“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
Yes, the followers of Christ have received His steadfast promise of giving us Perfect Peace. And we know that His Promises are “Yes and Amen” indicating that we can always rely on His Word, because God is Forever Faithful.
If we trust God, then why do so many Christians live with worry, anxiety, and restless nights? When facing challenges, if our first response is, “What am I going to do?” then we do not trust God.
Many Christians have embraced the practices of unbelievers, who rely on their human wisdom and strategies. But it is the love of self [revealed by self-reliance] that brings unrest and is wearing out the vital life forces.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).
The Bible teaches us to use our faith to pray, ask God for help, and wait with joyful anticipation. We enjoy Jesus’ peace, because we believe in His Power and Promises.
Give your concerns to Jesus, and as King David said, “I will lay down in peace and sleep.” we will also enjoy Jesus’ gift of internal Peace flowing like a river in our hearts, minds, and souls. Yes and Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for being Yahweh Yireh, our Provider. You said, those who use their faith to trust and believe that You are the Sovereign God, You will honor their faith by performing miracles that give resolution and bring glory to Your Holy Name. We thank You for the privilege of prayer and the invitation to depend on You. Lord, we realize that we will always have spiritual needs, and every day, we need Your Divine Help and Strength. Jesus, we accept Your invitation to help us. With faith and trust, we cast our cares on You, believing your promise to give us resolution and Perfect Peace. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).
When Jesus approached Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, Jesus extended the invitation: “Follow Me’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him…”
Matthew did not have to respond with spoken words; Jesus had the Divine Power to read what is in every human mind and heart, so He knew that Matthew was tired of his journey of walking down a dead end road.
Every day, Matthew heard the people in the marketplace telling others about Jesus’ Teachings of God’s Love for all people, regardless of their social or economic status.
Although Matthew had never personally listened to Jesus’ Teachings, as he sat at the tax collection table, the people constantly talked about a Powerful Man, named Jesus.
And this Jesus, who was from Nazareth healed lepers, opened blind eyes, gave hearing to the deaf, those who were unable to speak, talked, the crippled got up and walked, and He also have the power to cast out demons.
“Mark 7:36-37: Even though Jesus told them not to tell anyone, the people kept talking about it more and more, saying, ‘He does everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'”
Yes, Jesus’ Love, Teachings, and His Ministry of Healing was known throughout Syria. “Yet, Dr. Luke records that when Jesus raised the widow’s son—His reputation of healing power spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”
The Truth is, Matthew knew that he was traveling on a wide path when he learned that Jesus taught one’s status, wealth, and material possessions were worthless in the kingdom of God.
Jesus refuted the Pharisees’ false doctrines that only wealthy individuals would enter heaven. Deep within his heart, Matthew realized that his lifestyle placed him on the broad road, leading to death and destruction.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
Today, Jesus is asking you and me to stop giving Him the ritualistic worship of weekly church attendance, and to “Follow Him” with a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
We must be willing to stop nurturing our habits of self-reliance and disobedience against God; cease following our thoughts and strategies; and stop chasing our desires for this Earth’s temporary treasures, pleasures, and meaningless relationships.
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV). Jesus knows the true status of every human heart.
Who is sitting on the throne of our heart?
From reflecting on our thoughts, desires, habits, and lifestyle, the truth is revealed; without loving God, and honoring Him with daily surrender and faithful obedience, we are sitting on the throne of our heart.
For Jesus to sit on the throne of our hearts, the Apostle Paul tells us:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).
To follow Jesus requires a spirit of humility and a lifelong commitment of daily surrender and obedience.
Through daily personal worship [Prayer, Studying and Obeying the Holy Scriptures], we abide in Christ. Asking for God’s Will to be done in our lives, reveals that we honor and reverence our King’s Sovereign Authority.
When we use our faith to implicitly trust and obey jesus, our Shepherd, the Holy Spirit leads us [day by day] on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for sanctifying and transforming our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous and Divine Character.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide gives us knowledge, spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength.
When tempted, it is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to recognize Satan’s covert temptations, and the Holy Spirit convicts our conscience if we try to hide secret sins.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”(Romans 12:9, 11-12, NIV).
Walking on the Narrow Path of Righteousness Requires the Human Effort of Total Surrender, Faithful Obedience, and The Divine Intervention of The Holy Spirit
Everyday, we will face the internal conflict of our hearts, driving us to pursue its desires and the external conflict of Satan’s continuous temptations.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24).
Although we practice self-control, our willpower can never keep us on the Path of Righteousness. We must walk through life on bended knees, asking the Holy Spirit several times a day to give us Divine Strength.
Following Jesus requires faith, courage, and the desire to live righteously. Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus, and we put on our armor, by studying the Scriptures, our Spiritual Sword.
Because of the Cross, we have Total Access to the Saving Power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Yes and Amen!
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited….”
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18, NIV).
Lord, we come to You with our stubborn hearts and clenched hands of self-reliance. Yet, we have come to our spiritual senses. Jesus, we love You and desire to follow You. We ask You to forgive us for sitting on the throne of our heart, and excluding You from our lives, by only giving you recognition once a week.
Lord, we are willing to take the leap of faith to trust and obey You. And with trembling hands, we release our character deficits and burdens into Your Holy Hands. As we walk on this New Path of Total Surrender, we ask You to please be our Strength, and to anoint us with the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” (Isaiah 41:13, ESV)
Throughout the Bible, we find God’s Abundant Promises to always take care of us. The Scriptures reveal our Heavenly Father’s never-changing love for us, and His desire for us to completely depend on Him, in every aspect of our lives.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).
But the truth is, until we face dilemmas that are impossible for us to resolve, we may think or say, “My faith and trust is in God,” but our exclusion of God when making daily decisions reveals that we really trust our human thoughts.
Self-Reliance diminishes our faith in God’s Love and Sovereign Authority. Trusting God in life’s routine duties may appear insignificant, but placing our faith in God, in the small matters demonstrates obedience, and invites the Holy Spirit to strengthen and build our faith.
God’s Command: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
Relying on our thoughts, strategies, and abilities redirects our focus from God to ourselves, weakens our faith, and places us in a spiritual state of disobedience.
Every day, We Stand At The Spiritual Crossroads: Will we choose to follow Jesus?
At some point in our lives, God will allow us to face overwhelming changes and challenges that are impossible for human effort to resolve. If our daily choices reveal a history of trusting our thoughts and plans then we will unjustly blame God for not caring about us.
“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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29: 11-12).
We were created to obey God, depend on His Perfect Plans, and then we are rewarded by receiving His Guidance, Strength, and Protection.
“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). By calling Jesus “Lord,” we acknowledge His Supreme Authority, not only with spoken words, but with daily surrender and faithful obedience.
Throughout the Bible, we find that God’s Promises have always been conditional; receiving God’s blessings is only possible when we follow and obey our Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Following Jesus Requires A Life of Self-Denial
Jesus’ Warning and Promise: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
Jesus warns us in advance that our spiritual journey with Him will require suffering, but from relying on His Strength and Power, we are filled with His peace, and with courage and hope, we keep moving forward: “I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
If you have never depended on God, begin today by letting go of the unbeliever’s mindset and lifestyle of Self-Reliance, which produces the consequences of mental and emotional distress.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).
We should never suffer from the distress of uncertainty, anxiety, worry, and consequences that overwhelms unbelievers, who will never enjoy Jesus’ beautiful gift of Abundant Peace.
Following Jesus with faithful obedience results in receiving His greatest benefits: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.” (Nahum 1:7).
Our faith must be living and active! “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8). Yes and Amen!
Our mind’s default setting is, “What am I going to do?” But God desires for us to use our faith and reset our default: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, ESV).
Reflection: Are we spending time with God? Worshiping God includes separating ourselves for the consistent daily personal worship of Consecration, Prayer, and Studying the Holy Scriptures.
“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, Legacy Standard Bible). In this Scripture, Yahweh reminded the Prophet Jeremiah that the “I AM” has no limitations!
Using our faith to trust and obey God is a life-changing decision that invites the Holy Spirit to guide us, and bless us Jesus’ Spiritual Wisdom, Strength, Joy, Peace, and Happiness.
To receive God’s Help, with humility and surrender, we must repent for the sins of self-reliance and living in opposition to God’s Divine Will and Plans for our lives.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Faithful obedience acknowledges that we worship Jesus, our Lord and Savior with surrender and reverence. True Love for God produces a heart filled with humility, and the willingness to readily acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority over our lives.
The most important relationship is the one that requires us to totally depend on God, using our faith to believe, trust, and obey Jesus, Yahweh Yireh, our Provider, Who is always Faithful.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).
Lord God, we confess and repent for our sins of self-reliance and excluding you from our lives. We desire to live a life of faithful obedience, trusting in Yahweh, our Provider. We realize that we need Your Divine Help in our journey of spiritual growth and transformation. We ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wisdom, and the strength to keep moving forward. We realize now that following Jesus includes taking up our cross and obeying Him. Lord, teach us how to recognize Your Voice above our thoughts. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6).
Who is Jesus [Yeshua]? Jesus is the Only Son of God, the Father and Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead [the Holy Spirit is the Third Person].
In Hebrews Chapter 1, God, the Father makes the absolute declaration that Jesus, His Son is also God, refuting that Jesus is a created angel:
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?…Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6).
“But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Hebrews 1:8-9).
God, the Father proclaims again that Jesus is not a created angel:
“But to which of the angels has He [God, the Father] ever said: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).
The Creation of This World and Humanity
God, Jesus Christ created the world and life, by His spoken words, with the exception of Adam and Eve, who, He formed with His hands.
“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3:).
Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
The Creation of Human Beings
“‘Let us make’ is evidence of the Godhead working in unison. God, the Father and God, the Son planned and executed the creation of humanity together.”
Outward Resemblance and Character: “Humanity was created in God’s image both in physical form (bearing a likeness to their Maker) and in moral character. This gave Adam and Eve perfect, holy attributes where reason controlled their passions and their affections were pure.”
“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s One and Only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT).
Jesus Proclaims His Authority: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18).
Because the powerful Jewish rulers denied that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus proclaimed His Authoritative Status given to Him by God the Father to His disciples.
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11).
So that every believer has conclusive proof that Jesus is also God, the Holy Scriptures validate that God, Jesus Christ has always existed with God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit.
Yes, we are given conclusive evidence that we must revere Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Savior, Heavenly Intercessor, and Mediator through the worship of faithful obedience.
Our Royal Status: We are Sons and Daughters, heirs of the Promise, who are preparing to live with and worship Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior and Triumphant King, for Eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Living As True and Faithful Believers reveals to the world that we are Sons and Daughters of God!
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14-17, ESV).
Satan’s False Teaching: We can live as we desire and still inherit our Crown of Life.
“But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Obedience to Jesus is not an option.
“Empty Profession: Simply calling Jesus ‘Lord’ is just a verbal acknowledgment; only acknowledging His authority means little without obedience.”
True discipleship requires actively applying and obeying God’s Spoken Words, [the Holy Scriptures] to direct your thoughts, behaviors, actions, and lifestyle to reveal obedience to God’s command, “Be holy, for I am Holy.”
God not only calls believers to have a pure heart and clean lifestyle, but Jesus actively supplies the strength to achieve it. We can do nothing for our Spiritual growth and transformation without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).
“The Bible clearly teaches that living a holy life is not achieved through human willpower alone, but through the transforming Power and daily guidance of God’s Spirit.”
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…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 2:5, 8).
If God the Father required Jesus, God, the Son, in His earthly life to faithfully obey Him, then we as created human beings, certainly must acknowledge God’s Sovereign Authority over this universe and our lives through obedience.
Reflection: If we obey our employer’s policies and procedures, and county, state, and governmental laws and regulations, then how much more does God expect us [mortals who live and die] to worship Him through daily surrender, humility, and faithful obedience?
“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).
When we love God, following Jesus with total surrender and faithful obedience is not a burden or an inconvenience.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).
“We love Jesus because He first loved us,” unselfishly sacrificing His life to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is the second and final death [Romans 6:23].
We love Jesus because through His blood, we have the opportunity to overcome sin and receive the greatest reward of living with Him forever [John 14:1-3, Revelation 21-22].
“I will praise you with my whole heart; I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 138:1, Psalm 139:14).
It is our heartfelt worship of obedience, praising God with our prayers of gratitude and singing joyfully that reveals our reverence, love, and loyalty to the Sovereign and Faithful God, the Sustainer of our lives.
The Path of Righteousness is Narrow, requiring a commitment to live a sacrificial, holy life of self-denial and overcoming our desires and Satan’s temptations through the Power of the Holy Spirit [Romans 12:1-2].
The Beginning of Our Spiritual Journey With Jesus: From our declaration of faith to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, He cleansed us from all our unrighteousness, giving us a pure heart.
Abiding in Christ is a lifelong commitment of following Jesus, requiring continuous Prayer, Bible Study, and asking for His Divine Guidance and Strength.
Daily spiritual growth and character transformation requires a partnership with the Holy Spirit; we must use our power of self-control to say No to our desires, sinful pleasures, and chasing wealth and success.
Keeping our faith and focus on Christ and being content with our blessings, denying our sinful desires, and Satan’s earthly pleasures is the lifestyle of a dedicated follower of Christ.
From our love and willingness to humbly follow Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to Sanctify us, resulting in Jesus covering us with His Righteousness, and this is the Life of an Overcomer. Yes and Amen!
“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).
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant…” (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 86:16). Lord God, with surrender and adoration, we kneel before Your Throne of Grace, asking for Divine Strength and Guidance. As we strive to live holy, we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Lord, teach us how to reveal Your light into a world that is dark from the plague of sin. We look forward to Jesus’ Second Advent when we will finally see our King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Triumphant Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh [tender and responsive].” (Ezekiel 36:26).
“Those who love Jesus and appreciate His great sacrifice receive from the Savior the most precious of all gifts—a clean heart.”
Spiritually, the heart represents our mind: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).
How did Jesus Christ think? “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).
When we love Jesus, our Shepherd, we follow Him with total surrender and faithful obedience. Our hearts respond to His Agape Love with love, tenderness, and the desire to have the Character of Christ [Galatians 5:22-24].
Every day, we must strive to be loyal to God. Instead of chasing earthly treasures, success, pleasures, and relationships that pull us away from Christ, we refuse to participate in the sinful habits and lifestyles that unbelievers easily practice.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”(2 Timothy 1:7, BSB). When Christ created us, He gave us the spiritual gift of Self-Control, which gives us the ability to practice spiritual discipline, saying, No, to sin.
But, we were not created to fight against the natural desires of our hearts and overcome Satan’s temptations without Jesus’ Divine Intervention; every day, we must ask for His Strength.
When facing challenges, our first response should be a prayer asking for Heavenly Help. Jesus Christ, our Intercessor receives our prayers, answering through the Holy Spirit.
“Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Although we have daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study, praying 1-2 times a day is never enough to live righteously and to fight against spiritual warfare.
The Commitment To Live As a Prayer Warrior
“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the Throne of Grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive Mercy and find [His amazing] Grace to help in time of need” [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16, Amplified Bible).
The Life of a Prayer Warrior: Before making decisions, facing difficulties, and even in the routine duties of life, always pray, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
At work, school, social activities, and even while driving or walking, we should whisper silent prayers. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…” (Psalm 32:8, ESV).
With humility, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide our steps, protect us [and our family and friends] against physical danger, and to give us the discernment to recognize the spiritual warfare of deception, and the strength to overcome temptations.
Every day, we face unknown circumstances that we should not attempt to resolve. To strengthen our faith, we desperately need to stay close to Christ. Always pray to be empowered with Jesus’ Wisdom and Strength.
The Responsive Heart: “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14). Pray and wait for God’s answer.
Whatever the circumstances, never feel pressured into making immediate decisions. God is Omniscient, All-Knowing; God knows every detail of our lives and He is never in a hurry.
“Be still and now that I am God.” (Psalm 46:1).
God’s timing is never our timing. Do not follow your thoughts or emotions. God never needs our help, He requires our steadfast faith, trust, patience, courage, and obedience.
“I will guide you.” How do we know that it is God’s answer and not our thoughts? God’s Answers reveal His Truth, Righteous Character, Honor Him, and always end with Perfect Outcomes.
“I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
Through personal worship, day by day, the Holy Spirit transforms our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ.
Prayer keeps us connected to Christ, resulting in a responsive heart that is spiritually aligned with the heart of Christ.
With a tender and responsive heart, we receive the blessings of Christ’s Wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes, and His Life-Sustaining Power to think, speak, and live as the righteous Sons and Daughters of God. Yes and Amen!
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5, NIV).
Lord God, we thank You for this new day of life and we ask You for a pure heart, a heart that loves You, a heart that is responsive, teachable, loyal, and always willing to trust and obey Your plans for our lives. Thank You for your Amazing Love, Grace, and Mercy. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24).
Why do we worry about the future? The only future event we should be preparing for is found in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12.
Choosing to be grateful is a daily commitment, revealing that we are following Jesus’ Commandment to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Gratitude changes our perception of life from “I want” to “God has given me everything that I need for today.” Our most frequent prayer should be, Thank You, God, which reveals that we honor and revere The Giver of all good gifts.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17, CSB).
Reflecting on our blessings and whispering, Thank You, God is an intentional act of worship, recognizing that our Heavenly Father is always faithful and loves us unconditionally.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5, BSB).
The future belongs to God. Praise and worship Him for the gift of today! Yes and Amen!
LORD God, thank You for this new day that offers new challenges and abundant opportunities. Thank You, for Your Ruach breath flowing through our lungs. And Thank You, that we are not hungry, can care for ourselves, and if not, we thank You for dedicated caregivers. With this new day, we recognize that our minds are alert and oriented, and with gratitude, we say, Hallelujah for Your Faithfulness! Lord, most importantly, we humbly bow, thanking You for the gift of Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from the deathly consequences of sin. With immense gratitude, we pray in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)
Ask God for a Pure Heart: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). Planning for eternity with our Savior and King, Jesus Christ, requires daily preparation.
Morning worship is our daily priority. Prayer establishes and maintains our spiritual connection to Jesus Christ. We pray, expressing gratitude for the gift of a new day, thanking God for His faithfulness and blessings.
And most importantly, we ask God to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Yes, every day, we must ask for a pure heart, spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to overcome our desires, and to stand against the enemy’s temptations.
In John 16:33, Jesus warns us that our lives will include exposure to the world’s love for and promotion of wealth, material possessions, and relationships, which always require compromise.
Satan’s goal is to entice us to embrace his redefined morals and values instead of preparing for Revelation 22:12.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelation 22:12-13).
Although it is common for us to think that Jesus’ Promise of making a New Heaven and New Earth was given first to John, the Apostle in Revelation, the prophet, Isaiah, also received Jesus’ Promise: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17).
We Are Temporary Travelers Living On A Temporary Earth: Sadly, the goals, pursuits, and lifestyles of many believers reveal they are not preparing to receive their Eternal Crown of Life. Salvation is free; Eternal Life is a reward.
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (Romans 12:2, Amplified Bible).
Because we are affected by what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, we must be on high Spiritual Alert, intentionally filtering the stimuli we allow into our brains.
Yes, we love God, still, every believer has inherited a sinful heart and struggles with unfiltered thoughts and desires running through our minds.
When unrighteous thoughts and desires enter our minds, we must react as if it is an emergency! Immediately separate yourself to pray, asking God for strength.
If we continue to dwell on impure thoughts, Jesus tells us, “We are already guilty of committing the sins we are thinking about.”
“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, NIV). For over 6,000 years, Satan has presented his highly skilled covert temptations as minor deviations from God’s Truth that really are not so sinful.
The Devastation of Embracing Satan’s Temptation
Satan told Eve: “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.'” (Genesis 3:4). Not only did Adam and Eve lose their immortality, but the first death was required to give them animal skins for clothing, Cain killed his brother Abel, and the Earth was cursed with human, animal, and plant death, which will last until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Covert Temptations: Conversations and activities that entice us to compromise and disobey God, resulting in our separation from the Righteousness of Christ.
The work environment is one of the easiest ways that Satan uses to expose us to conversations involving pleasure-seeking activities. Active listening always piques our mind’s interest, easily persuading us to compromise God’s command “Be holy, for I AM Holy.”
Political Debates: The statement, “We can agree to disagree, ” is a deceptive entrapment. Conversations involving opposing viewpoints produce hidden and lingering emotional feelings of anger and resentment.
As believers, if we are connected to Christ, we should easily avoid the obvious sinful activities of watching programs and games with sexual content and violence, but “Secular Music” also produces unholy effects on the brain:
“Music profoundly impacts the mind by activating multiple brain areas…It boosts dopamine for pleasure and motivation, lowers cortisol to reduce stress, enhances memory retrieval, and [redirects] our focus. Music evokes strong emotional responses… .”
Covert Temptation [Example]: Grape vineyards are phenomenal plants that produce beautiful and delicious grapes. However, as Christian believers, we should avoid attending winery tours, even if we do not participate in wine tasting. If the event is promoted by unbelievers, then Christ would never attend or approve our participation.
“Jesus hung out with sinners,” is a malicious lie that has permeated the Christian Community for a long time to attempt to justify our friendships with unbelievers.
Jesus’ Response to All Accusations Against Him: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do…” (John 8:44).
God’s Command: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV).
No, we should not have close friendships with unbelievers, including family members. It is always the Christian believer who must compromise to remain in a relationship with those who do not love, honor, and obey God.
Two weeks ago, our neighborhood experienced a 6-hour blackout. And then the following week, we experienced another blackout for 2 hours.
One of our newest neighbors approached me and began discussing the frequency of the blackouts, to which I responded, Yes, it does occur at a higher rate than I have experienced in the past.
And from my response, she stated, “I was in my house cussing for hours,” and her next words included a flood of profanity, to which I responded, “Yes, it is upsetting to experience a blackout, but tell me how did your cussing help the situation?” And she was silent.
For the next few days, her profane spoken words replayed in my brain. It took much prayer, Bible Study, and listening to Inspirational music for my mind to be cleansed from those filthy words.
Now, when we see each other, I simply wave and enter the safety of my home. My love and loyalty are dedicated to Jesus Christ, and I will not allow Satan to use people to disrupt my relationship with Christ and destroy my gift of peace.
“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flows springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). We guard our hearts by maintaining a strong relationship with Christ by praying throughout our day for Jesus’ Strength and Guidance.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Guarding our hearts is accomplished through prayer, which keeps us connected to the Power and Strength of Jesus Christ, which we receive from the Holy Spirit.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). We guard our hearts by studying the Scriptures under the guidance and teachings of the Holy Spirit, and incorporating God’s Holy Word into our daily lives, which keeps us anchored in Christ, the Rock.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4).
Lord God, you know our struggles and the temptations we will face, yet You promised in 1 Corinthians 10:1, “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.” Lord, we ask for the wisdom and discernment to recognize and the spiritual strength to overcome Satan’s covert temptations and the conflicts of our internal desires, which oppose Your Righteous Plans for our lives. In faith, we ask this prayer, knowing that You will help us, in Jesus’ Loving and Powerful Name, Amen.
Our backgrounds and life experiences have a major influence on the way we perceive others and situations.
Regardless of our knowledge, educational achievements, and stage of life, human reasoning, is still human and capable of misjudging people, circumstances, and Satan’s highly effective deceptions.
All of us have ignored God’s warning not to trust our thoughts when making decisions. We may think that we are capable of recognizing situations that place us in harm’s way, but statistics prove otherwise.
“God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of every heart.” (Psalm 44:21, NLT).
Relationships are absolute proof that the person that you thought you knew was actually a fabricated persona: The individual skillfully creates a false identity, deceiving others into believing the fake personality is who they really are.
“When pride is in our hearts, we feel important, confident, self-sufficient, and in need of nothing, which causes us to neglect our relationship with God.”
How can we avoid [life-changing] mistakes and consequences? God’s answer: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).
Do not trust your knowledge, strategies, emotions, or rely on your perception of an individual or presenting situation without praying for God’s guidance.
God never pressures us to make an immediate decision. The Bible tells us to pray and wait on the Lord [Psalm 27:14].
Satan is skilled in presenting opportunities that are only available right now. Never trust in everything you think. And Never follow your heart! Pray, Wait, and Obey.
Always involve God before starting relationships, getting married, making large purchases such as homes and vehicles, engaging in financial transactions, starting a business, changing jobs, and before joining a church.
In fact, to avoid mistakes and negative consequences, pray and involve God in every decision. Yes, our Heavenly Father loves us and even cares about the little details of our lives.
How do we know that we have received God’s answer? ”
“For my own sake…I do this. How can I let myself be defamed. I will not yield my glory to another.” (Isaiah 48:11, NIV).
We know that it is God’s answer when the instructions and solutions reveal His Righteousness and honors His Sovereign Authority. God always glorifies His Holy Name. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank You for loving us so much that You want to be involved in every little detail of our lives. We desire to rely on Your guidance. Please forgive us for any prideful self-importance that has kept us from praying and asking You to reveal Your Will to us. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Instant gratification always brings a smile to our face and a sense of accomplishment. We feel like shouting to the world, Yes! I got exactly what I wanted!!!
But did we compromise our commitment to God to receive exactly what we desired? Yes, we did.
Psychologists agree that human beings are even willing to choose smaller, immediate rewards over waiting for larger, delayed rewards.
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).
Sadly, because we have embraced and nurtured instant gratification, the majority of Christian believers never receive God’s greatest blessings.
We have two enemies that fight against us every day with the goal to prevent us from fulfilling God’s Divine Purpose for our lives:
The Two Enemies: Our Heart [Desires] and Satan, the Giver of Temporary Treasures and Pleasures
“And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9, NIV).
The Internal Conflict of the Human Heart: We know how the story begins, Mother Eve had a secret. Deep within her heart, she desired to eat from the forbidden tree of The knowledge of Good and Evil.
We cannot think wrong and do what is right [Faithful obedience to God is doing right]:
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6, NIV).
#2 The External Opposition of Satan’s Temptations of Treasures and Pleasures
Naaman is healed from leprosy (2 Kings 5:14-16).
“So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.'”
“The prophet [Elisha] answered, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.’ And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.” “Go in peace,’ Elisha said.”
Elisha’s servant, Gehazi demonstrates the true condition of the human heart: (2 Kings 5:19-22, NIV).
“…After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, ‘My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.'”
“So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked.”
“Everything is all right,’ Gehazi answered. ‘My master sent me to say, Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'”
Sadly, Gehazi received the punishment of leprosy for his treachery of misrepresenting Elisha, God’s anointed prophet.
Although we would like to think that our hearts are good, God tells us the true condition of our inherited hearts:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Because we were born with the drive to satisfy our hearts desires, we easily choose self-gratification over self-denial, resulting in the compromise of God’s commands.
For over 6,000 years, Satan has used the same old, but highly effective temptations to manipulate our minds, resulting in disobedience to God.
“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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12).
From the moment we awaken, we decide through our morning prayer, whether or not, we will surrender to God in faithful obedience.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Every day, every follower of Christ faces the internal conflict of saying yes or no to their heart’s desires and the external opposition of Satan’s temptations.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).
Reflection: Are we willing to exchange our promised reward of Eternal Life for Satan’s temporary treasures and pleasures?
Receiving God’s Eternal Plans Requires the Human Effort of Loving God As Demonstrated Through Daily Surrender and Faithful Obedience
Remain Loyal By Following the Shepherd! Jesus’ Promise Gives Us Hope:
“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).
Lord God, we thank You for the blessings of life, health, and strength. We confess that our faith and trust have been redirected to ourselves and for this sin against You, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, anoint us with the Holy Spirit, guide our steps, and give us the discernment to recognize Satan’s covert temptations designed to make us fall. We also ask for the strength to overcome our hearts desires and to live a life of self-denial. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
In 2017, I was in West Virginia and attended prayer meeting with my cousin. Her pastor told us the story of a young man, who received a substantial prison sentence, and after serving many years, he was given a reprieve, which gave him his freedom. Yet, with fear, he stated, “I don’t want freedom, I want to serve the rest of my sentence.”
Although this story sounds unbelievable, sadly this scenario of the prisoner who refused freedom is also our mindset when we choose to stay in marriages, family relationships, and associate with people who do not have the love of God in their hearts, as evidenced by their continuous disrespect and abusive mistreatment of others.
“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 And the second is like it:bYou shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).
God is Love! Jesus created us from love and gifted us with the ability to love and honor God, and to love and respect others. We were also created to receive Jesus’ spiritual gifts of joy, peace, and happiness.
1 John 3 is the letter the Apostle Paul sent to Gaius, his friend; “‘…as your soul prospers’ indicates that spiritual health (right thinking, choices, and relationship with God) is the foundation for [our] overall well-being.”
To love God is to love ourselves!
For us to enjoy God’s love, and optimal mental, emotional, physical, and most importantly spiritual health and prosperity, we cannot reject God’s Agape Love, replacing it with the abusive behaviors from those who reject God’s love and His commandment to love others.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3). Jesus died to give us freedom, not only from sin, but also to deliver and heal us from mental despair and emotional wounds.
Remaining in abusive situations, prevents us from loving Christ as He deserves, and blocks our spiritual growth and the transformation of our character required to receive Eternal Life.
“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?'” (John 5:6).
Jesus also asks us, “Do you want to be made well?”
If our answer is yes, then we use our faith, and through His love, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the courage to leave every demonic situation that is a roadblock to embracing Jesus’ Abiding Love and His gift of Spiritual Peace. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and creating us with the ability to love. We live in a world permeated with sin and compromised values that allow us to tolerate the abusive mistreatment of others, who You created in Your image. Lord, we pray, and ask You to strengthen and empower Your sons and daughters to take a leap of faith and to embrace the freedom of healing that only You can offer us. In faith, we ask this prayer of deliverance and healing in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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