Throughout the Bible, God reveals that total dependence on Him will always lead to Deliverance and Victory!
Whether facing life’s routine duties, or the many unexpected challenges, hardships, and impossible battles, Jesus, our Mighty Warrior invites us to use our faith to Pray, Ask for His Help, and Wait on Him. And while waiting, we continue to praise Him with prayers and songs of gratitude.
King Jehoshaphat’s Prayer: 2 Chronicles 20
5 “Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord in front of the new courtyard,
6 and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, there is no one able to take a stand against You.
7 O our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Your friend Abraham? 8 They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your Name, saying,
9 ‘If evil comes on us, or the sword of judgment, or plague, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your Name and Your Presence is in this house) and we will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear and save us.’
10 Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You would not allow Israel to invade when they came from the land of Egypt (for they turned away from them and did not destroy them),
11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to drive us out of Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance.
12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless against this great multitude which is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.'”
The most powerful aspect of this prayer is the acknowledgement of God’s Sovereign Authority and Power:
‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, there is no one able to take a stand against You.’
And the second most powerful aspect of the King’s prayer reveals his humility, faith, and surrender to the Most-High God:
‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.’
Praising God before He intervenes reveals that we are using our faith to completely trust in His Omnipotence and gives Honor and Glory To His Most Holy Name:
“Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping Him.”
“The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” (2 Chronicles 20:18-19, Amplified Bible).
God’s Reminder to all of His Sons and Daughters: God’s Promises do not have an Expiration date. Yes and Amen!
“Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15, Amplified Bible).
Lord God, our hearts are filled with praise and gratitude for giving us the Holy Scriptures with stories of men and women, who used their faith to pray, ask, and believe that Your Promises to help us are Truth, and Yes and Amen! Lord, today on your Blessed Holy Sabbath, we confess that we have faced many challenges this week, attempting to resolve them using our human thoughts and strategies. And for our doubt and unbelief, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we have come to our spiritual senses, realizing that we can do nothing without You. and now, Lord, in faith, we seek You, asking for Your Divine Help, believing that you will give us Deliverance and Victory. We also ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s Presence, and the Blessings of wisdom and strength. With faith, trust, and praise, we honor and worship You on Your Holy Sabbath. In Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
Jesus Restores Peter: “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.'” (John 21:15).
After Jesus’ arrest, Peter aggressively denied knowing Jesus three times, and then the rooster crowed.
“And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, ‘Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.’ 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:59-62, ESV).
We may ask, How is it possible for Peter to deny Christ after being in His presence and following Him for 3 years? Peter’s heart was unconverted, he attempted to serve and follow Jesus with a divided heart.
Although Peter thought his overwhelming desires for earthly prominence and wealth were hidden secrets, Peter was unaware that God, the Father gave Jesus the Divine Power to discern the real [secret] thoughts in people’s minds.
“Would not God discover this? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21). Before God, who knows every human thought, habit, and behavior, we appear as naked babies.
Yes, God knows the dedicated believers who are striving to follow His Triumphant Son, Jesus Christ with daily surrender and faithful obedience; and God sees the unbelieving believers, who profess Christianity, but live to fulfill their personal agendas as wealth-builders, striving for elite social status, and the world’s wisdom [Artificial Intelligence].
The Reason It Is So Easy To Rebel Against God
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10, ESV).
“Our natural will is cold, hard, stubborn, and rebellious; The hard heart does not love Jesus, the Redeemer; The hard heart is selfish and coldly asks, Why should I [feel remorse] for sin? Why should I love the Lord?”
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).
God never coerces us to love Him. If we choose to live as we please then we choose to deny Christ as our Lord and Savior. Not only will our rewards consist of whatever we have gained in our earthly lives, denying Christ is to accept Malachi 4:1 as our destiny.
The Plan of Redemption Reveals God’s Love, Grace, and Mercies and Also Includes Unlimited Forgiveness and Restoration
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, ESV). Regardless of our present self-seeking status; we can decide to renounce the world’s treasures and pleasures; repent and return to the Shepherd; we do not have to remain as a lost sheep!
Steps To Spiritual Restoration: Love God
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].” (Deuteronomy 6:5, Amplified Bible).
In Matthew 22, Jesus repeats the command given in the Old Testament that we must love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the literal meaning: To love God is to think and live with a “God First” mindset.
Embracing Jesus’ Sacrificial Gift of His Life
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17, ESV).
The Message of The Cross reveals Jesus’ overwhelming love and commitment to save humanity: Jesus fulfilled The Plan of Redemption, dying for our sins, so we do not have to die [the second and final death] for our sins.
Confess and Repent For Our Sins Against God
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
To be accepted back into our Shepherd’s flock of sheep, we repent [asking for forgiveness with the commitment to strive to live holy]; and immediately, we are justified and covered with Christ’s Righteousness; and Jesus Christ presents us as being cleansed from all sins to God, the Father.
Sanctification is the lifetime work of the Holy Spirit changing our mind, character, personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
Sanctification requires the human effort of daily participation. We pray for God’s Will to be revealed, and our responses are faithful obedience along with renouncing our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33, CSB). Our commitment to God and lifestyle must reflect that our hearts have been cleansed and transformed.
Spiritual Restoration requires letting go of all worldly people, habits, behaviors, and lifestyles. Study Romans 12:1-2 on how to live appropriately as a follower of Jesus Christ.
We are Temporary Travelers living on a Temporary Earth preparing every day for Jesus’ Coming. Live as if it is your last day. This is not a morbid thought, God has not promised us tomorrow.
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14, NIV). We are living in the last days and we do not have the time that we think we have.
If we do not actively renounce sin, the Holy Spirit cannot change us; and the unrighteous character that we have today will be the same unrighteous character we have when Jesus comes.
Following Jesus Gives Us our Spiritual Identity
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9).
Society’s system of valuing people should not matter to us. As the righteous Sons and Daughters of God, who will inherit our Eternal Crown of Life, at all times, we must stay spiritually alert and prepared. Jesus tells us to separate ourselves from lawlessness.
The True Believers Worship God in Spirit and Truth
Daily surrender, faithful obedience, praying continuously for guidance and protection, studying the Bible, and letting go of our internal desires invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Jesus’ Wisdom and Strength to discern and overcome every temptation that we face.
Jesus asks, “Do you love me?”
Then “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s Will is.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 16, NIV).
Lord God, with humility and surrender, we approach your Throne of Grace, asking for the forgiveness of our sins. Lord, we ask You to restore us and to anoint us with Your Presence through the Power of the Holy Spirit. As we navigate through this tumultuous spiritual journey of life, we ask for Your Divine Guidance. Teach us how to keep our focus and faith on our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus, we love You; and we bow before You, Triumphant King asking You to lead us from Earth to Heaven. Lord, we also request for You to be our strength. In faith and with joyful anticipation of receiving Your blessings, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV).
In Romans 12:3, the Apostle Paul tells us that God has given to all a measure of Faith [the ability to believe and trust in God]: “…to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
We use faith to believe that God exists; faith is the catalyst that enables us to love God, the Father, and God, Jesus Christ; and faith causes us to believe and accept Christ as our personal Savior.
“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).
Active Faith allows us to embrace the Plan of Redemption, fulfilled by Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross, keeping us spiritually connected to Christ by believing in God’s Power and Promises.
Like a seed in the ground, faith can grow. We choose to water and feed our faith by trusting and obeying God in every aspect of our lives. Instead of making decisions based on speculation, we pray, ask, and wait for God’s Divine Guidance.
Faith is a spiritual muscle that must be exercised daily to gain strength. Our love for Jesus keeps our faith active, giving us the desire to stay connected to Jesus Christ through daily Personal Worship, Prayer, and Bible Study.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6, ESV).
From the moment we wake up, our first words should reflect immense gratitude for God’s Love and Mercies revealed by the gift of time. Yes, we have received another day, which allows us to consecrate ourselves to follow Christ by worshiping God in Spirit and Truth.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28, NKJV).
Morning worship reflects the intentional decision to place our faith and trust in Jesus, our Loving and Faithful Shepherd. The Holy Spirit rewards our faithfulness by empowering us with Jesus’ Wisdom and Strength. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
It is a mystery that the human mind cannot comprehend; however, God, the Holy Spirit, can be present everywhere at the same time. The Spirit of God strengthens our faith, always guiding and giving us the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes.
“In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will].” (Hebrews 5:7, Amplified Bible).
In His earthly life, Jesus was a Prayer Warrior who used HIs faith to rely on God, the Father’s Guidance and Power! We must form the habit of consistently whispering prayers for Divine Wisdom, Guidance, and the Strength to overcome our internal desires and the external temptations we are guaranteed to encounter every day.
“Key Ways to Strengthen Faith: Faith is the very life of the soul!”
Study the Scriptures Daily:
Treat God’s Words as Spiritual food and water.
Meditate on the gift of Redemption and Christ’s Righteous Character.
Let your mind dwell on sacred, eternal things rather than trivial matters.
Engage in Secret Prayer:
Open the heart to God in solitude, free from outside distractions.
Bring burdens and trials directly to the Lord to receive the spiritual strength for endurance.
Consciously surrender your plans each morning and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day.
Exercise Active Obedience:
Understand that true faith produces fruit and works through love.
Clear the heart of cherished sins or selfish desires that act as strongholds for doubt.
Put faith into practice by cooperating with God in daily duties.
Take Time to Separate and Meditate on God’s Past Leading:
Remember that we have nothing to fear for the future unless we forget how the Lord has led us in the past.
Count your blessings and speak words of praise and thanksgiving rather than entertaining discouragement. Steps to Christ and The Desire of Ages
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, ESV). “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV).
Our faith is strengthened by praying, asking for, and depending on God’s Will and Perfect Plans. The choices we make either build and strengthen our faith or destroy our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ; Self-reliance [depending on our thoughts and strategies] always excludes Christ from our lives.
Exercising Faith invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to trust in the unseen Promises of God. “Faith is not only to look forward to things unseen; [faith] is to be confirmed by looking at past experience,” and at the many victories God has given to us in impossible situations.
“Faith enables us to reveal that Christ is abiding in the soul,” giving us the courage and strength to reflect the Light of Christ in a world overshadowed by spiritual darkness. Through faith, we demonstrate that loving, honoring, and following Jesus Christ makes a difference in one’s life.
Reflection: The time we intentionally spend worshiping God reveals the direction of our faith, trust, and focus; either we use our faith to implicitly focus on Christ, trusting Him with our lives, or we use our faith to focus on and trust our limited abilities.
Daily Faith Building Activities Will Result in Steadfast Strengthened Faith
Consecrate Yourself Daily to God: “…by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1, ESV).
Diligently Study the Holy Scriptures: Receive Power Through God’s Word
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13, NIV).
Prayer Keeps Us Connected to Jesus, The Source of All Strength
“Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV). Every day, pray, “Lord, increase my faith.”
“Prayer is simply talking to God as a trusted friend who hears hidden thoughts and understands every burden. Prayer is a vital, personal connection with Jesus, our Loving Friend. Solitude in prayer protects the mind from outside noise and lays the soul bare before God for true spiritual growth.”
“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).
Invite God into your decision-making activities. Use your faith to trust and rely on God’s Divine Guidance in every aspect of your life. Never consider any decision insignificant; we cannot discern future outcomes. As followers of Christ, we should never suffer consequences because we failed to ask for Divine Guidance. Always wait on God to answer your prayer. Our Heavenly Father is never in a hurry. [Study Psalm 27:14].
King David’s Prayer of Faith: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek…. Teach me Your way, O Lord.'” (Psalm 27:7-8, 11).
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Although we have a tendency to focus on our desires and deficits, in our times of need, the believer’s faith is the catalyst that prevents doubt and worries. When we believe that God is Faithful, we implicitly trust Him.
When our faith is weak, we say, “God, will provide,” hoping that He will come through for us. But deep within our hearts, we are wondering how we are going to resolve our challenges.
Yet, for those who acknowledge that God sustains every aspect of our lives, with steadfast faith, we proclaim “Thank You, God for providing.” From reflecting on our past victories, we know that God is always faithful.
“The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.'” (Lamentations 3:24-25).
In Matthew 6, Jesus promises to give us all of our provisions:
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles [unbelievers] seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32).
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
When we remain safely in the arms of Jesus, He provides all of our daily basic needs. We receive His Love, Housing, Food, Water, and Clothing, and the money necessary to maintain optimal mental, emotional, and physical health.
Jesus created all things [John 1]; And He knows that our psychological and physiological status’ require a state of equilibrium [balance].
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34).
Focusing on the blessing of the given day facilitates a spirit of gratitude; allows us to enjoy Jesus’ gift of internal peace; promotes the level of wellness required for spiritual growth; and keeps our focus and dependency on Jesus, required to build our faith.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Our level of faith determines whether we will perceive our challenges and adversities as impossible, leaving us defeated, or knowing that with God, all things are possible. Yes and Amen.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
Job loss is one of the trials that reveals [to us] the true status of our faith. God already knows whether or not, we really trust Him. The direction of faith [in God or ourselves] determines our first response to life-changing events.
The Believer Who Has Steadfast Faith in God
“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, BLB).
Although we feel disappointed, our first response is prayer: Lord, I thank You for my time on this job. In Matthew 6 and Hebrews 13:5, You promised to provide all of our needs, and I believe and trust in Your Promises. I ask You to give me guidance during this time. And I thank You in advance for Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Believer Who Practices Self-Reliance
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).
From living a life of redirecting one’s faith and trust from God to self; the believer, who trusts in their thoughts and ways, perceives job loss as devastating. “What am I going to do?” is their First Response.
The Mind-Body Connection is powerful; and sympathizes with each other. Mentally, if we feel defeated and depressed then physically, our body responds.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.'” (Jeremiah 17:5).
The lack of faith and trust in God are the catalysts that produce “a psychosomatic physical illness or other condition) caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress, manifesting symptoms of a physical illness that does not exist.”
Redirecting Our Faith and Focus Back To God
“…Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” (Romans 12:3, CSB).
The journey from self-reliance to placing one’s faith and trust in God is a tough spiritual journey. Yet with repentance, we pray for strength and every day, strive to walk on the Narrow Path of following Christ.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17: 7).
Faith requires action! Even when the circumstances appear to be impossible, we decide to use our faith to believe and trust in God’s Love, Promises, and Power; If God said it, “It is done!”
Prayers of Gratitude are Faith-Builders!
When we redirect our faith and focus to Yahweh’s Love and Faithfulness, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes. We begin to understand our spiritual purpose as Sons and Daughters of God
Our Response to God’s Goodness
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3).
“Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5, ESV).
The Message of The Cross reveals that God, the Father, and God, Jesus the Son loves us with an everlasting love.
Yes, God is always faithful in fulfilling His promises; yet our relationship with Christ is based on reciprocal love and faith.
Our Response To God’s Faithfulness
“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.” (Psalm 95:6-7).
We demonstrate our love for Christ by following our Shepherd with daily surrender and faithful obedience, which is the highest form of worship, we can give to our Sovereign God.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). To enjoy Christ’s Abundant Blessings and His Spiritual Gifts of Peace and Contentment, we commit to loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
“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).
A God First mindset is revealed by the willingness to trust and obey God’s Will and Plans for our lives, and live the same Sacrificial life of self-denial that Jesus lived.
God Proclaims His Sovereignty: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11).
Facing The Opposition With Jesus’ Strength
The human mind is easily distracted by our environment of rapidly changing circumstances. Yet our stability is in God’s Promises, “I do not change.” [Malachi 3].
“There are always events happening in this world that Satan uses to steal our peace, joy, and happiness.”
Jesus’ Guidance: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7).
“Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to teach about maintaining a close, life-giving, and continuous relationship with Him.”
Our Response To Jesus Saying, “Stay Close To Me: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2).
We establish and maintain a love relationship with Christ through daily personal worship: Pray continuously, Study the Holy Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in every aspect of your life.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3).
Yes, we live in a world full of confusion and disorder, but as Sons and Daughters of God, we intentionally place our faith and focus on Jesus’ Promise, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2). “Without faith it is impossible to please God…” And without faith, it is impossible for us to keep our focus on God.
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. Faith is the spiritual conduit that allows the Holy Spirit to give us a constant Spirit of Peace, despite the presenting circumstances.
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. “[Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge]. (John 14:27, Amplified Bible).
“What rest is to the body, Peace is to the mind! Jesus’ Peace, is the inner tranquility of the soul, that is undisturbed by external pressures.” Jesus, please give me Your Peace.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).
Lord God, we thank You for Your consistent Faithfulness. We thank You for loving us, so much that You desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives. We thank You for our spiritual gift of faith that we can use to totally depend on Your Goodness, believe in Your Promises to intervene, knowing, You will give us victory. Lord, we repent for using our faith to rely on our thoughts. As we face the uncertainties in this spiritual journey of life, we realize that we desperately need Your help and guidance. With gratitude and faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.”
39 “She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.”
40 “But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.'”
41 “But the Lord replied to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:38-42)
Every day, our daily routine reveals whether we are actively fulfilling the role of Martha, who always focused on the continuous busyness of life, or like Mary, our worship of Jesus Christ is first and foremost in our lives.
Are we taking the time to acknowledge and thank God for His Blessing of another day? God is the Sustainer of Life.
We have been blessed to receive the gift of 24 hours; yet, most of us do not even give God 60 minutes in the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study.
One of Satan’s most effective deceptions is that we have the time to live as we please, and because God is merciful, all will be well. Yet, the prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is:
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23-24).
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us that we must love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we fail to worship and obey God, we reveal an issue of the heart, we love ourselves more than God.
“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.” (Psalm 95:6-7).
Loving God First is revealed as soon as we wake up to a new day. Our automatic response is to worship, and we joyfully speak a prayer of gratitude, singing praises that acknowledge the Lord’s gift of new Mercies.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25).
We revere God by making worship the first activity of our new day. Worship reveals our love and gratitude for God’s Abundant Blessings of His Steadfast Love, Faithfulness, Grace, Mercies, Provisions, Correction, and Protection.
By excluding God, we reveal that we value our human thoughts and strategies over God’s Sovereign Wisdom and Providence.
“See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Because we are living in the Last Days of Earth’s existence [Matthew 24; 2 Timothy 3], we do not have time to play the Game of Chance with our Life. Following Jesus Is All or Nothing, there is no middle ground.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10).
Since we do not have the ability to predict the future outcomes of our decisions, we should renounce the habits of unbelievers, who trust human thoughts and their imaginings over God’s Divine Omniscience.
The same sacrificial life of self-denial that Jesus lived on this Earth is the same life that God, the Father requires us to live.
“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).
When we love God and appreciate Jesus’ Blood Sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, we will joyfully give up every obstacle that prevents us having a heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.
We redeem the time by using our faith to actively participate in our Spiritual Journey. Cooperating with God, the Holy Spirit, Who performs the Spiritual Process of Sanctification, requires us to willingly surrender our will and plans to Jesus Christ
Sanctification is a spiritual process that can only occur in our earthly lives. The daily Spiritual Growth and Transformation of our heart, mind, and character from its inherited carnal desires into the Righteousness of Christ, prepares us for Eternal Life, but ceases when we take our last breath.
Do not believe Satan’s lie that we have the time to waste. Now is the time for us to follow our Shepherd with steadfast faith, obedience, determination.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Reflection: This morning, as I reflected on the ungrateful and selfish use of my time, I whispered a prayer of forgiveness for taking the gift of my life for granted.
The Message of The Cross reveals that Jesus has done all that He can for us: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Following Christ requires the courage to renounce the personal habits that consume our time; saying No to the spiritual warfare of distractions, and most importantly, letting go of the people, who are interfering with our Love Relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our Triumphant King is Coming sooner than we think. We do not have time to think and live as Martha, because according to Jesus, only those with the habits of Mary will hear:
“‘…Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'” (Matthew 25:23).
LORD God, with humility and surrender, we ask for forgiveness for wasting our merciful gift of time. We desire the wisdom and discernment to be intentional with our time, so we can always put You as First in our lives. Holy Spirit, transform our thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Christ’s Righteousness. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the habits and people, who are stumbling blocks, preventing our spiritual transformation in our journey with Jesus. LORD God, give us strength, as we follow Yeshua, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. In faith, we ask and believe that we will receive these things in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).
When Jesus approached Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, Jesus extended the invitation: “Follow Me’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him…”
Matthew did not have to respond with spoken words; Jesus had the Divine Power to read what is in every human mind and heart, so He knew that Matthew was tired of his journey of walking down a dead end road.
Every day, Matthew heard the people in the marketplace telling others about Jesus’ Teachings of God’s Love for all people, regardless of their social or economic status.
Although Matthew had never personally listened to Jesus’ Teachings, as he sat at the tax collection table, the people constantly talked about a Powerful Man, named Jesus.
And this Jesus, who was from Nazareth healed lepers, opened blind eyes, gave hearing to the deaf, those who were unable to speak, talked, the crippled got up and walked, and He also have the power to cast out demons.
“Mark 7:36-37: Even though Jesus told them not to tell anyone, the people kept talking about it more and more, saying, ‘He does everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'”
Yes, Jesus’ Love, Teachings, and His Ministry of Healing was known throughout Syria. “Yet, Dr. Luke records that when Jesus raised the widow’s son—His reputation of healing power spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”
The Truth is, Matthew knew that he was traveling on a wide path when he learned that Jesus taught one’s status, wealth, and material possessions were worthless in the kingdom of God.
Jesus refuted the Pharisees’ false doctrines that only wealthy individuals would enter heaven. Deep within his heart, Matthew realized that his lifestyle placed him on the broad road, leading to death and destruction.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
Today, Jesus is asking you and me to stop giving Him the ritualistic worship of weekly church attendance, and to “Follow Him” with a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
We must be willing to stop nurturing our habits of self-reliance and disobedience against God; cease following our thoughts and strategies; and stop chasing our desires for this Earth’s temporary treasures, pleasures, and meaningless relationships.
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV). Jesus knows the true status of every human heart.
Who is sitting on the throne of our heart?
From reflecting on our thoughts, desires, habits, and lifestyle, the truth is revealed; without loving God, and honoring Him with daily surrender and faithful obedience, we are sitting on the throne of our heart.
For Jesus to sit on the throne of our hearts, the Apostle Paul tells us:
“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.”
2 “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).
To follow Jesus requires a spirit of humility and a lifelong commitment of daily surrender and obedience.
Through daily personal worship [Prayer, Studying and Obeying the Holy Scriptures], we abide in Christ. Asking for God’s Will to be done in our lives, reveals that we honor and reverence our King’s Sovereign Authority.
When we use our faith to implicitly trust and obey jesus, our Shepherd, the Holy Spirit leads us [day by day] on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for sanctifying and transforming our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous and Divine Character.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide gives us knowledge, spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength.
When tempted, it is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to recognize Satan’s covert temptations, and the Holy Spirit convicts our conscience if we try to hide secret sins.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”(Romans 12:9, 11-12, NIV).
Walking on the Narrow Path of Righteousness Requires the Human Effort of Total Surrender, Faithful Obedience, and The Divine Intervention of The Holy Spirit
Everyday, we will face the internal conflict of our hearts, driving us to pursue its desires and the external conflict of Satan’s continuous temptations.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24).
Although we practice self-control, our willpower can never keep us on the Path of Righteousness. We must walk through life on bended knees, asking the Holy Spirit several times a day to give us Divine Strength.
Following Jesus requires faith, courage, and the desire to live righteously. Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus, and we put on our armor, by studying the Scriptures, our Spiritual Sword.
Because of the Cross, we have Total Access to the Saving Power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Yes and Amen!
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited….”
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18, NIV).
Lord, we come to You with our stubborn hearts and clenched hands of self-reliance. Yet, we have come to our spiritual senses. Jesus, we love You and desire to follow You. We ask You to forgive us for sitting on the throne of our heart, and excluding You from our lives, by only giving you recognition once a week.
Lord, we are willing to take the leap of faith to trust and obey You. And with trembling hands, we release our character deficits and burdens into Your Holy Hands. As we walk on this New Path of Total Surrender, we ask You to please be our Strength, and to anoint us with the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV)
There is a misconception that has spread like wildfire in the Christian Community: Because Jesus Paid it All [redeeming us from our sins] on Calvary’s Cross, once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we don’t have to do anything beyond attending church to receive Eternal Life.
Jesus says, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12, NKJV).
The Amplified Translation: “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).” (Revelation 22:12).
Throughout the Bible, God reveals that He has given us spiritual gifts and innate talents to use for His Honor and Glory. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6).
“By His own humiliation and agony, Christ has paid the purchase for our salvation, and He has a right to our services.”
“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).
“By the body we are to understand [lustful desires], appetites, and inclinations. These the apostle Paul set himself to curb and conquer, and in this the Corinthians [members of the Corinth Church] were bound to imitate him…”
“I say then: ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.’ ” (Galatians 5:16).
“[We] must fight hard to overcome fleshly lusts, and not to surrender to uncontrolled appetites.” Fleshly lusts also includes the relentless pursuit of our desires, material possessions, wealth, and relationships with the intent of self-gratification.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV).
“You are the light of the world…You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-14).
As “Light and Salt of the Earth” [Matthew 5], we represent God’s Love by possessing the Fruit of the Spirit, including self-control, which represents Christ’s Righteous Character:
“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible).
As “Light and Salt of the Earth,” God has given us the responsibility of spreading “The Message of the Cross.”
Sadly, many believers cannot fulfill their God-given Spiritual Assignment of witnessing to others, because they do not have a heart to Heart relationship with Jesus Christ. And from not studying the Holy Scriptures they do not know or understand God’s Character, His Commandments, and Righteous Precepts.
Walk In Love – Walk In Light – Walk In Wisdom
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ And Jesus replied to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'” (Matthew 22:36-38).
Love for God is the foundation and the catalyst of our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. To love God is to know Him, to honor and revere Him, and to put God First in every aspect of life.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12, ESV).
Following Jesus requires that we love Him more than we love ourselves, and this includes our spouse, and our family. We do not neglect them, yet, we do not compromise because they are not committed to following Jesus with faithful obedience.
Dedicated followers of Christ are willing to live a daily sacrificial life of self-denial and faithful obedience. “I will not sin against God,” is the True Believer’s Creed.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship.” (Romans 12:1, Amplified Bible).
Sacrificial Commitment: The daily personal worship of praying, fasting [at least one hour per day], and surrendering oneself to follow Jesus cannot be accomplished without self-denial, self-control, and Jesus’ Wisdom, Strength and Power, given to us by the Holy Spirit.
“Spiritual Fasting is an earnest tool for seeking God’s Wisdom, breaking self-dependence, [and sinful habits, behaviors, and self-seeking pleasures].”
Practical Ways to Incorporate Spiritual Fasting: At 8 pm, I cease all food intake, with the exception of water [if thirsty]. At 10 pm, I pray for God’s forgiveness of sins, asking for blessings of safety while sleeping, and to reveal His will for my life.
The next morning, I whisper a prayer of gratitude for the blessing of a new day, breaking my fast with lemon water. At times, I feel no hunger for 3-4 hours, so I delay eating.
Spiritual fasting draws us closer to Christ and gives us spiritual and mental clarity. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to distinguish God’s Voice above our thoughts and others’ voices.
From daily fasting, we are rewarded by Jesus with the Wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Not only do we gain a higher spiritual focus, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the self-control to stop former habits and behaviors. Yes and Amen!
Before engaging in spiritual fasting for an extended time, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you regarding the duration of your fast. This is especially important for those with medical diagnoses that require taking medications within definitive time parameters.
“See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15).
Continuous Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Spiritual Wisdom, Discernment, and Strength. Without daily Spiritual Reinforcements, it is impossible to recognize and overcome Satan’s continuous covert strategies and temptations.
We receive our greatest Spiritual Blessings through personal worship. Our love and gratitude to God for our Spiritual Gift of Time is revealed by separating ourselves to worship Him one-to-one in Spirit and Truth.
From praying and eating The Bread of Life and drinking The Living Water [Studying The Holy Scriptures], God, the Holy Spirit converts our heart, and transforms our mind and character, preparing us for eternity with Jesus Christ.
Sanctification is performed by the Holy Spirit, who requires our willingness to actively participate in our daily spiritual growth and character transformation into the likeness of Christ. Let go of people, places, and habits that fail to honor God!
“Be holy for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
If our lives do not reflect the daily sacrifice of self-denial, and the willingness to surrender with faithful obedience to follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness then we are only carrying the label of being a Christian.
Brothers and Sisters, we are living in the Last Days [2 Timothy 3], Run, Run, Run the Spiritual Race with Conviction and Courage in the Power of our Lord, Savior, and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Who Promises:
“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).
Lord God, as we strive to run the Christian Race, we ask You to empower us with Your Divine Wisdom and Strength. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Lord, teach us how to be holy, and guide us in our thoughts, spoken words, and decisions, so we always bring Glory and Honor to your Holy and Righteous Name. Jesus, please be our Strength, lead us, guide us, correct us, and protect us. Thank You, for Your Amazing Love. We ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
God is always faithful! His never-changing and comforting promise of continuous peace is revealed only in the lives of those who anchor their faith in Jesus Christ, The Rock.
“You will keep him in perfect peace” is also a reward: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).
“The Hebrew word for peace here is Shalom, that does not imply an absence of trouble, but a [spiritual state] of absolute completeness in Christ, which produces wholeness, and an unshakable well-being.”
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, ESV).
From praying and not relying on risky human thoughts and strategies, instead of facing unknown outcomes and consequences, we receive the blessings of God’s guidance, peace, and contentment.
Always trust God! Whether we are facing life’s toughest challenges, or daily routine obstacles, if we use our faith to pray, ask for Help, believing in God’s Power, He will give us victorious outcomes. Yes and Amen!
Consistent prayer gives us direct access to God’s Plans, Thoughts, and Directions. Consistent prayer also prevents thoughts of uncertainty, anxiety, and worry, which disrupts our gift of Jesus’ Perfect Peace.
“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” (Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible).
Praying for God’s Guidance, waiting for His answer, and obeying His directives reveals our love, loyalty, and the willingness to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who deserves our commitment of total faith and trust.
True Sanctification requires every believer to have the mindset of Christ, and to live as He lived: A Faithful, Humble, and Obedient Life.
Jesus proclaimed: “And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29, Amplified Bible).
Jesus’ Peace and Eternal Life are rewards for the righteous, who abide in Jesus by following Him on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
Living a life of self-denial means that we control our emotions and desires. We live a quiet, spiritually disciplined life by keeping our focus on Jesus’ Promises in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12.
When we perceive ourselves as the Redeemed Sons and Daughters of God, and the Righteous Heirs of Jesus’ Eternal Kingdom, we easily acknowledge and worship our Triumphant King with total surrender and obedience.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21).
Those who proclaim to be Christians, but exclude Christ by following their own thoughts and strategies, possess hearts that are unconverted and filled with self-love and self-reliance.
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the LORD.'” (Jeremiah 17:5, Amplified Bible).
The warning is strong, but disobedience is rebellion, which separates us from God, for which there is no Heavenly reward.
“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23). With humility, the Prophet Jeremiah acknowledges God’s Sovereign Authority over humanity.
We acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority, not from fear [fear in the Scriptures means reverence], but because we love Him.
Total surrender and obedience reveals our appreciation and gratitude for our life-saving gift of Jesus redeeming and saving us from the penalty of the second and final death. [Malachi 4].
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).
God’s Divine Guidance and Protection are limited to those who follow Jesus Christ, their Shepherd with unwavering faith and obedience.
The Bible, Our Spiritual Treasure Map, Reveals God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible is Spiritually All-Inclusive. Asking for wisdom and discernment invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the deepest understanding of God’s Love, Grace, and His One and Only Abiding Truth!
Ask for Strength: “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” The Holy Spirit also gives us Jesus’ Divine Strength to pursue holiness, keeping us on the Narrow Path that leads to Eternal Life.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Consistent Bible Study reveals our willingness to surrender to Jesus’ Authority as our Sovereign Ruler, and acknowledges our need to be taught by God.
From Genesis to Revelation God reveals His Loving Character, Divine Thoughts and Higher Ways. Yes, God is a Loving Heavenly Father, but we must also remember, God is also the Righteous Judge of humanity.
God warns us, “I do not change!” The Holy Scriptures provide absolute proof of God’s expectations: The righteous must serve Him with faithful obedience.
“If you love Me keep my Commandments.” (John 14:15). We were created with a free will choice. God never coerces us to surrender, pray, or obey His guidance.
But when our hearts are truly converted, it is not a burden to obey our Loving Shepherd. Following Jesus is the best decision, we will ever make!
From studying the Bible, we find that righteous believers always honored and revered God with steadfast faith: There was never any doubt or question in their mind that serving and honoring God required faith, trust, and obedience.
King David: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” (Psalm 25:4-5).
Job: “Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:10-14).
From aligning ourselves with God’s Will and Plans, Jesus promises: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24).
Jesus’ Promise refers to praying and making requests that lead to spiritual growth and transformation. We need Spiritual wisdom, discernment, patience, contentment, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance to receive our Crown of Life.
From abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a consecrated life of Holiness. Surrender, Self-Denial, and Faithful Obedience, which are the characteristics of those who follow Jesus, distinguishing Jesus’ Loyal Sheep from the pretenders.
Yes, in our earthly lives, we can expect to suffer adversity (John 16:33); but the righteous can rejoice! Jesus has promised to give us His Spiritual Gifts of Strength, Joy, Happiness, and Peace, and to lead us from Earth to Heaven.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Hold On To Jesus!
“For, ‘In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.'” (Hebrews 10:37, BSB).
Following Jesus Christ requires walking through life on bended knees, living a life of self-denial, and praying continuously [with steadfast faith and courage] for Divine Guidance.
God, the Father, and God, the Son honors and rewards their faithful and loyal sons and daughters with all of our necessities, and at times, fulfills a few of our desires. Why? There is no need for us to get attached to this Earth’s money and material possessions.
Soon, King Jesus’ Gift of Eternity will come to fruition: “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!
We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth, who are preparing for the Greatest Event this world will ever witness:
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in Righteousness He judges and makes war. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11, 16).
Prayer: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Number 6:24- 26). Amen.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
John 3:16 and John 14:1-3 reveal God, The Father’s Love, and God, Jesus the Son’s Love and Faithfulness to humanity.
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2).
Knowing without a doubt, that you are loved by God invites the Holy Spirit to connect your heart to Jesus’ Heart, which builds a Love Relationship with our Shepherd, Who reinforces and anchors our identity and self-worth in Himself.
Lord God, we thank You for your Abiding Love, Faithfulness, and the willingness to help us in our times of need. We ask You to teach us how to love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Lord, we also pray for the spiritual blessings of restoration, renewal, wisdom, and strength, as we celebrate the Holy Sabbath along with the heavenly angels. We look forward to the day when we will spend Eternity with You, worshiping face to face with Christ every Sabbath. Until Jesus’ Second Coming, we will continue to faithfully obey Your Commandments, celebrating Your Love for us through daily praise and worship. Your Holy Name. In faith, and with total surrender, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6).
Who is Jesus [Yeshua]? Jesus is the Only Son of God, the Father and Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead [the Holy Spirit is the Third Person].
In Hebrews Chapter 1, God, the Father makes the absolute declaration that Jesus, His Son is also God, refuting that Jesus is a created angel:
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?…Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6).
“But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Hebrews 1:8-9).
God, the Father proclaims again that Jesus is not a created angel:
“But to which of the angels has He [God, the Father] ever said: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).
The Creation of This World and Humanity
God, Jesus Christ created the world and life, by His spoken words, with the exception of Adam and Eve, who, He formed with His hands.
“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3:).
Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
The Creation of Human Beings
“‘Let us make’ is evidence of the Godhead working in unison. God, the Father and God, the Son planned and executed the creation of humanity together.”
Outward Resemblance and Character: “Humanity was created in God’s image both in physical form (bearing a likeness to their Maker) and in moral character. This gave Adam and Eve perfect, holy attributes where reason controlled their passions and their affections were pure.”
“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s One and Only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT).
Jesus Proclaims His Authority: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18).
Because the powerful Jewish rulers denied that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus proclaimed His Authoritative Status given to Him by God the Father to His disciples.
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11).
So that every believer has conclusive proof that Jesus is also God, the Holy Scriptures validate that God, Jesus Christ has always existed with God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit.
Yes, we are given conclusive evidence that we must revere Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Savior, Heavenly Intercessor, and Mediator through the worship of faithful obedience.
Our Royal Status: We are Sons and Daughters, heirs of the Promise, who are preparing to live with and worship Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior and Triumphant King, for Eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Living As True and Faithful Believers reveals to the world that we are Sons and Daughters of God!
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14-17, ESV).
Satan’s False Teaching: We can live as we desire and still inherit our Crown of Life.
“But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Obedience to Jesus is not an option.
“Empty Profession: Simply calling Jesus ‘Lord’ is just a verbal acknowledgment; only acknowledging His authority means little without obedience.”
True discipleship requires actively applying and obeying God’s Spoken Words, [the Holy Scriptures] to direct your thoughts, behaviors, actions, and lifestyle to reveal obedience to God’s command, “Be holy, for I am Holy.”
God not only calls believers to have a pure heart and clean lifestyle, but Jesus actively supplies the strength to achieve it. We can do nothing for our Spiritual growth and transformation without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).
“The Bible clearly teaches that living a holy life is not achieved through human willpower alone, but through the transforming Power and daily guidance of God’s Spirit.”
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5, 8).
If God the Father required Jesus, God, the Son, in His earthly life to faithfully obey Him, then we as created human beings, certainly must acknowledge God’s Sovereign Authority over this universe and our lives through obedience.
Reflection: If we obey our employer’s policies and procedures, and county, state, and governmental laws and regulations, then how much more does God expect us [mortals who live and die] to worship Him through daily surrender, humility, and faithful obedience?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38).
When we love God, following Jesus with total surrender and faithful obedience is not a burden or an inconvenience.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).
“We love Jesus because He first loved us,” unselfishly sacrificing His life to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is the second and final death [Romans 6:23].
We love Jesus because through His blood, we have the opportunity to overcome sin and receive the greatest reward of living with Him forever [John 14:1-3, Revelation 21-22].
“I will praise you with my whole heart; I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 138:1, Psalm 139:14).
It is our heartfelt worship of obedience, praising God with our prayers of gratitude and singing joyfully that reveals our reverence, love, and loyalty to the Sovereign and Faithful God, the Sustainer of our lives.
The Path of Righteousness is Narrow, requiring a commitment to live a sacrificial, holy life of self-denial and overcoming our desires and Satan’s temptations through the Power of the Holy Spirit [Romans 12:1-2].
The Beginning of Our Spiritual Journey With Jesus: From our declaration of faith to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, He cleansed us from all our unrighteousness, giving us a pure heart.
Abiding in Christ is a lifelong commitment of following Jesus, requiring continuous Prayer, Bible Study, and asking for His Divine Guidance and Strength.
Daily spiritual growth and character transformation requires a partnership with the Holy Spirit; we must use our power of self-control to say No to our desires, sinful pleasures, and chasing wealth and success.
Keeping our faith and focus on Christ and being content with our blessings, denying our sinful desires, and Satan’s earthly pleasures is the lifestyle of a dedicated follower of Christ.
From our love and willingness to humbly follow Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to Sanctify us, resulting in Jesus covering us with His Righteousness, and this is the Life of an Overcomer. Yes and Amen!
“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).
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant…” (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 86:16). Lord God, with surrender and adoration, we kneel before Your Throne of Grace, asking for Divine Strength and Guidance. As we strive to live holy, we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Lord, teach us how to reveal Your light into a world that is dark from the plague of sin. We look forward to Jesus’ Second Advent when we will finally see our King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Triumphant Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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