King David was surrounded by enemies throughout his reign. The book of Psalms is filled with prayers of protection. It is time for the Believers of the Most-High God to pray as David did for the protection of our country, for the protection of our families, and for ourselves.
6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. 7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. 8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.[a] Hide me in the shadow of your wings. 9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. 10 They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! 11 They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. 12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.
13 Arise, O Lord! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword! 14 By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. Psalm 17:6-14 NLT
God, we pray for your Divine Intervention against our greatest enemy, Satan who has planted evil in the minds of men and women to have armed rallies from January 16-20th at every Capital building in the United States. You promised to be a shield for all who look to you for protection. This is your world that you created for us to live in. Therefore, it is in faith that we pray this prayer, and we claim the victory in your Holy Name. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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
Dear God, I want to begin this prayer by saying that I love you. Thank you for not letting me drown or be burned up emotionally and spiritually during the many trials and sorrows I experienced in the past year. You have always kept your promise to safely guide me through the valley lows that I have come up against time after time. Please help me to keep my focus on your amazing love and miraculous power instead of my circumstances. I realize that your plans for me are perfect and will prepare me to live with you eternally. Yes, I have asked you for many things during the past year, but this is a prayer of thanksgiving. I commit myself to serve you faithfully and obediently for the remainder of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer that I ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
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 NKJV
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself…. 1 Corinthians 6:19
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16
To believe in God, we must also believe in the Trinity Godhead-God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It appears that the least understood is the third person of the Godhead, who is the Holy Spirit.
We will not take an analytical approach or attempt to dissect the purpose of the Holy Spirit. Our approach to the Holy Spirit is one through total faith, which is a requisite to believe the biblically based definition. Faith facilitates wholehearted acceptance and understanding of the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6. There are mysteries in the scriptures that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend, yet, because we love God and believe in Him, we acknowledge and embrace the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If God said it, then it is the truth!
The Holy Spirit existed before Jesus came to this earth and before the day of Pentecost. In fact, we were promised the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekial 36:26-27
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit to His Disciples
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:15-17
Attributes of the Holy Spirit
And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Isaiah 11:2
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 ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Day of Pentecost
On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!” Acts 2:1-7
From reading Acts chapter 2, verses 1-7, we receive God’s explanation of precisely what “speaking in tongues” is and what it is not, an unknown language.
Serving God requires total faith, or it truly is impossible to please Him. The Plan of Salvation requires that we accept and believe in all of the Bible. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Now that we are aware of who the Holy Spirit is and His purpose, we can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. By praying to be filled, to be guided, and to be comforted by the Holy Spirit we step forward in our faith-based journey. If you have made this commitment: Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 BSB, then you are ready to take your relationship with God to a deeper level.
Accepting Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior requires faith. There are many things that we can imagine are a certain way. However, with faith, either you have it, or you do not. Faith requires constant and consistent human effort, faith is action. We make decisions every day regarding what we will wear, eat, drink, whether to pray or study the Bible. Faith is a choice, and it will take a concerted effort every time we are faced with a challenge to pray and believe that God will bring resolution and victory over all trials and sorrows that we face. “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
Initially, when we begin an exercise program, such as walking every day. We may start with 1-2 blocks or half of the walking course. Even so, as we continue to walk, our body builds strength, stamina, and endurance—our mindset changes as we begin to feel and see the changes in our mind and body. With perseverance, our blocks become miles, and we begin to smile and laugh more because we are proud of our accomplishment.
Spiritually, having faith in God takes us to a higher level in our relationship than we could ever imagine. Human Effort: If we pray and believe that God will always work it out for every challenge we face, then we are exercising our faith. Eventually, when troubles come our way, we have the confidence and reassurance to obey by patiently waiting on God. Divine Intervention: It takes the power of the Trinity Godhead for us to attain spiritual growth.
The inner joy, and peace of mind that we are missing can easily belong to us, if we put forth the effort to build and strengthen our faith!
The Holy Spirit is available to propel us into having a strong, faith-based foundation in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we extend our invitation to the third person of the Trinity to give us the power to be overcomers through Jesus Christ. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
God, we desire to live a faith-based life and with divine purpose. Please forgive us for our sins. We now understand that we cannot exist without the Holy Spirit. God, we pray to be filled, be led, be comforted, and receive knowledge and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. As we worship you on this Sabbath, we know that you can give us a Day of Pentecost experience, and we ask you to do this for your children. Thank you for providing all that we need to live victoriously as overcomers. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Serving God sets us apart from unbelievers. Can others see that you reflect the light of Jesus Christ? So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 ESV. What about your character? But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
Performing good deeds is not the same as accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and living holy and righteous lives. Many philanthropists and those who volunteer to alleviate the suffering of others embrace atheistic and agnostic beliefs. And yes, there are individuals who believe in a higher power outside of themselves. Even so, their faith is not in the “I AM.” They worship idols, angels, imaginary part human and part animal demigods, nature, practice witchcraft and divination, and then there is self-worship.
It is easy to find self-appointed false prophets who convince others they are foretelling the future or speaking to the dead, along with persons who claim to be equal to God. One of the most sinister and rapidly growing cults is the Church of Satan–Satanism, where his followers are pulled in because of greed, which is now known as the “joy of excess.”
Do not be intimidated by Satan! We should acknowledge that the greatest enemy of humanity has evil power. Refer to “The Fall of Man” in Genesis 3. But Satan’s power and deceit can never overshadow the power of God the Almighty. Satan will never have the unlimited ability to do what he would love to do, and that is to destroy every true believer of the Most-High God.
We have a Godhead: God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit who will always limit Satan, yet, provide us with the power against sin if we do our part.
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-18 NLT
Our thoughts, spoken words, demeanor, behaviors, and actions indicate who we are loyal to, God, or Satan. The friends that we hang out with, the places we visit, the management of our time and money, the food we eat, and how we dress should loudly proclaim, “I believe in and serve the only God, the “I Am,” who has completely transformed my life.
Joshua challenged the Nation of Israel, who loved paganism, “But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 NLT
Make it obvious that you serve God, even if it means letting go of relationships. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17.
If it is difficult to know which relationships are beneficial to righteous living, begin the elimination process by asking your friends to be prayer partners and to study the Bible with you. Believing in God and dedicating your life to Him through love, faith, trust, and obedience is required to live a holy and righteous life. Because we are naturally loyal to sin, we need the Godhead to attain spiritual growth and overcome sinful tendencies. And that is why God tells us to separate ourselves from unbelievers. We don’t need additional opposition in our day-to-day lives.
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory
God’s promise of a better life is coming very soon for those who serve Him with their heart, soul, and mind: Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
God, we ask for your divine power as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives. Please reveal to us the people, places, and things we must give up to live righteously. We need your strength to overcome sin. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Do you listen to the radio? Among all forms of media, radio is still the most popular. Invented by Guglielmo Marconi: an Italian inventor, he proved the feasibility of radio communication. Marconi sent and received his first radio signal in Italy in 1895. https://public.wsu.edu/~bryan.mclaughlin/Radio/Who_Invented_Radio.html
Is radio still relevant today? Listener habits have changed, but our love for radio hasn’t. Discover why radio is still popular, outperforming podcasts and TV in the digital era. Across all demographics, Nielsen demonstrates that radio is still the most popular form of media in America. Radio reaches 90% of adults aged 18-34, 94% aged 35-49, and 91% aged 50 and older. That being said, here are our thoughts on why radio is still popular today. https://radio.co/blog/radio-still-popular
As much as we enjoy radio broadcasts that have stood the test of time, there is one element that plagues radio, static interference.
Static is the noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or natural, or man-made electrical disturbances and the electrical disturbances producing this noise. http://www.merriam-webster.com
Yes, static is something that remains entirely above our technological capabilities. Even so, we have adapted and readily expect noise interference to occur at some point during our listening enjoyment.
Daily I pray and ask God to reveal the thoughts and behaviors that prevent me from fulfilling my divine purpose to live righteously. I will share the answer that the Holy Spirit placed in my mind: As Believers, we have too many concerns that have nothing to do with serving God.
Like the radio that will forever be plagued with static interference, we have also placed ourselves in a position to suffer from static. We have allowed people, our day-to-day challenges, and our fluctuating emotions to create ongoing interference. The noise that we allow in our lives stands in the way of our commitment to establish and maintain an unwavering, faith-based relationship with Jesus Christ. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 1 John 3:7
In 2021, reduce the static interference of too many concerns by redirecting your focus. Begin by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Use your Facebook page, TikTok, Instagram, youtube, etc., to help others. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT. If you believe that God helps us to overcome, then share your testimony. Let others know that there is a loving God who can help us gain victory over the static noise in our lives.
Living by the Word of God can only be done by diligently studying the Bible. Remain faithful to Jesus by whispering a prayer throughout your day. Have a meaningful praise and worship session with God at least twice a day. And most importantly, Jesus says, “If you love me keep my commandments.” John 14:15. Without obedience, we fall back into our old habits from a former lifestyle of sin.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
God, we thank you for the ability to develop a strong relationship with you. We desire to eliminate the static interference that prevents us from serving you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Please help us to guard our thoughts and become more aware of the distractions that pull us away from you. Thank you for hearing and answering this prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
As I studied John 15, I received a spiritual recharge compared to a cell phone connected to its charger. Only I did not have to wait for the timely process of being fully charged. Human Effort: For 2021, my mindset is different. The expectation is that I will receive the blessing of total restoration from God. And what a difference that has made in my outlook on life. God does not make us wait, the spiritual recharge happened immediately. Divine Intervention: During prayer, I received the reassurance that Jesus is Lord, and as long as I stay connected, I will experience the never-ending joy and peace that comes from serving God.
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11 NLT
In this chapter of John, Jesus was instructing and encouraging His disciples because of his pending death. We are Jesus’ disciples, and He has given us the answer to possessing constant inner joy: Stay connected to Him through faith, trust, and obedience to God’s commandments. And the reward is: Yes, your joy will overflow!
Staying connected is the only way to be energized with the peace, joy, and reassurance that comes from faithful commitment to Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Lord. Jesus obeyed His Father even unto death. Remain in me, and I will remain you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4. Daily prayer, praise, and study of the Bible indicate our desire to worship and dedicate ourselves to God.
Serving God is a guaranteed mood stabilizer and frees us from the bondage of fear. Doubt, depression, sadness, anxiety, and worry are fruits of fear. We cannot have fear and faith. Staying connected requires faith. Staying connected requires that we expect to receive a spiritual recharge every time we worship God.
In praying, we ask God for many material blessings, begin to ask Him for an increase in faith, and to give you the desire to serve Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. You will receive joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presenting circumstances. We should not be living on empty when we serve the Most-High God. Jesus paid for us with His life. And because of His sacrifice, we can receive spiritual recharges any time of the day or night.
Jesus is the True Vine. It is impossible to succumb to the adversities in this life when we are connected to the vine. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I, in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4
God, we have not done our part in staying connected to you, and for this, we ask forgiveness. Thank you for the gifts of love, joy, and peace. We commit to serving you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
We can agree that the year 2020 brought adversities as we have never experienced before globally. The COVID-19 pandemic not only rates as the most virulent, still, we continue to have growing statistics of disease, death, destruction, and depression impacting nearly every individual and family. We have endured the sorrow of physical death along with the crumbling of a strong economy and further tearing down of our social structure. Shattered dreams add to our loss as we wish for all of this to be over. We desire to make new memories to soothe the emotional pain. Overall we just want better days.
If 2020 left you feeling victimized, then we need to view our adversities through spiritual eyes. The Apostle Paul asked the question: You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Galatians 5:7 NLT
We are the “who” that has held us back from following God’s plan for our lives by becoming discouraged. We removed our spiritual eyeglasses, became distracted by our circumstances, and never looked for them again until we felt the agony of defeat. Yes, COVID-19 hit our world like a continuous tsunami with a domino effect catapulting everything we knew to be stable and strong. Find those eyeglasses and immediately put them on.
Jesus gave us this warning: “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. Even so, with this warning, He also gives us a promise that He has overcome everything that we face, and through Jesus Christ, we are victors, not victims of our circumstances.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT. Although it feels as if we are suffering much more than others, God tells us it simply is not true. Our trials, sorrows, and suffering are universal and experienced to some degree by all. Are we relying on our abilities or praying for God to give us the strength to endure?
There is no shortcut to having a character that reflects the character of Jesus. In our present condition, we are not acceptable to inherit our greatest reward of eternal life. God is intervening on our behalf because: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”… He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Put on the whole armor of God! Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
God has a plan for us: 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
The goal of an Overcomer is to win, and winning does not happen without human effort. God is aware that we would not seek Him consistently. He knew that we would need trials to produce faithful and obedient soldiers that rely entirely on Him in times of plenty and drought.
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NIV
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
God does everything with intent and purpose. Yet, He does not leave us alone to attain spiritual growth. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
We have entered a season of change, which will not end because we are in 2021. Choose the goal to strive for holiness, and live righteously by placing 100% of your trust in God. Like Job during his harshest trial, we must proclaim: But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
All Glory, Laud, and Honor lyrics
All glory, laud, and honor
To thee, Redeemer, King
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring
Thou art the King of Israel
Thou David’s royal Son
Who in the Lord’s name comest
The King and Blessed One
The company of angels
Are praising Thee on high
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply…
Praise and worship God through prayer, and study of His Holy Word.
God, we thank you for allowing us the opportunity to change and achieve spiritual growth. We pray for an increase in faith, trust, obedience, and perseverance. This prayer, we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10
Whatever battles you face in life, God has given you all you need to stand firm.
On the hierarchy of created beings, King David says: What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:4-5. With glory and honor, we are to serve God actively. Our Creator was aware of the struggle we would face against Satan, humanity’s greatest enemy. And that is the reason we have given spiritual armor to fight off Satan’s attacks against us.
Human Effort Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:8-9
What are our weapons? Love, Faith, Trust, Obedience, Prayer, and Studying the Bible.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT
When we diligently study the Bible and pray without ceasing along with unwavering faith, God says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” Isaiah 54:17, first part.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18. Rate your prayer life. There is not one individual who can say that they pray too much.
Divine Intervention Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 NLT
Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19
We are disciples of Jesus Christ! We must claim the victory! Stop believing that you are helpless against our greatest enemy–Satan is the Master Deceiver and the Father of all lies.
Faith propels us to a spiritual level that we would never achieve without putting on the whole armor of God. Fear, doubt, disbelief, anxieties, and worries should never be a part of our mindset. Those are the characteristics of unbelievers who can never overcome or enjoy peace of mind.
Take your rightful place as a soldier in the Army of God. Declare war against every situation that Satan presents. We know how the story ends:
Satan Is Destroyed Forever 7 When the 1,000 years are finished, Satan will be free to leave his prison. 8 He will go out and fool the nations who are over all the world. They are Gog and Magog. He will gather them all together for war. There will be as many as the sand along the sea-shore. 9 They will spread out over the earth and all around the place where God’s people are and around the city that is loved. Fire will come down from God out of heaven and destroy them. Revelation 20:7-9 NLV
God, we confess that we are not putting on the whole armor, which has left us weak and defenseless, and for this, we ask forgiveness. We desire to be soldiers in your Army. We pray for strength as we prepare for Eternal life to live forever with you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
At least once a week, I participate in online surveys. Two questions appear in every survey: Are you influenced by your family and friend’s experiences with a particular product or company? If you were offered a job equal to your current job, would you be proud to work for this company? All companies that expect to thrive in the current economic decline environment are very concerned about their reputation and the consumers’ perception of their business culture.
We can also perform a self-survey. Do other individuals influence your commitment to serve God? What opportunities do you seek out to share your faith by telling of the goodness of God?
God has given us a commission-a work that He considers our duty in serving Him. We must witness to others! Not only does sharing our testimony of spiritual transformation strengthen our relationship with God, witnessing is a faith-building activity that encourages others to include God in their lives.
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20
Read verse 17. Although the disciples were with Jesus and eyewitnesses of His ministry, which included the healing power of physical ailments, casting out demons, and providing food for a multitude, some of the disciples still had doubted the divinity of Christ. What is the road-block that kept them from having 100% faith and trust in Jesus? In verse 18, take notice that Jesus had to remind them that He was the Son of God, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”
Even though we live in times of economic instability, we have total faith in our employers that we will receive our salary, or the supermarket we shop at will always have food for purchase. And certainly, we believe in our abilities. Who doesn’t enjoy completing goals in which we entirely relied on ourselves to accomplish? How many of us think about the gift of God’s grace for a new day of life and the ability to function with mental and physical strength? We receive many blessings that God lovingly provides, yet, our doubt is targeted at Jesus, the Son of God who sacrificed his life for our salvation.
1. Taking the Giant Leap of Faith-serving God is a spiritual decision and requires an unwavering faith-wholehearted belief that God will do exactly as He says he will do. But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
2. Self-forgiveness and God’s forgiveness-Forgiveness is often an area of intense struggle. Perhaps we have hurt others who will never accept forgiveness because they refuse to interact with us. Even so, we can always pray and ask God to forgive us, and then we must forgive ourselves and move forward in the power of Jesus’ name. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19
3. Human Effort-Serving God always requires action on our part. We must put forth the determination to fulfill our role in the Plan of Salvation. …and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open, and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.…2 Chronicles 7:14-15
4. Remaining Motivated-Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior brings many low in the valley experiences. 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. Trusting in Jesus provides us with the confidence to enjoy the sweet peace and comfort from knowing that God will bring us through victoriously.
5. Perseverance-Never become weary in serving God. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. The plans that our Heavenly Father has for His faithful children end with living in a perfect New Heaven and New Earth.
Many are fearful of sharing their testimonies with others. How has your life changed since accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? As unique as our fingerprints, so are our testimonies of the transforming power of Jesus that has touched our lives.
Sharing our testimony is essential for spiritual growth. When the Apostle Paul was before King Agrippa, he testified of his conversion from Saul to Paul.
“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. Acts 9:5-6
The Apostle Paul always shared the powerful story of his spiritual transformation with unbelievers. When we can tell our personal experience of how God has transformed our lives by accepting us, usually at our lowest point, then our testimony proves that God is real. And that He is waiting for each and everyone to come to him.
Our spiritual eyes must be fully open before we can tell others about Jesus Christ. We must possess a firm foundation of belief, trust, and faith in God. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance when testifying of your deliverance from sin. For example, if you have a history of child molestation, most individuals do not need the intimate details of the suffering you experienced. Your focus is to bring glory to God and how He provided deliverance by giving you complete mental and emotional healing.
From my experience, I have been told many deep, dark secrets while witnessing. Because there are many atrocities that I have never suffered, I often share the story of the Apostle Paul’s transformation. Read Acts chapter 9. Saul had a thirst to seek and kill Christians who believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ. And the worst part is that Saul thought he was doing this under the cloak of religion. Because of his level of wickedness, God physically blinded him, and for three days and nights, he did not eat or drink. But, our God always brings a victorious end. God not only took away Saul’s desire to kill, to complete his spiritual transformation, but God also changed his name from Saul to Paul. Hallelujah!
Do not be discouraged if the person you are sharing God’s love with does not accept God. If they have taken the time to listen to your testimony, then their heart is open to change. The Holy Spirit will minister to them as they reflect on the words of truth they have heard. It is not only spoken words that convey our relationship with God. We may never know the burdens that lift from the persons to whom we said a joyful “Good Morning,” or performing a kind deed when it was least expected. Our smiles and cheerful disposition are an outward reflection that we have the inner joy that comes only from serving God.
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, we can use social media for witnessing. It has been a rough and turbulent ride in 2020. Pray and ask God to reveal the opportunities to share your faith with or without words. Your relationship will continue to grow deeper with God, and your faith will strengthen. In a world filled with hopelessness, we must proclaim that we serve a mighty and loving God who delivers us. God is always faithful! Despite our trials and sorrows, like Job, we can proclaim, But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
God, we thank you for the Sabbath. We ask in your name to grant us the holy boldness to tell of your great love and plan of salvation to others. Please fill our hearts with compassion and the desire to serve you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
What is your first thought when you hear the word surrender? Many think of giving up or defeat. After-all the dictionary definition is: to cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority. And yes, in the case of interaction with an adversary, the dictionary definition accurately describes the situation.
“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 NLT
Take my Hand
Surrender takes on a totally different meaning when God is involved. When the storms of life have beat us down, and we feel as if we cannot deal with another problem, if we allow ourselves to surrender to Jesus Christ, He takes the impossible and performs miracles. Surrendering is asking Jesus to be a part of our lives by confession and repentance of our sins. Having a relationship with God is not complex, nor is it complicated. The spiritual component in humanity and the seed of faith that God has given to everyone automatically connects to God when we commit to serving Him.
We do not have to understand or attempt to analyze the peace and inner joy we receive from serving God. It is in the midst of our raging storms of trials and sorrows that all we have to do is say, “God, help me.” And the hands of Jesus reach out, and the spiritual bonding begins as our hearts start to calm down from the reassurance that we are no longer alone to bear our burdens.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
With our Heavenly Father, defeat or the feelings of being overwhelmed are part of our past. We decided not to ever surrender to our harsh trials and tribulations again. Feeling empowered and victorious is the outcome of giving ourselves to the only One who can tell our storms, Peace, be still! Who else would know exactly what we need when we need it? Never forget who you belong to: Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us… Genesis 1:26
Make your life complete by surrendering to God. It takes human effort to nurture the seed of faith. By believing, trusting, and obeying God in all circumstances will guarantee that you will never be defeated again.
God, we are ready to surrender to you. We confess and ask forgiveness of our sins. We commit to love and serve you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds from this day forward. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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