Holy Spirit – Page 24 – Steps 2 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

The Sovereign Ruler of the Universe is God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – June 2, 2024

“For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” – Psalm 84:11, NLT

“The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forever more.” – Psalm 121: 5-8

“Unto You, I lift up my eyes, O You Who dwell in the heavens.” -Psalm 123:1

Knowing we are loved by a Father who is always faithful gives us peace, joy, and happiness.

Lord God, we thank You for Your Pure and Never-failing Love. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

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!

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

The Faith Walk to Victory!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 20, 2024

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands…” —Revelation 7:9

God created and gifted us with faith, love, power, and a sound mind to worship Him. Our acceptance and commitment to Christ changes our status from an unrighteous believer to the royal priesthood that will reign with Him forever and ever. God has predestined us to enjoy a perfect, sinless life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

The conditions: We are to honor Christ as our First Love, obey God’s will by remaining loyal, and worship Him in spirit and truth by renouncing our thoughts, and inclinations, and saying no to sin. “Behold, it is better to obey than to sacrifice.” We demonstrate our love to God as Christ did in His earthly life, one of daily surrender, Not my will but Your will, Heavenly Father be done.

“What is man that You are mindful of him?” We are the only recipients of salvation. Not even the angels understand why Christ would die for humanity—a race who refuses to obey His commandments and do His will through a life of sacrificial self-denial for which we would receive many blessings including the precious gift of eternal life.

With joy and thanksgiving, we should freely worship the Ancient of Days and the Triumphant King with overflowing love and reverence because their very Names are Holy and the Plan of Redemption required Jesus’ death on Calvary’s Cross. The theme of the Bible is God’s Agape Love for us. Jesus promises us provisions, tells us we are more valuable than sparrows, and He will never forsake us.

“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17

Our prayers rise as sweet incense to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and Heavenly Intercessor who invites us to boldly come to the Throne of Grace for forgiveness and His Divine help. Holy Spirit, give us the wisdom and discernment to comprehend the faithful love of our LORD who rejoices over us with singing and quiets us with His peace. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

We cannot keep Christ’s love to ourselves—someone else needs to know that Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Genuine love for God gives one a burden for souls. Agape love is the catalyst to fulfill our commission of witnessing to a broken and hopeless generation who desperately seeks peace even when they are deceived into purchasing the world’s version of false peace. It is our assignment to tell them, “Jesus loves you!”

“Be holy, for I AM Holy!” “…Without Me, you can do nothing.” The Holy Spirit empowers us with Christ’s strength to use self-control to renounce sin and overcome temptation. Yes, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” In faith, we follow Christ on the Chosen Path that leads to the heavenly reward of eternal life.

“In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer…I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” —John 16:33

Time is fleeting. Our trials will never cease—our characters must change to reflect the Righteousness of Christ. We face many challenges and temptations, often presented by familiar people and situations. Every day we choose our destiny as reflected in our thoughts, spoken words, behaviors, habits, and choices of friends. To remain safe, Never choose the familiar over the Divine.

Our heart’s desires prevent us from understanding the love that God has for humanity. Though sinful, we are redeemed by the blood of Christ and enjoy the privilege of entering His Most Holy presence with prayer and supplication, which His sinless angels enjoy, therefore, we should bow and honor God as the angels who cover their faces and cry Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” —Psalm 91:11

And speaking of the angel armies, they are Christ’s messengers and our guardians whose duty is to protect the righteous from physical harm and spiritual warfare [they fight and stand down Satan’s evil angels]. We have all in heaven as our Spiritual Reinforcements, still, we decide if good or evil will prevail by our choices.

The LORD’s Grace and Mercies!

“If only, I had prayed or waited for God’s answer.” When all is well, we easily become overconfident in our abilities, and fall into temptation. Immediately, the Holy Spirit sounds the alarm of Conviction. Bowing our heads in humility, we cry out, Against You, O Lord, I have sinned, please forgive me. Great is His faithfulness, we are never abandoned: “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand” (Psalm 37:24).

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth…” —John 14:16-17

From our turbulent history of following our hearts, we acknowledge that we can only live an obedient and righteous life through the Divine power of the Holy Spirit. In our earthly lives, we will remain on a forever spiritual learning curve. To keep us on the Right Path, our struggles are intense. But suffering from disobedience differs from the trials given to change our characters.

Suffering from consequences wearies us to the core of our souls, thankfully, we eventually come to our senses and acquiesce to the Sovereignty of God. Through prayer and study of the Scriptures, we learn to hear the Voice of God and fully rely on the Holy Spirit. Our faith in God directs us to ask the Holy Spirit for the wisdom to understand Christ’s Righteousness, to teach us how to live holy, to lead us to the Narrow Gate, and to guide our steps to stay on the Narrow Path.

Jesus Warning: I come, like a Thief in the Night! “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” (Revelation 22:12-13).

Covered by God’s Grace, we receive New Mercies every day. Our gratitude is demonstrated by remaining anchored in Christ through continuous surrender, prayer, and praise. Our response of faith to God’s love is to live a Christ-centered, faith-based life and to give our best effort as we prepare daily for Christ’s soon return. Our surrender invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to live a victorious life through the Strength of Jesus Christ.

Lord, we pray for Your strength in this journey of life. We thank You for sending the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, Helper, Comforter, and Transformer. May we continue to possess a heart of gratitude by consecrating ourselves daily to serve You with surrender and obedience. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Take the Time to Worship God in Solitude

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 19, 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

STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

I Will Give Thee A Crown of Life Sermon – Pastor David Salazar

Do Not Discuss Problems Before You Pray

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 10, 2024

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16

One powerful way to build your faith and trust in God is to change your response to life-impacting events. Whether facing routine challenges or major hardships, every obstacle is a disruption to our lives. When feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of life or a situation arises that human intervention cannot resolve, how do we respond?

Discussing the presenting challenges with spouses, family, and friends is a natural response, but learned behaviors and habits that promote self-reliance by using our thoughts to develop solutions always decrease our faith and dependency on God. To maintain obedience to God, we must stand down our immediate emotional responses to reach out to others before we pray.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6, NIV

The defining characteristic of a Christian believer is to live a faith-based life totally dependent on God. We cannot please God by using varied responses according to the given situation. Therefore, we obey Christ’s command by changing our first response from discussing our challenges with others [which promotes worry and minimizes God’s infinite power] to “Let’s pray about this right now!”

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:6-7

Yes, it is a daily struggle to live a life of self-denial by exercising faith over escalating feelings. Even so, with humility, we use our wavering mustard seed faith and place our burdens at Jesus’ feet. Remember God has foreknowledge of every obstacle, trial, and hardship we face.

Depending on God gives us a peace that permeates our minds, bodies, and souls. Our Father always gives us the strength to endure and provides comfort and hope for the given day—take no thought for tomorrow. And in His timing, we receive a victorious outcome that brings glory and honor to His Holy Name.

“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” —Psalm 91:15

Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor loves us, He patiently waits for us to come to the Throne of Grace, and ask for help. Worship shifts our Focus from our Problems to the Almighty God, the Problem Solver. We ask for Divine Intervention and whisper words of gratitude because our challenges are resolved.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). Pray in faith and wait. The wait tests our faith! As the days pass, will we remain steadfast and courageously trust in God’s promise to fight our battles?

Now is the time for us to actively participate in our spiritual growth by abiding in Christ through unceasing prayer. Faith bonds us to Christ. Come what may, our confidence and trust is in God! From our daily commitment to surrender, we have total access to God’s unlimited love and power.

The strength of our relationship with Christ is dependent on our decision to redirect our focus and live a Christ-centered, faith-based life. “Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24, BSB).

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for being the Great, I AM! In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Son of God and Son of Man

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 7, 2024

Son of God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

Son of Man: “On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.” —Isaiah 11:10

I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). While walking on this earth, Jesus declared Himself as the Son of God. Although rejected by most of the Jewish people, Jesus was the Messiah whom Isaiah prophesied “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ ” (Matthew 22:37).

For anyone who is married and in love, they strive to please their spouse. The foundation of all healthy and growing relationships is unselfish love. Our relationship with Christ is also based on unselfish love. From Christ’s blood sacrifice, He proved His overwhelming, selfless love for humanity. Does our relationship with Christ proclaim unselfish love and loyalty for the Son of God?

“Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him” (John 14:15).

In the parent-child relationship, love, respect, and honor are demonstrated through the child’s obedience. As children of God, our daily worship includes the prayer to know, understand, and obey His will. To prevent us from following our thoughts, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we diligently search the Scriptures which God uses first to speak His will to us.

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

To please God is to faithfully obey Him. The Bible is the Voice of God. The Scriptures reveal God’s answers to every life situation. The Bible is our Spiritual Roadmap that converts the heart and keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness leading from earth to heaven.

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” —Psalm 119:97-98, 104

The Old Testament proclaims God’s Laws as the highest authority and Righteous Principles to live holy, sacrificial lives. The exciting history of God’s loving Character and Divine Intervention along with countless life stories of rescuing us from sin and restoring us in the fullness of joy and peace remains unchanged.

The New Testament portrays Christ’s earthly life, His Ascension as King, and teaches us how to apply God’s Righteous Principles to practical living. As we gain knowledge, the Holy Spirit converts our hearts, we experience spiritual growth and transformation and learn how to live righteously. But most importantly, we learn to honor Jesus as our Triumphant King.

Christianity is the only religion that accepts Jesus as the Son of God. Yet, there is ambivalence in the minds of many Christians who do not understand Christ’s authority and His role in their lives. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is also God. The Scriptures substantiate Jesus as God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead.

Jesus Proclaimed Himself as God: “He took the divine name ‘I AM’ for Himself (John 8:58, from Exodus 3:14). He said that the way to the Father is through Him (Matthew 11:27, John 14:1-7). He made Himself equal with God (John 5:18). He proclaimed that whoever saw Him saw the Father (John 14:9).”

According to Bible Theologians and Scholars, Hebrews, chapter 1 is a record of Christ’s Coronation after He ascended to heaven. From this chapter alone, God reveals that Jesus is also God. Not only does God, the Father call Jesus, “God” but He also refers to Him as “Lord.”

“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.’ ” —Hebrews 1:8-10

God’s Supreme Revelation: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…holding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” —Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus Authority Over Humanity: “…as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. ” —John 17:2, 5

Our perception of Christ reveals if our study of the Scriptures is selective or nonexistent, we become fixated on Jesus’ atoning sacrifice alone and attempt to achieve righteousness through our works. Because we lack knowledge of His Preeminence, we live a life that dishonors Jesus as God [He is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead] who sits at the Right Hand of God, the Father.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him…” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Two characteristics demonstrate Jesus Christ is the Supreme Ruler of our lives: The active desire to be filled with the knowledge of His will and the decision to walk worthy in our earthly journey as His disciples. For us to understand Christ’s Kingly role, we must search the Scriptures, praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment, and in submission, we bow and worship our King with faithful obedience.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:10-11

We have a decision to make that is long overdue. Living for Christ: We strive for a sanctified life demonstrated by heartfelt love and the surrender of our will. “Not my will but Your will be done” is our daily prayer [covenant] to faithfully honor God through obedience. From our desire to honor Christ’s Righteous Dominion as our Supreme Ruler, we will receive our reward of the Crown of Life when He comes.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war.” —Revelation 19:11

A Life Lived Against Christ: The decision to fulfill our desires under the banner of Christianity will end in facing Jesus, the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” as the Judge and Warrior. There is no excuse for a Christian believer to hold the same spiritual status as the unrighteous. We are not thinking clearly.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

Jesus the Son of God and Son of Man is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Christ has given us the warning, “…without Me, you can do nothing.” Jesus Christ has full authority over every human being. Without bowing to our Lord, Savior, and King, sadly, our lives will be lived in vain, and we will perform the rituals of Christianity but never receive heart conversion and spiritual transformation.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble…” —2 Peter 1:10

The worries of life should never be experienced by saints of God. We have hope through Christ! Without Surrender, our minds become unsure and we develop a spirit of insecurity hoping for eternal life. Yet, we must not commit sins of presumption—thinking we will receive eternal life although we place our desires over the will of God. Our salvation and destiny rely on the choices we make every day.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’ ” (2 Corinthians 12:9). From living an earthly life as the Son of Man, Jesus experienced the trials and temptations we face. He extends the invitation, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” —Philippians 1:6

When we understand the overwhelming love of Christ who assures us that He will give us the Divine Help to live a sacrificial and surrendered holy life, we will renounce sin. Prepare daily to receive His Divine Strength from inviting Jesus, God, [the Son of God and Son of Man] to be the King and Supreme Ruler of your life.

Prayer: “Create in me, a clean heart, O God, and renew a right [steadfast] spirit within Me.” In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

LORD, I Praise You!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – May 5, 2024

“Thus says the LORD God to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.’ ” —Ezekiel 37:5

For His love and faithfulness, Christ is worthy to be praised! He is YAHWEH who imparts His sustaining Ruah breath of life to His creations. “Ruah is the wind that parted the waters and created dry land, it is the very breath that God breathed into humans in our creation…” wildwoodgathering.org

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, His mercy endures forever.” —Psalm 118:1

To worship God in Spirit and Truth is a command for the righteous to love, honor, and reverence the Most High with faithful obedience. From the moment we open our eyes to the mercies of a new day, our first response is to whisper prayers of praise and gratitude to Jesus, our First Love, and the Sustainer of Life.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.” —1 Chronicles 29:11

The angels exalt Christ, the Commander of angel armies by lovingly fulfilling their purpose—to serve humanity. We exalt Christ by willingly consecrating our minds, bodies, and souls to fulfill God’s will and plans for the given day. Faithful obedience invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with wisdom, discernment, and Jesus’ strength to fulfill God’s will.

“Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.” —Psalm 113:1

Obedience to God is our highest worship. A heartfelt covenant of daily surrender rises to the Throne of Grace as praise-filled melodies proclaiming King Jesus is the LORD of our lives. The mercy of a new day is a constant reminder that God is Great and He is Faithful. Never-ending prayers and songs of praise reveal our desire to give Him glory, honor, and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.

We are nearing home! Daily surrender is the spiritual catalyst that ignites the Holy Spirit to transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the image of Christ. Life on earth is preparing us for a life of eternal worship to our Triumphant King in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“O LORD, I will praise you…Behold, God is my salvation I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ Praise the LORD, call upon his name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Sing to the LORD, For he has done excellent things; This is known in all the Earth.” —Isaiah 12:1-2, 4,5