Jesus is coming again – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

One Day (When We All Get to Heaven) presented by Baptist University Choir

Pray this Weekend

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Take the time to commune with God in much prayer throughout this weekend.

We are living in the “Beginning of Sorrows” [Matthew 24] and Perilous Times [2 Timothy 3]. The peace and better days we are praying for will happen when Jesus fulfills His promise [Revelation 22:12-13].

Prayer: Lord, we ask You to search our hearts and reveal anything that would prevent us from having a steadfast relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Called to Share in Christ’s Suffering

Called to Share in Christ’s Suffering
Devotional – January 5, 2024

Called to Share in Christ’s Suffering -Sabbath Devotional – January 5, 2024

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” —1 Peter 4:1-2

Today, the Holy Spirit gave me a new perspective on suffering trials and hardships. It is an honor to be chosen to suffer for Christ. In suffering, we relinquish self-reliance and choose righteousness over sin. Through daily self-surrender, we enter into a deeper love relationship with Christ, the Redeemer of this world. Because of God’s great love and faithfulness, we are not called to live a life of poverty and continuous suffering.

Yet, if we had the option, most would never choose suffering even if our reward of eternal life was at risk. Thankfully, God’s Divine Intervention designed our paths to produce the righteousness required for holiness in this life and the next life. God allows the trials that we must endure for the Holy Spirit to complete our spiritual restoration and transformation.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

Our reward is eternal, filled with love, joy, peace, and happiness, living forever in a sinless world with Christ, our King.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

Prayer: God, we thank You for covering us with Your grace and the mercies that allow us to live righteously. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

The LORD is Everlasting Strength

Today’s Devotional, October 17, 2023

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength.” —Isaiah 26:3-4

In 30 days, I will reach a milestone, the blessed age of 65. Even if we don’t think the aging process is a blessing, the insurance companies proclaim a different perspective. They are in strong pursuit of the precious commodities [seniors] who are turning 65. And their focus is intentional. My mailbox is full of offers every day. With so many voices, seniors without knowledge of the importance of benefits applicable to their medical condition will easily be influenced.

Thankfully, one of my previous positions was as a Quality Nurse with a health insurance company. Despite the countless letters of invitation to choose the best, I have already chosen the best coverage. This morning during worship I reflected on this thought, “Although I have the advantage of working knowledge of the health insurance industry, am I relying on my knowledge to make the best choices in serving God?

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” —2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV

Youthful lusts are not only limited to sexual desires. Everyone has passed through the stage of being a teenager when we thought that we knew everything about life and resisted all wise counsel. According to psychologists, during adolescence, individuals are more susceptible to persuasion because of the struggle with establishing their identity. They have the desire to appear all-knowing and powerful to their peers. From a spiritual perspective, it is wilful pride that causes one to possess an arrogant demeanor and disobey sound morals, values, and concepts.

Sadly, many Christians have retained that same teenage mindset in their adult lives which prevents them from seeking godly knowledge and wisdom. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). By our thoughts, desires, and pursuits, we choose our own destiny!

Reflection: How would our lives change if we pursued Jesus like the ravenous insurance companies pursuing seniors who are eligible for Medicare coverage?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

Certainly, our minds, personalities, and characters would change into the likeness of Christ. Self-centered pride would be replaced by humility, self-seeking attention would be washed away, and our desires for tangible things would disappear. Not only would we put God first, but we would reverence Him with honor, glory, and praise in our spoken words, choices, and lifestyles.

Still, we cannot achieve righteousness through our works. Human Effort and Divine Intervention are required for the spiritual transformation of our hearts and minds.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

Yes, many of us desire to live righteously but fail to stay on the Path of Righteousness because we attempt to use our human strength to remain in right standing with God. When Jesus says, we can do nothing without Him, believe Him! But once we invite the power of the Triune God into our lives, we are unstoppable! The Holy Spirit empowers us with a “Do Right” mind!

Through surrender, we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God. We acquiesce to His authority by our relentless pursuit of righteousness. Our commitment is reflected in our lifestyle. By seeking God as evidenced by praying throughout our waking hours and asking for the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of God, humanity is brought into alignment with God’s Plan of Righteousness by Faith.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:2

Imagine how much more fulfilling our lives would be if we spent our time wisely, studying and living by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Instead of wasting unfulfilling hours on mindless entertainment, we could be growing in knowledge, wisdom, and faith. Steadfast faith, dedication, and total reliance on God are required to be transformed spiritually.

Choosing to follow Christ requires steadfast faith and the commitment required to make a covenant vow of daily surrender. It is then we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us the spiritual strength to live a victorious life. In Christ, we gain the power to live as overcomers, and when He returns, we will receive our crown, robe of righteousness, and eternal life.

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for the sin of self-reliance. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to anoint us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We pray for Divine wisdom and guidance in our journey of life. Thank You for Your love and the gifts of repentance and restoration. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath! – Pray for God’s Mercies

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath – Pray for God’s Mercies
Sabbath Devotional, October 13, 2023

The struggles of this life are becoming more challenging. Many countries are experiencing war and famine which produces overwhelming sorrow, grief, and death. The innocent men, women, children, and babies are not only wounded physically but also mentally and emotionally. Why does God allow these terrible atrocities?

I invite you to study Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 18-22. Jesus speaks of the events that will happen in these perilous times of the last days of Earth’s history.

Although Satan causes disasters, wars, countless diseases, and deaths, God must allow the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. These events lead to the Great Day of Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming. We know how the story ends! Choose your destiny by faithfully serving God in humility and obedience.

God is good in that He gave Jesus to die for us. God is good because we are saved by His Grace. God is good because He promises to protect the righteous at the end of time. Study Psalm 91. God is good because His love and mercies are freely given to the human beings who continue to reject Him.

God is good because He will never allow Satan to destroy the earth or all humanity. God is good because He never changes and we know the expected end of this Earth. God is more than good because He has given us sufficient time to choose Him. God is more than good because the righteous will live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!

Prayer: God, our hearts are filled with sorrow and despair. We ask You to extend mercy to the innocent victims of every war that exists throughout this world. Hunger, hatred, and the evil of violence have escalated as we have never seen before. Lord, we thank You for the Sabbath and ask You to bring peace to each of us according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise?

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise? Today’s Devotional October 11, 2023

Many years ago, I remember having a conversation with my aunt [who now is my Mother’s only living sister] about Jesus coming again and going to heaven. It was an exciting conversation until she said, “Oh niece, not every Christian desires to go to heaven. You have a naïve perspective of Christianity.” With disappointment, I responded, “But that is one of the reasons that we serve God is to go to heaven.”

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” —2 Timothy 4:3-4

Fast forward three decades and my Auntie spoke the truth. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus revealed the status of the Laodicean church which according to Bible scholars represents today’s Christian believers [Study Revelation 3:14-19]. The spirit of compromise originates from Satan’s skillful deceptions. We have blended worldliness into our lives and have lost sight of God’s commandment to be holy.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep

Lukewarm Christians are prevalent in 2023 and they are not ashamed of their lifestyle choices. Social media posts reveal their focus and desires to please themselves. How can Christian believers be so deceived that they think serving a Righteous God is according to their whims? “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you” (John 10:27).

“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” —Matthew 24:7-8

Climate change and global warming are feeble human-made concepts developed [in an attempt] to explain the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. God did not leave us without knowledge. In Matthew 24 and the books of Isaiah and Revelation, God has revealed the natural disasters and the spiritual changes that would happen on this earth which indicate living in the last days and the end of time.

As violence, disasters, and social problems increase, the number of steadfast and faithful Christians decrease. In Revelation, chapters 18-22, God reveals the victorious end of the Great Controversy of Good and Evil. Still, Satan has convinced many Christians they have the time to pursue their desires without praying for God’s guidance.

We are concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, inflation, and the future instead of making sure our relationship with Christ is steadfast. Satan is using sensory stimuli to distract us away from God. There are two phenomena that we have no control over, once we watch, listen, or read information, we cannot undo the sensory input routed from our eyes and ears to our brains. As one Instagram response stated, “You cannot reverse and erase what you have seen or heard.”

The second phenomenon about the brain is the adaptation and changes in the cognition and behavior of those who develop sinful habits. Disobedience changes our thought processes and places us in opposition to a Holy and Righteous God. Like Cain who offered a sacrifice that he thought God deserved, we continue to travel on the detour road. We do not realize that we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness because disobedience has changed our perception.

We say Lord, Lord, but our heart’s carnal desires rule our lives and we continue to chase our dreams. And we feel good about our life full of accomplishments and the acquisition of material things.

“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-8

Many attempt to use the works of attending church and reading the Scriptures, yet, their lifestyle reveals the behaviors of practicing worldly habits. Even our outward appearance changes. Once we spoke, dressed, and worshipped God every day as dedicated Christians, but now worldly music and programs have replaced praise and worship music. And our clothing in social outings are more provocative.

Still, God knows our heart. The voice we are listening to is not the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is no evidence of living a faith-based life of surrender and obedience. Yes, we experience transformation but it is not spiritual.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44, BSB

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13, BSB

When I was in my late 50s, my dentist told me something that I have held onto for years. Now that I have reached that stage in life, I have learned to say, no, without hesitation. He stated, “Something I would like for you to be aware of, once you become 62, physicians and dentists will try to convince you to have elective surgeries and to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental procedures, don’t do it. Only agree to the procedures that are necessary to sustain your health.

And yes, I have refused 100% of recommendations to change the one BP medication that I have taken since 1998. Although I have end-stage osteoarthritis in my knees [no cartilage, bone on bone], since 2015, I have refused knee replacements. Yes, I have limitations, I cannot walk on the beautiful Floridian sandy beach, but I can sit on the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean breezes. And with weight loss, I no longer need an assistive device.

My objective in sharing this story is for you to reflect and ask yourself, “Who convinced me to compromise?” Was it a pastor, family, or friends? Or was it from the pursuit of your heart’s desires? How did you transition from repenting, surrendering, and dedicating your life to Christ to one of compromise that will lead to destruction? Is the pleasure of sin really worth the loss of eternal life with Jesus?

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:14

“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.” —Isaiah 35:8

Jesus paid for our freedom with His life! We do not have to be enslaved to sin and suffer the dire consequences that were meant for Satan and his angels. Yet, we were created with the free will to serve who we choose to serve. But know this, there is only one narrow gate that we pass through to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Compromise will never provide us with the reward of the New Heaven and New Earth.

Our love and loyalty for Christ is demonstrated through our faith, evidenced by daily surrender and obedience. Only what we do for Christ will last and be counted in the end. Stand up and renounce the life of sinful compromise! The righteous who are sanctified through Christ have a great reward waiting for them. And we must be in the number of those who receive their crowns.

Scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” —John 10:10

Prayer: God, we pray for the believers traveling on the detour road of compromise that they renounce sin and commit to rededicate their lives to You. Lord, we thank You for the precious gift of Your life. We pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and give us the power to stand as soldiers in Your Army until Christ comes again. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

God Knows Who Loves Him

Today’s Devotional, October 9, 2023

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37

Loving God requires a loving heart overflowing with genuine faith and the desire to obey His will. In serving God, the believer prays the prayer of sacrificial surrender every day. We dedicate and consecrate ourselves to seek God and live according to His will.

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

We love God by possessing a heart of gratitude for His love and mercies which we express throughout our waking hours by singing, praying, and studying the Scriptures. Our times of worship reflect our love. “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Our thoughts, behaviors, and actions reveal the motives of our hearts. Our lifestyle is concrete proof of who we love and worship. We can go through the motions of attending church and reading the Bible, but our attempts to use works as the way to be in the right standing with God are just feeble attempts to make us feel content.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

Born with carnal hearts, we naturally have sinful thoughts and desires that cause us to pursue self-gratification. Our Father knew that we could not govern ourselves nor control our desires without His help. Therefore, God gave us His Holy Scriptures—God-breathed commandments, precepts, and promises as the roadmap for our lives.

“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” —John 15:26

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26

Not only do we have the Bible, but we were given the Holy Spirit to provide direction for our daily lives. Yes, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose and plans for every believer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the righteous hear the Voice of God through their thoughts and the Scriptures. Many ask, How do you know God is speaking to you through your thoughts? God’s Voice is always consistent with the Scriptures.

Read 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Ephesians 4:32

The Holy Spirit also performs daily spiritual transformation [spiritual growth] and changes our hearts [our minds] and our character traits. Yet, as free will agents, we must give our permission and cooperate with Divinity to receive Sanctification which is a life-long spiritual journey.

In Philippians 1:6, we receive the promise that Jesus will complete the work in us which requires our full cooperation by striving to live holy and pursuing righteousness every day. Still, the promise states up until the day Jesus comes. Jesus will not transform our character or sinful habits on the day of His Coming. Every person has already made their decision to be faithful or not and will receive their just reward. Our destiny is in our hands!

Jesus, Our Loving Lord, Savior, and Intercessor

Romans 8:34 says that Jesus ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor who receives our prayers and covers us with His righteousness, presenting us faultlessly before God. Our responsibility is to shun evil and pray without ceasing for the strength to live holy. As our Intercessor, Jesus also prays for us. When our hearts are receptive to the Holy Spirit, our response is one of faithful obedience. It is then that Divine intervention occurs and we receive Christ’s strength.

The Believer’s Life is One of Constant Battles

At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Simon Peter that a test of faith was coming: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NKJV). The outspoken disciple seemed to be in the same predicament as Job when Satan sought to put him to the test (Job 1—2). Satan wanted to “sift Peter as wheat,” which means that he wished to shake Peter’s faith so forcefully that he would fall, proving that God’s faithful servant was lacking. gotquestions.org

Like Peter, our faith is weak. And Satan, our deadly enemy uses our desires and carnal weakness to develop deceitful temptations that we cannot resist without the Holy Spirit’s Divine Help. His evil angels observe our lifestyle and present strategic deceptions [personalized temptations] designed to make us fall.

Satan’s most effective method is to use people to make a believer fall. The lonely person meets someone who says, Lord, Lord, one who appears to serve God, but their behaviors and lifestyle reveal they have not surrendered to God. Ignoring the warning signs, the believer continues in the relationship and falls. By acting on their emotions, they begin walking on the path of compromise because their love for God is no longer a priority.

Just as we do not drive in the middle of the road, there is no middle ground of compromise in our relationship with Christ. Either we will surrender ourselves in humility and obedience to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us spiritually in preparation for Eternal life or we will lose our reward because we chose to live our best life on this earth.

To love God is to obey God. To love God is to pray every day and ask Him to reveal His will. To love God is to surrender and strive to stay in His will.

Scripture: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7

Prayer: God, we pray for the desire and the strength to give up every sinful habit and the individuals who will prevent us from receiving eternal life. We confess and repent that we have not surrendered and committed ourselves to faithfully obey You. Lord, we know the signs You gave to us in Matthew 24 are being fulfilled. And it is our fervent desire to receive our reward and live with Your forever and ever. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

One Day All Troubles Will End–Have a Blessed Sabbath

The Disconnect Between Us, God, and Others

The Disconnect Between Us, God, and Others Devotional Reading and Podcast

Believe it or not, there was an era in which people called and visited each other to provide emotional and spiritual support. I can recall when my Aunt passed, I received numerous bereavement text messages, but not one person actually called to speak to me.

I love the advancements in technology, but unfortunately, the Christian community has adapted to the ways of the world—sending text messages, only calling if there are no other options. With this mindset, we are not only disconnected emotionally from family and friends but we are also disconnected spiritually from God.

“The voice is the main communication tool. It gives features to language that go beyond cognitive communication. It translates feelings, emotions…” Viva Voice: The Power of the Human Voice

“Research by Chicago Booth’s Nicholas Epley suggests that no matter what the next innovation in communication might be, there is no substitute for the human voice when it comes to conveying one’s humanity, intelligence, and state of mind.” https://www.chicagobooth.edu/

Pew Research Center performed a survey among American Christians on the Frequency of daily prayer. From ages 18-29, only 15% prayed once a day and only 30% between the ages of 50-64 prayed daily.

The habits we form easily become a permanent part of our characters. The marked decrease in verbal communication with others has also impacted our communication with God. Yet, we cannot approach the lack of prayer from a behavioral aspect. Considering that prayer is our only method of communication with the Divine-Triune God, statistics indicate that we are in a spiritual crisis.

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” —Matthew 6:6

Prayer connects humanity to Divinity. Jesus created us to rely on His Strength and Divine Intervention. Every day, we face the battles of Spiritual Warfare that we cannot win from our efforts. Without praying daily for strength and help, we will never receive victory over the rigorous vicissitudes of life.

Trust God and Go Deep [With Your Faith]

Don’t hesitate to pray. In your private moments, lift your hands in complete surrender to God. Pray whether aloud or silently, consistently throughout your day. Our prayers reach heaven anytime, day or night. Praying during times of peace strengthens your faith and trust in God, helping you to rely on His promises when faced with adversity that lingers.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” —Psalm 150:6

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16

Reflecting on our earthly habits and comparing them to the Scriptures provides us with our right standing with God. Thanking God with Prayer and Praise is our sacrificial offering of gratitude for the love and sacrifice of God, the Father, God, Jesus, His Son, and God, the Holy Spirit for the love, grace, and mercy we receive every day.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2, NLT

We are disciples, followers of Christ, and missionaries. Take the time to use your voice by calling someone to speak words of encouragement. We live in a world of chaos, despair, and sorrow. The very person who we think would not accept prayer [and we use this as a reason not to ask if we can pray for them] will probably say, yes. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Pitfall: Do not allow your prayers to become all about yourself. Our prayers are usually asking God for blessings. When we pray for others, God honors our love and compassion and also blesses us. Praying for others also allows our characters to be molded into the likeness of Christ.

Develop a habit of consistent prayer and praise, allowing it to permeate your daily life. The frequency of our communication with God is a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit is able to bestow upon us anointing, power, wisdom, and discernment. Without prayer, we cannot receive healing or attain eternal life.

Our worship on earth is preparing us for a forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Changing our lives to include prayer and praises of thanksgiving prepares us to receive our Heavenly Crown and Robe of Righteousness.

Remember only the prayer of humility can soften our stony, selfish hearts. Faith flourishes when we have a close relationship with Christ. Prayer and Praise change our outlook. We gain courage from Prayer and Praise. Prayer is the key to Victory through Jesus. Our strength comes from the Lord!

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1-2

Prayer: God, we come to You desperately seeking forgiveness for our lack of consistent prayer and praise. We ask You for Divine guidance for our journey of life. We desire to have a closer relationship with You. And we pray for those who are in despair, sorrow, and in need of daily provisions. We ask You to bless them by providing for their needs. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray, Amen.

Come Back to God

Come Back to God Devotional Reading and Podcast

“King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.’ Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.” 1 Kings 11:1-2

Within the past two years have you grown closer to God? The answer to the question appears to be a simple yes or no, but an in-depth reflection of the time we spend in daily worship and our lifestyle choices reveals the love in our hearts for God and the status of our relationship with Christ.

We live in a culture where people have a lot to say, but they rarely listen unless it is for financial gain or enjoyment. There are more discussions on relationships, politics, social injustices, travel, food, and the pursuit of [our] happiness than the Plan of Salvation, Righteousness by Faith, and the Second Coming of Jesus. Even in most Christian social functions, we rarely discuss God.

There was a time when Christians prayed and diligently studied the Bible, but the lack of scriptural knowledge is rapidly increasing because we are distracted. Like King Solomon, we have interacted and formed deadly relationships with those without desire for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

We have allowed earthly pleasures and our agendas to separate us from God. Yet, this is not without a price. The disruptions that disturb our peace have left us weary and disoriented. Because God is no longer first our first response to resolve challenges and hardships is to rely on ourselves, or to contact family and friends for answers.

Sadly, at a time when biblical prophecies are being fulfilled, our primary focus is no longer on God. The natural disasters, nuclear weapon preparation, threats of war retaliation, and those appearing godly are the signs of last-day prophecies being fulfilled. Since 2020, we have had an uncontrollable global virus with a history of developing new variants that are still wreaking havoc globally and causing a burden on the healthcare arena.

King Solomon was blessed with wisdom and wealth but he gave into his carnal desires of lustful pleasures. Satan has 6,00o years of experience deceiving people on the planet Earth. There was a time that Christians were dedicated to Christ and appreciated His sacrificial gift to redeem us from our sins. Sadly like King Solomon, we have chosen the temporary pleasures of sin to tear us away from God.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV).

We have made ourselves an idol. Self-worship is demonstrated by our decision to put God on hold by pursuing whatever is desirable to our hearts. Even so, satisfying our desires and actions comes with a price resulting in spiritual bankruptcy! We now have a generation of Christians who are apathetic and unaware of the time we are living in.

The people who claim that we serve God under His Banner of Truth are fragmented more than ever. Instead of proclaiming Jesus as a Loving Savior who died and rose again for the salvation of humanity, we are pursuing our agendas. Many are beyond feeling remorseful for turning away from God. We feel that we are living our best lives and are happily satisfied with our decisions.

The Call to Repentance: “Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 1:3

Because we serve a Loving and Merciful God, Jesus is pleading with us to repent and come back to God. We are no match for spiritual warfare! All of heaven is concerned for humanity. God, the Father, and the angels watched Jesus, the Commander of Heaven and Earth die a gruesome and humiliating death on the cross that He did not deserve.

With love, Jesus gave His life for the redemption of people who would never love Him back or lose their love for Him because they are pursuing the desires of the heart. We are losing the race against time. It’s time that we return to our first love, Jesus Christ. Our decision to renounce sin is a matter of life and death! God requires loyal, faithful, obedient men and women of God. And those character traits are only possible if we possess a heart filled with love for God.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-8).

Prayer: God, we ask for the forgiveness of our sins. We pray an Intercessory prayer for those who have lost their first love. We ask for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts and remind them of the matchless love of Christ and His plans for them to live eternally with Him. We also pray they will choose life by returning to God and dedicating their lives to His service. In Jesus’ worthy Name, Amen.