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Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone

Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Two concepts are truth: People know when they intentionally hurt someone who loves them and Christians know whether or not they are living a faithful and obedient life.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the [a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Satan has deceived us into believing that God understands our sinful desires and that His grace will prevent us from the consequences of sin. Yet, Obedience to God is not an option!

How often do we think of Jesus who is Divine, commanding legions of angels, every breathing organism, and the natural elements, yet, when He came to earth, God required Him to learn obedience and become subservient to the human beings He created? Jesus obeyed His earthly parents along with the governmental laws. Even to His death, Jesus obeyed the will of God, His Father. If God required His Divine Son to learn obedience, then God does not and will not understand the disobedience of us living outside of His will and plans for us.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

The prophet Jeremiah tells us of the natural condition of our hearts–deceitful and desperately wicked. We cannot self-evaluate or judge our sinful hearts. Only the Holy, Righteous and Perfect God can search our hearts and reveal our secret sins. God has set righteous standards that all who desire eternal life in heaven must obey without compromise. “…Be Holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

God will judge each person according to His standards. He is the Righteous Judge who determines who will receive the reward of eternal life. Still, we play a significant part in our destiny. The Human Effort required for receiving eternal life in heaven is to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind demonstrated by living faithful and obedient lives on earth, and to love others. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13).

Because we were born into sin and shaped with iniquity, God lovingly gave his only Son, Jesus for our Redemption. Jesus Christ gave His life willingly for us to be redeemed from our plight of sinfulness. So the understanding that God has is we will not intentionally rebel by disobeying and sinning against his laws. Yet, many commit intentional sins because of the Plan of Redemption which provides us with grace and mercy.

The Apostle Paul asks, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?” (Romans 6:1-3 NLT)

The profession of love for God includes humility and surrender. Daily confession, repentance, and praying for God to reveal His will is the lifestyle of a Christian. Making decisions without God’s blessings demonstrates rebellion against His Divine authority. It is easy to fall into sin, the slip of the tongue [using profane words], mistreating others, compromising righteous standards when among unbelievers, speeding down the highway, and having vain and lustful thoughts are sins that we easily overlook. But if our true desire is to spend eternal life in the presence of a Holy God, then we cannot live every day according to our desires or feel no remorse for disobedience.

The church of the Laodiceans in Revelation chapter 3 had grown lukewarm and useless. Their hearts were filled with selfish desires of focusing on wealth and culture. Their love for the carnal, materialistic things of the world kept them from living righteously. Yet, because of Christ’s love, they were given a warning of the consequences of being neither hot nor cold.

There is no middle ground. Living a selfish life of disobedience is rebellion against God. The consequence: “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1).

We have a choice to make. When we choose righteousness, God provides Spiritual Reinforcement. Our Omnipotent God knows that we are involved in the conflict of spiritual warfare every day. We have a Father who has made provisions for humanity: the Spiritual Team of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and guardian angels who never sleep are the Spiritual Warriors who help and fight for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Yet, the human effort of surrender as demonstrated by faithful and obedient hearts, diligent study of the Bible, and much prayer is required for us to receive the Divine Intervention needed to live as Victorious Overcomers. It is only one way for us to obtain our Heavenly reward. By living courageously with a “Do Right” mindset that shuns evil, and a life that boldly proclaims to all, “I love God and I will not compromise!”

Saul, the ruthless killer being transformed into the Apostle Paul is our ultimate example of the power of salvation on the heart that willingly surrenders to Christ.

35-36 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

37 For in just a little while,the Coming One will come and not delay.

38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.

39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. (Hebrews 10:35-39)

Prayer: God, we confess and repent for our disobedience and wayward life. You have given us everything that we need to live righteously. We ask for forgiveness of sinful rebellion. Please cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal Your purpose and calling for our lives. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to recognize sin, and to become faithful and obedient. Yes, we desire eternal life. We love You and ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.

Stop! Do Not Retaliate!

Devotional–Stop! Do Not Retaliate! From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Every day we face spiritual warfare. The conflict with our spouse, children, or coworker, the disappointment of a situation that has gone wrong despite our best efforts, or the unexpected–waking up to a flat tire or sudden illness has many living on the edge. Yet the number one disruption to our peace is the person who intentionally says something to offend us without remorse.

Our societies have declined to the point where morals, values, and the truth are defined according to how a person feels. And to add fuel to the fire, the current worldview is to express exactly what you are thinking. Yes, verbalizing the truth with brutal and razor-sharp delivery is considered a strength. The influencers have promoted and convinced many that speaking the truth according to how one feels provides mental and emotional cleansing. Although the other person may be hurt or offended, the speaker did what they had to, and no apology is necessary.

But inappropriate emotionally charged words reveal the individual’s character defects of the absence of discipline, self-control, and compassion for others. We have progressed to a world environment of anger and hostility. Due to life’s stressors, many are overwhelmed by the constant changes and losses in their personal and professional lives. Despite their best efforts, many are at the breaking point because their lives are out of control, so they hurt others with unkind words.

Unbelievers have worsened and many believers have adopted worldly standards by allowing unholy emotions to replace a Christ-like character.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

In the Holy Scriptures, God has provided righteous standards for believers when we are dealing with the spiritual warfare of conflict with harsh words. First, we must recognize that Satan is tempting us to retaliate and sin with words from our mouths. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

S–Silence is the best option

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). Remember, Jesus used silence with His accusers.

T–Terminate the conversation

God has gifted us with emotions. Yes, vicious words are always hurtful [and will easily stir up anger], especially from family and friends. If the person has escalated, they are not in the right frame to converse with. With face-to-face conflict, turn and walk away. If speaking on cell, texting, or video chatting, respond with “I have to go now, have a blessed day” and disengage the call, texting, or video chatting.

O–Opportunity for reconciliation [or retreat]

The opportunity for reconciliation is only possible if both people have not escalated. Do they show visible signs of being upset? If no, then listen with the intent to resolve the source of the conflict. Offer to pray with the family member or friend before attempting to resolve the conflict. If it is a coworker or stranger, pray a silent prayer.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. (Proverbs 15:1, 7).

Retreat immediately If during the conversation, you feel your emotions escalating or the person speaking begins to escalate, either walk away or if on an electronic device, simply let them know that you are ending the conversation and to have a blessed day. If possible, when both people are calm and rational, make another attempt to resolve all issues using healthy communication. There are also words spoken in anger to end a relationship. If that is the case, then accept their decision and move forward in your healing journey.

P–Pray for Divine Intervention

As a disciple of Christ, we will face spiritual warfare every day. Satan cannot read our minds, but he and his evil angels can observe our outward behaviors. If you harbor a spirit of offense, you will be upset every day of the year. Study and memorize Galatians 5:22-23. The apostle Paul tells us the characteristics [the Fruit of the Spirit] that every believer of the Most-High God is required to possess to receive eternal life. Prayer and humility are our only options against Satan’s deceptions.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13).

S Silence is the best option
T Terminate the conversation
O Opportunity for reconciliation or retreat
P Pray for Divine Intervention

Prayer: Lord, we pray for our hearts to be filled with agape love and to possess the Fruit of the Spirit. We ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, self-control, wisdom, and discernment. In Jesus’ name, we claim the life of a victorious overcomer. Amen.

The Deception of Self-Help

Yesterday, I witnessed to an individual whose life is restarting due to the dissolution of her marriage of 17 years. As we spoke about the Journey of Healing, she began by giving me the names of several authors of self-help books that she read. Due to her own admission of falling away from God when her marriage ended, she no longer prayed or studied the Bible.

“Although, I have followed the advice of the well-known authors, I still do not have peace. Tell me what you did.” I told her the story of Elijah who ran from Queen Jezebel and God’s loving and divine intervention of sending an angel to feed the run-away prophet. Yes, God, Himself spoke to Elijah while he was in the cave of a mountain. Because that’s what our Great, Father God does for those that He has created in His image. He consoles us and gives us peace when our lives are in chaos.

Worldviews tell us to self-validate, read self-help books, listen to transcendental meditation apps, wear jewelry that promotes peace of mind and stability, practice secular meditation, and the list is endless. Every methodology that promises to bring peace and serenity to our inner being–our souls is part of Satan’s deception.

Even so, while witnessing, I never addressed the confidence that many people have in self-help authors. She was aware that after reading many of the do-it-yourself books and practicing their recommended interventions she still did not have peace.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)

Whether we believe in creation or evolution, the fact remains that we were not created to function outside of our spiritual connection to God. The One and Only God who breathed the breath of life into Adam is with whom we have a soul connection that only ends at the cessation of an individual’s life. We are forever connected to God with a spiritual umbilical cord.

God Is the Source of Life and Joy—God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.—Steps to Christ, 77 (1892). Ellen White

Sharing the story of Jesus on the cross, and Him telling the disciple John, “Behold your Mother” emphasizes that Jesus has a special place in His heart for the widows, the abandoned wives, the single mothers, and women who are alone and struggling to live productive lives. Does Jesus care? Yes, He does! And I am a living testimony of our Savior’s Divine Intervention of lovingly guiding me through a 2-year journey of healing.

Witness in a manner that the person feels a personal connection to Christ.

And yes, God loves and cares for all of us–men, women, boys, and girls. Yet, when witnessing we must present God on a personal level that reaches the hurting heart of the individual. Whisper a silent prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you. We always require Divine guidance before we speak and represent the love of Christ to others.

I will never know the outcome of witnessing that God is the source of our lives and only through Him can we have peace, joy, healing, and restoration. Yet, her laughter and expression of “Thank you, for taking the time to help me” proves that hurting people need to know that God is not a distant Father who does not care about us. Taking the time to share my personal experience proves that only Christ can give us a life of hope and restoration.

The importance of studying the Scriptures, praying without ceasing, and sharing our victories does make a difference in someone else’s life. As disciples of Christ, it is our duty to represent Him to those who are unaware that we have a Father who loves us. Someone needs to hear “…I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3), and “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Prayer: God, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask for a heightened awareness of the opportunities to share Your love with others. You are the only One who can give us peace and inner joy. thank You for Your love, grace, and mercies. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus Hears and Answers Every Prayer

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

There is a popular saying, “God didn’t answer your prayer because…” This false concept was started by our arch-enemy, Satan. We do not have a God who listens to some prayers and discards others. Each person regardless of their belief or unbelief in Jesus, if they pray, the Holy Spirit intervenes and takes every prayer to Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor.

The mystery of the Holy Spirit is one that we will never understand. But we don’t have to understand the power of God. All we need is faith and the courage to whisper a prayer in our darkest hours and our deepest distress.

God would never create humanity in His image and leave us to figure out the vicissitudes of life alone. We would be hopeless without the ability to communicate with and receive answers from our loving, prayer-hearing, and prayer-answering God.

“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15

Even though God gave His Son to die for us, many do not understand the love of God, our Heavenly Father. We think that we have to be righteous to come to God. In times of abject sinfulness, deepest sorrow, and when filled with anxieties, and worries, all we have to say is a short and honest prayer. The simple prayer of “God, help me!” has brought comfort to those who had suicidal ideations and has stopped them from taking their lives. Now they are spreading their testimony to help those who are feeling hopeless.

Pray for yourself. We underestimate the power of prayer. Not only do we receive peace and stay connected to God but also receive our daily dose of spiritual strength from praying. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us the discernment to recognize Satan’s targeted warfare against us and the strength to shun temptation.

Pray for others. The role of an Intercessor for others, whether they are believers or unbelievers is a vital function of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to God by breathing whispers of prayer throughout your day.

Prayer: Thank Lord, for the unmerited grace and mercies of a new day. Your Love for us is endless and unequaled. We pray for the wisdom to understand not only Your love but the desire to have an unbroken connection with you every day. Forgive us for the sins that easily flow from a heart filled with selfishness. We pray for cleansing from the bitter fruits of pride, unforgiveness, and lack of love and concern for others. We pray for the brokenhearted and for those who do not know You. We ask for the provisions to help those in need.

God, we ask You to anoint us with the Holy Spirit and reveal our purpose. Jesus, we are forever grateful for your sacrifice that we may live righteously on this present earth and forever in the New Heaven and New Earth in the future. Hear our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen.

Have a Little Talk with Jesus

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

In John chapter 17, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and His future disciples. Jesus is the Source of all life. Prayer is our connection to an all-powerful and loving Savior.

We underestimate the power of prayer, not only to receive peace and stay connected to God but also to receive our daily dose of spiritual strength. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us the discernment to recognize Satan’s targeted warfare against us and the strength to shun temptation. Acting as an Intercessor for others, whether they are believers or unbelievers is a vital role for a disciple of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to God by breathing whispers of prayer throughout your day.

“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15

Prayer: Thank Lord, for the unmerited grace and mercies of a new day. Your Love for us is endless and unequaled. We pray for the wisdom to understand not only Your love but the desire to have an unbroken connection with you every day. Forgive us for the sins that easily flow from a heart filled with selfishness. We pray for cleansing from the bitter fruits of pride, unforgiveness, and lack of love and concern for others. We pray for the brokenhearted and for those who do not know You. We ask for the provisions to help those in need.

Anoint us with the Holy Spirit and reveal our purpose. Yes, Jesus, we are forever grateful for your sacrifice that we may live righteously on this present earth and forever in the New Heaven and New Earth in the future. Hear our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen.