God loves us – Page 38 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Our Identity in Christ is Priceless!

Our Identity in Christ is Priceless! Devotional Reading

Many adopted children desire to meet their biological parents, yet the need to meet or know their biological mother is usually overwhelming. Although our opinions may differ regarding the need to meet a stranger who did not raise their child, we often forget that we were created to have a natural attachment based on the foundation of love and to have a codependent relationship with our biological parents.

“Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for my glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” —Isaiah 43:7

We were also created to have a strong and loving bond with Jesus our Heavenly Father who created us to have a forever relationship with Him. Our prayers, Bible study, and praise and worship activities allow us to form an unbreakable bond with Christ. Through the Scriptures, we learn that we are supposed to totally rely on God for guidance through this journey of life.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

With steadfast faith and experiential knowledge of the Bible, we acquiesce to God and come to enjoy our relationship with Christ based on total dependency. Through the Scriptures, we learn the role of Christ and our role in the Plan of Salvation. The immense value that God places on humanity is evident in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”

Every believer should possess high self-esteem based on whom God says we are. Sadly, we have a very low value on ourselves because of a scriptural lack of knowledge.

The LORD [Jesus Christ] told young Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” —Jeremiah 1:5

Our spiritual status, spiritual gifts, and natural talents are predetermined by God even before we are conceived. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1, last part). We are sons and daughters of the King—a royal priesthood. If we truly believe in our status with God then why do we perceive ourselves as worthless?

The compromising choices we make reflect our lack of faith in God and our internal low self-value. Because we have little to no knowledge of our Spiritual Father we focus on worldviews instead of biblical promises. The question “Who Am I?” is answered throughout the Bible. King David proclaimed, “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).

When our desires and plans exclude God we reveal the free will choice to reject Christ and our royal status. Our choice of self-reliance causes us to create a life of pretense—that everything is going well—to fool others. Even the proud and haughty unbelievers redefine themselves to appear as having a perfect life. Yet, their hearts are saturated with negativity and low self-esteem because they do not know who God is and the value He places on them.

Who Am I?

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” —Genesis 1:26-28

Created with the cognitive power to reason, the ability to love, express emotions, a unique set of fingerprints and footprints, with heart and lungs that need no human intervention to function, to dream, set goals, but most importantly to have a relationship with the Most-High God. As if that is more than we deserve, we will also receive immortality and live in a perfect world when Jesus comes again.

Through prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures, our awareness of “Who am I’ increases. We learn our immense value because we know that we know Jesus sacrificed His life for our redemption. God has given humanity a life with perks, angels that fight and provide protection from Satan and his evil angels along with the ability to call on God 24 hours a day, seven days a week through prayer.

We have a spiritual blueprint and a treasure map—the Holy Bible where we learn of God’s loving character and His reward for the faithful and obedient righteous. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Comforter imparting spiritual strength, wisdom, and guidance from a whispering prayer asking for Divine Help.

Surrendering our will is the only way to have a solid foundation built on Christ. Through surrender our spiritual eyes are opened, and we no longer seek second-hand choices for our lives. Having a loving relationship with Christ ensures that we know our value—Sons and Daughters of King Jesus! Never again will we have to compromise by attempting to choose the best options that bring adverse consequences.

Prayer: God, we pray for those who are suffering the consequences of self-reliance. Our prayer is for the brokenhearted who have a low self-value because they have excluded You from their lives. We admit that humanity can do nothing without Your Divine Intervention. We also pray for the humility to surrender to Your will and plans. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.

Moral Courage Required

Moral Courage is Required Devotional Reading May 30, 2023

“If you do not stand for something then you will fall for anything.” Yes, that sounds reasonable but what qualifies “something”? The statement is a reference to our moral character which is influenced by learned behaviors, life experience, people, theories, and opinions. Still, most importantly the concepts of right and wrong, the standards of truth and error, and the value system that we embrace define our moral character.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence, Excerpt, July 4, 1776

Everyone’s moral character varies because human-made standards are imperfect. The right to pursue happiness, which is inherent to every individual, differs from person to person. Although it may not make rational sense, some individuals claim that having extramarital affairs or remaining in an unhealthy relationship brings them happiness. The downside of pursuing happiness is that our hearts are never satisfied!

Interestingly, when asked what would bring happiness to their lives, most people answered that having more money would provide the ultimate level of happiness. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [material wealth]” (Matthew 6:24).

Humanity’s overall moral character has bottomed out. And sadly, we keep falling deeper into the abyss of corruption. Our desire for happiness and the actions that we are willing to do for the pursuit of happiness are shocking. Unfortunately, some have compromised their values and engaged in illegal activities such as dealing drugs, scams, hacking, embezzlement, and other crimes in the pursuit of happiness.

We may not be a criminal from a legal perspective, but there is a more serious issue if we are wilfully sinning against the Most-High God. Although Jesus promised us joy and peace, and He desires that we have happy and healthy lives, we were never told to pursue our definitions of individual happiness.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our crime of disobedience originates from the innate condition of a deceitful heart [read Jeremiah 17:9].

Reflection: “What am I willing to do to satisfy my desire for happiness?”

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” —Genesis 3:1, NIV

The worldview of living according to our desires and feelings has also pervaded the Christian community. We think, “Did God really say? ” or we self-interpret the Scriptures with compromising minds. Our inner conflict gradually becomes overwhelming. We desire eternal life but not at the price that God’s righteous standards require—total obedience. So, we live to pursue our definition of happiness.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus—”Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” —Matthew 16:24-26

It takes Moral Courage to Surrender Our Will! It takes Moral Courage to Follow Jesus! It takes Moral Courage to Overcome and Receive the Reward of Eternal Life!

Moral Courage: Possessing virtue [high righteous standards] and having the desire to act according to God’s Truth by striving to pursue a life of Righteousness by Faith which requires standing for what is right against all opposition and every adversity.

Moral Courage is Required

To Love God and Put Him First
To Love God, Others, and Yourself
To Surrender to God’s Will
To Remain Faithful and Obedient
To Trust God in Adversity
To Hear and Recognize God’s Voice
To Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
To Receive Wisdom and Understanding
To Stay in His Presence
To Pray Continuously
To Study the Holy Scriptures Every Day
To Remain Loyal to God
To Renounce Sin and its Pleasures
To Give Up Worldviews
To Leave Family and Friends
To Face the Opposition of Spiritual Warfare
To Ask for the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit
To be Victorious Against All Odds
To Prepare Daily for that Great Day

Moral Courage is Required to Persevere in the Spiritual Journey

Scripture: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” —Revelation 2:10 [last part]. “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” —Revelation 3:5

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to possess the moral courage to serve You until our last breath. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Through Broken Hearts, God Fulfills His Plans and Promises

We listen to many sermons, but we must agree that some sermons immediately penetrate our hearts [which represents our minds]. Not only do these spoken words change our perception, but they also allow us to see beyond our present circumstances.

“Through a broken heart, God brings His Purposes and Plans to pass in our lives. Pray and Thank God for His Divine Intervention. And look forward to healing and moving forward.” Pastor Wintley Phipps

We serve an Omniscient God who knows every situation that will cause pain and sorrow. Although the Holy Spirit always gives us warnings not to make that certain decision, our Heavenly Father is aware that we were born with a carnal nature that compels us to chase the desires of our hearts. Sadly, we choose to do things our way never thinking that the results will produce a negative outcome including a broken heart.

“For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster.” —Proverbs 24:16

Whether we reflect on the disobedient choices we made in our lives which produced devastating consequences or we were rescued by God’s divine intervention [due to lack of knowledge or someone intentionally deceived us] and did not suffer the catastrophic results that should have happened, we can thank God that He never leaves us or forsakes us in our time of remorse and sorrows.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18. “He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” —Psalm 147:3, Amplified Bible

With confession and repentance—godly sorrow with a covenant vow not to repeat the same behaviors and actions—God moves us forward in our healing journey. Our Gracious and Merciful Heavenly Father promises to bring restoration when we have the faith and desire to obey.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” —Isaiah 43:18-19

We can believe in the power of God to heal the pain and sorrow in our broken hearts. God’s Word is unfailing. His promises will come to fruition in your life. I have experienced this firsthand – when God intervenes, not only does He heal your heart, but He also performs supernatural miracles and brings about a victorious outcome. Trust in Him always!

Prayer: God, we confess and repent that we made choices that excluded Your blessings. Right now, we are suffering overwhelming consequences including pain and sorrow. We ask You to heal our broken hearts and to make us well as only You can. We pray for the restoration of our mental and emotional health and to repair our mistakes. We give You honor, glory, and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One Day All Troubles Will End–Have a Blessed Sabbath

Moving Forward Always Requires Transitions

Moving Forward Always Requires Transitions Devotional Reading

Many of us aspire to grow both professionally and personally, but often, we become discouraged when faced with the difficulties that come with growth. To progress, one must surpass their usual limits to successfully adapt to the various phases of transition. Whether we agree with the process [which may be short or lengthy] embracing continuous change is always required to achieve a victorious outcome.

Except for spiritual growth, the areas in which we require growth differ for each person. Yes, we must stretch ourselves beyond the ordinary routine of life by expanding our knowledge base to achieve optimal growth and development. Learning credible information, pursuing academic degrees, developing creative skills, embracing a healthy lifestyle, starting a garden, and reflecting on current relationships to assess if they are healthy are some of the ways that we indicate the desire to live our best lives.

Embracing the need for growth and development and taking the steps to achieve said goals results in the joy and happiness of possessing optimal mental, emotional, and physical health. However, it is important to acknowledge that creating strategies to accomplish both short-term and long-term objectives provides us with the confidence that we are progressing intentionally and at our preferred speed.

Wouldn’t life be wonderful if we had the opportunity to live as projected and prevent unexpected setbacks?

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Reflection: What steps have I taken to ensure that I could move forward from an unplanned life-changing event? Even with emergency-preparedness plans, when the storm hits the area, modifications are required. Except for God, our future is unknown. Yet, we have received God-given qualities along with the ability to pray for Divine Help to endure and persevere through life’s trials and tribulations.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7

In the course of our lives, we will face unexpected changes that may lead us in a different direction, often impeding our ability to accomplish set plans and goals. Unless we regroup and face the necessary challenges to push us forward, resulting in progress, we will view the life change as negative and impossible to overcome. Holding on to bitter, angry, fearful, and sorrowful thoughts produces roadblocks that cancel our God-given resilience to move forward.

Without determination, our thoughts will become counterproductive and result in a mindset that dwells on the past. It is often easier to reminisce about memories [perceived or real] of better times and become stagnant, rather than persevering with the courage to develop new strategies and forge ahead on a different path.

When studying Genesis, we learn of the Fall of Man. Yes, it was a choice for Adam and Eve to sin, but God never left them alone to make the painful transition from their perfect garden home to a new life that included suffering the unexpected. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Even in our disobedience, God’s love never changes.

The Promise: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy 31:8

We need the rock-solid spiritual foundation that diligent Bible study and much praying provide to endure the struggle of transitioning—planned or unexpected. Knowing God’s promises and praying for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit gives us Divine strength and provides us with the spiritual reinforcement necessary to face our challenges for the growth that moving forward requires.

Christians have a life that includes continuous transitions on a spiritual level. Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of our character being molded into the character of Christ. To grow spiritually, we must pray for the help of the Holy Spirit every day!

It is crucial to understand that the Scriptures about love, forgiveness, and the Fruit of the Spirit are not optional. Moving forward requires spiritual growth and development that prepares us to transition from our earthly lives to our heavenly reward of eternal life. Christ’s life on earth exemplified His faithfulness and obedience to God, His Father, as He constantly prayed for God’s will to be done.

Whether by necessity [spiritual growth], choice [personal growth], or facing the unexpected, our lives will always be victorious if we choose to include God’s divine intervention while transitioning. The creation of humanity included a Divine blueprint for continuous growth. It is the will of God that we possess the highest level of spiritual, mental, and emotional development, and optimal physical health.

Scripture: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” —3 John 2:2

Prayer: God, we pray for Your Divine Help as we face the many transitions in our lives. We admit that we cannot go through this journey of life without You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Choosing Jesus Places Us in Spiritual Warfare—Preparing for Battle

Choosing Jesus Places Us in Spiritual Warfare Devotional Reading

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away…always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”…2 Timothy 3:5, 7

From the many generations that have lived since humanity was created a little over 6,000 years ago, the 21st century Christians are living in the most critical spiritual period of earth’s history. Every condition the apostle Paul describes in 2nd Timothy chapter 3, verses one to seven exists for today’s believers. Additionally, Paul tells us that we will have trouble discerning who is really a faithful follower of Christ.

Why are we so easily deceived? To be a follower of Christ requires much prayer, diligent Bible study, faith, obedience, courage, and a listening spiritual ear to hear God’s plans and will for our lives. Truthfully, most of us fall short of the requirements to armor up for our spiritual battles. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [tricks, deceptions] of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

The desire to be a middle-of-the-road Christian [which will never exist] causes us to fulfill our heart’s desires and to serve God according to our whims. Without biblical knowledge and guidance from the Holy Spirit, Satan easily deceives us into compromising God’s righteous standards resulting in the loss of receiving God’s perfect blessings and eternal life.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” —Jeremiah 29:11

Misaligned with the Will of God Through Disobedience

Two roadblocks cause us to detour from the Path of Righteousness: Seeking earthly desires [money, success, houses, vehicles, luxury items, etc.], and desiring relationships and marriage with partners that are either unbelievers or those who believe in God, attend church, but their lifestyles reveal they are worldly.

It is comforting to know that God’s righteous standards never change. With His omniscience, God will not grant us a new home or vehicle if our job is soon to end, nor will He provide us with a half-hearted, uncommitted spouse who would bring turmoil into our lives. Without complete surrender to His will, we cannot attain the wisdom to be wholeheartedly devoted and find refuge in God’s protection.

Sooner or later our disobedience will bring heartache. Living outside of God’s plans always results in negative consequences.

The Second Roadblock: True Worship versus False Worship

“Then a herald cried aloud: ‘To you, it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.'” —Daniel 3:4-6

Their Response: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. —Daniel 3:16-18

Personal Testimony: Although I was raised in a Christian home, the church we belonged to taught their members a mixture of easily understood Scriptures along with a lot of self-interpreted erroneous false teachings. Please know that I am not criticizing the Pastor or my parents. Because the Bible is God’s Truth, complete with righteous thoughts, spiritual precepts, and symbolism the reader must pray for the Holy Spirit to give them wisdom and discernment.

“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).

Satan knows that his time is short on this earth, so he has increased widespread false teachings through individuals that love God but have not prayed for the anointing power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give them correct discernment of God’s Truth. Membership is highest at the churches that conduct services that only involve singing without any Scriptural teachings. We cannot believe every reel, message, or post on social media. Pray before you listen to any religious content.

Sadly, the chaos within the Christian community is impacting our ability to witness to others. Those who are interested in serving God are verbalizing that Christians are always in constant disagreement with each other. Prosperity, Politics, and Prejudice are promoted and tolerated in many loveless churches whose duty is to proclaim Christ’s love. Most denominations are in opposition with each other over the Scriptures. Yet, we do not have to be deceived. God has provided us with Divine Help!

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” —1 John 4:1

Our mass confusion stems from the many false teachings spread throughout Christianity, such as messages of prosperity [God desires for us to be wealthy] and all-inclusive theories—because of grace a person is guaranteed eternal life in heaven [whether they sin or not]. Additionally, without biblical proof, most churches are teaching that God changed the seventh-day creation Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.

“For I am the Lord, I do not change…” —Malachi 3:6, the first part

These teachings focus on the human heart’s desires rather than salvation in Christ and Scriptural proof. Satan will continue to spread these false teachings until the end of time. Yet, the book of Revelation proclaims that Jesus Wins and Satan Loses. We will not receive our reward of eternal life collectively. Every person has to answer before God in Judgment for their wrongdoings. Either we will be Sealed by Christ’s Righteousness or accept the Mark of the Beast which is false worship.

We can be on the winning side in this spiritual battle! Put on your Spiritual Armor! Increase praying. Devote study time to the Scriptures. Take the time to have quiet meditation. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to ask for His help!

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

Prayer: God, we pray for those who are in the valley of decision to take a stand to become steadfast Soldiers in Your Army. We pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Give us wisdom and discernment as we seek knowledge. Jesus, we thank You for Your love, grace, mercy, and salvation. And ask this prayer in Your Most Holy Name, Amen.

Trusting God’s Divine Love and Wisdom

Daily Devotional Reading—May 24, 2023

“When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.” —Isaiah 60:22

Our hearts always demand immediate gratification. Although God provides our daily necessities, the majority of God’s blessings are placed on hold to be given at the right time. “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). Our test of faith and obedience is demonstrated by waiting on the Lord.

When we love, honor, and reverence God as the Sovereign Ruler of our lives, we naturally exhibit qualities such as faith, trust, patience, and obedience. It’s important to resist the temptation to prioritize our own instincts and desires over God’s divine wisdom. Instead, we should embrace humility and surrender to God’s plans and His Omniscience, which demonstrate the highest level of trust in our devoted Heavenly Father who always wants what’s best for us.

Prayer: God, we trust Your perfect plans for our lives. Thank You for Your great love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

Overcoming the Impact of Verbal Abuse AKA Emotional Abuse

Overcoming the Impact of Verbal Abuse AKA Emotional Abuse Devotional Reading

“What Is Verbal Abuse?” Verbal abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a range of words or behaviors used to manipulate, intimidate, and maintain power and control over someone. These include insults, humiliation and ridicule, the silent treatment, and attempts to scare, isolate, and control. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-verbal-abuse#

From a therapeutic perspective, verbal abuse is synonymous with emotional abuse. Because we live in times where it is acceptable to say whatever is on your mind many individuals bully and hurt others with words that have the strength of lethal daggers. Why is this hurtful behavior tolerated?

Learned behaviors begin at home. The majority of abusers have a history of being raised in a home where they were either a victim of verbal/emotional abuse from childhood or witnessed a sibling targeted by abusive parents or caregivers. And history [almost always] repeats itself. The unhealthy home environment portrays love as flawed and gives an inaccurate example of a loving relationship.

The abused children equate harsh damaging words with love. Because no two individuals express themselves the same, not all verbal abuse is readily perceived as verbal abuse. Statements such as “Use your brain to think,” “Why can’t you be like your brother or sister?” or “You are just like your mother or father’s side of the family” are words that humiliate but are often ignored as verbal and emotional abuse.

How many children are doing their best but are consistently told they can do better, or mature in a home hearing they are worthless and will never amount to anything in life? Put-downs, yelling, and profanity are examples of injurious words that produce lifelong detrimental effects.

Yet there is another consequence—not every abused child matures into an abuser. Children and adults who endure verbal abuse always have low self-esteem. They are drawn to anyone who will give them attention which results in many unhealthy and counterproductive relationships throughout their lives. Verbal and Emotional abuse always produces children and adults who cannot function normally.

“The psychological effects of verbal abuse include fear and anxiety, depression, stress and PTSD, intrusive memories, memory gap disorders, sleep or eating problems, hyper-vigilance and exaggerated startle responses, irritability, anger issues, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, self-harm, and assaultive behaviors.” https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/verbal-abuse/effects-of-verbal-abuse-on-children-women-and-men#

The bottom line is there is no such concept as abusive love!

With over 20 years of experience in the Behavioral/Mental Health field, I have never seen a patient achieve complete healing solely through therapy. While ongoing counseling is crucial for gaining insight and promoting change, neither theories nor human professionals can truly heal a person’s soul. The only one capable of providing complete healing is God.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

The steps to healing from a history of verbal and emotional abuse must involve God who promises to make us well. And no other person can dare say that they have the Divine power to heal!

There is a condition to receive complete healing: Forgiveness. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).”If we cannot forgive the abusive person [whom Christ died for and loves, although He does not love their sin] then we cannot expect to receive healing or to be forgiven of our sins.

We do not have the God-given right to demand the other person to ask us for forgiveness! “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13, NLT). Acknowledging wrongdoing requires humility and the desire to change. Only a loving and humble heart will ask for God’s forgiveness and forgiveness from those whom they hurt.

Let God have His Righteous Vengeance! “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). Condemned people are those who refuse to confess, repent, and change their evil ways. God says they will not receive the reward of eternal life.

Take Action! There are some very important variables that we must consider in our healing journey.

Our relationship with Christ is dependent on our willingness to forgive the abuser. Jesus whispered this prayer to God, His Father while hanging on the cross, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots” (Luke 23:24, NIV).

When someone apologizes for verbal abuse, it may not necessarily mean that they are truly sorry or willing to make a change. It’s important to carefully listen to their words and assess whether they are acknowledging the harm they caused and are willing to seek spiritual and professional help. Keep in mind that both divine intervention and human effort are necessary for someone to truly experience transformation of their hard heart and stop hurting others.

Using all necessary means, pray and trust in God by removing yourself and ceasing all contact with the abuser. We are created in the image of God and He does not expect us to tolerate a life of never-ending abuse even in marriage and from our family members. “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).

There are very few circumstances that prevent one from ceasing all contact with the abuser. Joint custody or visitation [determined by the courts] of children is a situation where legal compliance is required and mandate that the mother or father have short contact with the abuser. Yet, remaining in the same physical location [living with the abuser] is not an option—remove yourself from the physical domain where you are dominated by the whims of the abuser.

There is no honor in staying in a unhealthy relationship with the abuser. God does not require us to suffer from the venomous spoken words of others.

The abuser is fully aware of what they said, and how they made you feel. It was an intentional action because they feel it is their right to harm you. Why? Their character is unholy. Yet, most will never acknowledge their abuse is a reflection of the evil condition of their heart. But God says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who knows how bad it is? (Jeremiah 17:9).

How do we handle a situation when the abuser is elderly or has impaired cognition and memory and does not remember their abusive ways, or the abuser may have died? “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12). With a loving heart, we forgive, or throw away all chances of happiness [in this life and eternally with God]. It is a terrible choice to live with a mind filled with ambivalence and internal chaos until we take our last breath.

There is no amount of love from another person that will change an abuser’s heart and behavior. We are expected to set healthy boundaries for those who have no conscience of harming others. You have the right to walk away. Every human deserves love and respect!

If we must interact with an abusive family member or husband or wife, only discuss pertinent information and do not engage in meaningless chit-chat. Remain cordial while responding and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to give you strength. Interacting with someone who Satan is using to try to destroy you may be the hardest action required in this earthly life.

Still, as Christians, God expects us to treat the abuser with kindness, but not to stay in the abusive relationship. I am a living witness that God will give us the strength to separate and heal from those [we love] but hurt others. God always gives us hope!

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth, Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:18-19

Jesus asked the lame man of 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6). Regardless of therapeutic advice, do not attempt to discuss the past with abusers or think about their terrible words over and over again. God instructs us to go forward! When we say, Yes, God, I desire to be made well and restart my life, Christ will accompany us on the spiritual journey of healing for as long as it takes.

Prayer: God, we thank You for creating us with love, a sound mind, and the power to restart our lives despite the abuse we have suffered. Lord, we surrender all unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness, and we ask You to give us strength as we heal one day at a time. We ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Taking God Seriously in Perilous Times

Taking God Seriously in Perilous Times Devotional Reading

Where are we in the progression of life on earth?

“You can be certain that in the last days, there will be some very hard times. People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, heartless, and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything good. They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure.” —2 Timothy 3:1-4, CEV

For the worshipers who ask for the daily anointing of the Holy Spirit, pray, and study the Bible, we can feel deep in our hearts that we are progressing toward Revelation prophecies being fulfilled. Yes, we are moving toward the times of tribulation for the remnant worshipers of the Most-High God.

How do we know that we are in the right standing with God? “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). The Contemporary English Version states, “God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

Obedience is a character trait that does not happen naturally. We were born with sinful hearts destined to seek and fulfill our desires that always go against God. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).

The most important action for us to do every day is to surrender ourselves to the will of God. What does that mean? In morning worship, we pray and tell God that we desire to do His will [surrender] by committing to stay in His presence by seeking Him first before making any decision that impacts our life.

Joyce Meyer wrote “The Battlefield of the Mind” many years ago, explaining that the struggle between good and evil within us is never-ending. However, there are steps we can take each day to achieve spiritual success. The first and most crucial step is to pray for God’s Divine Intervention daily, even though it may seem like an impossible battle.

Jesus explained our spiritual dilemma and gave us the solution to living faithfully [how to stay on the Path of righteousness] despite the raging internal war of right versus wrong. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'”(Matthew 16:24).

The key to victory is prayer! We do not pray enough! To be an overcomer in a world that is moving toward godlessness, we desperately need God’s help. Even on our jobs, we can worship God throughout the day by taking a moment to pray. Not all prayers are audibly spoken words. At any time or place, we can pray silent prayers for the Holy Spirit to give us strength, wisdom, and discernment.

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness…” —Psalm 95:6-8

The Permanence of Practice. We become what we practice. “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” —1 John 3:7

The Power of Influence. We influence others for good or we are influenced by evil. “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).

Be Intentional and Consistent in your efforts to maintain and grow your relationship with Christ. Surrender daily, pray throughout your waking hours, and ask for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

“And I will pray for 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. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” —John 14:16-18

Before Jesus was crucified, He promised His disciples that He would send a Helper [The Holy Spirit]. As today’s disciples, we also have 24/7 access to the Holy Spirit. We must stay close to God by seeking Spiritual Reinforcement through the Holy Spirit. For us to be successful in our daily walk with Christ, we can never gain victory over innate sinful desires without the determination to go all the way with Jesus.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” —John 14:15

Love for Christ is proven by the human effort of worship, faith, obedience, and the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit will keep us steadfast despite living in perilous times.

Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart.” —Galatians 6:9

Prayer: God, we desperately need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We ask for forgiveness of our sins. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. Give us direction and spiritual discernment when facing internal battles of right and wrong. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray, Amen.

The Game of Chance Has Many Players

The Game of Chance Has Many Players Devotional Reading

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” —Jeremiah 10:23

Every decision we make without God’s blessing and approval places us in the same position as a gambler in Las Vegas. But the stakes are higher than any dollar amount–we are risking our reward of Eternal life. Self-reliance is disobedience, which automatically makes us a losing player in the Game of Chance.

With confidence, we place our highest bets using our finite knowledge to live according to our thought processes. By the time we realize that our mistakes have placed us in a spiritually lose-lose situation, it is usually too late—not because we cannot repent, but sadly, we no longer trust in God. The habit of trusting in oneself eliminates the desire to depend on God.

Unless we completely surrender our will to God every day, we lose our reward of eternal life.

Prayer: God, we pray for those who have lost their desire to submit to Your Sovereignty and Righteous Authority. Help us to realize that our lives are not our own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.