Devotional–Steps to Living a Blessed Life from The Struggle of Sanctification by S. Johnson
If you are over the age of 50 then you can appreciate the innovative changes [technology, strategies to work smarter not harder, work from home, etc.] that have reduced the mental and physical strain we suffered from doing tasks that always required taxing efforts. Yes, change is primarily good, especially when it delivers quality results and allows time for relaxation and restoration of the mind, body, and soul.
God’s Divine Intervention is above and beyond our best efforts to have a better quality of life. Yet some believers do not have God’s joy and peace. They choose to live alternate lifestyles which include following the advice of others, busyness, and the pursuit of personal desires. Relying on their judgment, they create an overall compromise of the mental, emotional, and physical state of equilibrium of their minds and bodies. Not only are they stressed, but their resistance also places them outside of God’s safety net for receiving the benefits of His promises.
Yes, we have the right to make decisions without asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit, but the consequence is suffering from hardship and the additional burden of a failed solution.
We were not created to figure things out! “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
The Warning: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
The Promise: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit [penitent, humbled by our own sins and failures, seeking after God. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:17-19
God is never intrusive. He has given us free will of choice. Yes, God patiently waits for us to ask for His intervention. With His help, we can enjoy peace even when times are hard. Serving God does not stop life’s trials and hardships. Even so, unlike our best efforts of creating solutions, failing, and trying again, His promises are steadfast and provide fail-proof resolution.
With God, we have the opportunity to live a life without suffering the consequences of making unfavorable decisions. “Human Effort plus Divine Intervention always equals Victorious Outcomes!”
The Israelites received this promise: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace'” (Exodus 14:13-14).
God is waiting to give us our best lives not only now, but also eternally in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Prayer: God, we have chosen the hard life of the transgressor by excluding You. We ask for forgiveness for doing it our way. Yes, we need Your help every day. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ worthy name. Amen.
Devotional–The Blessings From Attending Church–From The Struggle of Sanctification by S. Johnson
Last Thursday, just before sunset, I heard a knock on the door. Looking through the slanted blinds, stood three women carrying two supermarket bags in each hand. My first thought was a food delivery at the wrong address. Yet, it didn’t make sense, how could three individuals be confused about where they were going? Without hesitation, I opened the door, prepared to tell them that I didn’t order food.
After looking at the smiling faces, I smiled back and said, Hi. They introduced themselves as members of a community church that has a monthly bread and pastry ministry. After receiving two bags, one of the sisters asked if they could pray for me to which I said yes. “What would you like us to pray for?” Immediately, I responded, “Pray for peace.” Following the prayer, the elder asked for my phone number and told me if I ever need anything to give them a call. No, they did not have the wrong address.
The request for a prayer for peace was not due to a personal struggle of inner conflict, it was for the community of Christian believers. Earlier, I was thinking of the detrimental effects of not attending church. God created us to receive happiness and spiritual and emotional strength from socializing and worshipping with each other. Intentional isolation from other believers prevents us from forming vital relationships with the Family of God. And Satan uses solitude to attack our minds with worries and anxieties which prevent us from receiving Jesus’ gift of peace.
Although church hurt is among the top answers for refusal to go to church, the reality is that many Christians do not feel the need to be around the body of believers. Yet, God is not in agreement with that mindset.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
Our spiritual insight is stunted when our daily interactions are limited to unbelievers. The carnal world resents that we believe in and serve an invisible God. What does light have in common with darkness? Without becoming active members of the family of believers, we cannot give or receive the validation needed to stay courageous in a wicked world. Isolation creates stony, self-centered hearts. In-person attendance allows us to become full of compassion as we learn to extend loving kindness not only to those who are in the body of Christ but also to those who resent us.
Yes, there are many spiritual benefits to attending church. In the house of God, we gain spiritual strength while singing, praying, reading the Scriptures, and hearing sermons because we are in the presence of God. Attending church breaks our normal routine and redirects our focus on the Creator. In-person attendance allows us to be around others striving for the Fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. Our love for God is a common characteristic that gives us a foundation to have healthy relationships with others who also love God.
Fact: Agape love produces spiritual bonding that can only be achieved with Christian brothers and sisters. And we can give and receive words of encouragement from like-minded believers who are also in the daily struggle of spiritual warfare.
I recall a time when I suffered an extremely harsh week at work. On Friday, while at work, I decided to stay home and not attend church on Sabbath. All, I wanted to do was rest the entire weekend. Yet, when I awakened on Sabbath morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to go to church. For my obedience, I received a great spiritual blessing. Still, I was physically weary which impacted my emotional state of mind.
After the potluck lunch, myself and another sister were assigned to clean the kitchen. Sister H., “Sister Sonya, you look tired.” She did not ask me what was wrong but waited for my response before speaking again. On that Sabbath, 10 years ago, God gave me a second blessing. The Holy Spirit used Sister H. to pray with me and provide much-needed words of encouragement and wisdom.
We can easily present several points to debate as to why we fail to attend church. Always pray for discernment. Never be judgmental of others. The struggle is real. “As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one…'” (Romans 3:10). Do not carry the weight of a spirit of offense. People will always say and do the wrong things. Not everyone is spiritually mature and some only attend church as a social activity, yet, God loves them as He loves us. Even so, as a follower of Jesus Christ, we cannot stand alone.
Jesus had 12 disciples to help Him to fulfill His ministry. John [the rugged Son of Thunder] eagerly followed Jesus everywhere He went. John, [the disciple that Jesus loved] experienced a total spiritual transformation from his close association with Christ. From beholding Jesus’ character, John the Son of Thunder became John the Revelator.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal a Bible-based church that teaches Scriptural truths and has community outreach programs. When our focus is on Jesus Christ, we will enjoy the privilege of worshipping with others. Forming the habit of joyful fellowship at church prepares us for worshipping God with countless other believers who made it just like we did in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT
And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28
The zeal has risen to chase success. Social influencers, mentors, and ministers who once exalted God are eager to help us achieve social status and financial wealth. Those who have made it to the top of their game in the sports arena are known as Most Valuable Players. And that concept has infiltrated the mindset of most people who are striving to be among life’s most valuable players. Status and wealth are the most prevalent and valued worldviews.
Christians who once followed in the footsteps of Jesus’ lowly social status have exchanged biblical beliefs for today’s prosperity messages. They will not share their wealth or volunteer their time to help those in need. Pride has permeated the hearts of believers who have been deceived by Satan to accept worldly values. Although they attend church once a week, they are competing to climb the ladder of the elite–the rich, famous, and powerful.
Jesus’ disciples also had a separate agenda from his earthly mission. Because they envisioned Jesus setting up an earthly kingdom, his 12 disciples failed to understand His sermons and parables. Their minds were blocked by the true desires of the heart, yes, they craved status, power, and money. Yet, the brothers, James and John [Sons of Thunder] had a sense of entitlement and were bold and aggressive with their prideful arrogance. When they compared themselves to the other disciples, certainly no one else was entitled to sit next to Jesus when he became King.
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.'” Matthew 20:20-21
What is very unusual is that the disciple’s mother approached Jesus. Remember this was a time when women had cultural restraints–they were seen and not heard. In biblical times, women were not forward with men nor did they voice their opinions. Yet, she advocated for her sons, James and John. The strong love of a mother’s heart gave her the courage to ask Jesus to give her sons the positions of sitting on His right and left hand in His kingdom.
Note that Jesus did not rebuke their mother. Although human, Jesus was divine. He discerned her request was from a mother’s love for her sons. The desire for Jesus to be King was foremost in James and John’s mother, His disciples, and the multitudes who followed Him. He read the hearts of those who misunderstood the purpose of His earthly mission. Yet, Jesus always demonstrated compassion in His interactions with others and remained steadfast in godly principles.
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.’ ” Matthew 20:25-26
Regardless of the disciple’s rowdy personalities, Jesus was aware that 11 of the 12 would experience a spiritual transformation. Yes, men with hearts that secretly possessed worldly desires would become meek and humble servants.
To follow Christ is to live a life of humility and servitude to others. Because of sin, our hearts are in opposition to being counted as the least. Yet, our earthly mission has been designed by God. The standards of discipleship are predetermined by God and are non-negotiable. Whether God has placed us in a position of status or lowliness [to represent Christ], a disciple must live a life of servitude to God and to humanity.
Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for having agendas that include self-glorification. We ask for a spiritual transformation of our hearts and to live as Your disciples. Please reveal the areas in which we are to serve others. In Jesus’ Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–Making Lifestyle Changes
There are stories in the Bible that cause us to feel intense grief, the fall of Adam and Eve, the emancipated Israelites [Exodus chapters 12-14], Noah and the flood, Samson and Delilah, the rich, young ruler [Matthew 19, verses 16-22], and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats [Matthew 25, verses 31-46].
Because of their allegiance to the Egyptian’s pagan practices, God took the nation of Israel through the wilderness to achieve a spiritual transformation in them. Yet, due to their disobedience and love of paganism, a journey that should have been 11 days lasted 40 years. Sadly, the consequences of their refusal to obey God resulted in everyone 20 years and older dying without ever reaching the land flowing with milk and honey.
“Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly followed Me…” (Numbers 32:11)
Throughout their 40-year wilderness journey, Joshua and Caleb were the only two people over the age of 20 who demonstrated steadfast faith, loyalty, and obedience to God. Yes, God rewarded His faithful two. Not only did they enter Canaan, but God appointed Joshua as their leader when Moses died.
Neither Moses, Miriam nor Aaron were allowed to enter the Promised Land because of their acts of disobedience. “And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is”(Deuteronomy 34:5-6).
Yet, God’s love and mercy were demonstrated for His faithful prophet and leader, Moses. In Jude, verse 9, Michael the Archangel, who is Jesus, came from heaven and resurrected Moses, taking him to heaven. Verification that Moses is in Heaven: “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him” (Matthew 17:3). Refer to Matthew 17, verses 1-8 for the story of the Mount of Transfiguration.
The Rich, Young Ruler represents those who value wealth over discipleship. He dutifully kept the law but had immeasurable wealth and social status that he loved more than becoming a disciple of Christ. “Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:16-22).
The thought-provoking question “Have I lost sight of God’s standards of righteousness?” is quickly answered by our priorities and lifestyle. The time that we give to God in daily worship provides us with a definitive answer to the status of our loyalty and obedience to Him.
Psalm 95, verses 6-11 is a call to worship God with love, loyalty, and obedience.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: 8 Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. 10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways. 11 So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest.
Just as an employer would not tolerate substandard performance from an employee, God requires a heart filled with 100% loyalty and obedience from us. Worship flows from the heart that loves God and has a steadfast relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Human beings are creatures of habit. Praying and studying the Scriptures is a lifestyle that happens naturally when God is first and foremost in our lives.
Discipleship requires humility and is demonstrated by our outward activities of worship, witnessing, and seeking to help others every day. It is not enough to attend weekly church services or to share the love and saving power of Jesus Christ when we feel like it. Giving money to the Benevolent Fund does not replace active service in Community Outreach programs. Disciples are loyal to Christ and follow in His footsteps. If Jesus obeyed God, His Father, and served others, then God has the same expectation of us.
“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32)
For many years, I did not understand the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. The two groups represent Christian believers, not believers and unbelievers. Sadly, the goats served God, attending church once or twice a week and giving tithe and offerings but did not financially help others. Nor did they fulfill the Great Commission [Matthew 28:18-20].
This group of believers had their own agendas. And they were not filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. How do we know the goats did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ” (Matthew 25:44).
The characteristics of love, loyalty, humility, obedience, faith, and trust in God are requisites for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our willingness to do the will of God prepares us for a spiritual lifestyle change. The Holy Spirit provides teaching, guidance, knowledge, discernment, and comfort to Jesus’ sheep–His disciples. We become aware of our spiritual gifts, spiritual assignments, and specific instructions on using our gifts and the stewardship of our money from the Holy Spirit.
Without love for Jesus, we will not pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal our gifts nor will we have an interest in truly serving God and others. Many are doing just enough to get by because their interests are in temporal things. They perform church duties or random acts of kindness because it is the right thing to do, but never receive pure joy from serving God. And they rarely give up their financial resources to help others, but quickly say, I will pray for you.
Like the freed Israelites, we do not have to end up living our lives in vain. Loving God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds produces humility, loyalty, and obedience for which we will be rewarded. We must persevere in maintaining our heart-to-heart relationship with Christ. With faith, we trust God by seeking Him daily through worship and living a faith-based, purpose-driven life.
Jesus is our Role-Model. Our spiritual gifts [and financial resources] are used to finish the work of Christ [spreading the Gospel and making disciples] as when He was on this earth.
Making a spiritual lifestyle change happens when we have a zeal to complete our Savior’s earthly work. Thankfully, we are never left to figure out the details of our spiritual assignments. The Holy Spirit will guide us.
We must consistently pray and study the Scriptures. Remaining steadfast in our faith keeps us connected to our Spiritual Team, God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. God gives us daily instructions and provisions to complete His kingdom work. Great is His faithfulness! Allow Him to guide your earthly life and you will receive the reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Amen!
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)
Prayer: God, we need to make lifestyle changes. We ask You to anoint us with the Holy Spirit and to reveal our gifts and how to use them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“…For I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.” Jeremiah 31:25
Many of us do not live in a peaceful, rustic environment where we can sit on our patio and hear the birds sing, watch streams briskly flowing or inhale unpolluted air while watching the deer in our backyard. The noise and constant busyness that has aggressively entered our lifestyles are out of control.
Sadly, we do not recognize the impact until we are mentally and emotionally weary and our physical health is impacted. Yes, we can take a couple of days off and catch up on much-needed sleep, but can we empty our minds of pressing issues or eliminate most of our to-do list? Rest and relaxation extend beyond physical rest. Even the most powerful machines require maintenance to keep them operating at peak performance.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Jesus tells us that optimal spiritual health requires a continuous relationship with Him. The demands of life are incessant and will create greater burdens if we do not stop, recognize, and rearrange our priorities. We were created to have a forever connection with God. Like inanimate objects that require a connection to a source of power, we must stay connected to our spiritual source–Jesus Christ.
Rest and relaxation of the mind and body are considered a waste of time by today’s influencers who give us their standards for our lifestyles. The lifestyle of pursuing worldly success is in opposition to the One who created us. Listening to tranquil music, verbalizing mantras, and performing non-spiritual meditation can never provide the spiritual gifts of peace and replenishment that our souls require.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Only Jesus can give us a life filled with daily spiritual renewal. And that means quality and quantity of time spent with Jesus in worship. Although divine intervention is always available, we must put forth the human effort of putting God first and asking for His help. Search the Scriptures! From Moses to Elijah, and Paul and Silas in their times of mental weakness and spiritual depletion, God’s intervention was immediate.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
The righteous are promised Divine benefits. Yet, we must take the time to establish and maintain a meaningful relationship with the source, Jesus Christ. Through prayer, we have 24/7 access to God, the Father, Jesus, and, the Holy Spirit. Daily, we pray for strength and guidance to live according to God’s plans so we may receive the healing power of spiritual replenishment in our minds, bodies, and souls.
Prayer: God, we ask for Your divine intervention. Please reveal the busyness that keeps us spiritually depleted and distant from You. We pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–Jesus Prays for All Believers
“I have glorified you on earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:4
John chapter 17 is composed of the three prayers in which Jesus prays for Himself, His Disciples, and all Believers. Our focus will be on Jesus’ prayer for all believers. Jesus clarifies our roles by defining His expectations of future disciples, including you and me.
Three of God’s established characteristics of the church body are Love, Unity, and fulfilling the Great Commission–Witnessing to others.
Love: “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 greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Unity: “that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You,” (John 17:21), and that we fulfill our spiritual assignment, The Great Commission–Witnessing toOthers, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 28:18-20).
The Outcome: “…and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23).
Was God pleased with His Son? Yes! Following Jesus’ baptism, God proclaimed His Divine satisfaction: “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Jesus was our role model. He never deviated from having the mindset to please God, His Father. Even in His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Do we have the desire to fulfill God’s will? Love = Obedience
For us to complete our earthly mission, our hearts must overflow with love for God which is demonstrated by having a thriving relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and also that we possess unconditional love for everyone [without exceptions].
Two things will determine our future outcome: “Did we have a relationship with Jesus Christ demonstrated by living a life of faithful obedience to the will of God?” and, “Did we complete our spiritual assignment by demonstrating the love of Christ when using our spiritual gifts to witness to others?”
Jesus’ gift of redemption to humanity was paid with His life. Certainly, we can understand that He desires for us to live with Him eternally.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)
For us to receive eternal life, we must be one with Christ. By diligently studying Jesus’ life, we learn who He is. To abide in His love is to dedicate ourselves to spending time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit before studying the Bible. Meditate on the Word of God to receive the power to live righteously.
Love is the catalyst that produces a steadfast commitment to living consecrated lives for God. From a loving heart, the fruit of obedience flows like a stream, and without hesitation, our daily prayer is, “Not my will, but Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Eve was Deceived
One of the most exciting aspects of the literary arts is the ability of a gifted writer to mesmerize the reader with their vision. For the work to be successful, it must be categorized into a genre with readers interested in the subject matter. The readers play an important role in the success or failure of a published work. Yes, the writer relies on the readers intrigued by the cover, title, and author, but the words that are masterfully used are responsible for captivating an audience.
Words are extremely powerful! When used by marketing and advertising experts, we are convinced that we must have the things that are presented. Our imagination leads to a compelling desire of the heart and we do whatever is necessary to obtain the things that promise to give us a higher quality of life. The problem is that someone else has planted a seed of dissatisfaction in your mind for your existing lifestyle often leading to an ungrateful heart.
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'” (Genesis 2:16,17)
Eve, the mother of humanity was fully aware of God’s command, but she desired the one thing that God said that they could not have. Eve was deceived because of her heart’s desire to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Her story exposes Satan’s mastery of using deceptive words as weapons against humanity. Eve fell because she desired more than the perfect life that God had given to them.
“…to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” (Romans 12:3)
Eve used her logical thought processes to analyze what she saw, a visual deception. As she walked closer to the tree, perhaps the beautiful serpent was wrapped around a branch eating the fruit. She was mesmerized and overpowered by Satan’s deceptive strategy. As Eve attempted to comprehend what her eyes were seeing, a serpent in the forbidden tree, Satan used his powers to speak to her calmly and invitingly.
“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)
“And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'” (Genesis 3:2-3)
Although Eve answered the question, at that point, Eve became confused between God’s command and what she was seeing and hearing from the serpent. God never said, “nor shall you touch it.” Can you imagine the serpent lovingly touching the fruit with his head? With its actions and spoken words, the serpent convinced our mother the fruit had amazing power. She rationalized that the serpent must have eaten the fruit because unlike other serpents this one received the power to talk. He had eaten from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and he was still alive!
Surely [definition]: to speak with assurance and confidence; a word used to emphasize the speaker’s firm belief that what they are saying is true and often express their surprise that there is any doubt of this.
“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'” (Genesis 3:4-5)
Like an experienced salesperson, this was the statement of closure. Satan was aware that his scheme had worked. He planted the seed of doubt in Eve’s confused mind against God. Satan presented God’s warning of death as a lie. Not only had the serpent eaten the fruit and was alive, but the serpent also appeared to be like God because he could speak and conduct an intelligent conversation just like she and Adam.
When the serpent said, “you will be like God,” Eve truly believed that God had withheld the best from her and Adam. Her desire to be like God created a sense of entitlement as she willingly disobeyed, picked the fruit, and ate it.
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6)
Once Eve sinned, Satan used her to boldly approach Adam. And the fall of our earthly Mother and Father was complete. In reading the story of our parents, our hearts should feel a deep sense of grief. Not only their loss of immortality, their home—the Garden of Eden, and cessation of face-to-face communion with Jesus Christ but their disobedience caused our Lord and Savior to suffer an excruciating death to provide redemption for humanity’s sins.
Like Eve, many Christians are living in these last days in confusion. Satan has presented deceptive strategies and beliefs which they have readily accepted. Their hearts are filled with the seeds of doubt and disbelief in the promises of God. Former believers have accepted the worldview of prosperity. Jeremiah 29:11 has been twisted into a message of entitlement for wealth. Instead of using God-given resources to help those in need, many pursue earthly treasures to fulfill their heart’s desires.
Satan knows his time is short, therefore, he has increased his methods of deception. Just as he used Eve to give the fruit to her husband, Satan is using half-hearted Laodiceans to deceive many Christians who are alone and lonely. With an appearance of godliness, these men and women approach the steadfast disciples of Christ with false whispers of love and pull them into unequally yoked relationships and marriages. But their lifestyle reveals that they do not love God with all of their hearts nor are they preparing for eternal life.
Yes, matters of the heart also affect those who truly love God. Even so, we must stay close to Jesus by praying daily for the anointing of the Holy Spirit or our emotions will serve as a gateway for deception. Avoid forming alliances with those whose interests are worldly. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
Praise God! We know how the story ends! God has faithful and obedient remnant people standing on the truth of His Word. We are fully aware of our daily involvement in spiritual warfare. Yet, we still believe that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 6:23). And we believe in God’s warning “you will surely die” for unforgiven sins.
With grateful hearts, the righteous love Jesus for His unequaled love and sacrifice for humanity. We have the blessed hope that one day soon, we will see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ coming again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to give us the reward of eternal life.
Through many sacrificial offerings of a spotless lamb, Adam and Eve received forgiveness for their sins. Yet, because of the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, one day the faithful will meet and talk with our earthly parents, Adam and Eve in heaven. Hallelujah! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
Prayer: God, we pray for those who are living as Laodiceans that they awaken from their spiritual slumber to fully commit their hearts to You. And Lord, we ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our lives as we prepare every day for Jesus’ soon coming. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.
Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Hands of Jesus
There are two thought processes when one hears or reads about the hands of Jesus. Either we think of our Savior’s nail-scarred hands on the cross or His righteous hands that hold us up, imparting strength to the believer.
Both concepts accurately describe our Savior’s hands. The scars represent Jesus’ love for humanity. Because of His sacrificial offering, we are recipients of the Plan of Redemption. In giving His life, everyone has the opportunity to be transformed into the righteousness of Christ. And there is more to the story, we will receive the reward of eternal life if we choose to faithfully and obediently serve Him. Read John 14:1-3.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Although we should have courage because the righteous are held in Jesus’ hands, many feel insecure and alone. The young man posted, “I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, but I feel lost.”
Hardships reveal our level of commitment to Christ. We are often surprised by our responses of weakness and disbelief to life’s harsh challenges. And many accuse God of forsaking them. Yet, we failed to do our part in strengthening our relationship with Christ. Accepting accountability for our failure to hold onto Jesus’ hands requires a heartfelt prayer of repentance. Giving 100% of our hearts through faithful obedience and daily worship is the only way to stay connected to the Source–Jesus Christ.
“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9, first part)
Many have accepted Christ and desire to serve Him, but do not know the Scriptures. Daily Bible study, prayer, and asking for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the requisites for building and sustaining our relationship with Jesus. It is a personal decision to build your foundation on the Rock, of Jesus Christ.
Delete time-consuming activities and replace them with diligent searching for the treasures contained in the Scriptures. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). When needed, the Holy Spirit will reveal the promises that are hidden in our hearts to give us comfort.
Memorizing God’s promises increases our faith. Faith is thinking beyond the impossible and admitting that only God can resolve our challenges. Trust is faith in action—never losing hope although the answer remains unseen. Our hope does not waver. Every day we rely on Jesus to give us the supernatural power to keep moving forward.
When our focus is on Jesus, and we are determined to have relentless faith and trust in Him, we can walk through life with courage. Peace replaces anxiety and worry, and we experience the joy of the Lord, even in times of sorrow.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Holding on to the hands of Jesus takes a concerted spiritual effort. Imagine that you are walking on the troubled sea, feeling as if you will drown, and you cry out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus extends His hands. Fervent petitions of prayer keep us connected to Jesus. With tearful prayers of faith, we still proclaim Jesus is Lord, and we thank Him for His divine intervention.
We can remain steadfast! Why? Because, in the depths of our souls, we know without a doubt that Jesus’ hands will never let us go. Yes, it is those nail-scarred hands that we hold onto when going through turbulent times.
Whether we are delivered from our tribulations or Jesus gives us the strength to endure the ongoing trials of life, our courage must remain steadfast. Remember the Apostle Paul prayed three times for Jesus to remove the thorn in his flesh–his poor eyesight. Yet, Jesus’ answer of “My strength is made perfect in your weakness” indicated that even if His answer is no, He always provides spiritual strength in our hardships.
Yes, we can remain faithful even when we lack understanding. Our unwavering confidence is built on the solid Rock–Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus’ nail-scarred hands will always hold us and provide the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to keep moving forward. We have the reassurance that Jesus will never let go of us!
Prayer: God, we thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus for our redemption. Jesus, we thank You for your loving heart and hands that hold us up whether in the storms or in peaceful times. We give You the honor, glory, and praise for Your loving-kindness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children…Mark 10:14
Jesus replied, “‘ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39
Love
A little child possesses a loving and compassionate heart; they are deeply touched by the pain and hurt of others. It is typical for them to reach out and provide comfort to others who display sadness and sorrow. How do our hearts compare to that of a little child’s heart? Agape love is inclusive to all individuals without regard to socioeconomic status, nationality, or background. We cannot let the actions of others or trending belief systems destroy what God has given to us–agape love allows us to extend mercy in the form of forgiveness toward our fellow brothers and sisters.
Forgiveness
Childhood spats are usually little disagreements that work themselves out because children are loyal and readily forgive. They cherish their friendships and typically do not hold onto grudges unless adult interference escalates the situation. God commands us to: Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT. To forgive and not forget is not biblically supported; therefore, we must not allow ourselves to possess this unholy mindset regarding others who have offended us.
Joyful Excitement
As children hear and focus on the promises made to them, they are filled with bubbly excitement; their smiles and laughter are often combined with physically jumping up and down, which is priceless. The Bible is filled with God’s precious promises, which means we should possess the Joy of the Lord every day. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days, when you pray, I will listen. Jeremiah 29:11, 12. God desires that we always possess His joy: …Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 last part.
When we love God, it will be our greatest desire to be like him. Go ahead, pray, and ask God for a complete transformation; it is only then that we can possess the characteristics that God requires for us to enter into His Kingdom.
Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for the ability to love, to laugh, and enjoy the beautiful life that you have given to us. We desire to become like little children and possess the character traits that are pleasing to you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.
Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Growth of a Seed
The story unfolds with a man who planted two gardens. He planted the best seeds in the garden closest to his house that had the correct balance of sun and shade. The seeds of lesser quality were planted in a mountainous area that would not receive any care except to remove weeds once a week. As the seeds from the first garden grew, he became less interested in the other garden. Excitedly, he looked at the sprouts growing into plants. The man became fixated on the prized garden, watering it, adding fertilizer, and diligently pulling weeds. He started thinking of the great harvest of vegetables soon to come due to his time and effort.
After one month of seeing the progress of the first garden, he decided that he didn’t need the second garden. But out of curiosity, he decided to take the long walk, anticipating the seeds died due to his lack of care. Yet, when he looked at the neglected garden the plants had grown three times the size of the garden he cared for every day. What the man failed to realize is the mountainous garden contained fertile soil with an abundance of natural nutrients. The plants thrived from the warmth of the sun’s rays and the intermittent rains that fell on that area caused the neglected garden to flourish.
We plant the seeds of habits, hobbies, relationships, and self-seeking desires in our garden of life, which receives the majority of our time. Our best efforts are directed toward the earthly things that count as nothing to further the kingdom of God. Not only do all Christians have the assignment of witnessing to those who need the gospel, comforting those in despair, and providing for those in need, we are required to witness every day!
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 28:18-20)
God desires for us to plant the seeds of Jesus’ love and the plan of redemption. Once we do our part, the light from Christ will shine on the new believers and the Holy Spirit will water their souls. The decision to serve God is not one of neglect. We do not have the privilege of choosing the time slots or days we will witness. Just as employers require their full-time staff to work a minimum of 40 hours, Christians are spiritual workers who have the responsibility of sowing seeds seven days a week.
God never asks us to do the impossible, He always provides direction and the method to complete our assignment. God has given us advanced technology to sow seeds. We can use our social media accounts to witness or begin prayer chats. Using our cell phones, we can pray and speak words of encouragement to those who are sick and discouraged. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual assignment, and give you discernment, and wisdom.
Loving and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior requires us to follow His example, in humility, we surrender our will and become His workers.
“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Bible Study: Matthew chapters 9 and 28
Prayer: Lord we desire to fulfill our spiritual assignment. We pray for the anointing, power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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