Receiving Abundant Blessings

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies [laws] and seek Him with all their heart. –Psalm 119:1-2

The truth: We are products of our environment. Learned behaviors have a stronghold on the minds of many people.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear someone say, God, blessed me? Material wealth and possessions which are valued above all else have permeated our very existence. Money–the loss of or the effort to increase it drives many to feel desperate, depressed, and hopeless. How many have taken their own lives with millions in their bank accounts? Then we have others who have led a life of performing illegal activities in their pursuit of wealth.

When does the pursuit of happiness attached to wealth end? Our definition of abundance is to have excess. But, if we love material things above God, eventually, we will end up in a lose-lose situation. The loss of peace and hope leads to a life of misery.

The Best Blessings are Peace, Joy, Grace, and Mercies

God created us to have a spiritual connection with Him that remains until we breathe our last breath. Not one of us is exempt from a life-changing event that causes immense grief and despair. Yet, in the midst of trials and sorrows, neither people nor money can console us or give us inner joy and peace. Only God can bless humanity with daily peace, joy, and His grace, and mercies.

The abundant blessings that flow from God’s loving heart are freely given to the heart that is open to receive them. Live the life that God created you to enjoy. Jesus promises to give us all that we need.

Bible Study: Matthew 6, verses 19-24.

Prayer: Thank You, God. Amen.

Sabbath Devotional–A Time of Peace

Devotional—A Time of Peace–From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart. —1 Samuel 13:14

From a shepherd boy who killed lions and bears to becoming a teen giant slayer, David matured into a Warrior King who led armies to victory. Many know that he wrote the book of Psalms, yet, they are not familiar with his life events and reign as king that are documented in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st Chronicles. In studying Chronicles, we find that David’s reign involved continuous wars and victories over enemy nations.

How could David be a man after God’s heart when he intentionally committed adultery and ordered her husband to be placed on the frontline of the battle? Yes, he made errors in judgment by following his heart’s desires. God sent the prophet Nathan with a message to confront David regarding his sins [Read 2 Samuel 12].

For his grievous sin of taking Bathsheba and killing her husband, David received a twofold punishment, the death of their first child, and his life was filled with chaos. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you…” (2 Samuel 12:11).

Once David became king, he also sinned by taking many wives and concubines, bringing abject chaos into his home. Though his enemies sought to take his life, including King Saul, and two of David’s sons—Absalom and Adonijah rebelled against him, God’s righteous hand of protection was upon King Davids’s life. Despite his willful disobedience of following his carnal desires, David repented and found favor with God. The Psalms portray David’s heartfelt love for God.

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” (Psalm 27:7-8)

Nearing the end of his reign, David decided to build the Temple. Like many of us, King David assumed God would approve his plans to build the Temple because he made the human effort of gathering all of the materials [Read 1 Chronicles 29, verses 1-5].

God’s Answer: “Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it.’ But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’” (1 Chronicles 28:2-3)

From the disobedient act of taking Bathsheba as his wife, God forgave David. And from that union, Solomon, the wisest man was born and became King. With the love and mercy that only our Heavenly Father can give, David received this promise:

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” (1 Chronicles 22:9-10).

King David’s command to Solomon: “Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary, be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10).

David’s life represents the lives of many Christian believers who face spiritual, mental, and emotional distress from unexpected life events, chaos in the home amongst family members, and the suffering of consequences from their acts of presumption and disobedience.

We have biblical accounts of the history of humanity’s defeats, disobedience, suffering, and victories. Still, God has shown His abundant love, grace, and mercy to those who followed their hearts. We will always suffer consequences for our disobedience to God. At times, we receive mercy and do not receive the full impact of what we deserve. Yet, we should not take God’s mercy for granted. It is a privilege to serve a God who expects us to be holy because He is Holy.

Sin changes the heart into a rebellious state against God. At that point, we lose the desire to obey God along with our spiritual gifts of peace and contentment. The state of the world in 2022 is the most perilous time in our lives. Staying obedient to God is a covenant vow that brings many benefits. Pray about every decision whether big or small. “Teach me Your way, O Lord…” (Psalm 27:11).

To have God’s Divine protection, provisions, and peace changes the very trajectory of our lives. More than ever, we need God!

Prayer: God, we thank You for protecting us against dangers seen and unseen. Thank you for Your grace and mercies. We pray for forgiveness for following our hearts instead of waiting for Your direction. We ask for Your divine guidance through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.

A Time of Peace

Devotional—A Time of Peace–From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart. —1 Samuel 13:14

From a shepherd boy who killed lions and bears to becoming a teen giant slayer, David matured into a Warrior King who led armies to victory. Many know that he wrote the book of Psalms, yet, they are not familiar with his life events and reign as king that are documented in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st Chronicles. In studying Chronicles, we find that David’s reign involved continuous wars and victories over enemy nations.

How could David be a man after God’s heart when he intentionally committed adultery and ordered her husband to be placed on the frontline of the battle? Yes, he made errors in judgment by following his heart’s desires. God sent the prophet Nathan with a message to confront David regarding his sins [Read 2 Samuel 12].

For his grievous sin of taking Bathsheba and killing her husband, David received a twofold punishment, the death of their first child, and his life was filled with chaos. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you…” (2 Samuel 12:11).

Once David became king, he also sinned by taking many wives and concubines, bringing abject chaos into his home. Though his enemies sought to take his life, including King Saul, and two of David’s sons—Absalom and Adonijah rebelled against him, God’s righteous hand of protection was upon King Davids’s life. Despite his willful disobedience of following his carnal desires, David repented and found favor with God. The Psalms portray David’s heartfelt love for God.

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” (Psalm 27:7-8)

Nearing the end of his reign, David decided to build the Temple. Like many of us, King David assumed God would approve his plans to build the Temple because he made the human effort of gathering all of the materials [Read 1 Chronicles 29, verses 1-5].

God’s Answer: “Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it.’ But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’” (1 Chronicles 28:2-3)

From the disobedient act of taking Bathsheba as his wife, God forgave David. And from that union, Solomon, the wisest man was born and became King. With the love and mercy that only our Heavenly Father can give, David received this promise:

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” (1 Chronicles 22:9-10).

King David’s command to Solomon: “Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary, be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10).

David’s life represents the lives of many Christian believers who face spiritual, mental, and emotional distress from unexpected life events, chaos in the home amongst family members, and the suffering of consequences from their acts of presumption and disobedience.

We have biblical accounts of the history of humanity’s defeats, disobedience, suffering, and victories. Still, God has shown His abundant love, grace, and mercy to those who followed their hearts. We will always suffer consequences for our disobedience to God. At times, we receive mercy and do not receive the full impact of what we deserve. Yet, we should not take God’s mercy for granted. It is a privilege to serve a God who expects us to be holy because He is Holy.

Sin changes the heart into a rebellious state against God. At that point, we lose the desire to obey God along with our spiritual gifts of peace and contentment. The state of the world in 2022 is the most perilous time in our lives. Staying obedient to God is a covenant vow that brings many benefits. Pray about every decision whether big or small. “Teach me Your way, O Lord…” (Psalm 27:11).

To have God’s Divine protection, provisions, and peace changes the very trajectory of our lives. More than ever, we need God!

Prayer: God, we thank You for protecting us against dangers seen and unseen. Thank you for Your grace and mercies. We pray for forgiveness for following our hearts instead of waiting for Your direction. We ask for Your divine guidance through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.

Never Apologize for This One Thing

Devotional–Never Apologize for This One Thing 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.