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

What is the Most Important Thing in Your Life?

Sabbath Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–What is the Most Important Thing in Your Life?

“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

A relationship with Christ is the most crucial aspect of a believer’s life. Our covenant vow to become a follower [disciple] of Jesus is demonstrated through the daily surrendering of our desires. Jesus gave us a complete explanation of the requirement to follow Him: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” (Matthew 22:37).

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

We give up independent thought processes and desires by praying daily, “God, not my will, but Your will be done in my life. Holy Spirit, today, I ask for guidance, wisdom, and discernment to recognize distractions from warfare. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Give us this day, our daily bread. Wisdom and discernment are spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit which require us to ask for them daily. We build a relationship with Christ through diligent prayer and by studying the Scriptures. Worship provides us with the spiritual nourishment and strength we need to stay connected to God. And our hearts are prepared to hear the Voice of God through the Holy Spirit.

“Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (Romans 12:3, last part)

All have received the gift of faith. We can compare it to a seed. Faith is a gift that needs to be cultivated and nurtured to produce growth. Our faith grows from completely trusting in God’s promises despite the giants that we face. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

We fight the battle of trusting our judgment versus having faith in the invisible God. Feeling that we have to act instead of praying and trusting in God places us in the predicament of our will versus God’s will. Many have given up because it’s too hard to wait, trust, and obey. Yet, without faith, we can never have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Faith gives us hope and proclaims that we believe that God knows best, that He never fails, and will provide the perfect solution. Even if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we open our hearts to receive Divine Intervention. Yet, faith has no gray area or middle ground. Either we are all in or completely out.

All relationships require trust including Jesus plus us. Whether it is a miracle, the solution to a hardship, or pursuing a dream, our faith enables us to wait on God. The struggle happens when we allow our fears to override God’s plans. Even if we do not know God’s will for our lives, we pray, ask, and wait. “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Waiting produces thriving faith, yet, it also requires courage. The waiting period proves if we are really connected to Jesus. Many become discouraged during the silent phase of waiting. Satan uses this time to place doubt in our minds. Has God forgotten my prayer? Where is the miracle? If God doesn’t do something quickly, then…, or we begin to compare ourselves to our peers–everyone else has achieved their dreams, why am I the only one who has nothing?

We usually think of someone performing a life-saving action as courageous. Faith requires all the mental, emotional, and spiritual strength we possess to have 100% trust in God. Our relationship with Jesus is based on our faith that is fueled by courage. Come to Jesus just as you are–He is aware of the little we offer. But little becomes much in the Master’s hands.

Jesus patiently teaches us how to exercise the courage that produces unrealistic faith in Him. Our love relationship with Jesus is based on the human effort of faith. When our faith begins to waver, we need to immediately pray and reinforce our faith with the promises of God. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

Being determined in our efforts, and keeping our relationship with Jesus is always our priority. With Divine authority, every day, Jesus takes our frail weaknesses uniting them with His strength and we receive the spiritual empowerment to persevere and run the race in this earthly journey of life.

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We need Your direction and the strength to keep striving despite our obstacles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.