Living by Faith – Page 6 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Maintaining Our Connection to the Source of Life

“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.

Consider Who Is On Your Side

“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you…” -2 Chronicles 20:17

Often we forget that God is Omniscient and He knows every aspect of our lives from beginning to the end. The hardships, adversities, and spiritual warfare we face, God is already aware of, and He waits for us to ask for help.

The LORD is on our side! Who can stand against our Warrior God? Use your faith to believe in His Sovereign Power! Pray for help. Remain silent. Be patient. And watch God give you victory that honors His Holy Name. He is a God Who protects the righteous. Yes and Amen!

LORD God, our world is in turmoil, and we are facing obstacles that we cannot eliminate, and problems we cannot resolve. You commanded us to come to the Throne of Grace, and ask for Your help in the times of need. Jesus, we always need You. Thank You in advance for a victorious outcome. In Jesus’ Powerful Name we pray, Amen.

The Risen Savior is Our Triumphant King!

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.

YAHWEH Mephalti – The LORD My Deliverer

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 18, 2025

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9, NIV

Believing that we are loved by God increases our faith. Yes, our God is Faithful, even so, how well do we know His Character? We cannot love and trust a stranger. Learning God’s Character can only be accomplished by diligently studying the Holy Scriptures.

An attribute of God that we can appreciate is that He never changes—His yes is yes and His no is no. We do not have to guess who God is; from Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His love and the attributes of His Righteous Character: Lover of our Souls, Savior, Deliverer, Rescuer, Healer, Mighty Warrior, and so much more.

The Bible is God’s Spoken Words given to righteous men through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the only historically accurate book documenting His continuous intervention in the lives of the righteous. God desires to guide us victoriously through our journey of life, but we must decide if we will accept and trust Him with our lives.

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’ ” —1 Samuel 17:45

David’s young life as a shepherd required dedication and the courage to place himself in jeopardy to protect the sheep from predators. David’s father, Jesse, taught his son to trust in God, which prepared him to use his faith when he fought vicious animals and volunteered to courageously slay Goliath, the Philistine giant.

Still, David’s greatest faith test of trusting God with his life occurred when King Saul’s jealousy and rage grew into a killer instinct against David, causing him to flee for his life. Bible scholars estimate that David lived as a fugitive in the wilderness for approximately 10 years.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). From studying the book of Psalms, we learn that David never forgot that God was His Protector and Deliverer.

Although every believer understands that we are saved by Jesus’ sacrificial offering of His life on Calvary, from the failure to study the Holy Scriptures, many do not have knowledge of the history of Jesus’ love, grace, and mercy, and how He has consistently intervened in human life for 6,000 years.

From performing the first animal sacrifice to cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness [Genesis 3:21] to protecting the Apostle Paul from many accounts of physical danger [2 Corinthians 11:22-29], Jesus Christ—YAHWEH Mephalti is committed to saving us from sin, rescuing us from the temptations of Satan’s spiritual warfare [1 Corinthians 10:13], protecting the righteous with guardian angels, and giving us His strength to persevere through life’s adversities.

What more can Christ do for us? Our Creator God desires that we invite Him daily [through prayer] to live a victorious life empowered by His wisdom and strength given to us by the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to comply with the Spiritual Conditions of Participation that require the human effort of daily surrender and faithful obedience?

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ ” —Isaiah 55:8-9

We were created to have a relationship with Christ based on faith, obedience, and complete dependency. Although God desires to give us the best, sadly, many believers are using their free will of choice to live in a state of rebellion against God. Many decades ago, Frank Sinatra wrote a song entitled “My Way.” The lyrics included, “I can continue until the end my way.” This is the unbeliever’s bold proclamation of rejecting God.

Satan deceives us into believing we can live according to our desires as long as we attend church once a week. Faithful obedience keeps us in right standing with God. Beware of embracing and practicing Satan’s deceptions that persuade us to live according to our thoughts and strategies to gain wealth and success.

“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) highlights the importance of actions aligning with words, emphasizing that true discipleship involves not just professing faith but also obeying God’s commands. This rhetorical question challenges those who outwardly acknowledge Jesus as Lord but fail to live according to His teachings.”

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” —Jeremiah 10:23

The Christian journey is one in which we desperately need Christ, our Deliverer, to keep us on the Path of Righteousness. Without seeking and obeying God’s will, we are practicing self-governance that always includes risks and consequences. Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us not to use our limited human wisdom to make decisions, as we can never see beyond the present day. Regret is painful!

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” -Psalm 34:17

Every day, we face Satan’s covert, intricate schemes of temptation, not only designed to separate us from God but also to cause instability and financial loss. The financial investment, starting the new business, purchasing a house or vehicle because of a low interest rate, or relocating for a new job may sound promising, but “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” Pray, asking God if the presenting situation is a blessing or a temptation, and wait for His answer.

God’s Providence: When we pray for clarity in our lives, we will not understand “the why” of God’s thoughts, ways, and plans. Without questioning or analyzing, we acquiesce to God’s will with a mindset of reverence and total obedience because He loves us, has the best plans, and knows the future.

We can only be tempted by the things we desire, and this is when the struggle of internal opposition begins, between God’s will and our desires. Always trust and obey God. If His answer is Wait or No, then He is saving us from devastating consequences. Learning to rely on God in everything leads to a rewarding life of peace and blessings.

When we include God in the small things that seem insignificant, our perspective of our Heavenly Father changes. The Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual wisdom, and we develop a heart filled with love and loyalty for Christ. As time continues, our bond with Christ grows deeper, and Jesus becomes our All and All.

It is the heart-to-heart relationship with Christ that gives experiential knowledge and a personal testimony that our Lord and Savior is “יהוה מְפַלְתִי (YAHWEH Mephalti)… the God who rescues, delivers, and saves.” Yes and Amen!

Jesus, our Savior, Rescuer, Deliverer, and Triumphant King, we love You, Amen.

The Conflict of Not Knowing What to Do

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 11, 2025

“…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” -2 Chronicles 20:12

When King Jehoshaphat acknowledged the impossibility of using human effort to win the pending war from pagan armies, his first response was prayer.

Every day, we face dilemmas that require God’s Divine intervention. If we live by this rule of always seeking God’s answer, whether it is a minor issue or a difficult life-changing dilemma then we are guaranteed a victorious outcome.

One thing is for certain, we should never ask for secular advice. Even those who are considered experts are looking at the situation from their perspective. Spiritually, unbelievers can never perceive a situation as God sees it.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:7

Truthfully, believers who serve God with obedience and steadfast faith still need help. Involve God in every aspect of your life by asking for spiritual wisdom and guidance before making decisions.

Pray and wait for God’s guidance. If we make prayer our first response and wait for God’s answer then He will resolve all of our challenges for our good and His glory.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Lord God, we admit that we do not know what to do and ask for Your Divine Help in resolving this impossible situation. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we ask this prayer in faith, Amen.

Life Doesn’t Have to Include Consequences

Our Heavenly Father Cares – April 9, 2025

Obedience Is Worship: “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

Yes, being aligned in God’s will gives us an abundance of peace, but we cannot expect to be in control of our lives. God is Sovereign! And God knows best! Because we love, honor, and reverence Him, we willingly pray and surrender daily to our Father’s plans.

There can only be one decision-maker. God is never against us, but if we choose our steps then we are against God. Human knowledge, strategies, and life experience are very limited. Truthfully, what appears to be perfect is not. We can never give ourselves the best or predict the outcome of our decisions.

“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23). The believer who does not trust God participates in the Game of Chance. We cannot anticipate or reverse consequences. Regret is long lasting mental and emotional distress that can be avoided by placing our complete faith and trust in God.

“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 perceive God as a Loving Heavenly Father whose desire is to protect us from hidden danger, covert temptations, and people not meant to be in our lives, we will rely on His perfect decisions.

True peace is never having to worry about the outcome. With God, we always receive victory!

Lord God, thank you for loving us so much that You desire to protect us from emotional hurt, physical harm, and the regret from pursuing our rebellious inclinations. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

A Time for Celebration!

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.

The Heartache of Disappointment

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional- April 1, 2025

“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…” —John 16:33, Amplified Bible

There is nothing tougher than the Christian journey, which is designed to transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. Although we may have many differences based on culture, social and economic status, belief systems, morals, and values, one thing that all humanity shares is experiencing the grief of disappointment.

The job termination, the friendship that didn’t work out, the marriage that never happened, the planned relocation, or the purchase of the house or vehicle that fell through, yes, failure hurts! Although we gave our best, circumstances beyond our control produced a devastating outcome.

Without believing that God knows best and placing our complete faith in Him, disappointment can rapidly decline into feelings of defeat or escalate into anger and resentment. Depending on the situation, even our self-worth and value may be negatively impacted by the thorny briers of disappointment that deeply pierce and wound our hearts.

“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

God waits for us to come to Him. Disappointment brings us to a Spiritual Crossroads, “What do we really think about God?” Do we believe that God truly loves us and doesn’t desire for us to be in harm’s way? Is our perspective one of faith, believing that God is with us and will take care of us?

We may think, How can this great loss be for my good and God’s glory? Unless we are disobedient, nothing happens in the life of a believer without Christ’s permission. With faith, we accept our loss as God’s perfect will because we trust Him, and honor and revere His Sovereignty.

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU…’ ” —Hebrews 13:5, NASB

The disappointment from loss not only tests our faith in God [Who promises to provide and heal our brokenness] but also reveals our willingness to surrender, faithfully obey, and follow Christ. “…you will not understand what God is doing, and one thing is for certain, God never explains His Divine plans and intervention.”

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). “Our God is a loving Father who cares for us, who wants to bless us, who wants to answer our prayers.” Yes and Amen!

How do we move forward through the emotional pain with an optimistic outlook of a brighter future? Redirect your focus from your loss to God’s love and Scriptural promises that reveal our Father God rescues the righteous and gives us victory. Pray, Believe, and Wait on the Lord!

“…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” —1 Peter 5:7

When facing overwhelming circumstances, and not knowing how to move forward, pray an honest prayer expressing your true feelings of disappointment and grief, asking God to give you peace and comfort. Pray and wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).

“Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17).

While waiting on God, we can study the Biblical stories of those who prayed for God’s Divine help and received victory. Our faith moves the arms of our Warrior God who reminds us to believe in His Power and “Stand still!”

From studying the Bible, we learn God’s Loving and Righteous Character. Throughout the Scriptures, God reminds us that He is never the Source of loss or disappointment. God has one goal in mind and that is to save our souls and give us Eternal life.

Yes, the apostle Peter tells us it’s the fiery trials that human effort cannot resolve that produce steadfast faith in God. Still, we can be assured that God desires us to live contented, peaceful, and happy 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).

Even when our decisions bring consequences, if we repent, God will interrupt and rescue us from Satan’s schemes designed to make us fall and fail. It would serve no purpose for our Heavenly Father to allow consequences to crush our hopes. Trust God with all of your heart! Embrace God’s Providence and wait on His Divine resolution. Our Heavenly Father knows and cares, and promises to give us a hope-filled future.

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]” —Isaiah 41:10, Amplified Bible

Lord God, we pray this Intercessory prayer for all of the children of God who are grieving from loss of income, relationships, and failed dreams and plans. We ask You to reveal Your perfect will and to give them peace, comfort, and joy as they wait for Your victorious resolution. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

Morning Manna – Jesus, Our Loving Shepherd

Our Heavenly Father Cares – March 30, 2025

“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.

Morning Manna – Victory Comes from Seeking God

Sabbath Devotional – March 29,2025

Glorifying and honoring God is demonstrated by putting Him first. Being aware of God’s Presence requires that we separate ourselves and meditate daily on His Goodness through meaningful worship. When our gift of time is used to spend quality time in prayer and Bible study, we view life through spiritual eyes with wisdom and discernment.

The believer’s life is one of purpose, to be spiritually transformed which requires a journey of trials and hardships. Despite our circumstances, from placing our faith and trust in God, we receive Christ’s strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of anxiety and worry, we possess the courage and perseverance to keep moving forward.

Although each believer’s earthly journey is unique, every path is God-designed to produce the spiritual growth and transformation required to receive the reward of eternal life. Our confidence is based on God’s Faithfulness and His promises.

Faith is believing God’s love never ceases and He always knows what is best! Through surrender and obedience, each day, we consecrate ourselves to God. The willingness to place our lives in our Heavenly Father’s hands gives us the joyful expectation of always receiving the blessings of victorious outcomes. Peace and Blessings.

Thank You God for your ever-present love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.