Tag: love faith sabbath

Because of God’s Loving Kindness, Always Rejoice!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 19, 2024

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness, I have drawn you.” —Jeremiah 31:3

To understand God’s love, we must diligently search the Scriptures. From tolerating the rebellion of the Israelites for 40 years to His intervention of giving them victory over enemy armies to the gift of Redemption through Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross, we have infallible proof that God’s love for humanity is steadfast.

Yet intellectual knowledge does not affirm or give us confidence in God’s love. Worship must evolve into a lifestyle in which we consistently reflect on God’s Loving and Righteous Character and His faithfulness. From our many challenges, deep within our hearts, we know with conviction that God has given us victory.

“I will never leave you or forsake you is Christ’s promise. God is the Sustainer of our lives. “The Hebrew word ruach (רוּחַ) refers to the breath of God in the Bible and is translated as ‘spirit’ or ‘wind.’ It is a representation of God’s essence, which sustains life and animates all living things.”

God’s Love Revealed in Adversity: “As long as my breath is in me, And the breath of God in my nostrils, My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit.” —Job 27:3-4

Although Job did not understand the severe adversity in his life, he maintained his integrity and the goodness of God by proclaiming his life was sustained by the breath of God. Something is not right when we receive our Heavenly Father’s blessings beyond measure and our temperament reveals unhappiness, anxiety, worry, and fear. Do we believe that God desires our happiness?

Scripture Validates God’s Desire for Our Happiness: The Story of Creation reveals a perfect and breathtaking world that Christ created for Adam and Eve. The planet we live on was made for humanity. Even with Earth’s rapid decline, through actual or virtual traveling, nature still gives us evidence of Jesus, the Master Artist’s love of resplendent beauty.

The apostle Paul tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). If God promised to give us all of our provisions, Jesus died to redeem us from our sins, protects us from the enemy’s spiritual war, sustains our lives, and is waiting to provide us with a forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth, why aren’t we praising God for His goodness?

King Solomon Identifies Our Source of Unhappiness: Everything Has Its Time: “To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

1. God’s timing never coincides with our desire for instant gratification. God rarely fast-tracks. With faith, we must “Wait patiently for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14).

2. Our goals do not align with God’s plans to prepare us for Eternal life. We desire total fulfillment in our earthly lives instead of focusing on John 14:1-3.

3. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). Our heart desires self-governance and self-reliance which opposes God’s requisites to surrender and obey.

“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” —John 8:29

Obedience to God is the gateway to living happy, peaceful lives. Every morning, with thanksgiving, we proclaim our love to our Heavenly Father through our vow of surrender and faithful obedience. Our prayer for God’s will to be done demonstrates our love, reverence, and honor to His Sovereignty because we owe our very existence to Him.

“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 soul.” —Genesis 2:7

We rejoice because we are alive! Yes and Amen to receiving God’s mercies of this new day. We show our appreciation of God’s Agape love with praise and singing. Our Heavenly Father is the Supreme Source of Life. Each breath represents God’s breath flowing in and out of our lungs. Thank You, God. Amen.

“In the Bible, there are many benefits to living a faithful and obedient life, including Protection: The Lord saves and protects the righteous from trouble and the wicked. “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience], And He rescues [each of] them.” —Psalm 34:7, Amplified Bible

“…When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). Despite facing adversity and temptation, Job Chapter 1 shows that our Loving Savior, Jesus Christ protects us by restricting the harm Satan wishes to inflict on righteous believers. Thank You, Triumphant King!

Another gift we seldom acknowledge as a blessing is our careers and jobs. King Solomon reminds us that work is designed to be a blessing and a source of happiness and satisfaction. “What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” —Ecclesiastes 3:9-11, NIV

Career/Job Dissatisfaction: According to TeamStage statistics, “globally almost half of the employees love their job.” So let’s place a guestimate of 48% of those who love their jobs and the majority, 52% are dissatisfied with their present career choice. Not one Christian believer should fall into the majority of individuals who are dissatisfied with their jobs.

After creating Adam, Christ gave the first man the responsibility of naming every living animal and caring for his home, the Garden of Eden. When we seek God and ask Him to reveal His plans for our lives, it also includes His choice of our career path. If we obey, we receive His blessing and the empowerment to use our innate gifts and talents for His honor and glory.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” —Colossians 3:23

When we commit and surrender to God’s will, we enjoy His plans for our lives. With a spirit of humility, we gain satisfaction from our daily work because our priority is to please God. The promotion you hoped for that did not come to fruition was not God’s plan for your life. We may never receive human validation, yet, the true believer does not require praise from others.

The Overwhelming Root of Dissatisfaction: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” —Hebrews 13:5

Nothing should motivate us and create happiness more than a job well done. Money is not a motivator! Many individuals receive less compensation than their qualifications, yet, they enjoy peace, joy, and happiness because they obediently fulfill their God-given purpose. Self-sufficiency separates us from God who created us to depend on His plans and power.

Tests, Trials, and Adversity: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” —1 Peter 4:12

Fiery trials are God’s method of saving our souls. Many believers’ characters and personalities do not align with Christ’s Righteous Character [Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 4:32], therefore God allows hardships to test and strengthen their faith and obedience and purge their character defects. Still, we must admit our faults and cooperate with the Holy Spirit for spiritual transformation.

The Prophet Jeremiah Reminds Us of God’s Loving Kindness: “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. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” —Lamentations 3:22-26

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

©2024 Steps to Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Gaining the Victory Over a Spirit of Offense

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 10, 2024

“Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” —Proverbs 19:11 (RSV)

There is a wonderful power in silence. When impatient words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry usually act as a whip, lashing the temper into greater fury. But anger met by silence quickly dies away. Let the Christian bridle his tongue, firmly resolving not to speak harsh, impatient words. With the tongue bridled, he may be victorious in every trial of patience through which he is called to pass.

In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control. In his strength he may bring his thoughts and words into subjection to the will of God. The religion of Christ brings the emotions under the control of reason and disciplines the tongue. Under its influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.

Hold firmly to the One who has all power in heaven and in earth. Though you so often fail to reveal patience and calmness, do not give up the struggle. Resolve again, this time more firmly, to be patient under every provocation. And never take your eyes off your divine Example.

You are reading an excerpt from a Devotional, “Reflecting Christ” by Ellen G. White.

We may think nothing will offend us, but words are powerful! As Christians, our goal is to possess the Character of Christ. In Jesus’ earthly life, the Pharisees and Jewish rulers consistently dishonored His proclamation of being sent from God. In John chapter 8, verses 37-44, the conversation is recorded by the Apostle John between Jesus and angry Jews who claimed they were holy because of their descent from Abraham.

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (John 8:44-47).

The Crowd’s Reaction: “Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).

Even though we are Christian believers, God tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The worldview of “You have your truth and I have my truth” has permeated the Christian Community. No longer does “Iron sharpen iron” where one believer attempts to help another believer return to God’s Truth.

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.…” —James 5:19-20

We must study the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid using our thoughts to discern God’s Truth. How do we respond when a fellow believer tries to guide us back to God’s righteous precepts? Do we react with offense? God uses believers to help each other because our highest earthly goal is to receive our Crown of Life.

If another believer rejects God’s Truth do not try to convince them with a sparring match. Pray for them, if their hearts are receptive, the Holy Spirit will take over.

We can expect Satan to use people to keep us offended. But a spirit of offense reveals a proud, haughty heart. The Apostle Paul tells us in perilous times, “People will be lovers of themselves…” We cannot afford to be above correction! Sanctification, the lifelong journey of the Holy Spirit transforming our minds, characters, and personalities requires our active cooperation as reflected in possessing a spirit of humility and admitting when we are wrong.

May we pray as King David prayed, “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

Lord God, we repent for harboring the spirit of offense. We ask You to give us strength, wisdom, and discernment to know when we are in error. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen

©2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Prayer Places Us In God’s Presence

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – November 8, 2024

“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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer is the most important aspect of our Christian experience. Our need for God is greater than we realize. Prayer lifts us up into the presence of God. Our spiritual connection to God’s Divinity only happens through prayer and believing Jesus is “The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Prayer as the first response comes easily when we have developed a lifestyle of worship—daily praying, studying the Bible, and consecrating ourselves to trust and obey.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” —Ephesians 6:17-18

Abiding in Christ requires the daily prayerful commitment of surrender to God who leads us on the Path of Righteousness through the Holy Spirit. Our journey is spiritual and our primary focus is fulfilling God’s will. The Bible is our Treasure Map providing the history of humanity’s falls and victories. Because of the many voices and interpretations of the Scriptures, we are assured if we pray, the Teacher, the Holy Spirit imparts us with the only accurate meaning of God’s Truth.

“Pray without ceasing” —1 Thessalonians 5 17

What does it mean to pray continually? Within our hearts [minds] we maintain the thought of total dependency on God. We practice the privilege of silent prayers and whispering a prayer throughout our waking hours for God’s guidance. Although God desires to be included in every aspect of our lives, usually we are selective in the matters we bring to Him.

Even while working, if feeling overwhelmed or physically exhausted, take a prayer break. Never leave home without praying for Divine protection of yourself and your family. Believers have full access to Jesus, the Fountain of Living Water who serves us as our Heavenly Intercessor. Making Jesus our best Friend is accomplished through much prayer.

“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.” EGW

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it…” —Isaiah 30:21

Yes, we live in perilous and uncertain times, still, Christ is our Rock of Stability in whom we can always depend. We cannot afford to play Satan’s Game of Chance with our lives. “God is willing and able to carry our burdens if we stop trusting in our own resources and strategies.” Our earthly journey is one of desperation for Divine Intervention. We humbly ask for God’s guidance because He is faithful, and we cherish and honor Him.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” —Psalm 27:14

Instant gratification has given us a false perception of God. Our challenge is to pray and wait on the Lord. God’s timing always differs from our timing. Nothing we experience is an emergency to God. We remind ourselves that God is aware of our circumstances, yet, our Father God is never intrusive. He waits for us to pray the simple but powerful prayer, “God, I need Your help.” Pray in faith, let Him take control, stay calm, and wait on the Lord.

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” —1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible

Feeling weary because of life’s struggles? Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Jesus’ Divine strength and gives us the reassurance that God is in control. Instead of suffering from the anxieties and worries of the unknown, we place our lives into God’s Omniscient Hands. Most importantly, through consistent prayer, we develop an unbreakable bond with Jesus based on unwavering faith. Our faith [whether great or small] allows us to receive from the Fountain of His Never-ending Peace. 

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

Decision-making is a gift from God and if used correctly with His guidance, we will experience victory. We hear the Voice of God guiding us through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures. To be led by the Holy Spirit is to receive spiritual insight, wisdom, and discernment.

How do we know God is speaking to us? Because we receive a deep sense of inner peace when we receive instructions from God. When God intervenes, the outcome is always miraculous, honors His Holy Name, and reveals His Sovereign Power. No human effort can mimic God’s Divine Intervention!

Prayer is the Spiritual Gateway to God. Prayer is the catalyst for opening the Heavenly Windows of Blessings. We receive peace, joy, contentment, comfort, and guidance for every challenge of opposition. God knows our lives from beginning to end. Whether we face temptations, health issues, marital problems, disobedient children, financial loss, or the death of loved ones, our Loving Father waits for us to ask Him to intervene.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” —Ezekiel 36:26

From praying, we experience spiritual growth and maturity. Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the image of Christ. Prayer invites God to change our habits and behaviors into character traits that reflect the righteousness of Christ. To cooperate with God invites the Holy Spirit to give us a righteous heart and spirit necessary to receive our reward when Jesus comes.

“Be holy, for I am Holy.” —1 Peter 1 16

Through prayer, righteous living is possible. We can do nothing in our own strength. We become changed when pouring out our innermost thoughts and challenges to God. Prayer allows us to talk to God, the Father as children who implicitly trust their earthly parents.

Created to be dependent on God, we let go of the self-destructive worldviews of self-reliance and independent thinking. How important is prayer? Our destiny of Eternal life depends on it.

Lord God, teach us to pray and to depend on You. We are tired from the vicissitudes of life and need Your help. As we enter the Sabbath rest, we thank You for giving us 24 hours to exclude the earthly matters and commune with You. We ask for a spiritual blessing of strength to persevere in this journey of life. Thank You for hearing and answering our petitions that we ask in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

©2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry