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The Omni’s of God

The Omni’s of God Today’s Devotional, November 8, 2023

“Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.” — Revelation 5:2‭-‬4

The apostle John wept because no human was worthy to open the scroll. From biblical times when Christians chose persecution and death to uphold their belief in Jesus to the believers in the 21st century who continue to widen the chasm between themselves and Christ, the plight of today’s Christians appears grim.

The prophet Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord [Jesus] in His Glory

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling out to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory…'” (Isaiah 6:1-3, ESV)

Do we acknowledge and reverence the Triune Divine authority, God, the Father, Jesus, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit who is superior in Power–Omnipotent, Presence is everywhere–Omnipresent, and All-Knowing-Omniscient, and rules this universe?

Because we have lost our desire for true worship, we do not revere God as the Sovereign and Supreme Ruler of this universe. We are involved in the rituals of worship by attending church and casually browsing through the Bible but our hearts and desires are far removed from worshiping God in Spirit and truth.

Without humility and reverence, self-reliance permeates our hearts. Most of us are thankful that Jesus sacrificed His life for us, yet, we lack the desire to have a meaningful relationship with Him. Like Cain, surrendering our will to God in faithful obedience has been replaced by developing our version of an acceptable sacrifice. Our posture is not one of worshipful obedience that the King of King deserves. Viewing God as unloving and restrictive because He will not bless us with our desires, or punitive due to trials, sorrows, and suffering from the vicissitudes of life has changed the hearts of many who were once dedicated believers.

Yet there is another factor that has precipitated our loss of reverence for Divine Authority–“Level Up Your Knowledge and Experience”

“Technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. However, it is not only technology trends and emerging technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19 making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow.”

This year, projected future advancements have been identified: “Computing Power. Computing power has already established its place in the digital era, with almost every device and appliance being computerized. Smarter Devices. Datafication. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Extended Reality. Digital Trust. 3D Printing. …” https://www.simplilearn.com/top-technology-trends-and-jobs-article

In 2023, we have been invited to level up our knowledge and experience. We live in the advanced age of technology that offers a heightened level of knowledge and expertise. Discoveries in technology, science, and medicine have resulted in IT professionals, Scientists, and Physicians having a god complex. They are making future predictions as if humanity controls the progression of this world.

Now we have Artificial Intelligence creeping into the lives that many believers have embraced without reservation. The fall of Eve was the result of desiring more [knowledge] than God had given to her and yes, she was deceived because of the confusion in her mind. Like Eve, believers are also being deceived because our intelligence will supersede the mind of the fallen angel cast to earth. Adam represents the believers who willingly disobey God by eagerly reaching out to eat of the artificial fruit of human contrived tech advancements.

We have a voracious appetite for gathering information but the Holy Scriptures are not our primary resource. Philosophies based on human reasoning attempting to explain the mysteries that God intentionally hid from humanity is sought after, accepted, and melded into our belief systems. God’s boundaries for the acquisition of knowledge of created beings can never be crossed. The new knowledge that we open the door of our minds to and accept instead of God’s Truth has separated us from the presence of God by filling our minds with false beliefs.

Sadly, we spend more screen time on devices than studying the Scriptures. We are more excited about innovative tech advancements and new age philosophies than the reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Satan is highly effective in using the predictions of an unknown future to distract us from not studying the Bible. Without biblical knowledge and the discernment and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we are unable to see life through spiritual eyes. Instead of recognizing the beginning of sorrows, we accept natural disasters and intemperate weather as climate change and wars and rumors of wars as an ongoing history of strife based on different religious beliefs. Nor will we recognize that the signs of the last days in Revelation and Matthew chapter 24 are rapidly being have fulfilled.

If Jesus came today, would you receive your reward of eternal life? We do not know the exact time of the Second Coming of Jesus, but we should be on high alert by preparing ourselves spiritually every day and living with the joyful expectation of receiving our reward. Although everyone is not distracted by the desire to level up, we must ask ourselves is there any character flaw, habit, or people who are preventing me from placing Jesus first in my life?

Jesus gave John the vision of the New Heaven and New Earth to validate His promise to the faithful. Living in a world where abject darkness permeates our lives, we have the promise of life in a perfect environment filled with the glory of God. We are sojourners living in a temporary home. The earth as we know it will not exist. Do not live and think as if you have time. We do not know our life expectancy. Our earthly life is the only opportunity we have to establish a loving relationship with Jesus.

Learning to reverence God requires a humble and obedient heart. It’s time for us to change our posture of pride. If angels bow and cover their faces, certainly we can approach God on our knees in submission to His Divine Authority. Although we cannot fully comprehend God’s love and His Greatness, in humility, we acknowledge and pray for a deeper understanding of His Holiness, Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence.

Prayer: God, we confess and repent that we have not given You the reverence that You deserve. We realize that we do not have a close relationship with Christ. Lord, we are living as if we have unlimited time on this earth. We desire to receive our reward of eternal life. Please search our hearts and reveal everything that needs to be removed. We ask for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy name, Amen.

The Commodities of Joy, Peace, and Contentment

The Commodities of Joy, Peace, and Contentment Devotional Reading and Podcast

The best life advice I ever received was from an older patient at the end-of-life stage. The first time I entered her home it was evident that she possessed excessive wealth. Yet, I never commented on her material goods. After a month of nursing visits, she asked me to arrange my schedule so we could have tea and cookies. That afternoon, we had a pleasant time mostly discussing my nursing career and future plans. Then she began to speak about herself and disclosed that although she had a very happy marriage, she had been a widow for many years. Still, she made the decision to be content living alone.

Before I left, my patient stated, “I would like to share some secrets for living a peaceful life. Never discuss your salary, financial portfolio, financial status, or material acquisitions. When you decide to purchase a home or vehicle, do not share your intentions before the transaction, no one needs to be privy to that information. If you follow these basic rules you will leave people guessing and that eliminates jealousy and competition based on the truth. It will not stop them from discussing you, yet, whatever they say will be based on fictional lies. Finally, save for a rainy day by always being content with what you have.”

This is the best advice that anyone has given me. Although my mind was not mature enough at the time to fully understand, this is now my way of life. Yes, I really treasure my gifts of joy, peace, and contentment.

Reflect on your current lifestyle and emotional status. Do you have joy and happiness despite the external factors that always change? Sleeping well is an excellent indicator of peace of mind. Are you content with your life?

Certain behaviors indicate we desire more than we have. Are you driven and competitive? Striving to be number one and the best candidate for the promotion that brings financial perks and recognition? Are you thinking about trading in the car you’ve only had for 12 months? Focused on being the first one to possess the latest cellular or laptop upgrades, designer clothing, or other tangible items?

There is nothing wrong with setting realistic short-term and long-term goals for personal growth, but dissatisfaction with one’s life leads to the phenomenon of mind control by other people and entities. We do not intentionally throw away our joy and peace. Desiring more led to our discontentment. How did we get to this point? The driving force from the Influencers consistently keeps us agitated. Our dissatisfaction and unhappiness originate from embracing the concept that enough is never enough.

Spiritual Warfare is Designed to Steal Our Joy and Peace

Professional and Social Influencers persuade us to never be content. They promote success as the pursuit to always upgrade. We are encouraged to acquire “the best” job and tangible items. The manipulation of our minds is a highly developed strategy. Many corporations and businesses that provide consumer goods and services have at least one psychologist on their payroll along with a team of progressive, quick-wit marketers.

The most effective marketing strategies are those that are targeted toward a specific audience, focused on key benefits based on the audience’s point of view and interests, and delivered at an appropriate time – when the audience is most likely to be attentive to and interested in the message being delivered. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/effective-marketing-strategies-5069.html

The payment required for the pursuit of having an abundance of things or nothing less than a high-paying corporate position is the world’s definition of success. Embracing those concepts leads to the loss of our precious [God-given] commodities of joy and peace. We wake up and fall asleep feeling discontented. Feeling that we deserve more gives us a false sense of entitlement and causes us to lose our spirit of gratitude.

“You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both” (Matthew 6:24, The Message Bible).

The acquisition of earthly treasures and worldly success is Satan’s most effective strategy of spiritual warfare to keep us distracted. Truthfully, who feels like praying and studying the Scriptures when their mind is filled with master plans to acquire more and climb the career ladder? Nor can we sustain our relationship with Christ and prepare for eternal life when our goals are not in sync with God’s plans.

We have a community of believers in the Most-High God who are angry, anxious, worried, depressed, and physically weary because the Influencers have convinced us that we must have their definition of the best that this world has to offer.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Believers, we do not have to face the dilemmas and predicaments of our counterparts. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). The human effort of praying for Divine Intervention and practicing self-control and discipline will break the chains of bondage of chasing success and hoarding material things.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

We must fight courageously against Satan’s definition of success. Nothing that our enemy offers will restore Jesus’ gifts of joy and peace to our lives. The decision to be content with what God has blessed us with is always the best choice. With a made-up mind, prayer, and Jesus’ strength, our earthly habits and behaviors will change.

Desire the best treasures? Jesus gave the apostle John a glimpse of the heavenly beauty which is beyond what this earth can offer. Look forward to your reward of eternal life in the majestic New Heaven and New Earth.

Scripture: “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (Revelation 21:10-11)

Prayer: God, we have lost our peace and contentment due to pursuing worldly success and earthly treasures. We need Your help to break the chains of bondage and to change our desires and behaviors. Forgive us of our sins and restore our joy and peace. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© 2023 Steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

No Compromise In a Corrupt World

No Compromise In a Corrupt World Devotional Reading and Podcast

Last week, I had the opportunity to have a real-life talk with my neighbor’s only child who is 17. According to her mom [who is a single parent], Becky’s psychological tests indicate she has a maturity level of 13. Previously, her mom relayed to me that for the first time, she is having serious behavioral issues with her daughter. I shared with her that I formerly worked with female teenagers in a behavioral health facility and if it was okay, I would talk with Becky. At the end of our conversation, I gave mom a crocheted heart and a book to give to Becky.

A few days later, I was preparing to take a short walk and saw Becky in the parking lot. “Did your mom give you the heart and the book?” to which she replied, oh yes, it is very beautiful. I casually mentioned that I often see her and her mom pass by on Sundays looking very beautiful. She smiled and said, thank you. I said a silent prayer and asked the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to say to this young girl who displays much confidence that she is ready for the world.

I asked Becky if she believed in God. And she readily expressed, Yes, I believe in God and also love Him. We chatted about God for a few minutes, I asked if she was familiar with the Ten Commandments in the Bible. She replied no. Then I asked, Do you obey your mother? “No, sometimes, well, not really.” I provided a short explanation of how much her mom loves her and would be willing to die for her. Then I shared a short story about a teenage experience that went badly because of disobedience to my mother. I explained the reason God gave us the commandments and focused on the 5th commandment of honoring our father and mother.

My explanation was simple and nonjudgmental. “If you obey God’s commandments, especially the one that tells us to honor [and obey] our parents, that she would be blessed by God. Yet the same God who loves us also punishes us for wrongdoing.” Ending the conversation with a question, Can you make a promise to God today to always obey your mom? Becky replied, “Yes, I will.” We parted with smiles and laughter. [Name changed to protect her identity.]

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand, I will keep you…(Isaiah 42:6)

We live in a world built on the compromise of God’s laws. The guilty are offered plea bargains, we debate over when life begins in pregnancy, gender assignment, and the Truth. Our societies have accepted three postures, “I am for it, against it, or declare a neutral position” in the escalating social issues of hunger and homelessness, extortion, discrimination, violence, and the disparity in healthcare.

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15

Where do we stand in a world corrupt with declining morals and values? Many profess love for God but are misdirected by their emotions and the opinions of the influencers. Only God knows if we truly love Him and He discerns the motives of our hearts. The struggle is real! We fight every day against the spiritual warfare of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges, depression, and anxieties.

We attempt to obey God, but our minds are bombarded with worldviews to stay in unhealthy relationships–it’s better to stay with the one you’re with than to be single and lonely, move ahead, start the business, buy the house or luxury vehicle, and do whatever it takes to acquire wealth and success.

Take a Spiritual Stand, I will not compromise in a world filled with corruption!

Much conflict exists in the minds of those who attempt to create a middle ground or take a posture of a neutral position when serving God. Through surrender, we must incorporate God into every aspect of our lives. Not one of us can deny that we desperately need the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to live righteously.

“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Many people are in turmoil and need a listening, nonjudgmental ear. We are the beacons of light in a dark world. God has given us the responsibility to show His love and kindness through witnessing to the weary. Who will tell them Jesus loves them if we don’t?

When I volunteered to speak with my neighbor’s daughter, I had no idea what I would say to her. It has been 30-plus years since I worked with wayward teenage girls in a behavioral health facility using therapeutic communication techniques and a reward system for appropriate behaviors.

From this experience, I realize two things, I must stay close to God through much prayer, fasting, and diligent study of the Bible to be an effective witness. I must not allow myself to be influenced and corrupted by the declining morals and values of this world. Today, I asked myself, “Sonya, can you make a promise to always obey God?”

“For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:17)

Prayer: God, right now, we need the anointing of Your Spirit. We are fighting an internal battle between right and wrong. We pray for guidance, strength, and discernment to say no to temptation and to live righteously. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our Story is for His Glory

Our Story is for His Glory Devotional Reading and Podcast

The desperation in the minds of those living without a relationship with Christ is real. Although statistics are not discussed, mental and emotional issues have risen to the highest level of any disease that has ever devastated human life. Hopelessness permeates individuals, families, and societies globally. We are in a pandemic from the continuous escalation of mental and emotional illnesses.

In 2023, we are losing the battle against depression, addiction, and suicide. There are not enough psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to provide treatment for those who are living without a purpose and asking “Why am I here?”

“Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the transgressor is hard.” Proverbs 13:15

The Bible tells us, the way of the transgressor is hard. Who are the transgressors? We assume that the worldly sinner fits this description, yet, the biblical translation of transgressors also includes the unfaithful and faithless. Many believers are included in the hard-knock life because of their faithlessness in God. Let’s explore the etiology of the hopelessness in our lives.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer [be courageous], I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

Believers we know that life’s hardships, Jesus called them trials and sorrows, are strong enough to make us feel that we are drowning in the ocean. Still, something is very wrong. How can we say we are followers of Christ and be included in the statistics of the highest level of despondency in the history of humanity?

Jesus provides the answer to the believer’s spiritual, mental, and emotional dilemma. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 16:33). The spiritual equation for spiritual growth and mental and emotional stability is: Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory.

The only way for us to have the same mental and emotional status as unbelievers is if we are not in a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether we use the term believer, follower, disciple, Christian, or saved, we have been given “a work” to do for God. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28, verses 18 to 20 is a requisite for every follower of Christ.

King David asked himself, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5 NLT).

Praising God redirects our focus to the goodness of God. We receive joy and peace. With zeal, we must tell others of Jesus’ love. Spreading the message of hope uplifts our souls and demonstrates our surrender and obedience to Christ. Fulfilling our earthly mission honors God. And God always rains down blessings on those who bring glory and honor to His name. Our continuous prayers for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit when we witness drive out the unclean spirits of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and worries in the disciple and the people listening.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” –Isaiah 6:8

Jesus asks, “Who will go for us?” Those who fail to witness may assume that today’s Christians do not have the responsibility of witnessing or we blame the unbeliever for rejecting Christ. Truthfully, there are a limited number of churches that have Outreach ministries and we do not desire the responsibilities of true discipleship. Satan has deceived us into believing that the Great Commission was a command only relevant to Jesus’ original disciples.

Yet, in addition to Jesus’ command, the apostle Paul’s writings are evidence that we have a lifelong responsibility to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For those of us who are desperate to receive our reward of eternal life, God has allowed the advancement of technology to spread the message that “Jesus is love!”

“As of January 2023, there were 5.16 billion internet users worldwide, which is 64.4 percent of the global population.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/

In 2007, I purchased my first laptop. I was familiar with the hospital software to document nursing notes but only knew how to turn my laptop on and off. It was God’s Divine Intervention that a patient care tech on the night shift told me that he would teach me the computer basics. I praise God for his willingness and patience.

God had future plans to develop a writing talent that I was unaware of. Since 2017, the Holy Spirit has enabled me to write messages of hope, encouragement, and the necessity for us to prepare for Jesus’ soon coming. I am still in awe when I look at the WordPress stats and the people from different countries who have the desire to learn more about our earthly journey of Sanctification and Jesus’ promise to never leave us or forsake us. My spiritual gift is only used for His glory.

We can agree that God’s Omnipotence is Divine, Supernatural, Miraculous, and above and beyond our comprehension. Unfortunately, our understanding of God’s power is always limited by our personal experiences and level of faith. If the Christian community would reflect on their defeats that ended in victories and listen to the testimonies of those who praise God for His love and miraculous intervention, we would witness and alleviate the hopelessness that is prevailing in our world.

Does God still perform miracles in 2023? Our victories prove that God is love and He cares for those who are living now. We can use our stories to impact the mental and emotional turmoil that threatens to overtake our societies. Tell someone that God is still in control of His world and He promises to love, provide, and protect those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

God expects us to share “Our Story for His Glory.” Our amazing testimonies of God’s love, grace, and mercies encourage the body of Christ. But something you may not be aware of when the stories of Jesus transforming the lives of those who were deep into sin and the miracles of mental, emotional, and physical healing are shared on social media, many unbelievers also look at these videos.

We may never know who will see and hear evidence of the God who sees, loves, and cares about those He created in His image. Do not assume that all unbelievers have rejected Jesus as their personal Savior. In 2023, there are many adults and children in four generations globally who have never heard of Jesus.

It’s time for us to put Christ first by answering His question, Who will go for us? We must do our part in sharing the message of hope that Jesus is love and He cares. Never dismiss your efforts because of the individual’s lack of response or commitment. Consider it a blessing if the person takes the time to listen. When we plant the seeds then the Holy Spirit will do the rest to produce spiritual growth in every receptive heart. God is still performing miracles in 2023!

Always pray for wisdom before you witness. Too many personal details will cause the hearer to lose focus on God. Share your story, another believer’s testimony, or a biblical story of God’s Divine love and victory. There is a better way and His name is Jesus Christ! Amen.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your abundant love, grace, and mercies. We ask You for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit and to reveal our spiritual assignment. We are ready to share the wonderful news of your love for all of humanity. Give us the wisdom and discernment to honor and glorify Your Holy name each day of our lives by expressing that there is a Savior who will give hope and victory. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray, Amen.

Tradition, Truth, and Transformation

Tradition, Truth, and Transformation Devotional Reading and Podcast

A tradition is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

In the 1990s, I listened to an interesting conversation defining tradition as practiced by many cultures outside of America. The young man explained that although his family was in another country, he did not date because his wife had been chosen for him from birth. And he was willing to make the sacrifice because he could not bring shame to his family or his village.

Although I did not understand the concept of marrying someone that you do not love, the honor and respect that he was willing to give to cultural traditions and his family were certainly commendable. Yet, he expressed there was an overwhelming conflict in his mind since he relocated to America. The issue that he struggled with was exposure to the American way of relationships and marriages formed and sustained by love.

The story ended with him returning home, marrying his bride, and after the legal process, she left her family and village to live in America. As an adopted elder sister, he introduced me to his new wife, and I must admit, his family made the right choice.

This is an example of a cultural tradition that had a very happy and blessed outcome. But what happens when our cultural or family traditions cross paths with God’s truth?

One of my neighbor’s family backgrounds included the practice of Agnosticism, “the view that human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either the belief that God exists or the belief that God does not exist.” She stated that one day the thought arose in her mind to go to church. And from her decision to begin attending church, she dedicated herself to God and enrolled in the church’s training to become a missionary. For 10 years, she faithfully served God and others. For obedience to God, she was ostracized and rejected by her entire family for more than a decade. After returning from her mission trip, sadly, she did not win the battle of tradition versus truth. She renounced her conviction in God because of the desire to be accepted by her family.

It takes courage and strength to suffer from isolation because of your love and loyalty to God.

When I learned [at age 15] that God did not change the Creation’s 7th day Sabbath to Sunday and became a Sabbath-keeper, I was estranged from my family. God allowed me to attend a church school that kept the Sabbath. From research, I learned that the transition of the original Saturday Sabbath was instituted by Emperor Constantine. Deep within my heart, I knew the decision to honor the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset was one that God ordained for my life.

As a teenager, my choice to obey resulted in not being able to attend secular activities during the 24 hours of the Sabbath. In addition, my family was the third generation in their denomination. And it was not only the Creation Sabbath that caused a chasm, there were many doctrinal beliefs that I was taught that were not Bible-based truth. My questions regarding the discrepancy were answered with, that is not what our church believes.

Many people ask, what difference does the day make? Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle [not the smallest letter or stroke of the pen] shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18].

Obedience to God includes obeying the Decalogue–The Ten Commandments. Within our conscience, we know that it is not rational that God would abolish only the Fourth commandment. The problem is that we are disobedient in other areas of our lives, so accepting the explanation of the manmade transition from keeping the Holy Sabbath to honoring Sunday, the day that Jesus was resurrected fits in with our lifestyles.

Jesus clarified that if we love Him then we keep all of God’s commandments which not only reveals our love and reverence for God but also proves our loyalty to God’s truth. The surrender and the commitment to serve God requires more than honoring the Holy Sabbath day. Make no mistake, many Sabbath-keepers will not receive their reward of eternal life due to their ritualistic worship practices and disobedience to God.

Today’s community of believers is being deceived by the increase in false teachings that studying the Bible is not required to be in the right standing with God. We hear part of the truth in watered-down sermons, attend services that consist of only singing praise and worship songs, and have close relationships with those who do not serve God. It is impossible to live righteously or have knowledge of God’s truth without studying for yourself.

Without biblical knowledge, we do not know the truth or have a standard to measure religious books, videos, or sermons that are contrary to the Scriptures. Satan, our archenemy is pleased when he can confuse the minds of those striving to serve God. Christian believers are waging war against each other because the “Truth” has countless versions changed by traditions, ministers, and various denominational beliefs that are not Bible-based.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God is aware that we require continuous spiritual guidance. He gave us the Bible as a standard of truth and to ensure unity among believers. The Scriptures were written for Christians by anointed men of God, are God-Breathed, and provide us with the righteous standards that God expects us to live by. Whether we follow the current trend of not studying for ourselves, we will be judged individually according to our love for Christ, our obedience, faith, and knowledge and application of the Scriptures during our spiritual journey on earth.

We will not be able to blame pastors, ministers, Bible teachers, cultural traditions, or coercion into attending the family church for our acceptance and practice of false teachings and misguided interpretations.

How did the distortion of God’s Truth enter the church? Religious history reveals the period of the introduction of pagan beliefs into the church.

In Revelation chapter 6, “The black horse period represents a falling away from the truth. It represents the church’s compromise with paganism that brought false doctrines into the church. Scales represent judgment. Daniel told Belshazzar, ‘You have been weighed in the balances and are found wanting’ (Daniel 5:27). The church is judged in this black-horse period and found to be lacking in faithfulness. In this period (A.D. 313-538), Satan tried to destroy the
church’s effectiveness through compromise with the world.” Pastor Mark Finley

The apostle Paul warned the church in his day of this very thing. “I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29, 30).

Although Satan has caused division among the followers of Christ by deceitfully instituting pagan beliefs which conflict with the Word of God [the Holy Scriptures], there was only one change and that was the Ceremonial law that required the sacrifice of animals. When Jesus, the Lamb of God, died on the cross the veil tore from top to bottom in the earthly sanctuary indicating the end of the sacrificial system and the earthly priests who made atonement for others. And that is the only law that was done away with!

Do you feel like you are in a dilemma from the conflict with the traditions of your upbringing or confused and unsure of whether your beliefs are Sola scriptura [by scripture alone], which positions the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice?

Jesus says we must forsake everyone, even our former lives to be His disciple and have eternal life. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26).

“Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).

Something amazing happens when we hear or read the Truth. The Holy Spirit works on our hearts [our minds] to recognize and accept that God speaking to us. It’s like a light being turned on in a dark room. God speaks to us in various ways, but mainly through the Scriptures. From the power of the Holy Spirit, and through our faith, we receive the light of the truth, which transforms our minds, thoughts, characters, and lifestyles into righteousness.

Do you feel comfortable with your current belief system and do not have the desire to change? We can live righteously when we know our beliefs are in total alignment with the Scriptures and daily we maintain our relationship with Christ through prayer and Bible study. Are you confident that when Jesus comes you will receive your reward of eternal life? Obedience to God’s truth reveals itself in knowing that we will be saved when Jesus comes.

If your beliefs have come from people and not the study of the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, take action!

First, perform a self-reflection: Identify the reason that you may not know God’s truth. Is it from the lack of knowledge–not studying the Bible? Are you holding on to traditional but contrary beliefs not to offend or lose family and friends?

  1. Set aside a period of fasting from the distractions of life.
  2. Make a list of your current beliefs.
  3. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth before you study.
  4. Study the Bible with the mindset to accept Sola Scriptura.
  5. Pray for the conviction and courage to change and accept the Truth.
  6. Pray for guidance if you need to change your church. God will reveal a Bible-based church that teaches its members to prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming.

Caution: Before you listen to or read anything with religious content, pray first and ask the Holy Spirit if it is God’s truth! Many of the online articles, published books, social media posts, and videos are not biblical truths!

We have Divine Help! “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

The desire to receive our reward of eternal life requires obedience. In Genesis chapter 12, verse 1, God told Abram to leave his family and country, and he obeyed even though he had no idea where he was going.

We are sojourners traveling every day on our spiritual journey. God never expects us to struggle alone. Pray daily for guidance, wisdom, and discernment from the Holy Spirit. One day, very soon this earthly life will end. We will have to forsake many of our family and friends to follow Christ. Yet, the Truth and Transformation that we receive from the Holy Spirit will prepare us for our Heavenly home.

I Am Coming Quickly–“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21).

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. Lord, we pray for those who are in the valley of decision as they reflect on their beliefs. We pray for discernment as we study the truth of Your Holy Scriptures. We ask for guidance and wisdom in our daily lives as we prepare for Your soon coming. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.

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