“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ ” —Mark 6:31, NIV
Rest Is An Essential Component of Maintaining Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health. Rest is the healthiest habit we can form to maintain optimal health and wellness.
Fortifying the soul: Rest is essential for strengthening the soul and receiving wisdom from God.
Finding peace: Rest can help people find peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Finding rest in Christ: Rest comes from learning of Christ and co-working with Him.
Restoring health: Rest helps with physical and mental health, and is a remedy for fatigue, stress, depression, and burnout.
Preparing for spiritual practices: Rest allows people to quiet their minds for prayer, Bible study, and meditation.
Developing self-control: Rest helps people develop self-control and choose right from wrong.
Enjoying nature: Resting in nature is beneficial for the mind and body.
Fatigue easily escalates into an unhealthy stressor. If mental and physical stress is sustained [due to insufficient rest], eventually, we push our minds and bodies into a Crisis Mode, and the first needful system that begins to fail is our Immune System. Created in the image of God is our catalyst for renouncing the worldview, “Keep going!”
Pushing our minds and bodies beyond healthy limits prevents us from receiving the spiritual blessing of Jesus’ Supernatural Strength. God instituted rest. In fact, we have 24 hours of Sabbath rest to redirect our focus away from the demands of our rigorous lifestyles. Rest is required to establish a lifestyle of prayer and meaningful worship, and to maintain a consistent schedule for daily Bible Study.
Spiritual Growth and Transformation is a daily process that requires our cooperation with Divinity. Our goal is to use our earthly lifespan to prepare for Eternal Life. Do not allow success, money, or tangible acquisitions to push your body into overdrive. Our earthly lives are temporary. Allow yourself a weekly season of stillness, Jesus will release His healing power of Restoration, and the Holy Spirit will replenish your mind, body, and soul. Peace and blessings.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 25, 2024
“This is what the Lord God of Israel says: I anointed you king over Israel and rescued you from Saul. 8 I gave you your master Saul’s house and his wives. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if this weren’t enough, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise my word by doing what I considered evil? You had Uriah the Hittite killed in battle. You took his wife as your wife. You used the Ammonites to kill him. 10 So warfare will never leave your house because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” —2 Samuel 12:7-10, GNT
King David’s Prayer of Repentance for the Sin Against God, Bathsheba, and Uriah: Psalm 51
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.
For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— Verses, 1-4
With a Father’s love, God granted King David mercy following his sinful actions. Although he suffered the lifelong consequences of his decisions, God continuously protected David from his enemies [including his sons, Absalom and Adonijah]. David proves that with God, we can strive to live as one who is forgiven by renouncing sin and staying before the Throne of Grace.
“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
Because we acknowledge that our God is Sovereign and His thoughts and plans for our lives are perfect, we would think trusting and obeying Him would be easy. But the reality is that we fight an internal battle every day to overcome the desires of our hearts. Many believers fail to pray for God’s will. Every day they pursue their desires never perceiving their actions as disobedience against God.
Satan deceives us into believing that God measures sins as great or insignificant, big or little, yet, God declares that all sin is the transgression of His law. Wilful disobedience challenges God’s Authority and signifies overt rebellion against His Righteous Character. From the history of the Israelites, we learn the sins we choose to commit occur because the desire for the particular sin is hidden in our hearts.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” —James 1:14-15
Every sin arises from our inherited heart filled with the desire for self-gratification. None of us are exempt from seeking sinful pleasures. Even, the Apostle Paul confessed, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing (Romans 7:19). Truthfully, we do not understand our hearts, it is easier to do wrong than to live righteously.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).
We need the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom to perceive sin for what it really is—any thought or action we commit outside of God’s will [for us] is sin. Every morning, we receive the gift of new mercies of another day of life. Either we choose the path of disobedience—rebellion against God by choosing our plans or the path of faithful obedience through our initial prayer: “Lord, I surrender myself and ask You to reveal Your plans for my life today.”
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). The failure to surrender reveals the heart issue of loving ourselves more than we love God and the desire to live according to our earthly plans. If God required His only Son to live a life of poverty, and rejection, and to die a criminal’s death then with heartfelt love for Jesus, we reveal our appreciation for the gift of salvation through obedience to God’s Divine plans.
Christ’s Testimonial of Obedience: “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
Jesus’ Internal Struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane: ” ‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will. Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.'” —Luke 22:42-43
Even if we have little knowledge of the Scriptures, reflecting on the life of Christ and His inner struggle in the Garden reflects God’s unchangeable requirement of Faithful Obedience. The Father honored His Son for His obedience. God intervened in Jesus’ struggle to fulfill the Plan of Redemption for us.”…an angel appeared, strengthening Him.” Thank You Jesus for Your unfailing obedience!
All praises to God, the Father for giving Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb the supernatural strength to complete the Plan of Redemption to save our souls. Through prayer, we receive Jesus’ strength to empower us to overcome all temptation and live dedicated and obedient lives.
Still, God’s gift of Grace does not give us the leeway to follow our thoughts and inclinations. Every believer who desires the Crown of Life must seek God daily for His will to be revealed by the Holy Spirit and fulfill His Divine plans for the given day. Love propels us to obey!
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” —Matthew 22:37
To love God is to know His Righteous and Loving Character and follow in Jesus’ steps through surrender and obedience. The Holy Bible is our Guidebook for traveling the spiritual journey from earth to heaven. Because it is an immediate response for us to follow our desires, God, the Father sent His Spirit—the Holy Spirit also known as the Spirit of Truth to teach, reveal, and guide our steps in our wilderness journey.
In our daily activities, adherence and obedience to laws are essential, extending from governmental regulations to county and city ordinances that govern human behavior and delineate criminal activity. Employers have policies that coincide with labor laws, enforce nondiscriminatory treatment, and define productivity guidelines, and appropriate behaviors. Termination is the standard penalty for character deficits and infractions of established policies.
Reflection: If we obey human laws what prevents us from obeying God’s Sovereign Laws and Precepts?
Like Eve, we have been deceived by Satan who tells us, “You will not surely die” from our acts of disobedience. So we attend church, give tithe and offerings, treat others respectfully, and do not commit outrageous sins. To compensate for our failure to obey God through surrender and faithful obedience, like Cain who offered God his idea of the sacrificial offering, we try to please God with our actions, believing He is satisfied.
Worldviews are built on sinful habits. Whether we chase success, spend money frivolously (the love of money is the root of all evil), engage in friendships and romantic liaisons with unbelievers (Do not make mismatched alliances with them, it is inconsistent with your faith), or practice sexual immorality (the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body), our sin is against God.
The violation of God’s Righteous Precepts and Moral Law is a matter of life or death, they are the Standards for receiving the reward of Eternal Life. God says He does not change. There is no leniency as Satan desires for us to believe. “Middle of the Road or Compromised Christianity” is still a sin. If we truly love God, we do His will. Pray, listen, and obey. We cannot overcome the innate desires of our hearts without surrendering to God and asking for His Divine Help which we receive through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13
Enoch, Noah, Joseph, Daniel, and Job lived sinless lives. With determination, and the desire to live holy and acceptable lives, they prayed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, dedicated human beings overcame sin by the power of Jesus’ strength. God gifted us with the power of self-control and the privilege of praying for help when tempted.
“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, AMP Bible
The human effort of total surrender to God invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Divine strength to say No to sin. We are soldiers in the Army of God. We prepare for spiritual war daily through prayer, consecration, and surrender. In our battle with evil, we always need God’s help. Angels fight spiritual warfare that we cannot see. Still, we must be courageous in standing down invitations designed to separate us from God.
God is Love! When we fall, in humility, we repent. God’s Promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Yes, and Amen! We Can Live as One Who Is Forgiven by stepping into our role as surrendered and faithful warriors anointed with the Matchless Strength of Jesus Christ.
“I call heaven and earth to witness this day: I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life—that you and your offspring shall live.” —Deuteronomy 30:19
“Choosing life involves: Loving God, Walking in God’s Ways, Keeping God’s Commandments, and Having a Radical Change of Heart.” Yes, and Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for the precious gift of Jesus Christ. We ask for forgiveness of the sin of rebellion against Your Sovereign Authority. We desire to live as one who is forgiven and pray for direction and protection from the evil one. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 19, 2024
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness, I have drawn you.” —Jeremiah 31:3
To understand God’s love, we must diligently search the Scriptures. From tolerating the rebellion of the Israelites for 40 years to His intervention of giving them victory over enemy armies to the gift of Redemption through Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross, we have infallible proof that God’s love for humanity is steadfast.
Yet intellectual knowledge does not affirm or give us confidence in God’s love. Worship must evolve into a lifestyle in which we consistently reflect on God’s Loving and Righteous Character and His faithfulness. From our many challenges, deep within our hearts, we know with conviction that God has given us victory.
“I will never leave you or forsake you is Christ’s promise. God is the Sustainer of our lives. “The Hebrew word ruach (רוּחַ) refers to the breath of God in the Bible and is translated as ‘spirit’ or ‘wind.’ It is a representation of God’s essence, which sustains life and animates all living things.”
God’s Love Revealed in Adversity: “As long as my breath is in me, And the breath of God in my nostrils, My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit.” —Job 27:3-4
Although Job did not understand the severe adversity in his life, he maintained his integrity and the goodness of God by proclaiming his life was sustained by the breath of God. Something is not right when we receive our Heavenly Father’s blessings beyond measure and our temperament reveals unhappiness, anxiety, worry, and fear. Do we believe that God desires our happiness?
Scripture Validates God’s Desire for Our Happiness: The Story of Creation reveals a perfect and breathtaking world that Christ created for Adam and Eve. The planet we live on was made for humanity. Even with Earth’s rapid decline, through actual or virtual traveling, nature still gives us evidence of Jesus, the Master Artist’s love of resplendent beauty.
The apostle Paul tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). If God promised to give us all of our provisions, Jesus died to redeem us from our sins, protects us from the enemy’s spiritual war, sustains our lives, and is waiting to provide us with a forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth, why aren’t we praising God for His goodness?
King Solomon Identifies Our Source of Unhappiness: Everything Has Its Time: “To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
1. God’s timing never coincides with our desire for instant gratification. God rarely fast-tracks. With faith, we must “Wait patiently for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14).
2. Our goals do not align with God’s plans to prepare us for Eternal life. We desire total fulfillment in our earthly lives instead of focusing on John 14:1-3.
3. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). Our heart desires self-governance and self-reliance which opposes God’s requisites to surrender and obey.
“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
Obedience to God is the gateway to living happy, peaceful lives. Every morning, with thanksgiving, we proclaim our love to our Heavenly Father through our vow of surrender and faithful obedience. Our prayer for God’s will to be done demonstrates our love, reverence, and honor to His Sovereignty because we owe our very existence to Him.
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” —Genesis 2:7
We rejoice because we are alive! Yes and Amen to receiving God’s mercies of this new day. We show our appreciation of God’s Agape love with praise and singing. Our Heavenly Father is the Supreme Source of Life. Each breath represents God’s breath flowing in and out of our lungs. Thank You, God. Amen.
“In the Bible, there are many benefits to living a faithful and obedient life, including Protection: The Lord saves and protects the righteous from trouble and the wicked. “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience], And He rescues [each of] them.” —Psalm 34:7, Amplified Bible
“…When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). Despite facing adversity and temptation, Job Chapter 1 shows that our Loving Savior, Jesus Christ protects us by restricting the harm Satan wishes to inflict on righteous believers. Thank You, Triumphant King!
Another gift we seldom acknowledge as a blessing is our careers and jobs. King Solomon reminds us that work is designed to be a blessing and a source of happiness and satisfaction. “What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” —Ecclesiastes 3:9-11, NIV
Career/Job Dissatisfaction: According to TeamStage statistics, “globally almost half of the employees love their job.” So let’s place a guestimate of 48% of those who love their jobs and the majority, 52% are dissatisfied with their present career choice. Not one Christian believer should fall into the majority of individuals who are dissatisfied with their jobs.
After creating Adam, Christ gave the first man the responsibility of naming every living animal and caring for his home, the Garden of Eden. When we seek God and ask Him to reveal His plans for our lives, it also includes His choice of our career path. If we obey, we receive His blessing and the empowerment to use our innate gifts and talents for His honor and glory.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” —Colossians 3:23
When we commit and surrender to God’s will, we enjoy His plans for our lives. With a spirit of humility, we gain satisfaction from our daily work because our priority is to please God. The promotion you hoped for that did not come to fruition was not God’s plan for your life. We may never receive human validation, yet, the true believer does not require praise from others.
The Overwhelming Root of Dissatisfaction: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” —Hebrews 13:5
Nothing should motivate us and create happiness more than a job well done. Money is not a motivator! Many individuals receive less compensation than their qualifications, yet, they enjoy peace, joy, and happiness because they obediently fulfill their God-given purpose. Self-sufficiency separates us from God who created us to depend on His plans and power.
Tests, Trials, and Adversity: “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.” —1 Peter 4:12
Fiery trials are God’s method of saving our souls. Many believers’ characters and personalities do not align with Christ’s Righteous Character [Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 4:32], therefore God allows hardships to test and strengthen their faith and obedience and purge their character defects. Still, we must admit our faults and cooperate with the Holy Spirit for spiritual transformation.
The Prophet Jeremiah Reminds Us of God’s Loving Kindness: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:22-26
“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” —John 17:24
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 11, 2024
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5: 7
This morning, I began a season of prayer for a situation I cannot resolve without Divine Help. As I was praying, the Holy Spirit spoke to me [through my thoughts] with instructions to begin fasting at that moment. During, my worship, I also studied Joshua chapter 6 which gives us the story of God’s exact instructions to Joshua on marching around Jericho.
God desires to give us a victorious life, but we must depend on Him by dedicating ourselves to setting aside uninterrupted time through prayer and fasting. When the disciples could not cast out the child’s demons they asked Jesus, “Why not?” Jesus’ answer: “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’ ” (Mark 9:28-29).
The disciple’s lack of faith prevented them from performing the miracle. We can never reach the point of having too much faith. Building steadfast faith requires more than our daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of prayer and Bible study. To live as an overcomer means we must deny ourselves by dedicating more of our time to God and learning to hear His Voice.
As of today, I am a witness that obedience is the gateway to victory. I no longer carry the burden from last week that disrupted my peace of mind night and day. During my fast, from much prayer and studying the story of Jericho’s walls falling from the people marching around the city, I have a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness. Still, I had to use faith to acknowledge His Sovereign Power and yes, I thanked Him for the victory in advance.
Excerpt from “The Privilege of Prayer” by EGW
“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11).”
“His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.”
“There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest.”
“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” —Psalm 147:3-5
“The relationship between God and each soul is as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watch care, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.” [End of Quote]
“For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” —Romans 8:26-28
Through Jesus Christ, our Intercessor and Mediator, we are given complete access to God’s Divine Power and Presence through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only imparts Jesus’ strength in our weaknesses but He [God, the Holy Spirit] also takes our prayers that ascend as sweet incense to God, Jesus Christ, our High Priest in the Heavenly Holy of Holies.
Committing to surrender and faithfully obeying God is a sign that we love and honor Him. God also honors us by intervening against our enemies and resolving life’s challenges. We have a Loving Father who grants us spiritual blessings beyond measure. Yes, we have the assurance that the Triune God will intervene on our behalf when we keep ourselves before His Throne of Grace. Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for loving us and the privilege of seeking Your help without constraint in our time of need. We give you the honor and glory that You rightfully deserve. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 10, 2024
“Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” —Proverbs 19:11 (RSV)
There is a wonderful power in silence. When impatient words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry usually act as a whip, lashing the temper into greater fury. But anger met by silence quickly dies away. Let the Christian bridle his tongue, firmly resolving not to speak harsh, impatient words. With the tongue bridled, he may be victorious in every trial of patience through which he is called to pass.
In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control. In his strength he may bring his thoughts and words into subjection to the will of God. The religion of Christ brings the emotions under the control of reason and disciplines the tongue. Under its influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.
Hold firmly to the One who has all power in heaven and in earth. Though you so often fail to reveal patience and calmness, do not give up the struggle. Resolve again, this time more firmly, to be patient under every provocation. And never take your eyes off your divine Example.
You are reading an excerpt from a Devotional, “Reflecting Christ” by Ellen G. White.
We may think nothing will offend us, but words are powerful! As Christians, our goal is to possess the Character of Christ. In Jesus’ earthly life, the Pharisees and Jewish rulers consistently dishonored His proclamation of being sent from God. In John chapter 8, verses 37-44, the conversation is recorded by the Apostle John between Jesus and angry Jews who claimed they were holy because of their descent from Abraham.
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (John 8:44-47).
The Crowd’s Reaction: “Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).
Even though we are Christian believers, God tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The worldview of “You have your truth and I have my truth” has permeated the Christian Community. No longer does “Iron sharpen iron” where one believer attempts to help another believer return to God’s Truth.
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.…” —James 5:19-20
We must study the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid using our thoughts to discern God’s Truth. How do we respond when a fellow believer tries to guide us back to God’s righteous precepts? Do we react with offense? God uses believers to help each other because our highest earthly goal is to receive our Crown of Life.
If another believer rejects God’s Truth do not try to convince them with a sparring match. Pray for them, if their hearts are receptive, the Holy Spirit will take over.
We can expect Satan to use people to keep us offended. But a spirit of offense reveals a proud, haughty heart. The Apostle Paul tells us in perilous times, “People will be lovers of themselves…” We cannot afford to be above correction! Sanctification, the lifelong journey of the Holy Spirit transforming our minds, characters, and personalities requires our active cooperation as reflected in possessing a spirit of humility and admitting when we are wrong.
May we pray as King David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —Psalm 139:23-24
Lord God, we repent for harboring the spirit of offense. We ask You to give us strength, wisdom, and discernment to know when we are in error. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 7, 2024
“…Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” —Job 41:11
The Test of Righteousness: “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ ” —Job 1:8
Yes, Job was a righteous, devout, and blameless man, therefore God presented His loyal manservant to Satan [Job 1:1-8] who was allowed to bring harsh adversity into Job’s life. The story of Job’s extreme sufferings reveals we must steadfastly proclaim an unwavering faith in God despite our circumstances. Still, God knows the human heart. Even if we are devoted disciples of the Most High God, hardships that linger usually result in diminished faith in God’s Love and Sovereign Power. While we lack a specific timeline for Job’s suffering, we can be assured that it was prolonged.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” —Isaiah 43:2
Though we are diligent in our faithfulness to God, when facing harsh trials and adversity that appear to have no end, deep within our hearts, we may question God’s Love and Sovereignty. “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” (1 Peter 4:12).
Not one believer enjoys being in the “Fire” necessary for spiritual growth and development. Yet, it is the only way our character, mind, and personality can be refined and molded into Christ-likeness.
Job’s Challenge: “I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me; Show me why You contend with me. Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, That You should despise the work of Your hands…? Your hands have made me and fashioned me…Yet You would destroy me.” —Job 10:2-3, 8
Job, a righteous man began to doubt God’s love. Is God a fair God? He is a just God who allows every believer to experience adversity. In Biblical times, people attributed calamity to an individual sinning against God. Job’s three friends presented their self-righteous judgments instead of praying and supporting Job: Zophar urged Job to repent, Eliphaz accused Job of wickedness, and Bilidad proclaimed, “The wicked are punished!” [God’s Reaction: Job 42:7-9]
Job Desires to Defend Himself with God: “Then Job answered and said: Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.” —Job 23:1-7
God Proclaims His Sovereign Omnipotence — Chapters 38-42
Job 38:2-8, NIV: Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? 8 Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb…?’ “
Where do we stand in our faith journey? Are we focusing on our hardships, world events, natural disasters, politics, and social issues more than on God’s Absolute Power?
Changing circumstances reveal if our faith in God is strong or weak. Yes, we will experience anguish in our earthly journey, still, we must never lose hope in God! We must live a life of daily and continuous worship. The faith-building activities of consistently praying, studying, and memorizing God’s promises to love and take care of us allow us to abide peacefully in Christ.
“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
When facing adversity, either our faith will increase or fade into nothingness. Will we respond with faith or fear, anxiety, and worry? Lack of faith in God’s Power causes us to look at our limited human abilities and overwhelming circumstances. God knows that we need His Divine Help. Never forget, This Is Our Father’s World!
Despite the presenting circumstances, build your faith in God. Every day, through a prayer of surrender, consecrate yourself with a commitment of faithful obedience. Boldly proclaim “God is Love and will never fail me!” God is [and has always been] the Sovereign Ruler of this universe! God demonstrated His Sovereign Omnipotence to Job in chapters 38-42, reminding us that He is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory! Yes and Amen.
“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
The Apostle Paul compares our spiritual journey to being a soldier in the Army of God. We serve a Triumphant King who overcame death! Jesus is the Commander of Angel Armies who loves, directs, and protects us. We, the righteous are His primary concern, “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Be courageous! In Jesus’ Name. Hallelujah! Amen!
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:22-26
Lord God, we ask You to give us strength in our times of adversity. We believe You are Sovereign and You love us with an everlasting love. You are our Triumphant King and the Lion of Judah and we praise and worship Your Holy Name. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer we ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 5, 2024
“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16
As the events of Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 are rapidly being fulfilled, Christ is directing His dedicated disciples to spread His love by emulating His righteous character and conduct. Before Jesus’ return, every person will receive the precious opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior and embrace the Plan of Redemption that enables us to live righteously.
With our cooperation, the Holy Spirit prepares us for Jesus’ Second Coming through the spiritual process of Sanctification. Our lifelong transformation includes the conversion of our hearts, minds, characters, and personalities. We strive to live holy and acceptable lives by embracing and representing Christ’s Righteous Character to others. The Holy Spirit empowers us with Christ’s strength to live as victorious overcomers.
Recently I listened to an Instagram reel on Isaiah’s calling to be a prophet. The sermon emphasized the reverence and honor that the Most High God deserves. Isaiah’s vision reveals God’s Righteousness and Holiness and the utmost worship of the angels. The sermon leads us to a Spiritual Crossroads. Either we choose God’s righteous standards or live by our compromised definition of true Christianity.
The Majesty and Glory of His Righteousness: Isaiah 6:1-3, NIV
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim [angels], each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ “
Reverencing and honoring God is more than attending weekly church service, studying the Bible, giving tithe and offerings, and praying. In Christ’s earthly life, He faithfully obeyed God, the Father. According to our thoughts, all may appear well in our Christian experience, but we cannot judge the status of our relationship with Christ.
Like King David, every day we pray, “God, search my heart…” Faithful obedience to the will of God is required for us to live holy. Our surrender and commitment are evidenced through prayer, “God, what is your will for me today?” Faithful obedience is our highest form of worship and the only worship acceptable to God.
Because of our inherited and fallen nature, we cannot love and revere God as He deserves. We need the Holy Spirit’s intervention. Our propensity toward sinful pleasures results in practicing a compromised version of Christianity. Today’s believers have embraced worldviews, chase their desires, love wealth, and hang out with and have relationships with unbelievers.
Blurred lines of Truth and Error have many wondering, “How do I know if I am a Christian?” Those with converted hearts strive to reverence and honor God through their lifestyle of worship which glorifies God. And yes, many individuals acknowledge God but possess unconverted hearts by continuing to engage in sinful pleasures. “Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you” (1 Peter 4:4, NLT).
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And 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
Does our perception of sin align with God’s definition of sin? No. We may not drink, smoke, or fornicate, yet we fail to surrender and obey the will of God which constitutes disobedience and rebellion against God. It is easy to focus on the sins we don’t do, yet, faithful obedience, praying, and studying the Bible along with standing down all carnal desires is a daily sacrifice required by God or we are in the same predicament as unbelievers.
“Romans 6:15, which says, ‘What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.’ In this verse, Paul responds to the rhetorical question, ‘Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?’ The Apostle Paul’s response is that we cannot equate grace with freedom to sin. He states that Christ died to liberate us from sin, not to permit us to sin.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” —Hosea 4:6
Satan has used the influencers to convince us that we do not need to study the entire Bible. The Old Testament is the only accurate historical overview of the creation of this world and human beings. God provided a detailed history of fallen humanity’s disobedience, their repentance, and continual opposition to Him by continuing to embrace sin. Sadly, in 2024, we repeat the same sinful behaviors because we have no desire to live righteously.
God used Moses to approach Pharoah who eventually freed the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement. Although many offered their sacrificial offerings they continued to secretly worship pagan idols. God extended His love and mercies for 40 years. In Numbers chapter 32, we find that God’s mercies do end: “According to the Bible, Scripture states no one over the age of 20 who left Egypt would enter the Promised Land.” Because of their true dedication, only Joshua and Caleb [over the age of 20] were spared by God.
Love, Grace, and Mercy are not New Testament characteristics of God. The Old Testament proves God has always extended Himself to save humanity from the consequences of rebellion against Him. God is Omniscient—All-knowing. God knew Adam and Eve would disobey by eating from the Forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
The conversation between God, the Father, and Jesus, God the Son regarding the Plan of Redemption occurred before the creation of this world and human life. Even before Jesus came to this world fulfilling the Plan of Redemption on Calvary’s Cross, God instituted a ceremonial law—animal sacrifice as a representation of Christ’s Cleansing blood, which provides forgiveness for our sins. Jesus’ death abolished the ceremonial law of sacrifice, not the Ten Commandments.
What is our daily offering to God? God has always extended His loving grace and mercies even though humanity has a long history of failing to honor, reverence, and appreciate His loving kindness. How do we demonstrate our gratitude for Christ’s love? It’s time for us to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds by obeying Him as revealed through living righteously.
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” —1 Thessalonians 4:7
Enoch, Joseph, Noah, Esther, Job, and Mary, along with many others, strived to walk with God and pursue holiness as Enoch did. And yes, they were victorious because they surrendered and committed their lives to God. It is possible for us to forsake all worldly pleasures and to put God first in our lives.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” —Exodus 20:3
Reflection: We should cross-examine ourselves: “Where do I stand with God? Is He first in my life? Do my thoughts, spoken words, behaviors, reactions, desires, friends, and interactions with others reveal that I love God? Do I surrender, and strive to live holy? Am I representing the love of God to others?
Christian Characteristics and Conduct
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
“Everyone who names the name of Christ should so work that others, by seeing his good works, may be led to glorify their Creator and Redeemer.” EGW
Daily, we reflect on Jesus’ Sacrifice and thank Him through our covenant vow of faithful obedience. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 remind us that our earthly lives matter. This life is our one opportunity to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to reveal our sins and character flaws. Human effort and Divine Intervention are required for our daily transformation into the likeness of Christ.
In John 14:1-3, Jesus promises eternal life to those who honor God by striving to live holy. Our decision to live in the New Heaven and New Earth is revealed daily through surrender, faithful obedience, and perseverance. The Scriptures tell us that our lives are like vapor and this earthly home is temporary, yet, we do not have to struggle alone in our spiritual journey.
All of heaven is on our side to help us overcome! In the strength of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, possess a loving character, and conduct ourselves as disciples who decided to live forever and ever with our Triumphant King!
“Meet me in heaven, we’ll join hands together, meet me at the Savior’s side.”
Lord God, we desire our reward of Eternal Life. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King. We ask for the strength to renounce sin and to live holy. Anoint us with the Holy Spirit and give us spiritual insight and wisdom as we reveal Your unconditional love to others. We pray in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 4, 2024
“He must increase and I must decrease.” —John 3:30
The humility demonstrated by the prophet John the Baptist is the righteous trait we must possess to be a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. In His earthly life, Jesus was always submissive to God, the Father, therefore, we die daily to our desires by surrendering to God’s will and plans. Discipleship requires us to maintain a “…child-like, submissive, and teachable spirit.”
Surrender is a daily act of humility. Every day, we choose to obey God by our prayer, Lord, what will You have me to do? From our prayers, we receive God’s plans and the strength and direction from the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will for the given day. Our faithful obedience is the catalyst for the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts and transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of 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
Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of growth and development performed by the Holy Spirit. Our vow of faithful obedience to God, the Father indicates our willingness to strive for holiness. The human effort of surrender extends the invitation for Christ, our Heavenly High Priest, and Intercessor to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Winning the daily battle of surrendering our will and heart’s desires to God is to decide that we will not sin against God and to act accordingly by renouncing sin and overcoming temptation with the power of the Holy Spirit.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
Being created in Jesus’ image included the spiritual gifts of power, love, and a sound mind [self-control]. We are not helpless! We choose to sin! Even Satan with all of his evil power cannot coerce us to sin. When we love God and appreciate the gift of His Son, Jesus, our choice of maintaining a steadfast relationship with Him reveals that our hearts are filled with overwhelming love and loyalty for Christ.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ ” —Hebrews 13:6
Living a sacrificial life not only demands self-denial but also requires us to renounce sin and redirect our focus from the affairs of this world to turning our eyes on Jesus. Never compromise your salvation for individuals who have no desire to fully commit themselves to God. And yes, from striving to please God, we will lose many relationships, yet, Jesus promises, “…I will never leave you or forsake you.”
The Narrow Way “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14
To fulfill our roles as disciples of Christ is to pray, seek, and carry out God’s will. Through our contrition and faithful obedience, we receive the blessing of King Jesus’ supernatural strength. We live in perilous times, pray five times more than you are currently praying. Through daily prayer, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the blessings of spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to live righteously.
“But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” —Philippians 3:7-8, BSB
The apostle Paul reminds us that the earthly treasures and relationships we lose for Christ are gainful to our Christian experience and relationship with Christ. Let go of all baggage [people, places, and personal habits] that fail to honor God and impede your spiritual growth. Our lifestyle including associations with peers, family members, social activities, and pursuits reveals whether or not we are lifting up the Name of Jesus. “Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
“And [in reverent fear and obedience] Enoch walked with God; and he was not [found among men], because God took him [away to be home with Him].” —Genesis 5:24, Amplified Bible
Most sermons fail to inform us that we may have to walk alone on the Path of Righteousness—without human support. Yet, the Scriptures indicate the believer’s journey with Jesus has always been a one-to-one, heart-to-heart, righteous relationship with God. “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). Christ gives us the assurance that spiritually, we are never alone!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
Living a Christ-centered, Bible-Based life requires much faith, courage, and dependency on God! From a lifestyle of worship, we are showered with Divine joy, peace, and happiness. We have a higher purpose than this world has to offer. Yet, we strive to maintain a spirit of humility in our interactions with others.
Our Christ-like love, righteous thoughts, gentleness, compassionate spoken words, behaviors, and habits are the greatest witness of our commitment to glorifying the Righteous Name of Jesus.
Lord God, we pray for an increase in our faith and the courage to renounce sin in all forms. We ask for blessings of Divine Strength, wisdom, and discernment as we navigate life’s tumultuous journey. Our desire is to receive our Crown of Life when You come again. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 1, 2024
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” —Isaiah 26:3
It has taken a lifetime for many believers to fully surrender and faithfully obey God. Sadly most refuse by following their thoughts and plans, never receiving God’s greatest blessings of peace, joy, and happiness. The daily prayer of surrender, “Lord, I will follow Your will and plans” places us in right standing with God. “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things” (Proverbs 13:21).
For the “Yes to God” believers, we have the assurance that we are living our best lives and the rewards are great for honoring God with faithful obedience! Not only are we following the perfect will of God, but we also receive His gifts of inner peace and direction from the Holy Spirit. In fact, mere words are inadequate to express the joy and happiness that God’s Divine peace provides, we never experience worries or suffer from unforeseen consequences!
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. ‘ ” —Matthew 22:37-38
“…you are not your own you were bought with a price…” —1 Corinthians 6:20
If allowing God to guide your steps feels difficult, it reflects a heart issue. Love for God requires dedication and total surrender. Yet, it is truly worthwhile. To live with the assurance that God is always faithful and promises to give us victory despite our circumstances because our obedience aligns us with His will is worth total surrender. May we delight in the love and gifts of Sabbath Peace and Blessings. Amen.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” —Isaiah 12:2
Thank You, God, for the Sabbath and Your sweet gifts of peace, joy, and happiness. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 31, 2024
“We love Him because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19
God [The Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit] is Love! This Scripture compels us to reflect on the Source of love and to check the status of our love for God which is demonstrated through reverence and obedience to Him and love and compassion for others. Something is not right within us when we do not love everyone Christ created in His image.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” —Matthew 22:37-39
In studying the Life of Christ we find that His earthly life was filled with experiencing abject hatred from the Pharisees and Jewish leaders who desired His death because he spoke the One and Only Truth and preached that He is “The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus described himself as a “Man of Sorrows” because the very people who rejected Him were the ones He came to Earth to save their souls.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32
We are commanded to love, respect, and forgive others as Christ loves. You will never meet a person Christ did not die for, therefore, we should treat every living being regardless of socioeconomic status with the utmost respect and love. Another test of our faith and whether we possess unconditional love is the ability to reveal Christ’s love when we are accused, mistreated, or excluded.
“A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” —Proverbs 19:11
Our reaction to offenses reveals whether or not our hearts are filled with the Righteousness of Christ and evidence if we are actively participating with the Holy Spirit to transform our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ—which is Sanctification: Spiritual growth, and maturity.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” —Ephesians 6:11
Because we serve the Most High God, Satan uses people to attack our character (Spiritual Warfare is Satan’s scheme). If we retaliate with harsh, angry spoken words, carry an unrighteous grudge, or harbor a spirit of offense then the love of God is not in our hearts. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” —Exodus 14:14
Throughout the Old Testament, every victory reveals our God is a Mighty Warrior and always wins the battle. Although we are mistreated, we pray for Spiritual strength and the Holy Spirit will empower us to remain silent and walk away from all spiritual warfare involving conflict. If we pray for wisdom and discernment then we will view satanic attacks of unfair treatment and biases through spiritual eyes.
How deep is your love for Christ? Are you willing to suffer as Christ suffered?
Strive daily to be Christ-like. Our ultimate goal should align with God’s Divine purpose for giving Jesus, His only Son to die on the cross for us. Our focus when considering the future does not include vacations, retirement, or buying homes and vehicles. We can be 100% certain about one thing regarding the future: Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King’s promise in John 14.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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 14:1-3
Every day we remind ourselves that we are living to have a personal relationship with Christ and one day soon to receive our reward of eternal life in a perfect world filled with Agape love. Amen! Peace and Blessings.
Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself
Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 13
Lord God, we ask You to teach us how to love unconditionally and pray for the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize the warfare designed to misrepresent Your love for others. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.