Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 22, 2024
“Give us this day our daily bread.” —Matthew 6:11
This morning when we awakened to the mercies of a new day, God had already proven His amazing love. Yet, He continues to shower us with loving-kindness by reassuring us, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).
“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” —Matthew 6:30
God’s promises are steadfast because He never changes, yet all of his promises are conditional. And the condition to receive His blessings is not above and beyond our capabilities. Christ gives everyone a measure of faith which He expects us to use by believing in Him. As we pray in faith for what we need, we also thank Him for answering our requests in the same prayer.
Christ knows we need Him, therefore, He soothes our souls by promising to supply our needs for the given day. Letting go of self-reliance is the only way to enjoy His gifts of peace and joy. We are never alone. We have a Loving Father who promises to care for us in every situation. Jesus, our Shepherd, waits for our prayers to invite Him into the routine activities of our daily lives. If we possess the gift of faith and believe in His love and sovereign power, why do we struggle when facing adversity?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33
Prayer is our lifeline to heaven. Humanity is God’s priority. Not only did we receive the gift of Jesus, but we also have the promise if we dedicate ourselves fully to Christ, we will receive the reward of eternal life. From birth, until we close our eyes in sleep, we have guardian angels who protect us from unseen and seen dangers. Express your love by talking to Jesus throughout your day.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ” —Matthew 22:37
We know God is love, but His love must be reciprocated. Can you imagine being in a relationship or marriage where you love the individual but you are not loved? Often, we take our lives for granted by awakening every morning without a thought to pray and whisper abundant words of gratitude to our Loving Heavenly Father. Redirecting our focus to God is an easy fix. Establish a new habit of proclaiming, “Thank you, God, I love You” as soon as you awaken every morning. In return for everything we have been given, it is only fitting that we express our love for Christ through our words of gratitude.
“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
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Lord God, we thank you God for this new day of life. Thank you for Your faithfulness. We believe in Your promises to take care of us. Thank You for loving us. Jesus, we love You and thank You for Your unfailing love, compassion, and mercies. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 19, 2024
“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’ ” —Exodus 1:22, NIV
The story of Moses’ life is proof of God’s Divine Love and Sovereign Power. Despite the obstacles of oppression, enslavement, and Pharoah’s decree to put all of the Israelites’ newborn sons to death, no human defiance or satanic power can stop God’s Divine plans from coming to fruition.
The Giant Leap of Faith—Making Courageous Decisions
“Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” —Exodus 2:1-4
Moses’ mother and young sister demonstrated great faith and courage by hiding him for three months and then taking the baby [God’s chosen one] to initiate God’s Divine plan for Moses’ life. “Ancient Egypt was rich in natural resources, including the Nile River, which provided fertile land and a major route for travel and communication.” God intervened by not allowing the river’s natural current to dislodge the small basket from the reeds on the bank nor did other travelers notice the basket or hear the baby’s cries.
God’s Plan is Revealed
“Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. ‘This is one of the Hebrew babies,’ she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?’ ‘Yes, go,’ she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.’ So the woman took the baby and nursed him.” —Exodus 2:5-9, NIV
“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
How is it possible for us not to trust God? Not only did God spare Moses from a certain death, but Moses’ mother was paid by Pharoah’s daughter to nurse and care for her own son. As the story progresses, Moses is returned to Pharoah’s daughter, raised in the palace, and enjoys the status of a prince.
Although his life was overflowing with tangible wealth and princely power, Moses embraced his mother’s teachings of the One and Only God and his Hebrew heritage. As he grew into manhood, Moses faced the test of every Christian, to choose God or the world’s wealth and status.
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand” (Exodus 2:11-12, NIV).
“The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, ‘Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?’ The man said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid and thought, ‘What I did must have become known.’ ” —Exodus 2:13-14
God proclaims that everything done in secret will eventually be revealed. Moses’s decision to take another person’s life was revealed, exposing him as a murderer. The ancient Egyptians valued the sanctity of life unless self-defense was proven and accepted by the judges, the punishment for murder was the death penalty.
God revealed His great love and mercy by allowing Moses to escape for his life. Even in his wrongdoing, God did not forsake Moses who fled to Midian, married, and lived with his wife and father-in-law. While Moses was enjoying his new life, the Israelites remained enslaved and severely oppressed under the rule of a new Pharaoh.
God Calls Moses: “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’ ‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ “The Lord said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering..’ ” —Exodus 3:5-7
God Reveals Moses’ Commission: “And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” —Exodus 3:9-10
Moses’ Insolent Response to God: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ ” —Exodus 3:11
God’s Promise of Protection and Source of Strength: “And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’ ” —Exodus 3:12
Moses’ Character Flaw: Moses’ inability to control his anger propelled him to kill the Egyptian. Sadly his anger would surface again—in an emotional outburst, he broke the original stones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. Moses allowed himself to become agitated due to the Israelite’s incessant complaining. Many years later, another temperamental episode prevented him from receiving the reward of entering Caanan, the Promised Land.
In anger to the people’s complaints of not having water, Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to the rock. The people who God loved and emancipated still disobeyed by participating in Egyptian pagan worship. Because God worked miracles through Moses, the Israelites regarded Moses as a god instead of giving reverence to the True and Living God. God’s command for Moses to speak to the rock had a spiritual purpose, to reveal God’s Sovereign power to the Nation of Israel.
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). With hearts filled with gratitude, we thank God that His love and mercies still extend to fallen humanity despite our character flaws and continuous disobedience. Christ is still knocking on the door of our hearts to send us to witness and complete the work on this earth.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”—Matthew 22:14
Christ appointed and anointed twelve disciples to be apostles, yet, there are six times in the Scriptures that Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to go with Him to various places including the Mount of Transfiguration: “After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light…” (Matthew 17:1-2).
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” —John 15:16
Are you one of the Chosen? Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you and revealed that Christ has chosen you to do a great work for God? Yes, deep within your heart, you cannot deny it, you have heard Christ’s call saying “Follow Me.” God has set you apart as His disciple to exalt Him and to witness His saving power of salvation. But your love and loyalty to God wavers because of the familiar ties to family and friends, your church membership, or your current lifestyle choices.
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ ” — Luke 9:23
To take up our cross daily and to follow Christ is to surrender oneself every day in faithful obedience. Our sacrificial offering of love, loyalty, faithful surrender, and obedience is required of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The commitment to give the rest of our lives in service to God is the life of all chosen disciples of Christ. What is the one thing [belief, tradition, habit, or person] preventing you from wholly surrendering to God?
“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” —Philippians 3:8
As the apostle Paul testifies, the one chosen for a definitive ministry will suffer many earthly losses. To align ourselves with God’s goal to give us eternal life, we must give up our desires and dreams for God’s service. Daily we approach God in prayer with the humility and obedience of a child to hear His will and perfect plans to guide us in our ministry to others. A life of sacrificial self-denial is one of continual testing of our faith, love, and loyalty.
“We need a spirit of love and of true dependence upon God. When we have implicit faith in Him who is Truth, we shall realize that worry and anxiety are unnecessary.” Sharing the Vision, EGW
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:12-14, NKJV
Christ is no respecter of persons, His loving call to accept Him as our personal Savior is poured out to all humanity. After we say yes, to Christ, our responsibility is to witness in our communities, share our testimonies, and help those in need. To demonstrate the love, compassion, and saving power of Jesus Christ is the responsibility of every Christian believer.
Still, as the Apostles Peter, James, John, and Paul were set apart for assigned ministries, the chosen few were selected to walk side by side with Christ to prepare them and receive strength for a heavier burden in their earthly lives. As we study the books of the Bible written by Paul, Peter, James, and John [the Revelator], we are reminded that our lives are not our own when we agree to fulfill our Christ-appointed ministry.
To The Chosen, you can’t run from it, you can’t hide from it, you were anointed and appointed before the foundation of this world! Choose the Eternal! Amen.
Lord God, we ask You to reveal Your will and plans. We know that You have chosen us and like Jonah, many of us have run from our spiritual assignments. We ask for the anointing of wisdom and spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit. Speak to us that we can serve You faithfully in humility and obedience. In Jesus’ Worthy and Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 17, 2024
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am. The process of sanctification is lifelong. Every day the Holy Spirit empowers us to obey the will of God and receive spiritual growth and transformation.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – July 13, 2024
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit…” —Luke 6:43-44
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). As followers of Christ, we are given a great responsibility, to work out our salvation with reverence to God and trembling [to do our best in serving God]. The Apostle Paul tells us to examine and test ourselves because obedience is the spiritual qualifier needed to abide in Christ.
The Offering of Isaac: “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. ‘Stay here with the donkey,’ Abraham told his servants. ‘The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.’ ” —Genesis 22:4-5
Obedience is our only acceptable sacrificial worship to God. Anything less is not fulfilling the commandment to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Our spiritual journey requires continuous testing of our faith. Abraham did not share God’s command to sacrifice their only son with Sarah, his wife. Certainly, a mother who was childless until she was 90 would have interfered with a mother’s love to rescue and save Isaac, her only son.
“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him again and said, ‘I am God All-Powerful. If you obey me and always do right, I will keep my solemn promise to you and give you more descendants than can be counted.’ ” —Genesis 17:1-2, CEV
“Abraham, from now on your wife’s name will be Sarah instead of Sarai. I will bless her, and you will have a son by her. She will become the mother of nations, and some of her descendants will even be kings…But your son Isaac will be born about this time next year, and the promise I am making to you and your family will be for him and his descendants forever.” —Genesis 17:15-16, 21
Father Abraham remembered God’s promise and faithfully followed God’s instructions without doubting, his steadfast faith was demonstrated by telling the servants, “and then we will return to you.” Our Omniscient God knew that he could trust His servant in this command and Abraham knew he could trust God to keep His promise of countless descendants through Isaac.
Where do we stand in our tests of obedience that only flow from converted hearts filled with love and loyalty to God?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Many Christians believe in God but do not trust God. And God also deems compromising believers as untrustworthy. Faith and Scriptural knowledge reinforce our belief in God’s Sovereign Omnipotence. Yes, we know He can fulfill His promises, yet, we lack the mature faith to believe that God is willing to abundantly bless us. So we use the world’s standards and compromise our relationship with Christ by pursuing our desires.
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.’ ” —Revelation 3:17
Two consequences happen when we disobey God by not following His plans with the promise of an expected end: We live a life of missing out on God’s greatest blessings [Who can compete with God?], and we lose our reward of God giving us “an expected end” of Eternal life. A life of compromise not only takes its toll on our desire to be holy, but we cannot strive for righteousness without Divine strength. Day by day, we also lose our joyful anticipation for the Second Coming of Jesus.
“The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” —Isaiah 43:21
We were created to worship God. Yes, we have the free will to obey or disobey, but we must not console ourselves that all is well when we fail to surrender in obedience. We cannot follow our feelings and dreams, bring them to fruition, and worship God in Spirit and Truth. True religion suffers devastating consequences when disobedience takes control of our minds.
From our failure to obey God, we turn our inherent faith toward worshiping ourselves. Not only do we lose sight of God and righteous living, but our lifestyles reflect erroneous beliefs, and the practices of self-gratification replace the pursuit of God’s Righteous Standards as commanded in the Holy Scriptures.
Step into Your Spiritual Inheritance: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9
There is no Middle Ground: “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” —Psalm 95:6
Surrender to God’s Sovereignty in love by worshiping our Creator, Lord, and King with love, loyalty, and obedience. Peace and blessings. Happy Sabbath!
Lord God, forgive us for pursuing our inclinations and desires. We confess that we have stopped following You in humble obedience. Restore to us the joy and peace that comes from serving You. In Jesus’ Triumphant Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 7, 2024
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” —Hebrews 10:38
Faith is blind. We believe and trust in God under all circumstances and in every situation. Our response to routine challenges, unexpected adversity, and trials is continuous prayer energized by an unwavering belief in the power of God. To live by faith requires active participation in our spiritual growth and character transformation.
How did faith originate? “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Romans 12:3). Faith is an innate gift from God given to everyone.
The character trait of faith is the basis of our love for God and our relationship with Christ. We are responsible for the growth of our measure of faith. One of the greatest challenges we face is the continuous nurturing of our faith. Faith without boundaries requires the redirection of our faith from ourselves to God. Self-reliance develops from the lack of Scriptural knowledge of God’s Sovereign power or the intentional decision to disobey His Divine Commandments and Righteous Precepts.
Self-Reliance: The Worldview of Faith
We also face another hurdle in the faith journey, self-reliance is a learned behavior. Truthfully, the worldview of “you can do whatever you put your mind to do” is taught to us as young children. Although this credo is intended to instill confidence, it poses a spiritual dilemma to living a faith-based life for Christian believers. One of the most powerful videos is one of a Christian mother who taught her 2-year-old to have faith and trust in God. The young child continuously recites 2 Timothy 1:7 to alleviate his fear of sleeping alone in his bedroom. Jesus commands us to possess the steadfast faith of a little child.
Intellectual Knowledge of Faith is Not the Faith that Pleases God
Although it is no longer a spiritual practice among many believers to study the Word of God, those who allow the Holy Spirit to convert their hearts and guide their spiritual journey possess the strongest faith. Faithful Obedience from diligently studying the Bible from cover to cover opens the windows of heaven. Most of the Old Testament stories of faith are deeply ingrained into my memory. As a child, I attended a Bible-based, Christian school, but as I matured it was easy to embrace the worldview of self-reliance promoted as the strongest character trait one can possess.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” —Proverbs 3:5-7
Until 2020, I lived a life of self-reliance. Yes, I have always loved God, but my faith was grounded in my ability to provide for myself. Truly God is love—He will allow the vicissitudes required to turn our focus to Him. Life brought changes that only God’s Divine Power could resolve. It was then that my spiritual eyes were opened—self-reliance is deadly. Trusting in oneself always leaves residual [unrighteous] character traits. Self-reliance changes the brain’s neural grooves and results in a contentious state of mind with God which opposes God’s Divine Sovereignty, His will, and plans.
Job Contends with God: The LORD Reveals His Omnipotence
Job’s Spiritual Status: “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ ” (Job 1:8). Job’s faith was severely tested through skin lesions, the loss of his children, and material acquisitions. “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
“But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God” (Job 13:3). As time passed, and his tribulations continued, Job became discouraged and contentious. He desired to present His situation to God. Prolonged adversity is the ultimate test of faith. There are only two responses to the trials and tribulations designed to test and build our faith—we trust God or do not trust Him.
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said ‘who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the Earth…?’ ” —Job 38:1-2, 4, 12-13
We are commanded, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” Yes, Job was blameless, even God proclaims that Job lived a sinless life [Job chapter 1]. Throughout the ages, the human heart remains the same. In adversity, we often lose sight of God’s Love. Job knew he was obedient, yet, he convinced himself that he did not deserve to suffer for an extended and unknown time for his faith to be tested. His friends were critical, always suggesting his secret sins caused the adversity.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” —1 Peter 5:6
Time is fleeting. Over 4,000 years have passed since Job lived, sadly, we are so spiritually distanced from God that He cannot proclaim we are blameless, nor do we fear (reverence) or serve God with the steadfast love and faithful obedience He rightfully deserves. We cannot afford to be ritualistic churchgoers with hearts filled with disobedience which places us in a controversial battle against God.
We are Privileged: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” —Psalm 8:3-5
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20
We are not our own. It is time for us to separate ourselves by going into our secret closets and experiencing a hallelujah, intimate daily worship with Christ. Our faith is demonstrated in daily surrender to our Majestic and Loving Savior and King. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).
Do you struggle with bowing to God in humility and obedience? Yes, every Christian believer struggles with the daily choice of the carnal desire for self-governance or to place our faith and trust in God. Active faith invites the Holy Spirit to shower us with Jesus’ Divine strength to overcome our inclinations.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” —John 8:29
Christ’s earthly life is our guide for living a victorious life. Practicing Jesus’ creeds of continuous prayer and self-denial are the weapons that enable us to stand against the disobedience of self-reliance. Our Journey with Jesus requires much faith and prayer to strengthen our heart-to-heart relationship with Him.
Faithful obedience brings the heavenly blessings of Christ’s power and wisdom to overcome our never-ending internal battles and external warfare. Although God desires for us to live righteously, He gave us free will of choice and cannot prevent us from choosing to sin. The converted heart prays and waits for God’s guidance.
“…Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3
Little children possess honest hearts filled with steadfast love, humility, faith, and obedience. These character traits are the requisites for the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts and to receive eternal life. From our surrender and faithful obedience, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the Divine strength and wisdom to enter the Narrow Gate and walk this earthly life on the Narrow Path of Righteousness with Jesus.
Human effort and Divine Intervention are needed to prepare us for our reward of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth with Jesus Christ. Every day with surrender and faith-driven obedience, we proclaim, “I am going to heaven!”
Prayer: Lord God, we admit our faith has been weak and wavering. We need Your strength to make it in this Journey of Life. We ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing, power, and presence as we renew our commitment to serve You in faithful obedience. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 2, 2024
“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” —Matthew 15:29-31, NIV
“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’ ” —Matthew 15:32
From studying the Life of Christ in the Four Gospels, we notice Christ’s distinct characteristic of loving compassion: “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’ ” (Mark 1:40-41).
“During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.”
Poverty – Our World in Data: In 2022, an estimated 3.71 billion people, or 46% of the global population, live in poverty below $6.85 per day…Poverty can have serious consequences for children’s health, education, and well-being. It can also have intergenerational impacts, as children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience poverty as adults. worldbank.org
In 2024, globally, we also face a mental health crisis. Hopelessness and despair have escalated to pandemic levels and sadly the typical response to feeling hopeless is to take one’s own life. In 2022, over 50,000 individuals committed suicide in the United States, and globally death by suicide continues to rise. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). God expects us to do our honest part financially by sharing our resources. Even so, money is not love, nor can tangible items validate our self-worth. We were created to love, care, and bond with others. Every person needs love expressed in kind words and deeds.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” —1 Corinthians 13:1
As disciples, our spiritual assignment is to alleviate the suffering of others and by doing this we demonstrate the matchless love of Jesus. Every day, we can spread love and hope by not ignoring those who question their purpose in life. What this world needs now is Agape love! Not every well-dressed individual enjoys peace of mind and not every impoverished person is in anguish, yet, both need Jesus’ love.
One of my neighbors with a special needs child stopped briefly to chat. She shared the rigorous schedule she and her husband have in caring for their daughter. Both of them work full-time; he works the overnight shift, and she works during the day. They take turns caring for their daughter, leaving minimal time for sleep. I responded by telling her that she is a strong mother. She replied, “I don’t feel strong.” As I looked at the weariness on her face, her eyes reflected the sadness of her soul. My response was, “You know where I live. If you ever need help, let me know, and I will do my best to assist you.” With a smile, she said, “Oh, thank you very much.”
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11
Christ is our living example of loving God and loving others. Yes, the escalating number of dysfunctional home environments, the unemployed, the unsheltered, and the malnourished will exist until Jesus comes. Like an uncontrollable bushfire, worldwide famine continues to ravage the lives of innocent babies and children. Only what we do for Christ will count toward our reward in Revelation 22:12. One of the characteristics of a converted heart is to possess unconditional love demonstrated by active service to others.
Jesus used His time to heal the multitudes which provided them with the opportunity to live productive earthly lives spiritually and physically. Giving not only includes financial donations but also our time—for most, the indulgences of life consume their free time. We can set aside 3-4 hours per week to volunteer in outreach programs, community services, and nonprofit organizations that strive to alleviate never-ending social issues or begin our own community ministry.
Who will tell and show them Jesus is Love? As followers of Christ, our hearts must overflow with His love and compassion. It is every Christian believer’s responsibility to love and acknowledge others through service and financial donations. Speak the powerful words, Jesus loves you, and the Holy Spirit will water the seed of our spoken words and minister to the brokenhearted, giving them hope.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matthew 25:40).
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 30, 2024
Investment: “the action or process of investing money for profit or material result.” Asking most individuals to share their viewpoints on investing and almost all will give similar answers by focusing on the financial arena. Our world revolves around generating profits from ever-increasing corporate and personal investment portfolios.
Investment: (Definition #2): “an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.” Two appropriate definitions of investing, although both have expectations of gaining, financial investments involve risks including total loss beyond the investor’s control.
Yes, God knew there would be a great human loss from Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience, but still, He chose to create us. Jesus clarifies that He would have died even if only one human being was saved [Luke 15]. The creation of humanity and the gift of Jesus for our redemption was a Spiritual Package revealing God’s Greatest Investment!
Although legions of angels—heavenly messengers exist in a perfect, sinless atmosphere of love and Jesus Christ is their Commander, angels do not have free will of choice, they hear and fulfill their duties with faithful obedience which was Lucifer’s complaint. Once cast out, his mission remains to defame God’s Character and to turn us against our Loving, Heavenly Father.
God’s Investment: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image…’ “…Then God blessed them…” —Genesis 1:24, 28
Christ’s Investment: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” —Genesis 2:7
We can only imagine the awestruck angels who watched Jesus lovingly bend down, pick up dust [clay, mud] into His hands creating Adam in His image, and breathing life into his body. Anyone who has witnessed the birth of a baby and anxiously waits for its first breath and cries understands God’s Divine love and power. What a great heavenly celebration on the day of Adam’s creation!
Our intellect, emotions, physicality, heart, and soul are attached to the great God as the umbilical cord between mother and baby. Jesus, the Master Artist created the Garden of Eden as the first couple’s forever home filled with magnificent beauty. Adam’s first assignment was naming numerous species in the animal kingdom revealing his superior intellect given by Christ.
With the creation of humanity, Christ gifted us the free will to choose whether or not we would honor and worship God through total surrender and obedience. The ability to choose freely has proven that Satan’s character is evil and malicious. God’s love, grace, and mercies are evident by patiently extending Christ’s Second Coming. Every living being chooses their destiny by accepting or rejecting the Plan of Redemption.
Although the beauty of God’s original plan for humanity was marred by Satanic deception, God was prepared, He knew Adam and Eve would fall, therefore, the Plan of Redemption was established before the Creation. Christ’s Investment: Christ would become the Sacrificial Lamb: “…Without the shedding of blood there is no remission [forgiveness] of sins” (Hebrews 9:22).
Christ’s Investment: “Genesis 3:20-24: Jesus sacrificed animals to provide clothing for Adam and Eve after they sinned and were wearing fig leaves. This is the first sacrifice in the Bible.”
Although the loss of their beautiful home and immortality was great, Jesus never left Adam and Eve feeling hopeless. Imagine the grief in Adam and Eve’s hearts every time they sacrificed a lamb from their flock, yet, they knew animal sacrifice foreshadowed the prophecy of the Messiah who would come and save all from sin. And yes, the original couple knew Jesus would come back one day to raise them from their graves and they would receive eternal life.
Christ’s Investment: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:14
From studying the Old Testament and maintaining a dedicated prayer life, King David received wisdom from the Holy Spirit revealing that humanity is God’s greatest investment. David’s response: “…He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’ ” (Hebrews 13:22).
As we fast forward thousands of years later, many believers are not serving God as David did. God cannot describe us as one “who will do all My will.” Our gratitude can be nothing less than a prayer of daily surrender and faithful obedience. How often do we reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial offering for giving His life to save our souls?
Christ’s Investment: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20
Reflection: Are we investing in ourselves? If our hearts are filled with love and humility, we receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit to live as though we are God’s greatest investment. The human effort of full cooperation with the Holy Spirit allows the conversion of our hearts, only then can we receive the majestic covering of the Righteousness of Christ.
” ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, NIV
We actively participate in our spiritual growth and transformation by courageously renouncing sin. Our daily battle is won with prayer and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. We do not harm ourselves by embracing worldviews and choosing unhealthy lifestyles including food, relationships, and habits that dishonor our temples. Nor do we cause mental or emotional harm to others by speaking unloving, harsh words. Our characters must reflect the loving, gentle Character of Christ.
“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB). We do not involve ourselves in political agendas, religious debates, or social issues that compromise our righteousness through Christ. We help those in need, follow Jesus, and mind our personal affairs. A sound mind and energy are required to work out our salvation, a full-time effort.
The Bible is our Guidebook to Eternal Life—The Holy Scriptures. When we understand the love, time, dedication, and continuous effort of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, we establish uncompromising boundaries. Prayer is our lifeline. Our only acceptable responses to Christ’s investment in freeing us from the enslavement of sin are faithful obedience and striving for Sanctification.
If we understand and appreciate who we belong to and the immense price paid for our freedom from the second death, our response will be a daily covenant of surrender, “to do all of God’s will.” Our thoughts, priorities, social circles, and habits radically change because the Holy Spirit has converted our hearts and we live with the mindset of “I am going to heaven!” Like Job, we proclaim, “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25).
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” —Revelation 4:11
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your overflowing love, grace, and mercies. Thank You for investing Your precious life on Calvary’s cross to save our souls. We give You all the honor, glory, and praise as we strive to be people after “Your heart.” In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 20, 2024
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” —Joshua 1:8
Enoch walked with God because he was determined to live a righteous life. God says, “I change not…” so we must have confidence that God will empower us to live righteously when we pray for Divine strength. Enoch’s strength was from the Holy Spirit, still, his courage and determination remained steadfast because his heart overflowed with love for God.
“Your strength and growth in grace come only from one source—God…It is our privilege to stand with the light of heaven upon us. It was no easier for Enoch to live a righteous life than it is for us at the present time. The world in his time was no more favorable to growth in grace and holiness than it is now. It was by prayer and communion with God that Enoch was enabled to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” From One Source Only Devotional, EGW
As a baby is attached to its mother by an umbilical cord receiving life-giving nutrients, our love for Christ and daily covenant vow to obey God’s Law and seek His plans keep us spiritually attached to Christ. To receive Jesus’ strength requires established boundaries and adherence to God’s Commandments and Righteous Principles. It is a free-will decision to receive the Life-saving nutrients the Holy Spirit gives.
God’s Condition of Participation: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). From the creation of Adam and Eve to now, God has always required obedience without compromise. Without faithful obedience, our earthly lives are lived in vain because the Holy Spirit cannot transform our characters into the likeness of Christ.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
Moving forward in our journey of Sanctification—spiritual growth and transformation and being covered by the righteousness of Christ is conditional. Yes, Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross fulfilled the Ceremonial Law of animal sacrifice, still, the Plan of Redemption requires a daily sacrifice of obedience. In humility, we surrender our will to God. Obedience is the sacrificial offering we bring to God and is a covenant that must be renewed daily.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’ ” —Revelation 3:17
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ” (Matthew 25:44).
We were given the spiritual assignments of making disciples and helping those in need. Many of today’s Christian believers lack the spirit of humility required to be faithful and obedient disciples. But the Holy Spirit cannot enter an unclean vessel. Only an unconverted heart shows disregard for Christ’s sacrifice, the plan of Redemption, and God’s grace and mercies by striving to fulfill desires opposing God’s will.
“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” —Matthew 16:27
From studying Revelation 19, verses 11-16, we learn that Christ fulfills another Role as the Righteous Judge who will cleanse the earth of all prevailing wickedness. This is the rest of the story that we rarely hear in sermons. Do not entrust your salvation to anyone but God! To be in the right standing with God eliminates all fear of the Judgment. The Righteous are looking forward to living with our Triumphant King of kings. Amen.
“A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?” —The Great Controversy
With a made-up mind, we press on every day moving forward step-by-step in the power of His Might! Living a consecrated life filled with prayer, fasting, and surrender invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Christ’s Supernatural Strength. We desperately need to remain steadfast to prepare for the pending End Time prophecies revealed in Daniel and Revelation.
The Time is Near: Now is the time to commit ourselves wholly to God asking for New Beginnings in our spiritual journey paved with surrender and obedience.
Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I make all things new.” Studying Revelation chapters 21-22 daily allows us to commit to memory our promised reward. Seeking and obeying God’s perfect plans enable us to receive victory over sin in this life and prepare us to receive the gift of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” —Revelation 22:20
Prayer: Lord, as we move forward in our step-by-step journey, we pray for wisdom, discernment, and the power to resist our internal desires and external temptations. As we prepare for Your soon coming, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God, we dedicate ourselves to You and promise to give You the glory, honor, and praise through daily surrender and obedience. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – June 14, 2024
“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
God is faithful! He always fulfills His promises perfectly, bringing honor and glory to His Holy Name. We pray, but many never receive the fulfillment of their desires or God’s promises which causes discouragement, especially when those around us are reaping a harvest of blessings.
Usually, we attribute a delay in God’s timing as a valid test of faith. Recently, I heard a powerful and thought-provoking sermon regarding the delays of blessings. Since God is always faithful and keeps His promises, we are the reason for His decision to withhold our blessings. As we dig deeper the primary reason for unreceived blessings is surprising.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.'” —Matthew 8:4
Jesus healed countless people, yet every time He gave the command to tell no one, it is documented in the Four Gospels. When blessed our first response is to share with others. Although we are inclined to reveal our blessings to those closest to us, Jesus proclaimed that we should tell no one, go to our secret place of worship, and offer prayers and praises of gratitude.
We can attribute many reasons for Jesus’ command of non-disclosure, but only one impacts our spiritual growth and transformation—the lack of gratitude. Verbalizing “Thank You” is not enough for the continuous Love, Grace, and Mercies given without fail. Mary, the Mother of Jesus portrays the response of genuine faith and gratitude God requires of us.
The Promise: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” —Luke 1:30-33, KJV
Mary’s Praise Response: “…’My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…’ ” —Luke 1:46-47. Verses 46-55 reveal Mary’s song of praise and thanksgiving.
In Luke chapter 2, verses 8-15, the angels appeared to the shepherds telling them a Savior was born. When the shepherds visited Joseph and Mary in the stable, they shared the wonderful message the angels gave them with everyone. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” —Luke 2:19
Two characteristics stand out: Mary’s heart was filled with gratitude which she openly expressed through the composure of a praise song and she pondered—deeply reflected on the angel’s message that her baby boy was the Savior, the Son of God. Our character matters to God because it determines our destiny.
Certainly, Mary was a devout woman of God filled with spiritual wisdom, integrity, and discretion. When the angel, Gabriel disclosed that she would be the Mother of Jesus she told no one. It is hard to imagine knowing that your Son is the promised Messiah and keeping it to yourself.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.” —Psalm 95:1-3
Our praises of gratitude are too limited. Our love and loyalty to God waver depending on our circumstances. When all is well, we praise God. But when harsh challenges arise, the times we need to offer prayers filled with thanksgiving, our souls and faces are downcast. How often do we thank God profusely for the mercies of a new day? Truthfully we have already planned for tomorrow.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Reflect deeply on a conversation where you shared the good news of received blessings. The focus easily shifted from the Giver to yourself and the blessing. Unless we have cultivated the habit of praising and thanking God for the everyday blessings [life, health, strength, provisions, and protection], God knows that if He opens the windows of heaven, we cannot respond with genuine love, honoring, and glorifying His faithfulness.
Sermon Notes: When God blesses you resist the urge to share it with the world. Instead, cherish it in secrecy with Him. Give God the glory and the honor by letting Him be the first to share in your joy. Express your gratitude through melodies of praise and embrace the rivers of joy flowing from within your heart to God in prayer.
Sermon Notes: As you adopt this lifestyle of maintaining privacy with Jesus your relationship with Him will grow richer and deeper. Worshiping God with praises of gratitude must become our lifestyle. When the seasons of life change, if we have developed an intimate relationship with Christ based on gratitude, our faith and trust will remain steadfast despite our overwhelming circumstances.
“…He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 1:31
Giving God glory through prayer and praise is why we were created and should be our ultimate purpose. Cherish God’s goodness privately through praise and prayers of gratitude. Our lives are blessed and highly favored and for this reason, God deserves all of the glory, honor, and praise. When we do not follow our inclinations to share God’s blessing with others first, our joy, excitement, and happiness are redirected to honoring the Giver of All Good Gifts.
Sermon Notes: As you wait on the Lord for His promises, deepen your relationship by praying and immersing yourself in His Word. Let Christ refine your character through the Holy Spirit. Allow God to prepare your heart for the incredible things He has in store for your life by praising Him continuously throughout your waking hours.
Lord, You deserve all of the glory and honor. We sing praises to express our love, appreciation, and gratitude for being our Savior, Redeemer, and the Giver of All Good Gifts. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 10, 2024
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” —John 14:6
When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we acquiesce to His Supreme Authority. To come to Christ is a definitive choice to let go of your thoughts, your will, and your ways. The cost of discipleship is to live a sacrificial life of self-denial. God requires that we surrender our mind, body, and soul—Christ must be the Lord of all three.
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” —Romans 5:18-19
Only two classifications of believers exist—Abel who diligently obeyed God and remained steadfast even though it cost his life. He will receive the Crown of Life when Jesus comes again. Cain believed but never surrendered to God, his disobedience resulted in making an audacious and irreverent sacrifice to God which was rejected. Cain’s disobedience escalated into unstoppable hatred that provoked the act of murdering Abel, his brother.
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15, NLT). We can never control sin! We lose the mind of Christ and harbor desires that reveal the true status of our hearts. A compromised heart of sin always follows its own course.
“I, the LORD, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.” —Jeremiah 17:10
New Age religion says, No worries, Grace covers our intentional sins. “So, shall we then continue in sin that grace may abound?” Paul replies with a resounding “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). We are the only created beings who refuse to obey the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. Ask the Holy Spirit, “Right now, where do I stand with God?”
“…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Just As I Am, I came to Jesus, but I cannot stay Just As I Am. In Romans 6:22, the apostle Paul describes Christians as slaves to God, and uses the metaphor of slavery to describe the Christian life. Either we are slaves to Christ or slaves to sin. We must climb out of the valley of indecision by choosing who we will give our love and loyalty to, God or ourselves.
“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’ ” —Matthew 26:39, ESV
Surrender and Obedience are the only daily sacrifices God has ever accepted. If Jesus, God, the Son in His earthly life had to live an impoverished life and suffer death from crucifixion to save our souls then as the recipients of the Plan of Redemption, we are expected to give ourselves fully to God. We are running out of time! Nothing in this fleeting world is worth sacrificing our Crown of Life for.
“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. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:12-14
God, we desperately need Your Divine strength to return to a life of righteousness. We confess and repent of our wayward and wilful sins against You. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, Your only Son. We ask You to baptize us with the Holy Spirit so we may be transformed into the image of Christ. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Righteous Name of Jesus. Amen.
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