“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is it so easy for us to choose sin instead of doing what is right?” Although our answers may vary, many Christians have embraced the false belief that “Good people go to Heaven.”
According to Jesus, good people do not go to heaven. Only the righteous will receive Eternal Life. Study Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 22.
“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).
The other false teaching that promotes sinful habits and behaviors is “The Commandments” were nailed to the Cross. But Jesus says, “Blessed are those who do His Commandments…”
“The Ten Commandments are God’s Moral Law. The law of God reveals God’s character, who He is. As God is Holy, Righteous, and Good, so also is His law. Paul confirms: ‘So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good’ (Rom. 7:12, ESV).”
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).
Without the Ten Commandments, Christian believers would not have boundaries, and we would practice the same sins that unbeliever’s embrace and commit everyday.
We are not saved by the Law, we are saved by faith through Jesus Christ. Still, the Law identifies sinfulness as defined by God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).
The struggle with sin has intensified because we are attending church, but not studying the Holy Bible. So we rely on our perception of holiness, which is the foundation for disobedience to God.
“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 instructs us on the importance of obedience to God.
Without obedience, we do not have the covering of Christ’s Righteousness, nor can the Holy Spirit dwell inside of the unclean mind and body who rebels against God.
Personal testimony: When I began studying the Bible every day, I was shocked to find out that over half of what I believed [and was taught in my former church] was not in the Holy Scriptures.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26).
I knew nothing about living a consecrated and obedient life. Thankfully, I prayed and the Holy Spirit led me to a Christ-centered, Faith-based church. Still, I study the Bible everyday, asking the Holy Spirit to give me much-needed wisdom and discernment.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12-13). “What does this mean? It means that every day you are to distrust your own human efforts and wisdom.” Relying on God’s Directives is our Spiritual Safety Net. (Study Proverbs 3:5-7).
We are commanded to work on our salvation which includes much prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures. When we pray and ask God to give us understanding of His One and Only Truth, our prayers are answered immediately by the Holy Spirit who gives us a deeper understanding of God’s Truth.
Jesus paid our sin debt with His sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, and gave us The Bible, our Spiritual Guide Book, so we can search the Scriptures, obey, and live righteously. What more could Jesus have done for us?
“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am Holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1:16).
We must believe Jesus when He says we can do nothing without abiding in Him [John 15:5]. Because we inherited sinful hearts, we cannot judge ourselves, nor can we live holy, without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, NIV).
Our Triumphant King is coming sooner than we think. It is time for us to take God seriously by using our time and faith to study, believe, and obey His Righteous commandments, and instructions in the Holy Scriptures.
We choose our destiny, which is reflected by our thoughts, decisions, and our lifestyles. Throughout the Bible, Jesus consistently reminds us that only the righteous [faithful and obedient] will see God. Yes and Amen.
but just as it is written [in Scripture], “THINGS WHICH THE EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND THE EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9, Amplified Bible).
Lord Jesus, You promised that when we call on Your Name, and believe, study, and trust and obey the Scriptures that you will complete the work of Sanctification in us. Lord, we desperately need Your help to overcome sin. We ask for Your Divine guidance and strength to live righteously. Thank you, for Your Steadfast love, and great sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. Give us wisdom and discernment, as we study Your Word. It is in faith that we ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
” ‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts says the Lord and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8).
The young woman related her testimony of living a tumultuous life for many years. She prayed for direction, and was surprised when God instructed her to return to her parents’ home in a rural town, which she left 20 years prior, because “I was young and wanted to live my life in the big city.”
Although it appeared that God was taking her backward, because of her parents’ reputation as loving Christians, she was immediately hired for a prime position. And to her surprise, the quiet rural town had also progressed in its business operations and technologies.
She concluded her testimony with, “I never realized that my life could be so blessed. Whatever you do in life, pray, and obey God.”
” ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ ” (Jeremiah 33:3).
God’s Plans are intentional and always have the definitive purpose of drawing us closer in our relationship with Christ. Prayers of Faith align us with God’s plans of Moving Us Forward Spiritually!
Faithfulness to God is the highest form of worship we can offer. Out of steadfast Faith springs trust, obedience, and the desire to stay connected to the Source of Life, God, the Father.
Today’s sermons omit the most important part of our Christian Journey: A follower of Christ must live an obedient and sacrificial life.
Throughout the Bible, we learn that serving God always requires us to give a sacrificial offering. We have to let go of the things that we treasure the most.
Our personal goals, relationships, prosperity, jobs, and even our desired careers can be the things that we must relinquish. Yes, we will feel disappointed, or discouraged, still, we should focus our faith on God’s promises, and trust His plans.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God has Perfect Plans for you and me. His plans for those who are faithful and obedient include a forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
When we love God and desire to stay in sync with His purpose then we willingly surrender and obey. Yes, it takes a giant leap of faith to follow and depend on His plans when we do not understand them. But, Just do it!
Our commitment of consecration requires a sacrificial prayer, “Lord God, I want what You want for me.” In faith, pray, and trust God’s Amazing Love and His Sovereignty. Our Father’s plans always produce Victorious Outcomes!
If the thought of asking God to reveal His purpose for your life makes you fearful, then you can be assured that your desires and your life are out of sync with His perfect will.
“Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mark 8:37, NLT). We cannot hope and pray that God will bless our desires when it is not in His will for us. No believer is exempt from sacrificial giving.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29).
God, the Father required Jesus, His Only Son to be obedient, even though fulfilling the Plan of Redemption required dying a criminal’s death on Calvary’s Cross.
If Jesus was required to obey God in His earthly life then we can expect a change to our agendas if they are not in sync with God’s purpose.
The Holy Spirit is warning God’s true believers to prepare for our Triumphant King’s Second Coming. The events described in Matthew 24, and 2 Timothy 3 are happening now.
The natural disasters, escalation in violence and greed, worldwide hunger, global wars, the violation of human rights, and political corruption are signs of living in the Last Days of Earth’s history.
God has been transparent by telling us how this Earth and evil will end. From studying the Scriptures, we know the future plans that God has for the righteous.
Revelation chapters 19-22 describe how the battle between good and evil ends. We have the greatest hope of receiving our Heavenly reward when we intentionally align ourselves with God’s purpose and plans.
Our salvation and receiving our Crown of Life requires the active commitment of daily consecration and surrender to God’s will.
We should be very excited that Jesus, the King of kings left His throne to come to Earth, live in poverty, and suffer so we can have a perfect and eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank you for the blessing of a new day. We ask You to reveal your plan for today, and to guide us, so we stay on the Path of Righteousness. We ask this prayer in the Matchless and Mighty Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ. Amen
Studying the Holy Scriptures reveals God’s Righteousness and His defining attributes of the Christian Character.
When we think of being “blessed,” our minds immediately think of prosperity, material possessions, and success, yet, Jesus refutes these earthly treasures by defining the righteous characteristics of the converted heart required to receive Eternal Life.
“I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.” Through daily personal worship, we consecrate ourselves to God through a prayer of surrender, and a renewed covenant to faithfully obey, and fulfill God’s plans for our lives.
Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character, which is Sanctification.
Our spiritual goal is to “Separate Ourselves” from worldliness by following Christ on the Path of Righteousness.
“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I Am Holy’ ” (1 Peter 1:16).
The Road to Living Holy is paved by the commitment to live a sacrificial life demonstrated by a spirit of humility, surrender, faith, trust, and obedience, only then can we possess the Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23].
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”
The Beatitudes: “He said:
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you’ ” (Matthew 5:1-12).
Lord God, we pray for Your guidance and strength as we travel in this earthly journey of life. We desire spiritual growth and transformation and consecrate ourselves to pursue holiness. We are in need of the baptism of the Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts from the innate drive to pursue worthless earthly treasures. In faith, we ask for Your Divine Help to keep us on the Narrow Path, in Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
From the moment that we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we are enlisted in God’s Army which requires unwavering love, steadfast faith, commitment, and much courage. Every believer is in a Spiritual War that we cannot win unless we rely on the Power of God.
The daily face-off between choosing right over wrong requires us to make adjustments in our lives.
Manage your time by eliminating all unnecessary distractions. Replace excessive screen time with prayer and Bible study.
Do not let people’s petty pursuits become your problems. Satan’s most effective strategy is to use people to prevent us from completing our daily activities and spiritual goals.
Everyday consecrate your life to Christ through total surrender and faithful obedience. Prayer: LORD, fill my life with your Holy Spirit.
Twice a day separate yourself for personal worship. We are living in the Last Days [2 Timothy 3], and require the Holy Spirit to empower us with spiritual wisdom and strength to live as Victorious Overcomers.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is our spiritual lifeline and connection to Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor.
Prayer acknowledges that God is Sovereign. Our lifestyle should reflect that we honor God as the Supreme Authority and Ruler over this universe, and in our lives.
“Reverence, is not just a feeling, but a deep respect and honor for God’s greatness and holiness, demonstrated in both our actions and attitudes. Reverence is a Response to God’s Majesty.”
“Reverence in Daily Life: Reverence should extend beyond formal worship and be integrated into our daily lives through obedience to God’s commandments, honoring His name, and treating sacred things with respect.”
“Reverence for God’s Word: We approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing it as God’s voice speaking to us. The Holy Scriptures provide a rich resource for understanding and cultivating a deeper sense of respect and honor for God in our lives.”
Our thoughts regarding God’s Omnipotence and Sovereign Authority are demonstrated by our lifestyle and pursuits. As believers, if we persist in following our thoughts and desires then we will receive only the temporary rewards this earth provides.
“I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; here me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2).
“David’s prayer in Psalm 141 is a heartfelt plea for God’s guidance and protection, acknowledging his own need for Divine intervention. He wants his prayers to be genuine and pleasing to God, seeking to live a life that reflects his devotion.”
Our love, honor, and reverence for God’s Supremacy is demonstrated by a surrendered, and sacrificial life of humility and obedience. The converted heart is one that is filled with the Oil of Grace, which is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Seeking God’s will and plans every day through prayer is the sweet incense that ascends to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, demonstrating our love and loyalty to God.
Sanctification is the daily spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ performed by the Holy Spirit when we cooperate by serving God with love, loyalty, and faithful obedience.
Praise God, that Jesus suffered, bled, and died for us. Yes, this earthly journey is like traveling on a rocky road, and at times we will stumble and fall, but if we look up, and pray for help, our Savior, and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ is extending His Hand of Mercy to pick us up.
Lord God, we pray for Your guidance, protection, correction, and redirection when we are tempted to follow our thoughts. We realize that we cannot stay on the Path of Righteousness without Your Divine help. We ask you to reveal all obstacles that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life, and ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
Recently I watched four Instagram reels on disobeying God, but the word Disobedience was skillfully avoided in the presentations. It is better for us to know the Plain Truth than to lose our reward of Eternal life because we never obeyed God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot depend on social media, sermons, and podcasts to save our souls.
Worship God everyday through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to understand the depth of God’s Transforming Word.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Jesus is our perfect example of obedience to God. In The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “…nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done.”
Our Savior’s death on Calvary’s Cross reveals that He loved God, the Father more than He loved Himself. Obedience to God in every aspect of our lives reveals that our hearts are converted, and filled with more love for God than for ourselves.
If we willingly obey our employer’s policies because we are rewarded with keeping our jobs and receiving our salary, how much more emphasis should we place on our destiny of eternal life?
Disobedience to God’s Sovereign Authority always brings devastating consequences to our lives. Not only do we lose our desire to please God, but we pray calculated prayers filled with request for blessings instead of praying for Spiritual transformation.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). From studying the Book of Revelation, we know this Earth is our temporary home. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to be content with His blessings.
Why are we chasing the raggedy things of this Earth, and entering into relationships with individuals who do not desire the Forever reward Jesus has promised us?
Eternal Life Is the Reward for Faithful Obedience to God
The only thing we can take with us to Heaven is a “Righteous character” that must be developed in our earthly lives through daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God. We honor and reverence God through the worship of obedience to His plans for us.
From our daily prayer of submission to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, and our Mediator, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our unrighteous minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.
The spiritual journey is a tumultuous experience, yet, if we seek God’s will, and willingly obey His directives, day by day, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
We are never alone in our walk with Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to give us Christ’s Supernatural Strength to overcome the internal conflict of pursuing our desires, and the external opposition of temptations.
Proclaim out loud everyday, “I am going to heaven!” Amen!
For the faithful, Jesus is waiting to reward us with our golden crowns, and Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah and Amen!
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we as forgiveness for disobedience, and pray to have a heart that loves You, filled with steadfast faith and obedience. We ask you to reveal the behaviors and habits that prevent us from being aligned with Your perfect will and plans. It is our desire to receive Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 25, 2024
“This is what the Lord God of Israel says: I anointed you king over Israel and rescued you from Saul. 8 I gave you your master Saul’s house and his wives. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if this weren’t enough, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise my word by doing what I considered evil? You had Uriah the Hittite killed in battle. You took his wife as your wife. You used the Ammonites to kill him. 10 So warfare will never leave your house because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” —2 Samuel 12:7-10, GNT
King David’s Prayer of Repentance for the Sin Against God, Bathsheba, and Uriah: Psalm 51
Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— Verses, 1-4
With a Father’s love, God granted King David mercy following his sinful actions. Although he suffered the lifelong consequences of his decisions, God continuously protected David from his enemies [including his sons, Absalom and Adonijah]. David proves that with God, we can strive to live as one who is forgiven by renouncing sin and staying before the Throne of Grace.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11
Because we acknowledge that our God is Sovereign and His thoughts and plans for our lives are perfect, we would think trusting and obeying Him would be easy. But the reality is that we fight an internal battle every day to overcome the desires of our hearts. Many believers fail to pray for God’s will. Every day they pursue their desires never perceiving their actions as disobedience against God.
Satan deceives us into believing that God measures sins as great or insignificant, big or little, yet, God declares that all sin is the transgression of His law. Wilful disobedience challenges God’s Authority and signifies overt rebellion against His Righteous Character. From the history of the Israelites, we learn the sins we choose to commit occur because the desire for the particular sin is hidden in our hearts.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” —James 1:14-15
Every sin arises from our inherited heart filled with the desire for self-gratification. None of us are exempt from seeking sinful pleasures. Even, the Apostle Paul confessed, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing (Romans 7:19). Truthfully, we do not understand our hearts, it is easier to do wrong than to live righteously.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).
We need the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom to perceive sin for what it really is—any thought or action we commit outside of God’s will [for us] is sin. Every morning, we receive the gift of new mercies of another day of life. Either we choose the path of disobedience—rebellion against God by choosing our plans or the path of faithful obedience through our initial prayer: “Lord, I surrender myself and ask You to reveal Your plans for my life today.”
“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 2:8). The failure to surrender reveals the heart issue of loving ourselves more than we love God and the desire to live according to our earthly plans. If God required His only Son to live a life of poverty, and rejection, and to die a criminal’s death then with heartfelt love for Jesus, we reveal our appreciation for the gift of salvation through obedience to God’s Divine plans.
Christ’s Testimonial of Obedience: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” —John 8:29
Jesus’ Internal Struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane: ” ‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will. Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.'” —Luke 22:42-43
Even if we have little knowledge of the Scriptures, reflecting on the life of Christ and His inner struggle in the Garden reflects God’s unchangeable requirement of Faithful Obedience. The Father honored His Son for His obedience. God intervened in Jesus’ struggle to fulfill the Plan of Redemption for us.”…an angel appeared, strengthening Him.” Thank You Jesus for Your unfailing obedience!
All praises to God, the Father for giving Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb the supernatural strength to complete the Plan of Redemption to save our souls. Through prayer, we receive Jesus’ strength to empower us to overcome all temptation and live dedicated and obedient lives.
Still, God’s gift of Grace does not give us the leeway to follow our thoughts and inclinations. Every believer who desires the Crown of Life must seek God daily for His will to be revealed by the Holy Spirit and fulfill His Divine plans for the given day. Love propels us to obey!
“And he said 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 great and first commandment.” —Matthew 22:37
To love God is to know His Righteous and Loving Character and follow in Jesus’ steps through surrender and obedience. The Holy Bible is our Guidebook for traveling the spiritual journey from earth to heaven. Because it is an immediate response for us to follow our desires, God, the Father sent His Spirit—the Holy Spirit also known as the Spirit of Truth to teach, reveal, and guide our steps in our wilderness journey.
In our daily activities, adherence and obedience to laws are essential, extending from governmental regulations to county and city ordinances that govern human behavior and delineate criminal activity. Employers have policies that coincide with labor laws, enforce nondiscriminatory treatment, and define productivity guidelines, and appropriate behaviors. Termination is the standard penalty for character deficits and infractions of established policies.
Reflection: If we obey human laws what prevents us from obeying God’s Sovereign Laws and Precepts?
Like Eve, we have been deceived by Satan who tells us, “You will not surely die” from our acts of disobedience. So we attend church, give tithe and offerings, treat others respectfully, and do not commit outrageous sins. To compensate for our failure to obey God through surrender and faithful obedience, like Cain who offered God his idea of the sacrificial offering, we try to please God with our actions, believing He is satisfied.
Worldviews are built on sinful habits. Whether we chase success, spend money frivolously (the love of money is the root of all evil), engage in friendships and romantic liaisons with unbelievers (Do not make mismatched alliances with them, it is inconsistent with your faith), or practice sexual immorality (the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body), our sin is against God.
The violation of God’s Righteous Precepts and Moral Law is a matter of life or death, they are the Standards for receiving the reward of Eternal Life. God says He does not change. There is no leniency as Satan desires for us to believe. “Middle of the Road or Compromised Christianity” is still a sin. If we truly love God, we do His will. Pray, listen, and obey. We cannot overcome the innate desires of our hearts without surrendering to God and asking for His Divine Help which we receive through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13
Enoch, Noah, Joseph, Daniel, and Job lived sinless lives. With determination, and the desire to live holy and acceptable lives, they prayed, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, dedicated human beings overcame sin by the power of Jesus’ strength. God gifted us with the power of self-control and the privilege of praying for help when tempted.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” —2 Timothy 1:7, AMP Bible
The human effort of total surrender to God invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Divine strength to say No to sin. We are soldiers in the Army of God. We prepare for spiritual war daily through prayer, consecration, and surrender. In our battle with evil, we always need God’s help. Angels fight spiritual warfare that we cannot see. Still, we must be courageous in standing down invitations designed to separate us from God.
God is Love! When we fall, in humility, we repent. God’s Promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Yes, and Amen! We Can Live as One Who Is Forgiven by stepping into our role as surrendered and faithful warriors anointed with the Matchless Strength of Jesus Christ.
“I call heaven and earth to witness this day: I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life—that you and your offspring shall live.” —Deuteronomy 30:19
“Choosing life involves: Loving God, Walking in God’s Ways, Keeping God’s Commandments, and Having a Radical Change of Heart.” Yes, and Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for the precious gift of Jesus Christ. We ask for forgiveness of the sin of rebellion against Your Sovereign Authority. We desire to live as one who is forgiven and pray for direction and protection from the evil one. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 27, 2024
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” —1 John 2:15
When we fully surrender to God and consecrate ourselves to live as dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ, our mindset and priorities must change to become Christ-like. Yes, the line of separation between righteousness and sinfulness, God’s Biblical view, and the Worldviews, and our relationships with family, and friends grows wider. The converted Christian believer who desires eternal life cannot participate in worldly relationships, conversations, and activities “just to fit in.”
Spiritual Guidelines for Christian Believers
“Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.” —2 Timothy 2:4
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient…” 2 Timothy 2:23-24
In the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy [who he was mentoring to be a pastor], Paul advises him to perceive the Christian’s role as soldiers in the Army of God who live to please God. Right standing with God excludes us from most conversations our coworkers initiate and participate in. Discussions to avoid: Political, prejudices, biased opinions, “it is their fault” when referring to socioeconomic status, abortion, alternative lifestyles, and child-rearing practices. Step away from conflict with silence.
Last week, I chatted with one of the delivery drivers who expressed that although his goal is to avoid conflict, his circle of friends love controversy and attempt to coerce him into participating in their rowdy conversations. I told him there are two ways to avoid feeling pressured into verbal sparring. He asked me to explain, “The best option is to remain silent! If asked, “What do you have to say?” respond with this answer, “Nothing.” The second option is to change his social circle.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
The Christian believer must uphold Righteous standards. Accepting Christ as our personal Savior changes our motives, desires, mindset, character, and personality. We were created to fulfill a higher purpose that requires a steadfast relationship with Christ. Our love and loyalty belong to God; therefore, we should avoid conflict, reject the world’s focus on success and financial wealth, and not support sinful lifestyles.
Many believers who dedicate themselves to God by consistently studying the Bible and praying for Divine guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit will experience separation and loneliness. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
In studying the life of Christ, we find that He was rejected and hated by the Jewish leaders who controlled the people through fear and manipulation. In fact, the Four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] give us the historical account of Christ’s earthly life. Not only did the Pharisees and Sadducees consistently challenge Jesus, they sent spies to monitor His activities, and constantly planned ways to cause His death. Yet, God, the Father sent angels to protect His Son from harm’s way and Jesus completed His God-given earthly journey.
“Jesus got up early in the morning, left the house, and went out to a secluded place to pray.” —Mark 1:35
Although Jesus had 12 disciples, the Scriptures portray Him as spending much time alone in prayer with God, Jesus proclaimed, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Jesus describes His earthly life as “A Man of Sorrows.” Still, He fulfilled God, the Father’s Spiritual Assignment—to complete the Plan of Redemption and now sits on the Right Hand of God, the Father as our Triumphant King! Hallelujah and Amen!
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” —Ephesians 6:10-11, Amplified Bible
To serve God fully, we must walk our Chosen Path with steadfast faith, courage, and perseverance. Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual purpose. Walk in humility and boldness in your Divine Purpose. We must never let Satan’s deceptive strategy of using familiar people deceive us into living a life of compromise.
“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
With courage, we pray to stand down Satan’s continuous temptations of compromise to have relationships with unbelievers who do not desire the reward of eternal life. Our strength is from Jesus and given by the Holy Spirit to every believer who asks. We receive strength by accepting Jesus’ invitation to approach His throne of grace in our time of need.
“Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ” —2 Corinthians 6:17
Every day, tell yourself, “I am here because of the will of God. If I do not fit in with others it is God’s purpose that I do not because I have been set aside to fulfill His Divine purpose.”
The Light of Christ has nothing in common with darkness. Our relationship with Christ is a personal one-to-one relationship and is our priority! We use silence as Jesus did when facing His accusers. Every believer should have knowledge of Christ’s earthly life. Every day, study the Bible. The Scriptures are God speaking to us. Our prayers express our innermost secrets to God. Prayer is our greatest weapon and keeps us connected to God.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5
Christ created us to live a life of excellence. If we ask God for His wisdom the Holy Spirit empowers us with Christ’s wisdom to develop our spiritual gifts and natural talents. Fight loneliness through prayer, study the Scriptures, witness by telling strangers, “Jesus loves you, and spend time in nature.
The Christian’s goal is, “I am going to heaven!” We desperately require Divine Intervention to overcome our desires and avoid confrontations that oppose God’s will. Adopt Jesus’ habit by separating yourself daily to pray for the Supernatural strength to live holy. Pray for discernment. Let the Holy Spirit guide you when to speak. Pray fervently before accepting friendships or choosing a spouse.
“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
“…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7
Our earthly relationships impact our spiritual standing with Christ. Let God [who examines every human heart] choose your relationships. Our lives are a continuous struggle that requires people dedicated to God who will pray for and with us, and tell us in love when we are outside God’s perfect will. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
When we truly commit to loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, Jesus becomes our Best Friend. Fulfill your spiritual purpose for which you will receive the Crown of Life. Our ultimate goal is to receive our Heavenly reward of eternal life. The New Heaven and New Earth will be our Forever Home.
Yes, to live with Christ in a perfect world filled with Agape love and forever friends is worth the sacrificial offering of our lives to God. Daily, affirm your allegiance to God! Only what we do for Him will be rewarded in the end. Yes and Amen! Peace and Blessings.
“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
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – August 24, 2024
If your life is difficult, study the lives of Joseph, Abraham, Naomi, Ruth, and Job. The Bible gives us true knowledge of people who struggle with the same issues we face. King Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Until we accept our God-given purpose, our lives will never reflect spiritual growth and transformation nor will our earthly accomplishments produce the faith and works that indicate we are preparing for eternal life.
“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” —Psalm 32:8
Resistance to letting God lead us results in practicing Compromised Christianity—attending church but never changing and growing spiritually. Deciding to commit and consecrate oneself to follow Jesus Christ gives us true peace and victory despite our trials and hardships. Throughout the Scriptures, we find righteous men and women who dedicated themselves to surrender and faithfully obey God. Yes, they had the assurance of receiving the Crown of Life.
“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end, he will stand on the earth… And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” —Job 19:25-27
Job suffered greatly but still proclaimed victory because he truly believed in Jesus’ promise that He would come again to take the righteous to heaven. Where do we stand? Live for Christ. True victory can only be obtained through the Righteousness of Christ. Heaven is real. We cannot afford to choose the temporary things of this earth and forfeit the reward that Jesus died on Calvary’s cross to give us.
Declaration of True Surrender: “I have decided to follow Jesus and whether I lose family, friends, or wealth, I am going to heaven to receive my reward, Revelation 22:12.” Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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