“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.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ ” —1 Corinthians 15:33
“You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly” (Deuteronomy 7:3-4, ESV).
The roaring lion [Satan] is using various methods of temptation to lure us into the trap of meeting “Unbelieving Believers.” What? Many people believe that God exists, but they have not consecrated their lives to follow The Shepherd, Jesus Christ, with surrender and faithful obedience.
In the area of relationships, the Chasm of Compromise has grown wider and deeper in the Christian Community. Let’s face it, the life of a believer often involves traveling on the journey with Jesus without close friends, romance, or marriage. Wait on the Lord!
The Enticement: Online chats and Christian dating sites are not God’s ways to meet friends, nor are these God’s methods for finding husbands and wives. And today’s Christians can no longer assume that those attending church have surrendered their hearts to Christ. The churches are filled with ritualistic worshipers who practice sin seven days a week.
If you are thinking, “Times have changed,” then you do not understand Satan’s powerful and effective methods to separate us from God. The enemy exploits vulnerable individuals to execute his malicious schemes. We are often approached by unbelievers who appear to fulfill our desires to have close friends, dating partners, and marriages that are not God approved.
Like Eve, we are being deceived. Why is it so easy for Satan to deceive us? God’s Answer: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
The fallen angel has 6,000-plus years of experience dealing with human nature. King Solomon tells us that there is nothing new under the Sun. Our senses, especially our eyes and ears, are the channels that Satan uses to successfully deceive us.
“And Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she pleases me well’ ” (Judges 14:3). The Bait: If the individual is pleasing to our eyes, and their words sound like music to our ears, then Satan has us hooked.
“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” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We are so accustomed to using our senses and emotions to make decisions that very few Christians use their rational thought processes (sound mind) when meeting new people who spark an internal desire. Keep your spiritual guard up!
Met someone at the Mall, Supermarket, or Library? Immediately focus your conversation on God. Verbalize this statement: “Jesus Christ is number one in my life.” I attend (Name of your church). Where do you attend church?
Observe their spoken words, habits, behaviors, clothing, and social circle, especially if they are with friends. Worldliness cannot be hidden! If they practice the world views of pleasure, prosperity, and success, then you know their character is unholy.
“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7
Do not make hasty decisions! Stop, Pray, and Ask God if He sent the person. Do not exchange cell numbers! Desperation is the precursor to downfalls. If God is involved, be patient; He will direct the individual to your life again. The Bible reveals that one of God’s Characteristics is that He is never in a hurry.
Studying the Bible gives us God’s instructions and a spiritual point of reference before engaging in relationships. Samson and King Solomon are profound examples of suffering the consequences of having liaisons with unbelievers. Do not trust your feelings!
“Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7). Unless God chooses our friends and spouses, we will choose the wrong person [people] who will lead us away from God.
Never follow your heart! Always pray and wait before choosing friends and romantic relationships. The Holy Spirit always reveals when people are not part of God’s plans for your life.
“Be Holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
A True Believer has nothing in common with those who do not put God first. We often assume that the unbeliever or uncommitted believer will eventually change, but it is the believer who changes by embracing worldly habits.
“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).
What can we do when we have already exchanged numbers, started dating, or engaged, but the internal Red Flag of “Something Isn’t Right” creates a spiritual unrest in our hearts?
We have a protective Heavenly Father who does not desire that we fall into temptation, or remain in a relationship that separates us from Him.
The Holy Spirit warns us that we are in a Spiritually Incompatible relationship, regardless of the stage of dating. Yet, God respects our free will choice to ignore His warning.
Beginning Stages: Chatting but never met. Or, 1-2 dates, still an uncommitted status.
Agreed Commitment: Dating exclusively only with each other, without engaging in sexual immorality. This is the ideal situation if God has placed the person in your life. But eventually, if seeking romance online, it will end in disaster.
Consensual Commitment with Physical involvement: Fornication immediately separates us from God. The believer has forfeited their relationship with Christ and holds the same spiritual status as the unbeliever—both are lost.
Long-term with Regret: Not married. You know this person is not a gift from God, but you feel that you are too deep into the relationship to get out. Sexually involved, may have children with the partner, or be living together.
Scenarios 1-2 Guidelines: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, ESV).
Searching online for romance demonstrates a lack of faith in God or disobedience to God’s answer of No! It is too easy for Satan to use people who create a fake persona. A Holy and Righteous God is Not found in Chat Rooms and on Dating Sites.
Scenario 3-4 Guidelines: “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5, ESV).
Sexual immorality places us in a lose-lose situation. Not married, move out. Children? Financial support is required. Yes, it’s a tough decision and may involve legal issues, but if marriage is not an option, save your soul by living a celibate life alone.
Sin always has serious consequences. Pray, fast, and seek Divine guidance and strength.
“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
For diehard pro online romance seekers who listen to others praise their current relationships and marriages, and the true love they found on dating sites, are in the honeymoon stage, when secrets are still secrets. Some are paid to promote the sites, and others have had to compromise God’s righteous values for their relationships to work out. Go with God!
Certain sins place us in bondage to Satan: Sexual immorality, drug and alcohol use, gambling, pornography, stealing, and overeating. Sexual immorality comes with heavy-duty chains; it weakens our resolve and causes us to compromise in every area of our lives. Yet, if we repent and exercise self-control, the power of God cleanses us from all unrighteousness. God restores!
“For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight…”—Psalm 51:3-4
The goal of restoration is to recommit one’s life to live holy, and reconnect us to Christ. God honors our willingness to live a pure, obedient life. Yes, we can receive Jesus’ supernatural strength to overcome all temptation, still, we must put forth the human effort to renounce and walk away from the demonic activities that bind us to Satan.
We must never forget that we inherited sinful hearts. Our greatest daily battle is the internal conflict of choosing right over wrong. From searching the Scriptures, we learn why God’s Righteous Standards for separating from unbelievers are life-saving commands.
Reflection: “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).
We will never fall into temptations and suffer consequences if we live a sacrificial life of trusting God’s plans. God is Omniscient—All-knowing. Yes, God knows who will finish the Spiritual Race and receive eternal life. He also knows who will follow the desires of their hearts and leave their relationship with Jesus Christ for the temporary gratification of relationships with unbelievers.
Certainly, God was disappointed when Adam and Eve chose to sin against Him. Our Heavenly Father’s original plan was not for us to be alone, but because of sin, we live in a fallen world.
Not every believer will have the opportunity to enjoy marriage or close friendships. We accept our Father’s will, consecrate ourselves to God, and trust His perfect plans.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28
Jesus described Himself as a Man of Sorrows. Yes, loneliness is a valid feeling. Forming relationships with immoral individuals is not the solution. Do we have too much empty time with nothing to do but focus on ourselves?
Every believer has received spiritual gifts and talents that God expects us to use to witness. If we do nothing for God, then our hearts will drive us to sin against God.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).
Not one relationship on this Earth is worth losing our reward of eternal life over. Satan, our enemy, knows his time is short, so he uses people to distract us from fully dedicating ourselves to Christ.
We must decide between choosing sinful relationships or aligning ourselves with God’s Perfect Plans for our lives. God, the Father, and God, Jesus Christ, the Son, have fulfilled their roles in offering humanity the Plan of Redemption, which frees us from the curse of sin.
Keep your eyes on the Eternal prize of inheriting a forever 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)
Our present lives are temporary. If we just hold on, Jesus has promised the faithful and obedient believers a Crown of life in the New Heaven and New Earth, where we will never be alone or lonely.
Wait on God, and with faith accept His Perfect Plans for your life. The King Is Coming! Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we ask you to comfort the hearts of your sons and daughters who are experiencing loneliness and discouragement. Give them the strength to redirect their focus to fulfilling their spiritual assignments, and to look forward to receiving Your wonderful reward of Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, 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.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Every day we fight external opposition, and the internal conflict of our heart’s carnal desires, which requires Christ, our Mighty Warrior’s Divine help.
“A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me” (Psalm 3:1).
David understood what it meant to fight against principalities, powers, and people [David’s son Absalom attempted to kill him]. He acknowledged the power of the evil darkness of this world, designed to separate us from God. The Psalms reveal the spirit of humility to accept our [human] limitations, and the desperate need for God’s Sovereign power.
Many who study the Psalms misinterpret David as having a clinical diagnosis of Depression. David was not depressed. His childhood included the enjoyment of parental love and nurturing. Yes, David was the young boy who lovingly cared for a large flock of sheep, guiding and protecting them from harm.
Because God allowed him to live as a fugitive for 15-20 years to prepare him for rulership as King, David possessed steadfast faith and the courage to overcome his obstacles. Yet, he perceived the Believer’s daily battle through spiritual eyes. David acknowledged that we are powerless against our desires and temptations, unless we seek God through prayer, asking for His Divine intervention.
God extends the invitation to come and reason together with Him: “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’ ” (Psalm 27:8). The Psalms reveal our true spiritual status, God’s desire to save our souls, and rescue us from adversity. Our only hope of living as Victorious Overcomers is to continuously cry out through prayer for Divine strength.
Dedicating ourselves to a life of worship means completely trusting in God’s Providence and relying on His guidance and protection. We cannot trust in our limited abilities to live righteously; it is impossible to fight satanic forces without the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” —Ephesians 6:13
Jesus Christ, our Mighty Warrior, is our Defender against the enemy’s attacks. Our Triumphant King is the Commander of Angel Armies, the angel’s primary role is to protect believers. Psalm 91 gives us the promise of angelic protection. Regardless of whether spiritual warfare is seen or unseen, the righteous are protected 24/7, still, we must choose to renounce sin by choosing right over wrong.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” —Proverbs 18:10
We have the privilege of Divine Help 24/7. The Prayer of Faith, asking for supernatural help, is answered immediately. Something is not right within our hearts if we only seek God when we cannot resolve our challenges. Like King David, we must stay on bended knees whether times are peaceful or not.
A life of worship is reflected by easily bringing our petitions and prayers before Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor and Savior. It is in the Name of the Lord that we receive the wisdom to discern covert temptations, and the Divine power to say no to sinning against God. It is in the Name of the Lord that we receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to keep us on the Path of Righteousness.
“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” —Acts 7:11
The Scriptures reveal God’s Righteous Character. A false belief is that the God of the Old Testament was unforgiving, as evidenced by His punitive actions, and the God of the New Testament is lenient. God’s Character has never changed; He is Loving, Long-suffering, Gracious, and Merciful, but He is also “The Righteous Judge” who abhors sin.
We have been deceived by Satan into believing that we can live a life of disobedience [following our thoughts and plans], and receive Eternal life. Sadly, Contemporary Christians are repeating the behaviors of the Nation of Israel.
The apostle Paul warns New Covenant believers: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
God’s Invitation and Warning: ” ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken’ ” (Isaiah 1:18, 20).
Worship is a lifestyle of sacrifice, faithful obedience, trust, and seeking the will of God. Only from the commitment to dedicate ourselves to a Christ-centered, Faith-based life, and total dependency on the Name of the Lord, we are promised victory over sin, daily spiritual transformation, and our Crown of Life when Jesus comes.
Lord God, today we accept Your invitation to come to You. We repent of our self-reliance. In humility and surrender, we confess that we desperately need Your Divine guidance, strength, wisdom, and discernment to live righteously. Teach us how to live a sanctified life depending on the Mighty Power of Your Holy Name. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.”
Every day, we receive God’s love, grace, and countless mercies, especially for the forgiveness of our transgressions, yet, we are often harsh and unforgiving with those who offend us. When God’s love reigns in our heart, we forgive easily because we are forgiven.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). If our facial expressions are pleasant, and we easily smile then it is easy to speak encouraging words.
Maintain a heart filled with forgiveness by never allowing your emotions to override your love for God and others. The Jewish leaders despised Christ, yet, He always answered with words of wisdom, using a parables, and the Scriptures.
Regardless of how programs like “The Chosen” portray Jesus, the Scriptures reveal that He never spoke in harsh tones. Even when unkind, angry words are directed at us, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to others. We choose to nurture a spirit of humility by not retaliating.
Satan uses people to disturb our peace in an attempt to make us react negatively with emotions, which reveals the lack of discipline and self-control. When facing the conflict of contentious words, whisper a prayer, and remain silent. If we must reply, then simply say, “Jesus loves you,” and walk away, or end the call.
Not only should our words be spoken with a pleasant voice, breathe a prayer before sending text messages. Texting poses challenges because written words are often misunderstood, we never know how the recipient is going to perceive our message.
[Disclaimer: This Devotional is not advocating for one to remain in an abusive relationship.]
Staying close to God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our status of sons and daughters of God. We will face fiery trials and spiritual warfare in various ways. Satan’s goal is always to disturb our gifts of internal peace and joy. With the strength of Christ, we can overcome every situation. Study Ephesians 6.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to experience the spiritual growth and transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. The human effort of exercising patience and self-discipline in troublesome situations reveals our cooperation with the Holy Spirit to develop a righteous character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Fruit of the Spirit represents the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, the Christian journey involves suffering, still, if we speak encouraging words, we fulfill our part in cultivating a righteous character.
“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1).
“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings.”
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).
At first, speaking only positive, and encouraging words requires much effort, yet if we persevere, the Holy Spirit softens our inherited, hardened hearts, and we begin to perceive life with a spirit of love and gratitude.
One day soon, we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth where love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and love-infused words will permeate the atmosphere. We should look forward to that Great Day!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Encouraging words always bless the giver and receiver. Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we pray to have a spirit of love, compassion, and self-control as reflected by our words. Please help us to love others as you love them. We pray for the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through the eyes of Christ. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.
Recently I watched four Instagram reels on disobeying God, but the word Disobedience was skillfully avoided in the presentations. It is better for us to know the Plain Truth than to lose our reward of Eternal life because we never obeyed God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot depend on social media, sermons, and podcasts to save our souls.
Worship God everyday through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to understand the depth of God’s Transforming Word.
“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). Jesus is our perfect example of obedience to God. In The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “…nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done.”
Our Savior’s death on Calvary’s Cross reveals that He loved God, the Father more than He loved Himself. Obedience to God in every aspect of our lives reveals that our hearts are converted, and filled with more love for God than for ourselves.
If we willingly obey our employer’s policies because we are rewarded with keeping our jobs and receiving our salary, how much more emphasis should we place on our destiny of eternal life?
Disobedience to God’s Sovereign Authority always brings devastating consequences to our lives. Not only do we lose our desire to please God, but we pray calculated prayers filled with request for blessings instead of praying for Spiritual transformation.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). From studying the Book of Revelation, we know this Earth is our temporary home. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to be content with His blessings.
Why are we chasing the raggedy things of this Earth, and entering into relationships with individuals who do not desire the Forever reward Jesus has promised us?
Eternal Life Is the Reward for Faithful Obedience to God
The only thing we can take with us to Heaven is a “Righteous character” that must be developed in our earthly lives through daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God. We honor and reverence God through the worship of obedience to His plans for us.
From our daily prayer of submission to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, and our Mediator, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our unrighteous minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
The spiritual journey is a tumultuous experience, yet, if we seek God’s will, and willingly obey His directives, day by day, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
We are never alone in our walk with Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to give us Christ’s Supernatural Strength to overcome the internal conflict of pursuing our desires, and the external opposition of temptations.
Proclaim out loud everyday, “I am going to heaven!” Amen!
For the faithful, Jesus is waiting to reward us with our golden crowns, and Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah and Amen!
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we as forgiveness for disobedience, and pray to have a heart that loves You, filled with steadfast faith and obedience. We ask you to reveal the behaviors and habits that prevent us from being aligned with Your perfect will and plans. It is our desire to receive Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
“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
Whether we are using our time wisely, or not to prepare for Kingdom Life, Jesus promised 3 times in Revelation 22 that He is coming again. Faithful obedience is revealed through a consecrated life of surrender and prayer, always seeking God’s will for the given day.
Earthly pleasures are distractions designed to satisfy our hearts desires, and separate us from God. Instead of wasting our precious gift of time to chase desires, we must redirect our focus on Christ by living a Faithful, Christ-centered life.
Romans 12 instructs us on how to live the sacrificial life required by God to prepare every day for that Great Day. Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we ask you to teach us how to live a sanctified life that is focused on You. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
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