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Walking with Courage and Determination

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Walking with Courage and Determination

So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

The speaker relayed that her life was in chaos and her marriage was at an endpoint. She could not figure out what the problem was until her best friend took a trip to Israel and gave her a gift. She looked at the small glass globe with a tiny seed inside. “Thank you, but what is it?” “It is a mustard seed.” As soon as she heard it was a mustard seed, the Holy Spirit spoke to her and said this is the amount of faith you must have to believe in God.

For the rest of the story, God caused a whirlwind of change when she ceased focusing on her inability to change their life. Over time, her marriage was restored and she is now a copastor with her husband in a bible-based church.

What is the spiritual meaning of mountains? Mountains represent the obstacles and tests that cause disruption and sorrow in our lives—trials, hardships, sudden illnesses, rejection from others, loss of relationships, marriages, jobs, and repossession of homes, and vehicles. To withstand the life journey of trials and sorrows, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must have faith, courage, and determination.

“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)

Without faith, the impossible remains impossible! Our spiritual journey reflects our relationship with Jesus Christ. Where does faith come from? God has given us a measure [a seed] of faith that requires wholehearted belief in Him. Truthfully, we dread the mountains, but hardships produce continuous spiritual growth.

Faith is believing in God’s ability to deliver us in His timing and move our mountains. Jesus says if our faith is as little as a mustard seed, our mountains will be removed.

Our faith is the catalyst that loosens the stronghold! Yet, it is God’s power that removes the obstacle and brings victory. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea'” (Exodus 14:15-16).

Whether from lack of knowledge or impatience, many believers give up [lose faith] when their obstacles are not removed immediately. God’s thoughts and ways are higher [read Isaiah 55:8-9], therefore, we cannot determine when we will receive Divine intervention. Yet, we can remain confident that God has heard our cry for help.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

It takes courage to have blind faith! God designed us with limitations, we cannot see beyond the given day. In our weaknesses, Jesus gives us the strength to move forward in an unknown future. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Unwavering faith and trust in God give us the determination to keep going. Every day, tell yourself, I don’t know how God’s going to do it, but His promises are “Yes” to which I say Amen!

How will we get to the other side of victory? Do not attempt to figure out how God will provide and resolve your tribulations. Pray and believe! “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). Put God first! To hear God’s voice, we must reduce the world’s noise. Every day, separate yourself, go into your secret closet and pray for strength and ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

God is preparing us for a time of great tribulation. Our faith cannot stay the size of a mustard seed. God requires steadfast faith that grows to the point that nothing shakes our faith and confidence in Him. Reflect on your past victories. It was God who brought you through the impossible. Despite the size and number of mountains, we are victorious overcomers when we walk with the courage and determination to trust in God.

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Give us the strength as we move forward with the determination to live faithful and courageously, In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Jesus’ Benevolent Heart

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Jesus’ Benevolent Heart 

The word benevolence is rarely used in modern society. If you are under the age of 50 then you may have never heard the word. Although there are various definitions for benevolence, we are referring to the biblical definition of having the disposition to do good. The disposition [natural tendency] to do good is not based on acts of kindness. Benevolence is one of the character traits of the Fruit of the Spirit. The individual has a good heart regardless of the circumstances. The benevolent heart seeks to please God and do good for others.

Our role model is Jesus Christ. His divine nature is to please God as evidenced by never-ceasing goodness. Throughout the Bible, Jesus’ nature is revealed to humanity. It was Jesus who created the world and human beings. “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

Is Jesus also God? Bible theologians agree that Hebrews chapter 1 describes the coronation of Jesus in heaven and gives us evidence that God the Father called Jesus, God, and that Jesus is the Creator.

But to the Son, He says, Your throne, O God is forever and ever, A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions [the angels]. You, LORD, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands… (Hebrews 1:8-10)

Jesus’ benevolent heart is evidenced by His heavenly role of Intercessor [High Priest] for humanity. The splendor of this earth and the cosmic beauty of the universe proclaim His goodness! Yet, Jesus’ most incredible creation is human beings who are made in His image. In Psalm 139, verse 14, King David says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” 

Jesus performed countless miracles from heaven [documented in the Old Testament] before He was born on earth and grew into manhood. We are also privileged to study His earthly life in the New Testament. Jesus’ benevolent heart is demonstrated by the numerous, compassionate miracles of healing and feeding the hungry].

Yet, John, the disciple that Jesus loved [because John desired to have the character of Christ] records in John chapter 21, verse 25, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen” (John 21:25).

And we delight in reading the release of Paul and Silas who sang and their chains fell off. An angel was sent to release Peter from jail and the Apostle John [who Jesus loved] was boiled in oil but suffered no burns and was saved from death.

From Jesus’ benevolent heart love, grace, and mercy flow abundantly for us–His sons and daughters who He died for. What about us? Do we have benevolent hearts?

There are three things that we will be judged on:

1. Did we have a relationship with 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). 
2. Did we strive to have the character of Christ? “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “Because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
3. Did we love God and others as evidenced by our benevolent heart? “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

Although Merriam-Webster dictionary defines benevolence as “acts of kindness” the biblical meaning of benevolence is having the spiritual character trait of goodness. As Christians, God expects us to be Christ-like in our character, thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Our Heavenly Father is aware that we cannot change without Divine Intervention.

Sanctification is continuous spiritual growth that can only be achieved by the daily anointing of the Holy Spirit. The human effort of prayer, studying of the Scriptures, faith, trust, and obedience to God places us in the posture of humility to receive the Divine power required for spiritual transformation. To possess the Fruit of the Spirit is to possess a benevolent heart.

Prayer: God, we commit ourselves to You and ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to empower us to have a benevolent heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Journey Includes Detours

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Journey Includes Detours

I can recall traveling a familiar route to make a weekly patient visit. The main road went through a residential area that was always busy, but this morning was unusual, traffic was at a standstill. Was there an accident? Only a couple of miles remained from my point of reference to the patient’s home. And then I saw the huge sign with bright orange letters, DETOUR, with an arrow pointing to the left.

When I turned left into the residential area, it was like a maze. My emotions tried to surface, but I focused on the cars ahead of me. They were not driving slowly from panic. No, with confidence, they kept driving and I followed, hoping they would lead me to the main road. After a 10-minute journey with countless twists and turns, I saw the familiar road. Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked and realized that I was only one turn from my final destination.

Our journey is filled with many unexpected detours. When facing the sudden onset of illness, financial disaster, family issues, failed relationships, dissolution of marriage, and even death, the normal processes that we depend on fail to bring resolution. Even with careful planning and the use of proven strategies that keep our lives stable, the vicissitudes of life arise which cause us to stop and seek outside help.

Our success depends on whom we call for help. Yes, we can ask family and friends, but only after we have taken our challenges to God first. Only Divine Intervention can provide Divine Resolution.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation [trials, sorrows, and hardships], but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

As long as we travel this earthly journey, the detours will continue. Yet, when we call on the name of Jesus in times of distress, God promises us that He will answer and provide hope, healing, and a victorious outcome.

Prayer: God, we desperately need Your help to continue on the Path of Righteousness. Jesus, the detours are overwhelming. We cast our cares and burdens on You. Lord and Savior, we love You. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Your Worthy name, we pray. Amen. 

In Our Lifetime

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification–In Our Lifetime

The speaker, Pastor John Lomacang asked, “Have you considered that Jesus may come in your lifetime?” Truthfully, my answer was no. To say the question is thought-provoking is most likely an understatement.

We believe Jesus’ encouraging words in John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

And we are aware of Jesus’ promise, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). Yet, many Christians are not actively preparing for the soon coming of Jesus.

The second extremely personal question “Are you ready for Jesus to come?” is answered by God. Our Creator knows that the majority of believers are not ready. God’s love, grace, mercy, and longsuffering is the reason that He has delayed the Second Coming of Jesus. Yet, the Apostle Peter warns us of our disbelief in Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I come quickly” as evidenced by our lax behaviors and absence of a steadfast relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The Day of the Lord is Coming!

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From, before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.'” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for taking Your love, grace, and mercy for granted. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor born April 21, 1926, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022.

Many things can be said of the Queen. But most importantly were her character traits of love, loyalty, conviction, dignity, and strength. Yet, her learned trait of humility often goes unnoticed. It was not public pressure that forced Queen Elizabeth to acquiesce to the public’s outcry of her silence regarding Princess Diana’s death in 1997. The learned behavior of stoicism is still considered a strength in many cultures and does not waver because of varying situations. 

Queen Elizabeth’s heart response was demonstrated by breaching the monarchy’s protocol not once, but three times. Yet her greatest act of humility occurred when, “The next day, the day of the funeral, came the biggest breach of protocol of them all. The queen stood with her family, and as Diana’s funeral cortege passed by, she bowed her head. It was not a quick bow, nor a shallow one. The woman accustomed to being bowed by the world now lowered her head and humbly honored the princess.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/09/10/queen-elizabeth-princess-diana-funeral/

Criticism of the Queen arose in the latter years of her reign because she failed to apologize for the past injustices including slavery and Colonialism, and the present social issue of racism in the UK. Whether we agree or not, she remained focused and steadfast as a leader for 70 years. Queen Elizabeth’s wisdom was not fueled by emotions. Reality caused her to realize that she could not eradicate racism or give financial reparation for past atrocities.

Before we throw stones, we must ask ourselves, “What is my current role in Social Activism?” Are we contributing to the rise of “isms?” Our passiveness or distancing ourselves from the current social injustices clearly reveals that we do not care about others or global issues.

Before we demand an apology, “How many of us are holding on to past hurts from individuals [deceased and living] because they never apologized?” In fact, most people who received an apology are still harboring hatred in their hearts for those who caused them harm. The intentional act of forgiveness [without receiving an apology] provides one with mental and emotional freedom, and the motivation, strength, and perseverance to move forward, resulting in a peaceful and productive life. Our future outlook is dependent on our logic or our uncontrolled emotions.

Although the Elizabethan Era ended on September 8, 2022, and has left feelings of ambivalence among many people, Queen Elizabeth II deserves respect for her undaunting leadership. Yet, we must never forget that the royal family has lost their Queen Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The staff who diligently served the Queen, the people of the UK, and those who loved and respected her tireless perseverance are also grieving.

And our hearts must allow overwhelming compassion for King Charles II, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Yes, many of us will miss the resilience and dignity of a deeply loved Queen. 

Edited to include the names of the Queen’s four children.

Sonya Johnson 09/12/2022