through prayer and the study of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit works His transforming power by strengthening our faith and molding us into disciples who are committed to traveling on the Path of Righteousness with their Lord and Savior.

Our Heavenly Father Cares: “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” —Isaiah 65:24

Lord God, we confess that we are not using our gift of faith to believe and trust in You. And we ask forgiveness for doubting Your love and power because we do not know Your Loving Character. Our desire is to follow You. We ask for wisdom as we seek knowledge. Teach us to hear and recognize Your Voice. Thank You for always being faithful. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

CeCe Winans – Believe For It (Live) [Official Video]

Can We Live As Overcomers? Yes!

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional -November 30, 2024

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

We inherited hearts that naturally gravitate toward fulfilling our desires. Every day, we must decide to use our faith to surrender to God. By accepting God’s will, we agree to abide in Christ and enter a Covenant of Obedience. From our yes, we vow to trust and obey. From our prayer of surrender, we receive Jesus’ Divine strength via the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live holy, and yes, our faith and obedience will be tested through many temptations [mostly arising from our heart’s desires].

“Paul’s sanctification was a daily conflict with himself. He said, ‘I die daily’ (1 Corinthians 15:31). His will and desires daily conflicted with duty and the will of God. In the plan of not following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.” Although many commentaries refer to Paul’s statement of “I die daily” as his impending physical death, the apostle is speaking of a spiritual sense of dying daily to sin.

“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Every soul must battle against inclination. Christ came not to save men in their sins but from their sins. He has made it possible for us to possess a holy character; do not, then, be content with [character] defects and deformities. But while we are to seek earnestly for perfection of character, we must remember that Sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. Paul said, Day by day the work of overcoming must go forward. Every day we are to resist temptation and gain the victory over selfishness in all its forms. Looking for a Daily Victory, EGW Estate, Sharing the Vision

Yes, we are covered by Grace, still, true religion is not one in which we do nothing. Our responsibility is to surrender to God and strive for holiness by renouncing sin when tempted. The secret to living victoriously requires the daily consecration of our intellect and faith to Christ, our Redeemer. We live in spiritually dangerous times [2 Timothy 3], and praying twice daily is insufficient to maintain our connection to the Power of God.

“…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:20

Jesus knows that our struggle to renounce our desires and sinful pleasures could not be accomplished without His Divine Intervention, therefore, “He promises to be with His followers every moment of every day, until the end of the present age.”

“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

What does it mean to abide in Christ? Total surrender and diligently studying the Bible to learn God’s Righteous Character, Commandments, and Precepts. Living holy requires more than intellectual knowledge, our hearts must be converted. With determination, we pray for the spiritual strength to stand down sin!

This is the well-kept secret in the Christian Community, abiding in Christ requires accepting God’s will over our will, desires, and plans. And that’s not all, striving to live holy requires the always present faith-building tests of loyalty to God. Temptation is powerful! Never think too highly of yourself by trusting your instincts. The human intellect is in a lose-lose situation against Satan. Without Divine wisdom and discernment, we are guaranteed to fall.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” —James 1:5, NIV

To overcome Satan’s covert temptations, we desperately need Godly wisdom and discernment. Pray daily for wisdom. It’s vital to stay close to God and learn His Divine prompts. When tempted, the Holy Spirit intervenes by alerting us, and we lose our inner peace. Feeling uneasy is God’s Divine Protection.

When tempted and in spiritual or physical danger, we realize that something is not right! Make a prayer of faith your first response, ask Jesus, the Commander of Angel Armies to send angelic protection. Yes, heavenly angels fight spiritual warfare and protect us from physical danger [Psalms 34 and 91]. Immediately leave the situation! Do not attempt to use strategies, remain silent, and place all your faith in God who gives us the courage to walk away.

The human effort of staying close to Christ requires much prayer and learning to hear the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts. The Christian journey is rugged, but we have Divine Help from the Triune God and the heavenly angels. Are we ready to live a sacrificial life?

“…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

Consecrating oneself to God may result in walking alone [without support from family and friends]. If feeling alone, ask God to reveal your spiritual assignment. Helping those in need redirects our focus from ourselves. Do not give credence to your feelings—our feelings are unreliable. Strive to live a consecrated life, the reward [Revelation 21-22] is worth all sacrifices.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” —Jude 24-25

Every day, we bow before the Throne of Grace thanking Jesus for His commitment to fulfill the Plan of Redemption. This earthly life is not the end for the righteous! Tell yourself, “I am going to receive my Crown of Life! Amen.” Pray and ask God to reveal what you must do to live as a victorious overcomer, indicating your willingness to actively participate in your spiritual journey of Sanctification.

Communicate with God through prayer several times a day. Dedicate more time to studying the Bible. Let go of the hindrances of compromising habits, unrighteous behaviors, and people who have no desire to receive Eternal Life. There is no other way to build your faith in God but to acquiesce to His Sovereignty by following His plans. Victory over sin through Christ defines the Overcomer’s life!

Our Reward: Jesus proclaims, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Yes, and Amen!

Lord God, we desire Eternal Life and ask You to reveal every sin and character defect that prevents us from receiving our Crown of Life at the Second Coming of Jesus. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.