God loves us – Page 25 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Be Careful of Acquired Knowledge

Be Careful of Acquired Knowledge WordPress Version Today’s Devotional October 25, 2023

God created us with the desire to explore and learn. Our insatiable curiosity fuels our desire to acquire knowledge and discover various philosophies. But sometimes we delve into spiritually forbidden areas. In my teenage stage, from taking a Greek Mythology class in high school, I got caught up in the web of worldly pagan beliefs.

Every week, I visited the library to read and take home every book I could find on Greek Mythology. Believe me, during that impressionable stage, without my devoted mother’s knowledge, I read and memorized every imaginable book on the Greek deities—their gods and goddesses.

Yes, I loved Jesus and knew that He was coming again, but my sense of right and wrong had shifted. I replaced studying the Bible with pagan philosophies. Although I was raised in a strict, Bible-based Pentecostal home, I possessed a terrible secret, embracing mythology over the Scriptures.

My desire for the knowledge of pagan beliefs did not stop as a teenager. In college, I chose several Eastern and Western Religion courses as electives. My acquired knowledge placed me in a serious dilemma, my morals and values transitioned, and I ceased studying the Bible.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” —Colossians 2:8

Pagan religions, philosophies, and practices usually pique our interest. But evil is always disguised and visual imagery is used to mesmerize. Many believers let their children watch Disney movies filled with themes of witchcraft, reincarnation, and the ability to enter other realms. The beautiful make-believe characters hide the themes of magic and fantasy. Online games are filled with violence and promote breaking the laws of society.

Most children’s programs feature fictitious monsters that disrupt a child’s peaceful sleep. It is the visual beauty and music that provides an effective cover to hide the demonic themes that are prevalent in programs, games, and movies.

The Nation of Israel is our example of a people called to represent the goodness of God to heathen nations, yet, they embraced paganism to the point they even sacrificed their children to idols. Satan is skilled in deception and easily entices us to delve into spiritual wickedness by presenting the occult and pagan beliefs as family entertainment.

Reflection: Where do we stand in our acquisition of knowledge? Are we seeking and embracing satanic themes and human wisdom over Divine wisdom?

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” —Romans 12:3, NLT

As Christians, we have a great responsibility, not only to be humble representatives of Christ but also to remain teachable. With our God-given spiritual gifts, we were chosen to be messengers of Christ who use the Holy Scriptures as the foundation for our beliefs, morals, and values. Our lifestyles should represent God’s righteous standards.

In 2023, the worldview is to develop your version of the truth and to promote your truth. Sadly, many Christian books, articles, and movies reflect a blend of personal views, acquired philosophies, and a false interpretation of God’s truth.

As disciples and followers of Christ, our higher calling was given to us by God and we owe Him our utmost loyalty. We received our spiritual gifts to witness God’s love, grace, mercies, the Plan of Salvation, and Redemption. We fill in the gap for those who do not understand how to apply the Scriptures to their lives.

A sinner who uses their measure of faith to accept Jesus as Lord is a new believer and does not understand the significance of the love and power of the Triune God, nor do they know how to “Be holy, for I am Holy.” It is our responsibility to impart knowledge that strengthens and gives hope to new or weak believers. We tell them that Jesus cares and that the purpose of trials and hardships is to build their faith. Yes, we help others when they are faced with daunting hardships, so they do not give up on God.

We share our testimonies to remind them of Jesus’ encouraging promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We are called to care for others! Christian believers are to shine their lights into the darkness of the loneliness that new believers experience when they have lost all of their friends, and their family has forsaken them because they accepted Christ.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” —John 14:26

We glorify God by praying for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to anoint our minds before we write or speak. Our prayer of surrender and humility includes asking the Holy Spirit to give us the words that will provide clarity of the Scriptural truth to feed our souls and the Shepherd’s straying sheep.

As Christian believers, we were called and predestined to proclaim the love and saving power of Jesus Christ, to spread the seeds of hope, to shine light into the darkness of despair, and to teach others in this dying world how to live by faith. We teach others to pray for the anointing and discernment given by the Holy Spirit so they can avoid the false teachings of pagan beliefs disguised in seemingly innocent books, programs, and movies.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” —Revelation 22:12

We will be rewarded for our discipleship—witnessing to others, our faithful obedience, and for striving to live righteously in a world that embraces wickedness as in the time of Noah. God’s expectation for every believer is that we fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.

Prayer: God, we thank You for choosing us to be spiritual ambassadors. Lord, we fall by giving in to the carnal desires of our hearts, Pride causes us to seek the foolish knowledge of human-derived philosophies, and for this, we ask for forgiveness. We pray for an Upper Room outpouring of the Holy Spirit to change our minds, characters, and personalities. Lord, we ask for wisdom and discernment so our words will reflect Your Love, Righteousness, and Truth. In Jesus’ Matchless Name, we pray. Amen.

Choose to Stay on the Chosen Road that Leads to Victory

Choose to Stay on the Chosen Road that Leads to Victory Today’s Devotional Reading October 24, 2023

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” —Philippians 2:8

Striving and Suffering for Christ are two requirements of every Christian believer. If we remain faithful in our fiery trials, Christ will refine our characters into pure gold—into the likeness of His Righteous Character. God chooses the road for each of us to travel on in our earthly lives. No two journeys are alike, yet, all chosen roads are spiritually designed to end in Victory—the Reward of Eternal Life.

Choose to Stay on the Chosen Road

Choose to stay on the chosen road of trials and sorrows even though it brings the landslide of bitter disappointments

Choose to put God first and live righteously even though you don’t understand His roadmap

Choose the strength of Christ even though the strongholds of sin and temptations appear as treacherous cliffs

Choose hope in Christ even though your circumstances are stumbling blocks that have you gridlocked

Choose to believe in the promises of God even though the uncertainties cause fatigue and you seek a rest-stop

Choose to obey the Voice of God even though you are weary but God says to keep going

Choose to pray and get back up even though you keep falling down from the rocky obstacles

Choose to study the Bible even though the winding, treacherous curves of doubt fill your mind

Choose to have faith in the Divine power of God even though your trials appear as dead-end roads

Choose to wait on God even though the obstacles on the one-way road prevent further travel—it’s your God-given rest stop

Choose to stay on your chosen road even though you see detours for alternate routes

Choose to keep walking ahead even though you cannot see beyond the hopeless roadblock

Choose to lift your head even though your hope of high beams cannot penetrate the insurmountable darkness of despair

Choose to redirect your focus on the small, glimmering light ahead even though the distance is great

Choose to keep walking in the direction of the glorious light even though you have stumbled many times in the darkness

Choose to direct your eyes to the figure in the light— it is Jesus standing with outstretched arms leading you on your chosen earthly road to victory.

In faith, when we pray for the strength of the Holy Spirit and keep our focus on Christ the “even though” of every hardship and challenge on our chosen road is cast down. Our earthly responsibility is to believe in the Triune Godhead’s Sovereignty and stay focused on the three Divine powers readily available to guide and empower every righteous believer.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Jesus also traveled on God’s chosen road in His earthly life. Like Christ, our greatest sacrifice to God is through daily surrender and faithful obedience. If we remain steadfast through daily prayer and consecration asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we will receive the wisdom and power to continue our earthly journey.

Yes, if we remain faithful, the Holy Spirit will empower us, and Christ, the Commander of angel armies, will direct angels to guide and protect us on this journey of life to reach our reward of the crown of eternal life. Hallelujah! Amen! Study Psalm chapter 91.

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we surrender ourselves to obedience to Your will. Lord, we promise to give You the honor and glory You rightfully deserve for the rest of our lives. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

What Matters the Most in Your Life?

What Matters the Most in Your Life? Today’s Devotional October 22, 2023

“The way of the just is uprightness; O Most Upright, You weigh the path of the just.” —Isaiah 26:7, NKJV

“The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.” —Isaiah 26:7, BSB

For most of my life, the focus of my attention has been inward. Yes, my focus was on the fulfillment of educational goals, travel, and purchasing things to make my life comfortable. Even though I have always loved Christ, now as I reflect, I realize that most of my pursuits had nothing to do with my relationship with Christ.

Perilous times are upon us, as prophesied in the Scriptures. Jesus said in Matthew 24, that wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places are the beginning of sorrows. The pastors who have consecrated their lives to God are preaching different sermons—telling us to turn our eyes from worldly pursuits and to focus on Christ. The Holy Spirit is revealing the message to the faithful to prepare themselves because time is winding down.

What matters the most in our lives? Jesus gives us the answer.

“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” —Deuteronomy 6:5

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

Love is the Catalyst that Gives us the Desire to Receive Spiritual Transformation

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:1-2

From Old Testament times to Jesus’ earthly ministry, we have received the command to make God our first love. In Romans 12, the apostle Paul is teaching believers what it means to live the Christian life of sacrifice. Unless our hearts are overflowing with love for Christ, we can never change our focus from ourselves to God.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” —Revelation 22:7

Do we believe that we are living on the edge of eternity? Do we have the desire to put God first? Do we have the desire to surrender and consecrate our lives to God?

While waiting for Jesus’ coming, we are told to prepare daily by praying for God’s will to be revealed and to diligently study the Scriptures, especially the book of Revelation. Sadly, in 2023, many believers have chosen to focus on past obstacles, present distractions, and future accomplishments which prevent them from keeping their eyes on the prize of eternal life.

Focus on the Past: The past obstacles that produced disappointments affect these believers mentally and emotionally by destroying their optimism and skewing their perception of the ability to move forward. Because their focus is on things that once existed, they do not recognize their self-worth as determined by God. Not seeing beyond yesteryear prevents them from fulfilling God’s plans and robs them of having optimal health and happiness which comes from using their spiritual gifts and innate talents to glorify God. Because their minds are overwhelmed with memories, this group of believers have forgotten Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3.
Focus on the Present: These believers’ lives are filled with the distractions of the worldviews they have readily embraced. They feed their carnal desires of seeking material wealth, enjoying an easy lifestyle, and practicing self-reliance by using human wisdom to interpret the definition of a spiritually productive lifestyle. Because they listen to the many voices of the influencers, they assume responsibilities that lead them away from God. From working excessive overtime and spending wasteful hours on social media, programs, and other activities based on pleasure, their focus is on living their best life on this earth. Their eyes are focused on the earthly prizes which prevents them from recognizing their spiritual decline. They do not have time to think about life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Focus on the Future: These are the believers with strategic minds. They have calculated the necessary steps to produce a future utopia [an imagined place or state of things where everything is perfect] of heaven on earth. The future is perceived as the end of continuous challenges and the opportunity to live one’s best life. These believers are always focused, they are steadily pursuing academic and financial goals, and some eagerly look forward to retirement without any demands. Because they have designed their perfect future, which keeps their focus on looking ahead, they do not have the desire to fulfill God-given spiritual assignments in their lives. They look forward to a glorious future but it does not include life anywhere else but on this earth.

“…As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” —Romans 10:15

Yet, God has a faithful remnant. This group of people have a divine mission which is symbolized in the Three Angels’ messages [Revelation 14]. Their mission is to proclaim the “everlasting gospel” to humanity, to call true believers out of false religion (represented by Babylon), and to prepare the world for the final end-time crisis.”

The command given by Jesus that many Christians refuse to follow “Go and make disciples” is found in Matthew 28:18-20. Is any message more important than the Plan of Salvation and Redemption through Jesus Christ?

Witnessing is not complicated when our life revolves around Christ. John 3:16 reveals God’s love for humanity. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ ” (John 14:26). Salvation is not complicated! When we do our part, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual understanding based on the person’s willingness to accept Christ as their Savior.

The step of human effort is met with Divine power as evidenced by young children with limited maturity and knowledge accepting Jesus. The simple truth is Jesus loves us and Jesus saves us. The simple heartfelt prayer of “Lord, forgive me of my sins, I accept You as my Savior.” demonstrates faith and we become Christ’s disciples. Yes, He changes our lives! Hallelujah! Amen!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

What matters the most to us is revealed by our pursuits, habits, and lifestyles. God never forces us to love Him. We are free moral agents who choose our final destiny. The beautiful news is we are the recipients of God’s grace and mercies. We have been given the privilege to change our priorities and habits that lead us away from God and prevent us from receiving our reward of eternal life.

Re-consecration: All God requires of us is to pray and ask for forgiveness for our self-satisfying pursuits and for us to rededicate ourselves to Him. Our heavenly reward is closer than we think. Love God, Love Others, and Love yourself!

What matters the most in the believer’s life is our relationship with Jesus Christ!

“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, NKJV

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our First Love! We ask forgiveness for focusing on the obstacles, distractions, and the self-accomplishments of this earthly life. We desire to live with You forever and ever. From this day forward, we give ourselves to You. We pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thank you for Your grace and mercies. In Your Holy Name, we ask this prayer, Amen.

A Woman of God Can Never Be Like a Woman of the World

Today’s Devotional October 19, 2023

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” —Proverbs 31:30

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. A Woman of God strives to please God by seeking His will every day through prayer and study of the Scriptures. This woman surrenders herself through humility and faithful obedience. Her daily prayers for the presence, power, and anointing of the Holy Spirit ascend to God like a sweet-smelling aroma.

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. She prays before speaking, ensuring her words are gentle and reflect Christ’s character. This woman avoids strife and conflict by remaining silent. Why? Because her lamp is filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Although her silence is perceived by others as a weakness of character, her silence reveals a spirit of self-control and strength empowered by the Holy Spirit. She relies on Divine Intervention to overcome her natural tendency to speak words fueled by angry emotions. Yes, this woman acquiesces to the Sovereignty of God because she believes in His promise to fight her battles.

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. She does not adorn herself with many jewels of worthless trinkets and gaudy make-up to seek worldly attention. Nor is her dress too short, her top cut too low, or her pants too tight. No, a Woman of God dresses modestly because she is preparing to receive her heavenly crown and white linen robe from her Majestic King, Jesus Christ.

A single Woman of God can never be like a single woman of the world because she lives a chaste life. She reverences and honors God with her mind and body knowing that her temple is filled with the Holy Spirit. This Woman of God has a social circle of believers who pray and support each other spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

A married Woman of God will never be like a married woman of the world who constantly opposes her husband. The [Proverbs 31] wife pursues righteousness by honoring God first and then her husband. When conflict arises, she honors God and her husband by praying and asking for Divine Help, not from her family or friends. [Disclaimer: Abusive marriages usually require additional human intervention to remove oneself and children.]

The married Woman of God knows that she is honored by God because her attributes are written in the Bible [Proverbs 31]. She prays for her husband and children and helps them to prepare for eternal life. This wife and mother is patient and loving because she represents the love of Christ to her children. This Woman of God understands the deeper meaning of her marriage—it is holy and represents Christ’s love for His church.

A Woman of God [single or married] separates herself from worldly people unless she is witnessing the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. Every day, this woman dedicates her mind, body, and soul to God. Yes, a Woman of God appreciates God’s grace and mercies and offers her heart, the only gift that she can give to the King. No, the Woman of God can never be like the woman of the world because she strives every day to live a sanctified life pleasing to God. After all, her eyes are on the prize—Revelation 22:12.

Prayer: God, your daughters are striving to possess the Character of Christ by living holy and acceptable lives. Many times, we have failed and fallen into sinful behaviors. And for our disobedience and disloyalty, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we need Your strength to overcome our carnal desires. Hear our prayer and answer our pleas for help. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we strive to represent Christ to a lost and dying world. Bless us with peace and joy. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

Trusting God on Your Chosen Path

Today’s Devotional, October 18, 2023

The worldview of self-reliance has infiltrated the Christian Community of believers. Yet, at some point, every person will come to the Crossroads of life. Only then do we humble ourselves and bow to the Sovereignty of an Almighty God. Surrender to God is an internal battle that we fight every day. Our carnal hearts are driven to trust ourselves but we were created to follow Christ and seek God’s will.

Total surrender requires the character traits of humility, faith, and obedience. Even Jesus, the Commander of angel armies had to learn obedience to God, His earthly parents, and the prevailing laws. Still, His greatest test, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

We cannot navigate through this life without Divine Intervention. Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor promised us the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide to direct us through this journey called life. Only with Divine Power can we enter through the narrow gate and stay on the narrow Path of Righteousness. Yes, the journey on our Chosen Path is rugged and full of disappointment. We will suffer tribulations that will bring us to our knees and hardships that produce a river of tears.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful. He cannot deny himself.” —2 Timothy 2:13

Despite the challenges, we can rely on the three powers of the Triune God to bring us victory! I am a witness that God gives the faithful New Beginnings. Rid yourself of the satanic habit of self-reliance. Consecrate your life to God! Trust Him with your life! He is the God who says, “Is there anything too hard for me?” His promises are Yes to which we say Amen!

Sonya Johnson, Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth

Today’s Devotional, October 15, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mustard Size Faith Moves Mountains

Today’s Sabbath Afternoon Devotional, October 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

The Life-Giving Message of Jesus Saves

Sabbath Devotional, October 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wisdom Gives Us a Worry-free Life

Today’s Devotional, October 12, 2023

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

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

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

Prayer for Wisdom

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