Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – December 21, 2024
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.” —Matthew 9:9, NLT.
When reading this verse, we find evidence of true heart conversion by the Holy Spirit. Matthew, the rogue tax collector did not make a spontaneous decision to accept Christ and leave everything when Jesus said, “Follow me.” Day by day, while sitting at his tax table under the shade of the bountiful tree, Matthew heard countless testimonies of Jesus’ healing the sick and preaching messages of hope and salvation.
Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus occurred long before Jesus approached him. Regardless of his wealth and lavish lifestyle, Matthew got up, left everything, surrendered his heart, mind, soul, and character, and committed to the spiritual process of being transformed by Jesus Christ, the Messiah. For his dedication and commitment to Christ, God honored his obedience by granting Matthew the privilege of writing the first book of the New Testament documenting Jesus’ ministry on earth.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” —Revelation 3:20
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…” (John 15:16). Jesus tells us, that we did not choose Him, He chose us. If we think of our initial decision to accept Jesus as our Savior, we realize that accepting Christ was a supernatural experience. To bear fruit [Galatians 5:22-23] requires that we abide in Christ through the daily human effort of prayer, surrender, faithful obedience, and study of the Scriptures.
Perhaps, we never understood that we were chosen to follow Christ and have not totally committed to discipleship. God never leaves us without the knowledge we need to come to Him in total surrender. From our desire to fulfill God’s Divine purpose, we strive to obey God’s will and plans for our lives. “Be holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). When we agree to let go of sinful practices and people, the Third Person of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit performs the lifelong transformation of our character and behaviors to reflect the Righteousness of Christ.
Before Christ comes again, through the Holy Spirit, every human being will receive the opportunity to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Still, we use our God-given free will choice to accept Christ or deny him. If we say yes to Jesus’ invitation then we agree to live a life of surrender and faithful obedience to God’s will by seeking and obeying His precepts and will for our lives.
We were bought with a price, and that price was Jesus’ life. His sacrificial gift on Calvary’s Cross was to offer us an alternative to the price of sin. For the Love, Grace, and Mercies, we receive every day, certainly God deserves our faithful obedience. Today, consecrate yourself and make the covenant to relinquish your will and obey God. In Jesus’ Name, Peace and Blessings!
“This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” —1 John 4:9-10
Lord God, we thank You for choosing us to receive salvation through the gift of Your precious Son, Jesus. We choose to follow Christ and pray for the strength to live consecrated, holy, and acceptable lives. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – December 6-7, 2024
“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” —2 Timothy 3:2-5
After studying this important Scripture, we recognize that we are in the perilous times described by the apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy. What is the spiritual progression we can expect? Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 14-16 and 19-22 are the reference points for the prophecies of the End Times of Earth’s History.
With joyful anticipation, we prepare daily for Jesus’ soon coming. We have the Triune God which includes the Holy Spirit, and messenger/guardian angels assigned to all believers who work to prepare us spiritually. Fear should not be part of our mindset when we think of Jesus’ Second Coming.
In Revelation 22:12, Jesus reiterates, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” Most importantly, are we making the necessary spiritual changes to prepare for Jesus’ soon return?
As believers, what is our role in preparing for Jesus’ Second Coming?
Acknowledging Our Identity: We belong to God. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Establishing and Maintaining a Personal Relationship with Christ Jesus: Through daily consecration, we seek and surrender to God’s will, serving Him with faithful obedience. Spending much time in prayer and studying the Scriptures strengthens our relationship with Christ and invites the Holy Spirit to transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ—the journey of Sanctification.
Dedicating Our Talents to God: Each person is blessed and gifted with unique talents and given the spiritual assignment to witness the message of Salvation—Jesus Saves! “Intellect is an entrusted talent. Sympathy and affection are talents to be sacredly guarded and improved, that we may render service to Him whose purchased possession we are…we belong to God. Education, discipline, and skill in every area should be used for God.” EGW
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” —2 Peter 1:3
The God-given gifts of faith, love, power, and self-control enable us to renounce temptation. Yet, human effort requires Jesus’ Divine wisdom, discernment, and strength to recognize and overcome Satan’s customized temptations that appeal to our heart’s desires. Because we are created with free will, every day, through prayer, we convey our desire to depend fully on Christ. Our yes to God guarantees us Divine Intervention in our time of need. And when do we not need God?
Serve God with Courage and Perseverance: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” —Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV
The apostle Paul compares our spiritual journey to being a soldier. Jesus is the Commander of Angel Armies. Angels guard us from unseen spiritual warfare and protect us from physical harm [Psalm 37:4]. We cannot fight evil without Divine Help. Our prayer of surrender signifies our willingness to abide in Christ. And for our humility, the Holy Spirit shields us from deception and guides us continuously on the narrow Path of Righteousness.
God’s Plans Are Perfect and End in Victory: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” —Isaiah 55:8-9
The Believer’s Responsibility: “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Yes, love, grace, and mercies are free, yet God expects us to study the Bible for ourselves. It is not enough to hear sermons once a week to sustain our connection to Christ. Do not depend on second-hand knowledge to guide your spiritual journey.
Study the Bible under the teaching of the Holy Spirit by praying for the correct understanding of God’s Truth. We cannot use our thoughts to discern the Holy Scriptures. Knowing for ourselves the attributes of God’s Character and what He expects safeguards us from being deceived by the current practice of “What is Truth? You have your truth and I have my truth.”
Many believers can quote the Scriptures, but intellectual knowledge does not produce converted hearts. Living holy calls for the human effort of applying the word of God to our lives, and invites the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to change unrighteous habits and prepare us for life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray continuously for God’s guidance. Satan is a stealthy enemy. He does not use easily recognized temptations to compromise our right standing with God. It is the desires of our hearts that he uses to separate us from God. In these perilous times, Satan knows his time is running out, so he often uses familiar people [church members, family, and friends living double lives] who still practice worldly habits to tempt us into compromising our commitment to God.
“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus].” —Matthew 7:15-16, AMP
The people in our inner circle can significantly influence us to compromise God’s righteous morals and values. The goal of Compromised Christianity is to pull us into accepting blended doctrines that are not Biblically sound. Studying the Bible also teaches us when to remain silent and let God fight our battle against spiritual warfare.
Two years ago, I was talking to a family member who has always been a devout Christian, the conversation was going well until he stated, “Did you know that…?” I was shocked by the content of his self-made theory. Not only was this a temptation to debate, but also Satan’s attempt to influence me to accept human doctrines above the Holy Scriptures. I remained silent, he changed the subject, and that was our last conversation.
“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].” —James 1:22, Amplified Bible
“Unbelieving Believers” wholeheartedly believe God exists, but do not have the desire to fully renounce sinful habits, behaviors, and lifestyles. They will listen to the Truth, but never incorporate the Word of God into their lives. They hear weekly sermons but satisfy their curiosity by seeking human-made philosophies and the hidden mysteries of life that steer us away from God’s Truth.
Spiritual Growth and Development is Continuous: As a believer, “I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.” Christ created us to reach our highest spiritual and intellectual potential under His Divine guidance. Every day, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, we can progress step by step in our Christian journey.
We should be concerned if we are still thinking and practicing the same level of Christianity as we did a year ago. It took Jesus’ disciples three years to experience spiritual transformation, yet in John 17 Jesus prayed that He completed His spiritual assignment—eleven of His disciples experienced spiritual transformation.
If we remain steadfast, we will also gain a deeper experience with Christ. When worship becomes our lifestyle, our automatic response is to honor and connect with God through praise, singing, Bible study, and prayer. Faithful obedience is the spiritual gateway to receiving spiritual growth—the Holy Spirit empowers our thoughts, and decisions, and changes our character to reflect the Fruit of the Spirit—the Character of Christ.
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” —Colossians 2:8
Achieving and reaching our fullest potential is in our DNA, therefore, we have an inner drive to pursue knowledge. God’s priority in our quest for knowledge is to study the Scriptures, as spiritual growth only happens through the word of God. We can read books by Christian authors, listen to sermons, and watch social media posts, still, the Bible is the Spiritual Mirror that reveals our true spiritual status.
Believer Alert: If we fail to study, Satan will provide alternatives that separate us from God. Screen time is one of his most effective tools that few fail to resist. To satisfy our innate drive to acquire knowledge, we will embrace erroneous concepts of fantasy, immorality, and unrealistic goals of success portrayed in movies [especially children’s movies], digital animation, games, and other activities that appear to be innocent fun, but prepare our minds to embrace worldviews, demonic themes, and imaginary creatures which oppose righteousness.
Self-healing, gateways to other dimensions, maintaining a constant level of euphoria by drinking mushroom teas, and attempting to manifest blessings have infiltrated the church. We must be intentional with our efforts to avoid the trap of “intriguing minds want to know” articles, programs, and movies that are not Biblical.
Once we have exposed our senses and neural pathways to secular philosophies, our frontal lobe easily retains deceitful information over the Scriptures and then the internal war rages. In these times, Satan targets the church-goers who half-heartedly serve God. Failure to obey God is the open door that allows the enemy to enter and manipulate our minds and take over our lives. Persuasion is easily accomplished with those who hear the Truth, but their hearts remain unconverted and uncommitted.
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Now is the time to rearrange our schedules to include diligent Bible study. Jesus foretold the times we are living in and gave us instructions on how to overcome them. The Sovereign Thoughts of God were given to humanity and written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Scriptures reveal the Beginning to the End according to the Omnipotent and Faithful Triune God—God, the Father, God, Jesus, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.
“Fight the good fight of faith…” (1 Timothy 6:12). “This verse encourages believers to actively stand firm in their faith, even when facing challenges.” We cannot win the spiritual battle against Satan who desires us to lose our Crown of Life. Trust and obey God by standing down temptation. In the Strength of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, we must persevere and remain committed to righteousness.
The Armor of God: “… In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” —Ephesians 6:16-17
Stay alert! From dedicating ourselves to God’s perfect plans, the Holy Spirit performs daily spiritual growth and development. Time is quickly passing, the minutes have become months and the months have evolved into years gone by. “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-20
Lord God, we thank You for the Sword of the Spirit, Your Holy Scriptures which are the One Truth. We ask for spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment to shield us from the deception of the evil one. Bless us this Sabbath with peace, joy, and the courage to surrender and obey in these perilous times. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional -November 30, 2024
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
We inherited hearts that naturally gravitate toward fulfilling our desires. Every day, we must decide to use our faith to surrender to God. By accepting God’s will, we agree to abide in Christ and enter a Covenant of Obedience. From our yes, we vow to trust and obey. From our prayer of surrender, we receive Jesus’ Divine strength via the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live holy, and yes, our faith and obedience will be tested through many temptations [mostly arising from our heart’s desires].
“Paul’s sanctification was a daily conflict with himself. He said, ‘I die daily’ (1 Corinthians 15:31). His will and desires daily conflicted with duty and the will of God. In the plan of not following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.” Although many commentaries refer to Paul’s statement of “I die daily” as his impending physical death, the apostle is speaking of a spiritual sense of dying daily to sin.
“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Every soul must battle against inclination. Christ came not to save men in their sins but from their sins. He has made it possible for us to possess a holy character; do not, then, be content with [character] defects and deformities. But while we are to seek earnestly for perfection of character, we must remember that Sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. Paul said, Day by day the work of overcoming must go forward. Every day we are to resist temptation and gain the victory over selfishness in all its forms. Looking for a Daily Victory, EGW Estate, Sharing the Vision
Yes, we are covered by Grace, still, true religion is not one in which we do nothing. Our responsibility is to surrender to God and strive for holiness by renouncing sin when tempted. The secret to living victoriously requires the daily consecration of our intellect and faith to Christ, our Redeemer. We live in spiritually dangerous times [2 Timothy 3], and praying twice daily is insufficient to maintain our connection to the Power of God.
“…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:20
Jesus knows that our struggle to renounce our desires and sinful pleasures could not be accomplished without His Divine Intervention, therefore, “He promises to be with His followers every moment of every day, until the end of the present age.”
“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
What does it mean to abide in Christ? Total surrender and diligently studying the Bible to learn God’s Righteous Character, Commandments, and Precepts. Living holy requires more than intellectual knowledge, our hearts must be converted. With determination, we pray for the spiritual strength to stand down sin!
This is the well-kept secret in the Christian Community, abiding in Christ requires accepting God’s will over our will, desires, and plans. And that’s not all, striving to live holy requires the always present faith-building tests of loyalty to God. Temptation is powerful! Never think too highly of yourself by trusting your instincts. The human intellect is in a lose-lose situation against Satan. Without Divine wisdom and discernment, we are guaranteed to fall.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” —James 1:5, NIV
To overcome Satan’s covert temptations, we desperately need Godly wisdom and discernment. Pray daily for wisdom. It’s vital to stay close to God and learn His Divine prompts. When tempted, the Holy Spirit intervenes by alerting us, and we lose our inner peace. Feeling uneasy is God’s Divine Protection.
When tempted and in spiritual or physical danger, we realize that something is not right! Make a prayer of faith your first response, ask Jesus, the Commander of Angel Armies to send angelic protection. Yes, heavenly angels fight spiritual warfare and protect us from physical danger [Psalms 34 and 91]. Immediately leave the situation! Do not attempt to use strategies, remain silent, and place all your faith in God who gives us the courage to walk away.
The human effort of staying close to Christ requires much prayer and learning to hear the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts. The Christian journey is rugged, but we have Divine Help from the Triune God and the heavenly angels. Are we ready to live a sacrificial life?
“…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5
Consecrating oneself to God may result in walking alone [without support from family and friends]. If feeling alone, ask God to reveal your spiritual assignment. Helping those in need redirects our focus from ourselves. Do not give credence to your feelings—our feelings are unreliable. Strive to live a consecrated life, the reward [Revelation 21-22] is worth all sacrifices.
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” —Jude 24-25
Every day, we bow before the Throne of Grace thanking Jesus for His commitment to fulfill the Plan of Redemption. This earthly life is not the end for the righteous! Tell yourself, “I am going to receive my Crown of Life! Amen.” Pray and ask God to reveal what you must do to live as a victorious overcomer, indicating your willingness to actively participate in your spiritual journey of Sanctification.
Communicate with God through prayer several times a day. Dedicate more time to studying the Bible. Let go of the hindrances of compromising habits, unrighteous behaviors, and people who have no desire to receive Eternal Life. There is no other way to build your faith in God but to acquiesce to His Sovereignty by following His plans. Victory over sin through Christ defines the Overcomer’s life!
Our Reward: Jesus proclaims, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Yes, and Amen!
Lord God, we desire Eternal Life and ask You to reveal every sin and character defect that prevents us from receiving our Crown of Life at the Second Coming of Jesus. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.
“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.
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