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In His Presence – Sabbath Peace

The Sabbath is not a religion. It is the 24 hours [Friday Sunset to Saturday Sunset] that God designated as holy. To be in His presence for 24 hours, one-seventh of our week is a life-changing experience. The Holy Spirit nourishes our minds, bodies, and souls with peace, wisdom, and strength. Have a blessed Sabbath!

Thank You, God for giving us the beauty of the Sabbath. Amen.

Christ, the Healer

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 26, 2024

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’ ” —Genesis 1:26

When hardships, sickness, and death enter our lives, we need Christ’s Healing Balm to soothe our anxieties, emotional or physical pain, and sorrows. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows lived a bittersweet life. He knows the extreme side of suffering. Trust Jesus, God the Son to give you His Divine peace and strength. Only His love and power can provide the Spiritual Touch to heal our mental, emotional, and physical infirmities.

We do not have to pray lengthy prayers. The prayer of faith, “Jesus, help me” receives an immediate response from our Loving Savior. Jesus, the Great Physician is meek, loving, and compassionate. Although we are not promised physical healing, we always receive the Divine strength to persevere. All of heaven is involved in the believer’s Chosen Path of suffering. Never stop praying!

When Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane, in response to His prayers, God, the Father sent angels to minister and impart Divine strength to His Son needed to complete the Plan of Redemption for you and me. Our prayers for Divine Help receive the same heavenly response.

The Holy Spirit intercedes by taking our prayers of faith to Christ, our High Priest and Intercessor. We receive Christ’s supernatural strength and peace from the Holy Spirit, and the Commander of angel armies sends His angels to refresh our minds, bodies, and souls with His Living Water. Oh, what love the Father has for us.

Lord God, we pray for those who are experiencing the harsh vicissitudes of war, famine, natural disasters, financial loss, grieving from the death of loved ones, and overwhelming illnesses. We ask for an outpouring of Your strength to comfort and power to heal according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen. © SDJ 2024

Well Done, Good, and Faithful Servant

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 24, 2024

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” —Deuteronomy 33:25

The perplexities, lengthy trials, and hardships we endure will never overpower us. “We have the promise that…God is faithful. “He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT). (Joy in Tribulation).

The converted believer’s earthly journey is tumultuous because all unrighteous character traits, sinful desires, and habits must be removed. The journey on our chosen paths differs, yet, God’s goal of the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities will reach completion until the day before Jesus comes if we are living.

We are granted the mercies of enough time to choose Christ and experience spiritual growth, but the moment we close our eyes in the sleep of death, our spiritual transformation ceases. “For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward…” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The Apostle Paul explains the state of the dead in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4.

Salvation is a gift but includes Spiritual Conditions of Participation—we embrace and align our lives with God’s Righteousness. Our human cooperation with the Holy Spirit is manifested by daily surrender and faithful obedience. The Holy Spirit transforms us if we place our faith and trust in God, only then can our hearts be connected to Jesus, our High Priest, and Intercessor. The Holy Spirit teaches, imparts wisdom and strength, and convicts us of our cherished and hidden sins.

“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 14:2-3

When planning spiritual goals, we look beyond our present circumstances, this earthly home is temporary. We must let go of our love for the life we have on Earth. Few believers memorize Revelation chapters 21-22 and reflect on Jesus’ promise to have true happiness in a sinless, most beautiful New Heaven and New Earth. Nothing should distract us from reflecting on the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to see Him face to face and receive our Crown of Life.

In times like these [the last days of Earth’s history], we desperately need to study and memorize the Scriptures that convert our hearts and reveal God’s will for living righteously. We cannot face spiritual warfare without the Spiritual Ammunition of the Word of God. Now is the time to ask the Holy Spirit to fortify our strength so we can live as overcomers destined for heaven.

Our trust and obedience to God must be solid and built on Christ the Solid Rock. Jesus has not only brought us through past trials, but He also promises to hold us in His Righteous Right Hand to guide us safely through our present hardships, temptations, and future tribulations.

Christ rewards our faithfulness by giving us His strength to keep us moving forward on the Narrow Path. We receive Divine wisdom from the Holy Spirit to recognize and overcome satanic deceptions that we cannot discern with our human ability. Our role is to pray and filter the stimuli of the many voices who proclaim their messages are God’s Truth.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Never place your confidence in human wisdom. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal all beliefs that are not in agreement with God’s Bible-Based Truth. Jesus’ battle plan of sending the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth prevents us from accepting Satan’s erroneous interpretations of the Holy Scriptures.

“The conditions of receiving spiritual discernment and wisdom require that we have an honest, pure heart, and the desire to know God’s will, which can only happen when we surrender to God.” Pastor M. Finley

Pray before you study. Our love, loyalty, and allegiance are to the Most High God. The Spirit of Truth supersedes all human interpretations of the Scriptures. One of our greatest challenges is letting go of beliefs not substantiated by the Bible. Only an unconverted heart refuses to acknowledge their belief system does not coincide with God’s Truth when the Holy Spirit reveals error. We cannot worship God in Spirit and Truth by holding onto misinterpretations and false beliefs that hinder our spiritual growth.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” —Jeremiah 33:3

Our goal is to hear well done. Monitor the time spent on entertainment, disruptions, and distractions by creating a Spiritual cease-and-desist order to take back control over your God-given time. Make Jesus your Best Friend. We form an unbreakable bond by talking to Christ throughout our waking hours. Our spiritual goal is to grow stronger and become part of the remnant who have the Faith of Jesus Christ.

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.” —Revelation 14:12

According to the Daniel and Revelation prophecies, we face a future of end-time prophetic turmoil with intense spiritual conflict that will challenge our faith in God. Preparing now through consistent prayer, fasting, and study invites the Holy Spirit to give us a continuous outpouring of spiritual reinforcement. The Holy Spirit is our only guarantee of remaining steadfast. We desperately need to go deeper in our spiritual walk with Christ and like John become the disciples that Jesus loves.

“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters…” Revelation 1:12-15

The Roman Emperor Titus exiled John the Revelator [affectionately known as the disciple that Jesus loved] to the Isle of Patmos. Even so, John’s banishment was part of Christ’s perfect plan. The disciple’s tribulation of isolation was for our benefit—the book of Revelation contains the history of the early Christian churches to the future End Time prophecies that foretell a repeat of Christian persecution.

Covered by God’s grace and living off of abundant mercies is a blessed privilege that we do not deserve. We have received Jesus’ warning and directive to His Apostle for future believers: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). Praise God, Revelation ends with Christ and the righteous as Victors standing on the Sea of Glass and Satan and all evil destroyed!

Since Jesus cast Satan and his angels to the Earth, we have always been his focus in the Great Controversy between good and evil. Now is the time to cultivate an aversion to the evil of sin. The truly converted heart does not suffer from an internal conflict of choosing Christ over Satan. We know that we cannot save ourselves and our only hope is Jesus Christ!

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” —James 4:10

God has given Christ, His Son, and sent the Holy Spirit, our Teacher so we can live as overcomers who receive their blessed reward of immortality when Christ comes again with majesty and glory. Take sufficient time and study the book of Revelation under the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Revelation’s plain truth prophecies will impact you as no other book of the Bible.

If you truly desire Eternal life then study the books of Daniel and Revelation. Your perception of this Earth will radically change, and you will strive to live a sacrificial, surrendered life pleasing to God. From our failure to study Bible prophecies and the Old Testament, we only have a limited understanding of the Characters of God, the Father, and Christ, God, the Son.

The lack of knowledge of Redemption, Sanctification, the Judgment, and Eternal life makes it impossible for us to live holy and surrendered lives because there is missing knowledge vital to our salvation. Not knowing the complete story tempts us to fill in the blanks with our interpretations, leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s many deceptions, and we do not possess the spiritual enthusiasm for the Second Coming of Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed the earthly arrival of the Messiah. From Adam and Eve to Jacob, Daniel, and King David, to Malachi chapter 4 which describes the Great Day of God, we have Scriptural evidence the plan of Salvation was revealed to those living in the Old Testament times, “The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever” (Psalm 37:29).

Our Triumphant King is coming soon! One day the righteous will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Yes, the King of Glory will introduce us to our Heavenly home, “…’ Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…’ ” (Matthew 25:34). Amen and Amen! © 2024 SDJ

Lord God, we pray for the strength to persevere in this earthly journey and to keep our eyes focused on You as we walk on our Chosen Path. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Integrity: The Righteous Standard

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 22, 2024

“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. (2) With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (4) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’ “

“When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. (6) Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.” —Acts 5:1-6

Integrity reveals righteousness. Believers live by God’s righteous standards—always speaking and acting according to the righteous moral and social laws given by God. The lack of integrity is a heart issue. It reveals that sin is ruling our hearts instead of the righteousness of Christ.

“When it comes to human integrity, the Apostle Paul, quoting from various Psalms says, “There is no one righteous, not even one….for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:11-23), so the opposite of righteousness is sin. As much as this word is avoided, and even hated today, the truth is that lack of integrity is not merely an issue of behaviour that can be improved…”(Cross Current).

“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

Many years ago, I was hired for a nursing management position in one of the best nursing homes. After many years of clinical nursing, I was very excited that God blessed me with the opportunity to develop my skills. When I was introduced to the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), all but one welcomed me. One of my responsibilities was to make supervisory rounds to assess staff challenges while rendering resident care. As I slowly opened the door to *Mr. Smith’s room, I witnessed an act of horror—the CNA slapped the patient’s face in response to his combative behavior. The CNA was unaware that I had entered the room until the patient cried out, “Miss help me, she hit me in the face.” She let go of his arm, turned to me, and stated, “I did not hit him! He hit me!” My response was, “Yes, you did slap his face!” As I turned to leave, she immediately followed me and without remorse stated, “I have five children to support.”

The Outcome: I reported the incident to my Director who informed the Administrator. Not all of the state agency’s protocol was followed, yes the CNA was reported to the State Department responsible for Certification, but the facility’s responsibility to file criminal charges for assault and battery was not carried out [a decision by the home’s administrator]. The reason given was to protect the facility’s reputation.

The restoration of humanity’s lost righteousness is a central theme of the Bible. The only person in human history whose life was absolutely integrated, in whom there is nothing to blame, whose beliefs, words, and deeds were in perfect harmony was Jesus Christ. His character and life is a perfect example of integrity. (Cross Current)

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (verse 14 NIV) “…beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:17-18, NKJV)

Our faith and righteousness are tested when facing situations that require a compromise of integrity. To possess spiritual integrity under all circumstances is not a work we can accomplish without the Holy Spirit. From praying daily for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and respond to corrupt situations as Christ would respond.

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” —Proverbs 11:3

We have to make a decision. The courage to do what is right in God’s eyes is not given to us by the Holy Spirit. Courage comes from within. Will we stand strong although we may endure loss? Choosing right reveals our love for God and our true character. The decision to stand for God’s Righteous moral code reveals that we faithfully trust in God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. We boldly proclaim, “No, I will not agree to do that!” when our morals and values align with the holiness of Christ, our Rock of Righteousness.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

Without the humility to surrender and be led by the Holy Spirit, we will live a life of compromise, never growing spiritually. Because our hearts are desperately wicked, we were born with the inner drive to choose evil over good. Yes, the Christian life is a continuous struggle! Temptation is covert—always concealed as the best option, but sin requires a compromise of sanctified holiness.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

Integrity flows from a converted and committed heart that seeks after the Righteousness of Christ. Christ completed His spiritual mission on earth. God clearly defines our responsibility in the plan of Salvation, to seek righteousness. To overcome the enemy’s tactics, we need Divine Help continuously.

Prayer invites all of heaven’s supernatural power to give us the strength to face every struggle and overcome it! Our mindset must be one of spiritual awareness which only comes from a life of prayer on bended knees. When we do our part by remaining steadfast in the Lord, the Holy Spirit anoints us with the power to live holy, sanctified lives possessing uncompromised integrity. © SDJ April 2024

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” —Matthew 5:8

The Season of Transition

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 21, 2024

“Out of the ground, the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” —Genesis 2:19

Christ revealed God’s plan of excellence for the human mind on the sixth day of creation when Adam named every living creature. According to PLOS BIOLOGY, in November 2023 when asked how many species exist on Earth? “Projections range from millions to trillions.” Even the experts admit we can only project the number of species in the animal kingdom.

Nature reveals the overwhelming love, Omnipotence, and Omniscience of the God who not only humbled Himself in death so we can experience perfection in the New Heaven and New Earth but also gave those created in His image a fulfilling life on planet Earth amidst magnificent beauty that still exists.

God created the world as a dynamic wonder for us to behold its splendid beauty, pursue opportunities to excel and reach our fullest potential, and most importantly understand His loving character. “God intends that improvement shall be the lifework of all His followers and that it shall be guided and controlled by correct experience.” (Reaching Forward to Perfection).

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” —James 3:13

The Holy Spirit empowers us with the gift of wisdom to understand the Scriptures and God’s Divine plan of restoration for fallen beings. His goal is for us to achieve continuous spiritual and intellectual growth through studying the Scriptures, experiencing the natural world, and personal and professional development.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” —1 John 3:1

So why do so few believers grasp the Godly concept of setting our standards high? “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). From the diligent study of Creation’s story we learn of God’s infinite plan for humanity. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament revealing that our true identity is in Christ our Creator.

“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ ” —Galatians 4:6

Christ proclaims “We are sons and daughters of God, we are bought with a price, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are a royal priesthood.” Instead of recognizing the privilege of our spiritual birthright, we classify ourselves according to the world’s standards of family ancestry, academic achievements, and social and financial status.

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible

Our refusal to consecrate ourselves to God has strengthened Satan’s influence in the Christian Community. Blended truth with human-made concepts is accepted because we harbor a spirit of discontentment. Instead of praising God for our blessings of provisions, and studying the Bible under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we listen to podcasts on “How Successful People Think.”

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” —John 14:14

Satan twists the Holy context of the Scriptures to appease our desires for earthly treasures. He uses misguided human interpretation, “Didn’t Jesus say to ask anything in His name and He would do it?” to incite our passions. We pray, follow our inclinations, and answer our prayers based on the false teachings of the Name It and Claim It prosperity message and the worldview of pursuing one’s desires.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven …For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Our focus has shifted to building wealth and elevating our social status instead of seeking the intangible [intellectual and spiritual growth] blessings. “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self.” ( COL 67).

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

The focus of spiritual warfare is our soul! Satan is using two effective strategies to turn our attention away from seeking the Kingdom of God. Never-ending Distractions: Our schedules are filled with secular activities. The busyness of today has left us depleted. We are just too exhausted to experience meaningful worship in the presence of God.

You Have Time: Today was a taxing effort, tomorrow will be better. We rarely appreciate the new mercies of the given day because our focus is on the future. When the children are older and the mortgage is paid in a few years from now life will not be so hectic. The Deception: We think time is ours to manage. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ” (Psalm 90:12).

” ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’ ” (Matthew 15:8).

Many Christians are unaware the last few years including 2024 is the time Jesus identified as “The Beginning of Sorrows” (Matthew 24). We desperately need to consecrate ourselves to live sacrificially. Only then can the Holy Spirit open our natural eyes and empower us with the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and rebuke Satan’s deceptions.

The times are perilous and Satan attempts to deceive the very elect. Too many rely on their intellect, quick wit, and life experience instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit. According to today’s pastors, a new term for 21st-century Christianity has been adopted, we are Middle-of-the-Road Christians, not engaging in abject wickedness, but living an uncommitted life of self-seeking behaviors.

Think on These Things: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.…” —Philippians 4:8

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” —Matthew 5:48

How often do we think of life in the New Heaven and New Earth? This season of life should be utilized for the transition of shifting our focus from distractions, busyness, and worldly gain to the pursuit of spiritual excellence. Filtering the stimuli that we allow to enter our minds requires heightened spiritual awareness—Is this information beneficial for my spiritual or intellectual growth? Every newsworthy event should not consume our valuable time.

A Call to Worship and Obedience: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion…’ ” —Psalm 95:5-7

Christian believers do not need to seek the world’s advice. We have the Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit who refreshes and empowers our minds with Godly wisdom and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. Still, our activities of daily living must be secondary to allow adequate and unhurried time to worship God in Spirit and in Truth which is necessary for spiritual clarity, growth, and transformation.

Changing Our Lifestyle: Transition from Technology to the Outdoor Life

The things of nature are God’s blessings, provided to give health to the body, mind, and soul. Surrounded by the wonderful works of God, our minds are lifted from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads us to think of the matchless charms of the earth made new, where there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy, nothing to cause disease or death. (The Health-giving Value of Outdoor Life)

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:18-19, BSB

Without surrendering ourselves to God, we cannot perceive the new blessings God desires to give us in our earthly lives to prepare us for life with Him. Letting go of counterproductive behaviors includes people and pleasures that serve no purpose in our spiritual journey with Christ.

God has a definitive plan for every faithful and obedient believer which begins in our earthly lives and culminates at Jesus’ Second Coming. To receive the Heavenly Crown of Life requires that we live an earthly life as the Sons and Daughters of God—Spiritual Royalty.

Lord, we pray for ourselves. We on traveling on a detour road instead of the Path of Righteousness and for this we ask for forgiveness. God, like the prodigal son, we have come to our senses. We surrender. Please reveal Your will and plans for our lives. Holy Spirit empower us with Your presence and lead us to the Narrow Path. In Jesus’ Matchless Name, we pray. Amen. © SDJ April 2024

His Perfect Humility – Happy Sabbath

“And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28)

From studying the life of Christ, we realize the humility required to be a true disciple. If Jesus came to serve humanity then our status is predetermined. Have we accepted our spiritual assignment to serve others or do we share the mindset of the two sons of Zebedee who approached Jesus with their mother boldly asking to sit on the left and right side of Jesus’ throne?

Humility is not an innate characteristic. The human heart is naturally prideful, always seeking status and recognition. Yet, humility is a trait that is required of every follower who desires to receive the Crown of Life. “For many are called but few are chosen.”

“Humble me, O Lord, that I may do your will.”