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Living Faith Allows Us to Always Rejoice!

Living Faith Allows Us to Always Rejoice! Devotional Reading, June 20, 2023

It has taken a while, but finally, my Instagram account is showing 100% Christian content. As I watched each video, there was something that troubled my spirit, not one individual mentioned studying the Bible as part of our [faith] walk with Christ. We choose best-seller books written by popular Christian speakers rather than study the Greatest Book ever written.

As Christians we have access to countless resources and significantly more information than previous generations of believers. Yes, we readily seek, but sadly it is not the word of God that piques our interest. A best-seller [regardless of the author’s status] will never enable us to learn the character of God, feed our hungry souls, or give us a complete history of God’s miraculous love and redemption for humanity beginning with the creation of the world and our parents, Adam and Eve.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. —Hebrews 4:12, NLT

Today’s Christians no longer view the Bible as the only credible Source that is 100% God-breathed. To many, it is too complex to understand. Without praying for the Divine wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit, we cannot grasp the magnitude of the Holy Scriptures. Studying the Bible provides the foundation of our relationship with Christ, provides the spiritual knowledge and wisdom for righteous transformation, and acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth, especially our faith in God.

Without diligently studying the Scriptures, we have no idea who God is nor do we understand God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace. Without the word of God, we lack the spiritual insight that allows us to be anchored in Jesus Christ. Without knowledge of God’s precious promises, we falter and our faith fails when we need it the most!

Our faith in God allows us to believe and rejoice in His mighty power whether we are in a storm or all is well. The Bible defines God’s character and gives us hope from the real-life stories of humanity’s failures and victories that proves God is true to His Word.

Faith is one of the least understood traits of the Christian Character. The Scriptures tell us that God expects every believer to possess Faith!

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

What is faith? What is the reason God requires us to have steadfast faith? Where does faith come from? And how do we obtain the characteristic of unwavering belief that God says, we must possess?

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. Without biblical knowledge, we cannot understand the definition of faith or experience the spiritual growth of our God-given measure of faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it, the elders obtained a good testimony.” —Hebrew 11:1-2, NKJV

What is faith? A simplistic definition of faith: Faith is believing and trusting in God as though you are lost in a forest and blinded by the darkness that surrounds you. You admit that you are lost and do not have the slightest idea of which direction to walk. All you know is that it is impossible to get out without God’s help! In desperation, you cry out to God, believing that the light of Christ will intervene and direct you through the darkness to a victorious outcome!

Financial predicaments, loss of employment, vehicle needing major repairs, diagnosis of a terminal illness, marriage falling apart, and failing academic classes are just a few examples of things that happen in our lives that we cannot solve without Divine Intervention. Faith requires us to acknowledge God’s Omnipotence.

What is the origin of faith and how did we receive it?: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” —Romans 12:3

A Measure of Faith: Faith is an innate gift from God—we were born with the character trait of faith. The Apostle Paul tells us that God has given every individual a measure of faith. For clarity, let’s compare our measure of faith to the size of a mustard seed.

Additional proof that God has given us faith: There is another aspect of faith that is rarely spoken of, when we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we used our measure of faith to believe that Jesus is the only way to God, and the only One who can provide salvation and redemption to sinful humanity. The Holy Spirit spoke to our hearts, and we responded by saying yes. We confessed our sins, surrendered our lives, and commit ourselves to Jesus Christ whom we embraced through our innate faith.

We must admit that there is no rational explanation for believing and accepting the Gospel of a Savior who suffered, bled, died on Calvary’s cross, and arose from the dead who is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God the Father serving as our Heavenly Intercessor. God’s gift of a measure of faith makes it possible for us to believe in His Divinity, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the [Mystery] of the Holy Spirit. It makes one shout, “Hallelujah!”

Our Responsibility: The measure of faith that allows us to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, is the same measure of faith that requires continuous spiritual growth. Without Divine Intervention, no amount of human effort can produce growth in the God-given character trait of faith.

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that our commitment to follow Him will result in many trials and hardships in our earthly lives. Whatever the situation or challenge, Jesus allowed the trial to happen [that is always beyond our human capabilities to resolve]. The unexpected and continuous trials that make us suffer disappointment and sorrow are necessary to produce the spiritual growth of our faith.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” —James 1:2-4

Proof that our faith is growing or declining: When adversities arise that are impossible for us to resolve, our reaction demonstrates whether or not our Saving Faith has grown into Living Faith.

Acknowledgment: The definitions of Saving Faith and Living Faith are from a sermon that I watched from Pastor Charles Drake.

Saving Faith—This is the measure of faith that the Holy Spirit uses to speak to your heart. You responded by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Signs that your saving faith is not maturing: You still worry about today’s problems and the unknowns of tomorrow. Instead of having the joy, peace, and confidence that comes from faithfully believing in God’s promises and power, you are anxious and worried. And you become easily discouraged by the tests and trials in your life.

Living Faith—Despite the challenges of today and facing an unknown future, you place all your faith and trust in God’s Love, Promises, and Power. You have confidence and courage, and although the situation looks bleak and impossible. You are rejoicing because God is maturing you and transforming your character and your life to prepare you for eternal life. Yes, you may shed tears and endure loss, yet, you rely on God’s Sovereign Power even if the outcome is not what you imagined it would be.

“A nominal faith in Christ will never bring healing to the soul.” EGW

Long-lasting Trials: When fiery trials remain for an extended period, we begin to lose hope and end up feeling discouraged. Last week during a time of discouragement, I prayed for comfort and peace. Yes, I received the comfort and peace that I prayed for, but the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Narrow Your Focus! And begin fasting along with praying.” The human effort of keeping our focus on Jesus while experiencing hardships does not come easily, especially during long periods of tribulation. Many times we must take additional steps of faith to receive spiritual strength.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.” —1 Peter 4:12

In the books of James and Peter, both apostles speak of suffering as Christians and having steadfast faith in fiery trials. The warfare of doubt and discouragement will attempt to rise up in your spirit. But brothers and sisters, when you are in the furnace of fiery trials, pray a simple prayer, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief that is trying to rise up and eliminate my faith in Your Love, Your Promises, and Your Power!”

Additionally, pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give you Divine Strength to run the Christian race that keeps your feet planted on the Path of Righteousness. We are nearing Home! Strive everyday by surrendering your will, much prayer, and searching the Scriptures. Only the faithful will receive their eternal reward from King Jesus! Read Revelation chapter 22, verses 12 and 13.

God will do whatever is necessary for us to have unwavering, thriving, and abundant Living Faith! God gave His only Son, Jesus for our redemption. Never lose sight of Jesus’ great sacrifice and your reward of eternal life.

Our trials bring us closer to God who never created us to live without His daily Intervention. We pray in faith and believe that God is allowing our tribulation for the specific purpose of transforming us into righteous sons and daughters who will remain faithful through all circumstances.

The Apostle John was taken into heavenly visions when writing the book of Revelation. When discouraged pray and study Revelation chapters 21 and 22. Narrow your focus! Our Christian duty is to pray, study the Scriptures, and have steadfast faith and trust in God.

Learn to Rejoice! God desires that every believer’s faith matures into a Living faith that allows them to rejoice in the dark valley experiences. Believe with all your might that God’s power and options are unlimited! Stand firm in your conviction that God is the “I AM that I AM!” Trust His promises, obey His directions, and patiently wait for His Divine Intervention, no matter how long it takes.

“At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” —Isaiah 60:22, (last part)

Never forget—When we are out of options, God has the POWER to rescue, give provisions, provide healing, and deliver us!

Just like the woman with the issue of blood, we can Reach Out and Touch the Hem of Jesus’ Garment through faith-based prayers and petitions. Study the Bible to learn the unbreakable promises of our Father God. The human effort of doing our part to possess Living faith and the Divine Intervention of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ means Victory from now until eternity.

Scripture Reading: “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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:8-9

Prayer: God, we desperately need You! Our faith is weak and the waves of doubt and discouragement are tossing us like a row boat on a raging sea. Lord, we are praying for You to save our souls, and give us strength, comfort, and peace. We pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we ask this prayer, Amen.

In Adversity, The LORD is Our Fortress

In Adversity, The LORD is Our Fortress Devotional Reading June 19, 2023

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, My God in Him I will trust.'” —Psalm 91:2

David lived as a fugitive for many years, running and hiding from King Saul who was jealous of David’s God-given strength and wisdom. Without faithfully relying on God’s promises of deliverance and protection, David would have quickly developed feelings of hopelessness from the adversity of living in caves.

“…While they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life. But as for me, I trust in you, O LORD, I say, You are my God. My times are in Your hand, deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant, Save me for Your mercies’ sake. Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon you, let the wicked be ashamed…” —Psalm 31:13-17

Every believer has to travel down a path filled with adversities that cause us disappointment, sorrow, and frustration. We lose jobs, our plans fail, marriages end in divorce, health issues arise, the children act up, and friends and family avoid us because we are always going through trials. And to make matters worse, we begin to feel that God doesn’t love us.

During hard times, we easily forget God’s promises. But James, Jesus’ brother tells us, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” —James 1:3-4.

Trials are not punishment! None of us are acceptable “as-is.” Adversity produces spiritual growth and transformation if we remain faithful to God. There is something that I have come to realize during my hard times—I become fixated on my circumstances instead of the POWER of God.

Nothing that we experience is a surprise to God. In a recent sermon, the speaker stated that Satan has to have Jesus’ permission before any spiritual warfare can come into our lives. It makes perfect sense that God has placed boundaries on Satan or he would take our lives whenever he felt like it. Thank You Jesus for your love and never-ending protection against the evil one!

Jesus gave his life for us! His magnitude of everlasting Love is a love that we will never fully understand in our earthly existence. Still, change your perception of God and make the commitment to see yourself differently. You have a Heavenly Father who knows the number of hairs on your head! You are a righteous believer of the Most-High God and the righteous have privileges!

Read David’s prayer in Psalm 31, verses 13 to 17. David reverently prayed for God to deliver him from his enemies. Even on the run, hiding out in caves, David prayed with confidence. He knew that God would deliver him from his enemies. Wait faithfully for your promise of deliverance! God never fails!

Our Father God is Watching and Listening: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” —Psalm 34:15-16

God’s Unbreakable Promise: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” —Psalm 34:17-19

Prayer: LORD God, “…how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You. Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men. You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence.” Heavenly Father, we come to You praying for Your help and the strength to persevere in these hard struggles of life. We believe that You will lead us through because of Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Narrow Your Focus in 2023

Narrow Your Focus in 2023 Devotional Reading June 18, 2023

The prevalent lifestyle of today’s Christians is filled with the pursuit of tangible items, financial stability, and information acquisition. The busyness of our lives continues to escalate because we have embraced too many worldviews. We are more concerned about the earthly problems that we cannot resolve than the Second Coming of Christ.

  1. Too much on our plates—we keep adding responsibilities that eat up our valuable time.
  2. Too many distractions—social media, political unrest, climate change, future acquisitions of houses and vehicles, economic instability, and social injustices.
  3. Too little rest and relaxation—we have embraced and adapted to a lifestyle of excessive busyness and noise that eats up our time.

Our present lifestyles have no middle ground! Either we are striving relentlessly to achieve goals or have embraced a lifestyle of leisure, without ever finding a balance between the two. The stressors have increased to the point that someone has recently developed a new worldview—creating a life that resembles a never-ending vacation.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” —Colossians 2:8

We face many roadblocks of spiritual warfare that we do not recognize as keeping us from having a biblical view. Although the apostle Paul gives us the defining characteristics of living in the last days in 2 Timothy chapter 3, we continue our activities of daily living as if our lives will continue forever in this present but temporary earthly habitat.

Reflection: “Am I living a Christ-Centered, Bible-based life?

We hear many biblical concepts that are self-interpreted on social media. Because it sounds credible, we accept it as the Truth of the Word of God. Yes, hearing a 3-minute video is more convenient than attending a Bible-based church service or watching an entire service online. We have lost our tolerance for spending quality time worshiping God.

Yet, the greatest impact on believers is the postmodernism viewpoint. Truth is relative. Your truth is not my truth. How did we progress to develop this lethal mindset? There are hundreds of Christian denominations with opposing viewpoints and interpretations of the Scriptures. People are fed up with the dissension that has arisen in Christianity, so they have developed a standard of truth based on their own concepts.

“Thus, the statement: ‘True to you but not for me.’ The deadly poison spewed by postmodernism is treating the Bible not something unique or distinct from all other books.” https://asburyseminary.edu/elink/post-modernism-its-influence-in-the-church/

False Teaching: Studying the Bible is not relevant to your Christian experience with God.

We have pastors who teach prosperity messages, assume the role of therapists by only focusing on the emotional well-being of their members, or they choose certain Scriptures that promote the false concept that we can give ourselves the Peace that only comes from God.

One of the most striking changes in recent times is the emergence of churches that conduct services led by a team of worship leaders. These services typically last for two hours and are filled with songs of praise and worship that encourage a happy and harmonious life. The study of the Bible has been eliminated from their church services!

We have generations of individuals who are confused and questioning whether or not the Bible is relevant. Satanic influence has greatly impacted the Christian community to accept the premise that studying the Scriptures is optional for one’s salvation. Only one in nine Christians study the Bible. Human-made theories have more credibility than the God-breathed, Holy Scriptures!

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ…” —1 Peter 1:18-19 [partial verses]

Narrowing our focus to place our relationship with Christ as our priority is a personal decision that God will never coerce us to make. The heart filled with overwhelming love for Jesus strives to fulfill its Christian duty to God.

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” —Joshua 24:15

We have been given the most precious and free gifts of Salvation and God’s love, grace, and mercy. God knew the intense struggle that we would face in the 21st Century—too many responsibilities, distractions, and meaningless worldviews that would result in mental, emotional, and physical fatigue and weariness.

God knew that our time-consuming lifestyles would prevent us from spending quality time praying and studying the Scriptures. Yet the Bible that we fail to study has many precious promises from God that give us hope in a world that is filled with spiritual darkness!

Scripture reading: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” —John 14:1-4

With determination, we can narrow our focus on Christ, our Savior who loves us and is preparing a forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth! Amen.

Reverence to the Almighty God

Reverence to the Almighty God Sabbath Devotional June 16, 2023

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'” —Isaiah 6:1-6

What is reverence?

“True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened.”—”Prophets and Kings,” pages 48, 49.

‘You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.’ —Leviticus 20:26

We can only have a spirit of reverence if we perceive and honor God as a Loving Father who is Holy, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent. God deserves our reverence, praise, worship, and gratitude because He is God!

In His earthly life, Jesus exemplified the steps we need to take to reverence God in our personal worship. Jesus knew that His disciples were distracted because they had their own agendas. And He took the necessary steps to always give God His full attention. Communing with God requires reverence, therefore, Jesus always separated himself from others in His personal worship with God, His Father.

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” —Matthew 6:6

Jesus advises us to go to our secret place to pray. Our relationship with God is one-to-one. Separate yourself from your husband, wife, family, and friends when having personal worship. Follow Jesus’ example by focusing your full attention on God. When we pray, study the Bible, and give praises through singing or listening to inspirational music, we are inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit into our worship experience.

“Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.” —Leviticus 20:7

Do you consider yourself to be part of a royal priesthood that was chosen and called to live holy? Truthfully, we do not understand the concepts of being consecrated or having godly righteousness.

Most of us do not understand the depth and importance of reverencing God for various reasons: 1. The world is sinful and values nothing as sacred. 2. We do not understand that God is Holy because our worldview is to treat everything as common. 3. We do not view our time as valuable and do not set aside even 30 minutes away from screen time and other people to have a personal worship experience with God. 4. The Bible—our Spiritual Guide which explains God’s Character and the Righteous characteristics we must possess, we refuse to study and obey.

Only one in nine Christians study the Bible. Because our focus is on the common [worldly] things of life, our priorities are skewed. We have lost the desire to be set apart and to be different from the world. Our time is dedicated to ourselves. Without making intentional time to study every day, we don’t know who God is and His expectation of us.

Time for God: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. this is the first and greatest commandment. ‘ ” —Matthew 22:37-38, We have the responsibility to put God first. Take the time to eliminate the secular activities that prevent having a meaningful worship experience with God every day.

“But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” — Habakkuk 2:20

Creating the atmosphere to invite God’s presence is vital: We need silence! Do not bring in cellular devices during your worship with God. They are a distraction that prevents one from placing their full attention on God. Our cell phones are used for common activities and should not be present during our time of worship. It’s a matter of reverence.

Listening to Inspirational instrumental music is an option if you have another device besides your cell phone. Choose your music before having worship to ensure that ads are not popping up in the middle of your time with God. Many people love silence. Whatever is necessary for you to receive the blessing of God, Just do It! The habit of reverential worship enables us to develop a posture of humility and creates an atmosphere that prepares us to worship God.

If your home has too many distractions then choose another place to worship. Our intent is to focus on God and to give Him our full attention. One of my most powerful worship experiences was in a secluded area at the beach. Sit in your vehicle, go to the park, or do whatever it takes to have solitude and quiet. Keeping our focus on God and enjoying His presence renews our minds and bodies and keeps us hopeful in every situation.

Wherever we choose to worship, the expectation is that the presence of the Holy Spirit will be there. Remember, God is not intrusive! We must invite the Spirit of God into our lives. Pray for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our desire is to receive a spiritual blessing along with mental, emotional, and physical healing, divine strength, wisdom, and godly understanding.

Purchase a Bible: As a devout Christian, it is essential to own a physical copy of the Bible for studying purposes. Despite the convenience of digital formats, there is a unique experience in holding a tangible Bible and reading its God-inspired words. The biblical stories of humanity’s successes and shortcomings, as well as its precious promises, are irreplaceable sources of blessings.

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD.” —Isaiah 55:8

Not Just a Book: Studying the Scriptures always requires the presence of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom and understanding of God’s Truth cannot be ascertained by using our finite—limited thought processes. Without exception, living in the last days is a challenge to every believer. We cannot live righteously by relying on our thoughts or life experience. More than ever, we need to memorize the Scriptures to give us the knowledge to overcome spiritual warfare!

How can we effectively study the Bible? Decide on a specific time to have worship. Place yourself on “Do Not Disturb.” Choose a chapter and read aloud the verses with pauses. Think deeply about the words. My go-to chapter is Isaiah 40. The chapter is focused on God telling Isaiah to relay His words of comfort to the discouraged people [because of the consequences of their habitual disobedience].

Apply the Scriptures to your life: As I reflect on Isaiah 40, I contemplate the sins committed by the Nation of Israel, and the forgiveness that our Merciful God extends to us when we confess and repent. Despite our wilful disobedience, God always forgives us. In particular, verses 28 to 31 convey a profound promise of God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy towards all of humanity.

Make your Bible Study personal. Reflect deeply on the love and graciousness of God. Reverence for God reveals that our hearts are filled with love, adoration, and gratitude for the Giver of all good gifts including unlimited forgiveness. Our lives are in His Righteous Right Hand. Love Him! He is Holy, Holy, Holy!

Scripture: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” —1 John 4:9-10

“…and our reverence of God is important because of Who God is and what He exemplifies.” http://www.Biblestudytools.com

God is holy (Revelation 15:4). God is great (mighty) (Deuteronomy 10:17).
God is good and He only does wondrous things (1 Samuel 12:24, Psalm 72:18).
God is faithful (Isaiah 25:1). God is forgiving (Psalm 130:4).
God is our Judge (Psalm 50:6, Revelation 14:7, Malachi 3:16).

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for treating You like You are common. We love You and we praise Your Holy Name! We pray for strength and wisdom to reverence You through our posture and our lifestyle. Lord, we seek to renew our covenant vow to serve You. As we take the time to have a daily reverent worship experience with You, we pray for a spiritual blessing. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we pray in the Matchless Name of Jesus. Amen.