“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
Meditating on the goodness of God gives us a deeper appreciation of His love. We also receive Christ’s strength imparted by the Holy Spirit during our reflection on God’s benevolence. Daily, our blessings of grace and mercies are given, although we are quite undeserving. To live with peace, joy, happiness, and contentment is God’s original plan. Thank You, God.
Our worship of gratitude is expressed through words, singing, tears, and reflection on His faithfulness. Praise flows easily when we understand that God is Love. If in faith and trust, we wait for His perfect plans to come to fruition, God will exceed our expectations. Christ is our Lord, Savior, Intercessor, and Source of Righteousness always providing hope, health, and happiness despite our circumstances.
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – July 13, 2024
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit…” —Luke 6:43-44
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). As followers of Christ, we are given a great responsibility, to work out our salvation with reverence to God and trembling [to do our best in serving God]. The Apostle Paul tells us to examine and test ourselves because obedience is the spiritual qualifier needed to abide in Christ.
The Offering of Isaac: “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. ‘Stay here with the donkey,’ Abraham told his servants. ‘The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.’ ” —Genesis 22:4-5
Obedience is our only acceptable sacrificial worship to God. Anything less is not fulfilling the commandment to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Our spiritual journey requires continuous testing of our faith. Abraham did not share God’s command to sacrifice their only son with Sarah, his wife. Certainly, a mother who was childless until she was 90 would have interfered with a mother’s love to rescue and save Isaac, her only son.
“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him again and said, ‘I am God All-Powerful. If you obey me and always do right, I will keep my solemn promise to you and give you more descendants than can be counted.’ ” —Genesis 17:1-2, CEV
“Abraham, from now on your wife’s name will be Sarah instead of Sarai. I will bless her, and you will have a son by her. She will become the mother of nations, and some of her descendants will even be kings…But your son Isaac will be born about this time next year, and the promise I am making to you and your family will be for him and his descendants forever.” —Genesis 17:15-16, 21
Father Abraham remembered God’s promise and faithfully followed God’s instructions without doubting, his steadfast faith was demonstrated by telling the servants, “and then we will return to you.” Our Omniscient God knew that he could trust His servant in this command and Abraham knew he could trust God to keep His promise of countless descendants through Isaac.
Where do we stand in our tests of obedience that only flow from converted hearts filled with love and loyalty to God?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Many Christians believe in God but do not trust God. And God also deems compromising believers as untrustworthy. Faith and Scriptural knowledge reinforce our belief in God’s Sovereign Omnipotence. Yes, we know He can fulfill His promises, yet, we lack the mature faith to believe that God is willing to abundantly bless us. So we use the world’s standards and compromise our relationship with Christ by pursuing our desires.
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.’ ” —Revelation 3:17
Two consequences happen when we disobey God by not following His plans with the promise of an expected end: We live a life of missing out on God’s greatest blessings [Who can compete with God?], and we lose our reward of God giving us “an expected end” of Eternal life. A life of compromise not only takes its toll on our desire to be holy, but we cannot strive for righteousness without Divine strength. Day by day, we also lose our joyful anticipation for the Second Coming of Jesus.
“The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” —Isaiah 43:21
We were created to worship God. Yes, we have the free will to obey or disobey, but we must not console ourselves that all is well when we fail to surrender in obedience. We cannot follow our feelings and dreams, bring them to fruition, and worship God in Spirit and Truth. True religion suffers devastating consequences when disobedience takes control of our minds.
From our failure to obey God, we turn our inherent faith toward worshiping ourselves. Not only do we lose sight of God and righteous living, but our lifestyles reflect erroneous beliefs, and the practices of self-gratification replace the pursuit of God’s Righteous Standards as commanded in the Holy Scriptures.
Step into Your Spiritual Inheritance: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9
There is no Middle Ground: “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” —Psalm 95:6
Surrender to God’s Sovereignty in love by worshiping our Creator, Lord, and King with love, loyalty, and obedience. Peace and blessings. Happy Sabbath!
Lord God, forgive us for pursuing our inclinations and desires. We confess that we have stopped following You in humble obedience. Restore to us the joy and peace that comes from serving You. In Jesus’ Triumphant Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 8, 2024
“I carry out the will of the One who sent me, not My own will.” —John 5:30, NLT
“Follow Me” is Jesus’ command to all believers. Our life story is written by Christ. We demonstrate our love and loyalty by praying daily for directions and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of God for the given day. Our journey with Jesus is one of love, humility, faith, surrender, and obedience for which we will hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” as we receive our reward of Eternal life.
“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do.” —John 17:4
Prayer: Lord God, For the gift of your life, we love and honor Your Holy Name through surrender and obedience to Your will. In Your Righteous Name, we offer this prayer, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 7, 2024
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” —Hebrews 10:38
Faith is blind. We believe and trust in God under all circumstances and in every situation. Our response to routine challenges, unexpected adversity, and trials is continuous prayer energized by an unwavering belief in the power of God. To live by faith requires active participation in our spiritual growth and character transformation.
How did faith originate? “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Romans 12:3). Faith is an innate gift from God given to everyone.
The character trait of faith is the basis of our love for God and our relationship with Christ. We are responsible for the growth of our measure of faith. One of the greatest challenges we face is the continuous nurturing of our faith. Faith without boundaries requires the redirection of our faith from ourselves to God. Self-reliance develops from the lack of Scriptural knowledge of God’s Sovereign power or the intentional decision to disobey His Divine Commandments and Righteous Precepts.
Self-Reliance: The Worldview of Faith
We also face another hurdle in the faith journey, self-reliance is a learned behavior. Truthfully, the worldview of “you can do whatever you put your mind to do” is taught to us as young children. Although this credo is intended to instill confidence, it poses a spiritual dilemma to living a faith-based life for Christian believers. One of the most powerful videos is one of a Christian mother who taught her 2-year-old to have faith and trust in God. The young child continuously recites 2 Timothy 1:7 to alleviate his fear of sleeping alone in his bedroom. Jesus commands us to possess the steadfast faith of a little child.
Intellectual Knowledge of Faith is Not the Faith that Pleases God
Although it is no longer a spiritual practice among many believers to study the Word of God, those who allow the Holy Spirit to convert their hearts and guide their spiritual journey possess the strongest faith. Faithful Obedience from diligently studying the Bible from cover to cover opens the windows of heaven. Most of the Old Testament stories of faith are deeply ingrained into my memory. As a child, I attended a Bible-based, Christian school, but as I matured it was easy to embrace the worldview of self-reliance promoted as the strongest character trait one can possess.
“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
Until 2020, I lived a life of self-reliance. Yes, I have always loved God, but my faith was grounded in my ability to provide for myself. Truly God is love—He will allow the vicissitudes required to turn our focus to Him. Life brought changes that only God’s Divine Power could resolve. It was then that my spiritual eyes were opened—self-reliance is deadly. Trusting in oneself always leaves residual [unrighteous] character traits. Self-reliance changes the brain’s neural grooves and results in a contentious state of mind with God which opposes God’s Divine Sovereignty, His will, and plans.
Job Contends with God: The LORD Reveals His Omnipotence
Job’s Spiritual Status: “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). Job’s faith was severely tested through skin lesions, the loss of his children, and material acquisitions. “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
“But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God” (Job 13:3). As time passed, and his tribulations continued, Job became discouraged and contentious. He desired to present His situation to God. Prolonged adversity is the ultimate test of faith. There are only two responses to the trials and tribulations designed to test and build our faith—we trust God or do not trust Him.
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said ‘who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the Earth…?’ ” —Job 38:1-2, 4, 12-13
We are commanded, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” Yes, Job was blameless, even God proclaims that Job lived a sinless life [Job chapter 1]. Throughout the ages, the human heart remains the same. In adversity, we often lose sight of God’s Love. Job knew he was obedient, yet, he convinced himself that he did not deserve to suffer for an extended and unknown time for his faith to be tested. His friends were critical, always suggesting his secret sins caused the adversity.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” —1 Peter 5:6
Time is fleeting. Over 4,000 years have passed since Job lived, sadly, we are so spiritually distanced from God that He cannot proclaim we are blameless, nor do we fear (reverence) or serve God with the steadfast love and faithful obedience He rightfully deserves. We cannot afford to be ritualistic churchgoers with hearts filled with disobedience which places us in a controversial battle against God.
We are Privileged: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” —Psalm 8:3-5
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20
We are not our own. It is time for us to separate ourselves by going into our secret closets and experiencing a hallelujah, intimate daily worship with Christ. Our faith is demonstrated in daily surrender to our Majestic and Loving Savior and King. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).
Do you struggle with bowing to God in humility and obedience? Yes, every Christian believer struggles with the daily choice of the carnal desire for self-governance or to place our faith and trust in God. Active faith invites the Holy Spirit to shower us with Jesus’ Divine strength to overcome our inclinations.
“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
Christ’s earthly life is our guide for living a victorious life. Practicing Jesus’ creeds of continuous prayer and self-denial are the weapons that enable us to stand against the disobedience of self-reliance. Our Journey with Jesus requires much faith and prayer to strengthen our heart-to-heart relationship with Him.
Faithful obedience brings the heavenly blessings of Christ’s power and wisdom to overcome our never-ending internal battles and external warfare. Although God desires for us to live righteously, He gave us free will of choice and cannot prevent us from choosing to sin. The converted heart prays and waits for God’s guidance.
“…Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3
Little children possess honest hearts filled with steadfast love, humility, faith, and obedience. These character traits are the requisites for the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts and to receive eternal life. From our surrender and faithful obedience, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the Divine strength and wisdom to enter the Narrow Gate and walk this earthly life on the Narrow Path of Righteousness with Jesus.
Human effort and Divine Intervention are needed to prepare us for our reward of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth with Jesus Christ. Every day with surrender and faith-driven obedience, we proclaim, “I am going to heaven!”
Prayer: Lord God, we admit our faith has been weak and wavering. We need Your strength to make it in this Journey of Life. We ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing, power, and presence as we renew our commitment to serve You in faithful obedience. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 2, 2024
“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” —Matthew 15:29-31, NIV
“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’ ” —Matthew 15:32
From studying the Life of Christ in the Four Gospels, we notice Christ’s distinct characteristic of loving compassion: “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’ ” (Mark 1:40-41).
“During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.”
Poverty – Our World in Data: In 2022, an estimated 3.71 billion people, or 46% of the global population, live in poverty below $6.85 per day…Poverty can have serious consequences for children’s health, education, and well-being. It can also have intergenerational impacts, as children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience poverty as adults. worldbank.org
In 2024, globally, we also face a mental health crisis. Hopelessness and despair have escalated to pandemic levels and sadly the typical response to feeling hopeless is to take one’s own life. In 2022, over 50,000 individuals committed suicide in the United States, and globally death by suicide continues to rise. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). God expects us to do our honest part financially by sharing our resources. Even so, money is not love, nor can tangible items validate our self-worth. We were created to love, care, and bond with others. Every person needs love expressed in kind words and deeds.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” —1 Corinthians 13:1
As disciples, our spiritual assignment is to alleviate the suffering of others and by doing this we demonstrate the matchless love of Jesus. Every day, we can spread love and hope by not ignoring those who question their purpose in life. What this world needs now is Agape love! Not every well-dressed individual enjoys peace of mind and not every impoverished person is in anguish, yet, both need Jesus’ love.
One of my neighbors with a special needs child stopped briefly to chat. She shared the rigorous schedule she and her husband have in caring for their daughter. Both of them work full-time; he works the overnight shift, and she works during the day. They take turns caring for their daughter, leaving minimal time for sleep. I responded by telling her that she is a strong mother. She replied, “I don’t feel strong.” As I looked at the weariness on her face, her eyes reflected the sadness of her soul. My response was, “You know where I live. If you ever need help, let me know, and I will do my best to assist you.” With a smile, she said, “Oh, thank you very much.”
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11
Christ is our living example of loving God and loving others. Yes, the escalating number of dysfunctional home environments, the unemployed, the unsheltered, and the malnourished will exist until Jesus comes. Like an uncontrollable bushfire, worldwide famine continues to ravage the lives of innocent babies and children. Only what we do for Christ will count toward our reward in Revelation 22:12. One of the characteristics of a converted heart is to possess unconditional love demonstrated by active service to others.
Jesus used His time to heal the multitudes which provided them with the opportunity to live productive earthly lives spiritually and physically. Giving not only includes financial donations but also our time—for most, the indulgences of life consume their free time. We can set aside 3-4 hours per week to volunteer in outreach programs, community services, and nonprofit organizations that strive to alleviate never-ending social issues or begin our own community ministry.
Who will tell and show them Jesus is Love? As followers of Christ, our hearts must overflow with His love and compassion. It is every Christian believer’s responsibility to love and acknowledge others through service and financial donations. Speak the powerful words, Jesus loves you, and the Holy Spirit will water the seed of our spoken words and minister to the brokenhearted, giving them hope.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matthew 25:40).
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 30, 2024
Investment: “the action or process of investing money for profit or material result.” Asking most individuals to share their viewpoints on investing and almost all will give similar answers by focusing on the financial arena. Our world revolves around generating profits from ever-increasing corporate and personal investment portfolios.
Investment: (Definition #2): “an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.” Two appropriate definitions of investing, although both have expectations of gaining, financial investments involve risks including total loss beyond the investor’s control.
Yes, God knew there would be a great human loss from Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience, but still, He chose to create us. Jesus clarifies that He would have died even if only one human being was saved [Luke 15]. The creation of humanity and the gift of Jesus for our redemption was a Spiritual Package revealing God’s Greatest Investment!
Although legions of angels—heavenly messengers exist in a perfect, sinless atmosphere of love and Jesus Christ is their Commander, angels do not have free will of choice, they hear and fulfill their duties with faithful obedience which was Lucifer’s complaint. Once cast out, his mission remains to defame God’s Character and to turn us against our Loving, Heavenly Father.
God’s Investment: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image…’ “…Then God blessed them…” —Genesis 1:24, 28
Christ’s Investment: “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 can only imagine the awestruck angels who watched Jesus lovingly bend down, pick up dust [clay, mud] into His hands creating Adam in His image, and breathing life into his body. Anyone who has witnessed the birth of a baby and anxiously waits for its first breath and cries understands God’s Divine love and power. What a great heavenly celebration on the day of Adam’s creation!
Our intellect, emotions, physicality, heart, and soul are attached to the great God as the umbilical cord between mother and baby. Jesus, the Master Artist created the Garden of Eden as the first couple’s forever home filled with magnificent beauty. Adam’s first assignment was naming numerous species in the animal kingdom revealing his superior intellect given by Christ.
With the creation of humanity, Christ gifted us the free will to choose whether or not we would honor and worship God through total surrender and obedience. The ability to choose freely has proven that Satan’s character is evil and malicious. God’s love, grace, and mercies are evident by patiently extending Christ’s Second Coming. Every living being chooses their destiny by accepting or rejecting the Plan of Redemption.
Although the beauty of God’s original plan for humanity was marred by Satanic deception, God was prepared, He knew Adam and Eve would fall, therefore, the Plan of Redemption was established before the Creation. Christ’s Investment: Christ would become the Sacrificial Lamb: “…Without the shedding of blood there is no remission [forgiveness] of sins” (Hebrews 9:22).
Christ’s Investment: “Genesis 3:20-24: Jesus sacrificed animals to provide clothing for Adam and Eve after they sinned and were wearing fig leaves. This is the first sacrifice in the Bible.”
Although the loss of their beautiful home and immortality was great, Jesus never left Adam and Eve feeling hopeless. Imagine the grief in Adam and Eve’s hearts every time they sacrificed a lamb from their flock, yet, they knew animal sacrifice foreshadowed the prophecy of the Messiah who would come and save all from sin. And yes, the original couple knew Jesus would come back one day to raise them from their graves and they would receive eternal life.
Christ’s Investment: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:14
From studying the Old Testament and maintaining a dedicated prayer life, King David received wisdom from the Holy Spirit revealing that humanity is God’s greatest investment. David’s response: “…He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’ ” (Hebrews 13:22).
As we fast forward thousands of years later, many believers are not serving God as David did. God cannot describe us as one “who will do all My will.” Our gratitude can be nothing less than a prayer of daily surrender and faithful obedience. How often do we reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial offering for giving His life to save our souls?
Christ’s Investment: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20
Reflection: Are we investing in ourselves? If our hearts are filled with love and humility, we receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit to live as though we are God’s greatest investment. The human effort of full cooperation with the Holy Spirit allows the conversion of our hearts, only then can we receive the majestic covering of the Righteousness of Christ.
” ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, NIV
We actively participate in our spiritual growth and transformation by courageously renouncing sin. Our daily battle is won with prayer and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. We do not harm ourselves by embracing worldviews and choosing unhealthy lifestyles including food, relationships, and habits that dishonor our temples. Nor do we cause mental or emotional harm to others by speaking unloving, harsh words. Our characters must reflect the loving, gentle Character of Christ.
“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB). We do not involve ourselves in political agendas, religious debates, or social issues that compromise our righteousness through Christ. We help those in need, follow Jesus, and mind our personal affairs. A sound mind and energy are required to work out our salvation, a full-time effort.
The Bible is our Guidebook to Eternal Life—The Holy Scriptures. When we understand the love, time, dedication, and continuous effort of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, we establish uncompromising boundaries. Prayer is our lifeline. Our only acceptable responses to Christ’s investment in freeing us from the enslavement of sin are faithful obedience and striving for Sanctification.
If we understand and appreciate who we belong to and the immense price paid for our freedom from the second death, our response will be a daily covenant of surrender, “to do all of God’s will.” Our thoughts, priorities, social circles, and habits radically change because the Holy Spirit has converted our hearts and we live with the mindset of “I am going to heaven!” Like Job, we proclaim, “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25).
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” —Revelation 4:11
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your overflowing love, grace, and mercies. Thank You for investing Your precious life on Calvary’s cross to save our souls. We give You all the honor, glory, and praise as we strive to be people after “Your heart.” In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 26, 2024
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28-29
“He came as the Divine Restorer, bringing to oppressed and downtrodden humanity the rich and abundant grace of Heaven, that by the power of His righteousness, man, fallen and degraded though he was, might be a partaker of divinity…” Unlike Earthly Kingdoms Devotional Reading
“With a heart ever touched with the feelings of our infirmities, an ear ever open to the cry of suffering humanity, a hand ever ready to save the discouraged and despairing, Jesus, our Saviour, ‘went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38)….And all who are members of the kingdom of Christ will represent Him in character and disposition.” Unlike Earthly Kingdoms Devotional Reading
Studying and meditating on the life of Christ is the foundation of our heart-to-heart relationship with Him. In fact, His life and character are so important to our spiritual growth and transformation, that we have the perspective of four disciples who documented the ministry of Christ to ordinary [and rejected] people who desperately needed a Savior.
To fall in love with Jesus repeatedly, study the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then read the Apostle John’s vision of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God in Revelation 5.
Worthy Is the Lamb: “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw a Lamb…” (Revelation 5:1-6, NIV).
To prepare ourselves to worship Jesus, our Triumphant King eternally, we should honor Christ through love, loyalty, praise, and worship daily on earth.
Prayer: Jesus, You are the Lamb, our Savior, and King. With gratitude, we praise You for all You have done for us. You are our First Love. In Your Holy Name, we honor You, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 20, 2024
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” —Joshua 1:8
Enoch walked with God because he was determined to live a righteous life. God says, “I change not…” so we must have confidence that God will empower us to live righteously when we pray for Divine strength. Enoch’s strength was from the Holy Spirit, still, his courage and determination remained steadfast because his heart overflowed with love for God.
“Your strength and growth in grace come only from one source—God…It is our privilege to stand with the light of heaven upon us. It was no easier for Enoch to live a righteous life than it is for us at the present time. The world in his time was no more favorable to growth in grace and holiness than it is now. It was by prayer and communion with God that Enoch was enabled to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” From One Source Only Devotional, EGW
As a baby is attached to its mother by an umbilical cord receiving life-giving nutrients, our love for Christ and daily covenant vow to obey God’s Law and seek His plans keep us spiritually attached to Christ. To receive Jesus’ strength requires established boundaries and adherence to God’s Commandments and Righteous Principles. It is a free-will decision to receive the Life-saving nutrients the Holy Spirit gives.
God’s Condition of Participation: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). From the creation of Adam and Eve to now, God has always required obedience without compromise. Without faithful obedience, our earthly lives are lived in vain because the Holy Spirit cannot transform our characters into the likeness of Christ.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
Moving forward in our journey of Sanctification—spiritual growth and transformation and being covered by the righteousness of Christ is conditional. Yes, Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross fulfilled the Ceremonial Law of animal sacrifice, still, the Plan of Redemption requires a daily sacrifice of obedience. In humility, we surrender our will to God. Obedience is the sacrificial offering we bring to God and is a covenant that must be renewed daily.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’ ” —Revelation 3:17
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ” (Matthew 25:44).
We were given the spiritual assignments of making disciples and helping those in need. Many of today’s Christian believers lack the spirit of humility required to be faithful and obedient disciples. But the Holy Spirit cannot enter an unclean vessel. Only an unconverted heart shows disregard for Christ’s sacrifice, the plan of Redemption, and God’s grace and mercies by striving to fulfill desires opposing God’s will.
“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” —Matthew 16:27
From studying Revelation 19, verses 11-16, we learn that Christ fulfills another Role as the Righteous Judge who will cleanse the earth of all prevailing wickedness. This is the rest of the story that we rarely hear in sermons. Do not entrust your salvation to anyone but God! To be in the right standing with God eliminates all fear of the Judgment. The Righteous are looking forward to living with our Triumphant King of kings. Amen.
“A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?” —The Great Controversy
With a made-up mind, we press on every day moving forward step-by-step in the power of His Might! Living a consecrated life filled with prayer, fasting, and surrender invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Christ’s Supernatural Strength. We desperately need to remain steadfast to prepare for the pending End Time prophecies revealed in Daniel and Revelation.
The Time is Near: Now is the time to commit ourselves wholly to God asking for New Beginnings in our spiritual journey paved with surrender and obedience.
Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I make all things new.” Studying Revelation chapters 21-22 daily allows us to commit to memory our promised reward. Seeking and obeying God’s perfect plans enable us to receive victory over sin in this life and prepare us to receive the gift of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” —Revelation 22:20
Prayer: Lord, as we move forward in our step-by-step journey, we pray for wisdom, discernment, and the power to resist our internal desires and external temptations. As we prepare for Your soon coming, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God, we dedicate ourselves to You and promise to give You the glory, honor, and praise through daily surrender and obedience. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional June 17, 2024
“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” —2 Peter 3:18
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another…” (1 Peter 4:10).
“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” —Ephesians 4:11-12
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20
From studying the Scriptures on growing in grace, God tells us He has equipped all believers to use our spiritual gifts to edify [build up] the body of Christ. We easily use our spiritual gifts to fulfill Inreach efforts [within the church], yet, most members avoid using their gifts for Outreach community witnessing. Reminding ourselves that God gave us our spiritual gifts and talents clarifies that God will instruct us on how to use them for His honor and glory.
Face-to-face witnessing will always be the most effective way to witness and is the only activity that completely fulfills Jesus’ command to “Go” and make disciples. I can write countless inspirational devotionals, publish them, and pray for the readers to receive a blessing, still, my website does not replace Jesus’ command to witness in my neighborhood or when I am in the community performing the routine activities of life or traveling.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” —Revelation 22:12
Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow…Are they seeking to save souls for whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light that God has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active labor to do good…in your family, in your church, and in your neighborhood. EGW, The Divine Prescription
“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31
Witnessing is telling others that Jesus loves us and saves us from sin. Whether we utilize technology or seize the countless opportunities in social settings, shopping, or walking in the park, we can always tell everyone “Jesus loves you.” Witnessing is the work for which our reward of Revelation 22:12 is based. Our faith in the saving power of Christ, our Redeemer propels us to tell others that Jesus saves and the Holy Spirit will complete our efforts.
Last week, I began watching a series by Voice of the Martyrs, The Torchbearers who were men and women of God who witnessed, passed out religious tracts, and remained faithful despite severe persecution. Last night the Holy Spirit reminded me that I had religious tracts on the healthy benefits of drinking water which transitions the reader into the benefits of drinking “The Living Water.”
This morning I had a scheduled delivery and was prepared to give the tract with life-changing words to the driver. As I handed the tract to her, I observed the weary face of a young woman who appeared to be beaten down by the vicissitudes of life. She had the dark bruises of physical abuse around her right eye. When I gave her the tract she smiled, and said, thank you, which filled my heart with joy. My only response was, “Enjoy your day.”
As I closed the door, I whispered a prayer that Jesus would wrap His loving arms around her and give her the courage to accept Him as her Savior and to walk away from the abusive relationship. This morning the Holy Spirit instructed me not to use spoken words to witness after giving her the tract. Everything she needs to know about accepting Christ is written in the tract and the Holy Spirit will speak to her heart.
Although Mark 13:11 is specific to persecution, our witnessing must be guided by the Holy Spirit. “This verse means not to worry or plan what to say beforehand, but to speak whatever is given in that moment because it is the Holy Spirit speaking, not you.”
We do not know every person’s needs, so we pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and guidance in approaching them and the right words to speak. The immense joy I feel from seeing the young woman’s smiling face helps me realize that I have great work to do for Jesus and I am humbled that God uses a sinner saved by grace to further His work.
Words of Life Ministry Excerpt on “Paul: A True and Effective Witness
Acts chapter 26: “In verse 22 the apostle tells us that he was constantly witnessing both to small and great. Wherever he went he talked to others about his Lord; whether his audience consisted of one or many, rich or poor, young or old, educated or illiterate, Jews or Gentiles, kings or commoners, soldiers or sailors – always, in every place, he was an effective witness.”
“See him at work in the synagogue (Acts 13:5); at the riverside (Acts 16:13); in prison (Acts 16:25-32); in the market-place (Acts 17:17); going from house to house (Acts 20:20); at home (Acts 28:30-31); and in the palace (Philippians 1:12-13).”
“Everyone whom Paul met was a soul for whom Christ died and was therefore a potential Christian. Have we this vision? An effective witness has a passion for souls and he is willing to adapt himself that he might ‘by all possible means save some.’ “
“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31
I appeal to all Christian believers to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to impart the wisdom to develop a two-sided Bible-based tract with Acts 16:31 as the focus. Who will tell them? We will! It’s time to return to the old-school methods of face-to-face witnessing. Like Christ, we seek God’s will and actively fulfill His Divine plans by being foot soldiers in God’s Army.
Our salvation, spiritual growth, and transformation depend on our willingness to surrender and obey God’s commands. To grow in grace requires immense love and devotion to Jesus Christ, letting go of our desires, and walking off the beaten path to tell the neglected, “Jesus loves you.”
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” — Matthew 25:40, NIV
Lord, we desire to do Your will. We ask that you reveal opportunities to witness Your love and saving power, to give hope, and to be a beacon of light to those suffering from sin’s plight in this dark world. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
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