Never fight the battle without God! We must have God’s help to win the battle of internal conflict [not giving in to our heart’s desires], and the external opposition of spiritual warfare [temptations designed to make us sin against God].
Living as Overcomers
Walking through life on our knees, gives us spiritual strength, and keeps us aligned with God’s perfect plans. The believers who consecrate themselves daily to live a Christ-centered, Faith-based life always receive victorious outcomes.
Prayer keeps us connected to Christ who leads us on the Path of Righteousness. Learn to hear God’s Voice speaking to you. The Holy Spirit speaks through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures. We desperately need God’s guidance to live righteously.
Surrender is seeking God’s will and obeying His plans. We receive God’s guidance, His plans, protection, and blessings from communicating with Christ through daily personal worship.
With a spirit of humility, surrender, and faithful obedience, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, only then can we perceive life through spiritual eyes, and choose right over wrong.
We were created to depend on God. Every day, we require Divine help to succeed in our spiritual journey. We cannot overcome the temptations, or resolve unexpected life events without God.
Most importantly, Sanctification, spiritual growth and transformation require the human effort of cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to receive spiritual transformation. We cannot change ourselves.
One day the battle will end. But until then, we pray, obey, and persevere. Keep moving forward empowered by Jesus’ strength, given to us by the Holy Spirit who responds to our prayers.
All in heaven are committed to giving us Divine Help, according to our individual needs. Yes and Amen.
Lord God, we approach your Throne of Grace asking for wisdom, discernment, strength, and Your guidance. We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
” ‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts says the Lord and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8).
The young woman related her testimony of living a tumultuous life for many years. She prayed for direction, and was surprised when God instructed her to return to her parents’ home in a rural town, which she left 20 years prior, because “I was young and wanted to live my life in the big city.”
Although it appeared that God was taking her backward, because of her parents’ reputation as loving Christians, she was immediately hired for a prime position. And to her surprise, the quiet rural town had also progressed in its business operations and technologies.
She concluded her testimony with, “I never realized that my life could be so blessed. Whatever you do in life, pray, and obey God.”
” ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ ” (Jeremiah 33:3).
God’s Plans are intentional and always have the definitive purpose of drawing us closer in our relationship with Christ. Prayers of Faith align us with God’s plans of Moving Us Forward Spiritually!
Faithfulness to God is the highest form of worship we can offer. Out of steadfast Faith springs trust, obedience, and the desire to stay connected to the Source of Life, God, the Father.
Today’s sermons omit the most important part of our Christian Journey: A follower of Christ must live an obedient and sacrificial life.
Throughout the Bible, we learn that serving God always requires us to give a sacrificial offering. We have to let go of the things that we treasure the most.
Our personal goals, relationships, prosperity, jobs, and even our desired careers can be the things that we must relinquish. Yes, we will feel disappointed, or discouraged, still, we should focus our faith on God’s promises, and trust His plans.
“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).
God has Perfect Plans for you and me. His plans for those who are faithful and obedient include a forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
When we love God and desire to stay in sync with His purpose then we willingly surrender and obey. Yes, it takes a giant leap of faith to follow and depend on His plans when we do not understand them. But, Just do it!
Our commitment of consecration requires a sacrificial prayer, “Lord God, I want what You want for me.” In faith, pray, and trust God’s Amazing Love and His Sovereignty. Our Father’s plans always produce Victorious Outcomes!
If the thought of asking God to reveal His purpose for your life makes you fearful, then you can be assured that your desires and your life are out of sync with His perfect will.
“Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mark 8:37, NLT). We cannot hope and pray that God will bless our desires when it is not in His will for us. No believer is exempt from sacrificial giving.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29).
God, the Father required Jesus, His Only Son to be obedient, even though fulfilling the Plan of Redemption required dying a criminal’s death on Calvary’s Cross.
If Jesus was required to obey God in His earthly life then we can expect a change to our agendas if they are not in sync with God’s purpose.
The Holy Spirit is warning God’s true believers to prepare for our Triumphant King’s Second Coming. The events described in Matthew 24, and 2 Timothy 3 are happening now.
The natural disasters, escalation in violence and greed, worldwide hunger, global wars, the violation of human rights, and political corruption are signs of living in the Last Days of Earth’s history.
God has been transparent by telling us how this Earth and evil will end. From studying the Scriptures, we know the future plans that God has for the righteous.
Revelation chapters 19-22 describe how the battle between good and evil ends. We have the greatest hope of receiving our Heavenly reward when we intentionally align ourselves with God’s purpose and plans.
Our salvation and receiving our Crown of Life requires the active commitment of daily consecration and surrender to God’s will.
We should be very excited that Jesus, the King of kings left His throne to come to Earth, live in poverty, and suffer so we can have a perfect and eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank you for the blessing of a new day. We ask You to reveal your plan for today, and to guide us, so we stay on the Path of Righteousness. We ask this prayer in the Matchless and Mighty Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ. Amen
“Sometimes you enter the secret place expecting comfort, but God gives you correction. You go in wanting confirmation, but He gives you an assignment you didn’t ask for.”
You may pray, asking: ‘God, what do You want me to do? “And He replies: “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). Daily consecration, personal worship, prayer, and Bible study, along with witnessing, are every believer’s spiritual priorities.
How do we react when we hear the Voice of God telling us to do what opposes our plans?
“What You Want to Hear [Yes] Is Usually Not What You Need.”
We pray with joyful expectation, assuming that God will answer our prayers with “Yes.” But truthfully, unless we are asking for Divine strength, comfort, guidance, protection, or provisions, most of the time, God’s answers are to “Wait,” or “No.”
Although Satan, our enemy, has produced and afflicted humanity with every disease present on this Earth, God does not promise physical healing for every believer.
Why Do God’s “No” Answers Exceed His “Yes” Answers?
God’s ultimate goal is to Sanctify and Transform our character into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character. Our earthly lives are the only time we have to prepare for Eternal Life.
Sadly, many are too distracted by Satan’s temptations, relationships with unbelievers, and fleeting treasures to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the lifelong spiritual process of growth and maturity.
God created us with a free will of choice to follow Christ or to follow our desires. Aligning ourselves with God’s will through surrender and faithful obedience is God’s greatest desire for us.
Yet, history reveals that Jesus Christ does not always become the Lord of our lives. Even believers struggle with surrendering and faithfully waiting on God to answer their prayers. Many give up and eventually answer their own prayers.
We have the crucial responsibility of choosing our destiny. If we desire heaven then we will acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority by living a life that proclaims love, loyalty, and obedience to Christ.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29).
Follow Jesus’ example of obedience. Trust God’s plan for your life! Never exchange your Crown of Life for temporary relationships and meaningless earthly treasures.
We have this hope: Jesus Christ is coming soon to take the righteous to heaven! Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank You for Your Holy Scriptures and the ability to communicate with You through prayer. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who gives us guidance, correction, protection, and teaches us how to recognize Your Truth from false doctrines. We ask for the strength to stand down our desires and overcome temptation. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In the United States, the overwhelming effort to rid the country of all immigrants has empowered governmental agencies with the right to abuse individuals who were created in the image of God.
Those with money and political power think, act, and breathe as if they are demigods and have the authority to persecute, dehumanize, and reinterpret the laws of the land.
As worshipers of the Most-High God, we must perceive these actions through spiritual eyes, Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled!
“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the End of the Age?” (Matthew 24:3).
Jesus answered His disciples question: What will be the signs of the end of the world? “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11-12).
Many Christians are trampling on God’s Commandments and Righteous Principles because they live to please themselves.
The false doctrines of “Once saved, you are always saved because you are covered by Grace,” “Live as you please, heaven is your home,” and “God knows your heart, He knows that you really desire to do what is right” was developed by Satan, humanity’s greatest enemy.
These doctrines have permeated the Christian Community as if we can determine the Spiritual guidelines for receiving Eternal Life. Yet, God has established Righteous Standards in the Holy Scriptures that have never changed.
Too many Christians are really not concerned about God’s command to, “Be holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)., because their faith is in their interpretation of God’s Truth.
The practice of Compromised Christianity is so prevalent we can no longer recognize the difference between most believers and unbelievers.
The worldly believer who probably attends church but embraces selective sins, is practicing “a form of godliness” where one appears to be living a sanctified and holy life.
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV)
Fact: Unbelievers make no effort to obey God and live their earthly lives to please themselves.
It is the double-minded believers who attend church, but love prosperity, sinful pleasures, and the people who make life exciting that Satan has deceived into believing they will bring their unholy character into heaven.
Jesus has not withheld the spiritual criteria that is required for us to receive our Crown of Life.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14).
We cannot walk in the way of sinners and expect to stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. In my past life of compromise, whenever I heard of Jesus’ Second Coming my heart was filled with dread because I knew that I wasn’t ready. And how did I know that?
The Holy Spirit will not stay quiet when we are no longer walking on the Path of Righteousness. We receive warnings when we are not in right standing with God. Yet, God never tramples on our Free Will of choice to serve Him or not.
The Apostle Paul tells us, eventually, those who continue to live the sinful life of compromise, feel no remorse for their sins because they have grieved the Holy Spirit who no longer warns them of your sins against God.
When God’s Mercy Ends: “Romans 1:28 states: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
“This Scripture, along with (Romans 1:24-32), describes a process where, because people reject God and His knowledge, God allows them to descend further into sin and a depraved state of mind.”
The Christian journey is the toughest battle we will ever face in our earthly lives. Yet Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
Fulfilling Our Spiritual Role: Pray and study the Holy Scriptures like never before. Daily consecration and asking God to baptize our hearts with the Holy Spirit empowers us with the edifying Righteousness of Jesus Christ.
God’s Promise of Sanctification to His Righteous Believers: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6).
“This verse expresses the Apostle Paul’s confidence in God’s work within believers. Jesus Christ, who initiated the process of salvation and spiritual growth in us, will continue that work until its completion on the day of Christ’s return.”
Sanctification is the daily process of Spiritual Transformation that requires the human effort of cooperation with the Holy Spirit who performs “the daily Sanctification required for the transformation of our character into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
We have this hope! The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Triumphant King is sooner than we think! Hallelujah and Amen!
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ ” (Revelation 7:9-10).
Fact: In the Book of Revelation chapters 19-22, Jesus reveals how the Great Controversy of Good and Evil ends.
Fact: Jesus did not sacrifice his life in vain. Throughout the history of this Earth, God has always had a remnant of faithful believers who consecrated themselves daily through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and obedience.
Reflection: Where would you stand if Jesus came today?
“If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.” (Joshua 24:15, World English Bible).
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness after His 40-day fast, all he could offer Christ was the temporary power, prestige, and pleasures of this world. And Satan is still using that same old deception to pull us away from God.
Yes, Satan’s goal is to keep us distracted by offering us trinkets when God is offering us the Crown of Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Brothers and sisters, separate yourself from all unrighteousness! Fight the good fight of faith in the Mighty Power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The King is Coming! The King is Coming! Yes and Amen!
Lord God, in a world filled with deception and distractions, we desperately need Your help to keep us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. God, we ask You to create a clean heart within us, and give us a steadfast spirit and desire to serve You. Lead us, guide us, correct us, and protect us, as we continue in this journey of life. We ask this prayer in the Righteous and Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.
Lord God, in faith, we ask You to reveal the hidden things that we need to know to prepare for Your soon return. Our desire is to receive everlasting life in a perfect world filled with love and unity. We thank you for the Sabbath, a day of rest, in which, we can worship You in spirit and in truth. We pray for a spiritual blessing of strength and wisdom along with the courage to keep moving forward in the power of Your Holy Name. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3).
We have received many priceless blessings this week including God’s Ruach Breath flowing through our body and angelic protection from spiritual warfare and physical danger.
Expressing Prayers and Praises of Gratitude invites the Holy Spirit to give us abundant peace, joy, and happiness even when we are experiencing tough times in the dark valley of trials.
Do you feel loved? God’s Love is Everlasting and all that we need, yet, we receive so much more. It is impossible to count our blessings.
Agape Love is always between the Giver [God] and the Receiver [You and Me]. Have you expressed your love everyday for Yeshua, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King?
“…I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).
Take some alone, quiet time to offer Praises [Pray, Sing, and Read the Scriptures] of Celebration to Jesus, our Redeemer, Intercessor, and Mediator.
Lord God, we lift Your Holy Name with praises of gratitude for Your Amazing Love and Steadfast Faithfulness. We pray for the blessing of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal as we celebrate your Holy Sabbath. Yeshua, we love You, and ask this prayer in your Holy Name, Amen.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” —1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV
Because of sin, conflict is a natural part of life. But regardless of the highly practiced worldview, “Conflict is healthy,” God clarifies that He is never present in disagreements, arguments, confusion, or strife.
“Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Because Satan is shrewd, dissension presents itself in various [covert] ways. Something as simple as, “What are we going to eat for dinner?” can escalate into a tug of war when our hearts are not filled with Christ’s love.
“And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:36). Do not be deceived by describing conflict as “a little disagreement.” Little conflicts invite the unrighteous spirit of confusion into our homes.
Dissension changes the atmosphere of our homes and our minds, characters, and personalities, which become instruments that Satan easily manipulates.
The Spirit of Strife not only destroys our internal peace but also separates us from God, placing us on the same unrighteous level as unbelievers. To “Agree to Disagree” is one of Satan’s deceptive theories of compromise, and is not Biblical, or a Righteous Principle.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity given by God to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Christ. Through humility, surrender, and faithful obedience, the righteous are covered with Christ’s garment of spiritual peace.
“If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people” (Romans 12:18, CEB). God’s expectation for every Christian believer is that we possess a pure, loving heart that reflects the Righteousness of Christ. A home that is peaceful and righteous is the home where the Spirit of God is always present.
“Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing. (Proverbs 12:17, GWT).
Satan’s most effective conflict strategy is to use people to provoke us, so we will react with angry thoughts and words, or impatiently blow our vehicle horn, an unholy substitute for irate spoken words.
Do not give Satan control of your mind and mouth by speaking emotionally charged words. Unrighteous responses are one of the easiest ways to sin.
Angry sarcastic words are thoughtless words that not only escalate the situation but are also hurtful. Fact: Apologies do not soothe or heal wounded hearts.
Seeing Conflict Through Spiritual Eyes: There are only two powers in this world, God, who is Good, and the Creator and Giver of Peace, and Satan, whose evil schemes always produce conflict with the intent to destroy harmony and peace.
Overcoming Satan’s Schemes of Conflict Requires the Teamwork of Human Effort and Divine Intervention.
“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent” (Exodus 14:14, NASB).
How to Handle Conflict With Unfamiliar People: Immediately pray for strength, remain silent, and walk away. No discussion is necessary. Walking away is our witness.
Handling conflict with familiar people [family, friends, coworkers] who are also believers is the true test of our love and loyalty to Christ. Unless they are immediate family living in the same home, we must separate ourselves from those whom the enemy is using to persecute us.
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, God reveals boundaries in interaction with our family and friends. Husbands and wives must pray together when animosity arises between them, and parents must be a godly example for their children when dissension arises.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Never harbor grudges: We must extend mercy as God extends Mercy to us.
The first response in the Christian home is not to hear what happened first, but to engage everyone present to immediately pray a prayer of repentance, and with humility invite God to resolve the conflict. Only then, when the Holy Spirit is present, should they hear the rest of the story. An effective way to resolve conflict and evaluate with fairness is, after the prayer, have each person write about their experience.
Dissension is often fatal to our spiritual growth and transformation. We must never forget that we accepted Christ to live righteously and cooperate with the Holy Spirit for a complete spiritual makeover of our mind, character, and personality. One thing is for certain: There will be no conflict in heaven.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV).
The Truth: Quick and intemperate responses reveal that our hearts are unconverted, and we do not possess the righteous character traits that align with the Fruit of the Spirit.
The Righteous Attributes of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Whether strife arises with familiar people, or strangers, remain silent! God has gifted us with the power of self control, React by breathing a silent prayer. Ask God for Divine Help. Using self-control, Stand down your anger!
Prayer and Silence accomplish two spiritual goals: We learn to totally depend on God to fight and win our battles, and our character is transformed daily by the power of the Holy Spirit necessary for us to receive our reward of the Crown of Life.
Lord God, we ask for forgiveness for the many times we have thought or spoken angry words that did not reflect Your love. We ask you to give us the strength and the guidance to cultivate a spirit of meekness and to extend mercy when experiencing the persecution of conflict for serving You. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ ” (Matthew 11:28).
Unexpected challenges do not knock, waiting for us to open the door so they can enter. No, hardships and adversities are unwelcome intruders who have master keys and enter with unpredictability. Even believers often find it difficult to agree on most subjects, but there is a strong consensus that suffering is always challenging and leads to discouragement.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
Although I followed God’s plans, this week, I faced two extremely difficult challenges that discouraged me. Obedience to God should always bring a deep sense of inner peace. So, what happened? I forgot Jesus’ warning that even when we obey God, unexpected adversity can arise, causing us to feel defeated.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Truthfully, because we serve God, we feel that our lives should be easier, but an easy life is not Biblical. No Bible hero, and certainly not Jesus, the Son of God, was exempt from harsh trials.
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” (Psalm 42:6). David was a skillful musician and singer, but many do not understand “the man after God’s own heart.” He never pretended that all was well when it wasn’t. The Psalms are songs of prayer, and the longest book in the Bible. Prayer is a spiritual lifesaver, keeping us connected to the Source of Life.
God knows that our response to trials and troubles will not be positive. Through prayer, we receive answers from Scripture, making it essential for our spiritual well-being. Studying the Bible is not optional. Like David, I prayed, and the Holy Spirit instructed me to study Psalm 42.
Daily personal worship invites the Holy Spirit to speak to us through our thoughts. While writing this devotional, the Holy Spirit reminded me that “The Christian’s Journey on the Path of Righteousness Always Involves Suffering.”
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
“We can come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay just like we are.” Spiritual growth and transformation of our mind, character, and personality, building our faith, and molding us into the righteous character of Christ are required to receive Eternal Life, and can only be accomplished through trials and adversities.
The hard times of suffering are a part of Christianity that we fail to embrace or appreciate. I am not a new believer, and throughout my journey, I have heard so few sermons on the suffering required to follow Jesus. Who is teaching or preaching the sermons telling us that the journey on the Path of Righteousness is tough, so when adversity comes in like a tsunami, we immediately fall to our knees in prayer, asking for help?
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne”(Revelation 3:21).
“My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot rely on anyone else to teach us the Gospel Truth of the Bible. Too many believers are giving up on God because they do not know the Truth. The book of Job reveals that Job lived a sinless life, still he endured extreme suffering, but overcame, and received many blessings.
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, ESV).
Sanctification requires humility, long-suffering [patience], and the teamwork of Human Effort and Divine Intervention. Spiritual transformation requires our entire [earthly] life. If we use our faith and obedience to cooperate with God, then every day the Holy Spirit gradually transforms us. Spiritual growth never happens in leaps and bounds; it is the little steps that keep us moving forward.
God’s thoughts, ways, and plans always take time. God is Eternal. He views our lives from beginning to end. Because God knows our lifespan, there is no need for Him to rush in giving us His blessings or fulfilling His promises.
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14, NLT).
Still, God always fulfills His promises. We know that from the story of Abraham and Sarah who were 100 and 90 years of age when Isaac was born. One thing is for certain, God’s timing will never align with our timing.
The worldview of “Do it now” strongly opposes the righteous characteristic of patience, which is a Fruit of the Spirit. Instant gratification is the downfall of any Christian who embraces the mindset of “I have to have it now!”
Not all adversity or roadblocks are related to the faith journey of spiritual growth. We must also consider if we became impatient and attempted to expedite the process by following our thoughts.
Our Plans: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ 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. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (James 4:13-15, NIV).
Our God-given gift of Free Will of Choice allows us to choose following our thoughts and desires, or surrendering to and obeying God’s Perfect Plans, which always end in Victory.
God’s Plans: “O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life]” (Jeremiah 10:23, Amplified Bible).
Does God honor those who faithfully obey Him? The three Hebrew young men were not destroyed in King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace, Daniel slept with the lions in their den, and yes, Peter lost faith when walking on the water, but he was the only one of the disciples who was courageous enough to step out of the boat, and Jesus saved Peter. And when the Apostle Paul was bitten by the venomous snake, the people waited for him to die, but he lived [Acts 28:3-6].
The same Christ who intervened in the Old and New Testaments is still waiting for the righteous to approach Him in prayer. Who else can help us but God?
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Trust Jesus with your life! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). We have a very patient and loving Shepherd who knows that our hearts, faith, and courage are weak. Still, our Loving Jesus, who is our High Priest and Heavenly Intercessor, waits for us to ask for His help.
“The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in prayer, specifically in conveying our prayers to Christ. The Holy Spirit acts as a Divine Intercessor, bringing our sincere, faith-filled prayers to the Father through Christ.” (EGW)
The lessons I learned: When we faithfully follow and obey God’s Directives, yes, we may still face adversity; even so, when we follow in Jesus’ footsteps by committing ourselves to a life of prayer, asking for Divine Help and Strength, we immediately receive the ability to make it through our challenges. Not only did I learn more about God’s Loving Character and humanity’s weaknesses from studying the Psalms, but I also received Jesus’ strength, comfort, and a victorious outcome [a miracle]. Yes and Amen.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Jesus Christ is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory!
Lord God, we thank You for creating us, loving us, intervening for us, and taking care of us. We love You, and worship Your Holy Name. Lord, teach us to pray that we can depend on You instead of ourselves. We also pray for a Divine blessing during the Holy Sabbath, and ask this prayer, in the Righteous and Loving Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” —2 Corinthians 5:17
All praises and glory to Jesus, our Savior, who redeemed us from the ravages of sin. Because of Christ’s great devotion, love, and loyalty to humanity, as evidenced by the sacrificial gift of His life, every day, we are covered with Grace and receive abundant Mercies.
God’s love did not stop at Redemption. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus reveals that faithful and obedient believers will receive the reward of Eternal Life. Yes, we know how the Amazing Story ends: a perfect life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Our God-given Gifts: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (2 Timothy 1:7, Amplified Bible).
Winning The Fight to Stay Free
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
To follow Christ requires total sacrifice. More than human effort is needed to live as Victorious Overcomers. It is the Holy Spirit, AKA The Spirit of Truth, who empowers us to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Our role in the Plan of Redemption is to dedicate ourselves each morning with the prayer to do God’s will.
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17).
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). Yes, we inherited hearts always gravitating toward wrongdoing, still, Jesus created us with the ability to fight for our spiritual freedom from the chains of sin by praying for Divine strength and using self-control.
Satan cannot use coercion to make us sin; it is always a willing choice to sin against God. Every day, we face the external opposition of temptations, but our greatest battle is the internal conflict between following our heart’s desires and staying loyal to Christ.
Not only do we have the power to say “No” to all temptations, but when Satan attempts to deceive us with stealth moves, the Holy Spirit warns us that we are facing covert deception. The hesitation and the uncomfortable feeling inside are from the Holy Spirit. Immediately remove yourself from the temptation.
When tempted by another person, immediately cease the conversation by stating, I love and serve God. The longer we listen to deception, we become weakened, and our chances of saying no become impossible. If fighting an internal desire, immediately get on your knees and pray. It doesn’t matter who sees us, pray!
Many people feel, based on their personal experience, that it’s too hard to be a Christian, so they return to a life of sin. So let’s look at Christianity from God’s Perspective using Biblical God’s Truth.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (John 6:46 ). The Christian journey is one of humility, surrender, and faithful obedience. In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us He has predetermined plans for our lives.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:2). Our mind is divided, we attend church, but the majority of our thoughts are on fulfilling our desires, so we chase success and prosperity.
Truthfully, I have never heard of an unbeliever complaining by saying, It’s hard being an unbeliever. Their minds are not divided. Unbelievers are focused on their goals and will do whatever is necessary to achieve them. Yes, Sin is enticing, but the bondage is devastating!
The reason we cannot devote ourselves fully to Christ is that we also want what we want. But a believer who does not follow God’s plans reveals that their heart is unconverted. To receive spiritual growth and transformation requires humility, faith, and obedience.
Loving God means fulfilling His desires. This is our greatest obstacle to enjoying spiritual freedom through Jesus Christ. We must love God more than ourselves. God defines truth and error, and right and wrong.
Without Biblical knowledge of the Scriptures, Satan easily manipulates our minds to feel that God is withholding the best from us. It is Satan who has introduced the erroneous beliefs of the middle road, an imaginary gray area in serving God.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
We embrace spiritual freedom by letting go of worldviews and secularism by renouncing the darkness of sinful pleasures. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Every day, we practice boundaries against breaking governmental and state laws, and adhere to the employer’s policies. If we can use self-control to live as law-abiding citizens, then through the power of Jesus Christ, we can live righteously. Salvation is free, but Jesus paid our sin debt, so God, the Father, requires that we follow and obey our Shepherd.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Yes, we are warriors in the relentless battle against sin that will last until Jesus comes. Staying on the Path of Righteousness is the toughest challenge we will ever face in our lives! Prayer is our weapon, use it frequently!
“The fear [reverence] of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23, NIV). Consecrating our minds and bodies to serve God is the only way we can live righteously in this continuous fight against Satan and his evil angels.
From possessing the mindset, “I will not sin against God,” all of heaven engages to help us in our fight against all temptations.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV).
Jesus Christ is a Mighty Warrior! We are never alone. Through the Holy Spirit, we have total access to Jesus’ Divine Power, 24/7. Help is only a prayer away. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust’ ” (Psalm 91:2)
The Prayer of Consecration: “Lord God, I want what You want for me. And I desperately need Your help to think and live a holy life pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.”
Prayers of humility and surrender asking for help are answered immediately! Through studying the Scriptures and praying, we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us with powerful words of Divine guidance and encouragement. We can never become entangled in the bondage of sin when we maintain our connection with Christ through personal worship.
Live one day at a time. If we continue striving with courage and in the power of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, we have the guarantee of receiving our Greatest Reward of a Forever Life when our Triumphant King Jesus comes again. Hallelujah, Yes, and Amen!
Lord God, we surrender ourselves to become faithful followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. We pray for strength, guidance, wisdom, and the steadfast faith to overcome internal desires and the external opposition of temptation. We claim the victory in the Powerful Name of Jesus, and ask this prayer in our Mighty Warrior’s Name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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