Tag: Faith

My Heart Belongs to You

We often think of the invisible God as being very distant from humanity. But is that accurate? Isn’t it in our hardships and sorrows that we feel abandoned? In Psalm 27, King David expresses that he was surrounded by enemies–men who were his closest advisors but wished his death. Was David aware that God knew his circumstances? Yes, but he honestly expressed his innermost feelings of being afraid. And rightfully so, we cannot imagine living every day with people in our homes plotting our demise.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Our Heavenly Father sees and knows that the human heart is fragile. God is also aware that our hardships usually result in disconnecting ourselves from Him when we feel threatened and powerless. We are weakened by the unexpected; spiritual warfare, financial difficulties, family issues, loneliness, material loss, illnesses, broken relationships, the death of a loved one. First, we must acknowledge that the trials and sorrows in our lives cause pain and suffering, mentally, emotionally, and physically in illnesses. But have confidence, knowing that it is not God’s purpose to break or crush us. God’s purpose for our trials: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 

During our challenges, human effort is required. God is waiting for us to seek His help and strength through prayer. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Within each of us is the buried response of “where is God? During our trials, we quickly forget God, our Deliverer when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Fear instead of faith comes easily when we perceive that our hardships are bigger than God. Identifying our perception of God involves an honest and in-depth self-evaluation. “How do I see God?”

Without believing, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27, we will continue to doubt the Omnipotence–supernatural power of God, our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer.

Still, in His loving-kindness and mercy, God reaches out to His beloved.

    1. Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
    2. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8

We may acknowledge the power of God, but do we belong to him? Have we given God our hearts? Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14. Our commitment to God is reliant on surrender, commitment, total faith and trust. Doing our part means having a dependent relationship with God, our Father. Yes, we are to become as little children, totally dependent on the love and power of our Heavenly Father. Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory!

To experience daily spiritual growth, our hearts must stay connected to Jesus Christ, who is the only way to God. “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

There are many benefits to giving our hearts to God. First, we gain total peace, resulting in spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical strength. Faith and trust in God, even during stormy trials, give us courage, contentment, and confidence. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

We can achieve peace during the harshest trials and sorrows. Knowing that we will feel the pain that accompanies spiritual growth; yet, trusting in God gives us the strength to press on, in Jesus’ name. God is preparing us for eternal life. Jesus gave His life that we may receive immortality and live in the New Heaven and New Earth when He comes again. Giving our heart [total commitment] to our Savior will produce the character traits of love, faith, trust, patience, obedience, courage, and confidence. Yes, it is time for us to have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, we are going through some hard times and we need your love, comfort, and divine intervention. Please give us the strength to endure our trials. We are confident that you will bring victory. We ask this prayer in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Having Certainty in Chaos

We live in a time of constant change. Despite our astute skills and life experience, many individuals struggle to maintain balance and consistency in their current lifestyles. The pressure remains for us to embrace and pursue upgrades from the food we eat to the vehicles that we drive. Instead of our homes representing a safe haven and comfort zone, someone has convinced us that happiness and tranquility are only available when purchasing their amenities. And yes, we convince ourselves that spending money does result in a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Technology represents power and demands a presence that remains unmatched in its hypnotic effects on our brains. We must have it, the latest and the greatest. The cellular device we bought six months ago is worthless and ready to be recycled. The dream of 5G and beyond has reached fruition and is the here and now. Is 5G available in your area? Because the big V not only “Has Thousands of Smarter 5G towers,” they also proclaim “This is 5G Built Right,” and we can “Feel the power of 5G Ultra Wideband.” Yet, a significant security breach has occurred, and customer’s demographics and other personal information have been displayed between the firm’s employees and customers. Bitdefender Total Security. Are we compromising our values to overlook the exposure of highly confidential data?

Yes, we are striving for the lifestyles of the animated series [cartoon], “The Jetsons,” created by Hanna-Barbera that aired from 1962-1963. Almost six decades ago, the future was represented as the epitome of perfection. We were supposed to achieve self-actualization by the 21st century. Where is our utopia? “A utopia is an imaginary community or society that possesses highly desirable or nearly perfect qualities for its citizens.” Wikipedia

Sadly, we sacrifice our mental and emotional health to fulfill our desires [that others have convinced us that it was our idea] for material possessions. We readily embrace the deception of a false sense of security that comes from possessing tangible assets. At what point do we say, “Enough is enough?”

We have so little time to give to God. Our spiritual health is suffering from malnutrition. In tough times of adversities that Jesus promised would happen: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, we crash and burn because we do not have the knowledge of God’s promises. There is no time to build and sustain a relationship with God. The distractions of the “little gods” of this world have caused us to promise our Creator that we will do better tomorrow [by praying and studying the Bible], but tomorrow never comes. 

We can change if we have the desire and courage to change!

Embrace the sacrifice of Jesus Christ: “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 (BSB),

Jesus says to “Build on the Rock.” He is the only source of certainty in the chaos that engulfs our minds, bodies, and souls. It is the “Rock” that provides peace, true joy, and the reward of eternal life. 

Certainty: A firm conviction that something is the case.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (BSB)

Prayer: God, we admit that we do not know where to begin in achieving certainty in our lives. Yes, we desperately need your help and your guidance. Today we say, “enough is enough.” Please forgive us and reveal your plans to get us out of our chaotic lifestyles. We ask this prayer in the powerful and worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Do not Fear!

This message was written in the 1800s and addresses a serious issue that has escalated among today’s believers, Fear. Be blessed, pray, and receive the victory from fear.

Morning Devotional by Ellen G White

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isa. 43:1

Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable, and without help from God they are indeed unbearable. Unless we rely upon Him we shall sink under the burden of responsibilities that bring only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial.

When all seems dark and unexplainable we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words that Christ has spoken to our souls, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Do not go about as if Jesus were in Joseph's tomb, and a great stone were rolled before the door In the trial of your faith show that you know you have a risen Saviour, One who is making intercession for you and your loved ones.

The Bible places the responsibility of our happiness upon ourselves. We are to look to the light of life. Our usefulness depends on our own course of action. We are so anxious, all of us, for happiness, but many rarely find it because of their faulty methods of seeking, in the place of striving. We must strive most earnestly and mingle all our desires with faith. Then happiness steals in upon us almost unsought.

When we can, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, rest confidingly in His love and shut ourselves in with Him, resting peacefully in His love, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy. This experience gains for us a faith that enables us not to fret, not to worry, but to depend upon a power that is infinite.

We shall have the power of the Highest with us. Jesus stands by our side. As the trials come, the power of God will come with them.

From My Life Today – Page 189 Ellen G White

Your “Red Sea” Experiences

In 2002, I relocated from Upstate NY to New Jersey following the layoff of my nursing position. Unemployment barely provided enough money to pay my monthly expenses. The process for obtaining my NJ RN license was close to $400, which left me with no options other than to work in New York City. As I sent out resumes, I was excited because of the 90% response. Red Flag! Deciding on the right fit was based on the highest salary. Since I had worked for Division of Parole and in Behavioral Health, I decided to take a position in an all-male inpatient Rehab facility. The job was excellent, with one exception: the location required on-street parking.

Before the first day of orientation, I received a call with instructions to call the facility on arrival, give the exact location of where I parked, and an escort would be sent to accompany me to the locked facility. Red Flag! Although my orientation schedule was from 7 am-3:30 pm, my schedule would be from 2pm-10pm. At 6:40 am, I called, the escort arrived at my car, and I began to wonder why I required a male staff. When I questioned the security guard escort, he responded that it was the facility’s policy. At the end of the shift, I received instructions that I could not make eye contact or speak to any “individual hanging out” by my vehicle.

When we arrived at my car, 10 or 15 gang members were strapped with guns in full view . Yes, it was only 3:45 pm. “Remember what I told you.” As I started my car, I decided that I would not return the next day. At 5pm, I received a call from the Administrator, “How was your first day? I realize what you have seen may have surprised you, but we have never had an incident with our nurses. There is a level of respect on the streets when you are doing good for their community. Give us a chance and see you tomorrow.” All when well the first week. But on Wednesday of the following week, at 10 pm, I looked, and three men were sitting on the hood of my car. The guard immediately told me to let him handle the situation. I said a prayer and responded, “No, it is my car. I will handle this.”

The conversation: “You know what guys, I’m tired, I have a long ride home to Jersey and you are sitting on my car.” They started smiling, “We are sitting on her car.” So I asked, “Do you know who I am?” which brought laughter. “Okay, I will tell you. I am the nurse at the Odyssey House.” Immediately, I received apologies from men with guns, tatted with gang symbols. I said a quick thank you and drove off. From that day forward, I was told to park on that street, and they would always provide protection for me and my car. After a couple of paychecks, I obtained my NJ nursing license, and I resigned.

Fear was not something that I felt because I knew that God would answer my prayer and heavenly angels were protecting me, not men with guns. I have never been exposed to that level of danger again. But I would definitely count that as one of my worst “Red Sea” experiences.

And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:10-12

Although many individuals have never experienced the compromise of their physical safety to that extreme, we have another level of fear: the uncertainties of life. Mental illnesses among believers [in the Most-High God] are at an all-time high. The sermons have changed from preparing for Jesus to come again and having faith and trust in God to steps for relieving your anxiety and worries. The hymns, “Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” are songs of the old-time believers. Now lyrics include, “God, its me, not feeling like getting out of my bed this morning” and “God, where are you? Not feeling near to you, at all.”

This morning during worship, God reminded me of this gang-related incident. Our feelings [including mine] are out-of-control. We are not living faith-based lives, nor do we trust in God. When adversity and hard times hit, our first response is self-reliance. Instead of immediately asking God for help, like the Israelites, we feel that God has left us alone to fight our battles–Red Sea experiences.

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.” Exodus 14:12-13

“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14

Jesus told us that our lives will be full of hardships: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33, Amplified Bible

God, is aware of every sorrow, trial, and hardship in our lives. We are not abandoned or left alone to figure out the answer. He is waiting for us to ask Him to fight our battles. If you do not memorize any other verse in the Bible, please remember this one: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Prayer: God, we need your help. We have forgotten how to pray, our faith is weak, and we trust in our own abilities. Please forgive our doubt and unbelief, and for neglecting you through prayer and study of the Bible. We desire a relationship with you built on faith, trust, and obedience. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Please note: All of the life experiences that I share with you are truth. When I reflect on my nursing employment in the Criminal Justice system, Behavioral Health (locked units) and providing care to gang members, I know that there is a God because I am still alive with my right mind. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

The writings [letters] of the apostle Paul in the New Testament to the churches and young Timothy reveal his fatherly character. Paul was loving, kind, nurturing, promoted harmony and the appropriate conduct for believers. Yet, he was a disciplinarian who believed in self-control, structure, discipline, and strict obedience to God. The apostle encouraged the early Christians to strive for the mark because eternal life would be the reward for the faithful. And yes, they needed strong and consistent spiritual support because the Roman Empire persecuted and killed many of the early church Christians.

The emphasis is not a historical overview of the suffering of those who follow Christ but a reminder of our religious liberty and the freedom to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The selection of churches and the decision to join a body of believers is a choice that we take for granted as modern-day Christians. Yet, in 2021, there are individuals who are forced to worship secretly. And how many are experiencing persecution from families and governments because of their commitment to serve Jesus?

“I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith…” 1 Timothy 1:2

Young Timothy had proven himself with the zeal and energy to witness. He was a faithful disciple who had a passion to make disciples. Timothy witnessed to many individuals who accepted Jesus as Lord. The Apostle Paul became his spiritual mentor, writing two letters–1st and 2nd Timothy to provide guidance on the practical matters of the church. Even so, it was Paul’s intent to teach Timothy that he was a spiritual role model who must have strong faith, a godly conscience, to remain above reproach, and utilize the spiritual gifts that God had given him (1 Timothy 4:12–16). Mentoring still remains a vital component of Christian believers: Those who are strong in faith and spiritually mature are admonished to provide mentoring to the babes in Christ.

Sadly, we do not see the need for spiritual support, and many new believers become overwhelmed. Feeling alone, they eventually give up and return to their former way of life.

By the time, Paul wrote the letter of 2nd Timothy, he was a prisoner waiting for execution. The natural and expected emotional reaction from Timothy occurred [being mindful of your tears…2 Timothy 1:4]. Paul acknowledged his grief but reminded him that he possessed faith. “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5. But there was a greater problem, Timothy feared for his own life.

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

Not only did Paul confront Timothy regarding his fear of suffering and death, in reading the remainder of the letter [chapter] Paul reminded him that there is no shame in suffering, and to remain loyal to the Faith despite the outcome.

The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy are for us–today’s Christian believers. Many have little to no faith when faced with stormy trials, seasons of darkness, and daily hardships. Is lack of faith and possessing fear the characteristics of believers? Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6.

Be strong and courageous! We serve a powerful and loving God who promises to take care of us. Acknowledge and accept your God-given character: Fearless, powerful, loving, possessing mental, emotional, and spiritual strength–a rational mind knowing and believing in faith God will deliver us and bring victory to our situation.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

If any one should have anxieties, and worries, it should only occur in the unbelievers who do not acknowledge or serve God.

Believers in the Most-High God begin to study the Bible, pray without ceasing, and ask to be guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. We cannot be prepared for the revocation of religious freedom and the persecution that “we the free” will experience one day without the knowledge of God’s Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Nor can we remain faithful in trying times. Proclaim your heritage–God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ redeemed us from sin, and the Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Comforter!

Bible Study: 1 and 2 Timothy

Prayer: God, we admit that we are not studying the Bible as we should, nor do we pray enough. Our burdens are heavy. We didn’t realize all we have to do is turn the cares of this life over to you. We ask forgiveness for not doing our part in the plan of salvation. Please impart your strength to us that we may faithfully serve you until the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Refreshing Relationship

Is there anything you feel is standing between you and God?

Many have created a spiritual comfort zone that includes certain behaviors and habits that compromise their relationship with Jesus Christ. Holding on to stuff, emotional scars, unforgiveness, relationships with unbelievers, wayward habits, and secret sins prevent us from having a serious relationship with God. Although our secret sins are unknown to others, God is fully aware of the self-seeking desires that keep us distanced from Him. Can you imagine being in a committed relationship with a significant other involved with you and someone else?

The above question contains two words, “you feel” which immediately places us in the realm of compromise. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9. God leaves no stone unturned when He says that we cannot evaluate ourselves according to our standards. No one is exempt. It is easy to say, “Oh no, I would never do that” or ask “How could they have done something so terrible?” Yet, we neglect God by placing more importance on the demands of people, places of entertainment, and things that make us feel good.

How do we know if we are obedient and following God’s commandments? The Bible is our guidebook to living faith-based righteous lives. The Bible is not a self-help book. Yes, we study the Bible for knowledge. Even so, God never expected us to travel this journey without His help. Our connection with God is vital because He is the source of our strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.… ” John 15:5-6

It is our faith that causes us to have a totally dependent relationship with God. When we finally decide to serve God wholeheartedly, we can have trials of fire, seasons of darkness, and continually thirsty souls. Still, we also will have the confidence and courage to wait on the Lord our God who promises to deliver us.

The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

Prayer: God, we are standing in the need of prayer. We confess that we are wavering between you and our self-seeking desires, and for this we ask for forgiveness. We desire to have a relationship with you built on faith, trust, and obedience. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Great is Our God!

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 24

Dedicating 30 days to redirect my focus on God, the Problem-Solver instead of the trials, hardships, and sorrows has resulted in active knowledge–a personal experience of the power of Prayer.

If Jesus was sitting in the same room with you, what would you say to Him? And that is exactly the scenario that I think of when I pray.

Prayer is a time of intimate communication with God. In fact prayer is so vital that Romans 8:26 (CSB) tells us that: “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.”

And Jesus, our Intercessor is presenting us as faultless before God when our prayers of confession and repentance are prayed with humility and honesty: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34

Our Spiritual Team is actively working on our behalf for us to receive our reward of eternal life. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:9

Be alert! Pay attention to the subtle deceptions that our adversary and most powerful enemy attempts to use against us. Serving God places us in continuous spiritual warfare. Yet, we know that God will always be in control. Satan does not have unleashed power. He is a bully who causes situations to arise and vex our souls. This is why we stay prayed up…when problems begin to escalate, say that prayer out loud.

But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

Last week, I called to schedule medical transportation and the agent was giving me a hard time. I said, “God, help us with this problem.” Immediately, her tone of voice changed and she asked me to please hold while she checked the schedule. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jeremiah 31:3.

Dedicate time to spend with God in prayer. Prayer increases our faith and trust, and honors God. Our reward, He unleashes His mighty power against the enemy, and brings victory to our situation. Servants of the Most-High God, pray continuously over every aspect of your life. God is faithful. He never fails!

Prayer: God, thank you for reaching out to us with your unfailing love. We desire to have a deeper relationship with you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

“I Will Listen”

In those days, when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:12-13

I have participated for 22 days in the SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 days of Prayer. It has taken three weeks to establish constant communication with God and to build my faith and trust in Him. How did I accomplish this seemingly impossible task? I have been talking to God through praise and prayer throughout the day and night. Many whispers of prayer have passed through my lips to do my part in seeking God. Yet, my journey continues.

I have not reached spiritual self-actualization in which I have achieved my fullest potential. We strive daily because Sanctification is a life-long process. Jesus prayed, “Give us this day, our daily bread.” We cannot live off of yesterday’s prayers or Bible study. Yes, our relationship with God is high maintenance [no disrespect intended]. Several times a day, we must seek God and commune with Him through prayer, study, and praise. It is our faith and trust in God that reveals the depth of our relationship with Him.

The effort that we put into building a rock-solid relationship with God makes the difference between having unwavering faith, trust, peace, and inner joy or being distraught filled with hopelessness, anxieties, and worries. God loves us! At the end of the day, we may reflect and realize that we did not offer one prayer of thankfulness. Even so, do not fixate on what you failed to do. Instead, take a deep breath and begin to worship your Heavenly Father with praise. 

We build our faith through diligent study of the Bible. Knowing God’s character and His promises gives us hope when our trials and sorrows appear overwhelming. God promises to hear our prayers, “I will listen.” God is only a prayer away. Pray an honest prayer. God already knows that we are feeling down and out. He knows that our faith is weak. Still, our sins and challenges are never too big to seek God’s forgiveness and divine intervention.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51, verses 1 and 10.

Are you aware that Psalm 51 is King David’s prayer of forgiveness for committing adultery with Bathsheba? His actions were heinous. David abused his power by ordering her husband to be placed at the frontline of the battle, so he could be killed. Yet, God, with His unconditional love, mercies, and grace, gave the man who was once a shepherd boy that killed Goliath complete forgiveness. David confessed and repented. Did God forgive him? Yes, the second child born to David and Bathsheba was Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived.

God views sin as sin. Through human eyes we see sin in various categories considering one sin to be worse than another sin. Praise God that He is our Judge: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

We can change our perception of God by taking action to go above and beyond our human natures of only offering mediocre worship. Seek God as if your life depends on it [because it does]. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Bible study: Psalm 51

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for not seeking you wholeheartedly. Please hear our prayer. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson 

Jehovah Jireh–Our Provider

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 NLT

Reflect on the name of God–Jehovah Jireh. How strong is your belief that God is your Provider? We readily accept and believe the promises made by people whose promises are dependent on the right circumstances. Do you doubt that your employer will pay your salary as agreed? Yet, many individuals have lost their jobs, benefits, and pensions due to bankruptcy during the pandemic.

Most of us are guilty. Deep within our hearts, we pray, but we doubt God’s promises to take care of us [to supply all of our needs]. God always comes through on His promises. Sadly, we are the obstacles that block our blessings. It takes the human effort of total belief [faith] in Jehovah Jireh to receive. He is the God who sees and knows exactly what we need when we need it. All He asks us to do is: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.

God has given each of us with a seed of faith. Faith requires constant and consistent action; trust and obedience are necessary for our seed of faith to grow. Would we buy a houseplant only to let it die because of lack of water and sunshine? Absolutely not! Faith is the key to having an abundant life complete with peace and confidence because we believe that we serve the Most-High God. But without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.

Our Father hears and answers every prayer [in His own time]. The test of faith requires waiting. We are accustomed to instant gratification, which causes us to expect an immediate answer to our prayers. But we do not serve a “hurry up” God. He tells us to wait. During the waiting period, either our faith grows stronger or weaker. Do not give up! Patience produces total dependence on God!

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Faith allows us to see God as our only Provider. Live your life with confidence. And never forget, in the seasons of darkness, Jehovah Jireh lovingly holds us in His hands.

Prayer: God, we ask you to forgive our doubt, unbelief, and impatience. Thank you for taking care of us despite our inability to praise, and thank you for daily mercies. We are in need spiritually and financially. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson