Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 9, 2024
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” —1 John 4:16, ESV
“True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives for himself is not a Christian.”
“Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God’s government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian’s character. This alone can make and keep us steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation.”
“And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice—a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 48, 49.
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life ” (Revelation 2:10). With courage, we serve God with conviction. Directing our daily thoughts to reflect on the Majesty and the Glory of Jesus’ Holy Name allows the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us with Spiritual Strength. If we are faithful, one day, we will receive the reward of eternal life.
Lord God, we pray for our hearts to be filled with Your love. Give us the strength to sacrifice our all for You as You did for us. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 8, 2024
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
This is one of God’s most wonderful promises encouraging believers to cast their worries, fears, stress, and anxiety on God. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus promises to provide for the righteous. Every promise of God is conditional, He requires the human efforts of faith, obedience, and patience before He will intervene.
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” —Jeremiah 17:10
Refusing to humble oneself and obey God is a major roadblock to receiving God’s greatest blessings. We proclaim God’s greatness with spoken words, but deep within, we do not trust God. God is Omniscience—All-Knowing, we cannot hide our unbelief nor our deepest desires to provide for ourselves. Faith proclaims, “God loves me, He has promised to take care of me, therefore, I will pray in faith for His Divine help and patiently wait for Him to intervene.”
God is faithful. In studying the book of Ruth, God shows His faithful love and invincible power. Ruth and Naomi, her aging mother-in-law were widows which was significant in ancient times because women could not work or sustain their lives. Social Services, Social Security, and widow’s pensions were non-existent, and women depended on their husbands or sons to provide for them. Yet, God provided for them by working miracles that no human could ever perform.
Reflection: Is your faith steadfast in the power of God? Or are you still attempting to develop plans that are destined to fail?
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” —Matthew 6:25-26
Study the life of Christ in the Four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John]. You will learn that Jesus is Love, Jesus is Faithful, and His power and majesty are unlimited. Jesus, God, the Son who created us in His image has promised to provide for us. Our God is faithful! Trust Him with all of your heart.
Lord God, we pray for the courage to use our measure of faith to trust in You instead of ourselves. We pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 6, 2024
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…” —Genesis 1:26-28
From studying the Creation Story, we find that Jesus [who created us in His image] desired humanity to exist on an aesthetically pleasing planet. Although the progression of human-made implementations has resulted in much damage and destruction to Planet Earth, God has reserved many areas that human hands cannot touch.
Yes, the universe still displays the breathtaking majesty of Jesus’ Holy Name. Have you ever gazed into the night sky? The moon and the constellations of stars are simply amazing. During the day, the sun’s rays impart energy to all human, animal, and plant life. Yes, we have a beautiful world and would understand God’s loving character if we would explore His handiwork in nature.
The Four Gospels reveal that Jesus used scenic areas to teach the multitudes about the love of God and the plan of salvation. Yet, Jesus often isolated Himself by retreating to mountainous areas to pray for hours and to spend intimate time with God, His Father. We need alone time to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us through our thoughts to comfort and guide us through life’s journey.
“Mark 6:31-32: After an intense period of ministry, Jesus and his apostles are so busy with people coming and going that they don’t have time to eat. Jesus says, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” They leave by boat for a secluded spot. This is an example of Jesus teaching his disciples the importance of solitude.” Time spent with God alleviates all frustrations and faithlessness.
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? —Matthew 6:25-26
One can only imagine that it was a wonderful experience for Jesus in His earthly life to enjoy His own creation of the rolling grass, fields of flowers, and the sun in the sky shining its rays of energy on the Son of Righteousness who created the elements. The beauty of nature reveals God’s overwhelming love for humanity and reinforces our faith in Him as a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us.
“The faith which you have [that gives you freedom of choice], have as your own conviction before God [just keep it between yourself and God, seeking His will]. Happy is he who has no reason to condemn himself for what he approves.” —Romans 14:22
Faith in God provides mental, emotional, and spiritual stability. When we use our faith to embrace God’s love, He rewards us with the spiritual gifts of strength, joy, peace, and happiness. Do you have faith? Yes, every human being has received the God-gifted measure of faith. We use our faith to accept Jesus and to believe in the Plan of Redemption and Salvation, yet, many miss out on God’s benevolence by ignoring the benefits of enhancing our health by enjoying the natural environment.
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him…?” —Psalm 8:3-4
The Christian Has Many Sources of Happiness: “THOSE WHO FIND true happiness must have the blessing of Heaven upon all that they possess and all that they do.” EGW
As a former Behavioral Health Nurse, 99% of our patients admitted to the unit were diagnosed with Depression. When we conducted their Intakes, all were “homebound,” not due to physical limitations, they shared the common practice of spending their free time staying in the walls of their homes. Confining oneself indoors impacts all facets of our psyche and damages the structure and function of our physical body.
Going outside to take a walk and looking at the majestic trees and the sky will alleviate many burdens. As we visually take in nature, we can talk to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor and Best Friend. Nature redirects our focus from problems to God, the Problem Solver. Trade in screen time for 30 minutes of outdoor activity. Even if you live in a bustling city, find a park and listen for the bird’s chirping melodies who praise their Creator throughout the day.
God’s Goal for Our Earthly Lives: “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.” —3 John 1:2
Making a change by enjoying the beauty of nature allows our moods to stabilize and our overall health to improve because we behold God’s love for us. Joyful believers embrace the health and happiness that God gives us. Living happily now is possible! Yes, we need innovative technological advancements, but you and I are too distracted by technology! Go outside instead of devoting your life to screen time.
The Change of Our Lives in Heaven: Jesus tells us, “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection” (Luke 20:35-36). Although we do not know what our lives will be like in the New Heaven and New Earth, one thing is for certain eternal life will not consist of living inside our homes watching screens.
“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.” —John 10:10
The abundant life that Christ refers to is not the worldview of buying temporary earthly trinkets and tangible goods. Our efforts to create a happy and joyful little heaven on earth begin with the knowledge and possession of Christ’s Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
God’s Spirit cannot dwell in us if we are downcast, depressed, anxious, and worried. Exploring and worshiping God in nature will change your behaviors and your perception. God’s magnificent love will permeate your minds, bodies, and souls. Yes, we can enhance our happiness, joy, and contentment by frequently visiting and worshiping God in natural surroundings. Following Christ’s example will allow Him to give us optimal health and happiness.
Daily Affirmation: I am a son or daughter of Jesus, my Triumphant King who loves and died for me, so, I proclaim my love for Him through nature which reveals God’s Agape Love. He is the King of Glory! Give Jesus the praise! Hallelujah and Amen!
Lord God, we thank You for the wonderful gifts of salvation, a beautiful world, and the promise of eternal life. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 3, 2024
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28, NIV
Through Jesus Christ, we always have hope. Whatever you are worrying about or stressing over, remember Jesus already knows your circumstances. Use your Mustard Seed faith, pray, and thank him in Advance for His Divine Intervention in resolving whatever you feel is out of control. We were intentionally created with limitations which leads us to depend on God.
It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Never forget that humanity was created in the image of God and Christ breathed His Ruah breath into Adam and Eve’s bodies to make them into living beings. God is Love. God loves us. And God promised to provide for us. He asks you and I to place our faith in his Sovereign Love and Power.
We would never drive our car down the middle of the road, yet we waver between faith and faithlessness with God. Like Job in his hardships, we often forget who God is. Study Job chapters 38-42 when you cannot remember God’s Omnipotence. Our Heavenly Father reminds us that He knows the end from the beginning, including every aspect of our lives.
Peace is knowing that we are loved and God’s promises are Yes to which we proclaim, Amen [It is so!] Place your life in his hands. Trust God. He is faithful, and forgiving, always desiring that we exercise the faith to totally depend on Him.
Lord God, we are stumbling with our steps to walk on the Path of Faith and desperately need Your help. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer in Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name. Amen.
“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” —Genesis 2:1-3
Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – August 2, 2024
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” —Revelation 22:7
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” —Revelation 22:12-13
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ “—Revelation 22:20
Three times Jesus forewarns us that He is coming quickly. The scoffers, naysayers, and Christian believers who fail to cooperate with the Holy Spirit for Spiritual transformation of their minds, characters, and personalities are not preparing daily for Jesus’ Second Coming. What proof do we have that we are not preparing for eternal life? The failure to surrender is evidenced by a lifestyle of self-reliance that overrides our desire to faithfully obey God.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). In the Old Testament, Jesus is referred to by the title, Lord God. Jesus wrote the Bible, therefore, He says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18).
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:14
For most believers, their contention and inner battle involves the Creation Seventh-Day Sabbath which Jesus tells us, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). These words of the Savior remind us that the Sabbath day was meant to be a spiritual blessing rather than a burden to those who observe it.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12
Satan has introduced many false doctrines to prevent us from receiving our reward of eternal life. Not only has he attacked the Fourth Commandment [the Seventh Day Sabbath], but we struggle with trusting the written Word of God by embracing human interpretation of the Law of God. Jesus’ death replaced the Ceremonial Law of animal sacrifice.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus specifically gives us the characteristics of the righteous who will enter the gates of New Jerusalem: Patient, Obedient, Commandment-keepers, Faithful, and Courageous. To be told and accept that only Nine of the Ten Commandments are still valid is jeopardizing our reward of eternal life. Pray and fast, asking the Holy Spirit-The Spirit of Truth for spiritual clarity regarding the Fourth Commandment.
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” —Luke 6:12
My beautiful mother is 90. Recently we reminisced on the all-night prayer meetings conducted decades ago which she attended and I accompanied her as a young girl. Not only did the saints of God have steadfast faith, but when faced with tribulation, prayer was always their first response, and God showed up with Sovereign power that most of today’s believers can never imagine.
Every Christian’s Responsibility: “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” —Philippians 2:12-13
We have a lifetime responsibility regarding our salvation. Think about your current lifestyle, full of busyness and distractions without sufficient time to deeply commune with God. Christ who was divine and human in His earthly life focused on spending much time in prayer with God, the Father. Considering our spiritual struggle, we desperately need to maintain a heart-to-heart relationship with Christ reinforced by intentional prayer, fasting, and diligent study of the Bible under the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect on your status with God. If Jesus came today, would you receive eternal life? Matthew 25:1-13 is the parable that describes two types of believers, those who have enough “Oil” in their lamps which represents the Holy Spirit, and those who failed to have a steadfast relationship with Christ and ran out of oil. How is it possible to run out of oil?
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” —John 4:24
The use of our time either strengthens or weakens our relationship with Christ. With the gift of 24 hours per day, we reveal gratitude to God by spending time on activities that promote our spiritual growth and maturity bringing us closer to Christ, or we waste our precious gift by using our time to pursue frivolous things. To live a sanctified life requires obedience, perseverance, and continuous anointing and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
To abide in Christ requires time spent in solitude every day in prayer and spiritual quietness meditating on the love of God and the Holy Scriptures. When our hearts are consecrated and filled with love and loyalty to God, we seek the will of God with the desire to reverence and glorify Him through surrender and faithful obedience. With gratitude for Redemption, we dedicate our lives wholly to God.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Matthew 16:24-26
Eternal life is a reward. Faith produces spiritual works. God expects us to have a dual spiritual focus. Not only are we responsible for working out our salvation, but we must also witness God’s Truth to others. Recognition of our spiritual plight is the catalyst to abide in Christ through discipleship. We use our spiritual gifts to glorify God, spread the Good News of the Gospel, and help those in need.
“You are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. For without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Our journey is a personal one-to-one relationship with Jesus who promises to complete the Spiritual Process of Sanctification [Philippians 1:6] when we fully surrender ourselves and commit to serve Him with loyalty and obedience.
Every second of the day, we face Satan who is striving for our souls, but we must fight back in the strength of our Warrior King. To serve God is not for the weak-hearted, to give up our beliefs, desires, and free will requires courage and steadfast faith. Yes, brothers and sisters, it is a daily fight and a tough spiritual journey to live holy, but in the strength of the Almighty God and the heavenly angels who fight our unseen battles, we can live as victorious overcomers!
From our dedication to resisting the snare of today’s prevailing “form of godliness,” in the power of His Might, we march forward as soldiers in the Army of God. Yes, the righteous who struggle and suffer to live as Christ-focused, Commandment-keeping, obedient, disciples, one day soon, we will hear from our Lord and Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Prayer: Jesus, we love You and desire to live with You forever. We ask You to search our hearts and reveal our sins, habits, and behaviors that separate us from You. Lord, we pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit on living holy so we may receive our Crown of Life. In Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name, Amen.
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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 3:8-9
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional July 28, 2024
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right [contrite] spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
Our faith is the spiritual conduit that links us to Christ who covers us with His Righteousness. Like King David, we pray, asking God to search our hearts for any wicked thing and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God’s gift of Redemption includes the washing away of all sin, past and present completed by Jesus ‘ blood sacrifice on Calvary.
We are covered by an all-inclusive plan of salvation. Yes, without “respecter of person,” everyone who calls on the Lord Jesus to confess and repent their sins has the assurance they are forgiven for their transgressions. From daily surrender, we receive the outpouring of Jesus’ love, strength, direction, and protection for the given day.
“Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].” —1 Peter 4:10, Amplified Bible
To be a follower of Christ requires commitment to living a sacrificial life of self-denial. “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). The prophet Isaiah reflects the chosen who are anointed and received [from Christ] the spiritual gifts and talents to reflect the love of God and to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). For those who serve God in humility, the Holy Spirit not only reveals our Chosen path and guides us daily to fulfill God’s will and plans, but we also receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to learn the things we do not know.
Isaiah Chosen to be a Prophet: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory.’ ” —Isaiah 6:1-3
Every Believer’s Innate Condition of the Heart: “So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” — Isaiah 6:5
Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Intercessor’s Divine Intervention of Washing Away Our Sins: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” — Isaiah 6:6-7
Isaiah realized the wretchedness of his human heart and he immediately confessed his plight of being a sinful man. The angel was not self-directed in placing the coal on Isaiah’s lips to cleanse the prophet from all sin and unrighteousness. Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King and the Commander of Angel armies gave the Divine order to the seraphim. Only Christ, our High Priest and Heavenly Intercessor can forgive us of our sins.
Do we possess Isaiah’s humility as demonstrated by prayers of daily confession and repentance?
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16
Through prayer, fasting, and spiritual meditation, we invite King Jesus in all His Majesty and Glory into our lives. Our only acceptable worship is faithful obedience. Like Isaiah, when we accept our sinful condition, we acknowledge the merciful privilege given to mortals to be in the presence of a Holy and Righteous God. Our only acceptable response to a Sovereign and Righteous God is to bow ourselves in humility and surrender daily with the commitment to faithfully obey our King of kings.
Who Will Go? “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’ ” —Isaiah 6:8
Once we have surrendered ourselves to the service of God, we abide in Christ by seeking His will in all aspects of daily living. Jesus’ strength and wisdom is imparted by the Holy Spirit to the righteous, obedient believer who possesses the humility, love, patience, and the desire to be a true follower of Christ. Although we are blessed with various spiritual gifts, our primary role is one of a disciple with the spiritual assignment to Obey and Go!
God has blessed us with the advancement of technology to minister globally to a world in darkness. Still a crucial part of our ministry should be face-to-face witnessing which many Christian believers intentionally avoid. Unless our physical condition places us on a homebound status where we are unable to leave our dwelling, we should use every opportunity to tell someone by direct contact “Jesus loves you, have a blessed day!”
” ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘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
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” —Proverbs 3:5-7
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” —Proverbs 14:12
As believers, God has forewarned us of the dangers of following our own inclinations. With prayer and deep reflection on the Holy Words of God, we know whether or not we are traveling on the Chosen path designated by Christ. The decision to follow Jesus is not one of compromise. We cease listening to our wayward hearts that provoke us to disobey God and suffer sin’s consequences. True discipleship is praying for God’s will and thinking, speaking, and carrying out His commands.
The Chosen Twelve: Jesus’ disciples were unlearned men from various walks of life who had unloving and rowdy characters. These men constantly argued among themselves of who would be the greatest in his kingdom, were selfish, prejudiced, disliked children, and faithless. Still with all of their faults, they obeyed Christ’s every command. Their reverence, honor, and respect for Christ was revealed through obedience which they did even before they loved Jesus and acknowledged He was the Son of God.
“Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ ” —Luke 11:1
Spiritual growth, maturity, and transformation occur on a daily basis when we strive to obey Christ as he obeyed God, His Father. In their daily interactions with Jesus, His disciples finally acknowledged within their hearts that He was the Son of God. And we know this because they asked Christ to teach them how to pray, and at that moment, the Holy Spirit began their transformation.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—John 14:15-16
From beholding Jesus’ loving and righteous character, the stony, rebellious hearts of 11 of the 12 disciples softened from the powerful influence of Agape love. Yes, eleven of Jesus’ original disciples were transformed into steadfast, faithful, and obedient apostles who possessed the character of Christ. Not only will they receive their Crown of Life, but Jesus also promised, “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14).
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14
To receive Revelation 22:12 is not easily obtained. Good people do not go to heaven. The righteous who decided to live a sacrificial and obedient life fueled by their faith give reverence and adoration to Jesus by abiding in Him. Yes the true disciples worship God in Spirit and Truth and allow the Holy Spirit to change and mold their minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.
It is the remnant who obey Christ even if it means loss of material goods, family, and friends who desire to be a servant of Christ. The sacrificial life of self-denial and obedience to God places us on the Narrow Path. Very few Christians follow the path of servitude required to receive eternal life.
Whether we are on the narrow or wide path is displayed by our mindset and lifestyle. Every morning the believers who have wholly consecrated themselves to Christ pray and ask for His will to be revealed. Jesus tells us that we must obey His commandments to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
The life of the faithful few who entered the narrow gate and walk daily on the Narrow Path of Righteousness live an earthly life filled with suffering. Not only are we working out our salvation, but we also cooperate with the Holy Spirit to have the Fruit of the Spirit which identifies us as true disciples of Christ.
Our love, honor, and reverence for Christ are demonstrated in our desire to “Go!” and witness that Jesus is our Savior, through daily consecration, surrender, and faithful obedience. Yes, deep within our hearts, we live with the joyful expectancy of, Jesus, I will see you soon!
“To him who overcomes shall receive the Crown of Life.” —Revelation 3:11
Lord God, we desire to live a consecrated and holy life of faithful obedience and witnessing to others. Lord, we desire to receive the reward that is given to those who can proclaim, God, I have finished the work You have given to me. In Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name. Amen.
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