Faith – Page 27 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Happy Sabbath!

Our goal is to lay down all of our burdens at the feet of Jesus and leave them there. With Christ, we can live as overcomers!

Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus

Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus — Today’s Devotional October 20, 2023

Humanity’s Plight: “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

This morning as I thought about the challenges I faced, I felt weary. Still, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to breathe on me and give me strength. After I said, Amen, I began to hear a bird chirping its little song of gratitude to God. I smiled. Immediately the Holy Spirit brought Jesus’ promise to my remembrance: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Yes, we are of more value than the birds! God did not give His Son, Jesus to save the birds, Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us. Although every believer knows that Jesus died to redeem humanity and the Bible contains hundreds of God’s promises, it appears there is a roadblock that prevents most believers from relying on Jesus’ promises when we face our tribulations.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of. a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7

When burdens overwhelm our lives, believers react in one of three ways:

The Fearful Believers: Their fear manifests as anxiety, worry, and thinking about the situation over and over [which produces mental, emotional, and physical weariness]. They usually pray for help but also include family and friends asking for their opinions on how they should resolve the unresolvable challenge. The fearful believer also has a time limit on waiting for God to perform a miracle. They pray and wait for two to three days but when their prayers are met with silence, they become discouraged and fall into the pit of despondency.
The Overconfident Believers: They have a spirit of self-reliance. Reflecting inwardly on their many accomplishments, prior experience, and the ability to develop strategies that have brought resolution in the past, they fail to pray because their mind is consumed with themselves. Their time is spent on developing fail-proof strategies. Sadly, these believers end up with feelings of anger toward God, blame God for their misfortunes, and usually continue their lives as unbelievers.
The Faithful Believers: Yes, the faithful ones rely on God. They are the prayer warriors, the ones who easily remember and tell others of the miracles that God has consistently performed throughout their lives. The faithful will direct others to study the Scriptures such as Joseph’s [Genesis chapters 37-50] and David’s [1 Samuel chapters 21-23, Living as a fugitive when King Saul threatened to kill him] lengthy trials and tribulations. The faithful will pray for you, but they will use the Word of God to preach the truth. They boldly proclaim, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God. “

Did you know that humans are creatures of habit? It’s a proven psychological fact! Interestingly, most of our behaviors can be predicted based on our consistent habits. If psychologists utilize theories based on predictable behaviors then we have the assurance that our Sovereign Omniscient God knows how we will react.

Make constant praying a new habit and watch as your life transforms. Recently in a sermon, Pastor Wintley Phipps stated the key to his steadfast faith is his prayer life, he admonishes every believer to whisper a prayer every hour while awake. Communication with God allows the empowerment and anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

God is not concerned about our comfort; He will do whatever is necessary for our faith to become steadfast. We cannot resolve spiritually allowed trials. And if we attempt to carry out our feeble solutions, God says our thoughts are like a crooked path. Trials and tribulations bring every believer to the Crossroads of Faith and Trust in God.

Either we will put all of our efforts into self-resolution tactics which are certain to fail or we will confess that our faith is weak but keep striving by placing the little faith we have in God. God loves us and He will do whatever it takes for our spiritual growth and transformation. Yes, our Heavenly Father is preparing us to live with Him forever and ever. Amen!

I will readily admit that I am a fearful believer who is striving to grow my faith in God. Since January of 2023, my life has been filled with a succession of trials. Yet, I will continue to trust God in the struggle to become a faithful believer. It is not enough to possess knowledge of the Scriptures. For us to transition from fearful to rock-solid faithful believers, we must believe that God is in control of His world and He allows continuous, lengthy trials to strengthen our faith.

And for those who possess the spirit of self-reliance, there is a better way to live. Never give up on God! Acknowledge your human limitations, confess, repent, and begin walking on the Path of Righteousness. Every day, trust God through surrender and acknowledge His Love and Omnipotence. Victory only comes through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God requires that our faith continue to grow throughout our earthly lives. Yet, there are believers whose faith has matured into total reliance on God. For the faithful believers, keep striving, pray for your brothers and sisters who are on the spiritual journey of strengthening our faith, and share your testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15, ESV

Brothers and Sisters, think and live as overcomers by striving through your trials and tribulations. We receive power from the Holy Spirit to withstand our disappointments and hardships. The outcome is total reliance on God which gives us Steadfast Faith. We are nearing Home! Our King Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is returning for the faithful! Hallelujah! Amen.

Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. —James 1:2-8

Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put our faith and trust in You. We desire to have steadfast faith. We ask for the presence, power, and anointing of the Holy Spirit to give us strength when we are weak and weary. Lord, we know that You are All-Powerful. We surrender and make the vow to become totally reliant on You. Thank You for your love, grace, and mercies. Thank You Jesus for giving Your life for us. Help us to have a renewed conviction in our faith. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

The LORD is Everlasting Strength

Today’s Devotional, October 17, 2023

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength.” —Isaiah 26:3-4

In 30 days, I will reach a milestone, the blessed age of 65. Even if we don’t think the aging process is a blessing, the insurance companies proclaim a different perspective. They are in strong pursuit of the precious commodities [seniors] who are turning 65. And their focus is intentional. My mailbox is full of offers every day. With so many voices, seniors without knowledge of the importance of benefits applicable to their medical condition will easily be influenced.

Thankfully, one of my previous positions was as a Quality Nurse with a health insurance company. Despite the countless letters of invitation to choose the best, I have already chosen the best coverage. This morning during worship I reflected on this thought, “Although I have the advantage of working knowledge of the health insurance industry, am I relying on my knowledge to make the best choices in serving God?

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” —2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV

Youthful lusts are not only limited to sexual desires. Everyone has passed through the stage of being a teenager when we thought that we knew everything about life and resisted all wise counsel. According to psychologists, during adolescence, individuals are more susceptible to persuasion because of the struggle with establishing their identity. They have the desire to appear all-knowing and powerful to their peers. From a spiritual perspective, it is wilful pride that causes one to possess an arrogant demeanor and disobey sound morals, values, and concepts.

Sadly, many Christians have retained that same teenage mindset in their adult lives which prevents them from seeking godly knowledge and wisdom. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). By our thoughts, desires, and pursuits, we choose our own destiny!

Reflection: How would our lives change if we pursued Jesus like the ravenous insurance companies pursuing seniors who are eligible for Medicare coverage?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

Certainly, our minds, personalities, and characters would change into the likeness of Christ. Self-centered pride would be replaced by humility, self-seeking attention would be washed away, and our desires for tangible things would disappear. Not only would we put God first, but we would reverence Him with honor, glory, and praise in our spoken words, choices, and lifestyles.

Still, we cannot achieve righteousness through our works. Human Effort and Divine Intervention are required for the spiritual transformation of our hearts and minds.

“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

Yes, many of us desire to live righteously but fail to stay on the Path of Righteousness because we attempt to use our human strength to remain in right standing with God. When Jesus says, we can do nothing without Him, believe Him! But once we invite the power of the Triune God into our lives, we are unstoppable! The Holy Spirit empowers us with a “Do Right” mind!

Through surrender, we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God. We acquiesce to His authority by our relentless pursuit of righteousness. Our commitment is reflected in our lifestyle. By seeking God as evidenced by praying throughout our waking hours and asking for the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of God, humanity is brought into alignment with God’s Plan of Righteousness by Faith.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:2

Imagine how much more fulfilling our lives would be if we spent our time wisely, studying and living by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Instead of wasting unfulfilling hours on mindless entertainment, we could be growing in knowledge, wisdom, and faith. Steadfast faith, dedication, and total reliance on God are required to be transformed spiritually.

Choosing to follow Christ requires steadfast faith and the commitment required to make a covenant vow of daily surrender. It is then we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us the spiritual strength to live a victorious life. In Christ, we gain the power to live as overcomers, and when He returns, we will receive our crown, robe of righteousness, and eternal life.

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for the sin of self-reliance. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to anoint us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We pray for Divine wisdom and guidance in our journey of life. Thank You for Your love and the gifts of repentance and restoration. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth

Today’s Devotional, October 15, 2023

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth, Today’s Devotional October 15, 2023

One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Spiritually, I believe that Jesus was intentional in using the metaphor of caterpillar to butterfly to represent His love and mighty wonder-working power to transform us into His likeness.

Growing up in a home without love and nurturing results in an adult who suffers from insecurity and low self-worth. From an unhealthy childhood, we live a life of compromise by trusting the wrong people and making choices that always result in outcomes with negative consequences.

We accept the brokenness of our beginnings because we do not understand the love and power of a God who heals and specializes in new beginnings. Thankfully, we do not have to continue in the brokenness that has impacted our perception of our worth. God knows the beginning to the end of every person’s life. And He is always ready to intervene by healing and restoring us if we choose to be made whole.

Through our relationship with Christ, we can receive a spiritual, mental, and emotional makeover, at any point in our lives. The Apostle Paul says, “We are new creatures in Christ Jesus.” The human effort of acknowledging, accepting, and asking for a “New Beginning” requires a giant leap of faith!

Before Our Existence: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:13-14

In Psalm 139, we are told that “God Has Perfect Knowledge of Man.” God was fully aware of the unhealthy environment which produced your fractured mental and emotional state. He knows your fragile heart and the desire to be loved and appreciated. Agape love is the love that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

“When Jesus saw [the man] lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well? ‘” — John 5:6.

Yes, Jesus promises to heal our broken hearts. Just like He asked the lame man, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus is asking us the same question. By surrendering our fragile hearts and exercising the faith and trust that Jesus is our Healer, with love and compassion, He makes us well. Not only does He heal us, but Jesus also gives us His strength and victory over our past. Pray for His Divine help!

Psalm 32:8 NKJV: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Psalm 32:8 NLT: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Praise God that we do not have to use guesswork in our earthly lives. From trusting God with every aspect of our lives, day by day, our little faith begins growing. Our faith will flourish when we totally depend on God. Like God’s love, there are no limits on the growth of one’s faith. Believe In God, because our Victory is Sure!

Through Christ, we are overcomers! Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Pray fervently before making every decision! God’s thoughts and ways are much higher than our thoughts. Never again will we live a life of compromise just to be loved and accepted by others. Our brokenness will be replaced with spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Do you want to be made well?

Scripture: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” —Isaiah 40:28-29

Prayer: God, we know that you are Omniscient. And You knew our beginnings would produce broken hearts. Yet, You promised to do a new thing, to make us over, and cover us with the Righteousness of Christ. We desire to be healed and made whole. Lord, we surrender and consecrate our minds, bodies, and souls to You. We pray for healing and ask You to make us well. We believe and ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.

Mustard Size Faith Moves Mountains

Today’s Sabbath Afternoon Devotional, October 14, 2023

From every unexpected life event, we are given the opportunity to use our faith and trust in God’s promises. From Moses lifting his rod over the Red Sea to childless Hannah, and Daniel in the lion’s den, God has always required us to put forth the human effort of faith before He intervenes.

“We have the same God that has worked for his people in ages past. Jesus stands by our side and as the trials come, so will the power of God.” EG White

God’s timing is never our timing. Pray in faith and wait. Be still and wait for God to manifest His power!

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14

Prayer: God, we ask You in faith to intervene and we trust in You to resolve our mountains of difficulties. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

The Life-Giving Message of Jesus Saves

Sabbath Devotional, October 14, 2023

If every believer would witness to one person a day, we would fulfill Jesus’ command to “Go.” Telling our personal testimony of how Jesus saved us is the most effective method of witnessing to others. When we give our hearts to Christ which requires faith, He cleanses us from all of the unrighteousness of sin and makes us a new person. We think, speak, and act differently because we are covered with His righteousness and the Holy Spirit abides within us.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ” —Matthew 28:18-20

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath! – Pray for God’s Mercies

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath – Pray for God’s Mercies
Sabbath Devotional, October 13, 2023

The struggles of this life are becoming more challenging. Many countries are experiencing war and famine which produces overwhelming sorrow, grief, and death. The innocent men, women, children, and babies are not only wounded physically but also mentally and emotionally. Why does God allow these terrible atrocities?

I invite you to study Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 18-22. Jesus speaks of the events that will happen in these perilous times of the last days of Earth’s history.

Although Satan causes disasters, wars, countless diseases, and deaths, God must allow the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. These events lead to the Great Day of Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming. We know how the story ends! Choose your destiny by faithfully serving God in humility and obedience.

God is good in that He gave Jesus to die for us. God is good because we are saved by His Grace. God is good because He promises to protect the righteous at the end of time. Study Psalm 91. God is good because His love and mercies are freely given to the human beings who continue to reject Him.

God is good because He will never allow Satan to destroy the earth or all humanity. God is good because He never changes and we know the expected end of this Earth. God is more than good because He has given us sufficient time to choose Him. God is more than good because the righteous will live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!

Prayer: God, our hearts are filled with sorrow and despair. We ask You to extend mercy to the innocent victims of every war that exists throughout this world. Hunger, hatred, and the evil of violence have escalated as we have never seen before. Lord, we thank You for the Sabbath and ask You to bring peace to each of us according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Wisdom Gives Us a Worry-free Life

Today’s Devotional, October 12, 2023

“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” —Proverbs 8:11

Being created in the image of God and surrendering to Him gives us access to His Divine wisdom. When we pray and ask for godly wisdom, the Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual discernment, knowledge, and understanding. We make choices that align with God’s will. As recipients of wisdom, we never have to hope for the best, the outcome is always perfect because God is involved. And we know that God always brings honor and glory to His Name.

Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10

Prayer for Wisdom

Lord, teach us how to recognize Your voice. Give us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to obey even when we face opposition. Guide us today in our choices and teach us how to love. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise?

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise? Today’s Devotional October 11, 2023

Many years ago, I remember having a conversation with my aunt [who now is my Mother’s only living sister] about Jesus coming again and going to heaven. It was an exciting conversation until she said, “Oh niece, not every Christian desires to go to heaven. You have a naïve perspective of Christianity.” With disappointment, I responded, “But that is one of the reasons that we serve God is to go to heaven.”

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” —2 Timothy 4:3-4

Fast forward three decades and my Auntie spoke the truth. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus revealed the status of the Laodicean church which according to Bible scholars represents today’s Christian believers [Study Revelation 3:14-19]. The spirit of compromise originates from Satan’s skillful deceptions. We have blended worldliness into our lives and have lost sight of God’s commandment to be holy.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep

Lukewarm Christians are prevalent in 2023 and they are not ashamed of their lifestyle choices. Social media posts reveal their focus and desires to please themselves. How can Christian believers be so deceived that they think serving a Righteous God is according to their whims? “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you” (John 10:27).

“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” —Matthew 24:7-8

Climate change and global warming are feeble human-made concepts developed [in an attempt] to explain the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. God did not leave us without knowledge. In Matthew 24 and the books of Isaiah and Revelation, God has revealed the natural disasters and the spiritual changes that would happen on this earth which indicate living in the last days and the end of time.

As violence, disasters, and social problems increase, the number of steadfast and faithful Christians decrease. In Revelation, chapters 18-22, God reveals the victorious end of the Great Controversy of Good and Evil. Still, Satan has convinced many Christians they have the time to pursue their desires without praying for God’s guidance.

We are concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, inflation, and the future instead of making sure our relationship with Christ is steadfast. Satan is using sensory stimuli to distract us away from God. There are two phenomena that we have no control over, once we watch, listen, or read information, we cannot undo the sensory input routed from our eyes and ears to our brains. As one Instagram response stated, “You cannot reverse and erase what you have seen or heard.”

The second phenomenon about the brain is the adaptation and changes in the cognition and behavior of those who develop sinful habits. Disobedience changes our thought processes and places us in opposition to a Holy and Righteous God. Like Cain who offered a sacrifice that he thought God deserved, we continue to travel on the detour road. We do not realize that we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness because disobedience has changed our perception.

We say Lord, Lord, but our heart’s carnal desires rule our lives and we continue to chase our dreams. And we feel good about our life full of accomplishments and the acquisition of material things.

“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-8

Many attempt to use the works of attending church and reading the Scriptures, yet, their lifestyle reveals the behaviors of practicing worldly habits. Even our outward appearance changes. Once we spoke, dressed, and worshipped God every day as dedicated Christians, but now worldly music and programs have replaced praise and worship music. And our clothing in social outings are more provocative.

Still, God knows our heart. The voice we are listening to is not the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is no evidence of living a faith-based life of surrender and obedience. Yes, we experience transformation but it is not spiritual.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44, BSB

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13, BSB

When I was in my late 50s, my dentist told me something that I have held onto for years. Now that I have reached that stage in life, I have learned to say, no, without hesitation. He stated, “Something I would like for you to be aware of, once you become 62, physicians and dentists will try to convince you to have elective surgeries and to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental procedures, don’t do it. Only agree to the procedures that are necessary to sustain your health.

And yes, I have refused 100% of recommendations to change the one BP medication that I have taken since 1998. Although I have end-stage osteoarthritis in my knees [no cartilage, bone on bone], since 2015, I have refused knee replacements. Yes, I have limitations, I cannot walk on the beautiful Floridian sandy beach, but I can sit on the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean breezes. And with weight loss, I no longer need an assistive device.

My objective in sharing this story is for you to reflect and ask yourself, “Who convinced me to compromise?” Was it a pastor, family, or friends? Or was it from the pursuit of your heart’s desires? How did you transition from repenting, surrendering, and dedicating your life to Christ to one of compromise that will lead to destruction? Is the pleasure of sin really worth the loss of eternal life with Jesus?

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:14

“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.” —Isaiah 35:8

Jesus paid for our freedom with His life! We do not have to be enslaved to sin and suffer the dire consequences that were meant for Satan and his angels. Yet, we were created with the free will to serve who we choose to serve. But know this, there is only one narrow gate that we pass through to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Compromise will never provide us with the reward of the New Heaven and New Earth.

Our love and loyalty for Christ is demonstrated through our faith, evidenced by daily surrender and obedience. Only what we do for Christ will last and be counted in the end. Stand up and renounce the life of sinful compromise! The righteous who are sanctified through Christ have a great reward waiting for them. And we must be in the number of those who receive their crowns.

Scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” —John 10:10

Prayer: God, we pray for the believers traveling on the detour road of compromise that they renounce sin and commit to rededicate their lives to You. Lord, we thank You for the precious gift of Your life. We pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and give us the power to stand as soldiers in Your Army until Christ comes again. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

God Knows Who Loves Him

Today’s Devotional, October 9, 2023

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37

Loving God requires a loving heart overflowing with genuine faith and the desire to obey His will. In serving God, the believer prays the prayer of sacrificial surrender every day. We dedicate and consecrate ourselves to seek God and live according to His will.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

We love God by possessing a heart of gratitude for His love and mercies which we express throughout our waking hours by singing, praying, and studying the Scriptures. Our times of worship reflect our love. “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Our thoughts, behaviors, and actions reveal the motives of our hearts. Our lifestyle is concrete proof of who we love and worship. We can go through the motions of attending church and reading the Bible, but our attempts to use works as the way to be in the right standing with God are just feeble attempts to make us feel content.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

Born with carnal hearts, we naturally have sinful thoughts and desires that cause us to pursue self-gratification. Our Father knew that we could not govern ourselves nor control our desires without His help. Therefore, God gave us His Holy Scriptures—God-breathed commandments, precepts, and promises as the roadmap for our lives.

“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” —John 15:26

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26

Not only do we have the Bible, but we were given the Holy Spirit to provide direction for our daily lives. Yes, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose and plans for every believer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the righteous hear the Voice of God through their thoughts and the Scriptures. Many ask, How do you know God is speaking to you through your thoughts? God’s Voice is always consistent with the Scriptures.

Read 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Ephesians 4:32

The Holy Spirit also performs daily spiritual transformation [spiritual growth] and changes our hearts [our minds] and our character traits. Yet, as free will agents, we must give our permission and cooperate with Divinity to receive Sanctification which is a life-long spiritual journey.

In Philippians 1:6, we receive the promise that Jesus will complete the work in us which requires our full cooperation by striving to live holy and pursuing righteousness every day. Still, the promise states up until the day Jesus comes. Jesus will not transform our character or sinful habits on the day of His Coming. Every person has already made their decision to be faithful or not and will receive their just reward. Our destiny is in our hands!

Jesus, Our Loving Lord, Savior, and Intercessor

Romans 8:34 says that Jesus ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor who receives our prayers and covers us with His righteousness, presenting us faultlessly before God. Our responsibility is to shun evil and pray without ceasing for the strength to live holy. As our Intercessor, Jesus also prays for us. When our hearts are receptive to the Holy Spirit, our response is one of faithful obedience. It is then that Divine intervention occurs and we receive Christ’s strength.

The Believer’s Life is One of Constant Battles

At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Simon Peter that a test of faith was coming: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NKJV). The outspoken disciple seemed to be in the same predicament as Job when Satan sought to put him to the test (Job 1—2). Satan wanted to “sift Peter as wheat,” which means that he wished to shake Peter’s faith so forcefully that he would fall, proving that God’s faithful servant was lacking. gotquestions.org

Like Peter, our faith is weak. And Satan, our deadly enemy uses our desires and carnal weakness to develop deceitful temptations that we cannot resist without the Holy Spirit’s Divine Help. His evil angels observe our lifestyle and present strategic deceptions [personalized temptations] designed to make us fall.

Satan’s most effective method is to use people to make a believer fall. The lonely person meets someone who says, Lord, Lord, one who appears to serve God, but their behaviors and lifestyle reveal they have not surrendered to God. Ignoring the warning signs, the believer continues in the relationship and falls. By acting on their emotions, they begin walking on the path of compromise because their love for God is no longer a priority.

Just as we do not drive in the middle of the road, there is no middle ground of compromise in our relationship with Christ. Either we will surrender ourselves in humility and obedience to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us spiritually in preparation for Eternal life or we will lose our reward because we chose to live our best life on this earth.

To love God is to obey God. To love God is to pray every day and ask Him to reveal His will. To love God is to surrender and strive to stay in His will.

Scripture: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7

Prayer: God, we pray for the desire and the strength to give up every sinful habit and the individuals who will prevent us from receiving eternal life. We confess and repent that we have not surrendered and committed ourselves to faithfully obey You. Lord, we know the signs You gave to us in Matthew 24 are being fulfilled. And it is our fervent desire to receive our reward and live with Your forever and ever. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.