“About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? And Jesus cried out again with a loud [agonized] voice and gave up His spirit [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan]. —Matthew 27:46, 50
For Jesus’ sacrificial offering for humanity, with gratitude, we can strive to live as one who is forgiven through daily surrender and faithful obedience. Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – November 23, 2024
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
To receive eternal life, our agenda must be God’s agenda. “I can come to Jesus, just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.”
Sanctification is a lifelong journey of the transformation of our character, mind, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character. God says, “Be holy for I am Holy (1 Peter 1:16). The prayer of surrender and the life of obedience is reflected in the daily prayer, Not my will, but Your will be done. From our willingness to completely obey God, we invite the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts, give us spiritual wisdom, and to begin the spiritual process of transformation.
We cannot judge ourselves. Like King David, we pray, “Search my heart God and reveal any wicked thing within Me.” Christ, our Triumphant King is our Spiritual Role Model who humbled himself to come to Earth, live in poverty, and die a criminal’s death for us. If we possess any other attitude besides humility then it does not reflect the Righteousness of Christ. He was humble even to death on the cross. Peace and blessings.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of your life on Calvary. Amen.
Practical Messages for Impractical Times — Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 13, 2024
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’ ” —Genesis 12:1-2
Devout Christians love God and others, pray, study the Bible, and do not commit wilful sin against God, still, many do not enjoy the peace and victory and often miss out on God’s greatest blessings. How is this possible? Let’s reflect on God’s command to Abram: He told him to leave his country, relatives, and friends.
“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.” —Genesis 12:4-5
Yet, Abram did not obey God’s command. Abram’s Disobedience: Why did he take his nephew Lot?
To understand the context of this story, we must think of Biblical times, walking, tending to animals, and setting up and taking down camp until one reaches their destination. Although relocation requires major adjustments, because Abram did not possess the inner peace that comes from total obedience to God, he had apprehensions and fear within his heart.
The Result of Disobedience: When arriving in Egypt, he lied that Sarai, his wife was his sister, and Pharoah attempted to take Sarai to be his wife. God immediately intervened [Study Genesis 12:10-20]. However disobedience produces continuous consequences, and once Abram and Lot settle into the promised country, a conflict arises between Abram and Lot’s workers.
“Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s.” —Genesis 13:5-7
Human Resolution: “So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” —Genesis 13:8-9
“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company…” —Genesis 13:10-11
Not only was Lot, Abram’s nephew disrespectful by choosing the best land, but the hidden pride and greed in Lot’s heart was exposed. Because we live in perilous times, many individuals would not understand the issue of a younger person choosing the best for themselves. “Well, he told me to choose and I did” is not justifiable in following God’s commands in honoring our elders.
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” —Leviticus 19:32
In Leviticus 19:32, God commands the people to “stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God.” For believers, respect for older individuals is connected to honoring God. Yes, the elderly may be wrong in many circumstances, but still, we cannot respond verbally. We have to remain silent and pray for them. God will intervene through the Holy Spirit to speak to their hearts.
Lot’s Greed Results in Cohabitation with Pagans: “Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” —Genesis 13:12-13
God’s promise to Abram, ‘I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing’ ” did not include his nephew. Not only did Abram have to settle for the second best of the land, but Lot’s choice and disrespect produced tragic results in his life that also impacted Abram and Sarai.
Genesis 14: Lot, his family, and their possessions were taken by enemy kings. Abram intervened with armed servants to free Lot. Genesis 19: Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed, Lot loses all possessions, his wife dies, and his depraved daughters plan a diabolical scheme to commit incest with their drunken father and produce children that produce a nation of idolaters.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” —Luke 6:46
Disobedience is an innate trait that lies within every human heart. Our greatest enemy is ourselves! Because of inherited sin, we can never satisfy the innate desires of our hearts nor do we remain content even when we receive the things that we desire. Impatience, relationships, and the love of material things and money have caused many believers to make counterproductive decisions.
We may not face immediate consequences, but the passing of time reveals our misguided choices, and we will ultimately regret choosing the temptation of “Second Best.” God is not a God of Instant Gratification. Because we know that God waits to bless us, we can spiritually discern the presenting situation as one of Satan’s temptations if we are being coerced to make an immediate decision.
Relationships [often leading to marriage] with those whom God has not chosen for us rank as the highest act of disobedience. Also high on the list are choosing the wrong friends, careers, jobs, relocation, and practicing worldly behaviors and habits that place us in opposition to God. Because “we want what we want when we want it,” we nurture a spirit of disobedience resulting in chaos and missing out on the many wonderful blessings God desires to give us.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17
To receive God’s promised and abundant blessings, we must obey His exact commands without adding or taking away from His instructions. Standing down our wayward desires is the hardest battle we face. Every day, we are presented with Satan’s schemes to make us fall. Yet, we are not helpless. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus knows our weaknesses and promises to give us strength. Pray out loud when tempted, physically walk away, and learn to say No! Tell yourself, I love God and will not sin against Him!
Reflection: What or Who do you need to let go of to escape the Land of Disobedience and step into a life of freedom with God? When emotions and personal preferences are involved, we need Divine Help! We pray continuously and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any lifestyle choices that prevent us from total surrender and obedience to God, and for the supernatural strength to let go of those choices.
“…Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.” —Jeremiah 11:4
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
God’s Ultimate Goal: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” —John 14:1-3
Every believer’s ultimate goal should align with God’s goal of saving their souls. No earthly relationship, job, or material blessing can compare with Jesus’ Greatest Blessing of giving us Eternal Life! Jesus created us with natural desires and dreams, yet, we honor Him by not following our thoughts and inclinations [Proverbs 3:5-6].
Nowhere in the Bible can we find that God gave the righteous second best. Allow God to fulfill His promises by making a covenant to Obey and Wait on the Lord. Yes, it is difficult to make the right choice and live it out from day to day but to be in the right standing with God by obeying Him gives us His best blessings and inner peace, joy, and happiness. Obedience, Patience, and Perseverance prepare us for a perfect life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we ask forgiveness for the sin of self-gratification and disobedience. We ask You to give us the strength to overcome our inner desires. Today, we make a covenant to faithfully trust and obey Your Divine choices that always bring completion and victory to our lives. Thank You for loving and caring for us. We ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Practical Messages for Impractical Times is a series that addresses the gap between hearing and studying the Scriptures and their application to the Christian Believer’s life. Peace and Blessings as we strive to “Be holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16) through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 10, 2024
“Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” —Proverbs 19:11 (RSV)
There is a wonderful power in silence. When impatient words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry usually act as a whip, lashing the temper into greater fury. But anger met by silence quickly dies away. Let the Christian bridle his tongue, firmly resolving not to speak harsh, impatient words. With the tongue bridled, he may be victorious in every trial of patience through which he is called to pass.
In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control. In his strength he may bring his thoughts and words into subjection to the will of God. The religion of Christ brings the emotions under the control of reason and disciplines the tongue. Under its influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.
Hold firmly to the One who has all power in heaven and in earth. Though you so often fail to reveal patience and calmness, do not give up the struggle. Resolve again, this time more firmly, to be patient under every provocation. And never take your eyes off your divine Example.
You are reading an excerpt from a Devotional, “Reflecting Christ” by Ellen G. White.
We may think nothing will offend us, but words are powerful! As Christians, our goal is to possess the Character of Christ. In Jesus’ earthly life, the Pharisees and Jewish rulers consistently dishonored His proclamation of being sent from God. In John chapter 8, verses 37-44, the conversation is recorded by the Apostle John between Jesus and angry Jews who claimed they were holy because of their descent from Abraham.
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (John 8:44-47).
The Crowd’s Reaction: “Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).
Even though we are Christian believers, God tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The worldview of “You have your truth and I have my truth” has permeated the Christian Community. No longer does “Iron sharpen iron” where one believer attempts to help another believer return to God’s Truth.
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.…” —James 5:19-20
We must study the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid using our thoughts to discern God’s Truth. How do we respond when a fellow believer tries to guide us back to God’s righteous precepts? Do we react with offense? God uses believers to help each other because our highest earthly goal is to receive our Crown of Life.
If another believer rejects God’s Truth do not try to convince them with a sparring match. Pray for them, if their hearts are receptive, the Holy Spirit will take over.
We can expect Satan to use people to keep us offended. But a spirit of offense reveals a proud, haughty heart. The Apostle Paul tells us in perilous times, “People will be lovers of themselves…” We cannot afford to be above correction! Sanctification, the lifelong journey of the Holy Spirit transforming our minds, characters, and personalities requires our active cooperation as reflected in possessing a spirit of humility and admitting when we are wrong.
May we pray as King David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —Psalm 139:23-24
Lord God, we repent for harboring the spirit of offense. We ask You to give us strength, wisdom, and discernment to know when we are in error. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 7, 2024
“…Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” —Job 41:11
The Test of Righteousness: “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ ” —Job 1:8
Yes, Job was a righteous, devout, and blameless man, therefore God presented His loyal manservant to Satan [Job 1:1-8] who was allowed to bring harsh adversity into Job’s life. The story of Job’s extreme sufferings reveals we must steadfastly proclaim an unwavering faith in God despite our circumstances. Still, God knows the human heart. Even if we are devoted disciples of the Most High God, hardships that linger usually result in diminished faith in God’s Love and Sovereign Power. While we lack a specific timeline for Job’s suffering, we can be assured that it was prolonged.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” —Isaiah 43:2
Though we are diligent in our faithfulness to God, when facing harsh trials and adversity that appear to have no end, deep within our hearts, we may question God’s Love and Sovereignty. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
Not one believer enjoys being in the “Fire” necessary for spiritual growth and development. Yet, it is the only way our character, mind, and personality can be refined and molded into Christ-likeness.
Job’s Challenge: “I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me; Show me why You contend with me. Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, That You should despise the work of Your hands…? Your hands have made me and fashioned me…Yet You would destroy me.” —Job 10:2-3, 8
Job, a righteous man began to doubt God’s love. Is God a fair God? He is a just God who allows every believer to experience adversity. In Biblical times, people attributed calamity to an individual sinning against God. Job’s three friends presented their self-righteous judgments instead of praying and supporting Job: Zophar urged Job to repent, Eliphaz accused Job of wickedness, and Bilidad proclaimed, “The wicked are punished!” [God’s Reaction: Job 42:7-9]
Job Desires to Defend Himself with God: “Then Job answered and said: Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! 4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me. 7 There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.” —Job 23:1-7
God Proclaims His Sovereign Omnipotence — Chapters 38-42
Job 38:2-8, NIV: Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? 8 Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb…?’ “
Where do we stand in our faith journey? Are we focusing on our hardships, world events, natural disasters, politics, and social issues more than on God’s Absolute Power?
Changing circumstances reveal if our faith in God is strong or weak. Yes, we will experience anguish in our earthly journey, still, we must never lose hope in God! We must live a life of daily and continuous worship. The faith-building activities of consistently praying, studying, and memorizing God’s promises to love and take care of us allow us to abide peacefully in Christ.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6
When facing adversity, either our faith will increase or fade into nothingness. Will we respond with faith or fear, anxiety, and worry? Lack of faith in God’s Power causes us to look at our limited human abilities and overwhelming circumstances. God knows that we need His Divine Help. Never forget, This Is Our Father’s World!
Despite the presenting circumstances, build your faith in God. Every day, through a prayer of surrender, consecrate yourself with a commitment of faithful obedience. Boldly proclaim “God is Love and will never fail me!” God is [and has always been] the Sovereign Ruler of this universe! God demonstrated His Sovereign Omnipotence to Job in chapters 38-42, reminding us that He is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory! Yes and Amen.
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” —Ephesians 6:10, Amplified Bible
The Apostle Paul compares our spiritual journey to being a soldier in the Army of God. We serve a Triumphant King who overcame death! Jesus is the Commander of Angel Armies who loves, directs, and protects us. We, the righteous are His primary concern, “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Be courageous! In Jesus’ Name. Hallelujah! Amen!
“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
Lord God, we ask You to give us strength in our times of adversity. We believe You are Sovereign and You love us with an everlasting love. You are our Triumphant King and the Lion of Judah and we praise and worship Your Holy Name. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer we ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
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