Love Sabbath Loyalty – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jesus’ Love Gift

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.” (John 10:17)

“What love, what wonderful love, was displayed by the Son of God!” The death we deserved, Jesus suffered, so we can receive a Forever Life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Reflection: What is our daily response to Jesus’ Love gift of Salvation? Our choices and lifestyles reveal if we are grateful and willing to surrender and live as Jesus’ Faithful, Obedient Followers.

The story of Matthew, the tax collector reveals the power of faith and the commitment to say, Yes to following Jesus when nothing is promised to you.

“As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be My disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, NLT).

Matthew was a wealthy, but corrupt tax collector, who decided to let go of his sinful habits to follow Jesus on an unknown spiritual journey.

Jesus knows every heart, and who is willing to follow Him from Earth to Heaven, despite the turbulent journey. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus leads and guides us on the Narrow Path. Yes, the believers who follow Him like Matthew will be transformed day by day into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). “Jesus died as our sacrifice to reconcile humanity with God, taking on the penalty for sin.”

Reflection: Although nothing of earthly value or elevated status was promised to Jesus’ twelve disciples, they used their faith to follow and obey Him. Judas followed, but always had a hidden agenda of greed in his heart.

In John 17, Jesus prayer reveals that eleven of His original twelve disciples will receive their reward of Eternal Life when He comes again.

Every Christian knows and accepts that Jesus died to redeem them from their sins. But following Christ on earth is only the beginning of our spiritual journey. We must use our faith and time to prepare for eternity.

Jesus promised in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12 that if we follow Him by living a sacrificial life of self- denial, surrender, and faithful obedience, we will receive our reward of Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“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).

Sadly, like Judas, the majority of the Christian Community are living in opposition to Jesus’ command of self-denial. Their only reward will be what they have collected on this Earth.

But if we obey, our eyes will remain focused on Jesus: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.” (John 14:15, Amplified Bible).

Our Sacrificial Life: Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:1-2, and Ephesians 6.

A heart overflowing with real love for God and Jesus Christ is the catalyst that propels us to willingly live a sacrificial life of self-denial.

When we value our ultimate gift of Redemption, it is not a burden to let go of our heart’s desires and follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17).

Do not be deceived! All Satan can offer is distractions, busyness, and temporary treasures, pleasures, and relationships on a temporary Earth.

Jesus’ Steadfast Promise: “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

We must decide whether we are going to chase Satan’s temporary earthly trinkets and pleasures, or follow Jesus on the Narrow Path, which gives us the reward of our Forever Gift of Eternal Life.

God loves us and desires that we learn and obey His Truth. The Bible is God’s Spiritual Treasure Map that clearly tells us what is required to live righteously, guiding and keeping us on the Straight and Narrow.

The Scriptures are designed to bring us to Spiritual Senses. Without taking the time to pray and study the Bible everyday, we will embrace Satan’s deceptions and lies.

From Genesis to Revelation, not one Scripture substantiates Satan’s lie: Satan says, Go ahead, do as you please, you will go to Heaven.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: Both groups are Christian believers, yet the goats are living as they please. Study Matthew 25:31-46.

It’s time for us to dismiss the foolishness of this world and take the stand of faithfulness required to follow Jesus from Earth to heaven.

The True Follower’s Credo: “Salvation is a priceless gift. Jesus loves me, died for me, and because I love and honor Him, I can live the sacrificial life of self-denial that is required to follow Him with faithful obedience.”

The True Follower’s Commitment: “Every day I will pray for the wisdom and strength to live as an Overcomer. I will not exchange my reward of Eternal Life for Satan’s temporary wealth, success, and pleasure.”

When our hearts are converted, our thoughts, spoken words, habits, and lifestyles reveal that we are following Jesus Christ.

To remain loyal to Christ requires courage, yet, we must always depend on His Power and Strength to live a life of “No Compromise!”

Yes, we were given the gift of self-control [2 Timothy 1:7], but Human Effort is never enough to keep us on the Straight and Narrow Path.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

From praying and asking for Jesus’ Divine Wisdom and Strength, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome all obstacles, including our desires, and Satan’s continuous temptations.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). When love is overflowing in our hearts for Christ, it is not a burden to surrender to Him.

Through the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study, we stay anchored to Christ, the Rock, revealing that our love, faith, and loyalty is unrelenting.

“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.'” (John 14:1-4).

Brothers and Sisters, it’s just a matter of time and Yeshua, our King will be riding a white horse, in the clouds with His legions of angels, and we will witness all of His Magnificent Glory! Yes and Amen!

The trumpet will sound and those who died following Him will be raised from their graves. And those who are alive will be lifted up in the air to meet our Savior and King! Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!

“For, ‘In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.'”(Hebrews 10:37, NIV).

Lord God, we thank You for the greatest gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly suffered the worst death to save our souls. We are grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice that gives us freedom from the chains of sin. Lord, we ask King David’s prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” We also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize Satan’s deceptions and temptations, and the Strength to persevere, and live with the joy and hope that comes from preparing for the Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sabbath Peace and Blessings – February 7, 2025

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25).

End 2025 and Begin 2026 In Victory!

“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, NKJV)

Modern Biblical translation: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

“In Hebrew, tsalach (צָלַח) means to prosper, succeed, advance, break through, or flourish, often implying overcoming obstacles or moving forward mightily, not financial gain, but spiritual and personal progress, like Joseph in the Bible, signifying God’s empowering presence leading to success and flourishing.”

“The Greek word translated as ‘prosper’ is euodoutai, which means to progress, to develop in a positive way, to have a good journey, to go well.”

“A prospering soul is spiritually healthy, growing in faith, and aligning with God’s truth. For a soul to prosper implies a developing spiritual walk marked by integrity, peace, joy, and a deepening relationship with God.”

Truthfully, like the Israelites in Egypt, many of today’s Christians have embraced the pagan beliefs of our counterparts, and we associate the word “prosperity” with [$$$] wealth, materialism, and elevated social status.

The Prosperity Message is a false teaching that emphasizes the acquisition of wealth, material possessions, and success, yet it is not in alignment with God’s teachings of Holy Scripture.

We know who [Satan] developed this false, but highly effective message that continues to deceive and distract many Believers from being loyal to God by redirecting their focus to acquiring earthly treasures.

The fall of Adam and Eve proves that we are never satisfied with God’s blessings. Satan knows the condition of the human heart; we always desire more than what we have.

Jesus’ Command Protects Us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).

After Jesus completed His fast of 40 days in the wilderness, Satan’s third temptation to Christ was based on wealth and success: Jesus’ Response to Satan Clarifies God’s Righteous Principles on Materialism.

The Temptation: “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.'”

Jesus Used the Sword, The Word of God, and Satan Left: “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended Him.” (Matthew 4:8-11, NIV).

We have given Satan the advantage over us because we do not know or understand who we are through Christ Jesus. We are the Sons and Daughters of God who will inherit the Crown of Life—Immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes, Salvation is free, but Eternal Life is a reward for our faithful obedience and spiritual works [Revelation 22:12].

Our Identity: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26); “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.” (Ephesians 1:4)

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).

“You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” (Psalm 8:5-6). When Christ created Adam, He gave Adam Dominion—Rulership over the Planet Earth.

Adam sinned, lost dominion, which Satan gained; but when Jesus said, “It is finished!” On Calvary’s Cross, our Triumphant King not only completed the Plan of Redemption, but He gained dominion over the Earth! Hallelujah and Amen! Study Revelation 19 to learn the end of the story.

Jesus Gives Us Insight Into the Future: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, so they attempted to challenge Jesus: “In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be of the seven? For all of them were married to her. Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven…” (Matthew 22:28-30).

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer…For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Satan’s temptations are effective for two reasons: 1. We do not understand Satan’s diabolical mind. Christ created Lucifer with superior intelligence, and we forget that Satan is a fallen angel that possesses intellect and wisdom beyond and above human intellect.

2. “My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6). Satan has an advantage over most Believers: He knows the Holy Scriptures, and he also knows that we do not study the Bible, which makes us easy prey for this Predator of human souls.

Satan is not Omniscient; he cannot read our minds or thoughts, but from observing our lifestyles, if we are disloyal and disobedient, we easily reveal our true spiritual status with God.

Sadly, from our refusal to study the Bible that God has given to empower and guide us, Satan is overly confident that his temptations will make us fall.

“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).

And the roaring lion’s temptations will continue to bombard the Christian Community because we desire the same lifestyle as unbelievers, who live to gain prosperity on an Earth that will be destroyed.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Brothers and Sisters, The Great Controversy of Good and Evil is a Spiritual War between Christ and Satan. We are Satan’s target! He is after our souls, and it’s time for us to stop chasing our desires and pledge our Allegiance to the Most High and Holy God!

Jesus, Our Mighty Warrior’s Plan:

1. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

God’s plan is to give us a perfect eternity with Him, in the New Heaven and New Earth, which requires the commitment to live a sacrificial life.

“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, BSB).

When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, like Matthew, we became Jesus’ disciples, who dedicated ourselves to following our Faithful Shepherd with love, loyalty, and obedience.

Have this conversation with yourself: “Do I believe that Jesus loves me?” “Do I believe that God is interested in my personal struggles?” “Do I believe that God will help me live as a Victorious Overcomer?”

A heart overflowing with love for Jesus is revealed through a lifestyle of daily surrender, faithful obedience, seeking guidance in prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures. Church attendance is good, but once-a-week worship cannot give the Spiritual Nourishment and Power that daily personal worship provides.

Being a soldier in God’s Army requires total commitment. Every day, we separate ourselves from others to worship God privately.

A reverent atmosphere of solitude and silence is required for us to be in God’s Holy Presence, resulting in the Holy Spirit empowering us with Jesus’ Divine Wisdom, Discernment, and Spiritual Strength.

Three Promises Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).

Brothers and Sisters, All or Nothing is required to love Christ. Do not give up your eternal inheritance for this earth’s temporary trinkets. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Ephesians 6, Revelation 19-22

Lord God, we have come to our senses, knowing that we desperately need You to overcome the internal conflict of our desires and the external opposition of temptations. We confess that we have not loved You as You deserve, and for this we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and teach us how to think, speak, and live holy. In faith, we ask this prayer for strength and restoration in the loving and Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.