Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – November 23, 2024
“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).
To receive eternal life, our agenda must be God’s agenda. “I can come to Jesus, just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.”
Sanctification is a lifelong journey of the transformation of our character, mind, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character. God says, “Be holy for I am Holy (1 Peter 1:16). The prayer of surrender and the life of obedience is reflected in the daily prayer, Not my will, but Your will be done. From our willingness to completely obey God, we invite the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts, give us spiritual wisdom, and to begin the spiritual process of transformation.
We cannot judge ourselves. Like King David, we pray, “Search my heart God and reveal any wicked thing within Me.” Christ, our Triumphant King is our Spiritual Role Model who humbled himself to come to Earth, live in poverty, and die a criminal’s death for us. If we possess any other attitude besides humility then it does not reflect the Righteousness of Christ. He was humble even to death on the cross. Peace and blessings.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of your life on Calvary. Amen.
One day in 1998, I received an e-mail from my mom that my dad was in a coma and was not expected to live very long. We had just moved from Canada for a teaching assignment at Highland View Academy (HVA) the year before. I knew we had to withdraw all our paperwork for our Green Cards before I could leave the United States, or I could not come back again. This started a series of phone calls to our lawyers to see what could be worked out so that I could go back to the Philippines to see my dad before he died. A series of miracles happened, which are too long to explain here. Thankfully, I was able to take the earliest possible flight to Manila and another flight to where my parents lived.
In the meantime, I made several long-distance calls to my mother to check Dad’s progress. After arriving in the Philippines, my husband also made several phone calls while I was there for almost two weeks. These were the days before FaceTime or WhatsApp. We had subscribed to a long-distance discount plan with our phone company, which gave us great rates since we had called my mother regularly.
My dad woke up when I arrived but could not talk to me. He would squeeze my hand when I spoke to him. When I played videos of my young daughter playing the violin, I would notice tears from his eyes running down his cheeks. Dad used to play the violin, and I would accompany him on the piano when I was a teenager.
After more than a week in the Philippines, my dad lapsed back into a coma. My mother told me to go back to Maryland. I was teaching science at Highland View Academy and could not be away for an unlimited time. I said my sad goodbyes, knowing that would be the last time I would see my dad alive. I could not afford to make another trip, as it would complicate the processing of our Green Cards further, and my mom insisted that if the inevitable happened, I should not go back. She would manage okay, and my brother and other relatives would help her.
A few weeks after I returned to Maryland, we received a phone bill of about $1,500. We expected to pay not more than $500, but not three times this. I also noticed that another provider attached the long-distance bill to our regular phone bill. I called to question the bill several times, only to be met by a recorded message and a long wait on the phone. If I got a person on the line, I would be put on hold for up to an hour each time. The voice on the other line from our phone provider told me they could not help me since the bill was from another company.
When I called the other company, they said I was not their customer, so they could not talk to me. After getting this run-around for several days, I gave up. I told myself that I would not call anymore since it was a waste of my time. I decided that we were not going to pay this bill. It would affect our credit record and probably have other consequences, but I was firm that we would not pay it. After spending nearly $2,000 on airfare and helping with some of my dad’s expenses, we could not afford it anyway. In the next billing cycle, we got another bill of $500. I told God He would need to take care of it since I couldn’t.
Several weeks later, while in the lab at school, I was impressed to call our phone company again. “No, God,” I said, “not again.” The impression was so strong that I gave in, went to my office, and made the phone call. This time, I got to talk to a real person right away. I explained my problem, and he listened. I could hear computer keys clacking as he typed all the time I was talking. I didn’t know what he was typing, and I interrupted him several times to ask if he was still there. He assured me he was and that I would be happy when he was done. And so, I waited patiently, praying that this was the time God would intervene. After what seemed like an eternity, he said, “Good news! You owe nothing! Another phone provider electronically switched you without your knowledge. You are not responsible for these charges!”
I praised God for this good news! I could not resist asking him when I was switched, and he said, “January 31.” I got goose flesh! God had taken care of my predicament even before I asked since January 31 was the date that my mom e-mailed me that my dad was seriously ill. I should have asked God to help me solve my problem before I tried for several weeks to do it myself. He was my last resort after all my efforts failed—but God was faithful to me and solved my problem, even if I tried to do it my way first.
Ophelia Barizo is a retired STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Consultant and writer for Time to Get Ready Ministries. This story has been shared with permission of Time to Get Ready Ministries.
Reflection: God desires that we include Him in every aspect of our lives. Which aspect of your life needs to be fully surrendered to God?
Lord God, we thank you for Your love, grace, and mercies. We pray for Your Divine Intervention in our lives. Teach us to include You in our daily activities of life and open our minds to hear and obey Your voice. We ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional -October 8, 2024
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
For three years, I have resided on the East Florida Coast. In 2022, I prepared spiritually and physically for my first hurricane, Ian was headed for my city, but at the last minute, it took a sharp turn toward Orlando. We experienced high gusty winds but sustained no damage. Truly God keeps His promises and answers our prayers. “Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
Today is October 8th, tomorrow Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the Florida West Coast and continue through the central and east areas exiting into the Atlantic Ocean. Many individuals have evacuated from Tampa and the cities in the direct path of Milton. I have committed to praying and fasting for God’s divine intervention. After all, He is the Creator of the Universe and is committed to protecting the righteous.
This morning, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the story of Joshua, who replaced Moses as the leader of Israel after his death. Joshua had insecurities because he focused on his abilities. In Joshua, chapter 1, three times, God reminded Joshua to be strong and courageous because He was with him.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” —Deuteronomy 31:6
Whatever we face in our lives, God is already aware. Our role in serving God is to redirect our focus on His Love and Sovereign power instead of our circumstances. Yes, we must use wisdom when facing adversity, but our faith in God is the attribute that moves Him to intervene for us.
Hebrews 4:16, (ESV) says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
It is time for us to live as the faith warriors described in Hebrews 11. Pray, pray, pray. If Elijah prayed for the rain to stop for three years and God answered his prayer, how much more will He do for us when we exercise faith in Him? Whether facing life’s stormy trials or stormy weather, we must intentionally proclaim, “I trust the Sovereign God with my life!” Amen.
“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 3:5-6
Lord God, we pray this Intercessory prayer for those facing Hurricane Milton that You will keep us safe. We also pray for the safety of the First Responders who risk their lives to save others. And we continue to pray for those who lost loved ones and their possessions from Hurricane Helene. God, we ask you to send Your angels to this earth to hold back the winds and devastation of satanic strife. We trust in You and Your promises and ask this prayer in faith. In Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name, Amen.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV
There are many changes that have occurred in the six decades that I have been alive, some good and many not so good. One practice that has virtually disappeared is the giving and exchange of compliments among adults, especially women. In fact, the typical reaction of most recipients of a compliment is silence.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Is the giving and cordial receiving of compliments part of a lost era or rules of etiquette that were never learned? Have we forgotten how to extend ourselves to make others feel good? Even so, God’s expectation is for Christians to express genuine thoughts and spoken words that reveal “God is love.”
There are various possibilities as to why we have ceased to give positive and thoughtful praise to others; even so, the most logical explanation is that we possess a negative outlook because we do not have a loving heart.
Have you thought about the type of thoughts that dominate your mind and how those thoughts impact your way of life? Our thoughts dictate our behaviors and actions. If negative thoughts permeate your mind, then it is not possible to feel good about yourself or others.
How does negativity impact your relationship with God? It is not possible to really exercise faith and trust in God or to be thankful and possess joy when our thoughts and moods fluctuate according to our circumstances.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
We are reminded to think on and possess thoughts which are excellent and praiseworthy. So, if the circumstances of life have shaped your character and you are a negative person then God has provided the answer for change, pray prayers of gratitude. The transition of thinking altogether-lovely thoughts has many positive benefits with the most important is that your character is molded to prepare you for Eternal life.
God is in the business of changing our characters! Start your journey by giving God positive praises everyday: Prayers of Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship with Songs and Uplifting Inspirational Music and study His Word, the Holy Bible to learn how deep His love is for you.
Identify your qualities and embrace positive thoughts about yourself. Begin to give yourself compliments on the small accomplishments that you make on a daily basis. This is a process that builds a positive self-image and self-esteem. God desires for us to embrace that He created us in His image, and are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
It is wonderful to live with a spirit of thanksgiving–a positive way of life emerges–your connection with God remains consistent, you begin to love yourself as God loves you, and you are able to readily extend gracious compliments to others.
Jesus Christ, God, the Son created us with unique features from the texture of our hair to the fingerprints that represent His love and creativity. We are created from Agape love that validates our existence and value. It is a beautiful life and it wouldn’t be complete without you or other people in it!
God, we thank you for all of the wonderful blessings. Help us to appreciate Your love, grace, and mercy. We ask for Your strength as we strive to transition from a negative mindset to a positive life filled with gratitude and praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray in faith. Amen.
Peace and blessings to all of the Family of God. The courage to obey God is a characteristic that reveals our love for God. This sermon is life-changing. Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 13, 2024
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” —Ephesians 3:20
We place too many limitations on God. He not only loves us but also has plans that exceed our thoughts. Using our faith to believe that God desires the best for us, we faithfully believe His promise to “will do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think.”
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles [unbelievers] seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” —Matthew 6:31-34
Using our faith to trust God’s Sovereign Power invites Him to open the windows of heaven and shower us with blessings. Believe in God’s love by praying and waiting for His miraculous wonders.
Lord God, we thank You for loving, caring, and providing for us. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:22-26
Meditating on the goodness of God gives us a deeper appreciation of His love. We also receive Christ’s strength imparted by the Holy Spirit during our reflection on God’s benevolence. Daily, our blessings of grace and mercies are given, although we are quite undeserving. To live with peace, joy, happiness, and contentment is God’s original plan. Thank You, God.
Our worship of gratitude is expressed through words, singing, tears, and reflection on His faithfulness. Praise flows easily when we understand that God is Love. If in faith and trust, we wait for His perfect plans to come to fruition, God will exceed our expectations. Christ is our Lord, Savior, Intercessor, and Source of Righteousness always providing hope, health, and happiness despite our circumstances.
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