Holy Spirit – Page 18 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Why ‘Sticks and Stones’ Is a Lie: The True Power of Words -Sermon – Pastor Mark Finley

Giving God Your Best

Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – August 23, 2024

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” —Proverbs 3:6

The struggle to put God first impacts every Christian Believer. Still, in this modern world, we can put God first through consecration, prayer, Bible study, and monitoring our time closely. We make plans that either include or exclude God. “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).

Excerpt from Livingontheedge.org: “First, God has a plan for every nation on this earth. In addition, He has a plan for every man, woman, and child on this planet, too. His plan can be contained in one word: LIFE. By comparison, Satan has an agenda as well. His agenda can be summed up in an opposing word: DEATH. He has an intricate plan for every nation and every person, and it’s to steal, kill, and destroy.

“It is incredibly easy to think the world consists of what we see in our worlds every day, and completely miss the larger picture. There’s an invisible battle happening all around us: life and death are fiercely competing for our devotion.” Livingontheedge.org

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

The apostle Peter describes every believer’s struggle with spiritual warfare in their earthly lives. Jesus told Peter, “Satan is trying to sift you like wheat, but I am praying for you.” Following Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s internal struggle of fear included denying Christ three times. Yet, he was reconciled with Christ and became an integral leader in the “Day of Pentecost” [Acts 2].

Reflection: Are we denying Christ by our desires, decisions, and lifestyles?

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

To give God our best requires steadfast spiritual strength, the human effort of perseverance, resistance, and the ability to say no when everyone else is engaging in worldly pleasures. We pray often to receive Jesus’ Divine Strength and Wisdom through the Holy Spirit, yet, we must exercise the gift of self-control in our daily activities of life.

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

Living holy requires our cooperation with God. We cannot achieve holiness without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Giving God our best is to have planned times of worship twice daily. Prayer keeps us connected to God, the Source of Power. Studying the Bible is necessary because God communicates His Righteous Character and His expectations of our daily walk with Christ. The Holy Scriptures define living holy.

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

The Bible is our Spiritual Guide and Roadmap, preparing us for our reward of eternal life. The Old Testament tells us of the real-life struggles of individuals like Joseph [sold into slavery by his brothers, Elijah [Queen Jezebel seeking to kill him], Queen Esther [boldly entering the King’s presence without an invitation], and Daniel [in the lion’s den]. From the New Testament, we learn Christ’s earthly life and His love, devotion, and obedience to God, His Father.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” —Isaiah 41:10. BSB

Our confidence in God’s Love and Sovereignty gives us strength and the courage to fight the good fight of faith when we face temptation and daunting situations. Giving God our best is placing all of our faith and trust in Him. Knowledge of God’s Divine Character produces obedience in the heart of a true believer who allows the Holy Spirit to convert their hearts.

Give God your best by praying throughout your waking hours, studying the Scriptures, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you on the Path of Righteousness. Having confidence in God, who will never fail you, requires astute knowledge of His loving character. God has promised to always give us victory when we strive to give Him our best. Sabbath Peace and Blessings!

Lord God, we thank You for Your Divine Love. It is our desire to give You our best. We ask for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We pray for a blessing as we celebrate the Sabbath. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

With Joyful Expectation, Pray, and Wait On God

Trust in the LORD, and do good, dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noon day. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” Psalm 37:3-7

God is a Loving Heavenly Father. God is a Promise-keeper. God is All-knowing, which includes our lives from beginning to end. What God is Not, He is not a God of instant gratification, He knows what we need when we need it. God’s ultimate goal is to save our souls by sanctifying us through the Holy Spirit. Therefore He will not bless us with anything that interferes with His promise to give us eternal life.

“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

Pray in faith and wait on the Lord. Jesus has invited us to the Throne of Grace to receive His Divine help. God will never fail us. While waiting for our blessings, we should excitedly wait as children anticipating wonderful blessings from the Father above.

Lord, we thank You for Your loving care and faithfulness toward us. We ask for strength as we walk daily in this journey of life. We ask this prayer in your Holy Name, Amen.

The True Cost and Challenges of Following Jesus

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 19, 2024

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ ” —Mark 8:34

There is a stark difference between Jesus’ requirements to follow Him and the Compromised Christianity practiced by many of today’s believers. Jesus says that we must deny ourselves, and take up our cross to be His disciple. The life of a true converted believer is not easy. We must relinquish our desires by surrendering ourselves to God daily: “God, not my will, but Your will be done.”

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Mark 8:36-37

Pursuing success, financial wealth, relationships, and pleasure has never been included in the spiritual journey of the followers of Christ. Chasing the world’s prosperity and marrying unbelievers is history repeating itself [the days of Noah]. Jesus forewarns us of the consequences of choosing the world, the loss of one’s soul is the loss of the reward of Eternal life.

“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” —Joshua 24:15

“In the simplicity of humble faith ask the Lord to open your understanding, that you may discern and appreciate the precious things of His Word. Thus you may grow in grace, grow in simple, trusting faith.” God’s Amazing Grace, EGW

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.” —John 15:4

“Our Saviour compares Himself to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and then He shows how they may become fruitful branches.” Reflecting Christ, EGW

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

Faith, humility, surrender, obedience, much prayer, fasting, and study of the Holy Scriptures along with abandoning all worldly habits, desires, and lifestyles including liaisons with unbelievers are required to follow Christ. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity for our characters, minds, and personalities to be changed into the likeness of Christ.

The human effort of cooperation with God joins us with God’s plan to save our souls. We choose Christ and the Holy Spirit transforms us daily into the likeness of Christ’s Character. Sanctification is evidenced when our desires change and we pursue righteousness. We stop watching, listening, and chasing sinful pleasures, nor do we seek success because Jesus is our First Love.

The believers whose hearts are converted love God and cherish Jesus’ selfless sacrifice on Calvary. We do not have ambivalent feelings over giving up everything for Christ. When we are dedicated followers of Christ, we prepare daily for Kingdom life with our Triumphant King. Reflection: Where do you stand in your relationship with Jesus?

Study Mark chapters 8-10: “…the follower of Jesus—whether the disciples 2,000 years ago or disciples in the twenty-first century— [must prepare daily] for the challenges that come with discipleship.” SSNET

Lord God, we pray for the strength to persevere on this tumultuous journey. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to lead us on the Path of Righteousness. We love You for Your great sacrifice that we have the opportunity to inherit eternal life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Teaching Disciples Part I – SUMtv – Pastoral Panel Discussion

Unlocking the Secrets of Prayer [Pastor Mark Finley]

God Always Answers Our Prayers

Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – August 17, 2024

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” —Isaiah 65:24

We serve a God who is the Sovereign Ruler of this universe. He is Omniscient [All-Knowing] and Omnipotent [Majestic Power]. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). We have a Father who is interested in our well-being and commands angels to protect and comfort us.

Pray and Wait and be patient! God’s timing will never coincide with our expectations. Still, we can remain courageous because God always intervenes when the righteous pray in faith. Through Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, we receive victorious outcomes. Every good gift is from the Father above. Amen.

Lord God, we pray for a Divine blessing on our lives and the willingness to patiently wait because You always know what is best in every aspect of our lives. Thank You for the Sabbath rest that draws us closer to You and refreshes us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” —Psalm 27:14

Need Help? Pray!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 12, 2024

“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

Have you ever needed financial assistance and felt intimidated or anxious just by the thought of asking someone for help? We have a Loving Father God who invites us to pray and ask Him for help. Our prayers receive a Divine Chain Response: We pray and the Holy Spirit takes our prayers to Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor. Our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ is humanity’s Righteous Mediator.

Yes, we have a Loving Savior, Jesus who receives our prayers and answers them according to His will and our needs. Not only in our challenges do we receive help, but the Holy Spirit also guides us to make the decisions in our day-to-day lives that always end in victory. Put away the fears that keep you from reverently and boldly praying to God, our Heavenly Father for your needs.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” —James 1:17

God reminds us that He is the Giver of all good gifts. From the breath in our bodies to the strength needed to persevere day to day, we receive all from God. Our Father God knows what we need when we need it, yet, He is not intrusive, we must invite Him into our challenges. Put away the doubt that God’s promises are not for you. Anyone who uses their faith and comes to Jesus in prayer always receives His help.

Lord God, we thank You for allowing us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace so we can receive help in our time of need. We ask for a blessing according to Your will. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer we ask in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Eclipse 6 -Video Music

Love Empowers Us To Remain Committed to Christ

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 9, 2024

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” —1 John 4:16, ESV

“True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives for himself is not a Christian.”

“Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God’s government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian’s character. This alone can make and keep us steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation.”

“And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice—a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 48, 49.

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life ” (Revelation 2:10). With courage, we serve God with conviction. Directing our daily thoughts to reflect on the Majesty and the Glory of Jesus’ Holy Name allows the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us with Spiritual Strength. If we are faithful, one day, we will receive the reward of eternal life.

Lord God, we pray for our hearts to be filled with Your love. Give us the strength to sacrifice our all for You as You did for us. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.