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PASTOR WINTLEY PHIPPS: PERFECTING ME – “CHARACTER AND FAITH”
The Sabbath Blessing of Receiving Complete Restoration
I was 15 years old when I made the decision to keep the Sabbath. And it was the best life-changing decision that I have ever made. God knew the pace of life would wear us down mentally, emotionally, and physically. By Friday, most are in a state of exhaustion. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, we have time to focus on our relationship with Christ which helps us to determine what our priorities should be–always keeping God first.
Sabbath is like being away at a resort or spa where all of your stress and worries melt away. Only Sabbath keepers get to enjoy our time receiving the blessing of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical restoration and strength every week. Thank You, God, for creating the Sabbath for humanity. Have a blessed and happy Sabbath!
Faithful, Available, and Teachable
There are specific careers that impact your morals, values, and lifestyle. Can you imagine an Accountant who possessed poor money management skills and had to file for bankruptcy? Or a Doctor who prescribed multiple medications known as polypharmacy instead of advising their patients to modify their lifestyles to include healthy eating and exercise?
“For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity].” —Romans 7:15, Amplified Bible
Because of the innate battle of good versus evil, humanity struggles with the ability to possess right-thinking. Even those with strategic skills and medical experts who use their rational intellect in professional settings can have messed up personal lives because they cannot control their emotions and desires.
From Adam and Eve to the disciple Peter, and the apostle Paul, we read biblical accounts of humanity’s inner conflict because of the heart’s desire to please self. We are not left helpless in our struggle against sin. For those who desire to live righteously, God is only a prayer away.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And 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).
We have the assurance that God will always keep His Word. Yet, Divine Intervention requires human effort first. “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'” (Matthew 22:37).
Every decision that we make reveals whether or not we love God above ourselves. By putting God first, we not only demonstrate a heart filled with love and the willingness to please Him but our hearts also reflect the spiritual requisites of humility and obedience.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” (1 Peter 5:6). Do we struggle with humility and obedience? Yes, all of us struggle with resisting the carnal desire to do what is pleasing to ourselves.
“Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.” (2 Kings 5:1)
Although Naaman had great status, he suffered from the incurable disease of leprosy. When Elisha the prophet heard of his dilemma, he sent a messenger telling him to come to his house.
“Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean'” (2 Kings 5:10).
Naaman’s Prideful Reaction
“But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed, I said to myself, He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy. Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage.” (2 Kings 5:11-12).
Naaman was healed of his leprosy but had to be persuaded with pacifying words by his servants before he would obey God’s command to wash in the Jordan River. Are we 21st-century Naamans, feeling disgruntled because God expects obedience? The difference between us and Naaman is that we have no one to convince us that we should obey God.
Many believers lose out on God’s perfect plans and blessings. Their hearts are not filled with unconditional love for God. Yet there is no middle ground. Our love is demonstrated by reverencing and honoring His supremacy through faithful obedience.
Three characteristics reveal our willingness to please God: We are Faithful, Available, and Teachable.
Faithful: Faith is believing and knowing without a doubt that we serve a dependable, unchanging God. Whenever we face temptations, the Red Sea experiences, and challenges in daily life, we pray, and confidently wait for God’s deliverance. Unwavering faith says, “I know that God will bring victory!”
Available: Here, I am, send me, is the response from the committed heart to be available to do God’s will. Even though we work full-time jobs, when it is time for us to go and witness, feed the homeless, or volunteer as a phone prayer warrior, we do it. God does not ask us to do the impossible, the Holy Spirit always gives us the mental strength and physical stamina to complete God’s work.
Teachable: Are we willing to learn? “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning” (Proverbs 9:9). Spiritually, we are on a forever learning curve. When studying the Scriptures, we pray and rely on the Holy Spirit for the spiritual discernment of God’s Truth.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” –James 1:5
Wisdom is a gift from God needed for us to live righteously. And like King Solomon, we have to pray for wisdom. As we seek knowledge from the Bible, the Teacher [Holy Spirit] not only gives us discernment, but He teaches us to apply God’s Word to our practical lives.
The Holy Spirit instructs us on how to change our unrighteous behaviors and habits. We learn how to love and respond appropriately to our enemies and utilize the principles of stewardship to manage the financial resources given by God.
The Holy Spirit speaks to our conscience by guiding our decisions, and the choices we make enable us to stay in perfect alignment with God’s will. Continuous learning is required in our journey of Sanctification. Never give Satan the advantage over your life because you possess a spirit of pride and the unwillingness to learn.
God expects us to strive to live righteously as evidenced by our faithfulness, availability [putting God first], and desire to learn [being teachable]. Our works are evidence of the love, faith, obedience, and willingness to meet God’s righteous standards which are unreachable without Divine help.
Those who have godly wisdom know that they cannot stay on the Path of Righteousness without Divine Intervention. Every day, we need Help! Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to live righteously and experience the spiritual transformation necessary to receive eternal life.
Scripture Reading: “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you, And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'” –Genesis 12:1-3. Abraham was a patriarch who was faithful, available, and teachable.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for those who are faithful, available to do your work, and seeking spiritual knowledge through the Scriptures. We ask that You will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their times of weakness. And we pray for those who struggle with the inner conflict of right and wrong that they will surrender to Your will. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Royal Privileges of Spiritual Rebirth
The Royal Privileges of Spiritual Rebirth Devotional Reading and Podcast
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” –John 3:3
Through a sermon last year, I received godly knowledge that we should never attempt to study the Bible without a prayer of forgiveness of sins and asking for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment. According to Revelation and Mathew chapter 24, we are living in the last days. More than ever, we need the Holy Spirit to provide clarity of the Scriptures and teach us how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
The Holy Spirit also guides us through the lifelong spiritual transformation required when we are reborn through the redemption of Jesus Christ. First Corinthians chapter 13 and Galatians chapter 5 provide us with God’s definition of love and the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit which we should strive for daily in our spiritual journey.
“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
Without the Holy Spirit, we do not understand who we are and whose we are. Nor do we understand the privileges that we have received because of our spiritual rebirth in Christ. Our value was determined when we were created by Jesus in His image and our status was defined as redeemed children of God when Jesus hung and said, “It is finished” before He died on Calvary’s cross.
As sons and daughters of God, we have a desperate need of the Holy Spirit–our lifelong Teacher who never grows weary of guiding us through our earthly journey of Sanctification. As we study, the Holy Spirit teaches us according to our level of understanding, which explains how little children can learn and understand the Bible.
The Holy Spirit imparts the strength to perform our physical duties required for that day. Whether we are in a peaceful or stormy season, at any time of the day or night, we have access to the Holy Spirit who is just a prayer away.
The Teacher-student relationship is one of the privileges that we have received from giving ourselves to Christ. From our prayer for help, we immediately receive wisdom with decision-making, meaning we never have to guess, stumble, and fall when faced with difficulties. Giving ourselves to Jesus is the best decision that an individual will ever make.
Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ offers redemption, forgiveness, love, grace, mercies, joy, peace, and protection from spiritual warfare and physical harm. Do we think about the privileges we receive? Without fail, we should whisper prayers of gratitude. Living righteously and gaining much-needed strength, wisdom, and discernment requires a total surrendering of our will to God. For our commitment, we receive the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit which eliminates suffering consequences from counterproductive decisions.
Fact: Living according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit causes a chasm [a profound difference in viewpoints, lifestyles, and priorities] between us and them [unbelievers].
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Because the world has nothing in common with the true followers of Christ, we are commanded to separate ourselves from those who choose to live in spiritual darkness. Satan has deceived many Christians into forming relationships with those who say they believe in God or that God exists, yet, there is no relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us, “…having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 2:5-6).
Unless we are witnessing, we accept that separation is required between the sons and daughters of God and unbelievers. Many of us accept that we cannot have close relationships with those in darkness, but we may exclude our family and friends from those we must separate ourselves from.
In 2017, I received a call from an Uncle who was inviting me to celebrate his birthday on a Friday night in a club/restaurant. After extending the invite, he reiterated that I did not have to sit near the bar where they are serving drinks. I declined by telling him that I would not be able to attend because I serve God. Still, I thanked him for inviting me and wished him to have a happy birthday.
“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
These are very strong words that Jesus used to emphasize the cost of discipleship. Our rebirth in Christ requires us to place our relationship with Him as the priority in our lives. We forsake anyone who attempts to break our spiritual bond and relationship with God. We also renounce the former life of unrighteous words, behaviors, and habits. Yes, that is the cost of following Christ.
Remaining faithful and true to God usually requires us to be isolated from those whom we love. And be aware that you may suffer rejection from fellow believers because of your steadfast commitment to Christ. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will. enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Fact: If we do not possess the unwavering belief that our rebirth in Christ placed us into the royal priesthood of God, we will not withstand Satan’s temptations or life’s hardships. And we will fall and stay down when separation from close family and friends escalates into isolation.
God’s Promise of Comfort: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)
The diligent and daily study of God’s promises keeps us grounded. Every promise reminds us of our identity in Christ. Much prayer keeps us faithful, grateful, and obedient to God. We are living in the last days and cannot afford to lose our status as heirs of the only True and Living God. We have a Father who created us from love, in His image, and has plans for us to live with Him eternally.
“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3).
Yes, we are loved and highly favored. Pray for discernment of the Scriptures. The Bible contains symbolism that we cannot understand without spiritual discernment. God’s promises were not written only for the believers that live in biblical times. The same everlasting love that God proclaimed in the Old Testament applies to today’s believers.
We are never abandoned by Christ. Redirecting our focus on His love, great sacrifice, and current role in Heaven serving as our Intercessor allows us to express our gratitude to a long-suffering Savior. With humility, let us fall to our knees, thanking Jesus for the royal privileges we receive along with the opportunity for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Are you living with the confidence and courage that a son or daughter of God should possess?
Back in the day, there was a question that the elite of society used to ask, “Do you know who I am?” when they were flaunting their social status of privilege. The question for today’s believers is, “Do you know who you are?” Nothing is worse than the children of God having a mindset of defeat and a sense of worthlessness.
When your emotions have overpowered your sound mind, immediately pray!
The Holy Spirit is also our Comforter and will remind us of our heritage—we are created in Jesus’ image. Although we were born into sin, our Savior chose us, knocked at the doors of our hearts, and we accepted His invitation. It is a privilege to be part of the Kingdom royalty. If we are faithful and true one day soon we will receive our crowns from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Every day encourage yourself by looking in the mirror, and asking, “Who am I?” And yes, answer your question, I am King Jesus’ son or I am King Jesus’ daughter. There are times that we feel down and unloved. If you are new to studying the Bible then do an online search of Scriptures of God’s love.
There are countless declarations of God’s love which are for humanity. Never forget that Jesus called himself the Son of Man. He experienced the same emotions as us and much more especially in the Garden of Gethsemane [Luke 22:39 to 46].
Knowledge of the Scriptures reinforces our faith. The Bible is a love letter from God to us. We have a treasure map from the Voice of God. How amazing and wonderful is His love for us? Never lose your confidence and courage even when life is challenging. The Bible is God’s Truth. If God says we are His sons and daughters then we believe it.
Jesus has promised that He will finish our spiritual transformation up until the day He comes [Philippians 1:6]. If we remain faithful and obedient then we can look forward to receiving our crown and eternal inheritance.
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” –1 Corinthians 2:9
Our Father’s Promises to His Sons and Daughters when they are feeling weak!
Scripture Reading: Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. –Isaiah 40: verses 28 to 31.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You sacrificed Your life, allowing us to be reborn into your royal priesthood. We pray for the strength to forsake all others and prepare to receive our inheritance of the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.
Fight to Protect What Is Rightfully Yours
Fight to Protect What Is Rightfully Yours Devotional Reading and Podcast
Equipped For Life
If we perceive life as overwhelming, we quickly forget the spiritual gifts we were given and lose our sense of purpose in our earthly journey. “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). Although we have received all that we need along with a measure of faith to live productive lives, many allow emotions to guide their response to life’s challenges and they do not understand their purpose.
Knowing God’s Purpose—Why Am I Here?
We were created to worship God, witness, help others, and live happy and healthy lives. The intentional act of putting God first allows us to maintain our spiritual priorities. Through surrender, prayer, and study of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit gives us the daily strength to achieve our activities of daily living, build our relationship with Christ, and perform our spiritual assignments.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
We do not have to wander through life aimlessly. The believer’s life has a definitive purpose. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples which can be accomplished not only in person, but we also have access to reach and witness globally using the advancements of technology.
By fulfilling our spiritual assignment and using our gifts and talents, our obedience to God ensures that we receive benefits only given to the righteous. God’s Divine intervention, spiritual strength, provisions for that day, protection from physical harm and spiritual warfare along with many other blessings are reserved for the faithful.
Our perception of God is demonstrated by our strengths and weaknesses. If we believe God is Loving, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent, and He always keeps His promises then we will possess endurance, perseverance, courage, strength, and power! Do we believe that God is faithful? Does He keep His promises? Steadfast faith and trust allow us to maintain joy and peace despite our circumstances.
Endurance and Perseverance
Yesterday morning, I prayed for an increase in faith. A few minutes later, sitting at my window, I watched a small bird pecking in the grass for food. Although it took time and effort to find something to eat, the bird persevered until it came to the area that provided nourishment, ate, and flew away.
Courage, Strength, and Power
Have you ever watched a documentary on lions? The pride or family consists of one dominant male and one to two lionesses and their cubs. The lion’s pride is socially structured and based on specific roles. Lionesses are the primary hunters and the dominant males are responsible for protecting their pride and territory.
Observing their behaviors teaches us something about knowing who you are. Regardless of peaceful times or threatening situations, lions hold their heads up and strut when they walk. They are fearless! The dominant male will fight to protect his pride and the lioness will fight to protect her cubs. Lions continue the battle until the opponent runs away or they are fatally wounded.
Where is our strength? “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 1:9
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” –Ephesians 6:10-11
Believers we belong to the Most-High God! “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…(1 Peter 2:9).
We are not speaking about possessing a heart full of pride. Our courage and confidence are founded in God. The righteous belong to God. We have a Father who loves and protects us. Jesus promised to never leave or forsake us, to be with us until the end of the world.
“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” –Isaiah 65:24
God is not asking us to be stoic. When facing the vicissitudes of life which include spiritual warfare, tribulations, and sorrows, even when tears will not cease, and we feel defeated, call on the name of the Lord! The human effort of praying for Divine help unleashes the power of the Almighty.
“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). Our prayers are based on our faith in God. Be honest about the status of your faith. The father of the boy in Mark chapter 9, verse 24, cried with tears, “…Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Confess to God that your faith is weak, still, ask for help!
Like the lion, we must have confidence and courage every day of our earthly journey. Unlike the lion who depends on its strength to win battles, we have a Spiritual Team, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and guardian angels who are ready to intervene 24/7. “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14).
The apostle Paul explains our responsibility in this journey of life. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:12-13).
Do not focus on your circumstances! Through consistent worship, we keep our focus on Jesus. Remaining faithful and courageous requires us to pray, obey, and trust in God. God keeps us on a need-to-know basis. Faith grows from placing 100% confidence in God. Day by day, we receive spiritual fortification by praying for the guidance, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit every day.
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4).
Stay in His presence with the determination of remaining steadfast. We are in this world, but not of this world. Do not become distracted by people who do not desire eternal life. Rebuke the temptation of worldly pleasures. Place time constraints on involvement in social issues. Politics will not produce a righteous character. Nothing that we own will be taken into the next life. Even earthly marriages will not exist in heaven [Matthew 22:30].
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” –Revelation 22:12
Brothers and Sisters, with courage, fight every day for what is rightfully yours–the reward of eternal life.
Prayer: God, we thank You for equipping us with power, love, and a sound mind. We thank You for the privilege to call on Your name to receive Divine Intervention to fight against spiritual warfare. We confess that our faith is weak and we ask You to give us strength as we persevere to remain steadfast. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
There Is a Better Way–To Possess Right Thinking
There Is a Better Way–To Possess Right Thinking Devotional Reading and Podcast
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” –1 Peter 1:6-7
When God emancipated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery the journey from Egypt to Canaan was only 11 days. Yet they were in the wilderness for 40 years because of their ungrateful hearts and disgruntled thoughts which led to continuous disobedience against God. When the Israelites were camping at the Red Sea and saw Pharoah and his army, instead of praying for God’s Divine intervention to save them, they blamed Moses for forcing them to leave Egypt. As a result, they verbally attacked Moses and accused him of placing them in harm’s way.
“Then they said to Moses, ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness” (Exodus 14:11-12).
At some point in our lives, every Christian will have a wilderness experience. Trials are never something that we wish for, yet they are part of the believer’s spiritual journey. Trials are not random. God is specific in determining what each of us needs to experience continuous spiritual growth and transformation.
In the Bible, we have faith heroes, Joseph, and the apostles Paul and John along with many others who experienced lengthy hardships. God uses trials to build our faith and rid us of unrighteous character traits. When it is time for us to enter the wilderness do we willingly accept God’s plan for the testing of our faith?
To remain steadfast during our spiritual journey, we must have a mindset of “Right Thinking.” What is right thinking? “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
Right thinking acknowledges that our trial is permitted by God to produce spiritual growth in our faith and to transform our character into the likeness of Christ. Obedience, endurance, and perseverance are characteristics of right thinking.
Trials and sorrows are always unexpected unless we are suffering from the consequences of willful disobedience. Our first response to the trial is usually much praying and studying the Bible as never before. We have confidence that God will keep His promises and provide deliverance [as soon as possible]. But placing a time limit on the duration of our trial is the beginning of compromising “right thinking.”
Because of our expectation for quick deliverance, our mindset is not in alignment with God’s will. As the days become weeks, we continue to pray and remain hopeful that God will intervene soon. Yet, when the weeks become months, and months escalate into years, and God remains silent, our faith decreases and our hope fades into discouragement.
With time, we lose our spiritual focus. The frequency and fervency of our prayers decline. And we avoid the Scriptures that emphasize the reason for suffering and patiently waiting on the Lord. We no longer possess right-thinking.
Without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we begin to think of options–plans A or B to end our hardships or ask God if He has forgotten about us. Some even attempt to negotiate with God by promising to attend church more often or confess that they have not been fulfilling their purpose, but they will do better.
When will it end? As the journey continues our emotions overrule our faith. Now our minds are filled with doubt. Without faith, our discouragement grows into depression, and anger may arise because we have grown weary of our circumstances. Our prayers no longer reflect the hope that God will deliver us.
A few years ago, I recall a good friend who was experiencing a wilderness trial saying, it’s just too hard to serve God. Despite spiritual counseling, attending church, and studying God’s promises, he gave up. Sadly, to this day, he continues to reject God.
God’s Perspective: Trials and tribulations prepare us for Kingdom life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
We do not see ourselves as God does. Humanity cannot judge itself. Because we do not engage in worldly activities, attend church, give our tithe and offerings, pray, and study the Bible, we perceive ourselves as righteous, and do not see the need for lengthy or frequent trials. Again our mindset compromises right thinking.
King Solomon says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
King David was aware of our spiritual condition. He prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). How often do we pray King David’s prayer?
When God remains quiet and our prayers unanswered, those who do not have a steadfast relationship with Christ are filled with worries and anxieties. Then our wayward thinking increases. “Why isn’t God answering my prayers?” which leads to the demise of our faith, trust, and hope in God.
Satan takes advantage of us when he knows we are losing faith in God. Remember the fallen angel cannot read our minds, but he observes our downcast behaviors and listens to our spoken words of defeat and negativity. When our times of praise and worship almost become nonexistent then he works to bring his diabolical plans to fruition.
Satan uses the waiting period to plant the seeds of doubt in our minds. Without faith and right thinking, our perception of God changes from a loving Father to a God who is punitive. Our internal thoughts accuse God of withholding the job, finances, house, vehicle, husband, wife, the children we desire, or healing our illness that we rightfully deserve.
To make matters worse, like Job’s friends, our family and friends may ask what did you do that God is not answering your prayers or delivering you?
With our archenemy at work, we are filled with anger, resentment, a sense of entitlement, and despair. Unhealthy emotions easily permeate and corrupt the human mind. A heart filled with negative and ungrateful thoughts toward God eventually leads to a severed relationship with our Creator.
Although the apostle Paul was imprisoned until he died as a martyr, he never complained or spoke against God. Paul advised us to focus on the reward of eternal life when we are in times of suffering.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…” (Romans 5:3-5)
Waiting in the Wilderness Exposes Our Spiritual Condition: The wilderness trial has revealed the root of the problem, our faith in God along with our endurance and perseverance is weak.
Have you ever made a cup of coffee or tea, added cream or milk, and tasted it, only to discover it was spoiled? Without an alternate answer, we have to admit our responsibility for not checking the expiration date.
Yet, when we fail in our faith journey, we blame God for putting more on us than we can bear. We resent our wilderness trials because we do not desire a life of tribulations that God says is necessary for the growth of our faith. Spiritual transformation is lifelong. Trials and sorrows will remain part of our journey until we take our last breath or until the day of Jesus’ Second Coming.
“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)
Only God knows the strength or weakness of our faith. He also knows the true condition of our hearts and characters. Our Heavenly Father’s goal is to save our souls. We must ask ourselves if we desire the reward that Jesus promised to the faithful in Revelation. If yes, then our daily prayers reflect David’s prayer to God for Him to search our hearts and give us the strength to persevere.
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
There is a better way to live—To possess Right Thinking. We surrender ourselves wholly to God by accepting that His plans are perfect for us. In humility, we agree that God is only allowing what is necessary to receive eternal life. Right thinking acknowledges that every trial, short or extended will produce a complete transformation of our minds and character, a steadfast faith, and the endurance, and perseverance necessary to receive our eternal reward.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Those who strive to have a relationship with Christ built on steadfast faith and trust will receive their crowns. Hallelujah! Amen!
Prayer: God, we have lost our right thinking. We ask for forgiveness for our wayward thoughts of not accepting the wilderness trials. We pray for a complete restoration mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We ask for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit to impart the strength we need to remain in the wilderness according to Your will. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.
© 2023 Steps2yourspiritualsolutions
Optimal Health Requires Daily Movement
Optimal Health Requires Daily Movement Devotional Reading and Podcast
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” –3 John 1:2
Happy Sabbath! This morning during worship the devotional spoke about God’s original plan for us to have daily physical exercise. I got dressed and went for a walk. Truthfully, it has been one week, since I walked long enough for it to be beneficial to my internal organs. I prayed and thanked God for a sound mind and relatively healthy body. And yes, I feel great!
“Inactivity is the greatest curse that could come upon most invalids. When invalids have nothing to occupy their time and attention, their thoughts become centered upon themselves, and they grow morbid and irritable.” EGW
This quote uses strong words to emphasize the negative impact of living daily without physical exercise. God created our bodies to have an anatomy–structure without excessive weight and muscular definition so the physiology–function of our cardiovascular [heart] and respiratory [lungs] systems function properly and nourish our internal organs for the duration of our lives.
Advanced technology has resulted in a sedentary society of individuals plagued with an increase in mental health issues, out-of-control emotions, and declining physical health. Screen time has decreased our ability to cope with life’s normal issues. The work-life balance is tilted to the side of overworking.
Most people are so stressed their lives are not enjoyable. We are pushing ourselves beyond God’s limits for the human body. If you are exhausted by the end of the day you cannot wait to get home to relax, engage in screen time and fall asleep then your lifestyle is unhealthy.
The cycle of inactivity is detrimental. One false belief is that a person who is at their normal weight does not need to exercise. Whether our weight is normal or abnormal, every person needs daily exercise for at least 20 minutes. Without sustained movement, eventually, the body becomes deconditioned resulting in a decline in one’s health.
We cannot change the non-modifiable factors including hereditary diseases such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. Some individuals have maintained healthy lifestyles and still end up with chronic diseases. Changing our lifestyle is a modifiable factor that we can accomplish.
There is a major difference between a person whose diagnosis is uncontrolled because of their counterproductive lifestyle choices and one who has the same diagnosis that is controlled due to a healthy lifestyle. Reaching and sustaining optimal health requires daily exercise which is just as important as eating nutritious foods and taking prescribed medications.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
God created the mind and body to maintain a harmonious relationship. What exactly does that mean? Healthy minds require healthy bodies! Compromised physical health results in a domino effect–a person’s spiritual health declines as well as their mental and emotional health.
We cannot maintain a relationship with Christ when we are sluggish. Falling asleep when studying the Bible or listening to a sermon in the church whether in-house or virtual indicates that our minds and bodies are not in balance, known as homeostasis.
Getting started. If you have chronic diseases consult your physician first. Stay hydrated with water and avoid intense sunlight. Dehydration requires medical intervention! Walking outdoors in nature in the early morning hours is best. If you live in the concrete jungle, rearrange your schedule to walk in the park. God gave us nature to remind us of His love and goodness.
Psychologists and Naturopathic practitioners agree that nature nurtures our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Even if you have a gym membership or treadmill at home incorporate nature walks unless wintry conditions prevent outdoor exercise. Can’t exercise outdoors until spring? Watch a nature documentary while you exercise. Even when not exercising, incorporating nature documentaries into your screen time still provides a boost to our mental health. Our earth still has many beautiful places that we can explore virtually.
Daily physical movement for at least 20 to 30 minutes in nature enables the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to function at an optimal level, stabilizes one’s emotions, is the cure for laziness, and enables us to have a greater appreciation of God who created our wonderfully made minds and bodies. Get moving!
Prayer: God, we thank You for creating our wonderful minds and bodies in your image. Give us the strength and wisdom to change our sedentary lifestyles and improve our overall health by exercising and embracing our gift of nature.
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