Tag: Devotional

The Call to Witness to Others

Devotional–The Call to Witness to Others from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The Call: Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. –Jeremiah 1:4-5

The Response: Then said I: Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth. –Jeremiah 1:6

God’s Response: But the Lord said to me: Do not say, I am a youth, For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. –Jeremiah 1:7-8

Accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior requires the daily surrender of our hearts. Our desire to faithfully trust and obey God is evidenced by our lifestyle. To be in righteous standing with our Heavenly Father, we must pray for God to speak to us and reveal His plans for our purpose-driven lives.

Many obstacles keep us from fulfilling our spiritual calling of discipleship. Willful disobedience, too many distractions, and the busyness of everyday life are some of the things that separate us from God. Yet, the lack of knowledge of God’s expectations [from not studying the Bible] remains the number one obstacle to actively living as a disciple and witnessing to others. Still, God will hold us accountable for not fulfilling Matthew 28:18-20.

Living as a Spectator: Whether we attend or stream sports events, we are merely spectators who sit and watch the players. Without the diligent study of the Bible and daily prayer for God to reveal His will and purpose for us, we are merely religious spectators. Attending weekly church services is considered Inreach ministry. We listen and receive the spoken Word of God. The error happens when we only receive to benefit ourselves. Believers not only hide the Word in their hearts, but they also take the message of truth and witness to others. Spectators do not experience a transformation of their hearts because of the willful and intentional desire to do nothing.

To serve God requires active participation. In John 17, verse 4, Jesus prayed, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Yes, we have a duty to God and humanity. Serving God requires action. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells us to Go! It is the Outreach ministry of witnessing to others about the love and salvation of Jesus that indicates whether or not we are obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples.

For Christians, making disciples is not an option. Regardless of our daily responsibilities, God must be first! And he expects that we will faithfully fulfill The Great Commission with eagerness and obedience.

God has given everyone a measure of faith and at least one spiritual gift. Some individuals have received multiple gifts and talents. We will be judged by the use or disuse of our spiritual gifts and talents. What did we do with what we were given? Did we utilize our time and gifts to glorify God, witness, and help others?

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant…There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:1,4-6)

The other obstacle to using our gifts and talents is that we desire to use them when we feel like it. When Jeremiah gave God the excuse that he was too young, He did not want to commit himself wholeheartedly to his spiritual calling. Yet, in submission to a Great God, he became a powerful prophet.

Yes, Jeremiah experienced imprisonment, rejection, and threats to his life. But God kept his promise to lead, guide, and protect him. God never gives us an assignment and leaves us alone. The same promise that God spoke to Jeremiah, ” ‘Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord.” applies to today’s believers.

The Holy Spirit is creative. Pray for spiritual guidance before witnessing. One day, I went to the store with a heavy burden on my heart. The empty shopping cart felt as if I was pushing a load of bricks. Deep in my thoughts, a man with a smile looked at me and stated, “It’s going to be alright. God loves you.” And he walked away. Those words gave me comfort and strength for that day.

We live in a world full of overwhelming distress. Many need to know that we have a loving Savior. We are nearing home! Jesus is coming soon! Accepting our spiritual assignment is an outward sign of dedication and faithful obedience to God. We are called to live righteous, holy lives and to be messengers who witness the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Witness to at least one person every day!

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for not using our spiritual gifts and talents to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We ask You to speak to us and reveal our spiritual assignments. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

How to Receive God’s Abundant Mercies

Devotional–How to Receive God’s Abundant Mercies–From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

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

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Who else can proclaim that they will never change? God favors the righteous even during the greatest trials of our lives. We serve a dependable and loving Heavenly Father.

Do you believe in God? Without faith, it is impossible to please God or to receive His promises.

The human effort of praying keeps our relationship with Christ steadfast. We remain hopeful and courageous when we stay connected to the Source of Life.

The Holy Scriptures are the cure-all for all mental and emotional distress. Studying the Bible is the treasure map that provides all the knowledge we need about God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

The unexpected and greatest tribulations of loss of employment, a home, a marriage, or even a loved one are never too hard for God if we only believe. Whether we need healing from a broken heart or the provisions to live, God always provides.

God’s Promises

  1. You will never be forsaken! “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
  2. When provisions are scarce. God will preserve what you have. “During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” Deuteronomy 29:5
  3. God opens doors for the diligent. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs 22:29. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23
  4. You will reap where you sow. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17
  5. His supply is more than enough. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

In Matthew chapter 6, verses 25-34, Jesus promises to give us an abundant life. God’s definition of abundant life does not mean receiving excess–beyond our daily needs. God’s provisions include everything we need to sustain our life for the given day including His grace and mercies. Living for the day eliminates unnecessary worry and anxiety that originates from the lack of faith.

We must not think about the things that we lack beyond today. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles [who are unbelievers] seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” Matthew 6:31-32.

God will never change which means we have to change. From doubt and disbelief, we intentionally choose to exercise the faith to believe and rely on Christ to fulfill His promises. And from that decision, we will not be shaken when hardships arise. Yes, we can reap the abundant benefits from our Dependable and Good, Good Heavenly Father. Amen!

Prayer: God, we believe, please help our unbelief. Thank You for always being faithful even when we stumble and fall. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Harmony with God

Sabbath Devotional–In Harmony with God From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

“Do you desire eternal life?” was the question in the Pastor’s appeal at the end of His sermon. Surrender, Commitment, Faith, Trust, and Obedience to God are the human effort required to do our part in maintaining a relationship with Christ. Daily praise and worship strengthen our ability to stay on the narrow Path of Righteousness. Yet, we cannot fulfill the requirements to live, think, and act in harmony with God unless our hearts belong to Him.

“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: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-39

Love for God is the catalyst that changes our mindset and posture of living to satisfy ourselves. Humility and obedience are the fruits [characteristics] produced by a loving heart. Love causes us to strive to stay on the Path of Righteousness and to put God first.

Many individuals will make substantial contributions and accomplishments in their earthly lives, yet, we will never receive eternal life based on our achievements. Divine Intervention is required daily for us to remain steadfast in our high-maintenance relationship with Jesus Christ.

Most human beings can fast from eating food for several days before their bodies are negatively impacted. But spiritual food obtained through prayer and study of the Scriptures is required daily to achieve and maintain spiritual growth. Because we face continuous spiritual warfare our only resources against Satan are Divine. Humanity cannot fight the evil forces [Satan and his angels] that dwell on this earth without the intervention of our Spiritual Team.

To stay in harmony with God we require help! Today’s believers face many distractions that keep us from abiding in Christ. Our favorite program that we look forward to watching suddenly contains profanity or sexual immorality in the current episode. Do we overlook the sinful content? Our temptations are custom-made for us. Never forget that we are fighting against a fallen angel and his army.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

We receive mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength from God through much prayer and additional reinforcement from the Holy Scriptures. It’s the Old Testament stories of humanity’s defeats and God’s divine intervention that gave fallen human beings victorious outcomes. The Bible was written for us to learn who God is and to provide hope through His promises.

Staying on the Path of Righteousness requires total surrender and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. And that is the toughest assignment we will ever face in our earthly lives. Our Heavenly Father demonstrated His agape love when He gave Jesus for our redemption [John 3:16]. We have everything that we need to receive the reward of eternal life if we choose to accept God’s plan and will for our lives. With a do-right mind, we can decide to Abide in Christ and with our commitment to trust and obey Him, Jesus has promised to finish the work in us [Philippians 1:6]. Have a blessed and happy Sabbath!

Human Effort plus Divine Intervention equals Victorious Outcomes!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we confess that many times we lose our desire to wholeheartedly commit to trust and obey You. We desire to live a sanctified and holy life and cannot do this without Your divine intervention. Search our hearts and reveal anything that hinders us from abiding in You. Hear our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

What is Grace?

Devotional–What is Grace? From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Grace: The unmerited [unearned] Divine favor of God. Grace is evidence of God’s unconditional love for humanity.

The nation of Israel is an example of a people who continuously received the gifts of God’s grace [along with God’s promise of blessings] for many generations. Yet, God’s law requires that we meet the conditions of faithful obedience to Him.

“Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments, I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1)

Abuse of God’s Grace: We know the story. From Israel’s emancipation to the time of Jeremiah, idol worship was their first love, not obedience to the Almighty God. The Israelites loved God but viewed His laws [commandments] as too restrictive–they desired to enjoy the pleasures of sin over the promised and future blessings that they did not understand.

God’s Divine Intervention: “This is what the LORD says: ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:10).

What does God’s grace look like? Jeremiah the prophet was chosen to deliver God’s message of 70 years of captivity as punishment for the pagan practices of the Israelites. We can agree that for their continuous rebellion against God that they deserved God’s judgment and sentence. Still, God’s plans following their 70-year sentence are words of hope, which indicate God’s grace–His divine favor upon them.

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace, you will have peace. (Jeremiah 29:4-7).

What does God’s grace look like? Not everyone was taken to Babylon. “But Nebuzaradan [the captain of King’s army] left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields” (Jeremiah 39:10).

Not only did God extend mercy to the poor who lived a life of suffering, but He also used King Nebuchadnezzar’s army captain to give them provisions–vineyards and land. While the remainder of Israel was in captivity, God’s grace was shown to the poor by giving them a way to sustain themselves.

What does God’s grace look like? Our Heavenly Father desires that all who love Him will receive eternal life. With love, He uses discipline to rescue us from the second death of destruction. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, Amplified Bible).

“Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law…” (Psalm 94:12).

In studying the book of Jeremiah, God’s promises were ignored by His chosen, disobedient people. Yet, He did not give up on them. God uses discipline for those who love him but are distracted by their heart’s desires. His punishment is not meant to crush us, it is to redirect our focus to God, to produce a righteous character and a grateful heart filled with love, faithfulness, and obedience to a gracious Heavenly Father.

Grace in Action: The Babylonian captivity did not include their ancestors’ harsh treatment or imprisonment in Egypt. In Jeremiah chapters 29, 30, and 31, God promised that He would bring restoration to Israel and Judah. The history of the Nation of Israel proves that God’s loving heart attempts to save those who do not deserve the gift of His Grace. Our Heavenly Father never forsakes the righteous or leaves us hopeless even though our hearts are wayward and disobedient.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1).

The Apostle Paul warns us not to abuse God’s gift of grace. We do not intentionally and continuously sin because we serve a God who freely extends grace. Certainly, God deserves our utmost praise. Just the thought of having a Heavenly Father who gifts us unmerited favor should motivate us to strive for righteousness.

Human Effort: It is possible to live sinless lives!

We can live every day in spiritual alignment with the plans and will of God for our lives which requires intentional surrender and commitment. By praying daily for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual reinforcement and the strength to overcome temptation. Worship includes taking the time to meditate so God can speak to us. For the faithful and obedient, the blessings of grace from a Righteous and Loving God will be extended to us in a thousand ways that we can never know of.

What is Grace? God’s never-ending flow of love and favor upon the lives of the righteous.

Prayer: God, we thank You for the historical stories of humanity’s weaknesses and your divine intervention. Lord, we pray to never take You for granted. We understand that grace is a gift only needed and given to those created in your image. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for your grace and mercy. We surrender our hearts, minds, and souls to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Too Much Stuff

Devotional–Too Much Stuff from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Last month, I decided that a couple of changes were needed to simplify my life. And after thinking for too long, I decided that I would declutter. What else did I need to get rid of? I did the Big Chop when I relocated to Florida. I am not a hoarder, but realized that I could never go to the extreme–is minimalism a learned behavior?

The battle of the mind started when I opened my closet, dressers, and cabinets. As I looked at my possessions, an internal war raged because everything I own is affectionately loved. No, I am not sentimental. The things that make my home cozy and my bohemian clothing were not impulsive purchases. I fell in love with every eclectic thing that I own while looking at them in the store.

Although my possessions would be of little monetary value to others, they were hand-picked and remain priceless to me. As a tsunami wave of sorrow passed through my mind, body, and soul, I decided to close the closet door and the kitchen cabinets. I did not have too much stuff. 95% of the items I own are for practical use. Yet, I knew that something was wrong. My mind was constantly working overtime.

“A large part of our brain is devoted to processing the sensory inputs that we receive from the world.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Every day we face unavoidable sensory input. Staying current with our dynamic world requires a lot of time and mental energy. Whether we are employed, stay-at-home moms or dads, or retired, most of us strive to keep up with the current tech advancements, political and social issues, the news, and unexpected life events. Yet, many fail to realize the impact that the additional noise [from the busyness of our lives, continuous stimuli of social media and electronic devices] has on our minds and bodies.

The endless streaming of daily newsworthy events, online games, social issues, DIY programs, and research on the chemicals in our foods and skin products resulted in a cluttered mind that robbed me of a peaceful existence. My sleep pattern changed and I began suffering from insomnia again–a condition known to accelerate premature aging and weaken the Immune system.

After many sleepless nights of staying awake until 6 am, I prayed for God’s help. God always answers prayers immediately when we are in harm’s way. Later that evening, a sermon appeared in my YouTube recommendations and the pastor spoke on the things that clutter our minds, leaving us exhausted and eventually separating us from God.

When the activities of daily living leave us feeling overwhelmed, it is difficult to determine the root of the problem. Societal norms force us to embrace the advancements of technology and electronics, the daily updates of social media, and the news which negatively impacts our health by leaving our brains cluttered. Most people utilize electronic apps to relax and fall asleep.

Our brains were not created to absorb the excessive screen time of daily electronic usage.

Even more devastating, the never-ending stimuli interrupt our spiritual connection with God. We are so bombarded that we [unintentionally] place God last on our list of priorities. At the end of the day, mental and physical exhaustion prevents us from having meaningful worship with our Heavenly Father. Our concentration is weakened and we cannot focus to study the Bible or communicate with God through prayer. Often though the trade-off is watching the nightly news and then falling asleep.

Too much stuff will always be the norm of today’s lifestyle. Yet, we can decide to identify, prioritize, and eliminate the over-stimuli, especially if it keeps us from a meaningful relationship with our Heavenly Father. Go ahead and change your habits and life by decluttering the stimuli you love.

Prayer: God, we pray for Your Divine Intervention. Please reveal the stuff that is keeping us mentally and physically exhausted and from experiencing daily spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone

Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Two concepts are truth: People know when they intentionally hurt someone who loves them and Christians know whether or not they are living a faithful and obedient life.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the [a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Satan has deceived us into believing that God understands our sinful desires and that His grace will prevent us from the consequences of sin. Yet, Obedience to God is not an option!

How often do we think of Jesus who is Divine, commanding legions of angels, every breathing organism, and the natural elements, yet, when He came to earth, God required Him to learn obedience and become subservient to the human beings He created? Jesus obeyed His earthly parents along with the governmental laws. Even to His death, Jesus obeyed the will of God, His Father. If God required His Divine Son to learn obedience, then God does not and will not understand the disobedience of us living outside of His will and plans for us.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

The prophet Jeremiah tells us of the natural condition of our hearts–deceitful and desperately wicked. We cannot self-evaluate or judge our sinful hearts. Only the Holy, Righteous and Perfect God can search our hearts and reveal our secret sins. God has set righteous standards that all who desire eternal life in heaven must obey without compromise. “…Be Holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

God will judge each person according to His standards. He is the Righteous Judge who determines who will receive the reward of eternal life. Still, we play a significant part in our destiny. The Human Effort required for receiving eternal life in heaven is to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind demonstrated by living faithful and obedient lives on earth, and to love others. “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).

Because we were born into sin and shaped with iniquity, God lovingly gave his only Son, Jesus for our Redemption. Jesus Christ gave His life willingly for us to be redeemed from our plight of sinfulness. So the understanding that God has is we will not intentionally rebel by disobeying and sinning against his laws. Yet, many commit intentional sins because of the Plan of Redemption which provides us with grace and mercy.

The Apostle Paul asks, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?” (Romans 6:1-3 NLT)

The profession of love for God includes humility and surrender. Daily confession, repentance, and praying for God to reveal His will is the lifestyle of a Christian. Making decisions without God’s blessings demonstrates rebellion against His Divine authority. It is easy to fall into sin, the slip of the tongue [using profane words], mistreating others, compromising righteous standards when among unbelievers, speeding down the highway, and having vain and lustful thoughts are sins that we easily overlook. But if our true desire is to spend eternal life in the presence of a Holy God, then we cannot live every day according to our desires or feel no remorse for disobedience.

The church of the Laodiceans in Revelation chapter 3 had grown lukewarm and useless. Their hearts were filled with selfish desires of focusing on wealth and culture. Their love for the carnal, materialistic things of the world kept them from living righteously. Yet, because of Christ’s love, they were given a warning of the consequences of being neither hot nor cold.

There is no middle ground. Living a selfish life of disobedience is rebellion against God. The consequence: “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1).

We have a choice to make. When we choose righteousness, God provides Spiritual Reinforcement. Our Omnipotent God knows that we are involved in the conflict of spiritual warfare every day. We have a Father who has made provisions for humanity: the Spiritual Team of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and guardian angels who never sleep are the Spiritual Warriors who help and fight for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Yet, the human effort of surrender as demonstrated by faithful and obedient hearts, diligent study of the Bible, and much prayer is required for us to receive the Divine Intervention needed to live as Victorious Overcomers. It is only one way for us to obtain our Heavenly reward. By living courageously with a “Do Right” mindset that shuns evil, and a life that boldly proclaims to all, “I love God and I will not compromise!”

Saul, the ruthless killer being transformed into the Apostle Paul is our ultimate example of the power of salvation on the heart that willingly surrenders to Christ.

35-36 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

37 For in just a little while,the Coming One will come and not delay.

38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.

39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. (Hebrews 10:35-39)

Prayer: God, we confess and repent for our disobedience and wayward life. You have given us everything that we need to live righteously. We ask for forgiveness of sinful rebellion. Please cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal Your purpose and calling for our lives. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to recognize sin, and to become faithful and obedient. Yes, we desire eternal life. We love You and ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.

Stop! Do Not Retaliate!

Devotional–Stop! Do Not Retaliate! From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Every day we face spiritual warfare. The conflict with our spouse, children, or coworker, the disappointment of a situation that has gone wrong despite our best efforts, or the unexpected–waking up to a flat tire or sudden illness has many living on the edge. Yet the number one disruption to our peace is the person who intentionally says something to offend us without remorse.

Our societies have declined to the point where morals, values, and the truth are defined according to how a person feels. And to add fuel to the fire, the current worldview is to express exactly what you are thinking. Yes, verbalizing the truth with brutal and razor-sharp delivery is considered a strength. The influencers have promoted and convinced many that speaking the truth according to how one feels provides mental and emotional cleansing. Although the other person may be hurt or offended, the speaker did what they had to, and no apology is necessary.

But inappropriate emotionally charged words reveal the individual’s character defects of the absence of discipline, self-control, and compassion for others. We have progressed to a world environment of anger and hostility. Due to life’s stressors, many are overwhelmed by the constant changes and losses in their personal and professional lives. Despite their best efforts, many are at the breaking point because their lives are out of control, so they hurt others with unkind words.

Unbelievers have worsened and many believers have adopted worldly standards by allowing unholy emotions to replace a Christ-like character.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

In the Holy Scriptures, God has provided righteous standards for believers when we are dealing with the spiritual warfare of conflict with harsh words. First, we must recognize that Satan is tempting us to retaliate and sin with words from our mouths. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

S–Silence is the best option

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). Remember, Jesus used silence with His accusers.

T–Terminate the conversation

God has gifted us with emotions. Yes, vicious words are always hurtful [and will easily stir up anger], especially from family and friends. If the person has escalated, they are not in the right frame to converse with. With face-to-face conflict, turn and walk away. If speaking on cell, texting, or video chatting, respond with “I have to go now, have a blessed day” and disengage the call, texting, or video chatting.

O–Opportunity for reconciliation [or retreat]

The opportunity for reconciliation is only possible if both people have not escalated. Do they show visible signs of being upset? If no, then listen with the intent to resolve the source of the conflict. Offer to pray with the family member or friend before attempting to resolve the conflict. If it is a coworker or stranger, pray a silent prayer.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. (Proverbs 15:1, 7).

Retreat immediately If during the conversation, you feel your emotions escalating or the person speaking begins to escalate, either walk away or if on an electronic device, simply let them know that you are ending the conversation and to have a blessed day. If possible, when both people are calm and rational, make another attempt to resolve all issues using healthy communication. There are also words spoken in anger to end a relationship. If that is the case, then accept their decision and move forward in your healing journey.

P–Pray for Divine Intervention

As a disciple of Christ, we will face spiritual warfare every day. Satan cannot read our minds, but he and his evil angels can observe our outward behaviors. If you harbor a spirit of offense, you will be upset every day of the year. Study and memorize Galatians 5:22-23. The apostle Paul tells us the characteristics [the Fruit of the Spirit] that every believer of the Most-High God is required to possess to receive eternal life. Prayer and humility are our only options against Satan’s deceptions.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13).

S Silence is the best option
T Terminate the conversation
O Opportunity for reconciliation or retreat
P Pray for Divine Intervention

Prayer: Lord, we pray for our hearts to be filled with agape love and to possess the Fruit of the Spirit. We ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, self-control, wisdom, and discernment. In Jesus’ name, we claim the life of a victorious overcomer. Amen.

The Deception of Self-Help

Yesterday, I witnessed to an individual whose life is restarting due to the dissolution of her marriage of 17 years. As we spoke about the Journey of Healing, she began by giving me the names of several authors of self-help books that she read. Due to her own admission of falling away from God when her marriage ended, she no longer prayed or studied the Bible.

“Although, I have followed the advice of the well-known authors, I still do not have peace. Tell me what you did.” I told her the story of Elijah who ran from Queen Jezebel and God’s loving and divine intervention of sending an angel to feed the run-away prophet. Yes, God, Himself spoke to Elijah while he was in the cave of a mountain. Because that’s what our Great, Father God does for those that He has created in His image. He consoles us and gives us peace when our lives are in chaos.

Worldviews tell us to self-validate, read self-help books, listen to transcendental meditation apps, wear jewelry that promotes peace of mind and stability, practice secular meditation, and the list is endless. Every methodology that promises to bring peace and serenity to our inner being–our souls is part of Satan’s deception.

Even so, while witnessing, I never addressed the confidence that many people have in self-help authors. She was aware that after reading many of the do-it-yourself books and practicing their recommended interventions she still did not have peace.

“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 being.” (Genesis 2:7)

Whether we believe in creation or evolution, the fact remains that we were not created to function outside of our spiritual connection to God. The One and Only God who breathed the breath of life into Adam is with whom we have a soul connection that only ends at the cessation of an individual’s life. We are forever connected to God with a spiritual umbilical cord.

God Is the Source of Life and Joy—God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.—Steps to Christ, 77 (1892). Ellen White

Sharing the story of Jesus on the cross, and Him telling the disciple John, “Behold your Mother” emphasizes that Jesus has a special place in His heart for the widows, the abandoned wives, the single mothers, and women who are alone and struggling to live productive lives. Does Jesus care? Yes, He does! And I am a living testimony of our Savior’s Divine Intervention of lovingly guiding me through a 2-year journey of healing.

Witness in a manner that the person feels a personal connection to Christ.

And yes, God loves and cares for all of us–men, women, boys, and girls. Yet, when witnessing we must present God on a personal level that reaches the hurting heart of the individual. Whisper a silent prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you. We always require Divine guidance before we speak and represent the love of Christ to others.

I will never know the outcome of witnessing that God is the source of our lives and only through Him can we have peace, joy, healing, and restoration. Yet, her laughter and expression of “Thank you, for taking the time to help me” proves that hurting people need to know that God is not a distant Father who does not care about us. Taking the time to share my personal experience proves that only Christ can give us a life of hope and restoration.

The importance of studying the Scriptures, praying without ceasing, and sharing our victories does make a difference in someone else’s life. As disciples of Christ, it is our duty to represent Him to those who are unaware that we have a Father who loves us. Someone needs to hear “…I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3), and “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Prayer: God, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask for a heightened awareness of the opportunities to share Your love with others. You are the only One who can give us peace and inner joy. thank You for Your love, grace, and mercies. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a Little Talk with Jesus

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

In John chapter 17, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and His future disciples. Jesus is the Source of all life. Prayer is our connection to an all-powerful and loving Savior.

We underestimate the power of prayer, not only to receive peace and stay connected to God but also to receive our daily dose of spiritual strength. The power of the Holy Spirit gives us the discernment to recognize Satan’s targeted warfare against us and the strength to shun temptation. Acting as an Intercessor for others, whether they are believers or unbelievers is a vital role for a disciple of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to God by breathing whispers of prayer throughout your day.

“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15

Prayer: Thank Lord, for the unmerited grace and mercies of a new day. Your Love for us is endless and unequaled. We pray for the wisdom to understand not only Your love but the desire to have an unbroken connection with you every day. Forgive us for the sins that easily flow from a heart filled with selfishness. We pray for cleansing from the bitter fruits of pride, unforgiveness, and lack of love and concern for others. We pray for the brokenhearted and for those who do not know You. We ask for the provisions to help those in need.

Anoint us with the Holy Spirit and reveal our purpose. Yes, Jesus, we are forever grateful for your sacrifice that we may live righteously on this present earth and forever in the New Heaven and New Earth in the future. Hear our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen.

Grievances of the Heart

Devotional–Grievances of the Heart from The Struggle of Sanctification by S. Johnson

Impossible productivity goals and mental and emotional distress were the focus of my coworker’s grievance about the productivity standards established by the Vice President who was also the Executive Director of the Quality Department. The Quality Nurses each had a caseload of 30-35 physician’s offices consisting of weekly visits with a travel radius extending from 30-40 miles. Our contractual agreement included the working hours of 9 to 5 with an hour for lunch and no overtime.

The daily productivity standards did not include exceptions for the late arrival of physicians who missed scheduled appointments, receiving a call from the Doctors office with last-minute cancellations [and we were already sitting in their parking lots], or heavy traffic conditions. The average time for completing our work day with traveling back to the office resulted in 1 to 2 hours of unpaid time every day.

Our courageous coworker represented those of us who remained silent and won the grievance. We no longer had to return to the office if the appointment was 3 pm or later. Our travel time was included in our workday. And for missed appointments, we would drop off the hard copy of their statistical report at their office without rescheduling a face-to-face meeting. Yes, we had someone who used her knowledge and wisdom to fight against oppressive and unrealistic productivity goals.

Not all grievances end with victory, especially grievances of the heart. Although the Israelites were emancipated from Egyptian oppression, they had grievances against God. They felt that God was punitive, that His commandments were too hard to obey, and that He desired them to live unhappy lives.

Didn’t the Israelites cry out for God’s intervention? Yes, but during their enslavement, many became involved in Egyptian pagan worship which involved pagan gods, sexual immorality, and child sacrifice. They desired God to give them the freedom to serve idols, follow their own evil desires, and live without restrictions.

“For I solemnly warned your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, ‘Obey me!’ I have repeated this warning over and over to this day, but your ancestors did not listen or even pay attention. Instead, they stubbornly followed their own evil desires. And because they refused to obey, I brought upon them all the curses described in this covenant.'” Jeremiah 11:7-8 NLT

Fast forward to 2022, it is unthinkable of sacrificing one’s children. Yet, many of today’s Christians engage in sexual immorality. Watching lewd movies and programs, and having sex outside of marriage has become a part of their secret lifestyles. Still, watching pornography has caused many believers to become addicted to this satanic, pagan practice, and without remorse, they sacrifice their marriages and families.

One must ask, how does a believer in the Most-High God become drawn into this level of rebellion against God? Answer: They have grievances in their hearts against God.

“You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” Leviticus 20:26

The desire to be Holy by worshiping God through diligent study of the Scriptures, praying, and living faithful, obedient lives has been replaced with living for oneself. Many are tired of the restrictions to live the righteous life required of a disciple of Christ. Bible-based churches where God’s truth is taught have few members while pastors in stadium-size churches who twist the Scriptures into prosperity messages are filled every week.

According to the Gallup poll, church attendance continues to decline. 

“WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans’ membership in houses of worship continued to decline last year, dropping below 50% for the first time in Gallup’s eight-decade trend. In 2020, 47% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue, or mosque, down from 50% in 2018 and 70% in 1999. https://news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority-first-time.aspx

“But they did not obey nor incline their ear but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.” Jeremiah 17:23

Trending now: Many individuals research a church’s doctrinal beliefs until they find one that they can comply with and join based on the premise that they are doing enough for God by attending services once a week. The denial of materialism, the constraints of righteous living, Community outreach programs, and fulfillment of the Great Commission –witnessing to others are non-existent topics of weekly sermons.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 NIV

Yet, as the number escalates of those who possess grievances against God, there is a growing number of the remnant who are witnessing, helping those in need, and living pure, sanctified lives. Our hearts belong to Jesus Christ. We have renounced worldly pleasures and are staying true to God.

Despite the Israelites’ deceitful and desperately wicked hearts, the prophet Jeremiah petitioned God for His mercy. As we progress toward the end of this earth’s history, Satan is using false prophets to distract and console those who have grievances in their hearts against God. They are blinded to the signs and fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Our earth no longer has peace! And prosperity from worldly goods is only a distraction to keep their focus away from God.

It is time for us to confess our heart’s grievances against God as we focus on our relationship with Christ. Self-denial, praying for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and continuous study of the Scriptures will give us the knowledge, strength, and courage to live righteously. Loving God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds is possible!

Despite Satan’s temptations, we can live victoriously as overcomers through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Get rid of your heart’s grievances by dedicating your life to God. Every day, intentionally stay close to God. Prepare for the Greatest Event. Jesus’ Second Coming is sooner than we think.

Prayer: God, we are caught up in the pleasures of the world and living as if You do not exist. We confess that our hearts are desperately wicked. Lord, please forgive us and reveal the secret sins in our lives. We desire to serve You and to live according to the plans that You have for us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.