If God so clothes the grass of the field…, will He not much more clothe you…? —Matthew 6:30
“Consider the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere. Jesus said if we would obey the life of God within us, He would look after all other things. Did Jesus Christ lie to us? Are we experiencing the “much more” He promised?
Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. It is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process. Am I continually separating myself and looking to God every day of my life?
Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put our faith and trust in you. We consecrate our lives by giving you our hearts. We ask for forgiveness and anointing on our lives as we consecrate ourselves to you today. In Jesus’ Worthy Name. Amen.
We excitedly praise and thank God for His blessings upon our lives. Yes, God’s never-ending grace and mercies are reasons to rejoice. But how do we react to the hardships and sorrows of life? There are two groups of believers, those who strive to faithfully obey God, enduring trials and sorrows, and those who are fretful, impatient, following their inclinations, and always asking God for help out of their dilemmas [that are really the fiery trials required for spiritual transformation].
The behaviors of the second group indicate they do not understand the spiritual journey nor comprehend that God’s grace and mercy are not to be taken for granted. The Israelites freed from enslavement represent the second group of believers who acknowledge God but desire a life filled with ease and blessings.
Traveling back in time, let’s enter the life of the freed Israelites in their Wilderness of Despair. “on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” (Exodus 16:1-2). These are the people who God delivered from the Egyptians, parted the Red Sea, and destroyed their enemies who pursued them.
The next chapter, Numbers, reveals their ongoing complaints. “So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:1-2).
Returning to the book of Exodus, in chapter 33, we read the dialogue between God and Moses. God demonstrates that He is fed up with the ungrateful, murmuring Israelites. “For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the children of Israel, You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’ “(Exodus 33:5).
Still, Moses was a loving and dedicated leader and intercessor for the “stiff-necked” people who possessed a rebellious and ungrateful spirit. “Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.” (Exodus 33:7). He did this to establish a “tabernacle of meeting” where he talked to God on behalf of the people.
God showed love and favor to Moses for his faithful dedication. Although we read about other individuals who talked with God in Genesis, none can compare to Moses’ numerous one-to-one encounters with God. “So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11). In reading verses 12-17, we become familiar with how Moses petitioned God, “…consider that this nation is Your people.” (verse 13, last part).
Because of their fearless leader, God changes His original promise to remove His presence from Israel. “And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14). Prayerfully, we gain a different perspective of God’s gifts of grace and mercy to the generations of disobedient complainers.
Fast forward to today’s believers, we express our discontent in various ways. A few verbally complain about their fiery trials, but most are anxious, worried, depressed, or have internal anger against God. We seek happiness and ease over the promised gift of Eternal life, which requires hardships. The journey has been extended, Jesus has not come, and many have lost their focus.
Moses could have asked God to make their journey easier by taking their trials away in the meeting with God. But Moses loved God with all of his heart, soul, and mind. And this, God, knew that he had 100% of Moses’ heart. It was through humility that Moses asked:
“And he said, ‘Please show me Your glory.'” (Exodus 33:18).
God’s response: “Then He said, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.’ “”But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.’ “(Exodus 33:19-20).
Sadly, we know of the complainer’s endless wandering of 40 years without receiving their reward of the Promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb from the original generation of freed Israelites were allowed into the Promised Land. Everyone else received God’s just punishment of death.
Today, as we reflect on the greatness of God, His love, long-suffering, grace, and mercies, in humility, we can ask for God to show us His glory. We are not asking for a face-to-face encounter. We are praying for the glory of His goodness, graciousness, and compassion to permeate our hearts. And in return, we dedicate our lives in faithful obedience and service to our Creator God, Jesus Christ, King of King, and Lord of Lords.
So Elijah went and found Elisha, son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders, and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19 NLT)
When Elijah ran for his life because Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him [Read 1 Kings chapter 18], God had an action plan to prevent the Queen’s desire from being fulfilled. Not only did God send an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness, but the food that he ate also sustained him for 40 days. Yet, God was not finished with His miraculous plan. 1 Kings 19, verses 15-17 directs Elijah to anoint two kings and Elisha as the prophet to succeed Elijah.
King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were wicked–building many idols. Due to fear of execution, many Israelites turned to idol worship, which was at an all-time high. Even Elijah was convinced that he was the only person who served the one true God. Many believers are convinced that they are the only ones suffering severe trials and sorrows. Looking at our circumstances, we begin to sink into despair. God is aware that our human hearts are frail. Even so, God always has a rescue plan for those who love and serve Him.
“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)
Elisha’s Call: “…and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.” (1 Kings 19:19, first part)
Elisha’s Response: “Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, ‘First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!'” (1 Kings 19:19)
Elijah’s Answer: “Elijah replied, ‘Go back, but think about what I have done to you.'” (1 Kings 19:19, last part)
Serving God always includes spiritual responsibilities. Every person who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is called and anointed to witness the Good News of Salvation. Matthew 28:18-20, The Great Commission identifies that we are Jesus’ disciples. All disciples have received spiritual gifts according to God’s plan. Even in a raging pandemic, God has provided technology to advance His message of Redemption and Salvation. Using our social media pages to post a daily Scripture takes little effort, yet, it builds our relationship with Jesus because it requires us to pray and study the Bible.
Still, the question remains, “When God calls, how will we answer?”
Prayer: God, we ask that You reveal our spiritual gifts that we may live a purpose-driven life and hasten the Second Coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7
A baby is born with the ability to thrive. In fact, the first twelve months produce an accelerated rate of growth and development. The only fear that develops is the innate “stranger danger” between six and nine months. Many children are exposed to counterproductive stimuli during maturity which prevents healthy spiritual, mental, and emotional development. The unhealthy atmosphere of a home void of love produces fear, unhappiness, and the failure to thrive.
Let me tell you a personal story. Many years ago, we had the privilege of our three grandchildren, ages 4, 6, and 9, living with us for one year. They were fearful, had insomnia, and constantly argued with each other. One day, I watched a few of their programs and was shocked at the physical violence and derogatory words in a children’s anime. We met to discuss a simple but effective performance improvement plan the next day.
We did a store run to purchase crayons, coloring books, scissors, markers, glue, construction paper, children’s books, balls, dolls, and containers of blowing bubbles. Since I had an extra laptop, they were taught the simple basics of navigating to Youtube to watch nonviolent programs. But their favorite activities were learning to swim and visiting the park to run and play. The complex had a pond with ducks where they lost their fear of animals by feeding them bread scraps. Watching and playing with electronic gadgets had a limit of two hours a day.
The change was immediate. Two of the children possessed an advanced level of artistic drawing. Spats and bickering became nonexistent, except for the struggle over specific colors of pencils, markers, and crayons. Yes, I could have purchased separate drawing utensils, but they needed to learn the values of cooperation and sharing. The refrigerator was covered with their art. Daily simple tasks were given to teach and assist their young minds in understanding gratification from a job well done. The reward of receiving hugs, kisses, and frequently hearing “I love you” changed little warriors into happy and loving children who respected each other.
Now, we focus on refuting the belief that our past defines our present and future. Your childhood determines your adult life because you do not know who God is. He is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnibenevolent, and our loving Heavenly Father.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7. Focusing on our limited abilities [because God gave us a finite mind] prevents spiritual, mental, and emotional growth.
1 Timothy 1:7 is a scripture that reminds us of the innate qualities that God created us with. A sound mind requires ongoing learning by seeking credible knowledge, discovering and developing your natural talents, and learning new skills. Biblical knowledge from studying the scriptures results in faith, trust, and confidence that God is in control. Power is courage! We are not afraid of life or the challenges that we face.
Satan desires to minimize God’s power and attempts to deceive us to believe that he is all-powerful. In reading Job chapter 1, it is evident that our archenemy has God-given limits: “‘All right, you may test him,’ the Lord said to Satan. ‘Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.’ So Satan left the Lord’s presence.” Job 1:12.
Just a side note: God can destroy Satan now if He desires. And Satan is aware of this and functions inside of God’s boundaries. Satan obeys God’s limits, yet the human beings created in God’s image have the irreverence and boldness fed from pride to openly and continuously disobey our Creator.
The Apostle Paul was young Timothy’s spiritual mentor. In 1 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds and reprimands his protege for the fear he possessed, afraid to suffer for Jesus.
Fear is like a tornado producing destruction in all areas of our lives. Fear’s bitter, rotten fruits are anxiety, worry, nervousness, timidness, depression, sadness, and pessimistic thoughts. Fear impedes progress! Do not embrace this destructive emotion that is based on nonexistent realities!
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” “Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
Created from God’s Ultimate Love, we were born with everything required to live productive, happy lives. God is aware of the dysfunction that sin causes in our maturity from children to adults. How is retraining our minds and leaving the past behind possible? With God, ALL things are possible!
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now, it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.….” Isaiah 43:18-19
Learning and reminding ourselves of these scriptures
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:10-12)
We are in a new season of our lives. It is time for us to become the soldiers God created us to be. Discover your hidden talents and spiritual gifts by praying and asking God to reveal your purpose. Disciples are fearless because we believe that God loves us and will always sustain us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalms 84:11 NLT
“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.” — Michelle Obama
“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.” — Jeffrey Gitomer
Trends come and go. But one trend has become a foundational belief and has grown into a worldview: Self-Elevation By Seeking Success. Yes, we are encouraged to risk our assets to start new businesses, invest in thriving stocks, and climb the career ladder. And now, “Influencers” who feel they have the wisdom of Solomon convince us to go for it. Sadly, many people act on the advice of those who are making blanket statements and live stressed-out, unhappy lives because they have suffered financial losses, or traded away their peace of mind.
Okay, we know the world seeks after tangible things. But many of the royal priesthood–believers, whom God loves, fully accept the prosperity messages preached from pastors who thrive on material wealth. The prevalent scripture that is misquoted and misinterpreted is Jeremiah 29:11. God’s promise is manipulated and twisted from its original meaning to support the acquisition of wealth.
NASB translation: “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
KJV-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us warnings regarding the pursuit of wealth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [material wealth].” Matthew 6:24.
James clarifies the stability of our lives, cautioning us not to make future plans.
Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit. Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:13, 14 NLT, NIV)
Does the life of a believer consist of an endless list of “Do Nots?” God has given us the ability to dream and abundantly blessed us with natural talents and spiritual gifts. Learning and accepting that God’s plans are 100% fail-proof should provide us with the desire to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23.
Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will? As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps. E.G. White
Before making a decision, pray and wait on God for an answer in every aspect of your life. God has the desire to bless us “according to His riches in glory” according to His will and His plans. The peace and joy that come from faith, trust, and obedience in God are available to every disciple. God’s omniscience gives Him the ability to guarantee the perfect outcome of His plans. Who else can provide us with the guarantee that no obstacles–human or spiritual wickedness can prevent the plans of the Almighty God from coming into fruition?
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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