The Spirit of Humility – Devotional – January 11, 2024
Our prayers reflect our true character. With humility, we surrender daily to God and pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will for the given day.
Faithful obedience is the decision to honor and reverence God above our desires and plans. Humility proclaims “The LORD is My God and He is the LORD of my life,” therefore, I willingly place my life in His hands.
Prayer: Lord God, we pray for a spirit of humility as You possessed in Your earthly life by always seeking the will of Your Father. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Surrendering to God Saves Our Lives – Today’s Devotional – December 4, 2023
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’ ” —Matthew 16:24, NLT
Taking up our cross is defined by surrendering our will to God and trusting His thoughts, ways, and plans for our lives. It is not a middle-of-the-road life filled with compromises based on our heart’s desires. As Christ prayed daily to receive the revelation of God’s will for His life, we also pray a daily prayer of surrender asking God to reveal His will through the Holy Spirit.
Surrender is a righteous character trait that requires a sacrificial love for God and the humility of a little child. Surrender determines whether or not you are in the right standing with God. Our willingness to surrender and obey God is demonstrated through the type of prayers we pray and the lifestyle we live.
Never Underrate the Importance of Surrender! Anything outside of relinquishing our desires to God breaches one’s relationship with Christ. Disobedience always separates us from God.
Reflection: How do your character, habits, and lifestyles compare with God’s great moral standard of righteousness?
“Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous.” —1 John 3:7, ESV
The inheritance of a carnal heart places us at a disadvantage—we cannot judge ourselves. There must be diligent searching of the Scriptures which identify our sins that have been offensive to God, which have dishonored His name, quenched the power of the Holy Spirit, and separated us from our first love for Christ.
We rate our sins on a scale of little to big to great. Yet, to God, all sin is the transgression of His laws of righteousness and disobedience against Him. Yes, God takes it personally when we sin against Him. And rightfully so, God gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ to fulfill the Plan of Salvation. Jesus surrendered fully to the will of His Father by sacrificing His life and suffering an agonizing death on Calvary’s cross to redeem us from the second death which is the penalty of sin.
Our refusal to surrender has its roots in the sin of unbelief—we do not trust God. The heart void of love and trust can never surrender. The internal conflict we face results in contempt for God’s Truth, succumbing to the temptations of worldliness, self-reliance, over-indulgence, pride, selfishness, false doctrines, and immorality. Our lifestyles reveal the true status of our faith in God.
We cannot save ourselves. The work of overcoming is the work of a lifetime which requires human effort and Divine Intervention. Victory is assured through our love, humility, surrender, faith, and obedience. We must put forth the effort to cooperate with the Power of the Holy Spirit to receive the conviction and Divine instructions needed for a daily spiritual transformation.
Our appreciation of Christ’s gift is demonstrated by giving Him our love and loyalty as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives. We separate ourselves from the worldviews by studying the Scriptures and embracing God’s Biblical views. Through daily surrender, we are preparing our earthly lives for the promise of eternal life.
How will we stand before God, the Righteous Judge? The choice is ours to make. God has given us the free will to decide our final destiny. Yes, God indeed is a Loving, Fair, and Righteous Judge.
Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for our failure to surrender. We admit that we have an issue with our hearts, we do not love You as we should. We make a covenant from this day forward to surrender all to You. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
The Woman Who Reverences God – Devotional Reading – December 3, 2023
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ” (Matthew 22:37)
Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Rahab, Mary, Dorcas, and Lydia were women who loved, reverenced, and obeyed God by surrendering their hearts to Him. These women did not have conflict in their hearts when they decided to follow God. In studying their stories, we find that they possessed love, loyalty, and dedication demonstrated by their faithful obedience.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” —1 John 5:4
The reverent woman always puts God first by seeking His will. Loving God is reflected in her healthy lifestyle, modest clothing, and loving, compassionate, and patient temperament. Emulating the Character of Christ, her smile lights up the room and her words are as sweet as honey. She possesses a gentle and soothing voice that makes you feel at ease in her presence because her heart is filled with the joy of the Lord.
“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” —Colossians 3:2
The woman who reverences God appreciates His blessings by practicing the frugal habits of stewardship. She does not follow the fashion trends or seek to purchase material goods, no, this dedicated woman is content with God-given blessings. She is a daughter of the Most-High God who worships Him by obeying His commandments to love others and uses her financial abundance to help those in need.
“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” —Psalm 47:6
Most importantly, she sends up prayers and songs of praise to God thanking Him for His never-ending love, grace, and mercies. The reverent woman prays for God to extend His mercies to the brokenhearted and the displaced members of society. She accepts her calling as a disciple always ready to witness to others. “Have a blessed day” and “Jesus loves you” are easily spoken by her to everyone she comes into contact with because her heart fully belongs to Jesus.
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” —Matthew 6:6
As a devout woman of God, she seeks His will through personal worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to breathe the anointing of wisdom and strength into her mind, body, and soul. Her desire to seek righteousness is reflected in the time she spends studying the Scriptures. She embraces the word of God as the Light that guides her to stay safely on the Path of Righteousness.
“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
Although this woman lives courageously she also faces the challenges of temptation and the feelings of discouragement. Yes, the righteous woman has suffered many losses, disappointments, and sorrows, but still, she faithfully clings to Christ’s promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Because her trust is in Christ she readily accepts His invitation to come boldly before the Throne of Grace knowing that she will receive Divine Help in the time of need. The reverent woman seeks guidance and supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit to live righteously.
This inspiring woman is determined to lead a life of holiness. She puts her unwavering faith, trust, and hope in Christ, and strives to be intentional in all her actions. Every day, she aligns herself with the will of God revealing her desire to receive the heavenly reward of Eternal life.
“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
Yet, the reverent woman holds fast to Christ for her strength is not found in her husband, children, family, or friends. Because this woman remains steadfast in the storms of life she has found favor with God. Christ knows this daughter has a fragile, caring heart often leaving her weary while doing good for others.
“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” —Jeremiah 31:3
From her fervent prayers, she receives comfort and strength from the Holy Spirit. As she performs her earthly duties she is waiting in joyful expectation for Jesus’ promise to come to fruition. “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).
“In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people… —Isaiah 28:5
The reverent woman is part of God’s faithful remnant who keeps their lamps filled with oil [the Holy Spirit] and she will be ready to enter the marriage feast when the Bridegroom comes. Yes, she has prepared herself for a heavenly life to worship at the feet of Jesus forevermore. Hallelujah! Amen.
The qualities of a reverent woman are found throughout the Scriptures in the stories of godly women who persevered in harsh times—in times when they were not independent but were owned by husbands or masters. Yet, these faithful daughters of God were strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit to obey the will of God.
Today’s women can receive the same empowerment from the Holy Spirit to excel in their walk with Christ. As we draw closer to the Second Coming of Christ, it is time for us to become reverent women of God!
Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to become a dedicated reverent woman of God. We realize that our lives our not our own. And we ask You to order our steps according to Your Divine will and plan for our lives. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
My greatest desire is to have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus. A relationship that brings confidence, courage, and steadfast faith in times of sorrow and darkness and peaceful times. But I have followed my feelings and let the pride of self-reliance dictate my decisions. In anguish, I feel that I am separated from my Father.
I admit that my actions are responsible for the anguish and weakened faith that I possess. Yet, in the height of despair, the Holy Spirit directs me to a video short on Ezekial chapter 36. The God who loves promises to perform a spiritual surgical procedure on those who love Him but have messed up.
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Ezekial 36:25-27 NKJV)
Our Father reminds us that although we have profaned His name through disobedient thoughts, words, and actions, our Restoration brings honor and glory to His Name. “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went.'” (Ezekial 36:22 NKJV)
When we have veered off the narrow Path of Righteousness, demonic forces of evil attempt to deceive and convince us that God is punitive in His justice, leaving us feeling dejected. The truth is our Heavenly Father, whose very nature is Love, never crushes us or removes our hope. If we humble ourselves and repent, we will receive a new heart that desires to love and serve Him. We would be the recipients of the removal of sin, transformation, and complete spiritual restoration.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your loving-kindness. We have sinned against You. Our humble prayer is that you accept our confession and restore to us the joy and peace in our hearts that we have lost. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And we will give You the glory and the honor that You deserve. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Do you have a family member, friend, or fiance who enlisted in the military, completed Boot Camp, came home on furlough, and was barely recognizable? Their facial expression and body posture reflected confidence. And the joker who formerly made everyone laugh now had a controlled smile and spoke a different conversation.
It is often difficult for civilians to adjust to the significant transformation of the one they love and have acted silly with. The person is now a soldier. No, they have not lost their ability to love or have fun. They were trained, given, and accepted the mission to serve and protect their country. A soldier has experienced a total mental and emotional makeover. Their priorities and values no longer align with a civilian’s everyday lifestyle.
I recall a vid testimony of a young man who purchased a Bible, accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and asked the Christian community, “Now what?” He received mass congratulations for the choice to serve Jesus. But he expressed disappointment after reading the posts that described the Christian lifestyle. He posted that he did not desire to attend church to engage with other believers or give up the worldly things that he enjoyed. Since none of his friends or family were believers, following Jesus would cause a separation. His final post stated, “Serving Jesus seems to be too hard.”
His true feelings may shock most Christians, yet, it is the truth. The journey of Sanctification [spiritual transformation into the character of Jesus] is lifelong. Christians have a life of suffering, trials, and sorrows. We are called to be disciples who follow Jesus. We embrace God’s moral code and values. Faith, trust, and obedience are requisites for being part of God’s Army.
We are required to “Take Up the Cross and Follow Him.”
“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)
2. “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15)
The soldier surrenders their former mindset and is 100% obedient to the rules and policies of the military. God also requires His soldiers to obey. But we have convinced ourselves that we can have the mindset of Cain–to give God our perception of obedience. We consider a weekly church service, giving tithe and offerings, and an occasional witness to others as good enough. Sadly, our disobedience will cost us the loss of our reward of eternal life.
3. “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).
Soldiers in the Army of God must also experience a spiritual, mental, and emotional transformation. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our characters begin to align with Christ’s character.
4. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When loving God, it’s all or nothing. Jesus mandates 100% surrender, loyalty, and commitment to God, His Father. We give up worldly desires, habits, and people. “God, not my will, but Your will be done. Amen.”
Our Great Commission
5. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 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)
Military soldiers are not required to love their superiors or fellow soldiers. Nor do they have to recruit and make soldiers. Witnessing the Good News is not an option. We make disciples because it is Jesus’ command.
Saving the best for last: “It’s All About Love”
“Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39 BSB)
Without 100% love for God, we will view discipleship as burdensome. Many individuals believe in and love God, but they have boundaries. Our lifestyle reflects our endless love and expresses our desire and dedication to obey and please God, our Father. Obedience is our highest form of worship.
The Apostle Paul describes the life of a Soldier in God’s Army.
Put On The Whole Armor of God Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—(Ephesians 6:10-18).
Prayer: God, we admit our fault for withholding our love for you. Our lifestyle reflects our selfish desires and disobedience. We ask forgiveness. Not our will, but Your will be done. Please reveal our spiritual gifts and Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In a world with constant changes and challenges, we can be confident in knowing that ” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
In reading the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we are given a glimpse of Jesus through the eyes of four men. Jesus, our role model provided spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical healing along with feeding multitudes throughout His short life of 33 years. His disciple John wrote: “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25 CSB
Certainly, with the overabundance of financial resources that many present-day disciples possess, we should reflect Jesus’ compassionate care for others. Our responsibility to help those in need far exceeds random acts of kindness or giving to the Benevolent fund at church. Remember, only what we do for Christ will count in the end. Pray and ask God how you can help others. Love and Serve God, Love and Serve Others, and Love Yourself.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me. Matthew 25:35-36 CSB
The willingness to accept Jesus Christ as our Redeemer and Savior is from a responsive heart, which embraces Jesus’ sacrifice to give humanity salvation. As a result, we receive a spiritual transformation with a transformed heart that leads to a life of loving and caring. And yes, Jesus gives us a life complete with joy and peace, but also one of trials and sorrows as we travel down the Path of Righteousness.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“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
If accepting Jesus and serving God provides us with peace and joy, then why are we in the predicament that even caused David to question himself: Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5
The ongoing hardships of the 21st century have produced believers plagued with discouragement, depression, and a mindset surrounded by darkness. Something isn’t right! I asked a couple of individuals to give me their opinion of why we have so little faith and trust in God. They were not sure of how or why the mental and emotional conditions have increased throughout the years. Still, I do not wish to present only my viewpoint of this terrible dilemma.
I deferred the question to my mother, who is 88 years young. “Mom, why do you think that modern believers do not possess the faith, trust, joy, and peace that serving God offers?
Her response, “They do not know God. Prayer and Bible study are not their priorities. How can you have faith and trust in someone that you don’t know? Life is tough, but God has promised to never leave us or forsake us.”
History reveals that most individuals decided to walk into a church to turn their lives around by accepting Jesus. They were aware that their habits and behaviors had to change. Attending church, praying, and studying the Bible were the building blocks to forming a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. New believers were told that suffering through trials was necessary to change their character and to be a disciple. They understood that hardships would show up as changes in their lives, job loss, sickness, etc. We sang songs with lyrics that told us to faithfully hold on because Jesus will work it out.
Our conversations consisted of trusting in God because faith believes that God does the impossible. We kept hope alive by telling each other to expect deliverance and never give up while waiting for God’s answer. Oh, and the songs we learned and sang, “Trouble in my way, Jesus will fix it, after awhile,” “Victory is Mine,” “We are Marching to Zion,” and “Trust and Obey,” provided the additional strength to make it through those tough times. We prayed all day and night for stronger faith and trust in God. And we demonstrated our love for each other by calling, praying with them, and home visitation, always asking, “What do you need?”
Fast forward to 2021, and we now have a body of believers who have accepted Christ and do not attend church. They may find out through social media that believers must study the Bible and pray without ceasing. The “babes in Christ” require nurturing to help them through their spiritual journey. Sadly, many fall prey to the loneliness of being a Christian and succumb to discouragement and temptation.
Then we have the seasoned Christians who are mature, but are more concerned about self. They are the believers with spiritual strength, Yet, they have no desire to help the new believers or anyone overcome by the tribulations of life. In fact, the trending behaviors of performing random acts of kindness, pass it forward, giving tax-deductible charitable donations, and paying for the person’s groceries standing behind you while filming it for TikTok, they have consoled themselves with the thought that good deeds are acceptable to God.
Still, these actions are not the same as having the “Character of Christ” and the “Fruit of the Spirit. “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you? And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'” Matthew 25:44-45
In the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, God has given us a record of the many events that reveal Jesus’ character. The life of Christ is given by four different men who followed Jesus. The Gospels agree that the Son of Man ministered to others without discrimination. Yes, Jesus was stern when He pointed out the pride and hypocrisy of the rulers who were teaching the law but oppressing the people with man-made rules that they did not keep. The central theme of the Bible is based on the Love of God. Jesus was loving, fair, tender, and full of compassion.
Remember the woman caught in adultery? Have you ever wondered why Jesus bent down? And what was He writing on the ground? What caused the people to turn and walk away?
4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. John 8:4-8
Adultery for the woman was punishable by stoning to death. A theologian gives this answer, “Two scriptures point out that Jesus was writing on the ground. Many ask, “Why was Jesus writing on the ground?” He was writing the secret sins of her accusers. Once exposed, all they could do is turn and walk away in shame.”
One would think that Jesus’ disciples would possess His character. No, they had the same mindset that many possess right now:
That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. Matthew 14:15-17
When we accepted Jesus’ invitation, He accepted us just as we were, no questions asked. However, by studying the scriptures, we learn that our surrender to God involves a complete spiritual makeover. 1 Corinthians 13, The Love Chapter, gives us God’s definition of love, Galatians 5:22-23 tells the importance of being anointed with the Holy Spirit and the characteristics we are expected to possess. The Apostle Paul commands us, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32.
The believer’s financial responsibility: But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12.
We have the free will of choice to serve God. Even so, with our commitment [to surrender], we agree to the transformation of our hearts and mind. Submission to the will of God is no longer an option. Giving ourselves wholeheartedly–without reservation allows us to conform obediently to our Heavenly Father. We become transformed into the likeness of Christ. The person that we used to be, no longer exists. God uses trials to purge undesirable behaviors and negative traits from our character.
We must die daily to the fleshly desires of self [Romans 8:13]. Sanctification is a life-long journey on the Path of Righteousness. Preparation to receive the reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth requires Divine intervention. We cannot save ourselves. Allowing God to do a great work within gives us the perseverance to move forward in Jesus’ name.
The struggle is real. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, suffering is part of our servitude. Still, we have a loving, compassionate, and powerful Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus Christ that promises to see us through. Always remember that Jesus is the light that will shine through the darkness in our lives.
“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6
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