Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 21, 2024
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22-23
Because God is Sovereign and Faithful, we rejoice in our challenges and sorrows as well as in peaceful times. We entrust our lives to be led by Christ because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
“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 3:25-26
We can rejoice because we are living a Christ-centered, Faith-Based life [through surrender and obedience] continually striving for holiness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord; Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.” —Lamentations 3:40-41
We can rejoice because we search God’s Holy Scriptures to use as a Righteous Standard to measure our hearts, our motives, our love relationship with Christ, and our love for others. We rejoice because our hearts are open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and we repent of the sins of thinking our own thoughts which is the source of all transgressions against God.
“If you love Me keep my commandments.” —John 14:15. “If you love me, obey my commands, and my commands are not burdensome…” —1 John 5:1-5
We can rejoice because our hearts are converted by the love and redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Our love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to the Ten Commandments and His Righteous Principles. Yes, we love as Christ loves by loving God and placing Him above all. We rejoice because we love others despite their background or status.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12
We can rejoice because we strive to be like Christ, our Perfect, Righteous Role Model who obeyed the Commandments in His earthly life and lived a life of humility and surrender to God, the Father. The faith of Jesus is His Righteousness which we also pursue, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Every day we present ourselves before the Throne of Grace to seek God’s will and to receive Christ’s blessing of His strength to live holy. From our pleas for Divine Help, the Holy Spirit imparts Christ’s Divine strength. We are empowered to renounce sin and receive the wisdom and discernment to perceive sin for what it really is—spiritual death.
Artist’s Rendition of Jesus’ Second Coming
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:14
“And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” —Revelation 15:2
We can rejoice because we envision ourselves living with Christ forever in the New Heaven and New Earth! Hallelujah! Amen!
Lord God, we pray for ourselves that we will prepare today for Your soon coming and stay prepared. We bow to Your Sovereignty as our Lord, Savior, and King and ask for Your strength to be poured out as we persevere in Your Name to live righteously. In Jesus’ Matchless Name, we pray. Amen.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” —1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 20, 2024
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands…” —Revelation 7:9
God created and gifted us with faith, love, power, and a sound mind to worship Him. Our acceptance and commitment to Christ changes our status from an unrighteous believer to the royal priesthood that will reign with Him forever and ever. God has predestined us to enjoy a perfect, sinless life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
The conditions: We are to honor Christ as our First Love, obey God’s will by remaining loyal, and worship Him in spirit and truth by renouncing our thoughts, and inclinations, and saying no to sin. “Behold, it is better to obey than to sacrifice.” We demonstrate our love to God as Christ did in His earthly life, one of daily surrender, Not my will but Your will, Heavenly Father be done.
“What is man that You are mindful of him?” We are the only recipients of salvation. Not even the angels understand why Christ would die for humanity—a race who refuses to obey His commandments and do His will through a life of sacrificial self-denial for which we would receive many blessings including the precious gift of eternal life.
With joy and thanksgiving, we should freely worship the Ancient of Days and the Triumphant King with overflowing love and reverence because their very Names are Holy and the Plan of Redemption required Jesus’ death on Calvary’s Cross. The theme of the Bible is God’s Agape Love for us. Jesus promises us provisions, tells us we are more valuable than sparrows, and He will never forsake us.
“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17
Our prayers rise as sweet incense to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and Heavenly Intercessor who invites us to boldly come to the Throne of Grace for forgiveness and His Divine help. Holy Spirit, give us the wisdom and discernment to comprehend the faithful love of our LORD who rejoices over us with singing and quiets us with His peace. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
We cannot keep Christ’s love to ourselves—someone else needs to know that Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Genuine love for God gives one a burden for souls. Agape love is the catalyst to fulfill our commission of witnessing to a broken and hopeless generation who desperately seeks peace even when they are deceived into purchasing the world’s version of false peace. It is our assignment to tell them, “Jesus loves you!”
“Be holy, for I AM Holy!” “…Without Me, you can do nothing.” The Holy Spirit empowers us with Christ’s strength to use self-control to renounce sin and overcome temptation. Yes, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” In faith, we follow Christ on the Chosen Path that leads to the heavenly reward of eternal life.
“In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer…I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” —John 16:33
Time is fleeting. Our trials will never cease—our characters must change to reflect the Righteousness of Christ. We face many challenges and temptations, often presented by familiar people and situations. Every day we choose our destiny as reflected in our thoughts, spoken words, behaviors, habits, and choices of friends. To remain safe, Never choose the familiar over the Divine.
Our heart’s desires prevent us from understanding the love that God has for humanity. Though sinful, we are redeemed by the blood of Christ and enjoy the privilege of entering His Most Holy presence with prayer and supplication, which His sinless angels enjoy, therefore, we should bow and honor God as the angels who cover their faces and cry Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” —Psalm 91:11
And speaking of the angel armies, they are Christ’s messengers and our guardians whose duty is to protect the righteous from physical harm and spiritual warfare [they fight and stand down Satan’s evil angels]. We have all in heaven as our Spiritual Reinforcements, still, we decide if good or evil will prevail by our choices.
The LORD’s Grace and Mercies!
“If only, I had prayed or waited for God’s answer.” When all is well, we easily become overconfident in our abilities, and fall into temptation. Immediately, the Holy Spirit sounds the alarm of Conviction. Bowing our heads in humility, we cry out, Against You, O Lord, I have sinned, please forgive me. Great is His faithfulness, we are never abandoned: “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand” (Psalm 37:24).
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth…” —John 14:16-17
From our turbulent history of following our hearts, we acknowledge that we can only live an obedient and righteous life through the Divine power of the Holy Spirit. In our earthly lives, we will remain on a forever spiritual learning curve. To keep us on the Right Path, our struggles are intense. But suffering from disobedience differs from the trials given to change our characters.
Suffering from consequences wearies us to the core of our souls, thankfully, we eventually come to our senses and acquiesce to the Sovereignty of God. Through prayer and study of the Scriptures, we learn to hear the Voice of God and fully rely on the Holy Spirit. Our faith in God directs us to ask the Holy Spirit for the wisdom to understand Christ’s Righteousness, to teach us how to live holy, to lead us to the Narrow Gate, and to guide our steps to stay on the Narrow Path.
Jesus Warning: I come, like a Thief in the Night! “And behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13).
Covered by God’s Grace, we receive New Mercies every day. Our gratitude is demonstrated by remaining anchored in Christ through continuous surrender, prayer, and praise. Our response of faith to God’s love is to live a Christ-centered, faith-based life and to give our best effort as we prepare daily for Christ’s soon return. Our surrender invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to live a victorious life through the Strength of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we pray for Your strength in this journey of life. We thank You for sending the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, Helper, Comforter, and Transformer. May we continue to possess a heart of gratitude by consecrating ourselves daily to serve You with surrender and obedience. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
“And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them…” —Jeremiah 45:5
When studying the Creation Story, we have evidence that God loves abundance and beauty. “Scientists estimate that there are about 8.7 million animal species on Earth, with 2.2 million of those being marine. However, only about 1.2 million species have been identified and described, mostly insects.” God is still giving humanity an abundance and desires that we develop and nurture a spirit of contentment.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8
Develop a spirit of contentment—Be content with what you have. Our character matters to God. If we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we will develop a character overflowing with love, justice, mercy, and humility, and focus on the needs of others instead of our desires. Remember, God never withholds what is good and necessary for us to enjoy a fruitful life.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” —James 1:17
Lord, we pray for a revival in our souls to prepare for Your soon coming. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 16, 2024
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
The grateful heart continuously reflects on God’s loving character: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God’s loving promises and daily mercies are the catalysts to thank Him daily with a renewed covenant to live righteously and serve Him with a surrendered, obedient, and grateful heart.
We Are the Recipients of Every Good and Perfect Gift
God’s love and gift of His Son, Jesus, and Jesus’ willingness to rescue us from the wages of sin through the perfect Plan of Redemption, cover us with His Righteousness, and restore our characters through the process of Sanctification is much more than we deserve. Because human effort can never achieve righteousness, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach and empower us in our earthly journey.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” —John 14:26
The gift of the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Comforter is responsible for our spiritual transformation [which requires our cooperation]. He is the Giver of wisdom and discernment of the Holy Scriptures, teaches us how to live holy, opens our eyes to recognize temptations, and to perceive sin as treacherous. The Holy Spirit also convicts us of our disobedience.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” —Jeremiah 17:9
“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” —Romans 7:19-20
Throughout the Epistles, the apostle Paul expressed immense gratitude for Jesus’ sacrificial offering, yet, he also shares his continuous struggle with sin. Born into sin and shaped by iniquity, we fight inner turmoil and external warfare all day long. It is easier to sin than to live righteously. Because we can never fight sin without the Holy Spirit, we should never minimize the devastating impact of sin.
“Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.” —Psalm 37:4
We love God and express gratitude for His goodness through our praise and worship, still, we fall. For the faithful believer, it’s usually something we perceive as insignificant that causes us to fall. Thank You, Jesus, for Your great sacrifice! God’s grace and mercies are beyond our comprehension. Yes, we sinned, but Divinity acts immediately, the Holy Spirit uses His convicting power to reveal our transgressions.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9
Yes, we are sinners saved by grace, but God’s grace is a privilege. Although we repent, sin mars our character, and as a result, our spiritual struggle escalates. With humility, we fall to our knees and utter David’s prayer of repentance, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).
“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning…whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God…” —1 John 3:6, 10
The grateful heart cherishes Jesus’ blood sacrifice. How do we view sin? When we reflect deeply on Satan’s never-ending deceptions and how the wicked one has impacted our lives, we should desire and prepare for eternal life with zeal. Praying for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes allows us to perceive sin for what it really is—the loss of eternal life and experiencing the fate of the second and final death.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Our praise of Thank You, Jesus! for the Plan of Redemption must extend beyond spoken words, our gratitude is demonstrated by striving to live holy.
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” —1 Peter 1:15
With overflowing gratitude, we rejoice in God’s promises to keep us on the straight and narrow Path of Righteousness. Living in perilous times exposes us to the intentional warfare of busyness and distractions designed to divert our attention from God and steal our precious time. Our battle plan includes separating ourselves and praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes.
With our souls at risk, we desperately need to give God our attention and time through meaningful worship. True worship places us in the presence of God. To enter the presence and power of a Holy God is to experience spiritual transformation and heart conversion. We worship God in Spirit and Truth by possessing a pure heart filled with thanksgiving and ready to do His will. God rewards us with blessings of spiritual renewal and the strength to overcome Satan’s temptations.
“My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak.” —2 Corinthians 12:9
The grateful heart readily admits the wretchedness of inheriting a carnal heart and wholeheartedly believes Jesus’ warning, “…you can do nothing without me.” We live with the conviction that we were bought with a price, and our strength is from Christ, our King, therefore we willingly give ourselves away to Christ to live a life of servitude. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24).
The Promise of Eternal Life: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” —John 14:2
The grateful heart responds with honor and adoration to our Savior and King who is waiting for every living being to choose who they will serve, and “when the gospel is preached to all the world then will the end come.” With heaven ever before us, we must live as one who is forgiven. We are grateful sojourners—just traveling through this earthly life by preparing for eternal life with Christ Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16
The grateful heart is filled with immense love and gratitude because humanity is the benefactor of God’s love, grace, and mercies. We know that our identity is through Christ, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).
“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The grateful heart truly loves and appreciates God’s Divine Gift of His Son. Every day, with humility, we whisper the covenant words, “Lord, not my will but your will be done.” When Jesus is our First Love, our grateful heart reveals itself by following in His footsteps to live a sinless life of total surrender and obedience.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:12-14
Daily our resounding proclamation is, “I am going to heaven!” Not only in words but also in deeds, we consecrate ourselves to live holy. From our commitment, the Holy Spirit transforms our characters into a Christ-like character. Our thoughts, spoken words, habits, and lifestyles reflect a life hidden in Christ Jesus. Preparing daily for eternal life results in a life filled with praise and worship. We do not fear because we will receive our reward when Christ comes.
“The righteous are people who have entered into covenant with God by faith and seek to live according to his Word.” Jeane Jones
Lord, we thank You for Your life and Your love. We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our lives that we travel this journey with conviction and courage. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 10, 2024
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16
One powerful way to build your faith and trust in God is to change your response to life-impacting events. Whether facing routine challenges or major hardships, every obstacle is a disruption to our lives. When feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of life or a situation arises that human intervention cannot resolve, how do we respond?
Discussing the presenting challenges with spouses, family, and friends is a natural response, but learned behaviors and habits that promote self-reliance by using our thoughts to develop solutions always decrease our faith and dependency on God. To maintain obedience to God, we must stand down our immediate emotional responses to reach out to others before we pray.
“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, NIV
The defining characteristic of a Christian believer is to live a faith-based life totally dependent on God. We cannot please God by using varied responses according to the given situation. Therefore, we obey Christ’s command by changing our first response from discussing our challenges with others [which promotes worry and minimizes God’s infinite power] to “Let’s pray about this right now!”
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:6-7
Yes, it is a daily struggle to live a life of self-denial by exercising faith over escalating feelings. Even so, with humility, we use our wavering mustard seed faith and place our burdens at Jesus’ feet. Remember God has foreknowledge of every obstacle, trial, and hardship we face.
Depending on God gives us a peace that permeates our minds, bodies, and souls. Our Father always gives us the strength to endure and provides comfort and hope for the given day—take no thought for tomorrow. And in His timing, we receive a victorious outcome that brings glory and honor to His Holy Name.
“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” —Psalm 91:15
Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor loves us, He patiently waits for us to come to the Throne of Grace, and ask for help. Worship shifts our Focus from our Problems to the Almighty God, the Problem Solver. We ask for Divine Intervention and whisper words of gratitude because our challenges are resolved.
“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). Pray in faith and wait. The wait tests our faith! As the days pass, will we remain steadfast and courageously trust in God’s promise to fight our battles?
Now is the time for us to actively participate in our spiritual growth by abiding in Christ through unceasing prayer. Faith bonds us to Christ. Come what may, our confidence and trust is in God! From our daily commitment to surrender, we have total access to God’s unlimited love and power.
The strength of our relationship with Christ is dependent on our decision to redirect our focus and live a Christ-centered, faith-based life. “Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24, BSB).
Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for being the Great, I AM! In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 7, 2024
Son of God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16
Son of Man: “On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.” —Isaiah 11:10
I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). While walking on this earth, Jesus declared Himself as the Son of God. Although rejected by most of the Jewish people, Jesus was the Messiah whom Isaiah prophesied “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ ” (Matthew 22:37).
For anyone who is married and in love, they strive to please their spouse. The foundation of all healthy and growing relationships is unselfish love. Our relationship with Christ is also based on unselfish love. From Christ’s blood sacrifice, He proved His overwhelming, selfless love for humanity. Does our relationship with Christ proclaim unselfish love and loyalty for the Son of God?
“Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him” (John 14:15).
In the parent-child relationship, love, respect, and honor are demonstrated through the child’s obedience. As children of God, our daily worship includes the prayer to know, understand, and obey His will. To prevent us from following our thoughts, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we diligently search the Scriptures which God uses first to speak His will to us.
“My people perish because of lack of knowledge.” —Hosea 4:6
To please God is to faithfully obey Him. The Bible is the Voice of God. The Scriptures reveal God’s answers to every life situation. The Bible is our Spiritual Roadmap that converts the heart and keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness leading from earth to heaven.
“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” —Psalm 119:97-98, 104
The Old Testament proclaims God’s Laws as the highest authority and Righteous Principles to live holy, sacrificial lives. The exciting history of God’s loving Character and Divine Intervention along with countless life stories of rescuing us from sin and restoring us in the fullness of joy and peace remains unchanged.
The New Testament portrays Christ’s earthly life, His Ascension as King, and teaches us how to apply God’s Righteous Principles to practical living. As we gain knowledge, the Holy Spirit converts our hearts, we experience spiritual growth and transformation and learn how to live righteously. But most importantly, we learn to honor Jesus as our Triumphant King.
Christianity is the only religion that accepts Jesus as the Son of God. Yet, there is ambivalence in the minds of many Christians who do not understand Christ’s authority and His role in their lives. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is also God. The Scriptures substantiate Jesus as God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead.
Jesus Proclaimed Himself as God: “He took the divine name ‘I AM’ for Himself (John 8:58, from Exodus 3:14). He said that the way to the Father is through Him (Matthew 11:27, John 14:1-7). He made Himself equal with God (John 5:18). He proclaimed that whoever saw Him saw the Father (John 14:9).”
According to Bible Theologians and Scholars, Hebrews, chapter 1 is a record of Christ’s Coronation after He ascended to heaven. From this chapter alone, God reveals that Jesus is also God. Not only does God, the Father call Jesus, “God” but He also refers to Him as “Lord.”
“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.’ ” —Hebrews 1:8-10
God’s Supreme Revelation: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…holding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” —Hebrews 1:1-3
Jesus Authority Over Humanity: “…as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. ” —John 17:2, 5
Our perception of Christ reveals if our study of the Scriptures is selective or nonexistent, we become fixated on Jesus’ atoning sacrifice alone and attempt to achieve righteousness through our works. Because we lack knowledge of His Preeminence, we live a life that dishonors Jesus as God [He is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead] who sits at the Right Hand of God, the Father.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him…” (Colossians 1:9-10).
Two characteristics demonstrate Jesus Christ is the Supreme Ruler of our lives: The active desire to be filled with the knowledge of His will and the decision to walk worthy in our earthly journey as His disciples. For us to understand Christ’s Kingly role, we must search the Scriptures, praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment, and in submission, we bow and worship our King with faithful obedience.
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:10-11
We have a decision to make that is long overdue. Living for Christ: We strive for a sanctified life demonstrated by heartfelt love and the surrender of our will. “Not my will but Your will be done” is our daily prayer [covenant] to faithfully honor God through obedience. From our desire to honor Christ’s Righteous Dominion as our Supreme Ruler, we will receive our reward of the Crown of Life when He comes.
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war.” —Revelation 19:11
A Life Lived Against Christ: The decision to fulfill our desires under the banner of Christianity will end in facing Jesus, the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” as the Judge and Warrior. There is no excuse for a Christian believer to hold the same spiritual status as the unrighteous. We are not thinking clearly.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
Jesus the Son of God and Son of Man is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Christ has given us the warning, “…without Me, you can do nothing.” Jesus Christ has full authority over every human being. Without bowing to our Lord, Savior, and King, sadly, our lives will be lived in vain, and we will perform the rituals of Christianity but never receive heart conversion and spiritual transformation.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble…” —2 Peter 1:10
The worries of life should never be experienced by saints of God. We have hope through Christ! Without Surrender, our minds become unsure and we develop a spirit of insecurity hoping for eternal life. Yet, we must not commit sins of presumption—thinking we will receive eternal life although we place our desires over the will of God. Our salvation and destiny rely on the choices we make every day.
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’ ” (2 Corinthians 12:9). From living an earthly life as the Son of Man, Jesus experienced the trials and temptations we face. He extends the invitation, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).
“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” —Philippians 1:6
When we understand the overwhelming love of Christ who assures us that He will give us the Divine Help to live a sacrificial and surrendered holy life, we will renounce sin. Prepare daily to receive His Divine Strength from inviting Jesus, God, [the Son of God and Son of Man] to be the King and Supreme Ruler of your life.
Prayer: “Create in me, a clean heart, O God, and renew a right [steadfast] spirit within Me.” In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 1, 2024
Sola Scriptura: The Scripture is our Supreme authority in all spiritual matters and gives us the God-breathed Truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual transformation. The Scriptures reveal the Eternal Triune Godhead: God, the Father, God, Jesus, the Son, God, the Holy Spirit, who has no beginning and ending and the attributes of their Righteous Characters.
History of the Bible
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17
“…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” —2 Peter 1:20-21
From Genesis to Revelation, the theme of the Bible is God’s Agape Love for humanity and every living animal and plant. Yet, as humans created in their image, we are the apple of His eye. To save our souls, God gifted Jesus, His only Son to step down from His throne to suffer, bleed, and die so that we would not experience the penalty of the wages of sin.
God’s love, grace, and mercies are abundantly revealed in every promise, Divine intervention, and corrective discipline. The Holy Scriptures were given for us to know God’s Righteous Character, His Commandments, and Precepts, and is the only Standard of Truth by which we are commanded to live. Great His is love, faithfulness, and mercies.
Martyrdom Paved the Way for Us to Receive the Bible
The history of Christianity includes the Bible’s translation into English by William Tyndale in the 1500s for which he was condemned of heresy and burned at the stake in Germany. Although he was called to be a martyr, God demonstrated His Sovereignty and proved that despite Satan’s evil plans, He is the Supreme Ruler of this world. Four English translations were published within four years following William Tyndale’s death.
Before his execution, William Tyndale prayed that God would impress upon King James to complete the English translation, interpretation, and printing of the Bible. A group of 54 Bible scholars were appointed to be used by God to complete the task. In 1611, the King James Version (English) of the Bible was printed. Tyndale’s sacrificial offering of his life for the Bible to be made available to millions of people globally gives us something to reflect on, how far are we willing to go in taking up our cross to follow Christ?
The Light to Guide Us on the Narrow Path
The Bible is our Spiritual Guide to living holy. Our desire to study and obey the Scriptures has waned. Without Scriptural knowledge, we cannot experience spiritual transformation or know the will of God. Many are studying the Bible for intellectual knowledge instead of praying for God to give them a clean heart.
We require astute knowledge and spiritual discernment to understand the Scriptures and strengthen our faith. God, the Holy Spirit is not intrusive, we must pray for His presence, power, and Divine wisdom before we study the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit will only enter a clean temple. We ask for forgiveness of sins before we open our Bibles—an unclean heart cannot be in God’s presence. The Bible is Holy—filled with God-breathed words of life. Studying the Scriptures invites the presence of God into our worship.
Full cooperation is required for the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts and transform our characters. We are saved by Grace through faith. Our faith is the spiritual conduit that connects our hearts to Christ’s heart. It is Christ who imputes and imparts His Righteousness to every surrendered believer to live holy, sanctified lives pleasing to God.
Satan’s Deceptions
Satan age old trick is to plant the seed of doubt in our hearts. He deceives many believers with “Did God really say?” How are we falling for his lies? He begins with the Scriptures. By twisting and blending a little Truth with his interpretations, he uses others to entrap us into believing false doctrines. Many believers refuse to study and obey the Old Testament because someone preached a sermon that the New Covenant abolished the law given at Mount Sinai.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” —Matthew 5:17
“And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done…and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” —Genesis 2:2-3
God clearly states the Old Testament is still valid [not one jot or tittle will change]. The Ten Commandments are the Moral Code we live by. The first four commandments are man’s duty to God and the remaining six are man’s duty to one another. Satan’s first attack was to place doubt in Eve’s mind and he continues to make us doubt that God’s Original Plans are not valid in 2024.
The 24-hour rest from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset is a God-given time of Spiritual Restoration in which we enjoy the highest level of spiritual worship with God. All secular activities are ceased. Sabbath rest, restoration, and relaxation increase our dependency on our Heavenly Father and provide optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health.
The Sabbath is Holy. The Fourth commandment is a covenant between God and the righteous. God was fully aware that we needed to give Him one-seventh of our week to break the bonds of spiritual warfare and draw us close to Him. Satan is cunning, he knows that if we believe the seventh-day Creation Sabbath was changed, he can easily convince us to live a life of compromise and disobedience.
Still, one must consider that if Jesus says all of the commandments are valid then all of Heaven observes and has worshiped on the Seventh-day Sabbath every week since Creation. The seventh-day Sabbath is eternal, we will worship on the Creation Sabbath in Heaven and the New Heaven and New Earth. God never abolishes what He deems as Holy.
When conflict arises between human modifications and God’s law, it is best to obey God. What difference does a day make to God? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if God changed His command to keep the seventh-day Sabbath Holy. All human-made thoughts result in disobedience. Cain offered the sacrifice that he determined God should receive, “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain…” (Jude 11)
When Christ cried, “It is finished!” His sacrificial offering for our Redemption was accepted by God, the Father. The veil tearing from top to bottom indicated the Ceremonial Law—animal sacrifice was done away with. We do not acknowledge the magnitude of false doctrines and the impact of satanic evil on believers as the Apostles Paul and Peter did. How far will we allow Satan to go in appealing to our heart’s desires and separate us from God?
Every day, our love for God is challenged by the raging war within our hearts, prevailing worldviews, and the delightful earthly treasures that appeal to our senses. Some believers are so hypnotized and spiritually blinded that they no longer worship God in Spirit and Truth. We cannot think wrong and do right. Without daily consecration and fasting, the enticement of temptation and sinful desires will always gain victory.
If we truly love God then our love and loyalty are evidenced by changing our mindset to obey every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The righteous live by Sola Scriptura—by Scripture alone, therefore our agonizing prayer is for God to search our hearts and reveal any evil thing that results in disobedience.
From the Scriptures, We Learn These Truths
God is love and He is Just. Faithful Obedience to His Righteous commands and precepts are non-negotiable. We were created with the free will of choice, but cannot save ourselves through self-governance. Faith produces spiritual works, but our works will not save us.
The Evolution theory is a feeble attempt to replace the Power, Glory, and Majesty of Jesus Christ, our Creator, Sovereign King of kings, and Lord of lords. The anatomy and physiology of the human mind and body are a replica of Divinity and will always supersede every human-made technological advancement that attempts to minimize the spiritual wisdom we receive from the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is our road map. We do not have to develop counterproductive strategies when facing hardships, we pray and study to receive God’s guidance even in our daily routine activities. Through the Scriptures, God reveals His will and plans for our lives. When we give God our best, our prayers change, in faith, we not only pray a daily prayer of surrender, but saints of the Most High are praying, Come, Lord Jesus, and take us away from this sin-cursed earth.
Some study for intellectual knowledge, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). How is it possible for us to delve into the Holy Scriptures and remain the same? Only one obstacle stands between us and the conversion of our hearts—disobedience to God. How long will we tread on God’s love and mercies?
“For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times” (Proverbs 24:16). “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand” (Psalm 27:34).
Even in our disobedience, we receive our Father’s loving mercies. God is not punitive or vengeful. Yes, we suffer the consequences of disobedience, still, we are never alone or abandoned in our spiritual journey whether we are suffering consequences or the hardships of trials.
In John 16:33, Jesus forewarned us of a life of trials. Tribulations and suffering are not punitive actions of an unjust God—they pave the way for our characters to be transformed into Christ-like Characters. Every surrendered and obedient believer receives Jesus’ strength and the power to endure and persevere through their fiery trials and to live as Overcomers.
We open our Bibles, pray for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit, and receive God’s Divine resolution for our challenges and we receive the strength to walk on the water in faith when suffering from tumultuous trials and tribulations. Although our trials can be severe and lengthy, God gives us the strength to endure.
God does not withhold blessings. Every good gift is from the Father above. God’s blessings always glorify and honor His Holy Name. His answer of no reflects the things we ask for in the long run will compromise our salvation and reward of eternal life.
We must give up the pursuit of earthly prosperity, The love of money and tangible possessions demonstrates the worship of mammon—the idol of materialism. God does not choose our final destiny, we decide or not to live as Christ lived, a sacrificial life of humility and obedience to God, the Father which is required to receive our Crown of Life.
How deep the Father’s love for us! Through His Divine Love, the Spirit of Truth was sent to teach us the absolute Truth of every Holy Scripture. We can renounce sin, abolish all false doctrines, and with a made of mind, worship God with immense gratitude in the power of His might!
Not one book or human-made theory can challenge the authenticity of the Holy Writ. The Scriptures are all-inclusive, not only do we receive the spiritual power to “Be holy, for I am Holy,” but Jesus promises, “I will heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
The Scriptures shine joy upon our sorrow, hope upon our discouragement, light upon our darkness. They give direction for our confusion, certainty in our perplexity, strength in our weakness, and wisdom in our ignorance. When we meditate upon the Word of God and by faith trust its promises, God’s life-giving power energizes our entire being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. ssnet.org
“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike this army with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.” —2 Kings 6:17-18
Our unfailing duty to God is to revere and honor Him through faithful obedience and to live by Scripture alone! It is the contrite and surrendered heart that receives the deepest spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit works great and mighty feats of imparting wisdom and discernment to open our eyes to perceive the Power of God. We serve the same Mighty and Powerful God that Elisha served. It’s time to live a faith-based, consecrated life that brings God’s unlimited power into our lives.
The Bible is the greatest Book of all. Our faith and trust in God are strengthened when we study the faith and courage of our Biblical heroes. They prayed in faith because they believed in the Mighty Power of God. The Old Testament reveals God’s love and Divine Intervention to give victory in the most daunting situations. From living a consecrated and obedient life, our God will demonstrate that He is God alone, every day He is still parting Red Seas.
To surrender is to receive Jesus’ peace. Live by Sola Scriptura: The Holy God-breathed words of Righteousness.
Christ is waiting for us to turn our focus from distractions, discard false teachings, and live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. We have an enemy working overtime to steal our souls and our reward of the Crown of Life. Fight using the Scriptures as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 28, 2024
“Be strong and of good courage…Only be strong and very courageous…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 1:6-7, 9
When Moses died, God allowed a time of mourning for His beloved servant to be fulfilled. Immediately after, Joshua received his commission from God: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel” (Joshua 1:2).
Yes, God knew that Joshua’s heart was filled with fear, still, He commanded Joshua three times to be courageous and to move forward because “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God never justifies our fears. He gives us the only remedy, to put our faith and trust in His power.
“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom…” —Deuteronomy 34:9
To serve as a courageous soldier in the army of our Mighty Warrior God, we must first possess godly wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Wisdom gives us godly perception and discernment. We perceive matters with spiritual insight.
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” —James 1:6
Faith in God is the catalyst to accepting Christ as our personal Savior and faith sustains our relationship with Christ. By faith, we please God. By faith, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. By faith, we surrender and are transformed into the likeness of Christ. By faith, we live courageously upholding the banner of righteousness. Every spiritual attribute that God requires of us is based on the foundation of steadfast faith.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” —2 Timothy 1:7, NLT
Courage is an innate spiritual gift and a virtue we must possess in our walk with Christ. The Hebrew word for courage is chazaq—”to show oneself strong.” The Holy Spirit uses our God-given attributes of love, faith, and courage to prompt us to surrender and accept Christ.
From our commitment to discipleship, our love, faith, courage, power, and self-control are used by the Holy Spirit to facilitate spiritual transformation, empower us to renounce sin, and live a faith-based, Christ-centered life that honors God.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” —1 Corinthians 16:13
Does courage matter? Throughout the Bible, God places a great emphasis on possessing courage. Courage is rarely addressed in sermons. Courage is not only required to put our faith in action, but courage is the remedy for overcoming anxiety, worries, and life’s hardships. It takes courage to refuse to sin when compromise rules.
Jesus says: “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
“If cowardice belongs to unbelievers, the implication is that one mark of a true Christian is courage (Ligonier.org). Jesus not only identifies cowardice as a mortal sin but it is the first sin listed that will cause unbelievers to experience the second and final death. If courage is vital to our lives as overcomers then why is it the most overlooked Christian virtue?
Courage is the catalyst that activates our love and faith in God to be practicing Christians. Courage is the spiritual fuel that feeds our choice to surrender and obey God when our hearts are driving us to sin. We use courage to choose God’s truth over false doctrines, live a sanctified life in a world filled with abject wickedness, and stand on holy ground when faced with offers of compromise.
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” —Ephesians 6:10, Amplified Bible
“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray…” God has always required human effort before He intervenes. We exercise our inner strength to remain steadfast and courageous, still, we must rely on Jesus’ strength given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Every day, we fight to stand down our carnal desires and pray for the Holy Spirit to keep us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. To resist our heart’s desires and renounce worldviews is a daily decision based on the courage to surrender, will we choose God?
Many are plagued with spiritual instability in their Christian journey. Sometimes they are courageous and on fire for God; other times their lights are flickering as if burning out. The inner struggle of our hearts will never cease. Yet, with determination, we must “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15).
God will never coerce or beg us to obey Him. I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am. God requires a complete spiritual overhaul of our minds, characters, personalities, habits, and behaviors. Our fight to live holy is severe! Still, we have the power to choose holiness! From our prayer of surrender, we receive the supernatural power to resist temptation and live as overcomers.
Living By the Power of His Might
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. —Ezekiel 36:26-27
To surrender is a prayerful decision that calls for faith in action. Most of us establish life goals and live accordingly to complete them. Every morning, set a spiritual goal, “I will not sin against God today.” Pray for spiritual strength. We can do nothing using only human effort. Living a faithful and obedient life requires full cooperation with Divinity.
It takes courage to pray and ask God for a desire of our heart and remain obedient when He says no. It takes courage to love the disagreeable. It takes courage to remain silent and walk away from conflict. To deny ourselves of forming relationships when loneliness arises because Christ has separated us for spiritual growth requires courage and much prayer for strength. To overcome the sin of disobedience, we must have the courage to practice self-denial and self-control.
“Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” —2 Corinthians 6:14, Amplified Bible
Today’s believers are fighting one of the greatest battles—loneliness. Satan has increased his strategic warfare in the areas of Christian dating and marriage. Single men and women of all ages feel their lives have no purpose because they are not in love. Our enemy dresses the wolves in sheep’s clothing, but church attendance and saying, Lord, Lord does not indicate a man or woman of God has a converted heart. Pray and wait on the Lord!
The Increase of Conflict in Christian Marriage: Marriage is a holy union consisting of three cords, Christ, the husband, and the wife. Conflict in the marriage always originates from one or both spouses having an unconverted heart. Seeking marriage counseling does not change and purify the heart.
“Create in me, a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
Dissension in a marriage requires the husband and wife to bow down in humility and surrender fully to God. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church and the wife is to honor and respect her husband. The spiritual goal of marriage is to lovingly help each other receive their crowns of life.
Downsize Your Social Circle: Consistently perform a mental-spiritual review of your social circle. Every person should be a man or woman of God who is dedicated to Christ and can pray for you. They should lovingly but boldly use the Scriptures to address areas of compromise [iron sharpens iron].
“I can [and will] do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Compromising believers weaken our resolve and lead us astray. Let go of everyone who cannot pray and help you on your spiritual journey. It’s a tough decision, but never choose the familiar over the Divine!
“Be holy, for I am Holy” is God’s command to every believer who accepted Christ as their Savior. Not only do we fight against spiritual warfare, but every day, we fight the inner battle of a carnal heart that opposes all that is good and holy. The human effort of exercising steadfast courage, surrender, and faithful obedience are the spiritual virtues required to live a sacrificial life holy and acceptable to God.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” —Acts 1:8
The life God commands us to live can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” every day we should separate ourselves from spouses, children, family members, and friends by going into our secret closets and seeking God’s presence through meaningful worship.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” —Revelation 3:11
Do not let your faith waver! The spiritual journey of Sanctification compares to no other earthly hardship. Get ready for Christ’s return and stay ready. Either we will live our best lives now or in the New Heaven and New Earth. If we desire to walk with God like Enoch [who courageously stood on the Righteousness of Christ in wicked times] then we give God our best by making Him our priority.
“And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” —Revelation 15:2
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 24, 2024
“As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” —Deuteronomy 33:25
The perplexities, lengthy trials, and hardships we endure will never overpower us. “We have the promise that…God is faithful. “He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT). (Joy in Tribulation).
The converted believer’s earthly journey is tumultuous because all unrighteous character traits, sinful desires, and habits must be removed. The journey on our chosen paths differs, yet, God’s goal of the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities will reach completion until the day before Jesus comes if we are living.
We are granted the mercies of enough time to choose Christ and experience spiritual growth, but the moment we close our eyes in the sleep of death, our spiritual transformation ceases. “For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward…” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The Apostle Paul explains the state of the dead in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4.
Salvation is a gift but includes Spiritual Conditions of Participation—we embrace and align our lives with God’s Righteousness. Our human cooperation with the Holy Spirit is manifested by daily surrender and faithful obedience. The Holy Spirit transforms us if we place our faith and trust in God, only then can our hearts be connected to Jesus, our High Priest, and Intercessor. The Holy Spirit teaches, imparts wisdom and strength, and convicts us of our cherished and hidden sins.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” —John 14:2-3
When planning spiritual goals, we look beyond our present circumstances, this earthly home is temporary. We must let go of our love for the life we have on Earth. Few believers memorize Revelation chapters 21-22 and reflect on Jesus’ promise to have true happiness in a sinless, most beautiful New Heaven and New Earth. Nothing should distract us from reflecting on the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to see Him face to face and receive our Crown of Life.
In times like these [the last days of Earth’s history], we desperately need to study and memorize the Scriptures that convert our hearts and reveal God’s will for living righteously. We cannot face spiritual warfare without the Spiritual Ammunition of the Word of God. Now is the time to ask the Holy Spirit to fortify our strength so we can live as overcomers destined for heaven.
Our trust and obedience to God must be solid and built on Christ the Solid Rock. Jesus has not only brought us through past trials, but He also promises to hold us in His Righteous Right Hand to guide us safely through our present hardships, temptations, and future tribulations.
Christ rewards our faithfulness by giving us His strength to keep us moving forward on the Narrow Path. We receive Divine wisdom from the Holy Spirit to recognize and overcome satanic deceptions that we cannot discern with our human ability. Our role is to pray and filter the stimuli of the many voices who proclaim their messages are God’s Truth.
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Never place your confidence in human wisdom. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal all beliefs that are not in agreement with God’s Bible-Based Truth. Jesus’ battle plan of sending the Teacher, the Spirit of Truth prevents us from accepting Satan’s erroneous interpretations of the Holy Scriptures.
“The conditions of receiving spiritual discernment and wisdom require that we have an honest, pure heart, and the desire to know God’s will, which can only happen when we surrender to God.” Pastor M. Finley
Pray before you study. Our love, loyalty, and allegiance are to the Most High God. The Spirit of Truth supersedes all human interpretations of the Scriptures. One of our greatest challenges is letting go of beliefs not substantiated by the Bible. Only an unconverted heart refuses to acknowledge their belief system does not coincide with God’s Truth when the Holy Spirit reveals error. We cannot worship God in Spirit and Truth by holding onto misinterpretations and false beliefs that hinder our spiritual growth.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” —Jeremiah 33:3
Our goal is to hear well done. Monitor the time spent on entertainment, disruptions, and distractions by creating a Spiritual cease-and-desist order to take back control over your God-given time. Make Jesus your Best Friend. We form an unbreakable bond by talking to Christ throughout our waking hours. Our spiritual goal is to grow stronger and become part of the remnant who have the Faith of Jesus Christ.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.” —Revelation 14:12
According to the Daniel and Revelation prophecies, we face a future of end-time prophetic turmoil with intense spiritual conflict that will challenge our faith in God. Preparing now through consistent prayer, fasting, and study invites the Holy Spirit to give us a continuous outpouring of spiritual reinforcement. The Holy Spirit is our only guarantee of remaining steadfast. We desperately need to go deeper in our spiritual walk with Christ and like John become the disciples that Jesus loves.
“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters…” Revelation 1:12-15
The Roman Emperor Titus exiled John the Revelator [affectionately known as the disciple that Jesus loved] to the Isle of Patmos. Even so, John’s banishment was part of Christ’s perfect plan. The disciple’s tribulation of isolation was for our benefit—the book of Revelation contains the history of the early Christian churches to the future End Time prophecies that foretell a repeat of Christian persecution.
Covered by God’s grace and living off of abundant mercies is a blessed privilege that we do not deserve. We have received Jesus’ warning and directive to His Apostle for future believers: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). Praise God, Revelation ends with Christ and the righteous as Victors standing on the Sea of Glass and Satan and all evil destroyed!
Since Jesus cast Satan and his angels to the Earth, we have always been his focus in the Great Controversy between good and evil. Now is the time to cultivate an aversion to the evil of sin. The truly converted heart does not suffer from an internal conflict of choosing Christ over Satan. We know that we cannot save ourselves and our only hope is Jesus Christ!
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” —James 4:10
God has given Christ, His Son, and sent the Holy Spirit, our Teacher so we can live as overcomers who receive their blessed reward of immortality when Christ comes again with majesty and glory. Take sufficient time and study the book of Revelation under the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Revelation’s plain truth prophecies will impact you as no other book of the Bible.
If you truly desire Eternal life then study the books of Daniel and Revelation. Your perception of this Earth will radically change, and you will strive to live a sacrificial, surrendered life pleasing to God. From our failure to study Bible prophecies and the Old Testament, we only have a limited understanding of the Characters of God, the Father, and Christ, God, the Son.
The lack of knowledge of Redemption, Sanctification, the Judgment, and Eternal life makes it impossible for us to live holy and surrendered lives because there is missing knowledge vital to our salvation. Not knowing the complete story tempts us to fill in the blanks with our interpretations, leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s many deceptions, and we do not possess the spiritual enthusiasm for the Second Coming of Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed the earthly arrival of the Messiah. From Adam and Eve to Jacob, Daniel, and King David, to Malachi chapter 4 which describes the Great Day of God, we have Scriptural evidence the plan of Salvation was revealed to those living in the Old Testament times, “The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever” (Psalm 37:29).
Lord God, we pray for the strength to persevere in this earthly journey and to keep our eyes focused on You as we walk on our Chosen Path. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 21, 2024
“Out of the ground, the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” —Genesis 2:19
Christ revealed God’s plan of excellence for the human mind on the sixth day of creation when Adam named every living creature. According to PLOS BIOLOGY, in November 2023 when asked how many species exist on Earth? “Projections range from millions to trillions.” Even the experts admit we can only project the number of species in the animal kingdom.
Nature reveals the overwhelming love, Omnipotence, and Omniscience of the God who not only humbled Himself in death so we can experience perfection in the New Heaven and New Earth but also gave those created in His image a fulfilling life on planet Earth amidst magnificent beauty that still exists.
God created the world as a dynamic wonder for us to behold its splendid beauty, pursue opportunities to excel and reach our fullest potential, and most importantly understand His loving character. “God intends that improvement shall be the lifework of all His followers and that it shall be guided and controlled by correct experience.” (Reaching Forward to Perfection).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” —James 3:13
The Holy Spirit empowers us with the gift of wisdom to understand the Scriptures and God’s Divine plan of restoration for fallen beings. His goal is for us to achieve continuous spiritual and intellectual growth through studying the Scriptures, experiencing the natural world, and personal and professional development.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” —1 John 3:1
So why do so few believers grasp the Godly concept of setting our standards high? “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). From the diligent study of Creation’s story we learn of God’s infinite plan for humanity. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament revealing that our true identity is in Christ our Creator.
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ ” —Galatians 4:6
Christ proclaims “We are sons and daughters of God, we are bought with a price, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are a royal priesthood.” Instead of recognizing the privilege of our spiritual birthright, we classify ourselves according to the world’s standards of family ancestry, academic achievements, and social and financial status.
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible
Our refusal to consecrate ourselves to God has strengthened Satan’s influence in the Christian Community. Blended truth with human-made concepts is accepted because we harbor a spirit of discontentment. Instead of praising God for our blessings of provisions, and studying the Bible under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we listen to podcasts on “How Successful People Think.”
“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” —John 14:14
Satan twists the Holy context of the Scriptures to appease our desires for earthly treasures. He uses misguided human interpretation, “Didn’t Jesus say to ask anything in His name and He would do it?” to incite our passions. We pray, follow our inclinations, and answer our prayers based on the false teachings of the Name It and Claim It prosperity message and the worldview of pursuing one’s desires.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven …For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Our focus has shifted to building wealth and elevating our social status instead of seeking the intangible [intellectual and spiritual growth] blessings. “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self.” ( COL 67).
“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
The focus of spiritual warfare is our soul! Satan is using two effective strategies to turn our attention away from seeking the Kingdom of God. Never-ending Distractions: Our schedules are filled with secular activities. The busyness of today has left us depleted. We are just too exhausted to experience meaningful worship in the presence of God.
You Have Time: Today was a taxing effort, tomorrow will be better. We rarely appreciate the new mercies of the given day because our focus is on the future. When the children are older and the mortgage is paid in a few years from now life will not be so hectic. The Deception: We think time is ours to manage. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ” (Psalm 90:12).
” ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’ ” (Matthew 15:8).
Many Christians are unaware the last few years including 2024 is the time Jesus identified as “The Beginning of Sorrows” (Matthew 24). We desperately need to consecrate ourselves to live sacrificially. Only then can the Holy Spirit open our natural eyes and empower us with the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and rebuke Satan’s deceptions.
The times are perilous and Satan attempts to deceive the very elect. Too many rely on their intellect, quick wit, and life experience instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit. According to today’s pastors, a new term for 21st-century Christianity has been adopted, we are Middle-of-the-Road Christians, not engaging in abject wickedness, but living an uncommitted life of self-seeking behaviors.
Think on These Things: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.…” —Philippians 4:8
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” —Matthew 5:48
How often do we think of life in the New Heaven and New Earth? This season of life should be utilized for the transition of shifting our focus from distractions, busyness, and worldly gain to the pursuit of spiritual excellence. Filtering the stimuli that we allow to enter our minds requires heightened spiritual awareness—Is this information beneficial for my spiritual or intellectual growth? Every newsworthy event should not consume our valuable time.
A Call to Worship and Obedience: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion…’ ” —Psalm 95:5-7
Christian believers do not need to seek the world’s advice. We have the Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit who refreshes and empowers our minds with Godly wisdom and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. Still, our activities of daily living must be secondary to allow adequate and unhurried time to worship God in Spirit and in Truth which is necessary for spiritual clarity, growth, and transformation.
Changing Our Lifestyle: Transition from Technology to the Outdoor Life
The things of nature are God’s blessings, provided to give health to the body, mind, and soul. Surrounded by the wonderful works of God, our minds are lifted from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads us to think of the matchless charms of the earth made new, where there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy, nothing to cause disease or death. (The Health-giving Value of Outdoor Life)
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:18-19, BSB
Without surrendering ourselves to God, we cannot perceive the new blessings God desires to give us in our earthly lives to prepare us for life with Him. Letting go of counterproductive behaviors includes people and pleasures that serve no purpose in our spiritual journey with Christ.
God has a definitive plan for every faithful and obedient believer which begins in our earthly lives and culminates at Jesus’ Second Coming. To receive the Heavenly Crown of Life requires that we live an earthly life as the Sons and Daughters of God—Spiritual Royalty.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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