Jesus is Lord – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Believer’s Identity: We Are Sons and Daughters, Heirs of The Living God

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). This conversation between God, the Father, and God, Jesus, His Son, reveals the Christian believer’s identity.

In John chapter 17, Jesus prays for Himself, His twelve disciples, and His future disciples, which included everyone who accepts Christ as their personal Savior.

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’ And he got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, NASB).

Matthew’s silence and his decision to abandon his corrupt job and lifestyle revealed that deep within his heart, he desired to give up sinful habits and follow Jesus Christ on an unknown spiritual journey.

Reflection: Do we perceive ourselves as committed disciples who desire to follow Christ with love, loyalty, and obedience?”

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Yet for the Holy Spirit to live in us, we must fulfill God’s Spiritual Qualifier: “Be holy, for I AM Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). How does holiness affect the minds and lives of true believers?

Can you imagine being invited to an event requiring formal evening wear, only to hear in the closing remarks an invitation to play volleyball in your finest clothing? As absurd as this sounds, many believers accept Christ as their personal Savior, but engage in the world’s sinful, filthy habits.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). To be clothed with Christ’s Righteousness, we must renounce sinful thoughts, habits, behaviors, and spoken words, and live a Christ-centered, Faith-based life of daily surrender and obedience.

Since we cannot live holy without Divine Power, through daily personal worship, we establish a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit begins the lifelong process of Spiritual growth and transformation. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Every day, our priority is to renew our spiritual commitment to follow Christ, which connects us to our Shepherd and reinforces our status as Sons and Daughters of God. We ask God to reveal His plans for the new day, and the Holy Spirit instructs and gives us guidance on fulfilling God’s Will.

Yes, God knows that we have jobs and the routine duties of life to take care of, yet we are commanded to put God first. Time Management is God’s Specialty. With His guidance, we can accomplish our daily tasks and still have time and energy to fulfill our spiritual assignments.

The Challenge of Remaining Faithful and Obedient to God, Our Father

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). As Sons and Daughters of God, we have a spiritual requirement to always obey God. We honor God’s Sovereign Authority through faithful obedience because He is God, our Father, who loves us, and we love Him because we are His heirs.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, NIV). Always pray for Divine guidance before making decisions. Although the challenge can appear insignificant, following our thoughts and solutions is disobedience to God, “I say, ‘My purpose will stand.'” (Isaiah 46:10).

When we love and honor God, how can we justify playing the Game of Chance by trying to resolve our challenges, which can result in escalation and consequences that we can avoid by asking God for the answers?

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9). God is always faithful! Each new day brings unknown obstacles, temptations, and dangers that only our Protective Heavenly Father knows and can resolve.

Pray, Wait for God’s Answer, and Obey: Dependency on God is not a burden when we desire to follow Christ with love, loyalty, and faithful obedience. Obedience is the worship that keeps us aligned with God’s Will because God’s Intervention always ends in Victory!

“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, NIV). Without Christ, we are no match for Satan. Praying for Spiritual Guidance keeps us aligned with God’s plans and invites Jesus, our Mighty Warrior, to send angels to intervene when we face daily unknown obstacles, temptations, and dangers.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NIV).

As children of God, we maintain our spiritual connection with Christ through Prayer and Bible Study. Every day, we pray for God’s Will to be revealed, relying on the Holy Spirit to instruct us in our Heavenly Father’s plans for each new day.

In John chapter 10, Jesus tells a parable of the loving and tender relationship between a shepherd and his sheep: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). “But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” (John 10:5, NIV).

Not only are we bombarded by the world’s voices, promising that if we follow their suggestions, our lives will improve and we will live peaceful and contented lives, but we must also fight against thinking our own thoughts [Proverbs 3:5-7] and Satan’s temptations.

Let go of self-reliance! To avoid embracing Satan’s schemes, we must do as Jesus did in His earthly life; Jesus prayed continuously. Whisper prayers at work and throughout the day and night. Always pray for Spiritual Wisdom and Discernment, and the Holy Spirit will empower you with spiritual insight and guide your steps.

Loving God and Following Christ With Surrender Is A Daily Choice

In Matthew 22:37, Jesus reiterates the command given in the Old Testament to love God with immense love: “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

When we love God with our all, we will not hesitate to pray and obey our Heavenly Father, who loves us and desires to give us our best lives, including the reward of Eternal Life. Yet, we were created with free will, and we must choose to obey God, which reveals the true condition of our hearts.

Many believers have their own agendas, plans, and goals, never considering that we must love and obey God by following Christ, our Shepherd. Sadly, if we refuse to surrender, then we have chosen to disinherit ourselves as Sons and Daughters of God, for which there is no reward, except the life we are living now.

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind.” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV). Since it is impossible to hide secrets from God, He knows who genuinely loves Him and desires to surrender and obey His Will and Perfect Plans.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6, NIV). When we love God, we strive to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, with faithful obedience. Jesus tells us that He is the Living Water and the Bread of Life, and that we should seek Him daily through Prayer and Bible Study.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). As Sons and Daughters of God, accepting our spiritual identity is the catalyst for making definitive changes. We no longer participate in worldly habits and behaviors, and our thoughts and spoken words reveal God’s Love.

Using our faith to trust and obey our Heavenly Father, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who performs the lifelong, daily spiritual process of Sanctification—Spiritual growth and transformation into the Righteousness of Christ.

By studying the Holy Scriptures, we learn Christ’s Character and how to live righteously. Prayer invites God, the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth and our Teacher, to give us spiritual wisdom and discernment of God’s One and Only Truth, instructs us on how to recognize Jesus’ Guiding Voice, and empowers us to stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

God Speaks With a Quiet and Peaceful Voice: The Holy Spirit conveys God’s messages through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures. God meets us where we are spiritually; His instructions are clear and concise, so that even a child can understand.

John 16:13: “When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…” (The Holy Spirit reveals truth and direction). We recognize the difference between human thoughts and God’s higher thoughts and ways, because His instructions always glorify and honor His Holy Name.

From eliminating distractions and putting God First, we will see ourselves through spiritual eyes as Sons and Daughters of the Most-High God. Jesus, our Savior and Triumphant King, is preparing us [through the Holy Spirit] to receive the Eternal Reward of our Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth with Abba, God, our Father, and Jesus, our Triumphant King. Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 21-25).

Lord God, with surrender, we acknowledge that we are the temple of the Living God, in which the Holy Spirit resides. Today, we accept our identity as Your Sons and Daughters, with the commitment to strive every day for righteousness by not embracing the darkness of worldviews or following the path of self-gratification. Lord, it is only through your strength that we can remain faithful, and today, we ask for Your Strength. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

He Arose! Yeshua’s Power Over Death

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and the authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18, NKJV; NIV)

“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself…” (John 5:26). Contrary to the false doctrine that has permeated Christianity, human beings did not kill Jesus, the Divine Son of God. The creation cannot kill the Creator. Yes and Amen!

“So when Jesus had received the [vinegar], He said, ‘It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.'” (John 19:30).

The “spirit” is the breath of life that Jesus breathed into Adam: “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7).

“Formation (The Physical): God used the dust of the ground (adamah), emphasizing humanity’s physical, earthy origin.”
“Breath (The Spiritual): God breathed directly into the man, representing a direct impartation of life and spirit (Ruach) from God.”

As a student, I studied Greek Mythology, and it is the Greek belief that a separate ghost-like spirit exists in the human body:

“Ancient Greek mythology and popular belief heavily featured spirits, known as eidola or phasmata (shadows or shades).”

“These were considered the lingering souls of the deceased, separate from the gods, which appeared when someone died improperly, prematurely, or violently, often seeking rest or vengeance.” Greek Mythology

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten…never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, NIV).

From using our faith to surrender to God, the Holy Spirit teaches us God’s One and Only Truth contained in the Holy Scriptures: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7, KJV).

In His earthly ministry, Jesus Gives Definitive Proof of His Divine status as the Son of God: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life.”

Jesus Raises Lazarus: [John 11:17-18, 23-27]

“So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.” (Verses 17-18)

23 “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.'”

24 “Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.'”

25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'”

27 “She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.'”

Reflection: Do we really believe that Jesus is who He says He is? “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Our religious beliefs reveal whether we have placed our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who is God the Son.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and our Teacher to give us the spiritual discernment to understand God’s higher thoughts and ways revealed in the Scriptures. Our heavenly destiny relies on knowing and practicing God’s Truth.

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” (John 5:22-23).

Yeshua will judge every believer by the Words of the Living God found in the Holy Scriptures. We must study the Bible for ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do not let human wisdom persuade you to believe erroneous concepts that are not found in the Holy Bible.

True Followers of Christ surrender to Him daily through the commitment of personal worship. Prayer, Bible Study, and Praising God with singing reveal our true love and dedication to our Savior, Redeemer, and Triumphant King.

Up From the Grave He Arose Lyrics

“Up from the grave He arose With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain And He lives forever with His saints to reign He arose! (He arose) He arose! (He arose) Hallelujah! Christ arose!” Songwriter: Robert Lowry

Bible Study: John Chapters 10-11

Lord God, we praise Your Holy Name for Your love and the gift of Your Precious and Holy Son, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins. We celebrate the Divine Gift of Your Love, Life, and Salvation, not because of a designated Holy Week; Jesus, with gratitude, we celebrate You every day. Thank You for the gift of Your Life, allowing us to be saved from the sin’s devastating consequences. We love, revere, and praise your Holy Name. Thank you, Jesus, for Your Life and Your Love, and ask this prayer in Your Righteous and Holy Name, Amen.

Calvary’s Cross – Celebrating Jesus’ Gift of Redemption Every Day

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)

When Jesus, our Precious Redeemer and Savior, suffered, lovingly giving His life on Calvary’s Cross, He gave us the power of choice to receive Salvation through His Grace.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV). “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV).

We usually do not consider this amazing aspect of our Savior’s sacrificial gift: God the Father and God the Son are Omniscient [All-Knowing], and knew that the majority of humanity would reject their Free Gift of Salvation.

Jesus On Calvary’s Cross: The Reaction of the Majority

“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!'” (Matthew 27:39-40, NIV).

“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if He wants him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'” (Matthew 27:41-43, NIV).

It is difficult for the human mind to process giving a valuable gift to a person who would not only despise and reject the gift, but also despise and reject the Giver of the Gift.

Jesus Christ’s Death On The Cross: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.” (Matthew 27:50).

God, the Father, Reveals Jesus’ Identity As His Son and Acceptance of Jesus’ Sacrificial Offering of His Life on Calvary

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city [Jerusalem] and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27:51-53).

The Impact of Jesus’ Death on the Centurion and Guards: “So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!'” (Matthew 27:54).

How is God’s gift of Jesus impacting our spiritual journey? We were created to honor God by abiding in Christ, which requires us to be in alignment with God’s Will and Perfect Plans.

“Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, [that requires] a life of unreserved surrender to His service.”

Yet, even as dedicated Christians, we struggle with inherited hearts that drive us to practice self-reliance, following our thoughts, and plans. But we must pray for strength and fight daily to overcome our natural tendencies through the Power of Jesus Christ!

Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us, “Do not follow your thoughts…or be wise in your own eyes.” Yes, we love God and Jesus, but our hearts will always lead us against God’s higher thoughts and ways [Isaiah 55:8-9].

Our True Spiritual Status: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6-7).

Many Who Mocked and Condemned Christ When He Was On the Cross Repented on the Day of Pentecost:

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?'”

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts Chapter 2:36-39, 41).

Yes, once a year, there is a global religious acknowledgment of Jesus’ gift of Salvation on Calvary’s Cross and His resurrection from the tomb, yet true Believers whose hearts are converted by the Holy Spirit celebrate Jesus’ gift of Salvation with a faithful commitment of love, loyalty, obedience, and gratitude every day.

Reflection: Brothers and Sisters, we are living in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3). Are you in right-standing with God? Pray and ask Jesus to reveal any obstacles preventing you from receiving your Crown of Life.

“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me…” (John 10:27). Through personal worship, we use our faith to surrender, obey, and follow Christ, our Shepherd, who guides us [through the Holy Spirit] on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

As Believers, every day, we celebrate our freedom from sin’s bondage because God, the Father, gifted us Jesus, His Son, redeeming us, so we would not have to die for our sins. Yes and Amen!

Every day, we celebrate God’s gift of Redemption by living a sacrificial life of obedience, self-denial, and by renouncing all worldly morals, values, and sinful practices [Romans 12:1-2]. Our love, honor, and reverence for the Triune God are revealed through our thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyles.

Every day, we celebrate Jesus, our Redeemer, by dedicating ourselves as faithful, obedient followers of our Savior and Shepherd. Our love, loyalty, and faith to God are steadfast because we separate ourselves to commune with Christ, our Intercessor, for daily personal worship, prayer, and Bible Study.

From striving to follow Jesus, yes, we will be severely tempted in various ways by Satan, who desires to redirect our faith and focus from God to ourselves. When facing temptation, conflict, and uncertainty, remind yourself, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13), and immediately pray for Divine Help!

Because it is easy for us to become distracted and forget about Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, and His Role as our Mediator, the Apostle Paul tells us to work on our salvation with fear and trembling [Reverencing and Honoring God with Faithful Obedience].

“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. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11, 16).

Lord God, in faith, we express our love, loyalty, and appreciation for the Plan of Redemption and our Salvation. We commit to honor and revere Jesus Christ, our Savior and Triumphant King, with surrender and faithful obedience. Thank You for giving us the choice to be saved from the consequences of sin. In faith, we commit to celebrating Jesus’ Gift of His Life, Resurrection, and the fulfilled Plan of Redemption every day. Thank You, God, for Your Amazing Love, and we ask this prayer in the Righteous and Redeeming Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

God Restores and Gives New Beginnings!

Life is a wonderful blessing. We can learn to use our talents and spiritual gifts, choose our careers, and use our emotions to smile, laugh, and celebrate our accomplishments.

Yet, at some point in our lives, every human being shares the common experience of the abyss of emotional pain. When loss occurs, we experience disappointment and a sense of helplessness, often wondering if we had done things differently, could the loss have been prevented? The answer is usually no.

Loss happens in various ways: We lose jobs, our homes from the inability to pay the mortgage and from natural disasters, and wars; relationships, engagements, and marriages end; our health deteriorates; but the most devastating is the death of a loved one, which threatens to consume our very existence.

Jesus tells us that our earthly lives will include hardships: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation [hardships and adversity]; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

As Christian believers, how are we supposed to respond when we experience loss? True Peace and Rest are Found in Jesus: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV).

We use our faith to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us, He is faithful, and keeps our hope alive and thriving by always fulfilling His promises in the Holy Scriptures.

Jesus Promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3).

Yes, we will cry many tears in our earthly lives, yet if we invite Jesus into our pain, He promises to heal us. Although physical healing is not promised, Jesus always heals our mental and emotional distress because remaining unhealed interferes with our spiritual growth and transformation.

“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 30:17). Jesus Christ created us, and He is the One who promises to apply His Healing Balm to soothe our pain and heal our shattered hearts.

Jesus is our Compassionate Shepherd, gently guiding and moving us forward day by day, in little steps; Our Savior never expects us to take giant leaps in our Healing Journey.

Yes, even in our disappointment and despair, we are expected to use our faith to pray daily for strength and believe in Jesus’ infinite love, power, and promises.

Jesus’ Promise of Restoration: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all Grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, ESV).

When we use our faith [even if it is weak] to trust Jesus, He promises to restore and strengthen us and to give us New Beginnings.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Lord God, we come to you in our sorrow and brokenness, asking you to heal our hearts and to give us the strength to keep moving forward. We thank You for always loving us and Your never-ending faithfulness. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Choosing to Trust and Obey God’s Plans Gives Us Victory!

“It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27, NLT)

Although the Monarch of Egypt could have easily commanded that Moses be put to death for relaying God’s message of freeing Israel from slavery, Moses placed his faith in God, courageously telling Pharaoh ten times, “God said, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me.'”

It was not until the tenth and final plague, “the death of the Egyptian firstborn males, both human and animal,” that Pharaoh was humbled, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, initiating the Exodus.

Because God, the Father, loved humanity, He required Jesus to die on Calvary’s Cross to redeem us from the slavery of sin [Romans 6:23]. Yes, Jesus paid the price of our freedom, still, love must be reciprocal; we must also serve God with love, faithful obedience, and a daily sacrificial offering:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers [and sisters], by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 12:1-2, ESV].

The believer’s life is one of sacrifice. We must renounce sin, secular music, violent games, pornography, same-sex programs, gambling, drinking, using mood-enhancing substances, sexual immorality, unmarried and living together, relationships with unbelievers, and employment where covert corruptness exists.

With faith and humility, we must let go of all selfish desires to follow Christ. Yet one of the Christian community’s greatest mistakes is the practice of “Self-reliance.” If we awaken with a personal agenda and the strategies to complete our goals without ever praying and asking God to reveal His plans for the new day, then God is not first in our lives.

Through self-evaluation, we should pray, asking God to reveal any stumbling blocks in our lives that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life. We have become too comfortable in our earthly lives. Instead of seeing ourselves as “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” our focus is on pursuing our desires and goals, leaving little time for a personal relationship with Christ.

Truthfully, we know how we are spending our time. Jobs, personal habits, and relationships that cause us to put God in second place, we must let go of. The day will come when God commands us to “Let go” of whatever is causing us to place God as number two.

God’s Command to Abram: “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1).

Abraham’s Response: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8). God moved Abram from a pagan land, changed his name to Abraham, and made him the father of a great nation.

Reflection: Think deeply on how you would respond if God commanded you not to marry the person you are deeply in love with, resign from your job, not purchase the home or vehicle, or relocate to another state or country?

Because we have redirected our faith and trust from God to ourselves, when God commands us to let go or to perform a task that requires a giant leap of faith, we will respond with doubt and fear. Self-reliance destroys our faith and trust in God’s Sovereign and Absolute Power.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Our independent lifestyles shape our perception of God. Instead of seeing God as the All-Powerful God that He is, we place God on our level, as if He possesses the same human limitations that we were created with.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). When God gives us a command, He already has the entire plan worked out that always ends in victory! Know this:

God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:19).

Steadfast Faith Anchors Us to Jesus Christ: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4).

Our faith and courage must be anchored in Jesus Christ, the Rock. Consistent personal worship [Prayer and Bible Study] establishes and maintains our relationship with Christ, and builds our faith and trust in God’s Sovereign Power.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10). Prayer elevates us spiritually into God’s presence, where we receive a supernatural blessing of the strength to persevere, and the reassurance that God will help us, resulting in renewed hope and peace.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25). Throughout the Bible, we learn that God always helps the righteous when in faith, we pray, ask, and thank Him in advance for His Divine Intervention.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). Every day, we must actively participate in our Salvation. Spiritual growth and transformation can only happen when we do our part: Follow Jesus, pray for guidance, and study the Holy Scriptures to learn God’s Loving and Righteous Character, and do exactly what He requires of us.

In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul tells us that Sanctification requires the decision to surrender, practice self-denial, and the willingness to faithfully follow Christ, trusting and obeying His plans for our lives.

Manage Your Time Wisely: Designating specific times for worship strengthens our faith and courage because the Holy Spirit provides us with deeper spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and discernment of the Scriptures, God’s Righteous Character, and His promises to deliver us.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). Our relationship with Jesus Christ is a daily spiritual journey that requires faith and the courage to trust in God’s Sovereign Plans and Power.

“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).

The life of a believer is one of total surrender and faithful obedience. We strive to maintain a Christ-Centered, Faith-based commitment to God by praying for the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14). Jesus warns us that following Him is a daily, intentional decision to use our faith to trust and obey God. The Path of Righteousness is a “Challenging Road of Faith and Obedience leading to Eternal Life.”

We were created to trust and depend on Christ. It is spiritually impossible to use only human thoughts and efforts to keep ourselves on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

“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.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we use our faith to completely trust and rely on Jesus’ wisdom, we will receive spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit.

The Creation story in Genesis chapters 1-3 reveals God’s Loving Character. From the beginning, Jesus created a most beautiful earthly home that provided all that we would ever need.

Because God is Omniscient [All-Knowing], God knew that Adam and Eve would choose to disobey. Yet, the Plan of Redemption requiring Christ to die on Calvary’s Cross was already established before the creation of humanity.

Reflection: Where do we really stand in our faith journey with Jesus Christ?

“For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good, and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s goal is for the righteous to live forever with Him. Still, every human being chooses their destiny. Only with steadfast faith, trust, and obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit, can we receive our Eternal reward.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3).

Lord God, we thank You for Your amazing love and the gift of Your only Son, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins. Lord, we confess that we are not steadfast in our faith and trust, and for this we ask for forgiveness. We desire Eternal Life and ask for the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide us in our choices. Give us the wisdom to prepare ourselves as we seek you through daily prayer and study of the Scriptures. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Anxious Feelings Will Come…But Do Not Let Them Stay

“Let us then approach God’s Throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).

In Philippians 4:6-7, Jesus tells us the answer to alleviating all anxiety, we exchange our worries for peace through the power of prayer. As we bring our requests to God, we use our faith [even if it is weak] to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence because we have received the promise that we can always rely on Jesus.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus compared Himself to the Rock. When we place our faith in Christ, we have the assurance that our lives will remain stable because He never changes. Yes and Amen!

When the Israelites faced an impassable Red Sea ahead of them and Pharaoh’s Army behind them, their response was a total lack of faith in God’s Sovereign Power:

“And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord…” (Exodus 14:10).

The Faith of Moses: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'” (Exodus 14:13-14).

We know how Christ, who called Himself the Angel of the Lord in Exodus 14, our Mighty Warrior, resolved the situation with arrogant Pharaoh and his army—they drowned in the Red Sea: “The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.” (Exodus 14:28, NIV).

Studying the Holy Bible gives us knowledge of how God intervened for the righteous who used their faith to cry out for His Help. Knowing God’s Loving and Righteous Character gives us the courage to believe that God loves us and will always give us the victory.

In Psalm 91, angels are assigned by Christ to keep us safe. God is the Source and Sustainer of our lives. It is His Ruach breath that flows through our bodies. Faith propels us to believe without doubt that our Heavenly Father is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory! Yes and Amen.

God knows our weaknesses, but He reminds us that He does not have human limitations: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

“Each day, we can choose to trade our anxieties for His peace. Our trials and troubles are opportunities to rely on Him.”

Whether facing routine obstacles or humanly impossible dilemmas, a Prayer of Faith should be our First Response. Making prayer a habit when all is well gives us the courage to immediately pray for God’s Divine Help when facing the tough times of adversity.

We use our Faith to “Trade our real-life anxieties for real-time peace.” When we really believe in God’s Sovereign Power, then Peace should come naturally, because God’s promises always remain the same.

“I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10).

Lord God, we thank You for Your Love and the Holy Scriptures, which remind us that we are never forgotten. We ask for forgiveness for letting anxiety and worry consume us instead of immediately using our faith to bend our knees to ask You for Help. Lord, give us strength and peace, and we thank You in advance for Your Divine Intervention and Resolution. In faith, we pray in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.

Rejoice! Jesus, the Good Shepherd Loves You

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).

“Life can be very difficult for all of us, no matter how well things might be going at the moment. But even if they are not going well now, what things can you and should you rejoice about? What is stopping you from doing it?”

We have so many things to rejoice about; we received the blessing of a new day of life, we are alert and oriented, and we were created in the image of God, who vows to love, protect, and provide all of our needs.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11).

And we have received the greatest gift of Redemption from God the Father, who gave us Jesus, His Son, to save our souls from the wages of sin [Romans 6:23]

Despite our challenges, God is Loving and Always Faithful! To have a heart filled with gratitude, we must change our behaviors to reflect that God is Good:

Stop speaking negative words.
Stop sowing seeds of discord [gossiping].
See your life through grateful eyes.
Develop a grateful heart and spirit by praising God throughout the day for His blessings of life, health, and provisions.
Redirect your faith and trust from yourself back to God.
Study the Bible every day.
Whisper prayers throughout your day, thanking God for His abundant blessings of life and asking Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance.

God is Merciful: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Lord God, we want to say that we love You and thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. Thank You for always forgiving us and hearing and answering our prayers. In faith, and with grateful hearts, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done”

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

There are times when we face situations that make us realize that we do not know what to do or have the power to change the circumstances. And because we know that human solutions cannot resolve those challenges, we finally surrender to God’s Sovereign Authority, desperately asking for His Divine Intervention.

“Would not God discover this? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21).

But there is a problem with that mindset; we have only prayed and asked God for His help because we have hit the wall, knowing that our human efforts are insufficient.

“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; Fear [Reverence] the Lord and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

God tells us not to follow our own thoughts and not to be wise in our own eyes, which, if obeyed, keeps us dependent on His perfect plans and prevents us from experiencing negative consequences. Yet many believers see this as a suggestion to disregard, but relying on God is His command.

One of the greatest mistakes that postmodern Christians have made is that we perceive God’s Grace as permission to compromise His Commands, but God has never given us the option to disobey His Righteous Precepts.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Disobedience is the bitter fruit of self-reliance: Not only have we detoured from the Path of Righteousness, but spiritually, we have also separated ourselves from God.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit…” (Romans 8:1).

From choosing to accept and follow Christ, we are freed from the sins that enslave us to Satan. “This freedom is not a license to sin but results in a life where the mind is set on the things of the Spirit, fulfilling the righteousness of the law.”

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In 2 Timothy 1:7, the apostle Paul reveals that believers have received spiritual gifts: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

Satan can tempt us, but he does not have the power to force us to sin against God. Choosing to sin is a wilful act of disobedience which dishonors God, revealing that we love ourselves more than God. Disobedience reveals that we do not value God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy.

From the moment we awaken, we make choices about whether to follow our ideas and strategies. If yes, then we have excluded God from our daily decisions, which fosters a spirit of self-reliance and rebellion against Him.

“Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.” (John 9:31). Unless we offer a genuine prayer of repentance in which Christ, our Intercessor, forgives our sins, God reveals in the Scriptures that He does not hear a sinner’s prayer.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Repentance for a spirit of self-reliance and disobedience is required before we can approach the Throne of Grace asking for God’s Divine Intervention.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus, the Son of God Reverenced and Honored God, the Father’s Sovereign Authority over Heaven and Earth.

Jesus prayed, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10). [Hallowed definition: Revered and Honored].

We were created to glorify God. Honoring God with faithful obedience is the entire purpose of the Christian Believer’s life.

Sermon Note: “Your responsibility is to follow Christ and obey His will for your life, and By the time you are done, the LORD will be glorified.” Yes and Amen. Peace and Blessings.

Lord God, we confess that we have followed our thoughts instead of asking You for answers, and for this rebellious sin against You, we ask for forgiveness. Please cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, give us the direction and guidance we desperately need in our daily lives. Our desire is to follow and obey Jesus, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, who promised us Eternal Life. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Living a Sin-Free Life Is Possible

God’s Perfect Love: The Creation of Humanity: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…'” (Genesis 1:26).

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7).

God’s Perfect Love: The Plan of Redemption: “He [Jesus] said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30).

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). In John 3:16, God reminds us that it was love that prompted Him to give us Yeshua, His only Son, to save us from experiencing the second and final death [Malachi 4].

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self control]. ” (2 Timothy 1:7).

God’s Perfect Love: Not only were we created in God’s likeness, but every human being has also received spiritual gifts. The development of our gifts requires faith in God. 1 Corinthians 13 differentiates the characteristics of Agape Love from the conditional, wavering love that unbelievers practice.

Jesus reminds us, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” Even believers must have converted hearts and be empowered by the Holy Spirit for us to love unconditionally, or disunity occurs.

Our Identity in Christ: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9).

When Jesus, God, the Son, created us, we received spiritual gifts: Love, Faith, Power, Self-control, Cognitive Reasoning, Recognition of Danger, and a Free Will to Choose. And this list is incomplete.

From Redemption Flows God’s Love, Grace, and Mercies

If we never received anything else, our love and appreciation for God, the Father, God, Jesus, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, should result in the commitment to follow Christ and obey His perfect will and plans for our lives.

Each New Day, We Stand at The Spiritual Crossroads: Either we use our faith to follow Christ, or we will follow our thoughts and desires.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV). God gifted us with a Free Will to choose to live holy or not.

Unfortunately, Satan has deceived the majority of today’s believers with his false teachings of Compromised Christianity, based on the idea that we can do as we please because we are covered by God’s Grace.

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:15). Our habits and lifestyle reveal if we are living as we desire. Yet to think that God disregards our intentional sins because of His Grace opposes God’s requirements of total obedience to His command of living righteously.

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16, NIV).

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15). Righteousness has no Middle Road. Either we have pledged our allegiance and love to God, or to Satan. We can sing, pray, and study the Bible, but Faithful Obedience is the worship that honors and reveres God.

God also gifted us with Five Senses: Sight, Smell, Hearing, Taste, and Touch. Without the commitment to consecrate ourselves to God daily, our Senses lead us to commit heinous sins against God, the Sustainer of Life.

Sin is always the easy choice. Only with the Holy Spirit’s Divine Power and Strength can we fight against the internal conflict in our hearts and the external opposition of Satan’s temptations.

Although we are tempted, Satan’s power is limited; The devil can never force us to rebel against God. If we do not pray for the strength to overcome, then the only possible outcome is to dishonor God.

The Gradual Process of Rebellion

Desire Leads to a Fall: Satan deceived Eve because she desired more than “everything” God had given them. Eve desired to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, or else Satan’s Temptation would have failed.

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15).

The transition from being a faithful, obedient follower of Christ to becoming an unbelieving believer is gradual; separation from God begins with thinking about that one compromising sin. We ask ourselves, “Where in the Bible does it say that we can’t?”

The Christian believer does not awaken one morning and say, Today, I will sin against God. No, following one’s sinful desires begins with constantly thinking about the pleasure of the particular sin.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Warning: When our thoughts are unholy, the Holy Spirit makes us aware that we are sinning against God by troubling our conscience. We can never say, I didn’t know.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, ESV).

Either we will come to our senses, asking God for forgiveness, ceasing our thoughts, or we will not care and decide to move forward in fulfilling our desires.

“An uncontrolled imagination is the catalyst for our thoughts becoming actions.” Sadly, it is the lack of self-control that detours us from the Path of Righteousness, resulting in the once faithful believer transitioning to an Unbelieving Believer.

The Definition of Unbelieving Believers: “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:4-5).

Ironically, many Believers who no longer follow Christ on the Path of Righteousness still attend Church [demonstrating their misunderstanding that works do not save us]; God does not practice the human-made theory of “Absolution.”

Sin is deadly because sin separates us from God, who reveals that He will not listen to the unrepentant believer’s prayers: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2).

Sin strips us of our spiritual senses and leaves us in darkness. We cannot think wrong and do right! Not only does God know our hearts, but He also knows every thought and action of our entire lives before we think about or do them.

“Would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21, ESV). We may hide our secret lifestyles from others, but God sees our lifestyles, which reveal the inclusion of worldly activities and bad company.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV). Bad company extends beyond worldly unbelievers: Bad company also includes family members and uncommitted believers who follow their thoughts instead of obeying God’s plans for their lives.

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18). A Common Trait of Fallen Believers: Those who are in a state of rebellion against God are offended by the Sword of God’s Truth—The Holy Scriptures.

The Path of Repentance and Restoration: Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Life, and the Only Way, Who commands us to: “Be holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Although we like to think of our hearts as being good, we must believe what God says about the condition of the human heart.
Only Christ through His Righteousness can cleanse our hearts; using our faith to surrender and obey God, day by day, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and characters [the lifelong spiritual process of Sanctification, John 17:17].
Repentance is a covenant vow in which one promises God to never commit sins of willful disobedience against Him again. Repentance is always required to be restored righteously [1 John 1:9].
We surrender ourselves every day to Christ. Sin appears pleasurable when our God-given gifts of Love and Faith have been redirected from God to ourselves [Matthew 22:37].
We need to reconnect with God, the Source of Life, through daily personal worship by praying and studying the Bible. [Hosea 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17].
Pray for wisdom and understanding before studying the Bible. We study with the intention of understanding and following God’s commands.
The Holy Scriptures are God’s instructions, giving us the spiritual knowledge and wisdom to remain faithful and obedient. [Psalm 119:105, 111]
To overcome self-gratification, our focus must remain on Christ. Let go of all secular habits that fail to honor God, including music and streaming.
Friendships with unbelievers are one of Satan’s most effective strategies. The unbeliever has no intention of changing. It is always the believer who changes. “What does light have to do with the Darkness of Sin?

Heaven is not cheap! And God says that He never changes. Jesus promises us that sin, sinners, and this present Earth will be destroyed!

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,’ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘Not a root or branch will be left to them.'” (Malachi 4:1).

We are temporary travelers living in a temporary earthly home. We must come to our spiritual senses; there is no logical reason for us to lose our reward of Eternal Life for this temporary Earth overflowing with Satan’s treasures and pleasures designed to make us rebel against God.

Following Jesus will be rewarded: “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2). Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Romans 12; Revelation 19-22

Lord God, instead of following You with faithful obedience, our lives reflect compromised spiritual morals and values. We come to the Throne of Grace asking for the forgiveness of following our sinful desires. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to give us a new heart, a heart filled with love. Lord, we love You! Thank You for Your great sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. Today, we choose Jesus, and we ask for the Power, Strength, and Presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and keep us on the Narrow Path leading to Eternal Life. Yes, in faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21).

Uncertainty, Hardships, Loss, and Blessings: The Life of Persecuted Christians

At my most recent Library trip, I looked in the freebie bins and saw a magazine entitled Voice of the Martyrs. Never did I realize how my perspective would change from reading the experiences of persecuted Christians.

Excerpt from “The LAST to Leave” [The Story of a Christian Family Risking Their Personal Safety to Witness Christ to Others].

“The sound of gunfire and explosions was terrifyingly familiar. Sophia waited for the return of her husband Lewis at 3:00 a.m. one morning in March.”

“Lewis, a Missionary and Pastor who ministered to villagers deep in the __________ jungle, had taken a boat full of 30 Christians to a location safe from the violence occurring in their village.”

“As they pulled away from the riverside, Lewis prayed, “God, take care of us. Clear the way for us to go with no danger.”

Lewis and Sofia are resolute about God sustaining them through the loss of their home and all their personal possessions: “It is a passion for the souls. There are so many people who are lost. It is worth serving the Lord.”

Later that evening, I read multiple stories of the persecution that many Believers [globally] are suffering in their Journey of following Jesus, yet they remain committed and never complain.

I immediately prayed and asked God to forgive me for my self-centered and selfish heart. What do I know about the need to remain anonymous, or taking refuge in safe houses with minimal personal belongings, because I decided to follow Jesus?

And yes, with living in a country where Religious Liberty is my Constitutional right, God gave me a much-needed spiritual reality check to redirect my focus from myself to continuously pray for my Christian brothers and sisters, who could never imagine the blessing of the freedom to serve and follow Jesus without constraints.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Truthfully, are we preparing ourselves spiritually for the day when we will suffer persecution for being a follower of Christ?

Our world is in chaos, and corruption and violence are steadily escalating. Still, while we have the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Christ through daily personal worship, we must.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

“Suffering, to some degree, is the lot of us all. In the end, though, it is better to suffer for Christ’s sake than for anything else.”

Lord God, please forgive our self-centeredness and help us to think beyond ourselves. In faith and with compassion, we pray for the persecuted believers who are faithfully and courageously following You with unwavering faith, despite their perilous circumstances. Lord, we ask You to supply all of their needs, to comfort them in their times of uncertainty, and to strengthen their faith. We joyfully look forward to the day when there will be no more persecution, fear, and sorrow. And when we can openly worship Jesus, our Triumphant King. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.