Jesus proclaims that He is the Lord of the Sabbath which implies that He is also God, the Creator of the Sabbath. Study Genesis.
God, Jesus, and the angels celebrated with Adam and Eve in worship on the first Creation Day Sabbath. We honor the Seventh Day as the Sabbath because God commanded us to honor the day that He sanctified and blessed.
Human wisdom says God changed the Sabbath, sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, to Sunday. But the Bible gives us the Plain Truth and there is not one inspired Scripture to substantiate this human speculation.
My Testimony: At the age of 15, the Holy Spirit told me to honor the Sabbath commandment. I am trusting God’s Spoken Words in the Bible because my reward of Eternal Life is too precious for me to play the Game of Chance and follow human interpretation. It just doesn’t make sense that God would keep nine of the Ten Commandments and only change the Fourth Commandment.
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!” (Isaiah 55:13-14, NLT).
Lord God, we thank You for blessing us with 24 hours to worship You in spirit and truth. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit as we study your Holy Words. We ask you to bless us with wisdom and discernment, and to refresh us mentally, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. In Jesus Righteous Name, Amen.
“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.
The Christian journey is a tough battle that requires the human effort of possessing and exercising the righteous characteristics of humility, surrender, faith in God, and the willingness to bow to God’s Sovereign Authority.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
We believe that Jesus Christ is who He says He is: Our Provider, Protector, and Peace-Giver. Much prayer is required to receive God’s Power and His Peace.
Once or twice-a-day prayers are no longer enough to live as Victorious Overcomers in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3). We must stay connected to Christ by whispering prayers throughout our day.
Prayer is our greatest weapon against Satan, our enemy. Dependency on God is the only way to remain faithful and steadfast in a world filled with the temptations of pleasure and prosperity.
Obedience is a worship, and acknowledges our love and reverence to God’s Sovereignty. Obedience reveals that our hearts are pure, and filled with love for God.
To obey is the only way, the Holy Spirit can give us the continuous spiritual guidance, wisdom, and strength to overcome the darkness of spiritual warfare.
Perseverance is to push forward in the strength of Jesus Christ. We may not be able to see beyond the given moment, and feel as if we have exhausted our mental, emotional, and physical strength, still, in those times, we pray a child’s prayer, Jesus, I need Your help.”
Never forget that God is Eternal! God is the definition of Eternity Past, Present, and Future. Every aspect of our lives He knows. In the power of His might, we must keep moving forward even if it’s baby steps.
Live for today: Study Matthew 6
Only trust Him, and one day, we will behold Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King in the clouds in all of His Divine Majesty and Glory. We have this hope, this earthly life is temporary, and our Lord and Savior is coming soon to take the righteous to their forever home. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we ask for your Divine help. We need the strength to persevere in our journey. We are renewing our covenant to faithfully seek and obey Your will, and plans. We ask you to bless us with peace and the strength to keep moving forward. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” -Isaiah 43:1-3
“God often allows us to experience a crisis to reveal our limitations and weaknesses. The adversity that no human effort can resolve points us to God, the Only True Source of Strength.” Sermon Notes
As I read a few of my sermon notes, one caught my attention, causing me to reflect for quite a while. The only thought that repeated itself over and over again was the question, “Why do we exclude our Heavenly Father from our daily lives until we face a major dilemma?”
How are we different from the unbelievers who reject God by practicing the learned behavior of self-reliance, and suffering never-ending consequences, which creates an atmosphere fueled by anxieties, worries, and hopelessness?
The Apostle Paul answers the question: “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1, NLT).
“The word ‘carnal’ (Greek: sarkikos) is often used to describe a state of being dominated by the flesh and worldly desires, rather than the Spirit of God. It suggests a focus on physical needs, earthly pleasures, and a lack of spiritual maturity.”
Prayer, fasting, consecration, and renewing our vow to follow Christ through daily surrender and faithful obedience is the only spiritual remedy to regain our right standing with God. We must worship God with love, loyalty, and commitment if we truly desire the reward of Eternal life.
Lord God, we approach your Throne of Grace asking for forgiveness for a spirit of disobedience as manifested by a mindset of self-reliance and lifestyles of self-governance. We ask you to, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a contrite spirit within me.” Lord, we thank you for your love, grace, and mercies, and ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
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.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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