God the Father – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

End 2025 and Begin 2026 In Victory!

“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, NKJV)

Modern Biblical translation: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

“In Hebrew, tsalach (צָלַח) means to prosper, succeed, advance, break through, or flourish, often implying overcoming obstacles or moving forward mightily, not financial gain, but spiritual and personal progress, like Joseph in the Bible, signifying God’s empowering presence leading to success and flourishing.”

“The Greek word translated as ‘prosper’ is euodoutai, which means to progress, to develop in a positive way, to have a good journey, to go well.”

“A prospering soul is spiritually healthy, growing in faith, and aligning with God’s truth. For a soul to prosper implies a developing spiritual walk marked by integrity, peace, joy, and a deepening relationship with God.”

Truthfully, like the Israelites in Egypt, many of today’s Christians have embraced the pagan beliefs of our counterparts, and we associate the word “prosperity” with [$$$] wealth, materialism, and elevated social status.

The Prosperity Message is a false teaching that emphasizes the acquisition of wealth, material possessions, and success, yet it is not in alignment with God’s teachings of Holy Scripture.

We know who [Satan] developed this false, but highly effective message that continues to deceive and distract many Believers from being loyal to God by redirecting their focus to acquiring earthly treasures.

The fall of Adam and Eve proves that we are never satisfied with God’s blessings. Satan knows the condition of the human heart; we always desire more than what we have.

Jesus’ Command Protects Us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).

After Jesus completed His fast of 40 days in the wilderness, Satan’s third temptation to Christ was based on wealth and success: Jesus’ Response to Satan Clarifies God’s Righteous Principles on Materialism.

The Temptation: “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.'”

Jesus Used the Sword, The Word of God, and Satan Left: “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended Him.” (Matthew 4:8-11, NIV).

We have given Satan the advantage over us because we do not know or understand who we are through Christ Jesus. We are the Sons and Daughters of God who will inherit the Crown of Life—Immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes, Salvation is free, but Eternal Life is a reward for our faithful obedience and spiritual works [Revelation 22:12].

Our Identity: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26); “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.” (Ephesians 1:4)

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).

“You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” (Psalm 8:5-6). When Christ created Adam, He gave Adam Dominion—Rulership over the Planet Earth.

Adam sinned, lost dominion, which Satan gained; but when Jesus said, “It is finished!” On Calvary’s Cross, our Triumphant King not only completed the Plan of Redemption, but He gained dominion over the Earth! Hallelujah and Amen! Study Revelation 19 to learn the end of the story.

Jesus Gives Us Insight Into the Future: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, so they attempted to challenge Jesus: “In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be of the seven? For all of them were married to her. Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven…” (Matthew 22:28-30).

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer…For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Satan’s temptations are effective for two reasons: 1. We do not understand Satan’s diabolical mind. Christ created Lucifer with superior intelligence, and we forget that Satan is a fallen angel that possesses intellect and wisdom beyond and above human intellect.

2. “My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6). Satan has an advantage over most Believers: He knows the Holy Scriptures, and he also knows that we do not study the Bible, which makes us easy prey for this Predator of human souls.

Satan is not Omniscient; he cannot read our minds or thoughts, but from observing our lifestyles, if we are disloyal and disobedient, we easily reveal our true spiritual status with God.

Sadly, from our refusal to study the Bible that God has given to empower and guide us, Satan is overly confident that his temptations will make us fall.

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

And the roaring lion’s temptations will continue to bombard the Christian Community because we desire the same lifestyle as unbelievers, who live to gain prosperity on an Earth that will be destroyed.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Brothers and Sisters, The Great Controversy of Good and Evil is a Spiritual War between Christ and Satan. We are Satan’s target! He is after our souls, and it’s time for us to stop chasing our desires and pledge our Allegiance to the Most High and Holy God!

Jesus, Our Mighty Warrior’s Plan:

1. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

God’s plan is to give us a perfect eternity with Him, in the New Heaven and New Earth, which requires the commitment to live a sacrificial life.

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, BSB).

When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, like Matthew, we became Jesus’ disciples, who dedicated ourselves to following our Faithful Shepherd with love, loyalty, and obedience.

Have this conversation with yourself: “Do I believe that Jesus loves me?” “Do I believe that God is interested in my personal struggles?” “Do I believe that God will help me live as a Victorious Overcomer?”

A heart overflowing with love for Jesus is revealed through a lifestyle of daily surrender, faithful obedience, seeking guidance in prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures. Church attendance is good, but once-a-week worship cannot give the Spiritual Nourishment and Power that daily personal worship provides.

Being a soldier in God’s Army requires total commitment. Every day, we separate ourselves from others to worship God privately.

A reverent atmosphere of solitude and silence is required for us to be in God’s Holy Presence, resulting in the Holy Spirit empowering us with Jesus’ Divine Wisdom, Discernment, and Spiritual Strength.

Three Promises Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).

Brothers and Sisters, All or Nothing is required to love Christ. Do not give up your eternal inheritance for this earth’s temporary trinkets. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Ephesians 6, Revelation 19-22

Lord God, we have come to our senses, knowing that we desperately need You to overcome the internal conflict of our desires and the external opposition of temptations. We confess that we have not loved You as You deserve, and for this we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and teach us how to think, speak, and live holy. In faith, we ask this prayer for strength and restoration in the loving and Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Gratitude is a Lifestyle – Developing A Grateful Heart

David’s Prayer of Praise and Gratitude: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5, NIV).

God is the Source and Sustainer of Life, and the Giver of All Good Gifts: Yes, we love blessings! Yet when we think of God’s blessings, it usually produces thoughts of receiving money and tangible possessions.

But King David reminds us that the Spiritual blessings of God’s Love, Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercies, Patience, and Divine Strength are crucial to our spiritual walk with Christ because they empower us to live righteously.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). We value our daily gift of another day because the Scriptures remind us, “…For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”(James 4:14).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV).

Every modality that is purchased with money, promising peace, is a counterfeit. Satan can mimic many things, but he will never be able to reproduce Jesus’ gift of Divine Peace.

To every believer, Jesus’ gift of peace is freely given, but only a few Christians actually experience the joy and happiness that come from having continuous spiritual peace.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).

A key obstacle to receiving Jesus’ peace is our failure to study the Bible, leaving us unaware of God’s expectations. The only alternative is to follow our thoughts and inclinations, which prevents the Holy Spirit from guiding us in our earthly journey.

No Peace From Traveling on the Highway of Self-Governance: Let’s face it, we live in an environment where the prevailing worldview is to rely on one’s thoughts and emotions.

Although the pursuit of happiness is the goal, traveling the world’s Expressway requires a lifestyle of self-reliance, which keeps the mind in overdrive. Relying on our thoughts to navigate this tumultuous journey comes at a high price; we have no time to commune with God in personal worship.

Without relying on Divine wisdom and discernment, the brain is overwhelmed by constant overthinking every day. Self-reliance demands payment that leads to spiritual and emotional bankruptcy. Self-gratification requires the continuous development of strategies that must be reevaluated and quickly restructured when failure occurs.

Enough is never enough! King Solomon tells us the human heart can never be satisfied: “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8, NLT).

The decision to exclude God produces a state of “Emotional Exhaustion Leading to Spiritual Confusion that Separates Us From God.” Sadly, like the prodigal son, it usually takes a crisis to return to God on bended knees before we come to our senses.

The Spiritual Steps to Restoration and Receiving Jesus’ Peace

Changing Lanes: “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).

God’s perspective is always spiritual. Jesus reminds us that we cannot save our souls. Staying on the Path of Righteousness has always required Divine Help. When Christ, our Shepherd, tells us that we were created without the ability to guide ourselves, we believe Him without question.

The Plan of Redemption includes the gift of Salvation, which is freely given to those who believe and accept Jesus as their Savior. But certainly it was not free for Jesus Christ, who was required to die a heinous death on Calvary’s Cross.

When we truly love God, we are grateful that through Christ, we have received the option of not paying the wages of sin. Loving God is demonstrated by seeking His will through daily personal worship, which should not be a burden.

Gratitude is Obedience: Daily personal worship [Prayer and Bible study] is a lifestyle that reveals a converted and sanctified heart willing to acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority.

The Standing Invitation: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT).

Jesus is Still Interceding for the Righteous

Jesus Christ, Yeshua, our Heavenly Intercessor, receives our prayers, forgives our sins, covers us with His Righteousness, gives us our daily provisions, heals our minds and bodies, and sends angels to constantly protect us from unseen spiritual warfare and physical danger [Psalm 91].

We have a relentless enemy who desires our souls! Yes, believers, we are the target in The Great Controversy of Good and Evil! Our fight is not against flesh and blood.

Jesus’ Warning: “…He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44, NIV).

Satan, our greatest enemy, has deceived many to believe that we can live as we please and still inherit our Crown of Life. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).

Through daily Consecration, we realign ourselves with God’s Divine Purpose by choosing to exit from the Road of Self-Governance back to the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

The Sacrificial Life Is the Only Life Acceptable to God

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

A couple of years ago, I watched a documentary filmed in Japan on the reinvented life of a retired college professor who practiced the concept of “Need Over Greed.”

Although she developed a mindset of gratitude from the practice of “enough is enough and zero waste,” she denied any religious affiliation with her lifestyle.

Need Over Greed and Minimalism are lifestyle changes that require continuous discipline, practiced by unbelievers who never acknowledge God, which should raise a Red Flag for believers.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self control].” (2 Timothy 1:7).

We have 24/7 access to Jesus, who promises to give us the Divine Strength to live a disciplined, righteous life. The Apostle Paul tells us that we were created with spiritual gifts, so when tempted, we pray for Jesus’ supernatural strength to overcome; still, God expects us to use self-control.

Throughout the Bible, we learn that God is Love, and He has always fulfilled His promises to “never leave us.” We have Jesus Christ, the Mighty Warrior, who promises to fight our battles, giving us hope and peace: “No weapon formed against you will prosper.”

Gratitude for God goes beyond spoken words. Every day, our gratitude is reflected through a lifestyle of surrender and faithful obedience. We love Him because He first loved us. Yes and Amen!

The Pathway to Peace is Paved With Gratitude

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Bible Study: Galatians 5; Ephesians 6

Prayer: Thank You, Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, for Your Amazing and Continuous Love. Forgive us for nurturing a spirit of self-reliance. We acknowledge that we can do nothing without You. Lead us, guide us, correct us, and protect us as we navigate through our spiritual journey. We commit to living a life that reveals our desire to give You the honor, glory, and praise that You rightfully deserve. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray this prayer of gratitude, Amen.

What Does God Require of Us?

“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

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

“It is no secret what God desires and requires of those who would claim to love and obey Him. He specifies very clearly in Micah 6:8 (and in similar passages elsewhere): ‘He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ ” (NKJV).

The two greatest sins are both tied to love. The failure to love God and to love everyone else results in the loss of receiving our reward of eternal life. Many believers feel that loving God is easy, but add qualifiers and conditions for loving others.

“Loving Everyone” includes those who have despitefully used you, attempted to defame your character, and abandoned, or abused you. Everyone is the 8 billion plus people that live on the planet Earth. Loving others unconditionally reveals that our hearts are overflowing with Agape love.

Our role model is Jesus. In His earthly life, Jesus was hated by the majority of the Jewish leaders who not only schemed everyday to kill Him, but also attempted to entrap Him by asking questions which appeared to have no correct or acceptable answer. Jesus proved that loving others despite their hatred is possible.

God is Love! Yes, God, the Father knew the majority of people would reject the gifts of His precious Son and Salvation, still, Jesus humbly, lovingly, and willingly gave His life for us. Are we willing to walk in the Loving footsteps of Christ by asking God to teach us how to love?

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” -1 John 4:11

Lord God, we ask you to teach us how to love as You love us. And we ask for forgiveness for not loving others as you love. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

Living By God’s Righteous Principles

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew (Levi) sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].’ And Matthew got up and followed Him.” Matthew 9:9, Amplified Bible

Every day, we face the internal conflict of following our thoughts, desires, and inclinations [feelings] or seeking and fulfilling God’s perfect plans. Because we inherited rebellious hearts, pursuing righteousness is not our default setting. Yet God gave us the spiritual attributes of love, power, and self-control to counteract fulfilling our desires and falling into temptation.

Loving God requires active participation and is demonstrated through daily surrender and loyalty. We choose to obey God’s Righteous Precepts. Pray continuously for the strength to live holy through faithful obedience.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16-17).

Lord God, we pray for the desire to consecrate ourselves to serve You faithfully as we prepare for Jesus’ soon coming. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

Sabbath Peace and Blessings – Elohim Shomri, Our Protector

“The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” —Psalm 121:5

From the moment we awaken, we are actively involved in the ongoing battle of good and evil. Without heavenly angelic intervention, we could never overcome humanity’s greatest enemy—Satan, the stealthy “roaring lion” who desires to separate us from God by presenting personalized and dangerous temptations of worldly pleasures and treasures that appeal to each of our heart’s desires.

The Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God: “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler [deception] And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge…” —Psalm 91:3-4

Throughout our waking hours, we should whisper prayers of gratitude for Christ’s continuous protection from unseen and seen harm provided by His angelic armies. Unknowingly, we face harm through covert schemes of powerful deceptions, identity theft, financial scams, fake love relationships targeting the lonely, coercion, and many other dangers developed to devastate our lives.

It was not our human wisdom that prevented us from sustaining major losses. The righteous are blessed with guardian angels who protect us from the evil of unseen spiritual warfare. Near-miss vehicle collisions, personal falls without injury, and protection from highly contagious diseases are only a few of God’s Divine blessings of protection.

“…When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” —Isaiah 59:19

It is not good luck, charms, chants. or ancient spirits that protect us. Our safety from all hurt and harm is a result of God’s overwhelming love and continuous mercies of providing angelic protection to keep us safe. God’s protection knows no boundaries, He also protects us from from succumbing to temptation.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” —1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT

Even when facing temptation, we receive a warning from the Holy Spirit that something is not right! The disturbance of our inner peace and feelings of unease arises from the Holy Spirit who alerts our guardian angels, who always obey Jesus Christ, their Commander, to warn and protect us. God’s promises of protection are timeless, and valid, and include today’s Christian believers.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” —Isaiah 43:1-3

The Scriptures reveal God’s Love and His continuous Intervention in our lives. We are loved beyond measure! We must love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength to worship Him in spirit and truth with faithful obedience. If we do not worship God in our earthly lives, certainly, we will not desire an eternal life of worshiping God.

This Sabbath [and every day] separate yourself at least twice daily to enjoy a time of intimate worship of praying, studying the Scriptures, and singing songs of gratitude to Elohim Shomri.

“Elohim Shomri” translates to ‘God our Protector’ or ‘God my Protector,’ emphasizing God’s role as a Provider of safety and protection.’

“Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you…” —Isaiah 43:4

Bible Study: Psalm 91, Psalm 121, and 2 Kings 6

Lord God, for your never-ending love, mercies, faithfulness, and protection we say, Hallelujah and Thank You! We ask for a much-needed spiritual blessing of wisdom and strength on your Holy Sabbath. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

God’s Relentless Love

Our Heavenly Father Cares – Sabbath Devotional – February 28, 2025

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” —Matthew 5:17

The Ten Commandments [Exodus 20], God’s Moral Law not only gives us the attributes of a righteous character but also reveals God’s boundaries for our behaviors and lifestyles. The Fruit of the Spirit is the Character of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Although our nation’s laws were originally developed from the Ten Commandments, compromised values have introduced plea bargaining, and loopholes, yet, God’s Commandments and Righteous Precepts are valid [only the ceremonial sacrificial law of animals has been abolished]. With love, God reminds us, “I do not change” so we are not deceived by false teachings that His Law was done away with or nailed to the cross.

“You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.” —1 Corinthians 6: 20

“This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” —1 John 4:9-10

Many Christians do not understand the relentless love required of God to give His Only Son, Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead to become human and suffer on this earth to save our souls. And we certainly do not understand our active role in our salvation, or we would faithfully seek and obey God’s will and plans every day.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV). With our cooperation, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.

“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 12:2). Living sacrificial lives is revealed through the spoken words, Lord, I surrender myself to You, I ask You to reveal your plans for today. And then we actively work on our salvation by obeying God instead of fulfilling our desires.

“Abraham said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’ ” —Genesis 22:5

Abraham teaches us that faithful obedience is our highest worship to God. Putting God first is essential for living a life of faith-driven obedience. Our response to the mercies of a new day in a morning prayer of consecration reveals that we love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

” ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” —Luke 22: 42-44

Although Abraham’s obedience to sacrifice Isaac, his only son [whom he loved with all of his heart] is perceived as the most difficult test of faith, Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful obedience when He died on Calvary’s Cross to fulfill the Plan of Redemption.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV

Saved by grace is a privilege, graciously gifted to us by God. Our salvation is based on faith in Christ and obedience to God. “If you love me keep my Commandments.” Disobedience has devastating consequences on our character. Living outside of God’s will changes our mindset, we lose our spiritual perception and easily choose sinful compromise over righteousness.

“…Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

Throughout the Bible, we have evidence that God has always required the human effort of faith and obedience. Living holy is impossible without Christ’s strength. We need help to overcome our thoughts, choices, and lifestyles that reflect the carnal desires of our hearts. Think of your life as a Spiritual Journey with Jesus Christ. Pray for help! “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13

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

God developed the battle plan to overcome our sinful tendencies. We are not helpless in the fight between good and evil. Satan cannot coerce or force us to disobey God. From the moment we are tempted, the Holy Spirit alerts us through our thoughts we are facing a sinful situation. We begin to feel uneasy within our spirit. At that moment, we pray for strength and use our self-control by proclaiming, I will not sin against God, or we ignore the warning and choose to sin.

God’s Love is Relentless! Loving God produces appreciation for His faithfulness and propels us to consecrate ourselves daily to live holy, obedient, and sacrificial lives. From our willingness to obey, Jesus empowers us with His supernatural strength. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the guidance to live as Victorious Overcomers preparing for the Second Coming of our Triumphant King.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 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

Lord God, we thank You for Your relentless love and ask for the strength to overcome our internal desires and fight against the external opposition to separate us from You. We love You and consecrate ourselves to strive for righteousness as we prepare daily for Jesus’ Second Coming. In Jesus’Holy Name, Amen.

Unrequited Love Relationships

Our Daily Walk with Christ – January 9, 2025

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16

The Spiritual Definition of Unrequited Love: “In a spiritual context, unrequited love refers to a one-sided, unreciprocated love that is given by God for humanity, but that love is not returned or acknowledged by the object of affection [humanity].

Are we certain that we are not in an unrequited love relationship with God? We have the assurance that God loves us, but what is our response to His love? We must love God beyond spoken words to receive eternal life. “LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Because God is Sovereign, He predetermined humanity’s appropriate response to receiving His love and salvation. We must serve Him with surrender and faithful obedience to demonstrate our love and loyalty. Our response of obedience is our highest form of worship and demonstrates reverence for Yahweh. Without obedience, we do not have a love relationship with Christ who is our Mediator between us and God, the Father.

An Unrequited Love Relationship Between Human Beings exists when Love is given to an individual who does not return the giver’s love.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —1 John 4:7-8, NIV

Have you loved someone with everything you have and at some point, the person exhibited signs that they did not love you? When Christian believers experience this dilemma, it is a spiritual dilemma. We do not fall asleep one night and awaken the next morning not loving God and our family. The individual who verbalizes, “I just don’t love you anymore” has been disconnected from God for a while.

When the love of God ceases to exist, carnal feelings overpower and rule the heart, therefore the qualities of Christ-like love no longer exist in the hearts of spouses, the anticipated wedding is called off, and best friends part ways for no apparent reason.

If we cannot understand how Christians lose interest in the people who love them, it is an issue of the heart, they have lost interest in God. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We must be intentional in maintaining our heart-to-heart connection with God. Without meaningful worship, the desire to serve God easily diminishes.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13

We are impacted by our environment to seek success and to pursue whatever makes us happy. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t require much for us to embrace worldly practices. We cannot subdue our heart’s desires without the power of God. The once loyal believer transitions to an unbelieving believer [acknowledging God’s existence but no spiritual connection to God].

Sadly, the dissolution of marriages and long-term relationships has escalated in the Christian community. Many Instagram posts reveal the hurt and anger of spouses, fiancés, and friends who are attempting to move forward from experiencing the devastating heartbreak of unrequited love. Reading the emotional responses that arise from lost love is quite shocking, yet, even when suffering the greatest disappointment, as believers, we cannot justify possessing a heart overflowing with malice.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].” —Ephesians 4:31, Amplified Bible

When our best is not appreciated, we feel devalued and grief easily escalates into anger, bitterness, resentment, and depression. Although we have immense love and devotion for God, even steadfast believers struggle with controlling the aftermath of roller coaster emotions from heartbreak.

The true challenge lies in maintaining a heart filled with love. Overcoming the escalation of carnal feelings requires much prayer asking for Divine strength. When love ends, we need Divine help to empower our self-control to resist plummeting into an abyss of dark emotions.

Nothing is hidden from God! “I, Yahweh, search the heart; I test the inmost being, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10).

Unrequited love hurts! We cannot deceive God who knows the true condition of our hearts. Pray an honest prayer of confession and forgiveness, “God, I am angry, hurt, resentful…” Forgive and pray for the person who failed to return your love and redirect your focus from yourself to God. Asking God to reveal His plan for moving forward keeps us connected in our time of emotional distress.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Acknowledging that you still love the person is a healthy response that prevents the entry of unforgiveness. Obeying the command to forgive is crucial because our character traits determine our destiny. God commands that we love and forgive those who hurt us. Pray! The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to love even when experiencing extreme emotional pain.

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” —Psalm 147:3, [Amplified Bible]

Love and Forgiveness are the spiritual catalysts to receive healing. Jesus asks, “…Will you be made whole?” (John 5:6). Thankfully, God promises to heal our broken hearts. We have a compassionate Heavenly Father who knows and understands the pain of a wounded heart. Surely, God endured heartbreak to see His Son on the cross and mocked and despised by those He came to save. Because emotional pain impacts our relationship with Jesus Christ, our spirit of forgiveness invites God to begin a journey of healing that includes receiving Jesus’ Divine Strength and Comfort.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28-29, NRSV

Do not allow yourself to become hard-hearted! It is better to cry a river of tears and express immense sorrow than to become bitter and resentful. All is not lost! God promises to heal and restore joy to our hearts. Our Loving Father is compassionate and kind. The duration of our journey of healing is determined by God who never requires us to hurry up and heal.

Pray as often as needed and study the Scriptures, especially the life of Christ. Ask God every day for the courage and strength to keep moving forward even when performing routine duties. The perplexities of emotional healing remain a mystery, yet, we know that faith and trust in God lightens the heavy burden of sorrow, and day by day, we become stronger through Christ.

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” —Psalm 86:5, NIV

Have you hurt someone? Believe that God loves you! The Holy Spirit speaks to our conscience when we have inflicted emotional, mental, or physical pain on others. Confession and repentance are vital to be in the right standing with God. Seek the forgiveness of those you have hurt. “To change, we must desire change, and surrender our hearts to God who changes us through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Those who inflicted severe pain on their loved ones are still loved by God. Asking the person/people for forgiveness is the first step that God requires before we confess and repent [Matthew 5:23-24]. Yes, there are extenuating circumstances [court orders, deceased, or unknown location] that prevent one from contacting the person or people who suffered. Even so, with a contrite spirit, pray for forgiveness, and ask God to touch and heal the hearts of those who were impacted by your actions.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” —Philippians 3:13

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” —Ezekiel 36:26

Before Saul’s spiritual transformation to the apostle Paul, he was responsible for most of the deaths of the early Christian believers. The apostle Paul is proof that God redeems and restores. God used Paul to establish 14 churches and write most of the New Testament while imprisoned. We cannot carry a load of guilt. Move forward by praying for the Holy Spirit to transform your heart into one of unconditional love. God redeems and restarts our spiritual journey with the expectation that we will love as Christ and reflect His love to others.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Because our perception of love varies, we must learn and practice God’s Righteous definition of love toward all people. We invite the Holy Spirit to teach us how to love, including loving those who reject us. We always forgive and pray for those practicing unrequited love, but we also exit the relationship or marriage if the spouse or friend refuses to restore their love relationship with God.

Agape love is the love that is the foundation of our heart-to-heart connection with God and imparts health and happiness to the giver and receiver. The Christian home is to be filled with love, joy, and peace. Unrequited love creates an environment void of love, causes suffering, fosters hate, and is not blessed by God. The atmosphere of our homes should reflect God’s love and peace which is needed to maintain a viable [thriving, growing daily] love relationship with Christ which is our priority.

“For I will restore you to health, And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares Yahweh…” —Jeremiah 30:17

Our fractured earthly relationships may never be restored, but God keeps His promises. With joyful expectation, we exercise faith to believe our emotional wounds will be healed. Yeshua [Jesus] is the Spiritual Balm who heals us completely by giving us a new heart without residual scars and freeing us from all guilt and remorse. Yes and Amen, I am a living witness that God restores and heals broken hearts.

We are looking forward to the day when unrequited love relationships will not exist. But until then, we invite the Holy Spirit to flood our hearts with Agape love and move forward in faith. Our Savior’s earthly ministry focused on healing, which always required faith in God’s power, and today, Jesus says, “I have loved you with everlasting love, have faith in Me, and I will heal you.”

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4

Lord God, we thank You for being a healer of broken hearts. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

Please share this Devotional with anyone who is impacted by an unrequited love relationship. Peace and Blessings.

Living Under God’s Divine Protection

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – January 1, 2025

“So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.” —Luke 4:28-30

Throughout Jesus’ earthly life, the Jewish leaders used various deceptions to attempt to discredit Christ including schemes to kill him, yet they never accomplished their evil desires. Before His fulfillment on Calvary’s Cross, God protected His Son from spiritual warfare and physical harm and danger. Can you imagine enjoying a life filled with peace and no worries despite your challenges from the adversary?

Our natural tendency to embrace self-reliance may give us a feeling of satisfaction, but we set ourselves up for suffering consequences. Perhaps your decision brought the desired outcome, but self-governance separates us from God. Not only do we lose our desire to pray for Divine guidance, but we also detour from the Path of Righteousness to a path of disobedience.

We cannot make a split decision of only trusting God with life’s impossible challenges, our commitment to fully rely on Him also includes praying for guidance in the mundane routine duties of life. From our decision to let go of self-reliance and surrender to God’s will and plans, God rewards us with His Divine blessings of spiritual peace and protection from the adversary.

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” —Isaiah 59:19.

Our greatest battle involves the external opposition of spiritual warfare. Satan attacks us through temptations that appeal to our inner desires. God promises to always protect those who love [and obey] Him. John 8:29 is one of my favorite Scriptures. Jesus gives us the answer to living a victorious life—Jesus prayed about everything and stated that He was never alone because He always obeyed His Father’s commands.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?” —Jeremiah 32:27.

As Christ received wisdom and strength from God, the Father to overcome temptation and maintain a calm demeanor despite continual opposition, we can also receive spiritual empowerment. When facing opposition, if our first response is prayer then our surrender immediately places us under God’s Divine Protection. Jesus is our Role Model. His life teaches us that trusting God supplies us with continuous joy, peace, strength, and protection, and gives us the courage to live as victorious overcomers.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you” (Isaiah 43:2). We never suffer from apprehension and anxiety when God is involved. Not only does God have a perfect record of resolving humanity’s challenges and protecting us above and beyond our expectations, but our Father always gives completion and total victory over adversity.

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

Pray, Wait, and “Be still.” Asking for God’s intervention is also a test of our faith, God’s timing is never our timing. We patiently wait and thank Him in advance for the victory. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” —Psalm 32:8

How do we recognize the difference between our thoughts versus the Holy Spirit speaking? Our thoughts of resolution can never give us peace. Even with careful planning, we have feelings of doubt because we have no control over the outcome. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in various ways, through the Scriptures, our prayers, and also our thoughts.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” —John 14:27, NLT

When God, the Holy Spirit speaks, receiving Divine answers of wisdom is like a cool breeze that permeates our mind, body, and soul. Just as a parent reassures a fearful child, Divine peace is a God-given spiritual refreshment that exceeds our understanding. You will know God is speaking because the burden is lifted from your spirit and all is well even before the resolution comes.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17, NIV

The decision to include God in every aspect of your life reaps wonderful blessings. Jesus, Enoch, Noah, Elijah, and Daniel lived extraordinary lives because they understood that love for God is evidenced by steadfast faith, trust, and perseverance. But most importantly, obedience is our highest form of worship.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” —Ephesians 6:10

When we decide to walk with God as Enoch did, whispering prayers throughout our day, we immediately receive God’s Shield of Protection against all spiritual warfare of temptations, deceptions, and physical harm. Beginning our day with prayer invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom, strength, and courage to keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Stop Taking Risks! In 2025, before making decisions whether in routine activities or facing life-changing vicissitudes, commit to always seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Peace and blessings. Happy New Year!

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called…” —1 Timothy 6:12

Lord God, for this New Year, and the abundant blessings of Your love, grace, mercies, and protection, we thank You. We desire to live differently by committing to a spirit of humility, surrender, and obedience. Thank You for Your guidance, wisdom, and protection as we face life’s adversities. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

Sermon – Get Out of the Boat – Pastor Carlton P. Byrd

Can We Live As Overcomers? Yes!

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional -November 30, 2024

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

We inherited hearts that naturally gravitate toward fulfilling our desires. Every day, we must decide to use our faith to surrender to God. By accepting God’s will, we agree to abide in Christ and enter a Covenant of Obedience. From our yes, we vow to trust and obey. From our prayer of surrender, we receive Jesus’ Divine strength via the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live holy, and yes, our faith and obedience will be tested through many temptations [mostly arising from our heart’s desires].

“Paul’s sanctification was a daily conflict with himself. He said, ‘I die daily’ (1 Corinthians 15:31). His will and desires daily conflicted with duty and the will of God. In the plan of not following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.” Although many commentaries refer to Paul’s statement of “I die daily” as his impending physical death, the apostle is speaking of a spiritual sense of dying daily to sin.

“I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Every soul must battle against inclination. Christ came not to save men in their sins but from their sins. He has made it possible for us to possess a holy character; do not, then, be content with [character] defects and deformities. But while we are to seek earnestly for perfection of character, we must remember that Sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. Paul said, Day by day the work of overcoming must go forward. Every day we are to resist temptation and gain the victory over selfishness in all its forms. Looking for a Daily Victory, EGW Estate, Sharing the Vision

Yes, we are covered by Grace, still, true religion is not one in which we do nothing. Our responsibility is to surrender to God and strive for holiness by renouncing sin when tempted. The secret to living victoriously requires the daily consecration of our intellect and faith to Christ, our Redeemer. We live in spiritually dangerous times [2 Timothy 3], and praying twice daily is insufficient to maintain our connection to the Power of God.

“…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:20

Jesus knows that our struggle to renounce our desires and sinful pleasures could not be accomplished without His Divine Intervention, therefore, “He promises to be with His followers every moment of every day, until the end of the present age.”

“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

What does it mean to abide in Christ? Total surrender and diligently studying the Bible to learn God’s Righteous Character, Commandments, and Precepts. Living holy requires more than intellectual knowledge, our hearts must be converted. With determination, we pray for the spiritual strength to stand down sin!

This is the well-kept secret in the Christian Community, abiding in Christ requires accepting God’s will over our will, desires, and plans. And that’s not all, striving to live holy requires the always present faith-building tests of loyalty to God. Temptation is powerful! Never think too highly of yourself by trusting your instincts. The human intellect is in a lose-lose situation against Satan. Without Divine wisdom and discernment, we are guaranteed to fall.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” —James 1:5, NIV

To overcome Satan’s covert temptations, we desperately need Godly wisdom and discernment. Pray daily for wisdom. It’s vital to stay close to God and learn His Divine prompts. When tempted, the Holy Spirit intervenes by alerting us, and we lose our inner peace. Feeling uneasy is God’s Divine Protection.

When tempted and in spiritual or physical danger, we realize that something is not right! Make a prayer of faith your first response, ask Jesus, the Commander of Angel Armies to send angelic protection. Yes, heavenly angels fight spiritual warfare and protect us from physical danger [Psalms 34 and 91]. Immediately leave the situation! Do not attempt to use strategies, remain silent, and place all your faith in God who gives us the courage to walk away.

The human effort of staying close to Christ requires much prayer and learning to hear the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts. The Christian journey is rugged, but we have Divine Help from the Triune God and the heavenly angels. Are we ready to live a sacrificial life?

“…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

Consecrating oneself to God may result in walking alone [without support from family and friends]. If feeling alone, ask God to reveal your spiritual assignment. Helping those in need redirects our focus from ourselves. Do not give credence to your feelings—our feelings are unreliable. Strive to live a consecrated life, the reward [Revelation 21-22] is worth all sacrifices.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” —Jude 24-25

Every day, we bow before the Throne of Grace thanking Jesus for His commitment to fulfill the Plan of Redemption. This earthly life is not the end for the righteous! Tell yourself, “I am going to receive my Crown of Life! Amen.” Pray and ask God to reveal what you must do to live as a victorious overcomer, indicating your willingness to actively participate in your spiritual journey of Sanctification.

Communicate with God through prayer several times a day. Dedicate more time to studying the Bible. Let go of the hindrances of compromising habits, unrighteous behaviors, and people who have no desire to receive Eternal Life. There is no other way to build your faith in God but to acquiesce to His Sovereignty by following His plans. Victory over sin through Christ defines the Overcomer’s life!

Our Reward: Jesus proclaims, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Yes, and Amen!

Lord God, we desire Eternal Life and ask You to reveal every sin and character defect that prevents us from receiving our Crown of Life at the Second Coming of Jesus. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.