As I looked at this spectacular, and most beautiful sunset photo taken by one of Brevard County’s nature photographers, the Sun radiates the Light of Christ, and reveals His overwhelming love for humanity.
Only from Agape love can a heavenly star exist that rises and sets in obedience to its Creator. The Sun is both Perfect Beauty and Multifunctional providing the light, heat, and energy necessary for every living creation to thrive.
“The Sun’s primary function is to radiate light and heat, providing the energy that fuels life on Earth. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which are essential for the food chain and the production of oxygen. Without the Sun’s energy, Earth would be too cold to support life.”
Jesus, our Triumphant King, we thank You for loving us. We bow to Your Excellence, and we praise Your Holy Name. Lord, bless us with wisdom, strength, and peace as we celebrate the Sabbath. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to enter into Your rest every week. Amen and Amen.
Many Believers complain that God does not answer their prayers. Is there anything within your heart that has hindered your prayers?
Our hearts must be filled with love, compassion, a spirit of forgiveness, and a covenant of obedience before we approach God with requests.
Since we cannot judge ourselves, the safest action is to always confess and repent of our sins whether known or unknown.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within Me” (Psalm 51:10).
Lord God, we ask you to search our hearts and to reveal all sinful desires and negative emotions which separate us from You. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. For 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).
When we love God more than ourselves, through daily prayer, we seek His plans. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength of Jesus Christ as we strive to live righteously. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to stay on the Path of Righteousness.
Because of Jesus’ sacrificial gift of His Divine life, we have the option to receive Eternal Life. Without a daily spiritual commitment, our minds become desensitized to sin, and we live a compromised life. Rely on Christ and He will transform your mind, character, and personality into His likeness.
The King Is Coming! Prepare, Pray, Obey, and Persevere.
Lord God, we pray for the desire to live a life that represents Your Divine love and Righteousness. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Teach us how to live holy as we prepare for your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Bank and Credit Card companies often compete for customers by offering perks and rewards. But the low interest rates, and rewards exclude those with a less than desirable credit history.
When we face difficulties that human effort cannot resolve, how do we respond? Either we put our faith and trust in God’s Sovereignty, Power, Promises, or because of a history of relying on ourselves, we exclude God as if He is a risk.
Yet, excluding God by attempting to resolve the issue places us in a high risk situation. Not only are human solutions unreliable, trusting in ourselves diminishes our faith and trust in God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Steadfast faith is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Christ. When facing adversity, although not expressed in spoken words, excluding God reveals our true feelings, “I do not trust God.” Self-Reliance is a bitter fruit of pride.
The proud heart always rejects God. Serving God requires a heart filled with reverence and humility. “If we come to God feeling as helpless and dependent as we really are” with childlike faith and trust, by asking for our Father’s Divine help, we will receive victory over every situation.
“Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:10 -11).
God revealed His Omnipotence when Job questioned God as to why he had to endure the extreme suffering in his life. Yes, Job lived sinless, but trials are part of every believer’s life. Job repented for his haughty attitude against the Most-High God, and God blessed him with double the amount he previously possessed.
Throughout the Psalms, David, a mighty warrior, cried out to God, not because he was weak, but because he knew that God is a Loving Father, and human reasoning and ability does not compare to God’s Supreme Omniscience.
“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). Everyday we have the opportunity to pray and thank God for His amazing love, grace, and mercies. Only trust Him, and you will enjoy the blessings of peace.
Lord God, we confess that our faith is weak. We desperately need Your help in our journey of life. We ask for Your Divine Intervention in the struggles we face. Give us wisdom and the strength to persevere. Thank You for never leaving us alone. In the Righteous Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
“Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.”
Every day, we receive God’s love, grace, and countless mercies, especially for the forgiveness of our transgressions, yet, we are often harsh and unforgiving with those who offend us. When God’s love reigns in our heart, we forgive easily because we are forgiven.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). If our facial expressions are pleasant, and we easily smile then it is easy to speak encouraging words.
Maintain a heart filled with forgiveness by never allowing your emotions to override your love for God and others. The Jewish leaders despised Christ, yet, He always answered with words of wisdom, using a parables, and the Scriptures.
Regardless of how programs like “The Chosen” portray Jesus, the Scriptures reveal that He never spoke in harsh tones. Even when unkind, angry words are directed at us, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to others. We choose to nurture a spirit of humility by not retaliating.
Satan uses people to disturb our peace in an attempt to make us react negatively with emotions, which reveals the lack of discipline and self-control. When facing the conflict of contentious words, whisper a prayer, and remain silent. If we must reply, then simply say, “Jesus loves you,” and walk away, or end the call.
Not only should our words be spoken with a pleasant voice, breathe a prayer before sending text messages. Texting poses challenges because written words are often misunderstood, we never know how the recipient is going to perceive our message.
[Disclaimer: This Devotional is not advocating for one to remain in an abusive relationship.]
Staying close to God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our status of sons and daughters of God. We will face fiery trials and spiritual warfare in various ways. Satan’s goal is always to disturb our gifts of internal peace and joy. With the strength of Christ, we can overcome every situation. Study Ephesians 6.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to experience the spiritual growth and transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. The human effort of exercising patience and self-discipline in troublesome situations reveals our cooperation with the Holy Spirit to develop a righteous character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Fruit of the Spirit represents the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, the Christian journey involves suffering, still, if we speak encouraging words, we fulfill our part in cultivating a righteous character.
“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1).
“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings.”
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).
At first, speaking only positive, and encouraging words requires much effort, yet if we persevere, the Holy Spirit softens our inherited, hardened hearts, and we begin to perceive life with a spirit of love and gratitude.
One day soon, we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth where love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and love-infused words will permeate the atmosphere. We should look forward to that Great Day!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Encouraging words always bless the giver and receiver. Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we pray to have a spirit of love, compassion, and self-control as reflected by our words. Please help us to love others as you love them. We pray for the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through the eyes of Christ. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Christian journey is a tough battle that requires the human effort of possessing and exercising the righteous characteristics of humility, surrender, faith in God, and the willingness to bow to God’s Sovereign Authority.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
We believe that Jesus Christ is who He says He is: Our Provider, Protector, and Peace-Giver. Much prayer is required to receive God’s Power and His Peace.
Once or twice-a-day prayers are no longer enough to live as Victorious Overcomers in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3). We must stay connected to Christ by whispering prayers throughout our day.
Prayer is our greatest weapon against Satan, our enemy. Dependency on God is the only way to remain faithful and steadfast in a world filled with the temptations of pleasure and prosperity.
Obedience is a worship, and acknowledges our love and reverence to God’s Sovereignty. Obedience reveals that our hearts are pure, and filled with love for God.
To obey is the only way, the Holy Spirit can give us the continuous spiritual guidance, wisdom, and strength to overcome the darkness of spiritual warfare.
Perseverance is to push forward in the strength of Jesus Christ. We may not be able to see beyond the given moment, and feel as if we have exhausted our mental, emotional, and physical strength, still, in those times, we pray a child’s prayer, Jesus, I need Your help.”
Never forget that God is Eternal! God is the definition of Eternity Past, Present, and Future. Every aspect of our lives He knows. In the power of His might, we must keep moving forward even if it’s baby steps.
Live for today: Study Matthew 6
Only trust Him, and one day, we will behold Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King in the clouds in all of His Divine Majesty and Glory. We have this hope, this earthly life is temporary, and our Lord and Savior is coming soon to take the righteous to their forever home. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we ask for your Divine help. We need the strength to persevere in our journey. We are renewing our covenant to faithfully seek and obey Your will, and plans. We ask you to bless us with peace and the strength to keep moving forward. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Recently I watched four Instagram reels on disobeying God, but the word Disobedience was skillfully avoided in the presentations. It is better for us to know the Plain Truth than to lose our reward of Eternal life because we never obeyed God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot depend on social media, sermons, and podcasts to save our souls.
Worship God everyday through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to understand the depth of God’s Transforming Word.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Jesus is our perfect example of obedience to God. In The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “…nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done.”
Our Savior’s death on Calvary’s Cross reveals that He loved God, the Father more than He loved Himself. Obedience to God in every aspect of our lives reveals that our hearts are converted, and filled with more love for God than for ourselves.
If we willingly obey our employer’s policies because we are rewarded with keeping our jobs and receiving our salary, how much more emphasis should we place on our destiny of eternal life?
Disobedience to God’s Sovereign Authority always brings devastating consequences to our lives. Not only do we lose our desire to please God, but we pray calculated prayers filled with request for blessings instead of praying for Spiritual transformation.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). From studying the Book of Revelation, we know this Earth is our temporary home. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to be content with His blessings.
Why are we chasing the raggedy things of this Earth, and entering into relationships with individuals who do not desire the Forever reward Jesus has promised us?
Eternal Life Is the Reward for Faithful Obedience to God
The only thing we can take with us to Heaven is a “Righteous character” that must be developed in our earthly lives through daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God. We honor and reverence God through the worship of obedience to His plans for us.
From our daily prayer of submission to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, and our Mediator, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our unrighteous minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
The spiritual journey is a tumultuous experience, yet, if we seek God’s will, and willingly obey His directives, day by day, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
We are never alone in our walk with Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to give us Christ’s Supernatural Strength to overcome the internal conflict of pursuing our desires, and the external opposition of temptations.
Proclaim out loud everyday, “I am going to heaven!” Amen!
For the faithful, Jesus is waiting to reward us with our golden crowns, and Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah and Amen!
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we as forgiveness for disobedience, and pray to have a heart that loves You, filled with steadfast faith and obedience. We ask you to reveal the behaviors and habits that prevent us from being aligned with Your perfect will and plans. It is our desire to receive Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Life may be tough, but for the faithful and obedient believers, we are preparing every day for the blessed return of our Triumphant King.
The reward of forever establishes our priorities: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).
Jesus, we thank You for redeeming us from the penalty of sin. We ask for strength, guidance, wisdom, and discernment in our earthly journey. In Your Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Jesus’ Answer: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” -John 14:1-3
Because Adam and Eve rejected God’s command, the domino effect of sin has intensified to almost unbearable in the 6,000 years of humanity’s existence on the planet Earth. The calamities of wars, disease, death, violence, natural disasters, homelessness, hunger, and hatred are the result of the evil one [Satan].
“Everything under heaven is Mine.” -Job 41:11
No, God does not intervene to save us from the consequences of humanity using our free will to reject His perfect decisions and plans, but we are suffering greatly from following human wisdom, and giving into our desires, and the enemy’s temptations. When will we tire of sin and its results?
Still our God is Love! The Holy Scriptures provide the answer to receiving the Divine Help and Strength to live holy in an unholy world.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” -John 14:15-17
Everyday, from the moment we awaken, if we choose to follow Christ, we have access to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who gives us the wisdom and strength to overcome every obstacle and temptation.
Through a daily prayer of surrender, we make the covenant promise to serve our King with faithful obedience. As Christ’s disciples, we obey and fulfill God’s plans because we dedicate ourselves with love, loyalty, and allegiance to God’s Sovereignty.
Rejecting our heart’s desires is a tough battle, but obedience to God is a righteous characteristic that distinguishes the True believers who worship God in Spirit and Truth from ritualistic believers.
Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear that He expects us to worship Him with total obedience. Because God is Sovereign, His Providential Authority must be revered without asking why. Obedience is the only choice that keeps us in perfect alignment with God’s Perfect thoughts and ways.
At some point, we must reflect on the rapid decline of all morals and values, and the escalating chaos permeating our societies, and global nations. Not only are these times perilous [2 Timothy 3], but this present Earth has nothing to offer the righteous believer.
The only “why” question we should ask God, “Lord, why have you waited so long to rescue us from this sin and degradation?”
“The Lord is not slow in fulfilling His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
If we remain faithful, when Christ comes, He will reward us with eternal life, [and a mansion], in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!
Bible Study: Revelation 21-22
Lord God, we thank You for the gift of Jesus, Your only Son who willingly sacrificed His life for us. We ask You to guide, protect, and correct us, so we will stay on the Path of Righteousness. Lord, if it is not your will, we ask you to speak to our hearts, and give us the strength to stand down our internal desires, and to walk away from all temptations. We ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of your Son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.