Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 14, 2024
As long as we feel remorse and heartfelt sorrow for our sins, we have the opportunity to confess and repent. Yet, true heart conversion requires faithful obedience, an immense love for Christ, and the desire to live holy.
STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – April 12, 2024
Did you know that the busyness of life is a significant strategy of spiritual warfare? Distractions are Satan’s number one tactic to keep us from maintaining a close relationship with God. Social media, cellular devices, and the little unexpected but obsolete things that provide entertainment often waste our valuable time.
Well-meaning individuals who ask for favors can also add additional burdens to our already full schedule. At the end of the day, we are too exhausted to worship God. So, we promise to do better tomorrow, say a quick prayer, and fall asleep.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31
Reflection: What exactly am I doing with my time?
Certainly, it is not our intention to waste the blessing of each new day. Yet, every believer is accountable for how they use the 24 hours received from God’s faithfulness and mercies. Take immediate action! Pray a prayer of repentance and ask for the wisdom to restructure your life. Thinking about yesterday and how we failed to accomplish the important tasks on our to-do list and feeling guilty over days of missed worship is counterproductive. We can never retrieve lost time.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal all time-eating obstacles including the behaviors of procrastination. Be honest! Do you allow others to interrupt your daily schedule? Pray for the courage to respectfully decline and say no [even to your whims of spontaneity].
With enthusiasm, approach your plan to identify and eliminate time-wasting activities, and move forward with determination. Begin today by making a written time log of the activities you have completed and the unfinished tasks. Revise your schedule and make worship with God your number one priority. Be consistent with the designated times that you choose for worship.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6
Restructuring your life to achieve the highest level of productivity appears to be the goal. But spending time in worship with God every day is our spiritual goal which is the believer’s priority. Minute Devotionals are fine for a quick read while taking a work break, but do not substitute for the Prayer and Bible Study needed daily to enrich our relationship with Christ.
Every morning and evening, we need uninterrupted time with God [which includes spiritual meditation] to receive the blessings to replenish our minds, bodies, and souls. A hurry-up mindset produces ritualistic worship. As a result, we miss out on spiritual blessings necessary to maintain our relationship with Christ. No time for God results in spiritual depletion. Rushing through worship does not include time for the Holy Spirit to respond to the needs of our soul.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” —1 Peter 3:12
When I transitioned from direct patient care to a corporate setting, the constant grind produced extreme mental fatigue. By 2 pm, my stamina was down, and I had little energy to work for three more hours plus drive the hour-long journey home. The overwhelming fatigue threatened to overpower my ability to cope with the complexities of the job.
When I applied for the job, I prayed and was confident that transitioning to a non-clinical setting was God’s blessing. But my faith was weak, and I began to doubt whether or not God had blessed me. Discouraged, I made plans to look for another job. When God blesses us, He does not allow Satan to rob us of our blessings.
Holy Spirit to the rescue! One evening, I read a Devotional on using one’s lunchtime and work breaks to pray for strength. Believe me, I never thought about having worship while on the job. On my afternoon breaks, I separated myself and prayed for the blessings of mental acuity and physical strength.
Does God answer our prayers for help? Yes, He does! The Holy Spirit gave me the spiritual strength to complete my day and the guardian angels watched over me as I drove home.
Although the Quality versus Quantity concept does not apply to worship, we do not have to conduct lengthy worship sessions on our jobs. From the whisper of short but meaningful prayers, we receive supernatural power for our minds and bodies.
“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” —Matthew 14:23
One thing is for certain when we invite the presence of God to come into our hearts through prayer, we will always receive the spiritual blessings of strength, wisdom, and peace. We have the privilege of praying any time of the day or night. With Divine Intervention, the activities of daily living and meaningful worship can easily be accomplished when our lives are in sync with God’s plans.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13
Scripture: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Prayer: God, we love You and we just want to say Thank You for your amazing love, grace, and mercies. We need help in identifying and eliminating the behaviors and activities that are consuming our time and keeping us from having meaningful worship with You. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen. © April 2024
“Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]…” 2 Peter 1:10, Amplified Bible
We need not have a supposed hope, but an assurance. To make our calling and election sure is to follow the Bible’s plan to closely examine ourselves, to make strict inquiry whether we are indeed converted, whether our minds are drawn out after God and heavenly things, our wills renewed, our whole souls changed. To make our calling and election sure requires far greater diligence than many are giving to this important matter. Manuscript, 1844, (Published in Our Higher Calling)
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ ” —Revelation 22:17, 20
Biblical prophecies are rapidly being fulfilled in our era. Choosing to follow Christ wholeheartedly allows us to receive the transforming power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through surrender and faithful obedience, we can be assured that our destiny is eternal life. Amen. Happy Sabbath! ©April 2024
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 11, 2024
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” —2 Corinthians 5:17
The decision to accept Christ as our personal Savior brings joy to our hearts. With excitement, we told our family and friends that we were Christians, invited them to our baptism, began praying and studying the Bible, and attended church regularly. Yes! We were spiritually refreshed from embracing a new and improved life with Jesus.
Jesus gives us a new reason for living holy. A converted heart manifests itself through total surrender and faithful obedience to God. Seeking God’s will through prayer and study of the Scriptures places us in the presence of God which always produces a righteous change. True worship gives us a pure heart, builds our faith, and transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the Character of Christ.
Reflection: How many months or years have passed since you accepted and surrendered yourself to follow Jesus? Are you maturing in your spiritual walk as evidenced by preparing for the Second Coming of Christ in joyful anticipation?
As time passes, many believers become distracted, and instead of living a Christ-centered life, they focus on themselves. The former mindset of controlling and resolving our challenges and the behaviors of self-gratification easily resurfaced. Instead of using our time to seek God’s will in worship where the Holy Spirit imparts wisdom, discernment, and strength, we are pursuing earthly goals.
“Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” —1 John 2:7
Jesus’ earthly life exemplifies the relationship we must have with Him. His choices were intentional and reflected a life of total surrender to God. To maintain His spiritual connection with the Father, Christ separated Himself daily from the disciples and multitudes to commune with God. Through much prayer and fasting, Jesus received daily strength from the Holy Spirit and distinctly heard and obeyed the guiding Voice of God.
“Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.” —Matthew 15:30
From Jesus’ faithful dedication and obedience to His Father, the power of God rained down from heaven, drenching His mind, body, and soul with the Divine Virtue to heal and the strength to withstand rejection and hatred. Yes, Jesus was human and Divine, yet, He never relied on His thoughts and power. Christ demonstrated the humility, surrender, and obedience required for every believer to walk with Him on the Path of Righteousness.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” —John 15:14
To abide in Christ and to be in the right standing with God has always been based on God’s Righteous Conditions of Participation. Surrender and obedience separate the righteous from those who only say, Lord, Lord. Discipleship is a life of servitude that requires a willing, faithful, and obedient heart. To abide in Christ is to seek and obey God’s will.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV
“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). The believer’s life includes many prayers for God’s continuous guidance. God speaks, our faith is tested, and obedience demonstrates that we truly love God.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:6-7
A spirit of Humility allows us to place all of our confidence in God. Believing that God is love and He desires the best for our lives grounds our faith and trust in His Sovereignty. We develop a dependency on God not only when facing trials for which human efforts cannot resolve, but we also include Him in every aspect of our existence. Only God can give us our best lives [on earth and in the New Heaven and New Earth].
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” —Psalm 118:8
Consecrating ourselves to live a Christ-centered life is the only way to receive the blessings of a righteous [new and improved] life. Are we willing to surrender our free will of choice to God? If yes, then with humility, we bring our thoughts and desires into alignment with God’s perfect plans. Faithful obedience bonds us to the heart of Christ. Our relationship with Him grows deeper, and Jesus becomes our First Love.
For the righteous, Jesus fills our lives with many spiritual benefits. “I will never leave you, or forsake you.” “My God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus” “Do not worry about tomorrow!” When challenges arise, our first response is prayer. We do not have to overthink, try to develop strategies, be anxious, worried, or suffer the consequences of self-reliance.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 43:10
God is the Guarantor of His promises which always result in victorious outcomes. Whether we are facing routine challenges or harsh vicissitudes, God’s promises are “Yes” to which we respond with “Amen [It is so].” To pray and let go proves that our faith and trust are only in God. We can enjoy our new worry-free life filled with joy and peace that passes all understanding.
Lord God, we thank You for your great love and faithfulness. We humbly surrender ourselves to Your will and plans. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen. © April 2024
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 8, 2024
“With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.” —Job 12:13
“…And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2:19). In the Creation story, we have proof that humanity was created with the free will of choice. Not only did we receive innate talents, the ability to dream and strive for excellence, but we also received spiritual gifts [1 Corinthians 12:4-11], and spiritual attributes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” —Proverbs 18:15
With Adam, God’s desire for beings created in His image to worship Him was fulfilled. Christ gave Adam tasks that not only challenged him intellectually, but also promoted spiritual growth, happiness, creativity, and optimal physical health. To reach our fullest potential, both intellectually and spiritually, we must commit ourselves to a lifelong journey of continuous learning. God expects us to use our attributes and creativity to reach our fullest potential by striving for excellence.
“Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you” (Reflecting Christ, p 299).
Living in a dynamic and rapidly evolving world is daunting and can leave one feeling insecure, but it is the will of God for us to grow spiritually and intellectually. We can seek knowledge from secular sources, but “to know God” can only be attained from living a life of faithful obedience, studying the Scriptures, and praying for the Holy Spirit to impart daily spiritual wisdom and discernment.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, God in His Divine wisdom has gradually released the constraints on the human mind by orchestrating numerous advancements in technology and healthcare. Therefore, we are not to despise change but continue to learn and use our knowledge and skills to honor God.
From 1981 to 2023, God advanced technology from MS-DOS to Artificial Intelligence. Although Artificial Intelligence became popular in 2023, the concept was initiated in 1950. “By the 1950s, we had a generation of scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers with the concept of artificial intelligence (or AI) culturally assimilated in their minds…” https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/history-artificial-intelligence/
“In many ways, 2023 was the year that people began to understand what AI really is—and what it can do…and the year that governments began taking AI risk seriously.” (Time Magazine) https://time.com/6547982/3-big-ai-innovations-from-2023/
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:9
Our progression in technology and the development of medical modalities to alleviate the suffering of disease is part of God’s perfect plan for us to spread the message of God’s love and to witness the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God’s plans for Earth existed before the world was created and we play an active role in carrying out those plans.
In our quest for superior knowledge and the desire to receive honor, we often forget that God is still in control of His world. Our attempts to rise above our restraints will be counteracted by God releasing an iota of His wrath for correction and to remind us of His Sovereignty. “Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?” (Job 38:36).
The Tower of Babel: “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’ ” —Genesis 11:4
In 2016, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg struck a bitter tone in his response to the explosion of the SpaceX rocket carrying a satellite intended for use on his Internet.org project in Africa. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/sep/01/mark-zuckerberg-spacex-explosion-africa-internet
God expects unbelievers to disregard His Sovereignty. So He allows their strategies and plans to move forward for which they have reasoned in their minds will produce an idyllic outcome. Yet, we have Biblical evidence that human wisdom and ability are severely limited. We are powerless to prevent natural disasters nor can we predict the events that will occur in a given day or the future.
The medical profession acknowledges its limitations with COVID [variants and subvariants], cancer, and auto-immune diseases [the body attacks itself] along with many other diseases for which there is no cure. Currently in the United States, the incurable ancient disease of leprosy has arisen [the carrier is the armadillo]. Despite our best efforts, poverty, hunger, homelessness, hatred, violence, greed, and corrupt practices are interwoven in our very existence and continue to escalate.
God Reveals His Omnipotence
“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. ‘Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” (Job 38:1-5).
The Divine Attributes of God: Omnipotence – God is all-powerful. Omnipresence – God is everywhere. Omnibenevolence – God is all-loving. Omniscience – God is all-knowing. God is: Loving, Sovereign, Holy, Merciful, and Good.
“So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day…” —Isaiah 2:17
As time progresses, the Christian Community is divided into those who say “Lord, Lord” but pursue their desires without remorse and those who demonstrate loyalty and faithful obedience. Either we are denying ourselves and receiving the anointing and transforming power of the Holy Spirit or our reverence, honor, and devotion to our Almighty God are quite insufficient.
“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” —1 Kings 19:18
Our thoughts, plans, pursuits, and lifestyles indicate whether or not we are striving for prideful gain or acknowledging God’s Sovereignty. For the believers who choose eternal life as their destiny, they possess a spirit of humility. Their daily prayer of surrender, “God, not my will, but Your will be done in my life” demonstrates honor and reverence for God’s Divine Authority.
“Be still, and know that I am God…” —Psalm 46:10
“Be still.” “This phrase is actually derived from the Hebrew word rapha which means ‘to be weak, to let go, to release.’ ” (inspiredtofaith.com) Essentially, it means surrender. Do we understand our covenant with God? When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we agreed that our lives are not our own. We cannot strive against God and expect to receive the crown of eternal life.
God has given us the ability to strive for excellence and to remain in His perfect will. We use the Fruit of Self-Control to stand down our aspirations that conflict with God’s thoughts and plans. From the Scriptures, we learn every aspect of God’s Divine Character and His expectations to surrender, faithfully obey and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” —Psalm 90:12
God tells us to “Be still and know Him” because we do not understand that our precious mercies of time are limited. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have for the Holy Spirit to perform a complete spiritual transformation. The perilous times that the apostle Paul spoke about are now—we are the generation that he was referring to in 2 Timothy 3.
” ‘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.’ Amen.” —Matthew 28:19-20
God is using technology and healthcare as a spiritual gateway to spread the message of Salvation to the ends of the earth. His longsuffering is gradually coming to an end. God expects us to gain tech skills to share our faith globally. Our healthy lifestyles are a reflection of God’s original plan for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that we can successfully use as a witness in a time of uncontrolled appetites.
Either we will live a life of “Surrendering or Striving.” If we surrender then the Holy Spirit will impart the knowledge, wisdom, and strength that not only propels us to achieve the highest level of intellectual knowledge, He will transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the image of Christ.
God is doing all He can to prepare us to receive our long-awaited reward of Eternal Life. Stop striving. Be still! And listen to and obey His guiding Voice.
Lord God, we thank You for creating us in Your image and for the gift of Jesus who redeemed us from the wages of sin. We ask You to lead and guide us as we use our knowledge and wisdom for Your honor and glory. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen. ©2024
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 5, 2024
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” —Psalm 113:3
Prayer and Praise are the actions that connect us to the Lord. We can praise God through spoken words, singing, musical instruments, and worship videos. And our praises should not be limited to only audible praise. In the quietness of the early morning hours, when others are asleep, we can silently praise Him by reflecting on His love and faithfulness. God’s promises assure us that He is actively involved in our lives.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” —Philippians 4:6
“Do you have a special need in your life? Tell it to Jesus. Where there is sorrow, He brings comfort. Where there is fear, He brings peace. Where there is guilt, He brings forgiveness. Where there is weakness, He brings strength.”
Do not hesitate to pray! Our prayers do not have to be elaborate. Many times we can only breathe, God, I need Your Help. Jesus extended an open invitation to come to the Throne of Grace to receive help in our time of need. We need spiritual power daily, not only to resist temptation but also to live a holy life.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7
God is the Source of Life and the Giver of every good gift which is always wrapped in love and mercy. Living with a mindset of gratitude [even when facing impossible challenges] and expressing, “Thank You, Jesus, for my life” is the key to living a victorious life. Praise Him! Praise Him!
“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” —Isaiah 65:24
Lord God, we thank You for taking care of our every need. We love You and we praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen. © 2024
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 4, 2024
Scenario: Your son, age 10 asks for a bicycle. Both of you develop a plan based on merit to be completed within a reasonable time frame and if the conditions are met, he will receive a new bike. Excitement has driven him to excel and with expert advice from the manager at the bicycle shop, he chooses his new bike. Despite your best efforts, things didn’t go as planned. You didn’t anticipate his negative reaction to the tight fit of the bicycle helmet, and you also didn’t foresee the need to use wrenches to lower the seat and remove the pedals temporarily for balance training without an end date. Yet the greatest surprise is your son’s anxiety due to his fear of falling. The look on his face displays that his joy has quickly turned into disappointment. Despite feeling frustrated, you verbally express positive affirmations to keep his hope alive.
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” —Genesis 2:15, 19
With Adam, God’s desire for beings created in His image and to worship Him was fulfilled. Christ gave Adam tasks that not only challenged him intellectually, but also promoted spiritual growth, happiness, creativity, and optimal physical health. When we think of the animal kingdom, we realize that Adam’s heart was filled with love and intent when naming the animals. Can you imagine a lion, tiger, or eagle being called by any other name?
“…And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name” (verse 19). In the Creation story, we have proof that humanity was created with the free will of choice. Not only did we receive innate talents, the ability to dream and strive for excellence, but we also received spiritual gifts, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you” (Reflecting Christ, p 299).
Throughout our lifespan, we must continue to strive for excellence by developing realistic short and long-term goals that utilize our talents and spiritual gifts. If we pray and align ourselves with God’s plans, He guarantees victory. Yes, the road is rough, but we were created with the resilience to persevere despite the obstacles and setbacks. The goal is life with Christ.
Job dissatisfaction is one of the primary complaints when pursuing personal and professional growth. We grow tired of suffering hardships, but still, our prayers for a new job remain unanswered. God is using adversity to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our character. Because we do not know what to pray for, God closes doors and gives us the answer of “no” to keep us on the Path of Righteousness.
Our Father uses the ordinary things of life to produce extraordinary character transformation. Even our chosen professions are designed for continuous intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth and development. Our role is to pray for the strength to endure the struggle of being transformed into righteous saints of the Most High 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.” —Jeremiah 29:11
When Christ brought the animals to Adam, we find that God’s original plan required humanity to cooperate with Divinity. If our talents and spiritual gifts are used to glorify and honor God then we invite the Holy Spirit to work His transforming power within us. Praying for God’s plans to be revealed and waiting on the Lord for an answer demonstrates faithful obedience.
Spiritual upward mobility results in the transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities. This life is our only opportunity to prepare for Eternal life. Sanctification is a lifetime’s work and is directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. If we compare ourselves to the Scriptures, the Standard of Righteousness, we would surrender and seek God’s will without fail. To have the Character of Christ requires consecration, fasting, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures Defining Righteous Character Traits
“O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life].” —Jeremiah 10:23, Amplified Bible
We easily pursue the desires of our hearts, yet, in doing so, we have strayed from God’s original plan—praying and accepting His will. The worldview of success has enticed us and crept into our values. Never, ever trust your heart! Our hearts lead us to believe that social status, titles, financial wealth, and tangible things equate with striving for excellence. Without the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance, we hold the same status as the unbeliever, to direct our steps places us in spiritual bankruptcy.
“Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” —Isaiah 55:6
The parent and son were not prepared for the amount of effort and practice required to learn how to ride a bike. As a result, they both ended up feeling disappointed and frustrated. This could be attributed to the parent relying too heavily on prior experience and underestimating the challenge involved in teaching a child to ride a bike. We can avoid disappointments and chaos by relying on God in every aspect of our lives.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31
The war raging between God’s will and our desires never experiences a cease-fire. Still, we have the power of self-control—making godly decisions is a choice. Whenever our hearts strive for control, we must put our wayward desires in check: Does this action or decision honor God? Will the outcomes align with God’s plan for the spiritual transformation of my character?
“Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.” —Jeremiah 33:3, Amplified Bible
If we acquiesce to God by allowing Him to navigate our pursuits then we will receive spiritual transformation, intellectual and emotional growth, and optimal physical health. We have come too far in our spiritual journey to settle for earthly trinkets. Make a commitment to surrender to God in humility and patiently wait for His perfect plans.
Surrendering our desires is the test that proves our love for Christ. To be in sync with God’s plans is the daily challenge every believer faces. Our goal is to live forever. We should remind ourselves every day of God’s definition of upward mobility: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Lord God, we pray for the strength to overcome our innate desires which are enmity against Your will and plans. Lord, cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with the Holy Spirit. We ask You to give us wisdom and discernment in our daily lives so that we recognize the temptations designed to make us fall. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 2, 2024
We are living in a critical time of earth’s history and must decide whether we are all in for Christ by praying daily, Lord, what is your will for my life? If only it were that easy for believers to give up the desires and traits that build our Walls of Resistance to a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’ ” (Matthew 16:24). Our inherited carnal hearts drive us to pursue our desires. The act of following our hearts nurtures a spirit of disobedience resulting in a loss of faith and denial of the power of God.
When the disciples were unable to cast out the child’s demons, they asked Jesus why. “So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief…” (Matthew 17:20). The disciple’s hearts were filled with ambivalence which left them faithless. They imagined Jesus would set up an earthly kingdom and overthrow the Roman government, so they fought with each other as to who would sit on the right and left of King Jesus’ throne.
Although Christ knew their desires were responsible for their internal Walls of Resistance, Jesus never addressed emotional feelings. He identified the solution that would increase their faith and cast out the stronghold of a spirit of contention: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” —Matthew 17:21
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. —Matthew 4:2
Christ practiced what He preached. Jesus was a Spiritual Advocate of much prayer and fasting. His wilderness experience consisted of 40 days and 40 nights of prayer and fasting to overcome temptation and prepare for His earthly journey. Before Jesus chose the 12 apostles, he separated Himself to commune with God. “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night” (Luke 6:12).
We agree that although Jesus was human, He was also Divine. If His life consisted of unceasing prayer and fasting, how much more do we need to stay before the Throne of Grace? We cannot let our pride produce overconfidence regarding our spiritual status with God. Never trust your heart or opinion regarding your righteousness!
The Spiritual Traits that Breakdown Our Walls
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —Psalm 139:23-24
Worldviews, family, and friends influence us. Would Jesus live our lifestyle, make the same decisions, or bless our recreational activities? To break down the “Wall” we must humbly present ourselves before God, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to perform a spiritual analysis of the desires and habits that are separating us from God.
Spiritual Fasting Breaks Down Our Walls of Resistance
Two weeks ago following morning worship, I noticed that I was not experiencing hunger for an additional 4-6 hours. It wasn’t until the third day that I realized the Holy Spirit was leading me to initiate fasting into my life. This was a response to my fervent prayers to have a deeper relationship with Christ.
I can only express that since I began fasting my entire life including my spiritual perception is changing. The Holy Spirit has identified the unrighteous characteristics that I used to build my Wall of Resistance. With prayer and fasting, I am striving to break down this wall of separation day by day.
Spiritual fasting is not the same as Intermittent Fasting which is commonly practiced for weight loss. Nor does fasting during our hours of sleep fulfill the qualifications of fasting for spiritual reasons. The Biblical definition of spiritual fasting is the wilful act of abstaining from food to receive the spiritual strength to endure our tribulations and overcome temptation or sinful habits and behaviors.
Jesus fasted during His earthly life to remain in the perfect will of God, the Father. To experience a deeper relationship with Christ, incorporate daily fasting into your life. Choose a time you can separate yourself from others and all distractions to pray, praise, and study the Bible.
Begin your spiritual fast with 2 hours every day for seven days. The first two days will be your greatest struggle. Yes, your body will betray you by escalating hunger pangs. Maintain hydration with adequate amounts of water. Avoid rigorous exercise before your fast. Your mind and body should be relaxed, anticipating the presence of God.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16
Through fasting, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to assimilate the deepest meaning of God’s love. When our hearts are filled with love and loyalty to God, we possess overwhelming gratitude for the Day that God, the Father and Jesus, God the Son created the Plan of Redemption. For the sacrificial gift of Jesus’ life, the only gift we can give is to willingly place our minds and bodies in submission to God.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
Fasting invites the Holy Spirit to reveal every sin and character trait within our hearts whether open or hidden. These are the behaviors and sins that we used to build our Wall of Resistance. When we learn our true status with God, we are standing at the Crossroads which requires a decision to follow Christ or ourselves.
If we confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness then we begin a new life in Christ Jesus. From our humility and the desire to change, our burdens are lifted, and our minds are peaceful. To be in the right standing with God gives us unspeakable joy. From our willingness to surrender, we receive many spiritual benefits.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” —Jeremiah 33:3
As we search the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to gain the deepest meaning of the Truth. The Spirit of Truth guides us in our study of the Scriptures. Our focus changes from studying to gain intellectual knowledge to studying the specific Scriptures necessary for correction, guidance, perseverance, and spiritual growth.
“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” —Psalm 37:5
Lord, we dedicate ourselves to worship You in faithful obedience. We ask You to let Your will be done in our lives and pray for the strength to think, act, and live as overcomers. In Jesus Holy and Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.
© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 1, 2024
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” —Romans 7:19, NIV
Think about a time when you experienced an overwhelming inner conflict between right and wrong. Despite the obvious consequences you still chose to do wrong. Psychologists suggest that the teenage stage is characterized by rebellious behavior. However, is it truly the most rebellious period in one’s life?
Since the 2020 pandemic that brought lockdown and sadly, many deaths, some Christian believers have not resumed their steadfast relationship with Christ. The bold revelation of increasing resistance to obeying Biblical principles can be seen in social media responses. Trending is the decision to pursue and fulfill one’s desires versus seeking the will of God and waiting on the Lord.
Recently, a pastor in Fresno, California was asked, “What is the greatest problem you face in your church?” He lamented over the Christians in his congregation who choose unbelievers for relationships that evolve into premarital sex, living together, or marriage.
The number one desire of single Christian women of all ages is to have a financially stable husband. For most single Christian men, financial success is their first desire with few expressing an interest in marriage at present, but would consider marriage in the future.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” —Matthew 6:21, 24, 34
Approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus addressed the desires and worries that would override our devotion to God. Instead of enjoying our gift of peace, pastors are preaching sermons on how to rid oneself of worries, anxieties, and depression. Disobedience creates internal ambivalence.
To live holy requires the daily practice of self-denial and self-control. Surrendering to God is reflected in our daily worship and lifestyles. We invite the Holy Spirit into our lives and are required to strengthen our relationship with Christ.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9
Currently, prophetic signs [Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3] indicate we live in the perilous times of the last days. Instead of preparing daily for the Second Coming of Jesus, many are distracted by their heart’s desires. Sadly, we have built an impenetrable wall of resistance to the warnings and promises in the Holy Scriptures. In Revelation, we are told this earth is temporary and will be destroyed and replaced by the sinless New Heaven and New Earth.
Breaking Down Our Wall of Resistance
What steps are necessary to redirect our focus to Eternal life when we are constantly praying for God to fulfill our desires or we become impatient and are fulfilling our desires?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). An immense love for God motivates us to serve God through surrender and faithful obedience. The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds by giving us spiritual wisdom and discernment.
Love for God allows the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts. Our responsibility is to bring our minds into harmony with God. Instead of thinking our thoughts, we pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God has given us the Holy Bible which contains the Only Truth to live by.
Intellectual knowledge does not convert our hearts. From our love, surrender, and faithful obedience, the power of God transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” —Psalm 32:8
We must face the inner struggle to choose righteousness over unrighteousness every day. And that’s when we cry out as many times as needed for Jesus to give us strength to overcome. “David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable.” Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. —Jeremiah 29:11
To believe this beautiful promise, we must think outside of the box [beyond life on this earth]. A future refers to our forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth. The hope that burns within our hearts must be for the Second Coming of Jesus. Daily we ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds by giving us spiritual wisdom and discernment.
Study Revelation chapters 21 and 22 until you can form a mental image of the New Jerusalem. Can you imagine having a conversation with Jesus? What would you say to Jesus?
Lord God, we are distracted by too many earthly activities that are preventing us from having a relationship with You. We ask You to search our hearts and reveal all unrighteousness. Forgive us of our past and present sins. We desire eternal life. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen. [End of Part 1 of 2]
© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 31, 2024
Each new morning, we celebrate our Risen Savior and King, Jesus Christ. Our worship is given through prayers, songs of praise, and studying the Holy Scriptures. Yet our highest worship is demonstrated through surrender to God’s will and faithful obedience. Living a sacrificial life is to emulate the life of Christ while He was on this earth.
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” —1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV
One day, we will see our King face-to-face. Developing the habit of bowing in worship in our earthly lives prepares us to join the angels for the heavenly worship that gives honor and adoration to the Lovely One who gave His life so we may have eternal life.
Jesus, Lamb of God, our King, we love You! We worship You, Holy One. Our desire is to live with You forever and ever. Amen.
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