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Our Willingness to Learn Determines Our Destiny

Devotional Reading—Our Willingness to Learn Determines Our Destiny By Sonya Johnson

In the 1990s, the nursing staff at the facility where I worked were scheduled for a mandatory meeting. Many anticipated the news that we would receive a hefty raise in salary or that the company was purchased by another organization. No, our educated guesses were wrong. We were signing up for a mandatory one-week educational seminar to learn electronic medical records software.

I was among the younger group of nurses who were elated that the tedious job of handwritten patient documentation was ending. Yet, I remember looking at many faces portraying disgust and anger. In anticipation of refusal to learn the software, the Administrator emphasized that our jobs were reliant on making the transition from handwritten documentation to electronic documentation within 30 days.

The nurses who were resistant attempted to stifle progress by filing a grievance–which they lost. The facility lost 50-60% of its nursing staff [either by resignation or termination] who were not willing to learn electronic health record documentation.

Resistance to learning is a forever problem that impedes the progression of one’s life.

“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

God anticipated that we would need divine intervention. We were created with the innate traits and abilities to travel the journey on the Path of Righteousness. Our lives revolve around a continuous cycle of learning, falling down, and repentance. Yet, if we surrender daily to God, we change from fulfilling the desires of our carnal hearts to one of righteous living.

For the Christian believer, resistance to learning prevents us from achieving the daily spiritual growth of becoming like Christ, Sanctification. For our destiny to be the New Heaven and New Earth, we must endure the change necessary to have the Character of Christ. It’s a tough journey. Even so, we are never alone!

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” –Matthew 6:6

The Learning Curve: With the noise of world news, social media, and life events, we are challenged to recognize the quiet voice of God. Develop the habit of isolation when worshipping God. Forget about the cell phone and the cares of life in your communion with God. Taking the time to allow the Holy Spirit to provide spiritual renewal and restoration is of utmost importance. Break the habit of saying a prayer on the go. Many times we pray, say Amen, and never receive God’s answers because we failed to heed His command, “Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, first part).

We require daily prayer to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Learning to remain in a posture [mindset] of waiting for God to reveal His will and plans along with the diligent study of the Holy Bible is vital for knowing who the Trinity Godhead—God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are and their purpose in our spiritual journey.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.” –Matthew 11:29, Amplified Bible

What does it mean to take Jesus’ yoke?

“Wearing the yoke with Christ means to…to be a copartner with Him in His sufferings and toils for lost humanity. In accepting Christ’s yoke of restraint and obedience, you will find that it is of the greatest help to you. Wearing this yoke keeps you near the side of Christ, and He bears the heaviest part of the load.” Ellen G.White

“…to those who have no might He increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). God comes and takes us out of our emotionalism, and then our complaining turns into a hymn of praise. The only way to know the strength of God is to take the yoke [burden] of Jesus upon us and to learn from Him.” Oswald Chambers

The reward of Eternal life requires us to give up all hindrances and worldly pleasures. To consecrate our all to Jesus Christ [which requires sacrificial giving] goes against our carnal heart’s desires. “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.

Continuous spiritual learning is the foundation for our lifelong journey of Sanctification. Obedience and restraint [temperance, self-control] mandate that our hearts are filled with humility and we have a mindset of perseverance. To be a disciple of Christ, we must learn to endure suffering. Yet, the Apostle Paul who lived the remainder of His life in prison and became a martyr for Christ gives us words of hope.

“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—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” –2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Yes, as Christians we are on a forever learning curve. Never forget that Jesus gave us the priceless gift of Redemption. Every test, trial, and hardship prepares us for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Just as an athlete learns to eat the balanced meals that provide them with the energy to sustain their daily training for competitive events, we must learn to feed daily on the Word of God to receive the spiritual strength to endure the Christian race.

Bible Study: 2 Corinthians chapter 4

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to endure the race. Help us to understand that we must have the Character of Christ to receive the reward of eternal life. With humility, we ask You to empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we can learn to live obediently and righteously in preparation for our forever lives in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional–The Power of Self-Governance

Devotional Reading—The Power of Self-Governance

Self-governance, self-government, or self-rule is the ability of a person or group to exercise all necessary functions of regulation without intervention from an external authority.

Many decades ago, a well-known singer wrote a very popular song entitled, “I Did It My Way.” Using a timeline of approximately 6,000 years from Creation to now proves that humanity has always done it our way. From Adam and Eve to Cain and the Nation of Israel whom God freed from Egyptian enslavement—we have challenged the precepts and commands of God.

This morning I had an interesting conversation about the decline of the moral fiber and value system of today’s society. Although we would like to believe that this level of wickedness has escalated for the first time–in the 21st century, human beings have always strived for self-governance. In the time of Noah, except for eight people, everyone lived according to their mindset. So the modern concept of “Truth is whatever I believe it to be,” is not new.

What makes the difference is that people no longer hide their mindsets and lifestyles. The facade of pretense is no more. We are boldly proclaiming our freedom of choice to speak, act, and live according to our preferences. Even so, there is a quote, “You can do as you like, but not for as long as you like.”

The deception of self-governance is the supposed freedom and empowerment that it gives. Many corporations are bankrupt, and embezzlement, financial scams, and identity theft have risen to an all-time high. The marriage of husband and wife is no longer sacred and gender assignment is touted as if human beings can change their chromosomes.

The result of self-governance has created a destructive path of political chaos, unresolved social issues, famine, extinction of animals, hatred, and climate change on our earth. Yet, we choose to blame others while we have secretly joined the revolution. You may experience a self-righteous moment by telling yourself I certainly do not support the lifestyle of the pro-choicers.

Sadly, you are likely a significant part of the rebellion against the external authority of God. Christians have a different standard by which they judge themselves. We look at certain sins of degradation and pride ourselves that we would never do those things. Yet, there are only two options available to humanity: Obedience to God or Obedience to Satan.

If your life decisions [insignificant daily choices or significant life events] do not include praying for God’s will to be done in your life first, then you do not submit to the external authority of God. You are functioning in the mode of self-rule.

“…The way of the transgressor [unfaithful] is hard.” Proverbs 13:15

Truthfully, self-governance feels great. Chasing our heart’s desires and fulfilling our dreams and goals gives us a great sense of satisfaction. When we purchase homes or vehicles, start a business, change jobs, or enter a relationship or marriage without praying and seeking God’s approval and blessings, we have to struggle to keep it.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

Whether we like it or not, God did not create humanity to function without His loving guidance. When believers refuse to submit to the authority of God, we suffer the consequences. It may take weeks, months, or years, but the impact of self-governance will eventually bring us to our knees. We will either repent or end up with bitterness and animosity toward God for the negative outcome of the decisions that we chose to make without Divine guidance.

God will never take away our free will of choice. Yet, we must decide between surrendering to the perfect will of God or not. Believers of the Most High God, please realize there is no middle ground!

Many people think that Jesus was a radical rebel. When Jesus was on this earth, He learned obedience—His obedience extended to the external authority of God, His earthly parents, and the Roman government. Jesus was in total opposition to the oppression from the hypocritical Pharisees. Yet, His every decision was in alignment with God, His Father, even to the death required for our redemption on the Cross of Calvary.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” –Jeremiah 17:9

God has forewarned us—we cannot judge the condition of our hearts. Do not become entrapped in Satan’s snare of self-governance. Knowledge of the scriptures and the spiritual insight [given to us by the Holy Spirit] tell us we are living in the last days of earth’s history. Surrender to the external authority of God, our Father, and have a blessed life complete with joy and peace.

Bible Verse: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain a rich understanding. His praise endures forever!” –Psalm 111:10

Prayer: God, we desperately need Your help! We are thinking and living according to our love of self-rule and for this sin, we ask forgiveness. We ask You to reveal your will for our lives. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to direct us and give us wisdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

My Wish List—A Yurt

Walking On the Water–Did Peter Fail?

Devotional Reading—Walking On the Water—Did Peter Fail? From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The points for consideration about the Apostle Peter are from a sermon preached by Pastor D. Snell of Oakwood University SDA Church.

From reading the Scriptures, Peter was impulsive, impatient, and impetuous. Whether Jesus was telling a parable or teaching the disciples, Peter never listened with the intent to learn. The disciple who could not control his mouth was always ready to correct others and to express his opinions which impeded his ability to gain knowledge, wisdom, and an in-depth understanding of spiritual matters.

After feeding the 5,000, “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was there alone” (Matthew 14:22-23).

While Jesus was in solitude communing with God, His Father, the disciples were fearful and anxious because of the stormy sea. They attempted to maneuver the boat to safety, “But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary” (Matthew 14:24).

“Now in the fourth watch of the night [between 3 am and 6 am before sunrise], Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'” (Matthew 14:25-27).

Although Jesus identified himself and spoke words of comfort, Peter verbalized the fearful thought in all of the disciple’s minds, “Is it really Jesus?” “And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water'” Matthew 14:28.

In His loving nature, Jesus did not rebuke Peter: “…He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus” (Matthew 14:29).

Peter’s Failure? “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!'” (Matthew 14:30).

Jesus was aware the disciples were in a fishing boat tossing back and forth in a tumultuous storm that should have made the boat sink and caused death from drowning. But these were not normal circumstances. Although Jesus was alone on the mountain, His watchful eyes were covering and protecting His beloved disciples from the catastrophic effects of the raging storm.

Back to the disciples! We understand the disciple’s minds were crippled by fear. Twelve men in a boat using their expertise, but were helpless in preventing a near-death experience. Yet, not one disciple prayed and called on the name of Jesus for help during the storm. We know this because there would have been recorded scriptures indicating they prayed for Jesus to help and save them. And if they prayed for Jesus’ help, when they saw a man walking on the water, all of the disciples would have known that it was Jesus.

Sadly, Jesus knew that His disciples did not believe that He was the Son of God–the Messiah.

When Jesus spoke the words of comfort, “Be of good cheer! It is I, do not be afraid,” the storm was in full effect. Only Peter, the reckless disciple possessed a tiny bit of faith–still, it was enough for him to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

Like many of us when facing storms, in his humanness, Peter lost his focus by looking away from Jesus. We know that Jesus promised to deliver us from our troubles, but we fixate on the situation instead of faithfully believing and waiting for deliverance.

Jesus saves Peter: “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'” (Matthew 14:31).

“Pastor Snell’s commentary: ‘When Jesus saved Peter, the storm was still raging. Jesus did not bring the boat to Himself and Peter, they walked back to the boat. The disciples in the boat never asked Jesus if they could come to them, they just sat and watched Jesus and Peter walk on the water and enter the boat. Peter had enough faith to walk side-by-side with Jesus.'”

“And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God'” (Matthew 32-33).

On the same day, the disciples had just witnessed one of Jesus’ greatest miracles—feeding a multitude of 5,000 plus. They were overtaken by fear when they saw a man walking on the water because of two reasons. They [secretly] held on to their former pagan belief of ghosts. And before the storm, the disciples did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.

The reckless, impulsive disciple who could not control his emotions or his spoken words had little faith [as pointed out by Jesus]. Still, Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat to go to Jesus and walk back to the boat side-by-side with Jesus.

In Matthew chapter 16, “…Jesus asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ “So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?'” (Verses 13-15).

“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus’ Response: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 16:17

Jesus changed Simon Bar-Jonah’s name to Simon Peter and blessed him because he wholeheartedly believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

Before Jesus’ arrest leading to His crucifixion, He stated to the disciples, “Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:24)

Where do we stand as disciples of Jesus? Are we sitting in our lifeboats with minds full of worldly beliefs that prevent us from actively acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do our daily prayers reflect that we are asking for faith, courage, wisdom, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit from Jesus?

Without the habit of praying for spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Jesus, we will have the mindset of the disciples–when in trouble we will not remember to pray. Our minds will be filled with fear or we will expend energy attempting to resolve life’s issues without success.

Our lifestyles reveal if we love Jesus. If we love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, then we faithfully serve as obedient disciples who live to do the will of God.

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.'” (John 21:15)

Yes, Peter denied Christ three times. Still, Peter loved Jesus. It was from Jesus’ overwhelming love, grace, and mercy that Peter, the impetuous, cowardly, disciple received complete forgiveness and restoration as His disciple.

The Apostle Peter is an example of the spiritual transformation that is possible when we love Jesus and acknowledge Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our lives. Every day, with humble hearts on bended knees, we must proclaim, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” Hallelujah to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.

Bible Study: Matthew chapter 14 and John chapter 21

Knowing that You Need God

Times of Waiting are designed by God for spiritual transformation. We are not okay the way we are in the eyes of God. Comparing ourselves to the definition of Love in 1 Corinthians 13 and the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are the Character Traits that represent God’s standards. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the power to change. Never compromise receiving your reward of eternal life.

Prayer: God, we thank You for guiding and giving us the power for spiritual transformation. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen