Tag: August 23 2024

Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – August 23, 2024

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” —Proverbs 3:6

The struggle to put God first impacts every Christian Believer. Still, in this modern world, we can put God first through consecration, prayer, Bible study, and monitoring our time closely. We make plans that either include or exclude God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Excerpt from Livingontheedge.org: “First, God has a plan for every nation on this earth. In addition, He has a plan for every man, woman, and child on this planet, too. His plan can be contained in one word: LIFE. By comparison, Satan has an agenda as well. His agenda can be summed up in an opposing word: DEATH. He has an intricate plan for every nation and every person, and it’s to steal, kill, and destroy.

“It is incredibly easy to think the world consists of what we see in our worlds every day, and completely miss the larger picture. There’s an invisible battle happening all around us: life and death are fiercely competing for our devotion.” Livingontheedge.org

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

The apostle Peter describes every believer’s struggle with spiritual warfare in their earthly lives. Jesus told Peter, “Satan is trying to sift you like wheat, but I am praying for you.” Following Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s internal struggle of fear included denying Christ three times. Yet, he was reconciled with Christ and became an integral leader in the “Day of Pentecost” [Acts 2].

Reflection: Are we denying Christ by our desires, decisions, and lifestyles?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” —2 Timothy 1:7

To give God our best requires steadfast spiritual strength, the human effort of perseverance, resistance, and the ability to say no when everyone else is engaging in worldly pleasures. We pray often to receive Jesus’ Divine Strength and Wisdom through the Holy Spirit, yet, we must exercise the gift of self-control in our daily activities of life.

“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

Living holy requires our cooperation with God. We cannot achieve holiness without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Giving God our best is to have planned times of worship twice daily. Prayer keeps us connected to God, the Source of Power. Studying the Bible is necessary because God communicates His Righteous Character and His expectations of our daily walk with Christ. The Holy Scriptures define living holy.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” —Hosea 4:6

The Bible is our Spiritual Guide and Roadmap, preparing us for our reward of eternal life. The Old Testament tells us of the real-life struggles of individuals like Joseph [sold into slavery by his brothers, Elijah [Queen Jezebel seeking to kill him], Queen Esther [boldly entering the King’s presence without an invitation], and Daniel [in the lion’s den]. From the New Testament, we learn Christ’s earthly life and His love, devotion, and obedience to God, His Father.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” —Isaiah 41:10. BSB

Our confidence in God’s Love and Sovereignty gives us strength and the courage to fight the good fight of faith when we face temptation and daunting situations. Giving God our best is placing all of our faith and trust in Him. Knowledge of God’s Divine Character produces obedience in the heart of a true believer who allows the Holy Spirit to convert their hearts.

Give God your best by praying throughout your waking hours, studying the Scriptures, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you on the Path of Righteousness. Having confidence in God, who will never fail you, requires astute knowledge of His loving character. God has promised to always give us victory when we strive to give Him our best. Sabbath Peace and Blessings!

Lord God, we thank You for Your Divine Love. It is our desire to give You our best. We ask for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We pray for a blessing as we celebrate the Sabbath. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry