Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 26, 2024
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’ ” —Genesis 1:26
When hardships, sickness, and death enter our lives, we need Christ’s Healing Balm to soothe our anxieties, emotional or physical pain, and sorrows. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows lived a bittersweet life. He knows the extreme side of suffering. Trust Jesus, God the Son to give you His Divine peace and strength. Only His love and power can provide the Spiritual Touch to heal our mental, emotional, and physical infirmities.
We do not have to pray lengthy prayers. The prayer of faith, “Jesus, help me” receives an immediate response from our Loving Savior. Jesus, the Great Physician is meek, loving, and compassionate. Although we are not promised physical healing, we always receive the Divine strength to persevere. All of heaven is involved in the believer’s Chosen Path of suffering. Never stop praying!
When Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane, in response to His prayers, God, the Father sent angels to minister and impart Divine strength to His Son needed to complete the Plan of Redemption for you and me. Our prayers for Divine Help receive the same heavenly response.
The Holy Spirit intercedes by taking our prayers of faith to Christ, our High Priest and Intercessor. We receive Christ’s supernatural strength and peace from the Holy Spirit, and the Commander of angel armies sends His angels to refresh our minds, bodies, and souls with His Living Water. Oh, what love the Father has for us.
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 21, 2024
“Out of the ground, the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” —Genesis 2:19
Christ revealed God’s plan of excellence for the human mind on the sixth day of creation when Adam named every living creature. According to PLOS BIOLOGY, in November 2023 when asked how many species exist on Earth? “Projections range from millions to trillions.” Even the experts admit we can only project the number of species in the animal kingdom.
Nature reveals the overwhelming love, Omnipotence, and Omniscience of the God who not only humbled Himself in death so we can experience perfection in the New Heaven and New Earth but also gave those created in His image a fulfilling life on planet Earth amidst magnificent beauty that still exists.
God created the world as a dynamic wonder for us to behold its splendid beauty, pursue opportunities to excel and reach our fullest potential, and most importantly understand His loving character. “God intends that improvement shall be the lifework of all His followers and that it shall be guided and controlled by correct experience.” (Reaching Forward to Perfection).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” —James 3:13
The Holy Spirit empowers us with the gift of wisdom to understand the Scriptures and God’s Divine plan of restoration for fallen beings. His goal is for us to achieve continuous spiritual and intellectual growth through studying the Scriptures, experiencing the natural world, and personal and professional development.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” —1 John 3:1
So why do so few believers grasp the Godly concept of setting our standards high? “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). From the diligent study of Creation’s story we learn of God’s infinite plan for humanity. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament revealing that our true identity is in Christ our Creator.
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ ” —Galatians 4:6
Christ proclaims “We are sons and daughters of God, we are bought with a price, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are a royal priesthood.” Instead of recognizing the privilege of our spiritual birthright, we classify ourselves according to the world’s standards of family ancestry, academic achievements, and social and financial status.
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible
Our refusal to consecrate ourselves to God has strengthened Satan’s influence in the Christian Community. Blended truth with human-made concepts is accepted because we harbor a spirit of discontentment. Instead of praising God for our blessings of provisions, and studying the Bible under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we listen to podcasts on “How Successful People Think.”
“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” —John 14:14
Satan twists the Holy context of the Scriptures to appease our desires for earthly treasures. He uses misguided human interpretation, “Didn’t Jesus say to ask anything in His name and He would do it?” to incite our passions. We pray, follow our inclinations, and answer our prayers based on the false teachings of the Name It and Claim It prosperity message and the worldview of pursuing one’s desires.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven …For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Our focus has shifted to building wealth and elevating our social status instead of seeking the intangible [intellectual and spiritual growth] blessings. “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self.” ( COL 67).
“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
The focus of spiritual warfare is our soul! Satan is using two effective strategies to turn our attention away from seeking the Kingdom of God. Never-ending Distractions: Our schedules are filled with secular activities. The busyness of today has left us depleted. We are just too exhausted to experience meaningful worship in the presence of God.
You Have Time: Today was a taxing effort, tomorrow will be better. We rarely appreciate the new mercies of the given day because our focus is on the future. When the children are older and the mortgage is paid in a few years from now life will not be so hectic. The Deception: We think time is ours to manage. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ” (Psalm 90:12).
” ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’ ” (Matthew 15:8).
Many Christians are unaware the last few years including 2024 is the time Jesus identified as “The Beginning of Sorrows” (Matthew 24). We desperately need to consecrate ourselves to live sacrificially. Only then can the Holy Spirit open our natural eyes and empower us with the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and rebuke Satan’s deceptions.
The times are perilous and Satan attempts to deceive the very elect. Too many rely on their intellect, quick wit, and life experience instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit. According to today’s pastors, a new term for 21st-century Christianity has been adopted, we are Middle-of-the-Road Christians, not engaging in abject wickedness, but living an uncommitted life of self-seeking behaviors.
Think on These Things: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.…” —Philippians 4:8
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” —Matthew 5:48
How often do we think of life in the New Heaven and New Earth? This season of life should be utilized for the transition of shifting our focus from distractions, busyness, and worldly gain to the pursuit of spiritual excellence. Filtering the stimuli that we allow to enter our minds requires heightened spiritual awareness—Is this information beneficial for my spiritual or intellectual growth? Every newsworthy event should not consume our valuable time.
A Call to Worship and Obedience: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion…’ ” —Psalm 95:5-7
Christian believers do not need to seek the world’s advice. We have the Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit who refreshes and empowers our minds with Godly wisdom and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. Still, our activities of daily living must be secondary to allow adequate and unhurried time to worship God in Spirit and in Truth which is necessary for spiritual clarity, growth, and transformation.
Changing Our Lifestyle: Transition from Technology to the Outdoor Life
The things of nature are God’s blessings, provided to give health to the body, mind, and soul. Surrounded by the wonderful works of God, our minds are lifted from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads us to think of the matchless charms of the earth made new, where there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy, nothing to cause disease or death. (The Health-giving Value of Outdoor Life)
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:18-19, BSB
Without surrendering ourselves to God, we cannot perceive the new blessings God desires to give us in our earthly lives to prepare us for life with Him. Letting go of counterproductive behaviors includes people and pleasures that serve no purpose in our spiritual journey with Christ.
God has a definitive plan for every faithful and obedient believer which begins in our earthly lives and culminates at Jesus’ Second Coming. To receive the Heavenly Crown of Life requires that we live an earthly life as the Sons and Daughters of God—Spiritual Royalty.
“And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28)
From studying the life of Christ, we realize the humility required to be a true disciple. If Jesus came to serve humanity then our status is predetermined. Have we accepted our spiritual assignment to serve others or do we share the mindset of the two sons of Zebedee who approached Jesus with their mother boldly asking to sit on the left and right side of Jesus’ throne?
Humility is not an innate characteristic. The human heart is naturally prideful, always seeking status and recognition. Yet, humility is a trait that is required of every follower who desires to receive the Crown of Life. “For many are called but few are chosen.”
Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 18, 2024
“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation…” —1 Corinthians 1:5-6
Why We Suffer in Our Earthly Lives: During a pastoral panel discussion, the questions of why God allows bad things to happen to dedicated believers and why He doesn’t intervene to protect the earth’s natural resources were addressed. Answer: God does not interrupt the natural courses and effects of sin. The original sin of disobedience created a continuous negative domino effect on humanity and the earth which will not cease until Jesus comes.
Understanding God’s Purpose for Trials and Enduring Hardships
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. … In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
Jesus forewarned us the righteous will suffer many trials and tribulations in their walk with Him. God knows every hardship we will experience in our earthly lives including the heartbreak of emotional loss. The fulfillment of our dreams can be cut short by a breakup, divorce, or the passing of a loved one. Emotional loss is life-altering because we love the individuals who are no longer a part of our daily lives which leaves a void in our hearts.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12
Although we cannot process the loss of a loved one as a privilege to share in Christ’s sufferings, no hardships arise in our lives without Christ’s approval. Emotional loss is a byproduct of the original sin. Only suffering produces the spiritual growth and transformation required to inherit our reward of eternal life.
Because we inherited corrupt hearts [it is easier to do wrong than right] God allows severe trials in which no amount of human effort will bring resolution. Why? To save our souls! And to draw us into a heart-to-heart relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. God has a goal—To give us Eternal life.
Our spiritual journey is unique according to the growth required to change us into the likeness [character] of Christ. Every day we receive tests of faith that require a decision, will we use our faith to depend on His Divine Help? Active faith strengthens our relationship with Christ and fosters a spiritually dependent mindset that prevents our grief from overpowering us.
To be of good cheer is often misunderstood, we do not express joy and happiness over our devastating loss. To be of good cheer is to remain hopeful despite our circumstances because we use our faith to rely on Christ’s never-failing love and power.
Overcoming the Emotional Loss of Relationships
“…I will never leave you or abandon you.” —Hebrews 13:5, CEB
Emotional loss [usually] cannot be recovered, those who are impacted face disorienting grief and sorrow. Grief is a natural emotional response to the loss of someone close and cannot be measured. Believers often are challenged in the area of emotional loss. Because we pray daily for God’s Divine Intervention we expect that we will be spared from the devastating loss of a loving marriage due to the death of a spouse, divorce, or separation, or experience abandonment. Yet, we are not spared—the marriage ends, the engagement is called off, or the best friend walks out of our lives. Will we turn to Christ and allow Him to heal our grieving hearts?
Christ Comfort to Parents—The Death of Children
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces…” —Isaiah 25:8
The greatest blow from the sting of death is when a child passes away. Losing a baby, child, or children permanently changes the trajectory of their parent’s existence. A parent’s love for their children, living or deceased, is steadfast and protective. No spoken human words can comfort the sorrow of losing a child. Only God’s promises in the Scriptures will provide peace and calm the raging storm of grief.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8). Continuous prayers of faith asking for Jesus’ strength to move forward [in little steps] must be spoken often during immense grief. Only Divine love and power can give parents the strength to press on despite their shattered hearts.
Life can be so unpredictable—joys and sorrows, beautiful blessings and distressing difficulties can come unexpectedly. Our life’s dreams and plans can change in an instant. We all know this to be true. So how can we find peace amid such turbulence? Lloyd Newell
The song, It is Well with My Soul was written by Horatio Spafford following the loss of his son from scarlet fever and the loss of his four daughters from the collision of the ship they were on with their mother. “Upon arriving in England, his wife sent a telegram to her husband that read: ‘Saved alone. What shall I do?’ “
“Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me” —Isaiah 27:5
Emotional loss is the most devastating loss we experience. We face two challenges, 1. We desire for the loved one to be with us again., 2. Grief is a powerful and uncontrollable emotional response—grief penetrates the mind, heart, body, and soul. The very core of our existence is shaken. The human response to the loss of a loved one is not predictable. Many have lost their will to live from losing their spouse, soul-mate, children, or parents, and best friends.
“I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” —Psalm 121:1-2
Christ is our only hope when overwhelming sorrow fills our lives. He is the Giver of Peace and the Holy One who prevents our grief from escalating into a hopeless state of despair. We acknowledge that our hearts are broken, we do not have the strength to move forward, and we continuously pray for Christ’s Divine Help.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4
We rely on our faith in God to accept His will even when the death of a loved one occurs. For those who died in Christ, they will be raised first when He comes again. For strength, we meditate on the Scriptural promises of God is with us. Yes, believers also experience the deepest sorrow from death, divorce, and breakups, yet, we embrace our loving Savior’s invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
From the depths of our grieved and weakened hearts, we pray, Jesus, I need Your help and Christ begins our journey of healing and restoration. Amen.
“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” —John 21:25
Enduring the loss of loved ones is a spiritual struggle. Christ suffered from a broken heart. He humbled Himself to live an earthly life that was so grievous, that He called himself, A Man of Sorrows. Only Jesus has the power to discern the magnitude of grief and soothe the mother’s heart who lost her only child and bring peace to the widow or widower who lost their lifetime forever love.
Truly, Christ loves us. Our love for Christ joins our hearts to His heart. Remain faithful through much prayer. Search the Scriptures every day to learn the loving characters and promises of God, the Father, and God, the Son. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter who gives us the supernatural strength to keep pressing forward in Jesus’ Name.
Overcoming the Natural Responses to Emotional Loss
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10
Our response to emotional loss reveals the true status of our relationship with Christ. If we ask, How could God allow this to happen? then we blame God for the failure to intervene which nurtures unbelief. The escalation of anger or depression easily overpowers faith. Do not believe the psychological theories that lingering anger, unforgiveness, and depression are normal responses to emotional loss. Immediately, seek Christ through fervent prayer. Sustained anger, unforgiveness, and sinking into the darkness of depression indicate our rejection of Christ’s love and prevents us from receiving spiritual, mental, and emotional healing.
Restoring Our Will to Breathe and Move Forward
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds…” (Jeremiah 30:17). Although we focus on the physical healing of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His divine priority was spiritual healing and restoration. Emotional loss requires spiritual healing that is only available through Christ. We pray, Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor responds, and the Holy Spirit anoints us with supernatural power and peace.
God is love! He never allows even the severest trial to crush us which would serve no purpose in our journey of spiritual transformation. Christ promises healing when we faithfully trust Him. Although it seems impossible, I am a living witness that our grief dissipates, and the emptiness in our hearts is filled with Christ’s love and peace.
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in him I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” —Psalm 18:2
During our journey of healing and restoration, day by day, the Holy Spirit imparts Christ’s strength to carry us through. Yes, you will experience days that leave you breathless. And on those days, call His Name out loud, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The spiritual comfort we receive from placing our lives in Christ’s hands is life-changing! He fills our empty void with His love, joy, and peace. If we pray without ceasing and faithfully depend on Jesus, we will receive complete healing and restoration. Each day, Christ patiently guides us through our journey imparting His healing, abundant love and peace into our hearts.
” ‘…Do you want to be made well?’ ” —John 5:6
Spiritual Healing is Supernatural and Divine! Grief and sorrow cannot stay in our hearts when we place our faith and trust in Christ. One day we awaken and we know that we are healed because our hearts are free from pain and sorrow! And our tears express our gratitude for His love, long suffering, and the time we were given with our loved ones.
Jesus’ Divine healing power abolishes the residual of emotional loss and we are made whole. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” —Isaiah 53:5
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