Jesus – Page 20 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Be Still—Know that I Am God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 8, 2024

“With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.” —Job 12:13

“…And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2:19). In the Creation story, we have proof that humanity was created with the free will of choice. Not only did we receive innate talents, the ability to dream and strive for excellence, but we also received spiritual gifts [1 Corinthians 12:4-11], and spiritual attributes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” —Proverbs 18:15

With Adam, God’s desire for beings created in His image to worship Him was fulfilled. Christ gave Adam tasks that not only challenged him intellectually, but also promoted spiritual growth, happiness, creativity, and optimal physical health. To reach our fullest potential, both intellectually and spiritually, we must commit ourselves to a lifelong journey of continuous learning. God expects us to use our attributes and creativity to reach our fullest potential by striving for excellence.

“Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you” (Reflecting Christ, p 299).

Living in a dynamic and rapidly evolving world is daunting and can leave one feeling insecure, but it is the will of God for us to grow spiritually and intellectually. We can seek knowledge from secular sources, but “to know God” can only be attained from living a life of faithful obedience, studying the Scriptures, and praying for the Holy Spirit to impart daily spiritual wisdom and discernment.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, God in His Divine wisdom has gradually released the constraints on the human mind by orchestrating numerous advancements in technology and healthcare. Therefore, we are not to despise change but continue to learn and use our knowledge and skills to honor God.

From 1981 to 2023, God advanced technology from MS-DOS to Artificial Intelligence. Although Artificial Intelligence became popular in 2023, the concept was initiated in 1950. “By the 1950s, we had a generation of scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers with the concept of artificial intelligence (or AI) culturally assimilated in their minds…” https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/history-artificial-intelligence/

“In many ways, 2023 was the year that people began to understand what AI really is—and what it can do…and the year that governments began taking AI risk seriously.” (Time Magazine) https://time.com/6547982/3-big-ai-innovations-from-2023/

“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

Our progression in technology and the development of medical modalities to alleviate the suffering of disease is part of God’s perfect plan for us to spread the message of God’s love and to witness the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God’s plans for Earth existed before the world was created and we play an active role in carrying out those plans.

In our quest for superior knowledge and the desire to receive honor, we often forget that God is still in control of His world. Our attempts to rise above our restraints will be counteracted by God releasing an iota of His wrath for correction and to remind us of His Sovereignty. “Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?” (Job 38:36).

The Tower of Babel: “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’ ” —Genesis 11:4

In 2016, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg struck a bitter tone in his response to the explosion of the SpaceX rocket carrying a satellite intended for use on his Internet.org project in Africa. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/sep/01/mark-zuckerberg-spacex-explosion-africa-internet

God expects unbelievers to disregard His Sovereignty. So He allows their strategies and plans to move forward for which they have reasoned in their minds will produce an idyllic outcome. Yet, we have Biblical evidence that human wisdom and ability are severely limited. We are powerless to prevent natural disasters nor can we predict the events that will occur in a given day or the future.

The medical profession acknowledges its limitations with COVID [variants and subvariants], cancer, and auto-immune diseases [the body attacks itself] along with many other diseases for which there is no cure. Currently in the United States, the incurable ancient disease of leprosy has arisen [the carrier is the armadillo]. Despite our best efforts, poverty, hunger, homelessness, hatred, violence, greed, and corrupt practices are interwoven in our very existence and continue to escalate.

God Reveals His Omnipotence

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. ‘Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” (Job 38:1-5).

The Divine Attributes of God: Omnipotence – God is all-powerful. Omnipresence – God is everywhere. Omnibenevolence – God is all-loving. Omniscience – God is all-knowing. God is: Loving, Sovereign, Holy, Merciful, and Good.

“So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day…” —Isaiah 2:17

As time progresses, the Christian Community is divided into those who say “Lord, Lord” but pursue their desires without remorse and those who demonstrate loyalty and faithful obedience. Either we are denying ourselves and receiving the anointing and transforming power of the Holy Spirit or our reverence, honor, and devotion to our Almighty God are quite insufficient.

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” —1 Kings 19:18

Our thoughts, plans, pursuits, and lifestyles indicate whether or not we are striving for prideful gain or acknowledging God’s Sovereignty. For the believers who choose eternal life as their destiny, they possess a spirit of humility. Their daily prayer of surrender, “God, not my will, but Your will be done in my life” demonstrates honor and reverence for God’s Divine Authority.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” —Psalm 46:10

“Be still.” “This phrase is actually derived from the Hebrew word rapha which means ‘to be weak, to let go, to release.’ ” (inspiredtofaith.com) Essentially, it means surrender. Do we understand our covenant with God? When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we agreed that our lives are not our own. We cannot strive against God and expect to receive the crown of eternal life.

God has given us the ability to strive for excellence and to remain in His perfect will. We use the Fruit of Self-Control to stand down our aspirations that conflict with God’s thoughts and plans. From the Scriptures, we learn every aspect of God’s Divine Character and His expectations to surrender, faithfully obey and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” —Psalm 90:12

God tells us to “Be still and know Him” because we do not understand that our precious mercies of time are limited. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have for the Holy Spirit to perform a complete spiritual transformation. The perilous times that the apostle Paul spoke about are now—we are the generation that he was referring to in 2 Timothy 3.

” ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” —Matthew 28:19-20

God is using technology and healthcare as a spiritual gateway to spread the message of Salvation to the ends of the earth. His longsuffering is gradually coming to an end. God expects us to gain tech skills to share our faith globally. Our healthy lifestyles are a reflection of God’s original plan for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that we can successfully use as a witness in a time of uncontrolled appetites.

Either we will live a life of “Surrendering or Striving.” If we surrender then the Holy Spirit will impart the knowledge, wisdom, and strength that not only propels us to achieve the highest level of intellectual knowledge, He will transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the image of Christ.

God is doing all He can to prepare us to receive our long-awaited reward of Eternal Life. Stop striving. Be still! And listen to and obey His guiding Voice.

Lord God, we thank You for creating us in Your image and for the gift of Jesus who redeemed us from the wages of sin. We ask You to lead and guide us as we use our knowledge and wisdom for Your honor and glory. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen. ©2024

The Victorious Life – Happy Sabbath

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 5, 2024

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” —Psalm 113:3

Prayer and Praise are the actions that connect us to the Lord. We can praise God through spoken words, singing, musical instruments, and worship videos. And our praises should not be limited to only audible praise. In the quietness of the early morning hours, when others are asleep, we can silently praise Him by reflecting on His love and faithfulness. God’s promises assure us that He is actively involved in our lives.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” —Philippians 4:6

“Do you have a special need in your life? Tell it to Jesus. Where there is sorrow, He brings comfort. Where there is fear, He brings peace. Where there is guilt, He brings forgiveness. Where there is weakness, He brings strength.”

Do not hesitate to pray! Our prayers do not have to be elaborate. Many times we can only breathe, God, I need Your Help. Jesus extended an open invitation to come to the Throne of Grace to receive help in our time of need. We need spiritual power daily, not only to resist temptation but also to live a holy life.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7

God is the Source of Life and the Giver of every good gift which is always wrapped in love and mercy. Living with a mindset of gratitude [even when facing impossible challenges] and expressing, “Thank You, Jesus, for my life” is the key to living a victorious life. Praise Him! Praise Him!

“When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.” —Isaiah 65:24

Breaking Down the Wall of Resistance – Part 2

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 2, 2024

We are living in a critical time of earth’s history and must decide whether we are all in for Christ by praying daily, Lord, what is your will for my life? If only it were that easy for believers to give up the desires and traits that build our Walls of Resistance to a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’ ” (Matthew 16:24). Our inherited carnal hearts drive us to pursue our desires. The act of following our hearts nurtures a spirit of disobedience resulting in a loss of faith and denial of the power of God.

When the disciples were unable to cast out the child’s demons, they asked Jesus why. “So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief…” (Matthew 17:20). The disciple’s hearts were filled with ambivalence which left them faithless. They imagined Jesus would set up an earthly kingdom and overthrow the Roman government, so they fought with each other as to who would sit on the right and left of King Jesus’ throne.

Although Christ knew their desires were responsible for their internal Walls of Resistance, Jesus never addressed emotional feelings. He identified the solution that would increase their faith and cast out the stronghold of a spirit of contention: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” —Matthew 17:21

And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. —Matthew 4:2

Christ practiced what He preached. Jesus was a Spiritual Advocate of much prayer and fasting. His wilderness experience consisted of 40 days and 40 nights of prayer and fasting to overcome temptation and prepare for His earthly journey. Before Jesus chose the 12 apostles, he separated Himself to commune with God. “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night” (Luke 6:12).

We agree that although Jesus was human, He was also Divine. If His life consisted of unceasing prayer and fasting, how much more do we need to stay before the Throne of Grace? We cannot let our pride produce overconfidence regarding our spiritual status with God. Never trust your heart or opinion regarding your righteousness!

The Spiritual Traits that Breakdown Our Walls

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —Psalm 139:23-24

Worldviews, family, and friends influence us. Would Jesus live our lifestyle, make the same decisions, or bless our recreational activities? To break down the “Wall” we must humbly present ourselves before God, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to perform a spiritual analysis of the desires and habits that are separating us from God.

Spiritual Fasting Breaks Down Our Walls of Resistance

Two weeks ago following morning worship, I noticed that I was not experiencing hunger for an additional 4-6 hours. It wasn’t until the third day that I realized the Holy Spirit was leading me to initiate fasting into my life. This was a response to my fervent prayers to have a deeper relationship with Christ.

I can only express that since I began fasting my entire life including my spiritual perception is changing. The Holy Spirit has identified the unrighteous characteristics that I used to build my Wall of Resistance. With prayer and fasting, I am striving to break down this wall of separation day by day.

Spiritual fasting is not the same as Intermittent Fasting which is commonly practiced for weight loss. Nor does fasting during our hours of sleep fulfill the qualifications of fasting for spiritual reasons. The Biblical definition of spiritual fasting is the wilful act of abstaining from food to receive the spiritual strength to endure our tribulations and overcome temptation or sinful habits and behaviors.

Jesus fasted during His earthly life to remain in the perfect will of God, the Father. To experience a deeper relationship with Christ, incorporate daily fasting into your life. Choose a time you can separate yourself from others and all distractions to pray, praise, and study the Bible.

Begin your spiritual fast with 2 hours every day for seven days. The first two days will be your greatest struggle. Yes, your body will betray you by escalating hunger pangs. Maintain hydration with adequate amounts of water. Avoid rigorous exercise before your fast. Your mind and body should be relaxed, anticipating the presence of God.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16

Through fasting, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to assimilate the deepest meaning of God’s love. When our hearts are filled with love and loyalty to God, we possess overwhelming gratitude for the Day that God, the Father and Jesus, God the Son created the Plan of Redemption. For the sacrificial gift of Jesus’ life, the only gift we can give is to willingly place our minds and bodies in submission to God.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

Fasting invites the Holy Spirit to reveal every sin and character trait within our hearts whether open or hidden. These are the behaviors and sins that we used to build our Wall of Resistance. When we learn our true status with God, we are standing at the Crossroads which requires a decision to follow Christ or ourselves.

If we confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness then we begin a new life in Christ Jesus. From our humility and the desire to change, our burdens are lifted, and our minds are peaceful. To be in the right standing with God gives us unspeakable joy. From our willingness to surrender, we receive many spiritual benefits.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” —Jeremiah 33:3

As we search the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to gain the deepest meaning of the Truth. The Spirit of Truth guides us in our study of the Scriptures. Our focus changes from studying to gain intellectual knowledge to studying the specific Scriptures necessary for correction, guidance, perseverance, and spiritual growth.

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” —Psalm 37:5

Lord, we dedicate ourselves to worship You in faithful obedience. We ask You to let Your will be done in our lives and pray for the strength to think, act, and live as overcomers. In Jesus Holy and Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

We Serve a Risen Savior!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 31, 2024

Each new morning, we celebrate our Risen Savior and King, Jesus Christ. Our worship is given through prayers, songs of praise, and studying the Holy Scriptures. Yet our highest worship is demonstrated through surrender to God’s will and faithful obedience. Living a sacrificial life is to emulate the life of Christ while He was on this earth.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” —1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV

One day, we will see our King face-to-face. Developing the habit of bowing in worship in our earthly lives prepares us to join the angels for the heavenly worship that gives honor and adoration to the Lovely One who gave His life so we may have eternal life.

Jesus, Lamb of God, our King, we love You! We worship You, Holy One. Our desire is to live with You forever and ever. Amen.

Sabbath Blessings—Pray for Peace

Globally Mental Health has reached a Crisis. While Christians have their faith in God to rely on, many individuals who know nothing about Jesus are suffering. They ask, “What is my purpose in life?” Many are losing their will to live.

“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” —Romans 10:1

As a Christian believer who worked as a Behavioral/Mental Health Nurse, I am asking every believer to pray for those who are fighting mental and emotional diagnoses. Jesus died for every human being that has lived and is living on the planet Earth. “For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve” (James 5:16, CEB).

Lord God, we come to You this Sabbath asking for Your healing touch for those who have no hope. We pray for Your Divine Intervention to touch the hearts of the believers who are eager to be disciples and tell others that Jesus loves them. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

Teach Us to Pray

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 29, 2024

“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.’ ” —Luke 11:1

One day, after observing [and listening] to Jesus praying, His disciples humbly approached Him, saying “Lord, teach us to pray.” From walking with Christ, they finally grew tired of the bickering about who would be the greatest and began to desire spiritual transformation. The disciples realized the wisdom and power that Jesus possessed came directly from God, the Father.

“They had a deep longing to connect with God the way Jesus did. As they traveled with him, they witnessed the power of his prayers and the intimacy he shared with the Father.” (christianwebsite.com).

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14

Christ’s Model Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13. What do we pray for? According to Jesus, our priority is for God’s will to be done. God has one agenda: To save our souls. Our minds, characters, and personalities require spiritual transformation to receive eternal life. The foundation of our daily prayer is for God’s will to be revealed. We also pray for spiritual growth and transformation, wisdom, discernment, and the strength to overcome temptation.

In the morning and evening, we should pray for repentance of sins and ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of our known and unrecognized sins. Each of us practices habits and behaviors that do not reflect the righteous character of Christ. Because we are influenced by the world we live in, our standards are not in alignment with God’s command to be holy. The Holy Spirit reveals the hidden sins that prevent us from receiving our heavenly reward.

Pray Over Every Aspect of Your Life: Pray for confession, repentance and forgiveness, peace, comfort, provision, guidance, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Pray for healing, for God to fight your battles, for safety, and intercession for others. When answering our prayers, God always prioritizes our spiritual needs.

“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Nowhere in the Scriptures do we find instructions to pray for material wealth or tangible items. If we practice excellent stewardship over our financial blessings then God knows that we desire the house or vehicle and He will perform the supernatural miracles for us to receive our tangible desires that are within His will and plans.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

Initially, the Holy Spirit touches our hearts with the invitation to accept Christ as our personal Savior. Once we say yes then God always requires human effort before He intervenes. A dedicated life of prayer reveals our desire for God’s continuous intervention. The spiritual prerequisites of humility, a contrite spirit, and faithful obedience allow the Holy Spirit to perform the daily work of spiritual growth and transformation.

“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” —Romans 7:14-15

Even the Apostle Paul recognized his pitiful state by proclaiming, ” O wretched man that I am!” Christian believers are often offended by the statement that we are sinners saved by grace through faith. Without recognizing our desperate need for God, the Holy Spirit cannot perform the work of heart conversion.

The Converted Heart: Conversion is a change of heart, a turning from unrighteousness to righteousness. Relying upon the merits of Christ, exercising true faith in Him, the repentant sinner receives pardon for sin…fighting against natural inclinations and selfish desires and bringing the will into subjection to the will of Christ. Daily he seeks the Lord for grace, and he is strengthened and helped. (A Change of Heart Devotional)

“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 reason we fail to consistently use our privilege of prayer is that we do not recognize our constant need for Christ. If we have a list of the challenges that we can resolve ourselves without praying for Divine help then we develop a spirit of self-reliance. This mindset results in self-satisfaction that not only separates us from Christ but also produces a false sense of our true status with God—when life flows smoothly, we feel spiritually content.

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

For the converted heart to remain so, we must view ourselves as “spiritually wretched” and live a life of total surrender and faithful obedience to God by staying on bended knees. “It’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer!” The quality of our worship and the persistence of our prayers indicate our desire to be transformed by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The penitent soul always realizes its’ need for God.

In Revelation 12, “the remnant of her seed” refers to those who follow Christ. Like Christ’s disciples, we also need to ask Him to teach us to pray. Those who come to the throne of grace with persistent prayers receive the continuous spiritual blessings of peace, joy, and confidence. Despite life’s challenges, a consistent prayer connection with Christ gives us the strength to endure the hardships and suffering required to receive our greatest reward of eternal life.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” —Romans 8:26-27

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the assurance that our prayers of faith ascend as sweet incense to Jesus our Heavenly Priest and Intercessor. Our misspoken words are accepted by the Holy Spirit who translates our prayers and intercedes for us by taking our pleas and presenting them with clarity and reverence to Jesus, our King, Lord, and Savior. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both making intercession for us. What more can Divinity do for us?

Lord God, teach us how to pray. We ask for Your Divine Intervention, in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Heaven is Real!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 25, 2024

This morning, I read a Devotional on the New Heaven and New Earth. Although the author included many Scriptures from Revelation chapters 21 and 22, her descriptive words expressed a deep longing, joyful anticipation, and excitement from the thought of living forever with God, Jesus, and the heavenly angels in a perfect universe. Upon reading her written words, I felt overjoyed. Yes, the Holy Spirit ignited a fire in my heart.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” —Revelation 21:10-11

After the Devotional, I opened my Bible to study Revelation chapters 21 and 22. Why did it require someone else’s desire for heaven to ignite the desire in my heart? As I reflected on Jesus’ promise of coming soon and His description of the new replacing the former sorrowful things, I had a come-to-Jesus right now experience. My spiritual focus needed realignment because the heartfelt desire for heaven is not based on intellectual knowledge.

Truthfully, the embers of my enthusiasm for eternal life were nearly extinguished by earthly concerns. I know that I am not alone. Sermons and digital content on the Second Coming of Jesus are rarely found. How did the Christian Community lose our joyful excitement over Jesus’ promises in John 14:1-3 and the book of Revelation?

What earthly magnet is pulling us away from excitedly preparing every day for Jesus’ Second Coming and receiving our heavenly reward of eternal life?

We are sojourners traveling on a chosen path that is tedious because God requires every believer to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. But we must never forget this temporary journey has an eternal heavenly destiny. The earthly life that we love is a distraction that has led us to feel comfortable with our present spiritual status.

Reflection: Is our answer a resounding Yes? “Am I living a sacrificial life holy and pleasing to God? If Jesus came today, would I receive eternal life? “

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 1:10-11

How do we make our calling and election sure?

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” —2 Peter 1:5-7
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 1:8, NIV

How do we prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming? Jesus reminds us that the gate is narrow and few enter in. We choose to renounce sin. And we ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle our fire and desire for heaven. Our love for God is manifested by daily consecration, surrender, faithful obedience, much prayer, Bible study, and daily preparation for eternal life which reveals true heart conversion.

Like David, we pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

“…the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people…” —1 Samuel 13:14

David was the appointed ruler who replaced the disobedient King Saul. God honored David by identifying him as, “A man after His own heart.” From studying his life and the Psalms, how was it possible for sinful David to hold such a high spiritual status with God? King David always acknowledged the dilemma of being born into iniquity—we have a deceitful heart and without the Lord, we are helpless to change ourselves.

“Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” —Psalm 141:1, 4

David’s response to his sinful nature was to persistently approach the Throne of Grace with humility and surrender. The Psalms are not only songs, but, they are prayers [desperate cries for God’s help] for the deliverance of inheriting a carnal heart that is driven to sin against God. David acknowledged, confessed, and repented of the sinful thoughts that dominated his mind.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

The Spiritual transformation required to receive eternal life occurs in our earthly lives. Until Christ comes again, we will face the internal battle of good and evil. Our response to overcoming a heart that is driven to please itself is to consistently fall to our knees. The Holy Spirit empowers us to change learned behaviors, inherited character traits, and secret desires.

“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

We are the only obstacle that prevents us from becoming men and women after God’s own heart. Yes, we must strive to live righteously, yet, the breakthrough to victory over sin is to acknowledge that we desperately need Jesus Christ. When we stay before the Throne of Grace, Jesus our Heavenly Intercessor covers us with His Righteousness, and we are presented as righteous to God, the Father.

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” —John 17:24

When our heart-to-heart connection with Christ is strong, we will naturally desire to be where He is. A pure heart gives us the courage to remain steadfast and to look upward despite our earthly struggles. With Christ as our First Love and King, the Holy Spirit sharpens our spiritual focus—Christ’s goal for us to overcome is also our goal. The fire for a heavenly life burns within our hearts and at the forefront of our minds is the desire to hear, Well done!

“This world is not my permanent home, heaven is real, and with God’s help, I will receive my reward of eternal life!”

“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.’ ” —Revelation 21:5-7

The Victory Received from Spending Time with God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 24, 2024

“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” —Psalm 90:12, Living Bible

There are 168 hours in a week. The hours of our days move faster than we anticipate. In reflecting on our lifestyle, can we account for the time that slips away? Is our to-do list unrealistic? Still, most importantly, how much time are we spending with God?

Ten percent of our day is 2.4 hours. Although most cannot sit and worship for the entire chunk of 2.4 hours, even with 8 hours of sleep and 8-10 hours of working and transit, we have at least 6 hours left of unaccountable time. Does our schedule reflect that worshiping God is a priority?

The desire to praise, pray, and worship arises from the love for God within our hearts. Our determination to stay in God’s presence requires actively fighting against the spiritual warfare of distractions and excessive busyness. With perseverance, we pay attention to the interruptions that threaten to steal our time, leading to excessive fatigue, both mentally and physically.

It takes courage to say no to the invitations, requests and desires that result in an out-of-control busy lifestyle. We have the power to make the necessary changes in our lifestyle to ensure God is the center of our lives. Break up the 2.4 hours into smaller blocks of time to study the Scriptures, sing, pray, and meditate on God’s never-failing love, faithfulness, grace, and mercies.

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

Get rid of the restrictions of asking God for help! Pray over every aspect of your life. Need an energy boost? Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, pray for strength. When unexpected life events arise or even if our daily schedule is sabotaged, we do not hesitate to pray for Divine Intervention. Our cries for help are answered immediately.

“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” —Psalm 33:20

Be still! Let go of all mental and emotional anguish. Do not struggle with self-directed resolutions. Our role is to pray, wait for God’s answer, and to remain spiritually in tune with the voice of God so we do not miss His words of guidance. Remember, God is never in a hurry. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14) .

Pray and Praise God throughout your waking hours. Whether our praise and prayers are silent or audible, we receive an anointed blessing when we come into His presence. Staying connected to God changes our perception, gives us the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize deceptive temptations, and produces spiritual maturity.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” —Psalm 136:1

Praise, prayer, and dedicating time for worship demonstrates our reverence for God’s Sovereignty. God is the Source and Sustainer of our lives who is worthy to be praised and worshiped with our time that He gifted to us. Reflect on the blessings of your life. We are truly loved. Return your love by whispering sweet words of gratitude to our Lord God. Praise Him! Praise Him!

Worship in our earthly lives allows us to receive the presence and power of the Holy Spirit necessary to live as victorious overcomers. The habit of consistent praise and worship prepares us for the life of worship in the New Heaven and New Earth. To love God is to shower Him with praise and prayers of gratitude.

Lord God, we thank You for the time You have given us. We ask You to reveal the distractions that waste our precious gift of time and keep us separated from Your presence. We love You and give ourselves as willing vessels to serve You according to Your plans for us. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

Praising God with Gratitude

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 20, 2024

Praise Him! Praise Him! Whispering little prayers of great gratitude throughout our waking hours keeps us in God’s presence.

Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

True Religion Produces Humility

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – March 18, 2024

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:3

By possessing a spirit of humility and compassion, Christ presented a marked difference between Himself and the religious leaders of His time who felt they were the source of knowledge and rich in spiritual treasure. “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector’ ” (Luke 18:11).

“As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.’ ” —Romans 3:10-12

Although most Christians would never utter the Pharisee’s arrogant words, we suffer from the silent sin of self-exaltation. We measure ourselves using earthly standards—we are knowledgeable, and do good works, but we compare ourselves to others by measuring the various sins on a scale. Like the Pharisees, we console ourselves by thinking, “At least, I am not committing those great and terrible sins.”

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

God desires for us to understand that we are in a state of continuous spiritual poverty because our hearts are naturally carnal. We may deny the reality of our plight, however, our greatest battle comes from within—we inherited desperately wicked hearts [Jeremiah 17:9]. Self-perception will always be in opposition to how God sees us with His Holy eyes. Truthfully, we can receive abundant blessings and sin against God on the same day.

The Plan for Overcoming Our Enemy Within

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” —Romans 7:15, NIV

To receive victory, our first action is to acknowledge and accept our struggle with faithfully trusting and obeying God. The human effort of self-control along with asking the Holy Spirit for spiritual strength gives us the ability to rebuke and stand down the desires of our hearts. Still, our fight is daily. We must choose who will be the master of our lives. Either we will submit to God or we will continue to please ourselves.

Living the Victorious Life!

Jesus demonstrated Spiritual humility to God. What is Spiritual humility? To faithfully follow God requires a loving heart, surrender, and obedience. Serving God eliminates passivity. God has always required human effort in the plan of Redemption. “Not my will, but Your will be done” was Christ’s daily prayer. The spoken words of “God, I love You also require the dutiful action of obedience. We prove our love by acquiescing to God’s Sovereignty through a daily prayer of surrender and we choose to follow His directives.

Love for God requires reinforcement! Much prayer and Bible Study keep us in the presence of God. Dedicated love prevents us from disobeying God. Our mindset is one in which we fully trust God to do what is best for our lives. The heart filled with Spiritual humility is totally reliant upon Christ who is the Lord of our lives.

“The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.” —Isaiah 50:5

Spiritual Humility is the instinctive desire to surrender ourselves to God. Our worship includes a time of meditation whereby we strive to listen to the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit enters our hearts and we respond with deep conviction and obedience. When we truly love God, we acknowledge that obedience is our only acceptable sacrificial gift.

True religion is found in the heart filled with overwhelming love for God which is the foundation for possessing a spirit of humility. We do not think our own thoughts, fulfill our desires by following our inclinations, or determine the steps of our earthly journey. Christ shepherds our Chosen Path and the Holy Spirit reveals the steps of our predestined journey to us through prayer and the Scriptures.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” —Philippians 2:8

The Reality: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” —2 Timothy 3:1-5

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

The Reward: “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

God, we ask forgiveness for our refusal to surrender and humble ourselves by seeking Your will and casting aside our earthly desires. Lord, we thank You for the sacrificial offering of Your life that we may receive our inheritance of eternal life if we abide in You. We love You, King Jesus, and ask to be filled with the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. Lead us in our earthly journey as we prepare for Your soon coming. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.