God loves us – Page 13 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jesus Is Coming – Get Involved

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional July 28, 2024

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right [contrite] spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

Our faith is the spiritual conduit that links us to Christ who covers us with His Righteousness. Like King David, we pray, asking God to search our hearts for any wicked thing and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God’s gift of Redemption includes the washing away of all sin, past and present completed by Jesus ‘ blood sacrifice on Calvary.

We are covered by an all-inclusive plan of salvation. Yes, without “respecter of person,” everyone who calls on the Lord Jesus to confess and repent their sins has the assurance they are forgiven for their transgressions. From daily surrender, we receive the outpouring of Jesus’ love, strength, direction, and protection for the given day.

“Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].” —1 Peter 4:10, Amplified Bible

To be a follower of Christ requires commitment to living a sacrificial life of self-denial. “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). The prophet Isaiah reflects the chosen who are anointed and received [from Christ] the spiritual gifts and talents to reflect the love of God and to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). For those who serve God in humility, the Holy Spirit not only reveals our Chosen path and guides us daily to fulfill God’s will and plans, but we also receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to learn the things we do not know.

Isaiah Chosen to be a Prophet: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory.’ ” —Isaiah 6:1-3

Every Believer’s Innate Condition of the Heart: “So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” — Isaiah 6:5

Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Intercessor’s Divine Intervention of Washing Away Our Sins: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” — Isaiah 6:6-7

Isaiah realized the wretchedness of his human heart and he immediately confessed his plight of being a sinful man. The angel was not self-directed in placing the coal on Isaiah’s lips to cleanse the prophet from all sin and unrighteousness. Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King and the Commander of Angel armies gave the Divine order to the seraphim. Only Christ, our High Priest and Heavenly Intercessor can forgive us of our sins.

Do we possess Isaiah’s humility as demonstrated by prayers of daily confession and repentance?

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:14-16

Through prayer, fasting, and spiritual meditation, we invite King Jesus in all His Majesty and Glory into our lives. Our only acceptable worship is faithful obedience. Like Isaiah, when we accept our sinful condition, we acknowledge the merciful privilege given to mortals to be in the presence of a Holy and Righteous God. Our only acceptable response to a Sovereign and Righteous God is to bow ourselves in humility and surrender daily with the commitment to faithfully obey our King of kings.

Who Will Go? “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’ ” —Isaiah 6:8

Once we have surrendered ourselves to the service of God, we abide in Christ by seeking His will in all aspects of daily living. Jesus’ strength and wisdom is imparted by the Holy Spirit to the righteous, obedient believer who possesses the humility, love, patience, and the desire to be a true follower of Christ. Although we are blessed with various spiritual gifts, our primary role is one of a disciple with the spiritual assignment to Obey and Go!

God has blessed us with the advancement of technology to minister globally to a world in darkness. Still a crucial part of our ministry should be face-to-face witnessing which many Christian believers intentionally avoid. Unless our physical condition places us on a homebound status where we are unable to leave our dwelling, we should use every opportunity to tell someone by direct contact “Jesus loves you, have a blessed day!”

” ‘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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” —Proverbs 3:5-7

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” —Proverbs 14:12

As believers, God has forewarned us of the dangers of following our own inclinations. With prayer and deep reflection on the Holy Words of God, we know whether or not we are traveling on the Chosen path designated by Christ. The decision to follow Jesus is not one of compromise. We cease listening to our wayward hearts that provoke us to disobey God and suffer sin’s consequences. True discipleship is praying for God’s will and thinking, speaking, and carrying out His commands.

The Chosen Twelve: Jesus’ disciples were unlearned men from various walks of life who had unloving and rowdy characters. These men constantly argued among themselves of who would be the greatest in his kingdom, were selfish, prejudiced, disliked children, and faithless. Still with all of their faults, they obeyed Christ’s every command. Their reverence, honor, and respect for Christ was revealed through obedience which they did even before they loved Jesus and acknowledged He was the Son of God.

“Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ ” —Luke 11:1

Spiritual growth, maturity, and transformation occur on a daily basis when we strive to obey Christ as he obeyed God, His Father. In their daily interactions with Jesus, His disciples finally acknowledged within their hearts that He was the Son of God. And we know this because they asked Christ to teach them how to pray, and at that moment, the Holy Spirit began their transformation.

“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—John 14:15-16

From beholding Jesus’ loving and righteous character, the stony, rebellious hearts of 11 of the 12 disciples softened from the powerful influence of Agape love. Yes, eleven of Jesus’ original disciples were transformed into steadfast, faithful, and obedient apostles who possessed the character of Christ. Not only will they receive their Crown of Life, but Jesus also promised, “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14).

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

To receive Revelation 22:12 is not easily obtained. Good people do not go to heaven. The righteous who decided to live a sacrificial and obedient life fueled by their faith give reverence and adoration to Jesus by abiding in Him. Yes the true disciples worship God in Spirit and Truth and allow the Holy Spirit to change and mold their minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.

It is the remnant who obey Christ even if it means loss of material goods, family, and friends who desire to be a servant of Christ. The sacrificial life of self-denial and obedience to God places us on the Narrow Path. Very few Christians follow the path of servitude required to receive eternal life.

Whether we are on the narrow or wide path is displayed by our mindset and lifestyle. Every morning the believers who have wholly consecrated themselves to Christ pray and ask for His will to be revealed. Jesus tells us that we must obey His commandments to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

The life of the faithful few who entered the narrow gate and walk daily on the Narrow Path of Righteousness live an earthly life filled with suffering. Not only are we working out our salvation, but we also cooperate with the Holy Spirit to have the Fruit of the Spirit which identifies us as true disciples of Christ.

Our love, honor, and reverence for Christ are demonstrated in our desire to “Go!” and witness that Jesus is our Savior, through daily consecration, surrender, and faithful obedience. Yes, deep within our hearts, we live with the joyful expectancy of, Jesus, I will see you soon!

“To him who overcomes shall receive the Crown of Life.” —Revelation 3:11

Lord God, we desire to live a consecrated and holy life of faithful obedience and witnessing to others. Lord, we desire to receive the reward that is given to those who can proclaim, God, I have finished the work You have given to me. In Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name. Amen.

© 2018 no_foreign_lands (Used with permission)

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Worship Music

Trust Is Our Key to Victory

Sabbath Peace and Blessings – Our Victorious Daily Walk with Christ

Is your Faith compass pointed in the right direction? There are only two points on a Spiritual Compass. Either our faith is steadfast and dependent 100% on God or displaced indicating we trust our [limited abilities], or even worse, trusting someone else. Redirecting our faith in God results in living victoriously—never suffering consequences or wondering whether or not the outcome will be conducive only occurs when we fully trust God.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for the invitation to come boldly to Your Throne of Grace so we may receive help in our time of need. As we honor and worship You on this Holy Sabbath, we pray for a blessing of strength, wisdom, and discernment. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Witnessing To Others Through Love

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 25, 2024

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35

God is Love. From receiving God’s gift of the loving mercies of a new day, will we witness Christ’s lovingkindness? Will we radiate love, the true sign of heart conversion? Love produces love. We love Jesus and His perfect love reveals itself through His Righteous characteristics. We see others through spiritual eyes, empowering us to shower Agape love even to our enemies.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” —1 Peter 4:8

A converted heart is a loving heart. We love others because Christ loves us. Our gratitude for the Plan of Redemption is the catalyst for loving God, others, and ourselves. Because we love, adore, and revere Christ, as His faithful disciples, we display His love in our behaviors, spoken words, and daily interaction with others. Yes, we are redeemed by His precious blood. Hearts overflowing with joy and peace are evident through our smiles, spoken words, and acts of kindness.

“And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” —2 John 1:5-6

“John speaks of a true love of believers for one another because of the truth we all share. Sharing in this truth engenders love for one another, especially the ‘sincere love’ made possible by obedience to the truth.”

My mother has lived in a small town in Texas for almost 50 years where a Christian university is located. In the 1980s, she cooked dinner for my brother’s university friends for 10 years. In 2010, following a church service [in Orlando, Florida], a man approached me [who I recognized from his college days] and recalled the unselfishness of my dear mother. He relayed that “Mom Johnson’s” love and kindness through the gift of much-needed delicious food impacted his life to always give to others.

Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself: Jesus died for all! With this thought constantly in the forefront, our love overflows with Jesus’ Living Waters. Each day, we plant a seed of Agape love by saying, Good Morning, Have a blessed day, Jesus loves you, or It’s a beautiful day. Every believer has the spiritual assignment as Christ’s representative to demonstrate to a world almost devoid of love that true love does exist.

Yesterday in the supermarket, a young mother with three boys, one a baby in her arms, wore the facial appearance of fatigue. I began the conversation by asking how many weeks old the baby was, she smiled, and we chatted for five minutes. When I approached the checkout, the oldest son said, Hi followed by his middle brother who also greeted me with a smile, and a shy, Hi. I asked their names and ages. This morning, I prayed for God to give her strength in the daily routine of raising her sons.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7

True Religion is not only having a steadfast and loving relationship with Jesus Christ, we represent Christ’s Righteous Character. Heart conversion is living a life of servitude and providing encouragement as our Savior did throughout His earthly life. Our minds, characters, and personalities should reveal that we serve a living Savior who loves all. Yes, they will know that we are Christians [who abide in Christ] by our love.

Prayer: Lord God, we ask you to fill our hearts with the desire to love as You love. Open our eyes so we may always discern the opportunities to reveal that Your Holy Name is Love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

The Assurance of God’s Help

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 23, 2024

We were not created to stand alone, figure it out, or rely on our intuition. Nor do we ever have to suffer from the consequences of misguided decisions. Yes, the life of God’s righteous ones is filled with faith tests, temptations, and tribulations, but we should never feel desperate. Divine Help is God’s Promise! “I will never leave you nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5). “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20).

Pray in faith, thank God for His Divine Love and Intervention, and wait. Time is insignificant to God. While waiting, wait in joyful anticipation for your victorious outcome. Just have faith! While waiting on God, when feeling feeble, anxious, or unsure, pray, open your Bible, and refer to Isaiah 40 for a reminder of who God He is. He is Holy, Holy, Holy! Worship God by Giving Him the Utmost Gift of Reverence: Surrender and Faithful Obedience. Amen.

God Declares His Sovereignty Over this Earth and Its Inhabitants

“To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?” Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (Verses 18, 21-22)

” ‘To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One. “Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things…” (Verses 25-26)

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Verses 28-31)

Prayer: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.”

The Universe Represents the Majesty and Glory of Your Holy Name
[Satellite picture of the planet Earth]

The Promised Gift of Daily Bread

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 22, 2024

“Give us this day our daily bread.” —Matthew 6:11

This morning when we awakened to the mercies of a new day, God had already proven His amazing love. Yet, He continues to shower us with loving-kindness by reassuring us, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” —Matthew 6:30

God’s promises are steadfast because He never changes, yet all of his promises are conditional. And the condition to receive His blessings is not above and beyond our capabilities. Christ gives everyone a measure of faith which He expects us to use by believing in Him. As we pray in faith for what we need, we also thank Him for answering our requests in the same prayer.

Christ knows we need Him, therefore, He soothes our souls by promising to supply our needs for the given day. Letting go of self-reliance is the only way to enjoy His gifts of peace and joy. We are never alone. We have a Loving Father who promises to care for us in every situation. Jesus, our Shepherd, waits for our prayers to invite Him into the routine activities of our daily lives. If we possess the gift of faith and believe in His love and sovereign power, why do we struggle when facing adversity?

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33

Prayer is our lifeline to heaven. Humanity is God’s priority. Not only did we receive the gift of Jesus, but we also have the promise if we dedicate ourselves fully to Christ, we will receive the reward of eternal life. From birth, until we close our eyes in sleep, we have guardian angels who protect us from unseen and seen dangers. Express your love by talking to Jesus throughout your day.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ” —Matthew 22:37

We know God is love, but His love must be reciprocated. Can you imagine being in a relationship or marriage where you love the individual but you are not loved? Often, we take our lives for granted by awakening every morning without a thought to pray and whisper abundant words of gratitude to our Loving Heavenly Father. Redirecting our focus to God is an easy fix. Establish a new habit of proclaiming, “Thank you, God, I love You” as soon as you awaken every morning. In return for everything we have been given, it is only fitting that we express our love for Christ through our words of gratitude.

“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:22-26

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Lord God, we thank you God for this new day of life. Thank you for Your faithfulness. We believe in Your promises to take care of us. Thank You for loving us. Jesus, we love You and thank You for Your unfailing love, compassion, and mercies. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Choose the Eternal

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 19, 2024

“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’ ” —Exodus 1:22, NIV

The story of Moses’ life is proof of God’s Divine Love and Sovereign Power. Despite the obstacles of oppression, enslavement, and Pharoah’s decree to put all of the Israelites’ newborn sons to death, no human defiance or satanic power can stop God’s Divine plans from coming to fruition.

The Giant Leap of Faith—Making Courageous Decisions

“Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” —Exodus 2:1-4

Moses’ mother and young sister demonstrated great faith and courage by hiding him for three months and then taking the baby [God’s chosen one] to initiate God’s Divine plan for Moses’ life. “Ancient Egypt was rich in natural resources, including the Nile River, which provided fertile land and a major route for travel and communication.” God intervened by not allowing the river’s natural current to dislodge the small basket from the reeds on the bank nor did other travelers notice the basket or hear the baby’s cries.

God’s Plan is Revealed

“Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. ‘This is one of the Hebrew babies,’ she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?’ ‘Yes, go,’ she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.’ So the woman took the baby and nursed him.” —Exodus 2:5-9, NIV

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11

How is it possible for us not to trust God? Not only did God spare Moses from a certain death, but Moses’ mother was paid by Pharoah’s daughter to nurse and care for her own son. As the story progresses, Moses is returned to Pharoah’s daughter, raised in the palace, and enjoys the status of a prince.

Although his life was overflowing with tangible wealth and princely power, Moses embraced his mother’s teachings of the One and Only God and his Hebrew heritage. As he grew into manhood, Moses faced the test of every Christian, to choose God or the world’s wealth and status.

“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand” (Exodus 2:11-12, NIV).

“The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, ‘Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?’ The man said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid and thought, ‘What I did must have become known.’ ” —Exodus 2:13-14

God proclaims that everything done in secret will eventually be revealed. Moses’s decision to take another person’s life was revealed, exposing him as a murderer. The ancient Egyptians valued the sanctity of life unless self-defense was proven and accepted by the judges, the punishment for murder was the death penalty.

God revealed His great love and mercy by allowing Moses to escape for his life. Even in his wrongdoing, God did not forsake Moses who fled to Midian, married, and lived with his wife and father-in-law. While Moses was enjoying his new life, the Israelites remained enslaved and severely oppressed under the rule of a new Pharaoh.

God Calls Moses: “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’ ‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ “The Lord said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering..’ ” —Exodus 3:5-7

God Reveals Moses’ Commission: “And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” —Exodus 3:9-10

Moses’ Insolent Response to God: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ ” —Exodus 3:11

God’s Promise of Protection and Source of Strength: “And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’ ” —Exodus 3:12

Moses’ Character Flaw: Moses’ inability to control his anger propelled him to kill the Egyptian. Sadly his anger would surface again—in an emotional outburst, he broke the original stones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. Moses allowed himself to become agitated due to the Israelite’s incessant complaining. Many years later, another temperamental episode prevented him from receiving the reward of entering Caanan, the Promised Land.

In anger to the people’s complaints of not having water, Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to the rock. The people who God loved and emancipated still disobeyed by participating in Egyptian pagan worship. Because God worked miracles through Moses, the Israelites regarded Moses as a god instead of giving reverence to the True and Living God. God’s command for Moses to speak to the rock had a spiritual purpose, to reveal God’s Sovereign power to the Nation of Israel.

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). With hearts filled with gratitude, we thank God that His love and mercies still extend to fallen humanity despite our character flaws and continuous disobedience. Christ is still knocking on the door of our hearts to send us to witness and complete the work on this earth.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”—Matthew 22:14

Christ appointed and anointed twelve disciples to be apostles, yet, there are six times in the Scriptures that Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to go with Him to various places including the Mount of Transfiguration: “After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light…” (Matthew 17:1-2).

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” —John 15:16

Are you one of the Chosen? Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you and revealed that Christ has chosen you to do a great work for God? Yes, deep within your heart, you cannot deny it, you have heard Christ’s call saying “Follow Me.” God has set you apart as His disciple to exalt Him and to witness His saving power of salvation. But your love and loyalty to God wavers because of the familiar ties to family and friends, your church membership, or your current lifestyle choices.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ ” — Luke 9:23

To take up our cross daily and to follow Christ is to surrender oneself every day in faithful obedience. Our sacrificial offering of love, loyalty, faithful surrender, and obedience is required of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The commitment to give the rest of our lives in service to God is the life of all chosen disciples of Christ. What is the one thing [belief, tradition, habit, or person] preventing you from wholly surrendering to God?

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” —Philippians 3:8

As the apostle Paul testifies, the one chosen for a definitive ministry will suffer many earthly losses. To align ourselves with God’s goal to give us eternal life, we must give up our desires and dreams for God’s service. Daily we approach God in prayer with the humility and obedience of a child to hear His will and perfect plans to guide us in our ministry to others. A life of sacrificial self-denial is one of continual testing of our faith, love, and loyalty.

“We need a spirit of love and of true dependence upon God. When we have implicit faith in Him who is Truth, we shall realize that worry and anxiety are unnecessary.” Sharing the Vision, EGW

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:12-14, NKJV

Christ is no respecter of persons, His loving call to accept Him as our personal Savior is poured out to all humanity. After we say yes, to Christ, our responsibility is to witness in our communities, share our testimonies, and help those in need. To demonstrate the love, compassion, and saving power of Jesus Christ is the responsibility of every Christian believer.

Still, as the Apostles Peter, James, John, and Paul were set apart for assigned ministries, the chosen few were selected to walk side by side with Christ to prepare them and receive strength for a heavier burden in their earthly lives. As we study the books of the Bible written by Paul, Peter, James, and John [the Revelator], we are reminded that our lives are not our own when we agree to fulfill our Christ-appointed ministry.

To The Chosen, you can’t run from it, you can’t hide from it, you were anointed and appointed before the foundation of this world! Choose the Eternal! Amen.

Lord God, we ask You to reveal Your will and plans. We know that You have chosen us and like Jonah, many of us have run from our spiritual assignments. We ask for the anointing of wisdom and spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit. Speak to us that we can serve You faithfully in humility and obedience. In Jesus’ Worthy and Righteous Name, Amen.

Watch and Be Ready!

Our Daily Walk with Christ – July 16th, 2024

No One Knows the Day or Hour

“But of that day and hour no one knows,
not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,
but only the Father! Take heed, watch and
pray; for you do not know when the time is.
…in the evening, at midnight…coming
suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what
I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’ ”
Mark 13:32-33, 36-37

STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

God’s Greatest Investment—The Creation of Humanity

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 30, 2024

Investment: “the action or process of investing money for profit or material result.” Asking most individuals to share their viewpoints on investing and almost all will give similar answers by focusing on the financial arena. Our world revolves around generating profits from ever-increasing corporate and personal investment portfolios.

Investment: (Definition #2): “an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.” Two appropriate definitions of investing, although both have expectations of gaining, financial investments involve risks including total loss beyond the investor’s control.

Yes, God knew there would be a great human loss from Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience, but still, He chose to create us. Jesus clarifies that He would have died even if only one human being was saved [Luke 15]. The creation of humanity and the gift of Jesus for our redemption was a Spiritual Package revealing God’s Greatest Investment!

Although legions of angels—heavenly messengers exist in a perfect, sinless atmosphere of love and Jesus Christ is their Commander, angels do not have free will of choice, they hear and fulfill their duties with faithful obedience which was Lucifer’s complaint. Once cast out, his mission remains to defame God’s Character and to turn us against our Loving, Heavenly Father.

God’s Investment: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image…’ “…Then God blessed them…” —Genesis 1:24, 28

Christ’s Investment: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” —Genesis 2:7

We can only imagine the awestruck angels who watched Jesus lovingly bend down, pick up dust [clay, mud] into His hands creating Adam in His image, and breathing life into his body. Anyone who has witnessed the birth of a baby and anxiously waits for its first breath and cries understands God’s Divine love and power. What a great heavenly celebration on the day of Adam’s creation!

Our intellect, emotions, physicality, heart, and soul are attached to the great God as the umbilical cord between mother and baby. Jesus, the Master Artist created the Garden of Eden as the first couple’s forever home filled with magnificent beauty. Adam’s first assignment was naming numerous species in the animal kingdom revealing his superior intellect given by Christ.

With the creation of humanity, Christ gifted us the free will to choose whether or not we would honor and worship God through total surrender and obedience. The ability to choose freely has proven that Satan’s character is evil and malicious. God’s love, grace, and mercies are evident by patiently extending Christ’s Second Coming. Every living being chooses their destiny by accepting or rejecting the Plan of Redemption.

Although the beauty of God’s original plan for humanity was marred by Satanic deception, God was prepared, He knew Adam and Eve would fall, therefore, the Plan of Redemption was established before the Creation. Christ’s Investment: Christ would become the Sacrificial Lamb: “…Without the shedding of blood there is no remission [forgiveness] of sins” (Hebrews 9:22).

Christ’s Investment: “Genesis 3:20-24: Jesus sacrificed animals to provide clothing for Adam and Eve after they sinned and were wearing fig leaves. This is the first sacrifice in the Bible.”

Although the loss of their beautiful home and immortality was great, Jesus never left Adam and Eve feeling hopeless. Imagine the grief in Adam and Eve’s hearts every time they sacrificed a lamb from their flock, yet, they knew animal sacrifice foreshadowed the prophecy of the Messiah who would come and save all from sin. And yes, the original couple knew Jesus would come back one day to raise them from their graves and they would receive eternal life.

Christ’s Investment: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:14

From studying the Old Testament and maintaining a dedicated prayer life, King David received wisdom from the Holy Spirit revealing that humanity is God’s greatest investment. David’s response: “…He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’ ” (Hebrews 13:22).

As we fast forward thousands of years later, many believers are not serving God as David did. God cannot describe us as one “who will do all My will.” Our gratitude can be nothing less than a prayer of daily surrender and faithful obedience. How often do we reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial offering for giving His life to save our souls?

Christ’s Investment: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20

Reflection: Are we investing in ourselves? If our hearts are filled with love and humility, we receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit to live as though we are God’s greatest investment. The human effort of full cooperation with the Holy Spirit allows the conversion of our hearts, only then can we receive the majestic covering of the Righteousness of Christ.

” ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, NIV

We actively participate in our spiritual growth and transformation by courageously renouncing sin. Our daily battle is won with prayer and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. We do not harm ourselves by embracing worldviews and choosing unhealthy lifestyles including food, relationships, and habits that dishonor our temples. Nor do we cause mental or emotional harm to others by speaking unloving, harsh words. Our characters must reflect the loving, gentle Character of Christ.

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB). We do not involve ourselves in political agendas, religious debates, or social issues that compromise our righteousness through Christ. We help those in need, follow Jesus, and mind our personal affairs. A sound mind and energy are required to work out our salvation, a full-time effort.

The Bible is our Guidebook to Eternal Life—The Holy Scriptures. When we understand the love, time, dedication, and continuous effort of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, we establish uncompromising boundaries. Prayer is our lifeline. Our only acceptable responses to Christ’s investment in freeing us from the enslavement of sin are faithful obedience and striving for Sanctification.

If we understand and appreciate who we belong to and the immense price paid for our freedom from the second death, our response will be a daily covenant of surrender, “to do all of God’s will.” Our thoughts, priorities, social circles, and habits radically change because the Holy Spirit has converted our hearts and we live with the mindset of “I am going to heaven!” Like Job, we proclaim, “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25).

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” —Revelation 4:11

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your overflowing love, grace, and mercies. Thank You for investing Your precious life on Calvary’s cross to save our souls. We give You all the honor, glory, and praise as we strive to be people after “Your heart.” In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Tag: God loves us