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Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—They Must Know!

The man, mid-forties told his testimony using a deep and solemn tone prompting one to think it would be a story involving death. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan [USA] in their home God was only recognized as the God who lived above the sky in the heavens. When he was 27, he asked a friend, “How does a person become a Christian?” The reply was, “Read the entire Bible, then you’re a Christian.”

Immediately his eyes shifted from the audience to look at the Bible in his hand. For 36 days, he studied the Bible searching for the answer to achieving the spiritual transformation to become a Christian. It wasn’t until he read the Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that he read about Jesus, the Son of God. The look of shame and embarrassment was on his face, “How could I have made it to my mid-twenties and never heard of Jesus Christ? And by the way, studying the Bible is not enough, you have to have a heart relationship with Christ to be a Christian.”

An overwhelming wave of sadness chilled my inner being as I thought about his question of never knowing that Jesus existed. It doesn’t seem logical that in a country with “In God, we trust” printed on our currency, many still do not know about Jesus, the Son of God. We could have an intellectual conversation about the many social and economic factors that prevent people from knowing that Jesus exists, yet, that would be a waste of valuable time.

My thoughts immediately went to Matthew 25:31-46. The parable of the sheep and goats represents two groups of believers. Both groups were followers and disciples of Christ, but only the sheep were faithful and obedient to Jesus’ commands to witness, make disciples and help those in need. I prayed and asked God to forgive me for the wasted time when I could have shared the Plan of Salvation, but was distracted, intent on pursuing my desires.

Our Christian Predecessors: In Hebrews chapter 11, we read of the many attempts that were made to eliminate Christianity. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance…others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted., were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented… (Hebrews 11:35-37). Even so, Christianity grew rapidly and the early churches were started.

How many children and adults who live throughout the world have never heard of Jesus? Who will tell them?

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for not sharing the Gospel of Jesus and His great sacrifice that redeems humanity from sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Walls of Jericho

In Joshua chapter 6, God gives Joshua the leader of the Nation of Israel specific instructions on overtaking Jericho. “Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in” (Joshua 6:1). Although the people feared Israel, they placed their confidence in a fortress of high walls surrounding the city.

“But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.” (Joshua 6:2)

It was Joshua’s faith and strict obedience to God that brought Israel victory over a people who felt they were unstoppable because of their wall. God did not give Joshua the details of how they would get beyond the wall to defeat their enemies. He gave marching orders! Nor was there any hesitation from Joshua, the priests, and the soldiers in following God’s command to march around the city one time on six consecutive days. On the dawn of the seventh day, marching seven times, blowing trumpets, and shouting a great shout [verse 20] is when our Warrior God caused  “the wall to fall down flat.”

Like the Israelites, we will be given the fiery trial that places us in front of an impenetrable spiritual wall. Either we choose God and obey His specific instructions or like Achan who disobeyed by taking a garment, silver pieces, and gold [Joshua 8:21], we make sinful decisions by giving into our desires. Joshua chapter 8 describes the punishment for Achan taking spoils from the war and burying them in His tent. Though we may view the destruction of Achan and his family as harsh, disobedience is a heinous act and willful rebellion against God.

Many believers who love God cannot fully surrender because of one obstacle. Acts of disobedience–the unequally yoked relationship, secret worldly habits, never witnessing to others, and not giving tithe and offerings hinder them from fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for their lives. Sadly, these Christians rationalize their failure to obey by counting their works, Bible study, praying, attending church, and occasionally helping others as pleasing to God.

Yet, God extends His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit gives us warnings when we are outside of the will of God. The Righteous Red Flags alert us of our sinful condition. We cannot judge ourselves. Fulfilling the desires of our carnal nature always result in compromise and disobedience. As time passes, we become desensitized to the sin of disobeying God. When we can habitually sin and not feel remorse, we lose the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives and God turns us over to a reprobate mind.

Obedience to God is a decision that reveals our love, humility, and reverence for the Omnipotent Creator. Not only does God cause our walls of tribulations to fall, but He has promised to guide us every day on the Path of Righteousness. The reward of eternal life is only for the faithful. Pray daily to follow the will of God. Surrendering to God will always lead us to victorious outcomes.

Prayer: God, we ask You to search our hearts and reveal any obstacles that prevent us from being obedient. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Living Our Best Life

Three questions reveal a person’s character, morals, and values.

1. Who is God?
2. Define Love.
3. How can you live your best life?

What is interesting about this set of questions is the answers will vary and be as unique as our fingerprints. The onset of mental maturity causes us to change our preferences, which is normal. The things we enjoyed at the age of 10 [exception is food preferences] are usually not the same in adulthood.

Let’s focus on “How can you live your best life?” With five senses, we gather sensory information that feeds our heart’s desires. And for most people their desires require money. Emotional immaturity [and greed] propels us to seek and value the things that are pleasure-based and bought with money. We associate having tangible things with giving us our best life.

In simple terms, if we can buy it, then we are living our best life. It is not surprising that most people living in developed countries agree that having wealth is the answer to living one’s best life. The surprise: “The U.S. has the highest suicide rate of any wealthy nation. Suicides account for 14 deaths per 100,000 people in the U.S.” https://www.commonwealthfund.org/press-release/2020/new-international-report-health-care-us-suicide-rate-highest-among-wealthy

A documentary on people living in a rural mountainous area of Nepal revealed their answers to living one’s best life. Yes, their lives are hard, but loving relationships with family and friends, respect, shelter, clothing, and the ability to provide for themselves produce the greatest appreciation of life. From our perspective, they are living in poverty. Yet, when we hear the laughter, see plentiful organic vegetable gardens growing in pesticide-free soil, love for the farm animals who provide necessary resources, and peaceful coexistence among family, it reveals that we are living in poverty. You will not find strife, dissatisfaction, or complaining. Depression, anxiety, and worries are non-existent, and their hearts are filled with love and gratitude.

Sadly, asking believers [who are the body of Christ] those three questions will also reveal many conflicting answers. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Many Christians have adopted the prosperity worldview. Sermons focusing on alleviating mental and emotional instability supersede sermons on the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. The root of the problem, we are striving to give ourselves the best life.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Abundant life includes love, peace, joy, and happiness given freely by Jesus Christ. We place ourselves in a spiritual dilemma of faithlessness and disobedience by pursuing our best life. Yes, God has given us the ability to dream, yet our pursuits must align with His will and plans for us to receive His blessing. The priority of having a thriving relationship with Jesus allows us to receive our best life now and for eternity.

Prayer: God, we are distracted by money and the pleasures of this life. Please open our eyes to spiritually discern and obey Your plans for our best life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—God’s Sovereign Power

To whom then will you compare God? Isaiah 40:18

Isaiah says, The Lord has no equal. Yet, our continual struggle is relinquishing control to learn God’s will for our lives. Instead of saying yes to God, we desire to know the details of how and when. From His perfect love, God has given us free will. The results in our lives depend on whether we use our freedom to build or to destroy by the choice we make every day.

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

Surrender and obedience allow us to understand God’s overwhelming love and to know our divine purpose. The righteous receive the blessings of abundant life now and in the future—eternal life. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives keeps us connected to His great love and power.

God has a perfect and complete plan for each of us that will come to fruition on condition. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Obedience is the requirement for receiving God’s blessings.

Faith, trust, and obedience place us in a posture of humility to receive power from the Holy Spirit. Our selfish nature is eliminated as we receive supernatural guidance and strength. God requires the human effort of striving daily to have a relationship with Him.

Prayer and study of the Scriptures give us the knowledge and wisdom to keep us in total alignment with His will. Love for God results in surrender! The prayer of not my will is the catalyst for receiving an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We receive His power that allows us to live as victorious overcomers! As we are transformed into the likeness of Christ spiritual growth is evidenced by our changed priorities and lifestyles.

Jesus warned us that life includes trials and sorrows. Redirecting our focus on this one concept, “This is Our Father’s World,” builds our confidence and courage. We faithfully trust and obey God because in humility we acknowledge that the creation can never be greater than the Creator. Nothing happens in this world or our lives without God’s knowledge and consent.

Yes, we live in an environment of increased wickedness, chaos, and confusion that results from using our free will against God. Still, never forget this is our Father’s world! Through the Scriptures, Jesus has given us many encouraging promises. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can have an abundant life of joy and peace while being covered by the blanket of His love and sovereignty. Be blessed. Praise God! Amen.

Bible study: Isaiah 40

Prayer: God, we thank You for your abundant love. We bow in humility to Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Importance of the Community of Believers

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

If you support the common view of “it’s okay to be alone, you do not need anyone else to validate you,” ask a school-age child or teenager how it feels to be excluded from their peers.

The Apostle Paul strongly supports the bonding of believers and not forsaking the assembling of ourselves.

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, immediately, we are spiritually separated from unbelievers. Our thoughts and goals are no longer self-centered, they are God-centered. Through prayer, we begin to diligently seek God and study the Scriptures. The anointing of the Holy Spirit transforms us into loyal, committed, faithful, and obedient disciples of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Bible, the Israelites were instructed to, “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you…” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Unless we are witnessing, the situation of mixed company—you the believer socializing with unbelievers results in your compromise of godly righteousness.

Becoming like Christ can cause dissension, even on minor issues with our family and friends. Many Christians have been accused of thinking that we are better than others. Yes, our mindset will change—we will not agree with or live by worldviews. From a spiritual perspective, God’s expectation is that we possess the character of Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence that Divine power is transforming us. In our daily struggle, we realize that it also requires human effort to achieve spiritual growth and development and to be in alignment with God’s standards— “Be Holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

God’s original plan was for us to have a strong bond with other believers. To worship together in the church, pray for and with others and socialize in fun activities creates a nurturing family of God who readily provides love, strength, and support during good times and in hardships.

Does the Christian life include separation and solitude? Yes! “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

There may come a time in which God will separate you from the body of believers to fulfill His plans for your life.

If God has placed you in a season of solitude, do not become discouraged. This is your time of preparation. The Holy Spirit will reveal your purpose–your spiritual gift, and the method by which you will witness to others. God eliminates the distractions and busyness to increase your time with Him and bring His plans to fruition. Hearing God’s still, small voice requires quiet meditation in your secret closet [Matthew 6:6]. At the right time, the Holy Spirit will guide you to a body of believers.

Self-induced Separation: Have you left the church, vowing never to return? Church hurt is often used as a reason to forsake attending church. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44). Pray for and forgive the people who have hurt you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal another church with a loving family of believers. Yet, there are no perfect people or churches.

Remember, that everyone is a work in progress [including yourself]. Always possess a loving heart.  Sanctification takes a lifetime. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8). As we receive grace, we must also extend grace to others.

Prayer: God, we pray for the body of believers that we may love and readily forgive each other. Help us to fulfill our responsibility of providing comfort and assistance to those who are struggling spiritually, financially, and emotionally in the family of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Protecting Your Valuables

Make a list of the five most valuable things in your life. Next, remove three on the list, which leaves you with only two of the things that you love and value. Now review your list. How many things on the list were people or tangible possessions?

In Luke chapter 18, Jesus tells us about the rich, young ruler. This young man accepted Jesus as the Messiah and was ready to follow Him. Yet, his readiness was from his perspective. As he prepared to meet with Jesus, imagine that he turned to look at his home, clothing, and wealth before opening the door to leave. Yes, overwhelming happiness and satisfaction filled his mind. With determination, he walked in haste to present himself to Jesus.

The Great Disappointment: “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'” (Luke 18:22)

1. We cannot serve God and love wealth.
2. We are unable to judge our true spiritual status.
3. God determines the conditions of our sacrifice.

God’s Promise: “So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” (Luke 18:29-30)

Jesus tells us that God is first! The most valuable thing we have is our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. No individual or tangible possession can supersede God. Even Jesus learned obedience when He came to earth as a human. Are you 100% certain that your priorities [valuables] are in alignment with God’s will?

We are disciples with a responsibility to witness every day. Share the Gospel of Jesus with those who will listen—”Jesus is our Savior who loves you.  With confession and repentance of your sins, believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Pray often, and ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Study the Bible every day. If faithful and obedient, He will give you eternal life.”

The Plan of Salvation is not complicated because little children understand, accept, love, and obey Jesus. When we do our part to tell others, the Holy Spirit will manifest His transforming power daily [this is Sanctification] in the person who accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.

Practical ways of showing the love of Jesus: Saying good morning with a smile can brighten someone’s day. Do we know of elderly persons who could use a home-cooked meal or help with house cleaning? Sharing our abundance to purchase food, water, and clothing for those in need is our life-long responsibility. Study Matthew 25:31-46.

“And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)

Pray and ask God to reveal the people or possessions that you are placing before Him. To receive eternal life, we live to Put God First!

Prayer: God, we ask you to reveal the obstacles that are preventing our relationship with Jesus from being number one in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Committed to Serve God and Others

Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–The Promises of a Loving God

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. (2 Peter 1:3‭-‬4 NLT)

With a loving heart, God makes many promises to His righteous ones who are precious in His sight. To receive the gift of His Son, Jesus dying for us is a testimony reflecting a love that we can never understand. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we receive the assurance of God’s love, forgiveness, and the power to live holy.

Even when facing the toughest trials and sorrows, we can have faith and confidence that Divine Help is always available from our Spiritual Team. Jesus is tenderly watching over us. He continues to manifest His love for humanity by serving as our Heavenly Intercessor. And the Holy Spirit has the supernatural power to comfort, teach, and guide all believers without limits.

King David tells us, “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go” (Psalms 91:11). God’s promises include protection from physical harm and spiritual warfare.

In humility, we can boldly and reverently approach God in prayer. Although God is aware of our needs and circumstances, Jesus tells us we must ask [for anything in His name] by earnestly petitioning the throne of grace in prayer.

God always answers our prayers. Our part is to, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

We stay connected to Jesus through our faith, which allows us to receive God’s Divine Intervention 24/7 from our Teacher and Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

In this three-part Devotional Reading, we will explore many of God’s promises. Be blessed and be a blessing to others.

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your never-ending love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Traveling in the Right Direction

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. (Psalms 25:4‭-‬5 NLT)

In 2021, God instructed me to leave Texas and move to a city in Florida 1400 miles away from everything and everyone that I was familiar with. Yes, I have been asked how did you know that it was God speaking to you. Because when His plan unfolded supernatural miracles happened that no human could accomplish. Still, I had to pray daily for the Holy Spirit to give me understanding and then obey His Divine Will.

The Holy Spirit revealed all of the steps of preparation for a trip that I would take alone. Although I would use a GPS, the Holy Spirit instructed me to print the directions. Thankfully, I obeyed because the rainy season was in full force during the 4 days that I traveled. There was no GPS signal during the torrential downpours. Many times, I had to drive through the storm, but I kept going—driving slowly with flashers on, eventually, I reached the clear and sunny skies in Florida.

Throughout the Psalms, David asked for God to show him the right path. And King Solomon, his son also tells us, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9).

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

Throughout the Scriptures, God reminds us that our lives are not our own. Even so, Satan has introduced the false doctrine of presumption. Trending among Christian Believers is to make plans and present those plans to God. Many sermons include the premise of courageously stepping out in faith and God will bless your plans.

Presumption: Behavior perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

What does God say about presumption? “And all the people shall hear and fear [reverence] and not act presumptuously again.” (Deuteronomy 17:13)

The estimated number of Israelites who God emancipated from Egyptian slavery was 600,000 plus. An eleven-day journey turned into 40 years due to irreverence, presumption, and abject disobedience. But even more disturbing, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam along with every person from the age of 20 and above died without receiving God’s promise. Exception: Joshua and Caleb entered Canaan.

“The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness…from twenty years old and above. Except for Caleb…and Joshua…you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in.” (Numbers 14:29-30)

Perform a spiritual self-evaluation: “Are there any decisions that I have made or thinking of making that God has not approved and blessed?” We can pray, study the Scriptures and attend church every week, yet, our attempts to satisfy our heart’s desires place us in rebellion against God. 

Prayer: God, please reveal any presumptuous sins that would keep us from receiving our reward of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15