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Who Stopped Your Progress?

Devotional Reading—Who Stopped Your Progress? From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Our dreams, goals, and plans are healthy signs of the motivation necessary to achieve bigger and better things. Our excitement grows as we research and develop strategies to accomplish our vision. Hopefully, we have searched for a mentor with the work experience to give us the guidance required for our dream to come to fruition. To achieve is vital to the growth of our intellect.

But is the sky the limit? We agree that a new entrepreneur faces fierce competition in today’s business arena. Yet, confidence, courage, and common sense will propel your business plan into a start-up with endless growth opportunities. As a former business owner, there is one aspect new business owners do not anticipate: losing a relationship with [some] family and friends who readily give their opinions on how to operate your business.

Can you imagine that your business is doing well and one of your employees secretly speaks to their coworkers that the business operations are making them work harder not smarter and the software you have chosen has many flaws? Immediate termination may be your first thought, but that would not resolve the doubt that was placed in the minds of your staff.

A mandatory meeting reminding your employees when they were interviewed that the organization’s mission and vision were thoroughly outlined to them and they agreed to assist in achieving said goals. In addition, have a one-to-one meeting with each employee to assess their loyalty to the company.

Start-Up Churches: The Apostle Paul faced many obstacles when starting the early Christian churches, especially the churches of Galatia which refers to a region in north-central Turkey. The Galatians epistle exposes the difficulties he faced with the members of the start-up churches.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

The new converts did not anticipate the separation from their cultural morals and values and the family and friends they were familiar with when they accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because they desired to keep their former worldly friends and participate in sensual idol worship, they embraced false theories from religious heretics, people who develop a different opinion of God’s truth and attempt to convince others to accept their false beliefs.

The Apostle Paul urged the Galatian members to consider their commitment to Jesus Christ and the consequences of returning to their former practices of idol worship.

“Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?”(Galatians 4:8-9).

Paul pleaded with those who had accepted Christ and had known the power of God in their lives to return to the Living Truth. He was not alone in His efforts. The mighty power of the Holy Spirit worked on the conscience of many who had wandered away and they returned with a steadfast commitment to serving God.

When those who were steadfast in serving God begin to falter in their relationship with Christ–it is spiritual warfare from Satan. He uses people to distract us from God’s Truth and to entice us to give up our righteous standards. But his favorite tactic is to bring people from our past sinful life or former Christians who “…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people (2 Timothy 3:5).

Bible Study: Book of Galatians

Prayer: God, we pray for clarity. We have listened to the doctrines and beliefs of many individuals and can no longer discern if our beliefs are false teachings. We ask for forgiveness for our sins. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we study the Scriptures. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.

The Responsibility of Being a Light

Devotional–The Responsibility of Being a Light from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

“But let your ‘Yes be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No, No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” –Matthew 5:37

Can you recall a situation that placed you in a dilemma with another person? If so, how did you respond? Every reaction whether with spoken words or behaviors represents our relationship with Christ. Did you reflect later only to regret your reaction or response? Perhaps we later apologized for an emotional reply or we were disappointed in our answer because it compromised our spiritual values.

Sanctification is daily spiritual growth and requires a lifetime for our character to be molded into the Character of Christ. Yet, we should recognize a change in our morals and values moving toward the godly standard of righteousness. As Christians, we are called by God to uphold His standards. “…because it is written, Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

“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

Yes, we are works in progress, but our minds should never waver in choosing to say or do what is right–as defined by God.

Scenario: You are in a meeting with your Manager and are asked to manipulate the actual findings of the monthly report. And for your dedication to the company you are being considered for a promotion to become Department Supervisor. You just purchased a new house. What is your response?

Scenario: Your wife brings a bag of clothing home with 8 items from an expensive store and the receipt only shows that 6 items were paid for. This is not the first time. Do you ignore the situation or ask questions [after you pray for guidance]?

When facing temptation, immediately pray [a silent prayer] and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment. If possible clarify the words that are spoken to you by repeating them back to the person. If the situation involves an illegal cover-up be prepared for a hostile response.

Remember, this is a test of spiritual warfare. Do not be intimidated into compromising your godly standards. Stand your ground! Keep your response terse–using as few words as possible. With a calm and gentle tone, boldly proclaim, “I am a Christian and I will not say or do that.”

But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33

If choosing righteousness causes the loss of family and friends, a marriage, a job, or money then so be it. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus promises He will supply all necessary provisions. But most importantly, our reward of eternal life is at stake when we deny Christ. Brothers and Sisters stand strong as a Soldier of God. Let your yes be yes and your no is no.

And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it–only those who walk in the Way–and fools will not stray onto it. Isaiah 35:8

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and discernment when facing the compromise of temptation. Lord, help us exert holy boldness and stand for right thinking and doing in every circumstance that threatens to make us sin against You. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

What Does God Expect from Us?

Devotional—What Does God Expect from Us? From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The Law of God is the Divine Standard of Righteousness

Worldwide there are approximately 10,000 plus religions and thousands of churches. Hundreds of ads and apps urge us to use their translation of the Bible. Pastors have waged war against one another by degrading other churches and preaching their interpretation of the Scriptures as confusion, anxiety, worry, and depression continue to escalate among today’s believers.

Unfortunately with so many different ideologies causing conflict, many people including Christians have decided that truth is whatever they reason it to be.

What does God expect from us?

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ “–John 14:6

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” –Matthew 5:17-18

Jesus clarified that He came to fulfill God’s Law. Yet, today’s Christian believers have accepted the deception that God’s Law was changed, especially the Creation’s seventh-day Sabbath. It is not the law of God that has changed, we have changed and attempted to mold God’s Law to fit into our heart’s desires.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:50-53

When Jesus died, the veil ripped from top to bottom indicating that the imperfect sacrificial law–the ceremonial law was abolished. The sacrificing of animals was no longer necessary because God’s only begotten Son, Jesus, the precious Lamb of God fulfilled His commitment to God that He would die to redeem humanity’s sins.

From God’s loving heart, He gave Jesus for the Redemption of our sins. And for this great sacrifice what does God expect from us? With a loving heart for His Son, Jesus puts God first through faith and obedience.

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

Consider this fact: Jesus, who commands the armies of angels, created the world, and humanity had to learn obedience. Jesus obeyed human parents, the Roman laws, and the Mosaic law. But first and foremost, His love and loyalty were to God, His Father. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane proved that His obedience was steadfast even if His death was necessary to remain obedient to God.

“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” (John 15:26)

There are two reasons for our confusion, we do not pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit who gives us discernment of the Bible, wisdom, and guides us every day to stay on the Path of Righteousness.

“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)

Secondly, we must abide in Christ by praying and meditating on His goodness every day. Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor. Our prayers are taken to Him by the Holy Spirit. What a great mystery.

What does God expect from us? To pray continually. To study the Scriptures. To love His Son, Jesus and to have a close relationship with Him. To love and help others. To witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world overcome by the plague of sin.

What does God expect from us? For us to put Him first! For our desire to be for Him. For us to surrender our stubborn will and accept and submit to His plans for our lives. For us to receive the reward of eternal life, we must be all in–wholeheartedly committing ourselves to follow Jesus by surrendering our hearts and desires to Him.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

Because we are under grace does not give us the right to do as we please. Worship is having a dedicated mindset to seek God and to abide in Christ. Unceasing prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures along with faith and obedience are the human efforts required to serve God. Worship on this earth prepares us for worship in heaven.

Why would you want to die for your sins when Jesus has already died for your sins?

With a made-up mind and humility, we Surrender daily to the will of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With Perseverance, we endure the trials and sorrows necessary to change our character into the Character of Christ.

Pick up the Shield of Faith! Always, Put God first! Let your first prayer in the morning be one of love and surrender. “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). Amen.

Bible Study: Matthew 5

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Many are confused or overwhelmed by the noise of countless opinions. Lord, we ask You to speak truth to us, and we surrender and commit to serving You for the rest of our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The devotional is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Christian Values: Light, Love, Loyalty, Faith, Obedience, Gratitude, and Praise

Christian Values: Light, Love, Loyalty, Faith, Obedience, Gratitude, and Praise From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23

We receive God’s gift of abundant mercies each day we awaken. And our response should reflect a heart bursting with gratitude, joy, and praise. We are privileged with the opportunity to experience our Heavenly Father’s blessings which produce spiritual growth and development. God’s Divine Intervention in giving Jesus provides us with forgiveness for our sins and the opportunity to receive eternal life [if we choose to accept His gift].

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus died only for humanity. Nor the angels or animals required salvation and redemption. We should embrace Jesus as if our lives depend on Him because they do.

Sanctification is growing daily spiritually. Spiritual transformation occurs in steps. The process of being transformed into the likeness–the character of Christ is progressive. Our part: Light, Love, Loyalty, Faith, Obedience, Gratitude, and Praise. Every day we pray and renew our commitment to living in the Light of Christ.

“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).

In our weakness, we cannot change our hearts or characters. The Holy Spirit gives us Jesus’ strength along with wisdom and guidance to continue our lifelong journey on the Path of Righteousness.

Prayer and study of the Scriptures reinforce our Christian values. Our journey is dependent on keeping our relationship with Christ steadfast. Do not let anyone persuade you to go against your godly values, even if it means traveling with Jesus alone. Stand for Christ! Pray and ask God to change your heart and character. Remain steadfast! There is a great reward for the faithful.

“For, ‘In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.’ ” (Hebrews 10:37)

Bible Study: Galatians 5, verses 22-23

Prayer: Jesus, we give you our hearts and ask You to give us your strength. We desire to remain steadfast in Your light. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer. In Your Holy name, we pray. Amen.

This Devotional reading is available as a podcast on Spotify.