First and foremost, I thank Jesus Christ for His sacrifice that we can receive INDEPENDENCE from sin. And it was His blood that provides freedom from the chains of sin. Redemption is all-inclusive for all humanity. Eternal life is the reward for the faithful. And for this reason, I bow and kneel to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Thanking God for the brave men and women who fought for America’s independence from oppression. We salute and thank every member of the military, law-enforcement officers, first-responders, freedom-fighters, and others who are keeping us safe.
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.
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:17
Why are we worried? Who told us that God has left us alone to fight that BIG problem or that situation that’s been going on for years?
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:14 NKJV
Since the age of five, I have believed in Jesus. My mother was a woman of God who lived by the Word of God. She gave a simplistic explanation that Jesus loved and died for me, was resurrected, went to heaven, and was preparing a home in heaven where we would live forever. Attending church reinforced my belief that God is love, prompting me to love Jesus throughout my childhood.
But reality surfaced as I matured and left home. I noticed that my life was no longer manageable. One problem after the other bombarded my life, and eventually, I decided that serving God had no benefits. Truthfully, I did not study the Bible, nor did I have a consistent prayer life. It is “Human effort plus Divine Intervention that equals Victory.” I held God responsible for the failure of a thriving spiritual relationship with Him. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [they do not know me]. Hosea 4:6
Many years later, in 2006, I met an elderly woman while shopping who witnessed to me about returning to my first love, Jesus Christ. I started attending revival services, made the commitment to follow Jesus, and was baptized [Human Effort]. Even so, God had plans to produce a different outcome [Divine Intervention]; the church had a New Believers program. I was assigned a spiritual mentor that helped me through the roughest times: The transition of renouncing–giving up worldly pleasures to serve Jesus.
And it is during those turbulent times, many believers fail to understand the purpose of hardships and how they are related to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Your life becomes tougher: Serving God means giving up all of the ungodly people, places, and things you love and are familiar with. Yes, you may be living a clean and sober life and free from your past habits [Praise God!], but now that you are a member of the “body of believers,” which requires you to give up everything that prevents spiritual growth and inhibits your relationship with God. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. The Holy Spirit helps us to develop a new lifestyle that reflects our commitment to God. Everything changes when we become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17
Learning to study the Bible and praying: Building the spiritual foundation with God requires diligently studying the Bible and praying every day. Here’s some unspoken guidance about prayer, if you can count the times you have prayed today, then you are not praying enough. Staying connected to the Vine-Jesus requires faith, trust, obedience, courage, strength, discipline, and self-control. [Read John 15:5]
Forming new relationships: I must admit that this is one of the most challenging parts of serving God. Jesus must become your best friend.“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. You made the commitment to follow Jesus, so you must build your relationship with Christ first. God will reveal the friends that we need in our Spiritual-Social Circle. The Holy Spirit amazingly gives us the gift of discernment to know when the person or activity does not glorify God.
Forming new relationships, part 2: It is not easy making new friends at any stage in life. Even so, pray and ask God for guidance. Ask the Pastor to assign you a spiritual mentor if the church has not provided one. If you accepted Jesus without church intervention, then you may have to accept isolation for a little while. Do not despair! Remain obedient to God. He will reveal the path [the plans] that He desires for you to follow, including a Bible-based church. Pray and wait on the Lord. Do not follow an emotional response to cope with being alone. Put God first! Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:22
Our life becomes full of peace, joy, and happiness: No, this is not a contradiction. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33. Pray and ask for help! “God, I’m having a tough time. I need your help. Amen.” Enter the spiritual team of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, and Comforter, along with messenger/guardian heavenly angels who we have on our side. What worries should we have? “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Know, understand, and embrace the trials, tribulations, and temptations: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and difficulties, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
Our characters must align with God’s requirements. Every trial, tribulation, and temptation is to produce the Fruit of the Spirit within us: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Trust in God: 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
Need Encouragement? Jesus says, “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. Saints of the Most-High God, never forget: Victory belongs to Jesus! Amen and Amen!
Nothing is worse than trying to recover and putting the pieces back together from making a wrong decision. Most of us can recall a time when we thought that we would lose our minds. But we made it. Yes, somehow, we made it through the impossible time.
But have you ever thought about how the pieces came back together? God says, “I change not,” extended grace and mercy that you probably did not recognize as Divine Intervention. Matthew 5:45 NIV says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God also blesses those who oppose Him because He is fair and just.
Do you recognize the blessings [small and great] and thank Him with a prayer of gratitude? God created us to fully depend on Him. Yes, it is His intention to keep us from making life-altering mistakes by asking for His plans to be revealed in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We were not created to endure suffering and hardships because of our disobedience. There are many times when other people cause immense grief in our lives. Even so, God who knows our future. Nothing that happens comes as a surprise, there are no oops moments with God.
Our outlook when experiencing trials and sorrows depends on our perception of God. If we view God as [a little god], then our faith and trust in Him will be nonexistent. But for those who view God as “Mighty and Powerful” have the assurance that He will bring them through the toughest hardships. Yes, we will have to persevere as we endure God’s silence and His extended waiting times for deliverance. And how will we react when the outcome differs significantly from our expectations? We must not lose hope. Remain as courageous and confident as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who boldly proclaimed, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:18.
And who was the fourth person in the fiery furnace? None other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
This message was written in the 1800s and addresses a serious issue that has escalated among today’s believers, Fear. Be blessed, pray, and receive the victory from fear.
Morning Devotional by Ellen G White
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isa. 43:1
Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable, and without help from God they are indeed unbearable. Unless we rely upon Him we shall sink under the burden of responsibilities that bring only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial.
When all seems dark and unexplainable we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words that Christ has spoken to our souls, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Do not go about as if Jesus were in Joseph's tomb, and a great stone were rolled before the door In the trial of your faith show that you know you have a risen Saviour, One who is making intercession for you and your loved ones.
The Bible places the responsibility of our happiness upon ourselves. We are to look to the light of life. Our usefulness depends on our own course of action. We are so anxious, all of us, for happiness, but many rarely find it because of their faulty methods of seeking, in the place of striving. We must strive most earnestly and mingle all our desires with faith. Then happiness steals in upon us almost unsought.
When we can, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, rest confidingly in His love and shut ourselves in with Him, resting peacefully in His love, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy. This experience gains for us a faith that enables us not to fret, not to worry, but to depend upon a power that is infinite.
We shall have the power of the Highest with us. Jesus stands by our side. As the trials come, the power of God will come with them.
Why are we feeling depressed, worried, and anxious? As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are on the Who’s Who list with God. He knows our name, needs, the number of hairs on our head, and our strengths and weaknesses. And, never forget, we are the only created beings made in His image, not the angels or the animal and plant kingdoms. Jesus died for humanity. That is the greatest love we will ever know. No earthly status compares to our level of importance when we align ourselves with Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. The reward is eternal life living in a New Heaven and New Earth forever and ever. Amen.
Is there anything you feel is standing between you and God?
Many have created a spiritual comfort zone that includes certain behaviors and habits that compromise their relationship with Jesus Christ. Holding on to stuff, emotional scars, unforgiveness, relationships with unbelievers, wayward habits, and secret sins prevent us from having a serious relationship with God. Although our secret sins are unknown to others, God is fully aware of the self-seeking desires that keep us distanced from Him. Can you imagine being in a committed relationship with a significant other involved with you and someone else?
The above question contains two words, “you feel” which immediately places us in the realm of compromise. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Jeremiah 17:9. God leaves no stone unturned when He says that we cannot evaluate ourselves according to our standards. No one is exempt. It is easy to say, “Oh no, I would never do that” or ask “How could they have done something so terrible?” Yet, we neglect God by placing more importance on the demands of people, places of entertainment, and things that make us feel good.
How do we know if we are obedient and following God’s commandments? The Bible is our guidebook to living faith-based righteous lives. The Bible is not a self-help book. Yes, we study the Bible for knowledge. Even so, God never expected us to travel this journey without His help. Our connection with God is vital because He is the source of our strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.… ” John 15:5-6
It is our faith that causes us to have a totally dependent relationship with God. When we finally decide to serve God wholeheartedly, we can have trials of fire, seasons of darkness, and continually thirsty souls. Still, we also will have the confidence and courage to wait on the Lord our God who promises to deliver us.
The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17
Many carry the burdens and cares in their lives [spiritual weights], which prevent us from receiving spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is evidenced by faith, trust, and obedience to God under all circumstances. The people we love and trust will either help or hurt our spiritual health [our relationship with Christ].
Our enemy knows that we desire to have loving relationships and why not? God said it is not good for man [or woman] to be alone. Genesis 2:18. Even so, God does not go against His word. God created man and woman and intended for them and Christ to form the foundation of the family.
Our First Love: Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. Our first priority is to have a rock-solid relationship with God. Only then are we prepared for God to give us our soul mate.
Limited ability: We cannot judge a person’s heart [their character]. The exposure to the dark underworld when working in the Criminal Justice system taught me that people can thoroughly trick us with masterful manipulation and deception. The smiles, gentle words, and attention may not be genuine. How would we know?
Seek a love relationship with Jesus first: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19
Pray for spiritual discernment: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 25–Preparing for Eternal Life One Day at a Time
The Lord cares about our lives now; He wants the best for us now.
In reading the story of Creation following the completion of days 1-5, we are told, “and God saw that it was good.” But on day 6, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” In Genesis 1:31, it is evident that God was abundantly happy and well-pleased with the final results of our earthly home. Only who would enjoy this more than wonderful place?
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:26-27.
Although our earth is no longer a Garden of Eden, we are constantly reminded of God’s love of aesthetic beauty and tranquility. We can explore the endless boundaries of the geographical phenomenon of nature. The plant and animal kingdoms were created for humanity. Only the human body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, places one in awe over the earthly home that the Master Designer lovingly gifted to us.
The kingdom Plantae includes organisms that range in size from tiny mosses to giant trees. https://www.britannica.com/plant/plant/Definition-of-the-kingdom. The foliage, species of flowers, the grassy coverings, most trees, and the vast majority of plants belong to this category, shrubs, vines, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Does God want us to enjoy our lives? Yes, He does! We are made in His image with the ability to utilize five [highly complex] senses to appreciate our earthly home. The animal kingdom includes all species of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and more. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. Genesis 1:29. We have the blueprint for the original diet, which provides a variety of healing nutrients.
So why aren’t we enjoying the here and now? We have become addicted to our home environment fixated on virtual technology. The hoarding of material possessions has nearly wrecked our sanity. We worry about money, careers, the opinion of others, success, etc. The statistics of Mental illness has far surpassed the COVID-19 pandemic–970 million people have a mental illness or substance abuse problems. We are taking a pill to function in every aspect of our lives, and Big PHARM is well-pleased.
You may not agree with my statements. However, I worked as a Behavioral Health nurse for many years. The Intake Assessment of 99% of patients with mental health disorders including morbid obesity revealed that they rarely enjoyed the benefits of nature or outdoor activities. Anxiety, depression, food and substance abuse addictions, and a variety of mental health challenges would improve with the adjunct therapy of time spent in nature.
It is time to challenge and change our current lifestyles. Get out of your indoor home and explore your outdoor home. God has provided everything that we need to enjoy our lives. We have God’s promises that He will supply all of our needs. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'” Matthew 6:31. Simplify your life by eliminating the toxic people, counterproductive places, and the overabundance of things [inanimate objects] that leave us empty, and always provoke the desire to have more.
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outlook and Outcome
“We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying.”― Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.