Today’s Sabbath Afternoon Devotional, October 14, 2023
From every unexpected life event, we are given the opportunity to use our faith and trust in God’s promises. From Moses lifting his rod over the Red Sea to childless Hannah, and Daniel in the lion’s den, God has always required us to put forth the human effort of faith before He intervenes.
“We have the same God that has worked for his people in ages past. Jesus stands by our side and as the trials come, so will the power of God.” EG White
God’s timing is never our timing. Pray in faith and wait. Be still and wait for God to manifest His power!
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14
Prayer: God, we ask You in faith to intervene and we trust in You to resolve our mountains of difficulties. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.
Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath – Pray for God’s Mercies Sabbath Devotional, October 13, 2023
The struggles of this life are becoming more challenging. Many countries are experiencing war and famine which produces overwhelming sorrow, grief, and death. The innocent men, women, children, and babies are not only wounded physically but also mentally and emotionally. Why does God allow these terrible atrocities?
I invite you to study Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 18-22. Jesus speaks of the events that will happen in these perilous times of the last days of Earth’s history.
Although Satan causes disasters, wars, countless diseases, and deaths, God must allow the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. These events lead to the Great Day of Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming. We know how the story ends! Choose your destiny by faithfully serving God in humility and obedience.
God is good in that He gave Jesus to die for us. God is good because we are saved by His Grace. God is good because He promises to protect the righteous at the end of time. Study Psalm 91. God is good because His love and mercies are freely given to the human beings who continue to reject Him.
God is good because He will never allow Satan to destroy the earth or all humanity. God is good because He never changes and we know the expected end of this Earth. God is more than good because He has given us sufficient time to choose Him. God is more than good because the righteous will live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!
Prayer: God, our hearts are filled with sorrow and despair. We ask You to extend mercy to the innocent victims of every war that exists throughout this world. Hunger, hatred, and the evil of violence have escalated as we have never seen before. Lord, we thank You for the Sabbath and ask You to bring peace to each of us according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” —Proverbs 8:11
Being created in the image of God and surrendering to Him gives us access to His Divine wisdom. When we pray and ask for godly wisdom, the Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual discernment, knowledge, and understanding. We make choices that align with God’s will. As recipients of wisdom, we never have to hope for the best, the outcome is always perfect because God is involved. And we know that God always brings honor and glory to His Name.
Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10
Prayer for Wisdom
Lord, teach us how to recognize Your voice. Give us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to obey even when we face opposition. Guide us today in our choices and teach us how to love. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise? Today’s Devotional October 11, 2023
Many years ago, I remember having a conversation with my aunt [who now is my Mother’s only living sister] about Jesus coming again and going to heaven. It was an exciting conversation until she said, “Oh niece, not every Christian desires to go to heaven. You have a naïve perspective of Christianity.” With disappointment, I responded, “But that is one of the reasons that we serve God is to go to heaven.”
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” —2 Timothy 4:3-4
Fast forward three decades and my Auntie spoke the truth. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus revealed the status of the Laodicean church which according to Bible scholars represents today’s Christian believers [Study Revelation 3:14-19]. The spirit of compromise originates from Satan’s skillful deceptions. We have blended worldliness into our lives and have lost sight of God’s commandment to be holy.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep
Lukewarm Christians are prevalent in 2023 and they are not ashamed of their lifestyle choices. Social media posts reveal their focus and desires to please themselves. How can Christian believers be so deceived that they think serving a Righteous God is according to their whims? “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you” (John 10:27).
“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” —Matthew 24:7-8
Climate change and global warming are feeble human-made concepts developed [in an attempt] to explain the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. God did not leave us without knowledge. In Matthew 24 and the books of Isaiah and Revelation, God has revealed the natural disasters and the spiritual changes that would happen on this earth which indicate living in the last days and the end of time.
As violence, disasters, and social problems increase, the number of steadfast and faithful Christians decrease. In Revelation, chapters 18-22, God reveals the victorious end of the Great Controversy of Good and Evil. Still, Satan has convinced many Christians they have the time to pursue their desires without praying for God’s guidance.
We are concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, inflation, and the future instead of making sure our relationship with Christ is steadfast. Satan is using sensory stimuli to distract us away from God. There are two phenomena that we have no control over, once we watch, listen, or read information, we cannot undo the sensory input routed from our eyes and ears to our brains. As one Instagram response stated, “You cannot reverse and erase what you have seen or heard.”
The second phenomenon about the brain is the adaptation and changes in the cognition and behavior of those who develop sinful habits. Disobedience changes our thought processes and places us in opposition to a Holy and Righteous God. Like Cain who offered a sacrifice that he thought God deserved, we continue to travel on the detour road. We do not realize that we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness because disobedience has changed our perception.
We say Lord, Lord, but our heart’s carnal desires rule our lives and we continue to chase our dreams. And we feel good about our life full of accomplishments and the acquisition of material things.
“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-8
Many attempt to use the works of attending church and reading the Scriptures, yet, their lifestyle reveals the behaviors of practicing worldly habits. Even our outward appearance changes. Once we spoke, dressed, and worshipped God every day as dedicated Christians, but now worldly music and programs have replaced praise and worship music. And our clothing in social outings are more provocative.
Still, God knows our heart. The voice we are listening to is not the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is no evidence of living a faith-based life of surrender and obedience. Yes, we experience transformation but it is not spiritual.
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44, BSB
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13, BSB
When I was in my late 50s, my dentist told me something that I have held onto for years. Now that I have reached that stage in life, I have learned to say, no, without hesitation. He stated, “Something I would like for you to be aware of, once you become 62, physicians and dentists will try to convince you to have elective surgeries and to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental procedures, don’t do it. Only agree to the procedures that are necessary to sustain your health.
And yes, I have refused 100% of recommendations to change the one BP medication that I have taken since 1998. Although I have end-stage osteoarthritis in my knees [no cartilage, bone on bone], since 2015, I have refused knee replacements. Yes, I have limitations, I cannot walk on the beautiful Floridian sandy beach, but I can sit on the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean breezes. And with weight loss, I no longer need an assistive device.
My objective in sharing this story is for you to reflect and ask yourself, “Who convinced me to compromise?” Was it a pastor, family, or friends? Or was it from the pursuit of your heart’s desires? How did you transition from repenting, surrendering, and dedicating your life to Christ to one of compromise that will lead to destruction? Is the pleasure of sin really worth the loss of eternal life with Jesus?
“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:14
“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.” —Isaiah 35:8
Jesus paid for our freedom with His life! We do not have to be enslaved to sin and suffer the dire consequences that were meant for Satan and his angels. Yet, we were created with the free will to serve who we choose to serve. But know this, there is only one narrow gate that we pass through to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Compromise will never provide us with the reward of the New Heaven and New Earth.
Our love and loyalty for Christ is demonstrated through our faith, evidenced by daily surrender and obedience. Only what we do for Christ will last and be counted in the end. Stand up and renounce the life of sinful compromise! The righteous who are sanctified through Christ have a great reward waiting for them. And we must be in the number of those who receive their crowns.
Scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” —John 10:10
Prayer: God, we pray for the believers traveling on the detour road of compromise that they renounce sin and commit to rededicate their lives to You. Lord, we thank You for the precious gift of Your life. We pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and give us the power to stand as soldiers in Your Army until Christ comes again. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37
Loving God requires a loving heart overflowing with genuine faith and the desire to obey His will. In serving God, the believer prays the prayer of sacrificial surrender every day. We dedicate and consecrate ourselves to seek God and live according to His will.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
We love God by possessing a heart of gratitude for His love and mercies which we express throughout our waking hours by singing, praying, and studying the Scriptures. Our times of worship reflect our love. “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).
“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Our thoughts, behaviors, and actions reveal the motives of our hearts. Our lifestyle is concrete proof of who we love and worship. We can go through the motions of attending church and reading the Bible, but our attempts to use works as the way to be in the right standing with God are just feeble attempts to make us feel content.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12
Born with carnal hearts, we naturally have sinful thoughts and desires that cause us to pursue self-gratification. Our Father knew that we could not govern ourselves nor control our desires without His help. Therefore, God gave us His Holy Scriptures—God-breathed commandments, precepts, and promises as the roadmap for our lives.
“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” —John 15:26
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26
Not only do we have the Bible, but we were given the Holy Spirit to provide direction for our daily lives. Yes, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose and plans for every believer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the righteous hear the Voice of God through their thoughts and the Scriptures. Many ask, How do you know God is speaking to you through your thoughts? God’s Voice is always consistent with the Scriptures.
Read 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Ephesians 4:32
The Holy Spirit also performs daily spiritual transformation [spiritual growth] and changes our hearts [our minds] and our character traits. Yet, as free will agents, we must give our permission and cooperate with Divinity to receive Sanctification which is a life-long spiritual journey.
In Philippians 1:6, we receive the promise that Jesus will complete the work in us which requires our full cooperation by striving to live holy and pursuing righteousness every day. Still, the promise states up until the day Jesus comes. Jesus will not transform our character or sinful habits on the day of His Coming. Every person has already made their decision to be faithful or not and will receive their just reward. Our destiny is in our hands!
Jesus, Our Loving Lord, Savior, and Intercessor
Romans 8:34 says that Jesus ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.
Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor who receives our prayers and covers us with His righteousness, presenting us faultlessly before God. Our responsibility is to shun evil and pray without ceasing for the strength to live holy. As our Intercessor, Jesus also prays for us. When our hearts are receptive to the Holy Spirit, our response is one of faithful obedience. It is then that Divine intervention occurs and we receive Christ’s strength.
The Believer’s Life is One of Constant Battles
At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Simon Peter that a test of faith was coming: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NKJV). The outspoken disciple seemed to be in the same predicament as Job when Satan sought to put him to the test (Job 1—2). Satan wanted to “sift Peter as wheat,” which means that he wished to shake Peter’s faith so forcefully that he would fall, proving that God’s faithful servant was lacking. gotquestions.org
Like Peter, our faith is weak. And Satan, our deadly enemy uses our desires and carnal weakness to develop deceitful temptations that we cannot resist without the Holy Spirit’s Divine Help. His evil angels observe our lifestyle and present strategic deceptions [personalized temptations] designed to make us fall.
Satan’s most effective method is to use people to make a believer fall. The lonely person meets someone who says, Lord, Lord, one who appears to serve God, but their behaviors and lifestyle reveal they have not surrendered to God. Ignoring the warning signs, the believer continues in the relationship and falls. By acting on their emotions, they begin walking on the path of compromise because their love for God is no longer a priority.
Just as we do not drive in the middle of the road, there is no middle ground of compromise in our relationship with Christ. Either we will surrender ourselves in humility and obedience to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us spiritually in preparation for Eternal life or we will lose our reward because we chose to live our best life on this earth.
To love God is to obey God. To love God is to pray every day and ask Him to reveal His will. To love God is to surrender and strive to stay in His will.
Scripture: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7
Prayer: God, we pray for the desire and the strength to give up every sinful habit and the individuals who will prevent us from receiving eternal life. We confess and repent that we have not surrendered and committed ourselves to faithfully obey You. Lord, we know the signs You gave to us in Matthew 24 are being fulfilled. And it is our fervent desire to receive our reward and live with Your forever and ever. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Overcoming the Stronghold of Abuse Today’s Devotional — October 8, 2023
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:14
We were created in the image of a loving God whose purpose is for us to have relationships based on mutual love and respect. In the Christian community, most pastors are not addressing the evil of abuse. It is a false concept that God expects us to stay in abusive relationships and marriages. Whether it is a husband, wife, parents, family member, or a friend, let them go!
God lovingly gave His Son, Jesus for us who created us from love and expects us to have loving hearts. Does God tolerate abuse? Read the story of David, Abigail, and Nabal in 1 Samuel chapter 25. When we pray for Divine Intervention, God will deliver us from the stronghold of abuse. It is our duty to God to not tolerate abuse in any form. We were not ransomed from sin to become victims of the satanic stronghold of abuse.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” —2 Timothy 1:7
Individuals who are abused live in fear. The barrage of abuse weakens their mental and physical strength and the resolve to take care of oneself. Abuse places a person in the mental and emotional chains of discouragement and defeat. Their outlook declines into a state of hopelessness.
Most people who are in abusive relationships do not leave or leave and return because the journey of new beginnings usually requires one to fully depend on God. Human emotions tell them it is better to stay in an abusive relationship than to be alone or restart life on an unknown journey.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” —Deuteronomy 31:8
You cannot have God’s gifts of peace and joy nor maintain your relationship with Christ while living under the stronghold of abuse. This may sound harsh, but in Revelation 21, verse 8, Jesus tells us there will be no cowards in heaven. To serve God requires strong, unwavering faith and perseverance. Pray and ask God to reveal His perfect plan for you [and your children] to leave and begin a new life based on love.
God is waiting for every person to pray and ask for His help. God already has a way of escape. The prayer of God, help me, is one that always receives an immediate answer. Once God reveals the way to victory do not share His plan with anyone else. We never know who Satan will use to defeat your journey to freedom. Pray and remain silent. Use your faith to escape and God will take care of you!
If you do not reside with the abusive individual then establish healthy boundaries by severing the unhealthy relationship. The preference is to use silence. If you choose to have verbal or written communication to tell them why you are ending the relationship, it is a guarantee they will use the opportunity to speak hurtful words.
We are preparing for eternal life which requires steadfast faith and trust in God who always requires us to take a step of faith before He intervenes with a Giant Leap leading to victory. Be bold! Be courageous! the Lord God is on your side.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength. For He brings down those who dwell on high…” —Isaiah 26:1-3
Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” —Numbers 6:24-26
Prayer: God, we pray this intercessory prayer for those who are living under the stronghold of abuse. We ask You to give them strength and reveal the plan of escape to begin a new, peaceful life that includes Your overwhelming love and guidance. We pray for the healing of their fragile, broken hearts. We ask this prayer in the Name of Jesus, our Warrior God. Amen.
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” —Ephesians 5:2
When I was in nursing school, our written exams consisted of multiple-choice questions with four answers. The purpose was to prove our knowledge of theory and develop critical thinking skills and astute judgment. Nurses are responsible for making decisions that not only impact the patient’s health but we must also use interventions to facilitate a favorable outcome.
Not only did we have to think right, we had to read the clinical question, eliminate the incorrect answers, and choose the right answer within two minutes per question. We learned the skill of remaining focused during many distractions.
Focusing on Distractions Produce the Failure to Perceive the Truth
Two of the answers were considered distractors and easily eliminated. But the remaining two were very similar with one exception, the right answer always represented the standard of care determined by the State Board of Nursing. Many of the students attempted to justify their wrong answers, but the correct answer always includes the rationale and is absolute—without exception.
When we think of the ability of the human mind to develop stringent standards for patient care, how much more should we reverence the love of our Great God and His infinite knowledge expressed through Jesus Christ?
” ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.” (9) “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8-9
Question: Does Jesus care? Provide an answer based on personal experience that does not include money or tangible items.
The challenge for today’s Christians is they cannot give a spiritual rationale [testimony] for the question, “Does Jesus care?” How do we so easily forget the blessings that we receive daily?
Distracted by Our Desires
We cannot witness that Jesus cares for humanity based off of testimonies of financial gain. Sadly, many Christians have embraced the unbeliever’s mindset—we are placing our focus on the distractors in this world. Financial blessings are what we pray for. According to many Bible-believing pastors, the number one desire of most believers involves some form of financial prosperity.
Although God blesses us financially by giving us the provisions of daily living, we cannot provide the correct spiritual rationale to prove that Jesus cares for humanity based on the acquisition of money, houses, and vehicles.
“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
The love story filled with care and compassion began before the world was created. It was God, the Father, and Jesus who had the Father and Son talk about His death that was required to save our souls. Redemption and the Plan of Salvation were not afterthoughts or a quick-fix plan after Adam and Eve sinned.
God’s love provided us with the gift of His Precious Son, Jesus. And Jesus said, “Yes, Father, I will die for them.” Does Jesus Care?
The Absolute Truth and Spiritual Rationale for Jesus’ care and compassion are proclaimed by His sacrifice and current role as our Heavenly Intercessor. Every word in the Holy Scriptures proclaims that Jesus cares! Yet, it is our relationship with Christ that provides the foundation for us to possess experiential knowledge of His love, care, and compassion.
Our personal testimonies of victory [which every believer should be able to share] are proof that we have a Loving Savior who cares.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Psalm 147:3
Testimony: This year I prayed for healing. Jesus healed me of an incurable and progressive heart condition that occurred secondary to having two years of uncontrolled asthma despite therapeutic intervention. When I gave the most recent cardiology report to my pulmonologist [lung specialist], in August, he read the report and did not make one comment. Does Jesus care? Yes!
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7
The humility that the Apostle Peter speaks of is revealed in our desire and prayer to surrender every day to the will of God. Yes, it is a tough commitment to surrender, but obedience results in blessings of benefits for the righteous.
Testimony: Jesus has not only given me the blessings of physical healing, but He also gave me new beginnings and healed my emotional hurt from a very painful divorce. Although I am unworthy, Christ continues to give me an overabundance of God’s grace and mercies. My focus has changed greatly since surrendering to God. I talk to Jesus throughout my waking hours because He cares!
The Apostle Paul frequently shared his story of the encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Our testimonies not only reveal our appreciation for a Loving Savior, but the Holy Spirit gives us strength and a deeper spiritual insight into the Character of Christ and our purpose.
Every believer’s purpose is to share testimonies that glorify God. We have a higher spiritual purpose—to share the love of Christ. From receiving the gifts of physical and emotional healing, I know that Jesus expects me to proclaim His love, care, and compassion to a world filled with hopelessness. Does Jesus care? Yes, I know that my Jesus cares!
Scripture: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” —Psalm 34:17-19
Prayer: Lord, we glorify and honor You. Thank You for Your abundant love, grace, and mercies. Thank You for caring about humanity and giving Your life for us. Jesus, we love You and ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) 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, (20) 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 28:18-20
Throughout my life, I have heard countless sermons on God’s divine purpose for the Christian believer—to witness Christ’s love, the plan of salvation, and our duty to help those in need. As decades have passed, the content of sermons has changed from Christ-focused to being people-focused.
Fewer churches have community outreach programs and only the members who have dedicated themselves to Christ are actively using their free time to help others. No longer do most pastors preach of our duty found in Matthew 28, verses 18-20 to go and make disciples [followers of Christ]. And when have you heard a sermon on the story of the paralytic and his four friends who dug through the roof to lower their friend so Jesus could heal him?
Christ’s Divine Gifts to Every Believer
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. —Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV
Christ created us with spiritual gifts to be used for works of service. Every believer is considered a disciple—a follower of Christ. Witnessing is our primary spiritual task. It is our love for Christ and steadfast faith that propels us to “Go” and tell others there is a Savior who loves them and died to redeem their sins.
Today’s disciples should not only witness Christ, but also care for others by alleviating their suffering, whether it be spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical pain. We always offer to pray and verbalize one of God’s Scriptural promises that provide hope, healing, and encouragement. Then we ask, “Is there anything that I can do for you?”
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” —James 1:27
Although we cannot meet every individual’s financial needs, we assist them by finding out which local churches and social service agencies can provide help. Giving of ourselves to others is our primary service to God. How important is our God-given mission of helping others? “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).
In Mark, chapter 2, the beautiful heartfelt story of the paralytic and his four friends represents our duty to God and humanity. “An unforgettable story about five men is recorded in the second chapter of Mark’s Gospel. One of them was hopelessly ill. The other four were his friends. These men had heard of Jesus, and they attempted to bring their friend to Him.” Walking Through the Bible Devotional
“And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” —Mark 2:4
Homes at that time did not have roofs like your house or mine. The roofs were made with branches that were laid across the ceiling beams. The branches were packed with mud that dried in the sun. They were sturdy enough to walk on but could be dug through. Often, there were outside staircases leading up to the rooftops. Bible.org
The background of the story includes a large crowd of people who prevented his friends from passing through the crowd carrying the man on his pallet bed. Yet, they persevered by taking their friend to the roof [in Palestinian houses, the roofs were flat] and they removed the dried clay and lowered their friend to see Jesus.
Jesus’ Response
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.'” (10) “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, (11) ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ (12) Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!'” —Mark 2:5, 10-12
Jesus’ priority was always spiritual. Throughout His earthly ministry, He reiterated the necessity to have faith in God. We cannot separate the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical components of our mind-body connection, therefore, without faith in God, we cannot connect to God.
With a loving heart, faith, and the commitment to put God first, we use our gifts to serve others. Helping the poor and spiritually oppressed removes the sinful character traits of selfishness and hardheartedness from our naturally carnal hearts, and exemplifies and honors Jesus as our Compassionate and Loving Savior.
Every Christian’s destiny relies on their willingness to obey God [not from a legalistic perspective of “I have to witness and help others”], no, we feel that it is a privilege and blessing to represent the love and compassion of Christ in our service to God and humanity.
Scripture: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” —1 Peter 4:10
Prayer: God, we pray for the body of believers who do not see the need to give of themselves in their service to You and those in need. We pray for the hardness of their hearts to melt and be transformed into the loving and compassionate likeness of Christ. We ask for the Holy Spirit to give strength to those who are tirelessly serving others and witnessing the love of Christ. In Jesus’ Loving Name, we pray. Amen.
Honor God by Waiting on His Timing Devotional September 26, 2023
“Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” —Psalm 27:13-14
Waiting is one of the most difficult things in life. Yet, to be obedient, we must wait on God. Every day we choose to honor God through surrender and obedience. To live a strong life in Christ, we pray for God to reveal His will and plans. God’s ultimate goal is to give us eternal life. And none of us are ready to receive the reward, so in His loving mercy, God is waiting on us—He is waiting for us to embrace the spiritual journey of Sanctification—the transformation of our character into the likeness of Christ.
God’s Timing: “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” —Isaiah 60:22
The last part of Isaiah 60:22, “At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” is trending on social media as God’s promise to fulfill our dreams and goals in His timing. But as I listened to the reel, something did not feel right. God never promised to give us the things we desire unless they are perfectly aligned with His will and plans for us. So, I researched to find out the spiritual meaning of this verse.
David Platt serves as a pastor in metro Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Radical. The following is an excerpt from his article, The Lord Will Hasten the Day (Isaiah 60:22). The link to his article is included in this post.
Now, that verse is only rightly understood when you realize all that’s come before it, and 21 verses before that, because basically, what God, through Isaiah, gives his people is prophecy, a picture of their restoration. After exile, after experiencing the consequences of sin, he’s saying, “I’m going to bring you back to your land. You’re going to dwell in peace,” but it’s a picture not just of what was going to happen in Old Testament history. radical.net
It broadens to a picture of what God is going to do in ultimate history when he brings his people to himself for among all the nations to worship, and there’s peace and righteousness that reigns on the Earth. This is talking, ultimately, about a new Heaven and a new Earth, where God will dwell with his people in perfect harmony. radical.net
“I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” —Luke 18:8
Reflection: Are spiritual transformation and eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth our priorities?
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9-11
“But God isn’t subject to time. Because he created time, he operates outside of time…He uses time to test your faith and to build your character. While you’re working on your goal, God is working on you. And God’s much more interested in you than in what you’re trying to accomplish because you’re not taking your accomplishments to heaven. You’re only taking your character.” pastor rick
Truthfully, we rarely focus on our spiritual status. We assume that we are in the right standing with God. But John Bradshaw, President of It Is Written stated, “The biggest deception among today’s Christians is that we think we are ready to receive eternal life.”
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Human effort is always required to receive God’s Divine Intervention and His blessings. Faith, humility, surrender, and obedience are the bundle of character traits that God requires for us to receive eternal life. We cannot change ourselves or possess these righteous traits without the Holy Spirit. We have a tough decision to make—pray and ask God to search our hearts and reveal all unrighteousness or continue to live according to our earthly agendas.
Honoring God requires the sacrifice of giving God our all. We pray daily for His will to be done. And we change our desires to align with His plan to change us into the likeness of Christ. Honor God by praying, obeying, and waiting on His timing.
Scripture: “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17
Prayer: God, we confess that we are living to satisfy our desires. And for this sin against You, we ask for forgiveness. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Because we love You, we will honor You by living obediently, righteously, and according to Your timing. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
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