Tag: God

Christ, the Giver of All Good Things

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – June 14, 2024

“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

God is faithful! He always fulfills His promises perfectly, bringing honor and glory to His Holy Name. We pray, but many never receive the fulfillment of their desires or God’s promises which causes discouragement, especially when those around us are reaping a harvest of blessings.

Usually, we attribute a delay in God’s timing as a valid test of faith. Recently, I heard a powerful and thought-provoking sermon regarding the delays of blessings. Since God is always faithful and keeps His promises, we are the reason for His decision to withhold our blessings. As we dig deeper the primary reason for unreceived blessings is surprising.

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.'” —Matthew 8:4

Jesus healed countless people, yet every time He gave the command to tell no one, it is documented in the Four Gospels. When blessed our first response is to share with others. Although we are inclined to reveal our blessings to those closest to us, Jesus proclaimed that we should tell no one, go to our secret place of worship, and offer prayers and praises of gratitude.

We can attribute many reasons for Jesus’ command of non-disclosure, but only one impacts our spiritual growth and transformation—the lack of gratitude. Verbalizing “Thank You” is not enough for the continuous Love, Grace, and Mercies given without fail. Mary, the Mother of Jesus portrays the response of genuine faith and gratitude God requires of us.

The Promise: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” —Luke 1:30-33, KJV

Mary’s Praise Response: “…’My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…’ ” —Luke 1:46-47. Verses 46-55 reveal Mary’s song of praise and thanksgiving.

In Luke chapter 2, verses 8-15, the angels appeared to the shepherds telling them a Savior was born. When the shepherds visited Joseph and Mary in the stable, they shared the wonderful message the angels gave them with everyone. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” —Luke 2:19

Two characteristics stand out: Mary’s heart was filled with gratitude which she openly expressed through the composure of a praise song and she pondered—deeply reflected on the angel’s message that her baby boy was the Savior, the Son of God. Our character matters to God because it determines our destiny.

Certainly, Mary was a devout woman of God filled with spiritual wisdom, integrity, and discretion. When the angel, Gabriel disclosed that she would be the Mother of Jesus she told no one. It is hard to imagine knowing that your Son is the promised Messiah and keeping it to yourself.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.” —Psalm 95:1-3

Our praises of gratitude are too limited. Our love and loyalty to God waver depending on our circumstances. When all is well, we praise God. But when harsh challenges arise, the times we need to offer prayers filled with thanksgiving, our souls and faces are downcast. How often do we thank God profusely for the mercies of a new day? Truthfully we have already planned for tomorrow.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

Reflect deeply on a conversation where you shared the good news of received blessings. The focus easily shifted from the Giver to yourself and the blessing. Unless we have cultivated the habit of praising and thanking God for the everyday blessings [life, health, strength, provisions, and protection], God knows that if He opens the windows of heaven, we cannot respond with genuine love, honoring, and glorifying His faithfulness.

Sermon Notes: When God blesses you resist the urge to share it with the world. Instead, cherish it in secrecy with Him. Give God the glory and the honor by letting Him be the first to share in your joy. Express your gratitude through melodies of praise and embrace the rivers of joy flowing from within your heart to God in prayer.

Sermon Notes: As you adopt this lifestyle of maintaining privacy with Jesus your relationship with Him will grow richer and deeper. Worshiping God with praises of gratitude must become our lifestyle. When the seasons of life change, if we have developed an intimate relationship with Christ based on gratitude, our faith and trust will remain steadfast despite our overwhelming circumstances.

“…He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 1:31

Giving God glory through prayer and praise is why we were created and should be our ultimate purpose. Cherish God’s goodness privately through praise and prayers of gratitude. Our lives are blessed and highly favored and for this reason, God deserves all of the glory, honor, and praise. When we do not follow our inclinations to share God’s blessing with others first, our joy, excitement, and happiness are redirected to honoring the Giver of All Good Gifts.

Sermon Notes: As you wait on the Lord for His promises, deepen your relationship by praying and immersing yourself in His Word. Let Christ refine your character through the Holy Spirit. Allow God to prepare your heart for the incredible things He has in store for your life by praising Him continuously throughout your waking hours.

Lord, You deserve all of the glory and honor. We sing praises to express our love, appreciation, and gratitude for being our Savior, Redeemer, and the Giver of All Good Gifts. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

©2024 SDJ—Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

More Than Enough – BTC Choir

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19

Yehovah Yireh who supplies all of our needs is also Yehovah Rapha—a Healer. After 3 years of uncontrolled Asthma with two inhalers and round-the-clock nebulizer treatments, in May, God healed me. No more medication. God, I owe You my life. Amen. ©2024—SDJ—Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Just As I Am

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 10, 2024

“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

When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we acquiesce to His Supreme Authority. To come to Christ is a definitive choice to let go of your thoughts, your will, and your ways. The cost of discipleship is to live a sacrificial life of self-denial. God requires that we surrender our mind, body, and soul—Christ must be the Lord of all three.

“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” —Romans 5:18-19

Only two classifications of believers exist—Abel who diligently obeyed God and remained steadfast even though it cost his life. He will receive the Crown of Life when Jesus comes again. Cain believed but never surrendered to God, his disobedience resulted in making an audacious and irreverent sacrifice to God which was rejected. Cain’s disobedience escalated into unstoppable hatred that provoked the act of murdering Abel, his brother.

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15, NLT). We can never control sin! We lose the mind of Christ and harbor desires that reveal the true status of our hearts. A compromised heart of sin always follows its own course.

“I, the LORD, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.” —Jeremiah 17:10

New Age religion says, No worries, Grace covers our intentional sins. “So, shall we then continue in sin that grace may abound?” Paul replies with a resounding “God forbid” (Romans 6:2). We are the only created beings who refuse to obey the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. Ask the Holy Spirit, “Right now, where do I stand with God?”

“…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Just As I Am, I came to Jesus, but I cannot stay Just As I Am. In Romans 6:22, the apostle Paul describes Christians as slaves to God, and uses the metaphor of slavery to describe the Christian life. Either we are slaves to Christ or slaves to sin. We must climb out of the valley of indecision by choosing who we will give our love and loyalty to, God or ourselves.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’ ” —Matthew 26:39, ESV

Surrender and Obedience are the only daily sacrifices God has ever accepted. If Jesus, God, the Son in His earthly life had to live an impoverished life and suffer death from crucifixion to save our souls then as the recipients of the Plan of Redemption, we are expected to give ourselves fully to God. We are running out of time! Nothing in this fleeting world is worth sacrificing our Crown of Life for.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:12-14

God, we desperately need Your Divine strength to return to a life of righteousness. We confess and repent of our wayward and wilful sins against You. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, Your only Son. We ask You to baptize us with the Holy Spirit so we may be transformed into the image of Christ. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Righteous Name of Jesus. Amen.

© 2024 SDJ—Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Saints of God – Sabbath Peace and Blessings

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – June 8, 2024

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” —Revelation 14:12

God has a remnant of surrendered, obedient, commandment-keeping saints who pray daily for the anointing and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They live a Christ-centered, sacrificial life, diligently praying, and studying the Scriptures. They also have “the faith of Jesus. “The faith of Jesus” refers to Christ’s Righteousness and His love for the world.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). We choose to have the Mind of Christ by renouncing sin and refusing to give in to our desires. The Righteousness of Christ includes loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves. Pray to see others through the loving and compassionate eyes of Christ who died for all. “Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Although our lives are filled with various temptations, we do not have to sin. Striving to be a saint on earth allows Christ to fulfill His Role in our spiritual transformation (Philippians 1:6). With a made-up mind, we choose to be part of the remnant who the apostle John saw standing on the Sea of Glass. With our cooperation, the Holy Spirit and the angels work 24/7 to transform our minds and characters.

“The character of Christ is an infinitely perfect character, and He must be lifted up, He must be brought prominently into view, for He is the power, the might, the sanctification and righteousness of all who believe in Him.”—Manuscript 27, 1889.

The Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23] is the Righteous Attribute of Christ and evidence that our characters are changing. From the willingness to follow Christ, the righteous receive many promises: The Holy Spirit’s guidance, courage for their daily journey, empowerment to overcome temptation, strength to persevere in character-molding trials and mental and emotional healing [these conditions impede spiritual growth].

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” —Isaiah 58:11

To be led by the Holy Spirit is the reward for a lifestyle of worshiping God through faithful obedience. The “Beginning of Sorrows” [Jesus described in Matthew 24], and Perilous Times [2 Timothy 3] are right now. In times like these, we desperately need Jesus. Our salvation calls for a steadfast rejection of sin and lifting up the Name of Jesus! Tell yourself every day, “I am going to heaven!”

God’s remnant saints are not fearful nor overconfident, their faith and trust is in Christ who promises victory even through times of persecution. Brothers and Sisters, we are nearing Home! Yes! We are nearing Home! Amen.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 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, Thank You for Your unfailing loving-kindness. Teach us how to love. We ask for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this Sabbath Holy Day. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2024 SDJ-Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

This Is the Day to Rejoice!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 6, 2024

“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalm 118:24

Have we embraced today with joy and gratitude? We received the mercies of a new day to rejoice and proclaim God’s faithfulness. Praising God with a grateful heart is spontaneous when we believe we are loved by Christ and He abides in our hearts. Focusing on the given day results in a mindset of praise, peace, joy, and happiness.

The worldview of planning for the future has affected many Christian believers. Jesus forewarned us never to let tomorrow consume our thoughts. Thinking about a day that is not promised steals our blessings of joy and peace for the given day. In the Scriptures, Jesus redirects our focus to the given day: “Give us this day our daily bread” and “Take no thought for tomorrow” which teaches us to appreciate the abundant mercies of today.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” —Matthew 6:33-34

A recent survey revealed that 80% of individuals aged 50 years and under are worried about the future and how they will bring their plans to fruition. We rarely find psychologists and sociologists in agreement with Biblical principles—do not think about tomorrow. Both disciplines agree that focusing on the future is counterproductive because the individual has imaginary thoughts that reveal problematic thought processes.

“So when they came together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ Jesus replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.’ ” —Acts 1:6-7

Even after Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples focused on deliverance from Roman oppression. From the onset of following Christ, they envisioned Jesus overthrowing the government and ruling with Him as He sat on an earthly throne. The better life the disciples hoped for is only promised when Jesus comes with our reward of immortality. Focusing on the future should be limited to the joy and preparation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

“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

We were created to depend on God. Trusting in God requires a giant leap of faith and the commitment to surrender fully to His will. If we pray without ceasing when all is well, prayer is our immediate response to things gone wrong. Including God in the little things creates the mindset and habit of total dependency on God. Living with divine peace is the most wonderful blessing of our Christian experience.

We rejoice because we serve an Omniscient Father. God knows our lives from beginning to end including the routine activities of daily living, and every obstacle, sorrow, disappointment, and temptation we will face. Even when our emotions threaten to override our faith, the Holy Spirit reminds us that God promises to give us victory. Yes, we can rejoice in times of overwhelming perplexities because our confidence is in Jesus who reminds us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ‘ ” —2 Corinthians 12:9

Suffering is part of the believer’s life, yet, our hope is in Christ who answers our prayers of faith. Christ is our All and All! Our King, Savior, and Heavenly Intercessor gives us comfort and His Divine strength to accomplish our daily tasks, empowers us to overcome temptation, and provides solutions for our challenges, big or small. Great is His Faithfulness!

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” —Revelation 3:20

Daily, Christ knocks on the door of our hearts. Our response determines whether or not we desire God’s Divine Intervention. From Genesis to Revelation, faith, surrender, and obedience are emphasized as the only way to please God and inherit eternal life. Will we yield every day to Christ’s Divine Authority? The refusal to relinquish our will and obey is to reject Christ’s invitation.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 7:21

Historically the Gospel has always been about Christ. Yet in the 21st century, prosperity messages and focus on self-achievements supersede our desire to focus on our relationship with Christ. The promised reward of eternal life appears fictional to those with unconverted hearts. God’s Grace does not relieve us of our duty to commit to an obedient and sacrificial life. Sadly, our earthly lives with all of the accomplishments we place so much emphasis on are temporary and have nothing to do with our salvation.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” —2 Corinthians 10:5

We must let go of thoughts, plans, and strategies for a better future that conflict with God’s Divine will. Obedience requires sacrifice! By refusing to surrender to God’s will and precepts, we grieve the Holy Spirit. But we do not have to remain outside of the will of God. Our gifts of power, love, and sound mind [self-control] enable us to turn from self-seeking pleasures, repent, and consecrate ourselves to true discipleship. “Then the Holy Spirit will begin the spiritual transformation necessary to be conformed to the image of his Son to receive eternal life.” EGW

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

We were predestined by God to live eternally. Still, we must choose to follow Christ. The converted heart desires to obey God’s will. From our daily prayer of consecration to follow Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s plans. “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine…” —Exodus 19:5

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” —John 10:27

Surrendered believers know obedience reaps many blessings. The Holy Spirit gives us the discernment to recognize God’s Voice and prepares and equips us with the strength and endurance to persevere and stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. Because we are commanded to “Be holy, ” God’s transforming power aligns our desires with His Divine plans and empowers us with the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes.

We rejoice because we feel the internal change. Our focus is intentional! We look to Christ who leads us victoriously through our spiritual journey. We are still silver in the fire. The Holy Spirit convicts us by revealing our selfish desires and exposes Satan’s covert warfare designed to make us sin against God. With determination and prayer for Divine power, we receive the spiritual reinforcement to overcome.

As our journey with Christ continues, our faith, courage, and perseverance are strengthened. We remain steadfast because God’s faithfulness and power are experiential. To continue walking with Christ transforms us into courageous soldiers in the Army of God. Our faith is in God whose intervention always brings honor and victory. Yes, we have reason to continually rejoice, all of heaven is involved in our spiritual quest for righteousness!

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” —Hebrews 11:5

“Enoch walked faithfully with God…” (Genesis 5:24). The life of Enoch is one that we should reflect on. Like us, he lived in times filled with abject wickedness. Yet, he walked with God in obedience. We desperately need the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for the fulfillment of Revelation prophecies and Jesus’ Second Coming.

“O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!” (Psalm 8:1).

Sanctification, being transformed into the likeness of Christ must occur in the here and now. Turning our lives over to Jesus is the answer to living a holy, sacrificial life as Enoch lived. From our willingness to honor and reverence God, the Holy Spirit molds our characters like clay to resemble, reveal, and reflect the Light of Christ’s Loving Character.

Our relationship with Christ grows sweeter by the day when we invite Christ to be the Lord and Sovereign Ruler of our lives. Yes, we can praise and rejoice in the goodness of God because we are in the right standing with God and covered by the Righteousness of Christ! Amen.

“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season…” —Psalm 1:1-3

Lord, we commit to serve You for the rest of our lives. Thank You for Your Great love, faithfulness, and mercies. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 SDJ—Steps to Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Surety of the Testimonies

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 4, 2024

“The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.…” —Psalm 19:7-8

“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.’ ” —Psalm 27:7-8

Recently, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me understand Agape love. In the stillness of the approaching sunset, the Holy Spirit led me to study verses on the Law—the Testimony in the Psalms. As I reflected deeply on these Scriptures, I felt an overwhelming appreciation for the love of God and His Role as our Heavenly Father.

“The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise.” —Psalm 119:57-58

David was a true worshiper. He knew the Testimonies expressed God’s love for humanity. We exist because of an Agape love so phenomenal that our Heavenly Father gave us His Law to protect us from the destruction of our moral character and guide us on the Path of Righteousness from earth to heaven.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world.” —1 John 5:3-4

God is Truth and His Law is Truth. Our faith is the catalyst for accepting and obeying God’s Laws without doubting or questioning their validity. We have been deceived into believing that Grace abolished the Law. Obeying the Testimonies of God is our Spiritual Surety to receiving daily victory over temptation and self-gratification and ensures that we hear and obey the Voice of God.

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.” —Psalm 119:2

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul…” Faithful obedience is the response that demonstrates an appreciation of God’s Law and love. Once we grasp the magnitude of God’s love and His purpose for our lives, our worship is intentional—seeking God and doing His will is our priority. “The path of obedience to God is the path of safety and happiness.” Every day God desires to shower down much-needed blessings of spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment.

Our love and loyalty are the gateway to the Holy Spirit opening our understanding of “great and mighty things that we do not know.” If we say, yes, to God then we receive the spiritual benefits of the gift of Redemption—Divine Help is freely given. From our willingness to surrender, we have the assurance the Holy Spirit will convert our hearts, minds, and characters in preparation for Eternal life.

Even with Divine Help, our spiritual journey is tumultuous, we face spiritual warfare every day. Still, we must stand firm in our conviction to live holy. Thankfully, Christ limits Satan’s attacks, he cannot strive against the righteous continuously. Because our natural eyes cannot perceive the unseen, every believer has a guardian angel whose mission is to protect.

Jesus knows every temptation we face and commands the heavenly messenger angels to fight Satan’s evil angels, protecting us from the perdition of spiritual warfare and physical harm. Satan’s power is greater than ever imagined! Yes, we have angels who fight against spiritual warfare, yet, we must fulfill our role as fighting soldiers who renounce sin—we will always be the target of the enemy.

“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days: and behold, Michael [Jesus]…came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” —Daniel 10:13

In Daniel, chapter 10, the angel sent to reveal the interpretation of Daniel’s dream explains he was delayed in Persia. King Cyrus was appointed by God to give the decree to emancipate the Nation of Israel when their 70 years of captivity came to fruition. “The prince of the kingdom of Persia” is Satan who easily influences unbelievers. Satan’s plan was to convince King Cyrus not to end the Jew’s Babylonian enslavement.

God asks, “…Who then is able to stand against Me? …” —Job 41:10

For 21 days, Satan fought against Christ’s angel over Cyrus’ mind to prevent him from fulfilling God’s command. Michael represents Jesus who came to earth to intervene and stand down Satan’s power over Cyrus’ mind. From this revelation of Scripture, we understand God’s Omnipotence, satanic power, and our role in overcoming sin.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” —Ephesians 6:10-11

The apostle Paul compares our earthly lives to a battle, and it is! Every day, we face spiritual warfare. Satan’s power is evident by the rapid moral decline and the escalation of corruption and natural disasters. Yet, his goal is to gain control of the believer’s mind. The controversy between good and evil is not physical. It is a spiritual battle of the mind. When tempted, whether or not we succumb is the result of a conscious decision to choose right or wrong.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” —Psalm 37:23

The tug of war in our conscience arises when our minds are conflicted—temptation reveals our moral weaknesses. We are not tempted by the things we do not desire. Still, none can be compelled by Satan to sin. If we are not grounded in Christ and live a life guided by the Testimonies then Satan’s minuscule efforts easily make us fall. If we cooperate with the Heavenly agencies then we receive God’s Power to overcome sin.

“I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.…” —Psalm 119:59

The Law of God guides our thoughts and behaviors to align with the Righteousness of Christ, still, we must choose to obey. Sanctification is the daily process of being restored into the image of Christ and is orchestrated by the power of the Holy Spirit. Daily we cooperate with Divinity in the transformation of our characters. Loving and obeying God’s Law, loving others, and possessing the Fruit of the Spirit, are must-haves to receive our Crown of Life.

Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.…” —Psalm 119:97-98, BSB

To understand Agape love requires hearts that reciprocate God’s love. Our sacrificial offering of self-denial is love for God. To perceive life through natural eyes is to choose destruction. Spiritual wisdom empowers us to discern life through God’s eyes. Our pursuit of Christ’s Righteousness must be relentless. In Christ’s name, our love propels us to stand for God despite the circumstances.

Understanding the plan of Salvation and the purpose of the Testimonies motivates us to give our all to Christ through surrender and faithful obedience. Human effort and Divine Intervention are required to save our souls. God is faithful and we must vow to also be faithful.

When we think of God’s love and goodness our only possible response is to whisper prayers of surrender and sing praises of gratitude for Jesus’ Amazing Love and His Righteous Precepts. Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” —Revelation 3:21, NIV

© 2024 SDJ-Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Enough Love for 8 Billion – Sabbath Peace and Blessings

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – May 31, 2024

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” —Matthew 5:43-44

“…Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Matthew 22:39

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings…” —Acts 17:26

“The projected world population on Jan. 1, 2024, is 8,019,876,189…”

Christ has given the command to love everyone including our enemies. We cannot obey Christ’s command and love everyone without immense love and loyalty to God, a converted and transformed heart, and a spirit of forgiveness. Our love for God is reflected by how we perceive and treat others. Who is my neighbor? Everyone. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes.

You will never meet anyone for whom Christ did not die on Calvary’s cross.

Jesus died for the 8,019,876,189 currently alive on this planet and everyone who has ever lived and will live on this Earth. We only have one opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to sanctify and transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ—in our earthly lives. That Great Day is coming! Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself! Have a blessed Sabbath!

© 2024 SDJ – For the rest of my life, I will give Christ the best of my life

Worship God in Spirit and in Truth —Sabbath Peace and Blessings

Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – May 24, 2024

“But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” —John 4:23-24

The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin it means taking away our sins and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul there is purity and freedom from sin.

The glory, the fulness, and the completeness of the gospel plan are fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life, testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 419, EGW

Lord, we can do nothing without Your power and strength. We ask You to accept our covenant to serve You in faithful obedience and to anoint us with joy and peace as we worship You on this Sabbath Day. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024, SDJ, For the rest of my life, I will give Christ the best of my life

Rejoice Always! The Lord is Faithful

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 21, 2024

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22-23

Because God is Sovereign and Faithful, we rejoice in our challenges and sorrows as well as in peaceful times. We entrust our lives to be led by Christ because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:25-26

We can rejoice because we are living a Christ-centered, Faith-Based life [through surrender and obedience] continually striving for holiness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord; Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.” —Lamentations 3:40-41

We can rejoice because we search God’s Holy Scriptures to use as a Righteous Standard to measure our hearts, our motives, our love relationship with Christ, and our love for others. We rejoice because our hearts are open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and we repent of the sins of thinking our own thoughts which is the source of all transgressions against God.

“If you love Me keep my commandments.” —John 14:15. “If you love me, obey my commands, and my commands are not burdensome…” —1 John 5:1-5

We can rejoice because our hearts are converted by the love and redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Our love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to the Ten Commandments and His Righteous Principles. Yes, we love as Christ loves by loving God and placing Him above all. We rejoice because we love others despite their background or status.

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12

We can rejoice because we strive to be like Christ, our Perfect, Righteous Role Model who obeyed the Commandments in His earthly life and lived a life of humility and surrender to God, the Father. The faith of Jesus is His Righteousness which we also pursue, not in our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Every day we present ourselves before the Throne of Grace to seek God’s will and to receive Christ’s blessing of His strength to live holy. From our pleas for Divine Help, the Holy Spirit imparts Christ’s Divine strength. We are empowered to renounce sin and receive the wisdom and discernment to perceive sin for what it really is—spiritual death.

Artist’s Rendition of Jesus’ Second Coming

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:14

“And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” —Revelation 15:2

We can rejoice because we envision ourselves living with Christ forever in the New Heaven and New Earth! Hallelujah! Amen!

Lord God, we pray for ourselves that we will prepare today for Your soon coming and stay prepared. We bow to Your Sovereignty as our Lord, Savior, and King and ask for Your strength to be poured out as we persevere in Your Name to live righteously. In Jesus’ Matchless Name, we pray. Amen.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” —1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

© 2024 SDJ-For the rest of my life, I will give Christ the best of my life