“For we live by faith, not by sight.” —2 Corinthians 5:7
Lord, on Your Holy Sabbath Day, we pray for the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to fall on believers throughout this world. And we pray that You will knock on the door of the hearts of those who are facing hardships, grieving, and feeling as if they have no purpose for living. Bless us as we rest from the labors and cares of our lives. Jesus, You are our First Love. We ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 20, 2024
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” —Joshua 1:8
Enoch walked with God because he was determined to live a righteous life. God says, “I change not…” so we must have confidence that God will empower us to live righteously when we pray for Divine strength. Enoch’s strength was from the Holy Spirit, still, his courage and determination remained steadfast because his heart overflowed with love for God.
“Your strength and growth in grace come only from one source—God…It is our privilege to stand with the light of heaven upon us. It was no easier for Enoch to live a righteous life than it is for us at the present time. The world in his time was no more favorable to growth in grace and holiness than it is now. It was by prayer and communion with God that Enoch was enabled to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” From One Source Only Devotional, EGW
As a baby is attached to its mother by an umbilical cord receiving life-giving nutrients, our love for Christ and daily covenant vow to obey God’s Law and seek His plans keep us spiritually attached to Christ. To receive Jesus’ strength requires established boundaries and adherence to God’s Commandments and Righteous Principles. It is a free-will decision to receive the Life-saving nutrients the Holy Spirit gives.
God’s Condition of Participation: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). From the creation of Adam and Eve to now, God has always required obedience without compromise. Without faithful obedience, our earthly lives are lived in vain because the Holy Spirit cannot transform our characters into the likeness of Christ.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
Moving forward in our journey of Sanctification—spiritual growth and transformation and being covered by the righteousness of Christ is conditional. Yes, Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross fulfilled the Ceremonial Law of animal sacrifice, still, the Plan of Redemption requires a daily sacrifice of obedience. In humility, we surrender our will to God. Obedience is the sacrificial offering we bring to God and is a covenant that must be renewed daily.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’ ” —Revelation 3:17
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ” (Matthew 25:44).
We were given the spiritual assignments of making disciples and helping those in need. Many of today’s Christian believers lack the spirit of humility required to be faithful and obedient disciples. But the Holy Spirit cannot enter an unclean vessel. Only an unconverted heart shows disregard for Christ’s sacrifice, the plan of Redemption, and God’s grace and mercies by striving to fulfill desires opposing God’s will.
“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” —Matthew 16:27
From studying Revelation 19, verses 11-16, we learn that Christ fulfills another Role as the Righteous Judge who will cleanse the earth of all prevailing wickedness. This is the rest of the story that we rarely hear in sermons. Do not entrust your salvation to anyone but God! To be in the right standing with God eliminates all fear of the Judgment. The Righteous are looking forward to living with our Triumphant King of kings. Amen.
“A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?” —The Great Controversy
With a made-up mind, we press on every day moving forward step-by-step in the power of His Might! Living a consecrated life filled with prayer, fasting, and surrender invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Christ’s Supernatural Strength. We desperately need to remain steadfast to prepare for the pending End Time prophecies revealed in Daniel and Revelation.
The Time is Near: Now is the time to commit ourselves wholly to God asking for New Beginnings in our spiritual journey paved with surrender and obedience.
Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I make all things new.” Studying Revelation chapters 21-22 daily allows us to commit to memory our promised reward. Seeking and obeying God’s perfect plans enable us to receive victory over sin in this life and prepare us to receive the gift of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” —Revelation 22:20
Prayer: Lord, as we move forward in our step-by-step journey, we pray for wisdom, discernment, and the power to resist our internal desires and external temptations. As we prepare for Your soon coming, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God, we dedicate ourselves to You and promise to give You the glory, honor, and praise through daily surrender and obedience. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional June 17, 2024
“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” —2 Peter 3:18
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another…” (1 Peter 4:10).
“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” —Ephesians 4:11-12
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20
From studying the Scriptures on growing in grace, God tells us He has equipped all believers to use our spiritual gifts to edify [build up] the body of Christ. We easily use our spiritual gifts to fulfill Inreach efforts [within the church], yet, most members avoid using their gifts for Outreach community witnessing. Reminding ourselves that God gave us our spiritual gifts and talents clarifies that God will instruct us on how to use them for His honor and glory.
Face-to-face witnessing will always be the most effective way to witness and is the only activity that completely fulfills Jesus’ command to “Go” and make disciples. I can write countless inspirational devotionals, publish them, and pray for the readers to receive a blessing, still, my website does not replace Jesus’ command to witness in my neighborhood or when I am in the community performing the routine activities of life or traveling.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” —Revelation 22:12
Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow…Are they seeking to save souls for whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light that God has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active labor to do good…in your family, in your church, and in your neighborhood. EGW, The Divine Prescription
“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31
Witnessing is telling others that Jesus loves us and saves us from sin. Whether we utilize technology or seize the countless opportunities in social settings, shopping, or walking in the park, we can always tell everyone “Jesus loves you.” Witnessing is the work for which our reward of Revelation 22:12 is based. Our faith in the saving power of Christ, our Redeemer propels us to tell others that Jesus saves and the Holy Spirit will complete our efforts.
Last week, I began watching a series by Voice of the Martyrs, The Torchbearers who were men and women of God who witnessed, passed out religious tracts, and remained faithful despite severe persecution. Last night the Holy Spirit reminded me that I had religious tracts on the healthy benefits of drinking water which transitions the reader into the benefits of drinking “The Living Water.”
This morning I had a scheduled delivery and was prepared to give the tract with life-changing words to the driver. As I handed the tract to her, I observed the weary face of a young woman who appeared to be beaten down by the vicissitudes of life. She had the dark bruises of physical abuse around her right eye. When I gave her the tract she smiled, and said, thank you, which filled my heart with joy. My only response was, “Enjoy your day.”
As I closed the door, I whispered a prayer that Jesus would wrap His loving arms around her and give her the courage to accept Him as her Savior and to walk away from the abusive relationship. This morning the Holy Spirit instructed me not to use spoken words to witness after giving her the tract. Everything she needs to know about accepting Christ is written in the tract and the Holy Spirit will speak to her heart.
Although Mark 13:11 is specific to persecution, our witnessing must be guided by the Holy Spirit. “This verse means not to worry or plan what to say beforehand, but to speak whatever is given in that moment because it is the Holy Spirit speaking, not you.”
We do not know every person’s needs, so we pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and guidance in approaching them and the right words to speak. The immense joy I feel from seeing the young woman’s smiling face helps me realize that I have great work to do for Jesus and I am humbled that God uses a sinner saved by grace to further His work.
Words of Life Ministry Excerpt on “Paul: A True and Effective Witness
Acts chapter 26: “In verse 22 the apostle tells us that he was constantly witnessing both to small and great. Wherever he went he talked to others about his Lord; whether his audience consisted of one or many, rich or poor, young or old, educated or illiterate, Jews or Gentiles, kings or commoners, soldiers or sailors – always, in every place, he was an effective witness.”
“See him at work in the synagogue (Acts 13:5); at the riverside (Acts 16:13); in prison (Acts 16:25-32); in the market-place (Acts 17:17); going from house to house (Acts 20:20); at home (Acts 28:30-31); and in the palace (Philippians 1:12-13).”
“Everyone whom Paul met was a soul for whom Christ died and was therefore a potential Christian. Have we this vision? An effective witness has a passion for souls and he is willing to adapt himself that he might ‘by all possible means save some.’ “
“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31
I appeal to all Christian believers to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to impart the wisdom to develop a two-sided Bible-based tract with Acts 16:31 as the focus. Who will tell them? We will! It’s time to return to the old-school methods of face-to-face witnessing. Like Christ, we seek God’s will and actively fulfill His Divine plans by being foot soldiers in God’s Army.
Our salvation, spiritual growth, and transformation depend on our willingness to surrender and obey God’s commands. To grow in grace requires immense love and devotion to Jesus Christ, letting go of our desires, and walking off the beaten path to tell the neglected, “Jesus loves you.”
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” — Matthew 25:40, NIV
Lord, we desire to do Your will. We ask that you reveal opportunities to witness Your love and saving power, to give hope, and to be a beacon of light to those suffering from sin’s plight in this dark world. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
One day we will behold the beauty of the Lamb of God, our Triumphant King. Until then we must strive for holiness by dedicating and consecrating our lives to worship Him with our love, minds, and souls. Enter His presence and be transformed. Glory to the Lamb! Amen.
Lord, we thank You for the sanctity of the Holy Sabbath. From Creation, all of the angelic host heaven have worshiped You on the Sabbath, and one day the redeemed will also join the angels to worship on Your Holy day. We pray for blessings of strength, peace, and joy. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – June 14, 2024
“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
God is faithful! He always fulfills His promises perfectly, bringing honor and glory to His Holy Name. We pray, but many never receive the fulfillment of their desires or God’s promises which causes discouragement, especially when those around us are reaping a harvest of blessings.
Usually, we attribute a delay in God’s timing as a valid test of faith. Recently, I heard a powerful and thought-provoking sermon regarding the delays of blessings. Since God is always faithful and keeps His promises, we are the reason for His decision to withhold our blessings. As we dig deeper the primary reason for unreceived blessings is surprising.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.'” —Matthew 8:4
Jesus healed countless people, yet every time He gave the command to tell no one, it is documented in the Four Gospels. When blessed our first response is to share with others. Although we are inclined to reveal our blessings to those closest to us, Jesus proclaimed that we should tell no one, go to our secret place of worship, and offer prayers and praises of gratitude.
We can attribute many reasons for Jesus’ command of non-disclosure, but only one impacts our spiritual growth and transformation—the lack of gratitude. Verbalizing “Thank You” is not enough for the continuous Love, Grace, and Mercies given without fail. Mary, the Mother of Jesus portrays the response of genuine faith and gratitude God requires of us.
The Promise: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” —Luke 1:30-33, KJV
Mary’s Praise Response: “…’My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…’ ” —Luke 1:46-47. Verses 46-55 reveal Mary’s song of praise and thanksgiving.
In Luke chapter 2, verses 8-15, the angels appeared to the shepherds telling them a Savior was born. When the shepherds visited Joseph and Mary in the stable, they shared the wonderful message the angels gave them with everyone. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” —Luke 2:19
Two characteristics stand out: Mary’s heart was filled with gratitude which she openly expressed through the composure of a praise song and she pondered—deeply reflected on the angel’s message that her baby boy was the Savior, the Son of God. Our character matters to God because it determines our destiny.
Certainly, Mary was a devout woman of God filled with spiritual wisdom, integrity, and discretion. When the angel, Gabriel disclosed that she would be the Mother of Jesus she told no one. It is hard to imagine knowing that your Son is the promised Messiah and keeping it to yourself.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.” —Psalm 95:1-3
Our praises of gratitude are too limited. Our love and loyalty to God waver depending on our circumstances. When all is well, we praise God. But when harsh challenges arise, the times we need to offer prayers filled with thanksgiving, our souls and faces are downcast. How often do we thank God profusely for the mercies of a new day? Truthfully we have already planned for tomorrow.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Reflect deeply on a conversation where you shared the good news of received blessings. The focus easily shifted from the Giver to yourself and the blessing. Unless we have cultivated the habit of praising and thanking God for the everyday blessings [life, health, strength, provisions, and protection], God knows that if He opens the windows of heaven, we cannot respond with genuine love, honoring, and glorifying His faithfulness.
Sermon Notes: When God blesses you resist the urge to share it with the world. Instead, cherish it in secrecy with Him. Give God the glory and the honor by letting Him be the first to share in your joy. Express your gratitude through melodies of praise and embrace the rivers of joy flowing from within your heart to God in prayer.
Sermon Notes: As you adopt this lifestyle of maintaining privacy with Jesus your relationship with Him will grow richer and deeper. Worshiping God with praises of gratitude must become our lifestyle. When the seasons of life change, if we have developed an intimate relationship with Christ based on gratitude, our faith and trust will remain steadfast despite our overwhelming circumstances.
“…He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 1:31
Giving God glory through prayer and praise is why we were created and should be our ultimate purpose. Cherish God’s goodness privately through praise and prayers of gratitude. Our lives are blessed and highly favored and for this reason, God deserves all of the glory, honor, and praise. When we do not follow our inclinations to share God’s blessing with others first, our joy, excitement, and happiness are redirected to honoring the Giver of All Good Gifts.
Sermon Notes: As you wait on the Lord for His promises, deepen your relationship by praying and immersing yourself in His Word. Let Christ refine your character through the Holy Spirit. Allow God to prepare your heart for the incredible things He has in store for your life by praising Him continuously throughout your waking hours.
Lord, You deserve all of the glory and honor. We sing praises to express our love, appreciation, and gratitude for being our Savior, Redeemer, and the Giver of All Good Gifts. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.
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