When relocating from the Northeast to a small town in Texas, I had to make a significant adjustment, and that was to transition from tactless to tactful. In the southern regions, if something needs to be said to another individual that is not pleasant but truthful, there is an art form of using analogies or comparing one situation to another to relay the truth. Granted, it wasn’t easy for me to learn how to be less direct in expressing myself. But as I began studying the Bible diligently, I realized that God required me to say truthful words but wrapped in kindness. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6
Because of God’s grace and long-suffering, He always reveals the character traits, behaviors, and habits that are not in harmony with His will. When we study how Jesus exposed sin, He often used parables. So there would be no misunderstandings; Jesus always thoroughly explained the meaning of the story. Luke 18:9-14 tells us of “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Tax Collector).
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The Bible is our spiritual mirror.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Study the Bible, and look deeply into the spiritual mirror. God reveals our every thought, word, or action that is sinful. Not only does the Word of God expose our sins, but we are also told the cost of sin, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. Because sin leads to destruction, God is straight-forward: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Establish a relationship with God that is up-close and personal. Only you and God know the thoughts, words, and actions that result in separation from Him. God loves us so much that although He is plainspoken, as our Father, He patiently waits for us to acknowledge, confess, and repent of our sins. Still, serving God requires a humble heart and a “do-right” mind.
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9. Because we are naturally drawn to sin, it takes human effort and Divine intervention to overcome sin. No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV.
Do not be offended by the Word of God. Humbly, receive correction and discipline. The exposure of our wrongdoings is required for us to experience a spiritual transformation. Sanctification is a life-long journey. Make a personal decision to love and serve God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. God would never ask us to do the impossible. We have a Heavenly Father who readily extends His unconditional love, grace, and mercy. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Saints of God, we are nearing home!
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.…1 Corinthians 15:51-53 BSB
Happy Sabbath! Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!
God, we thank you for revealing our faults and allowing us to change. We ask forgiveness for our sins. We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to have a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Thank you for the Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual renewal. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears are attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
Good Morning. It is a new day, and we have received our gift of abundant new mercies. As I continue to think about peace and why there is a shortage of peace among believers, the Holy Spirit provided an answer: we are not thinking or preparing for Eternal life. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
As I searched for sermons on Eternal life, there were no up-to-date, 2020 sermons. From 2013-2019, there were a few brief sermons on Heaven and Eternal life. How is this possible? Are we so distracted or content with our present lives that we have lost our desire to live forever with God?
One of the posts even included a message entitled, “The Crippling Fear of Everlasting Life,” known as apeirophobia. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. Remember that Satan boldly spreads false information, which is why we must boldly witness to others regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The most precious promise for a believer is if we are faithful, obedient, and strive to live righteously, then the ultimate reward is immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13
Yes, our lives are like boats on the ocean that fluctuate between fearful storms that bring strong tumultuous waves and the soothing calm of tiny ripples. But we must always remember that we have the Captain and His Crew. God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and countless angels are always available who will never leave us, nor will our boats capsize and sink to the bottom of the ocean. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I share the answer to my prayer on how to have perfect peace every day. Despite our circumstances, we must always believe in the power of God and acknowledge that He gave Jesus, His Son, for the redemption of my sins. Make the decision not to let your circumstances prevent you from grasping the peace that flows from God. Ask yourself, “How often do I think about the promise of life in the New Heaven and New Earth?”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD.They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. God always fulfills His promises! All He asks of us is to have faith. From today forward, believe that all things are possible with God, and obey His command, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7
There is great joy that comes from knowing the vacation you planned will happen soon. Begin to look forward to the promise of eternal life. We know how the story of this earthly journey ends. For the faithful, God has promised to change our bodies from mortal to immortal, from trials and sorrows to forever possessing joy. We will be able to laugh, never to shed tears for any reason, and be surrounded by the glory of God. Yes, we must look forward to speaking with Jesus, the one who died for us, and now serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5
The Apostle John describes his vision:
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. 22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 22:18-27. Amen!
God, we thank you for the great sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. We ask for forgiveness of not claiming your promises of peace and eternal life. It is our desire to live forever with you in the perfect New Heaven and New Earth. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus who is coming soon. Amen!
The difference between a good book and a great book is that the writer could completely pull-in and immerse the readers into the plot. Yes, reading a great book produces anticipation, excitement, and eagerness to know how the story will end. An exceptional book will cause the reader to rearrange their priorities and to have many sleepless nights.
There are many genres of books categorized under Fiction or Nonfiction. With an endless array of books available, even the most discriminating reader can remain devoted to their endless choices of page-turners. Even so, there is a significant difference between reading and studying. Unless you desire to know an individual’s life story or learn alternate ways to live, or seek to improve yourself by gaining new skills, you are most likely reading for entertainment.
Peace-breakers:
The category of Fiction causes us to embrace, “Something invented by the imagination or feigned-pretense” – Merriam-Webster. Fiction goes beyond the reality of pain, sorrows, and harshness in our lives. Prose is a form of written language that usually exhibits a natural flow of speech and grammatical structure. Fictional prose provides comfort by appearing to give the option of possessing a spectacular life. And many times, this is where we get in trouble. With the continual reading of make-believe stories, the line becomes blurred, and our desires soon escalate to chase after a fantasy lifestyle or tangible things based on desire.
Books are not the only venue that offers a fantasy side of life: Mind-altering substances, night-clubs, casinos, the party life, the failure to desire a job, extreme risk-taking, addiction to games, and doing absolutely nothing but living to have fun and good times, are out of sync with reality. This list is not all-inclusive but includes popular activities and lifestyles that prevail in 2020. Because these behaviors and habits have the potential for addiction, they are dangerous and destructive. In a short time, the individual ends up with a burned-out mind and body. Focusing on pleasure-seeking activities never has and never will give one the ability to live a peaceful and productive life.
Do we give up on having fun? We are supposed to incorporate fun into our lives. Even so, we should choose activities that enhance our level of optimal wellness. There is nothing better than having a good laugh or enjoying our favorite hobby, watching our sports team, and spending good times with friends and family, etc. God gifted us with the ability to have well-balanced lives. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22.
Who among us loves to struggle? I would love for every day to be a peaceful day. And, I am still striving to reach this point in my spiritual walk with God: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, … James 1:2 NIV. Yes, I will be the first to admit, when the tsunami of trials and tribulations hits, I feel my optimism taking a downward turn. Then I begin to pray, but it is also the time that I begin to cry. I had to do some real soul-searching. Am I crying because of the hardship, or am I crying because I am overjoyed that Jehovah-Jireh will work it all out for His glory and His good?
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28.
From yesterday’s Devotional, The Decision to Have Peace, we realize that we must endure the process of change to have peace. And we do not get to choose which character trait, behavior, or habit that needs to change. Our character should reflect the Character of Christ. Relationships are based on God’s command to separate ourselves from unbelievers for a very good reason. It is the believer that will always have to compromise when we are unequally yoked. Unbelievers have no desire to have eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. If the birthday celebration is held in the club, it does not matter that you will drink a non-alcoholic beverage. Does this scripture describe who we are? “‘Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV. Only the Lord of peace can provide us with the ability to live a faith-based and peaceful life, free from all burdens, anxieties, and worries. Our love, faith, trust, and obedience to God take us to a higher level in our spiritual walk. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11.
The pursuit of peace requires active participation. The Bible is not a fictional book that we can casually read. The diligent study, commitment to memory, and applying the scriptures to our lives along with faith and obedience provides the foundation for spiritual transformation. Pursuing peace is getting rid of our worldly desires, and people, places, and things. Make a December resolution by developing a list of the who, what, and where you are willing to give up for God. Petition God to bless you with the gift of peace. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Loving God with everything we have enables us to enjoy the perfect peace that only God can give. Petitioning God by praying and asking Him to grant peace in your life (Human effort) gives God the “go-ahead” to unleash His power (Divine Intervention).
God’s Promise
But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you, says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3
God, we present our list of the people, places, and things that prevent us from obeying you and receiving the abundant gift of peace. We desire to serve you completely because we love you and acknowledge there is no other God but You. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer of petition for peace. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The desire to have peace continues to be an ongoing struggle in most of our lives. To achieve peace is challenging because it always involves change. If you are willing to commit to rid yourself of all chaos, you are ready to move forward.
The first step to embracing peace is identifying the people, places, and things that directly cause chaos in your life. Since many factors contribute to the lack of peace, we will begin with two categories:
Structure and Self-Control
The Interpersonal Skills of Relationships
The chaos in our lives most often falls within these two areas. From embracing counterproductive behaviors and habits to inviting people into our lives who lack the knowledge and skills to nurture healthy relationships, we will never enjoy our gift of peace without the intentional elimination of the root of the problem.
For those of us who have lawns to maintain, we have an ongoing battle with eliminating weeds. There is a characteristic that all weeds share; they have the strength to grow aggressively with the intent to destroy.
Weeds are harmful in many ways. The damages caused by them are as under: 1. Reduction in crop yield:- Weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, and light. Being hardy and vigorous in growth habits, they grow faster than crops and consume a large amount of water and nutrients, thus causing heavy losses in yields. http://oer.nios.ac.in/wiki/index.php/Damages_caused_by_Weeds
Like weeds, there are non-productive behaviors that grow deep roots within us. We do not understand why we are overwhelmed, nor can we determine why we cannot accomplish our goals. Our relationship problems worsen because one or both individuals lack the necessary character traits to unconditionally love each other. We usually acknowledge that there is a problem, but we tend to blame external factors or other people.
Self-Control and Structure require:
Discipline-defined as training oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way, which produces positive outcomes.
Organizational skills-Being organized means you manage your time and energy well and accomplish all your assigned tasks.
Relationships require the Healthy Characteristics of :
Trust, Communication, Patience, Empathy, Affection and Interest, Flexibility, Appreciation, Room for Growth, Respect, Reciprocity, Healthy Conflict Resolution, Individuality and Boundaries, and Openness and Honesty. https://www.psychologytoday.com
Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Excerpt from, Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life
There is an app that promotes itself as “The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep.” So, what happens if there is an outage or blackout? And for only $14.99 a month or $69.99 annual payment, you can “Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety.” Please know that I have nothing against relaxing music, which I listen to all of the time.
But if we only pull out the top of the weed, the root remains buried deep into the ground. Peace requires active participation. We need to identify the source that prevents us from having inner peace and institute the process of change. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3. To enjoy true peace requires that we acknowledge and accept that peace is a gift from God. Therefore God becomes a vital part of our spiritual growth and development.
Changing our habits requires Divine intervention, structure, self-control, and learning new interpersonal skills. Nothing is impossible with God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV.
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Living as a Victorious Overcomer.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
God, we have tried many ways to get rid of our anxieties and our worries. We admit that we need your help. Please forgive us of our sins, and give us peace. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
There are some quips and quotes that produce a downward spiral of our inner joy and happiness. Although the reality is that the words may summarize the situation, they still leave a bitter impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the person who embraces these counterproductive statements. Let’s explore a couple of examples:
“Good karma versus Bad karma.” If you are kind and do good, then good things will happen to you. But if you do bad things, then you will get back worse than you’ve given out.
“Bad things happen to good people.” Because our perception of what constitutes “bad” differs from our life experience, I will only give one example of a tragic event. We can certainly agree that the premature death of a baby or child ranks as one of the highest on the list of bad things.
The reality is that both of these statements can easily be disproven. “Good karma versus Bad karma.” We have been given an innate drive to provide for our basic needs. So if a child never had enough to eat and learned that stealing was a method to diminish hunger, then certainly their perception of stealing is that it is a vital part of life. These children mature into adults with a skewed value system. As we differ, so do our definitions of “bad and good.” But the reality is that suffering impacts all of us.
“Bad things happen to good people.” Tragic events happen to everyone and are not dependent upon our good or bad character traits, personality, ethnicity, social, or financial status. Death is one of the cruelest events that humanity faces every day, and death is no respecter of persons.
How Negative Thoughts Are Ruining Your Life
“Whilst we know that a person’s genetics and life circumstances contribute to mental health problems, the results from this study showed that traumatic life events are the main reason people suffer from anxiety and depression. However, the way a person thinks about, and deals with, stressful events is as much an indicator of the level of stress and anxiety they feel,” said lead researcher Peter Kinderman, Head of the Institute of Psychology, Health, and Society. psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201408/how-negative-thoughts-are-ruining-your-life
“Don’t say things like that!” “Why would you say that?” “That was really a terrible thing to say.” Have you ever been told that something you said was inappropriate? It was not a slip of the tongue, nor was it based on an emotional response. Your innermost thoughts that were hidden in the deepest recesses of your mind finally erupted like a volcano. The vicissitudes (a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant) of life will make us better or bitter. Focusing on our circumstances produces anxiety and worry, which cancels our Faith in God.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:1-2 NLT
For those who are following my blog, you are aware that I place a lot of emphasis on studying the Bible and maintaining constant communication with God through prayer. The Bible provides the way and the means for us to live a faith-based life. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. And prayer is so vital that we are admonished to always pray, whether in times of peace and prosperity or turbulence and poverty.
Believers in the Most-High God, this is the expectation that God has for us:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
There is something that I love about the Bible; there are no secrets. No, we do not know the date that Jesus is coming again or the cause of the Apostle Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Nor has the physical appearance been described when the righteous receive immortality at the Second Coming of Christ. Still, the Bible is a complete guide to living a victorious life as Overcomers!
The scriptures reveal the tribulations that we must face in our earthly journey:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 3:3-5
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19
The trials that I have suffered have been harsh, and if it were not for my faith in God, I probably would be institutionalized from a severe psychiatric disorder. But I am not! God delivered me and gave me complete mental and emotional healing, and I am sure that in those tribulations, my faith was only the size of a mustard seed.
The book of Job tells us of the extreme, harsh sufferings that Job, a righteous man, endured because Satan challenged God that Job only served Him because of his wealth.
9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. 10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” 12 “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 1:9-12
The “wall of protection” is a gift from God that we have, or Satan would cause a continuous flow of tragic events, including death, to destroy the Believers in God. While we are blinded by our circumstances, the army of angels are protecting us, For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Psalm 91:11.
In studying the Bible, I have never found a command for self-help in the “good or bad” times. We are admonished to have love, faith, trust, and obedience in God. Yes, we will cry many tears because of the hardships in our lives. Even so, I have learned to cry and pray at the same time. While the tears are flowing, I begin to feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and my prayer of distress becomes a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.
Human effort is required to remain joyful! Trust in God’s process because our times of struggle will produce necessary spiritual growth and development. After all, what is the purpose of faithfully serving God? We are eagerly awaiting our reward of Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer. Steps to Christ 119, 120. Ellen G. White
God’s promise to His Believers:
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3
Bible Reading: Psalm 91
God, we thank you for providing for us and for guiding us through the vicissitudes of life. We ask forgiveness for our lack of faith, focusing on our circumstances and thinking and saying negative words. We desire to live with a spirit of gratitude. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:26-27
Throughout the Bible, God expresses and validates our value to Him. We are priceless!
Yes, God knows that we are priceless, but how do you feel about yourself? We are of such high worth that Jesus Christ died for us. We have been gifted with a seed of faith that has the ability to grow at phenomenal proportions. And God never stops giving His abundant love, grace, and mercies. Would God patiently wait for us to come to him, and give us unmerited gifts if He did not value us? Believe and receive: For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
It is by our faith that we become part of the family of God. Faith believes in God, at all times, in all situations. We must believe that God exists, and we are His children. And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
During this wintry season, do not place yourself in a season of darkness. God is our Heavenly Father. In the vastness of this universe, God knows you personally: Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7.
I encourage you to study the Bible diligently. The Bible reveals God’s character and is the Voice of God. The Bible is complete with real-life stories of humanity’s struggles, defeats, and victories. Most importantly, God consistently reveals His love for us, despite our failures and shortcomings. The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1
Prayer is vital to deepen our relationship with God. Prayer provides an ongoing connection to God. The next time that distressful emotions overcome you, begin to pray. Do not focus on the amount of faith that you have or that you do not have. It is by faith that we even have the desire to pray. When we believe, our invisible God becomes visible in various ways. We serve a God who meets us where we are and ministers to our individual needs. Prayer is powerful. Remember, it takes the human effort of prayer to tap into God’s infinite love and power.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27
God, we pray for the ability to see ourselves as you see us. Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully creating us in your image. Indeed, you are an awesome God! As we continue our spiritual journey, we pray for increased faith and trust in you. This prayer we ask in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
There is a game that we used to play as children, dodge ball. It was usually the same child who had quick reactions and excellent eyesight that remained the unbeatable champion. But just when their overconfidence peaked and they entered the next game smiling with the facial expression of “you already know that I’m the winner,” the ball-thrower changed.
This was a new thrower with unknown skills but demonstrated that he or she could look in one direction and throw the ball in another direction. I remember when the reigning champion was the second person out of the game. We were silent from the shock for a quick minute, and then as children react, we started laughing and teasing the overconfident losing champion. Well, he became angry and walked away, filled with disbelief.
And then, a couple of players were show-offs and would catch the ball and toss it back to the thrower to showcase their skills. We decided to vote to make the rule that catching the ball would be considered an automatic out, which put an immediate stop to ball-catching.
But I would like to focus on the most amazing children in the game. They were the ones who would sacrifice for those of us who lacked the skills to dodge the ball, knowing that we would have been the first ones out. These good-hearted kids would intentionally jump in front of us and get hit with the ball so that we could play a few minutes longer.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
It makes me wonder, was the ability to put others first an innate characteristic, present at birth, or a learned behavior?
The children who willingly sacrificed have most likely matured into the servants of our societies. They are the ones who rescued the baby birds that had fallen from their nests, shared their school lunches, or helped to clean the house without being asked. Their love and compassion for others flowed like a waterfall that never stops.
Who are they now? They are the volunteers, the missionaries, the ministers, the essential workers, the philanthropists, and that one neighborhood mother and father who have an open-door for all, and most importantly, many are the disciples of Jesus Christ. The list of positions of servitude can go on and on.
We do know that society’s servants and the disciples of Christ share a common trait; they possess the characteristic of abundant love. They have caring and compassionate hearts, which causes them to seek out those who are broken from being hit too many times from the balls of hardships.
If individuals who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, are wholeheartedly committed to helping humanity, how much more as Believers should we be doing to alleviate suffering? But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17. The answer is simple: we really do not love God.
Have you considered that if we were fulfilling our Divine purpose of spreading the message of Jesus Christ (The Great Commission, Matthew 28) and sharing our time and money that our societal problems would not have escalated to epidemic proportions? Not only would the hopeless have hope through the salvation of Jesus, the conditions of poverty, homelessness, and disease transmission would be under control. And just maybe, by now, we would be living in the perfect and sinless New Heaven and New Earth.
There is a song that has the lyrics, “If I can help somebody along the way then my living will not be in vain.”
And Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:35-40 NIV,
35 ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'” 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Saints of God, we have been commissioned to make disciples and help those in need. But, first and foremost, we must obey the greatest commandment: 36 “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” 37, Jesus declared, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-39
Oh, friend, do you love Jesus? Because when we love God, and Jesus Christ, His Son, we possess the abundant love and compassion that flows like the great Niagara Falls.
In this season of lockdowns, shelter-in-place, social distancing, and facemasks, renew your relationship with God and return to your first love. Commit to helping some one in need, use social media for witnessing by posting encouraging scriptures, and use your financial resources to support the many community churches that need money because they are alleviating others’ suffering. Do not give to prosperity seeking non-profit organizations or because you seek a taxable deduction to offset projected tax liabilities owed to the government. Give to those who are fulfilling the scriptures to love God, and to love others.
Pray and ask God to reveal your Divine purpose as you prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Matthew 25:23
Bible Reading: Matthew 25
God, we ask for forgiveness for not caring about the suffering of those in need. Please reveal to us your divine purpose for our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
The Christian is not permitted to float leisurely down the stream of the world, and so reach “the haven where his soul would be.” He must swim against the current, and for his very life. The faith, which he professes with his lips, he must adorn with his life. Benjamin Bradney Beckett
The Christian life is a battle against principalities and powers of darkness. Your faith will be tried and tested. You will face stiff opposition from your fallen nature (the flesh) and the world (troubles, trials, tribulations, and temptations). thedeepthingsofgod.com
Faith is knowing and believing that God will work everything out according to His plans for you. Have you ever traveled at night and even though you had the directions from the GPS, you begin to doubt if the directions are accurate because it is taking much longer than you anticipated? When we are suffering the harsh trials and sorrows of life, many times we begin to feel defeated, and we are ready to give up. Do not give up! Redirect your focus on God. You are closer to victory than you think. God never fails!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
God, please help us to never give up on you. Amen.
Long before the pandemic, I have traveled throughout the world, even to the most remote places. And all of my travels were possible because of technology. Yes, I am an enthusiastic virtual traveler. The authentic and pure beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me. But there is something else that places me in awe of God, our Creator: the uniqueness and diversity of human beings.
Because we only have a close estimate of the world’s population, I would venture to say we are closer to 8 billion people. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image…Genesis 1:26 BSB. The thought of almost 8 billion people with a unique set of fingerprints and outward appearances that differ as the flowers speak of the phenomenal love of God. Have you considered that every human being possesses DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid: a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code, which is God-created and God-designed? And it is DNA, the cord that connects all human beings as one family.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we immediately become part of the family of God, which is all-inclusive. There are character traits that Believers must possess:
And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:10-12 BSB
Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5: 22-23
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
We are required to embrace the concept of all humanity as one family: “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” 37, Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “Matthew 22:36-39.
Deal-Breaker
Have you ever been excited about buying something, and then you found out there was a catch to it? Cable companies are notorious for using the hook of an offered price, maybe $99 a month, but with the list of taxes, and fees the monthly rate actually turns out to be $129 a month. Gimmicks are certainly one of the easiest ways to convince a potential customer to spend more money than planned or if you immediately recognize what is going on, you can say no thank you. Still, the deceit is a deal-breaker!
Spiritual Deal-Breaker
Anger, holding grudges, and disliking others for any reason excludes us from being a Believer and part of the Family of God. When we embrace and practice unforgiveness, prejudices, biases, racism, and the principle of exclusion based on cultural and family traditions, social and economic status, religious differences, negative experiences, or personal choice, we are not obeying the commandments of God. Sadly, many who say they love God will miss out on the reward of Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth because of their “dislike” for others.
Hate is a strong word that most do not embrace. We use the phrase, “I just dislike her, him, or them” to minimize and support our bitter fruit of hate. What does God say about love and hate for others?
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:20
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
God has no-compromise guidelines for our relationship with Him and with others. The first four, 1-4, commandments of the Ten Commandments describe what our relationship with God looks like, and the second set of commandments, 5-10, describe the way to live right with other people. Accepting that God created all human beings, regardless of the human-made labels of race, ethnicity, and nationality, requires that we abide by all of His commandments, which are based on unconditional love for God and one other.
Spiritual Deal-Breaker
In many homes, unconditional love and forgiveness are not present, which provides the foundation for disunity, friction, and unhealthy relationships among biological family members. The causes may be unstable marriages, parental favoritism, privileges given to male children over female children, sibling rivalry, and physical, mental, and emotional abuse, along with many other reasons.
Even so, we do not have to end up where we started. When we decide to become a Believer, the Holy Spirit helps us discard our previous ungodly behaviors. And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 2 Corinthians 5:17. To become a part of God’s family requires for us to possess the qualities that are pleasing to God. Our life-long journey is to strive toward spiritual perfection, which means that we live holy and acceptable lives.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory
If you are in a dysfunctional family relationship, then pray and take action. First, pray and ask God if you are the problem. It takes more than one person to argue and to be involved in verbal sparring. A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11
A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22. Do you smile, laugh, and say positive words? Believers should not have negative thoughts, verbalize harsh words, or be constant complainers. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. God has exceptionally high expectations of our character, Galatians 5:22-23, and how we treat others. Unconditional love empowers us to always treat each other with kindness and gentleness. We are to possess and represent the Character of Christ, so the world can see that being part of the family of God includes having a loving disposition, even under the most severe circumstances.
If you refer to the introductory paragraph, you will recall that I spoke about being a virtual traveler. However, it is my nursing career that provided the opportunity to interact and befriend individuals from diverse backgrounds. Yes, I am fully aware that cultural restrictions exist, and many individuals do not enjoy the freedom of making decisions to place themselves into the best situation. And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14. Even so, this is when we exercise our faith and watch for the powerful Divine Intervention of our Heavenly Father.
There are always benefits to serving God. He is forever faithful! Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26. Never feel that you do not have the option to leave an unhealthy relationship. God loves you. He is your Jehovah-Jireh, always providing. “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory
When we accept Jesus Christ, we willingly place ourselves in the care of God, our Heavenly Father. First, affirm that you are part of the family of believers in the Most-High God. If you are in an unhealthy family environment, then take action. Pray as never before! God does not require us to stay in abusive situations. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24
Think about this concept; there are close to 8 billion people in this world. Not only are there countless believers present in every continent and country, but God also has legions of messenger angels that can represent themselves in human form. Pray, believe, and wait for God to demonstrate His mighty power to deliver you. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Daniel was delivered from the lion’s den: Daniel Saved from the Lions
18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no musicians were brought before him. Also, his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” 23 Now, the king was exceedingly glad for him and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury was found on him because he believed in his God.
Do not look at your circumstances!
And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
Human Effort: Submission to God requires humility and obedience, which are absolute requirements to be a part of God’s Family. We must take an active role in eliminating all unrighteousness from our lives. Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Human Effort: Serving God always means that we have to relinquish the things that prevent us from having an up-close and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. Giving up the obstacles of people, places, and things allows us to enjoy God’s perfect peace. Living righteously, and loving others with unconditional love, prepares us for the perfect life in the New Heaven and the New Earth where only perfect love will abide.
Divine Intervention: 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
“Oh, how He loves you and me. He gave His life on Calvary, oh how He loves you, oh how He loves me. Oh, how He loves you and me.”
God, we thank you for creating the institution of family. We also thank you for the privilege of being your children and part of the family of Believers. We ask you to forgive us of the sins of hatred and all prejudice. Please help us realize that we share a common bond regardless of the world’s labels based on race, religion, creed, or color. We ask you to teach us how to love unconditionally and to get rid of bitterness, strife, and malice. It is our desire to have eternal life. Thank you for the Sabbath and the opportunity to deepen our relationship with you by putting all secular activities aside for 24 hours. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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