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Being a Christian Is Tough!!!

Historically, the United States Marine Corps had a catchphrase, The Few, The Proud, Always Faithful. The Corps has always boasted that only those who achieve excellence [which requires going beyond human strength] become Marines.

As an outsider looking in, I am challenging their proclamation that becoming a Marine is the highest victory that one can achieve in life. Yes, they withstood the grueling environments, but once they have completed their enlistment or retirement from the Corps, they can live according to their dictates.

The Toughest Journey in Life: Christianity Requires Human Effort Plus Divine Intervention to Succeed Because Our Spiritual Journey lasts a Lifetime. Once we become soldiers in the Army of God, we are always soldiers [if we remain faithful].

Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior with earnest conviction is Conversion. And then the grueling journey begins! Endurance and perseverance through the hard times of suffering that may last for months or years is God’s spiritual process of Sanctification which takes a lifetime.

Jesus forewarned what would happen when we decided to become a soldier in God’s Army: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] –John 16:33, Amplified Bible.

Military soldiers complete their enlistment unless they receive an early honorable [based on medical diagnoses] or a dishonorable discharge. AWOL–Not completing one’s enlistment time is a criminal act.

Becoming a Christian does not mean one will stay a Christian. The Apostle Paul tells us there will be a great apostasy–falling away from God before Jesus comes.

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled …Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…(2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).

The continuous cycle of unexpected harsh trials or chasing carnal desires causes many to fall away. We do not understand that our characters are being changed for a perfect and holy life for eternity. Suffering is the way we can become righteous. Those who fail to endure trials and tribulations will not receive their heavenly reward of eternal life.

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. –Revelation 21:8

Yet the Apostle John says there is another group of Christians who made it first on the long list of sinners–the cowards—those who are fearful will also miss out on eternal life. Those who deny Christ, as evidenced by their cowardly actions–take the side of the opposers by verbal agreement or remain silent when controversial subjects such as pro-choice arise. Cowardly Christians do not stand for the truth around their friends because they fear rejection.

An example of falling away: Living a double life by attending church weekly but sinning on demand because you love pleasure. God will not interfere in our decision not to serve Him.

Some situations call for immediate spiritual intervention. Christians who become overwhelmed with their trials and those who are confused about the Biblical truth because they do not understand the role of the Holy Spirit are the first to fall away from God. Praying for yourself must be done first, but additional spiritual counseling from a pastor or a fellow believer who is a steadfast prayer warrior is also needed.

When fear overpowers our minds, it indicates a loss of faith in God. Christians who fear persecution from unbelievers, rejection from family members and friends, do not believe angels keep us safe by fighting spiritual warfare, are afraid of spontaneous demon possession, and fear the Second Coming of Jesus are just a few examples of cowardice.

Because fear is based on our mental perception, not even therapeutic counseling can eliminate our fear. Sadly, fearful Christians are at the highest risk for apostasy. Only faith can erase fear!

“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.

The Apostle Paul mentored young Timothy as Pastor of the Early Church. When Paul was imprisoned, Timothy was afraid that he would also have to endure persecution. Paul’s spiritual reminder to Timothy was a loving but stern rebuke reminding him of our spiritual gifts and responsibilities to Christ.

God does not expect us to do the impossible. He never created us to bear our earthly burdens without Jesus’ Divine Intervention. When we are at our limits, trapped by out-of-control emotions, and ready to give up, pray, Jesus, I cannot stay on this journey without Your help.

Something happens when we call on the name of Jesus for help—the Holy Spirit arrives immediately, and extra angels are sent from heaven to fight the spiritual warfare we are going through. Study Daniel chapter 9.

When you are ready to throw your Christianity–relationship with Jesus away, go to a quiet place to be alone and take a bottle of water with you. Drink the water. And then pray and cry out to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. His promise, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8). Close your eyes and believe that your prayer has been sent faster than the speed of light to Jesus, Our Heavenly Intercessor.

If you quietly wait, you will feel the rush of a Mighty Wind–the Holy Spirit imparting spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to your mind and body. And then make certain that you pray a prayer of gratitude.

To my brothers and sisters, I am not writing a fictional story or referencing biblical history. This is my testimony of a meltdown experience today. I felt that the vicissitudes in my life were too overwhelming. And I reacted first instead of praying immediately. Still, through my tears, I began to ask Jesus for His help. The power of God brought spiritual strength to my mind and body. I started singing, grabbed my laptop, and started writing these words of encouragement.

We do not have to be ashamed of our weaknesses. Yet, we must present ourselves to Jesus through prayer.

Yes, the struggle is real, but Victory through Jesus is guaranteed! We have come too far to give up. Praying several times a day during peaceful times enables us to develop a lifestyle of prayer and reliance on God. Even when the overwhelming trials come, our first response will be to pray. Jesus never fails!

Bible Study: John chapter 17

Prayer: God, we thank You for your Love and Divine Intervention. We bring our burdens to You in faith. We know that You will take them and will deliver us. We pray for the patience to wait on Your timing. Anoint us with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can view life through spiritual eyes. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. In Jesus’ name, we have victory. Hallelujah! Amen!

Watch “CeCe Winans: Surrendering To God Brings Us In Line With Our Purpose | Better Together TV” on YouTube

I listened to a sermon last week about the true meaning of taking up our cross, it is surrendering our will every day to Christ. Pastor CeCe is the only other anointed disciple that has stated our cross is to surrender. The Holy Spirit is working to bring us to a deeper understanding of the truth. Last days and perilous times, we must have the faith and surrender to the will of God. Jesus is coming soon. Amen. Be blessed! YouTube link below.

Great is God’s Faithfulness!

Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD. Lamentations 3:40.

Every day, we receive great mercies, which we often take for granted. Bless the LORD when you awaken. Like the blind beggar who was told to be quiet, Cry louder, Son of David, have mercy on me. Praise our loving, Heavenly Father for He deserves something in return for His gifts of daily mercies to us. Amen.

Praise God for His Faithfulness

No Bible Study Equals the Practice of False Teachings

Devotional Reading–No Bible Study Equals the Practice of False Teachings

There has always been a dividing line among Christians–those who believe in God and obey Him and those who believe in God, yet do not obey Him. But in the past five years, something extraordinary has developed and escalated to disproportionate numbers–we now have Christians who do not believe studying the Bible is necessary for Salvation and Sanctification.

Fact: “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]…2 Timothy 3:16

The entire Bible–Old and New Testament was given to holy men by God.

False Teachings: We do not have to study the Old Testament. The Ten Commandments are no longer valid including the Creation seventh-day Sabbath. Immortality is given when humans die. All people except the extremely wicked will go to heaven. Attending church once a week indicates that we are doing our part in the plan of Salvation.

Fact: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” –Psalm 119:105

We require daily spiritual guidance from God. Without instruction, we slip into darkness because we no longer need to be led by the Voice of God.

Fact: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Sanctification is daily spiritual growth–conversion and transformation into the likeness of Christ [His Character]. The human effort of worshipping God through prayer, diligent Bible study, and surrender and obedience to the will of God is a lifetime spiritual journey.

False Beliefs: Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we do not have to do anything additional to be led by God. If I memorize the Scriptures, then I do not have to keep studying–Head knowledge is placed as a priority over a heart-to-heart relationship with Christ.

Fact: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.…” James 1:22-24, BSB

Fact: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We cannot rely on self-rule.

Fact: “And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:20-23).

False Beliefs: God understands that we cannot live holy. Since we are covered by God’s grace, just repent for your sins that you can’t stop doing.

Fact: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…'” (Genesis 1:26).

Yes, we were created in the image of God. Still, we are not demigods. Our minds are finite with great limitations. We require daily guidance, wisdom, and discernment that only comes from the Holy Spirit–we ask for these things through prayer. The spiritual warfare that we face every day is fought by our guardian angels [Read Psalm chapter 91].

Fact: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

To know God’s thoughts and ways, we rely on our Teacher’s daily anointing and guidance–the Holy Spirit who discerns the Scriptures and instructs us in our daily lives to do our Heavenly Father’s will.

Fact: “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 15:5).

The issue of our spiritual standing with God is serious. Jesus says that we must depend on Him to bear fruit–righteous thoughts, actions, and living.

Obedience is humanity’s greatest obstacle. We cannot live according to our desires and expect to receive the reward that Jesus promised. Christ explains that our dependency on Him is like becoming a little child with faith and trust in their parents. Having a thriving relationship with Jesus is easy when it flows from the love in our hearts.

Fact: I Am Coming Quickly! “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!'” (Revelation 22:20).

The times we live in are perilous. Evaluate your priorities. God must be first! Our time of 24 hours is sufficient to perform our activities of daily living and to have time to worship God every day.

Daily Worship is not an option for Christian believers. We must have a steadfast relationship with Jesus Christ. Make a covenant promise to fully surrender and obey God. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit–Our Teacher to possess wisdom and discernment of the Holy Scriptures. Study to learn the character of God, His promises, and His expectations for us to live righteously.

Prayer: God, we confess that we have not studied the Scriptures. We ask for forgiveness of our stubborn hearts. Anoint us with Your Holy Spirit. We thank You and give You the honor and glory that You deserve. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Worship Hierarchy–Bless the Lord

Devotional Reading—The Worship Hierarchy—Bless the Lord

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, Bless His holy name! –Psalm 103:1

When we look at God’s Hierarchy, God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, the Holy Spirit, the angels, humanity, and animals, it is evident that God created His Kingdom based upon a “We” [collective] standard. We were created from love and to have healthy interdependent relationships with the Trinity Godhead and with each other.

The individualistic mindset of “I” was not a concept of God’s original plan and will never exist in the spiritual realm. Placing oneself as a priority produces a selfish heart and distorts our outlook on life. Striving to place himself as one of the Trinity Godhead, Lucifer’s prideful heart brought chaos into heaven.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Revelation 12:7-9, ESV)

The repercussions of Lucifer’s sins of pride and disobedience have infiltrated humanity, resulting in an internal conflict between God’s hierarchy and Satan’s hierarchy for thousands of years. As a result of our acceptance of the worldview of individualism, we are plagued with mental and emotional issues of low self-value, anxiety, worries, discontentment, and discouragement.

Many people are wandering through life without a sense of spiritual purpose so they attempt to calm their inner fears and turmoil by chasing after material possessions and engaging in unhealthy relationships. Despite the negative consequences of placing oneself as a priority, many accept the worldview of individualism as evidence of strength and empowerment.

Collectivist: relating to the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it.

The Biblical Worldview: “Now the LORD God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him” (Genesis 2:18).

Throughout the Bible, we have evidence [God’s numerous promises] that God did not create us to be alone nor has He ever left us to fend for ourselves.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

“I will never leave you or forsake you “I will send you the Helper from the Father” (John 15:26).

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

God’s original plan is for us to live in harmony with His precepts. In the book of Malachi, God says that He never changes.

Have the Attitude of Christ

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” –Philippians 2:3-5, NLT

Jesus’ life of blessing others revealed His love and the desire to bless God by always giving His Father glory and honor. Jesus created us to love God, love others, and love ourselves—which is the only hierarchy that God approves of. Our Savior’s life was one of self-sacrifice. Jesus lived to help others by teaching them the love of God and providing the necessity of food along with spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical healing. Remember that Jesus, the Son of Man always put God, His Father first, and then the needs of others. Never once, did Christ place Himself above others.

Perform a self-evaluation of your mindset and values. Are they in alignment with the Biblical Worldview of collectivism? Yes, God has given us free will of choice. We can live according to our worldviews and interpretation of God’s Truth, yet, our individual choice will impact our destiny of receiving the reward of eternal life. The world as we know it, with the conflicting worldview of individualism, “Looking out for number one” will not have a place in the Kingdom of God in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Changing our mindset from I to We requires humility and obedience. With God, all things are possible. Jesus has promised to finish the work in us [Philippians 1:6] if we do our part in striving after righteousness. Live to serve! Placing the needs of others as a priority is an outward sign of the internal condition of our hearts. Our love for God is evidenced by blessing others. God is truly blessed by our desire to bring honor and glory to Him. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits…” (Psalm 103:2).

Bible Study: Matthew chapter 5, verses 1-12

Prayer: God, we have lost our way by accepting worldviews that conflict with Your precepts to live righteously. And for this sin, we ask forgiveness. We pray for a change of heart that we will live to bless others as You did. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Cry: Lord Save Me!

Devotional Reading: The Cry: Lord Save Me!

Most of us have reached a crossroads in our lives when we faced a health or financial crisis impacting ourselves or a family member. At that point, we realize that the situation is critical and that only Christ can resolve the dilemma. We cry out in prayer, “Lord, help me! Yet, a major barrier still exists–our faithlessness in God. Most likely, we are asking for the crisis to be resolved not for God to save our souls.

Three men in the Scriptures demonstrated that they faithfully believed in Jesus Christ.

  1. King David: “In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me” (Psalm 71:2).
  2. The blind beggar: “So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:38-39)
  3. The thief on the cross: “Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom’” (Luke 23:42).

Faith is active. Faith is intentional. Faith is a lifestyle of acknowledging the power of God every day. Faith places us in a posture of worship. Faith proclaims that my heart and life are committed to Jesus Christ. Faith causes us to surrender in humility to the power of God as demonstrated by our desire to obey God in all circumstances. Faith causes us to cry out, “Lord save me!” even when our lives are peaceful and all is well.

In these last days, where do many believers stand in their relationship with Christ?

Jesus answers the question: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’” (Revelation 3:17)

Sadly, in these perilous times, many Christians are empty lamps—they do not have the oil of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Their light no longer shines because they are content with their lifestyles. Gone are the days when they had the zeal to witness to others or to use their spiritual gifts and financial blessings to help others.

Faith requires human effort to grow!

The reward of eternal life will only be given to the righteous who strived through the good times and hardships to remain faithful to God through daily surrender, humility, and obedience. Commit to meaningful worship through fervent prayer and study of the Scriptures in your secret closet every day.

Bible Study: Luke chapter 18

Prayer: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us! Search our hearts and reveal the stumbling blocks that keep us from surrendering to You. We pray for forgiveness for the sin of being lukewarm in our relationship with You. We love You and surrender our hearts in total obedience. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.