loving God – Page 3 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

My Heart Belongs to You

We often think of the invisible God as being very distant from humanity. But is that accurate? Isn’t it in our hardships and sorrows that we feel abandoned? In Psalm 27, King David expresses that he was surrounded by enemies–men who were his closest advisors but wished his death. Was David aware that God knew his circumstances? Yes, but he honestly expressed his innermost feelings of being afraid. And rightfully so, we cannot imagine living every day with people in our homes plotting our demise.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Our Heavenly Father sees and knows that the human heart is fragile. God is also aware that our hardships usually result in disconnecting ourselves from Him when we feel threatened and powerless. We are weakened by the unexpected; spiritual warfare, financial difficulties, family issues, loneliness, material loss, illnesses, broken relationships, the death of a loved one. First, we must acknowledge that the trials and sorrows in our lives cause pain and suffering, mentally, emotionally, and physically in illnesses. But have confidence, knowing that it is not God’s purpose to break or crush us. God’s purpose for our trials: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

During our challenges, human effort is required. God is waiting for us to seek His help and strength through prayer. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Within each of us is the buried response of “where is God? During our trials, we quickly forget God, our Deliverer when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Fear instead of faith comes easily when we perceive that our hardships are bigger than God. Identifying our perception of God involves an honest and in-depth self-evaluation. “How do I see God?”

Without believing, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27, we will continue to doubt the Omnipotence–supernatural power of God, our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer.

Still, in His loving-kindness and mercy, God reaches out to His beloved.

1. Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
2. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8

We may acknowledge the power of God, but do we belong to him? Have we given God our hearts? Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14. Our commitment to God is reliant on surrender, commitment, total faith and trust. Doing our part means having a dependent relationship with God, our Father. Yes, we are to become as little children, totally dependent on the love and power of our Heavenly Father. Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory!

To experience daily spiritual growth, our hearts must stay connected to Jesus Christ, who is the only way to God. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

There are many benefits to giving our hearts to God. First, we gain total peace, resulting in spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical strength. Faith and trust in God, even during stormy trials, give us courage, contentment, and confidence. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

We can achieve peace during the harshest trials and sorrows. Knowing that we will feel the pain that accompanies spiritual growth; yet, trusting in God gives us the strength to press on, in Jesus’ name. God is preparing us for eternal life. Jesus gave His life that we may receive immortality and live in the New Heaven and New Earth when He comes again. Giving our heart [total commitment] to our Savior will produce the character traits of love, faith, trust, patience, obedience, courage, and confidence. Yes, it is time for us to have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, we are going through some hard times and we need your love, comfort, and divine intervention. Please give us the strength to endure our trials. We are confident that you will bring victory. We ask this prayer in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Prevailing Darkness

“Home is where the heart is” PROVERB: Your home will always be the place for which you feel the deepest affection, no matter where you are.

Our homes are the safest place, non-threatening, lovingly embracing, and sheltering us from the chaos, confusion, and busyness of our external environment. We enjoy the moments of solitude and silence from the never-ending maximum speed of the world surrounding us.

The dynamics of human life have escalated to the point that many individuals are leaving their corporate positions, selling their homes, and seeking that perfect place that provides peace and tranquility. Yes, getting away from it all has its advantages. Still, it will not stop the vicissitudes [a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant] of life.

In fact, I recently listened to a young wife express her devastation over the years they planned an extraordinary lifestyle–RVing, purchasing a few acres of forested land, and visiting every state within the U.S., only to have their dreams shattered. Within six months of living their dream, the husband developed stage 4 cancer and passed away.

Sin and death were not God’s plans or His fault. Yes, He is Omniscient and was aware that Lucifer would incite an insurrection, and that human beings, His masterpiece would disobey and fall deep into the abyss of darkness. With unconditional love, God created us, gave us the greatest gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who still serves us. As our Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus hears our prayers of confession, and repentance, readily forgiving us. All of our prayers are sent through by the Holy Spirit, including prayers for comfort, and physical necessities. Jesus Christ forgives us daily and presents us as faultless to God, our Father. We should have a committed relationship with God, our Creator who gives us a never-ending supply of love, grace and mercies every day.

Sadly, humans have been deceived by Satan, our Arch-enemy since the fall of Adam and Eve. Where did the deception take place? In the Garden of Eden–the first couple’s home, their safe-haven. And why was the Prince of Darkness so effective in his diabolical plot? Because he presented God as withholding the best–superior knowledge like gods possessed from Adam and Eve. But deep in the recesses of his mind, Satan also thought that God would destroy the first human beings, Adam and Eve for their disobedience. But little did the Prince of Darkness realize that humanity would not be destroyed. The Plan of Salvation and Redemption–Jesus’ death and resurrection was set into place before Adam and Eve were created.

Isaiah 14:12 tells us, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!” Isaiah 14:12. To be called the “Son of the Morning” [morning star, son of the dawn], Lucifer’s beauty was beyond our most active imagination. Are we mesmerized by beauty? Yes, exterior appearances, the excellence of natural talents and abilities of people is who we worship–the entertainment industry, the sports arena, art, fashion, and glamour, is fueled by billions of dollars while our social problems escalate globally.

Lucifer had the desire for much more than he was given by God. He convinced some of the angels that God was unfair and he led an insurrection against the Creator of angels and humanity. If we were created lower than the angels, [For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:5], then know that he easily twisted God’s commands. His deceitful words caused Eve to doubt God. Satan’s lies also led her to act on her desire to eat from the forbidden tree. Adam had the choice not to sin, but like many of us today we make the decision to commit the grievous sin of disobedience. And that was the beginning of the Fall of Man–humanity.

We cannot be compelled or forced to sin. It is our desire to sin fueled by desire, doubt, and disbelief in God.

And we are still falling deep into the abyss of darkness, pulled by our desire to possess more than God has given to us. We are drawn into Satan’s darkness through his deception–he presents the fun activities of the occult, mysticism, spells, witchcraft, voodoo, Goth, the exciting thoughts of entering realms from beyond, going backward or forward into time, and our all-time favorite–magic: the power of illusion.

In fact, Disney’s movies Black Widow, Cruella, Magic Camp, Soul, etc., have been used to introduce Satan’s “darkness” into our families–the children whose minds are like sponges eagerly ask to watch the deceptive wickedness. Once act on our desires, the seed of darkness is planted, and it grows out-of-control. Eventually, our homes become a dwelling-place for the satanic behaviors of abject disobedience, bullying, mental and emotional neglect. We become tangled in the web of deception and our character changes. Love dissipates through the open door and windows, producing unhealthy family relationships, and dissolves our desire to worship God.

Yes, our frustration with life has led us to seek an alternate route for resolution of our problems. We are inundated with fortune-tellers, tarot card readers, witches, and warlocks, potions, etc. Loneliness has driven us to accept the biggest deception; active communication with the dead. This area is Satan’s playground. Many “Christian believers” also engage in speaking to the deceased or knowing their future. This is what God says:

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; there is no longer any reward for them because all memory of them is lost.” Ecclesiastes 9:5

Do you think that delving into darkness has no consequences? I recently saw on TikTok a lifelike doll created in the exact image of the baby that had died. It is known as the “Reborn Doll.” It gives the parents the ability to touch, hold, and speak with their deceased baby forever. If this phenomenon does not make you awaken you to the prevailing darkness in this world. Pray immediately! You have become desensitized to the power of evil.

God has given us His guidelines. Read the warnings in Leviticus 19. The only evil practice that has changed from biblical times to the present is the sacrifice of human beings [as far as we know]. The Israelites loved to engage in pagan worship.

“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31

The Bible provides the most accurate history of paganism. The Israelites freed from Egyptian slavery never received their reward of entering the Promised Land. “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted.” Numbers 11:5. If their complaints were not accurately documented in the Bible, one may think and laugh out loud, “Who would desire to return to slavery over food?”

Our carnal cravings have propelled us into a world of darkness far more advanced than the biblical Israelites. We have embraced ungodly beliefs, rituals, art, movies, music, morals, values, and norms that feed our desires for the unknown–a dimension beyond our boring existence. The pursuit of happiness is causing us to achieve our desires by any means necessary.

Satan’s most significant achievements in the 21st Century:

Acceptance of false teachings and false prophets who speak false prophecies.
Churches who water down the scriptures. Pastors preaching motivational speeches as the money flows in from members hearing “feel-good sermons.”
Sexual immorality. Marital infidelity, etc.
The state of the dead–the belief they are among us, reincarnation, rebirth, ghosts, the dead presently in heaven or hell, etc.
Chasing success and material wealth.
Fascination with the occult.
Abusive and neglectful relationships.
Challenging God’s truth–the Bible.
Presenting himself as a victim–Lucifer, the fallen angel who God refused to forgive.
Leading us to turn ourselves into idols. “I worship myself by pursuing my right to happiness.”
Just believe that God exists, and you will receive eternal life.

But the greatest modern-day deception is that “Jesus Christ is not the Son of God and He is not the way to God or salvation.” Read: John 14:6.

Many have given up the hope that Jesus Christ is coming again. Even so, it is of no consequence how we believe. He said it and God cannot lie.

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

The Reality: The darkness in our world can only be overshadowed by the Light of the World–Jesus Christ.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 5:1-7

We cannot blend righteousness with ungodly people, places, and rituals of this life. God has planned a perfect home for the faithful. Read Revelation chapters 21-22 every day until you can form a visual picture of your forever home.

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

Prayer: God, we pray for your strength and power to shield ourselves against the spiritual wickedness on earth. May we have the desire and make preparation for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Having Certainty in Chaos

We live in a time of constant change. Despite our astute skills and life experience, many individuals struggle to maintain balance and consistency in their current lifestyles. The pressure remains for us to embrace and pursue upgrades from the food we eat to the vehicles that we drive. Instead of our homes representing a safe haven and comfort zone, someone has convinced us that happiness and tranquility are only available when purchasing their amenities. And yes, we convince ourselves that spending money does result in a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Technology represents power and demands a presence that remains unmatched in its hypnotic effects on our brains. We must have it, the latest and the greatest. The cellular device we bought six months ago is worthless and ready to be recycled. The dream of 5G and beyond has reached fruition and is the here and now. Is 5G available in your area? Because the big V not only “Has Thousands of Smarter 5G towers,” they also proclaim “This is 5G Built Right,” and we can “Feel the power of 5G Ultra Wideband.” Yet, a significant security breach has occurred, and customer’s demographics and other personal information have been displayed between the firm’s employees and customers. Bitdefender Total Security. Are we compromising our values to overlook the exposure of highly confidential data?

Yes, we are striving for the lifestyles of the animated series [cartoon], “The Jetsons,” created by Hanna-Barbera that aired from 1962-1963. Almost six decades ago, the future was represented as the epitome of perfection. We were supposed to achieve self-actualization by the 21st century. Where is our utopia? “A utopia is an imaginary community or society that possesses highly desirable or nearly perfect qualities for its citizens.” Wikipedia

Sadly, we sacrifice our mental and emotional health to fulfill our desires [that others have convinced us that it was our idea] for material possessions. We readily embrace the deception of a false sense of security that comes from possessing tangible assets. At what point do we say, “Enough is enough?”

We have so little time to give to God. Our spiritual health is suffering from malnutrition. In tough times of adversities that Jesus promised would happen: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, we crash and burn because we do not have the knowledge of God’s promises. There is no time to build and sustain a relationship with God. The distractions of the “little gods” of this world have caused us to promise our Creator that we will do better tomorrow [by praying and studying the Bible], but tomorrow never comes.

We can change if we have the desire and courage to change!

Embrace the sacrifice of Jesus Christ: “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 (BSB),

Jesus says to “Build on the Rock.” He is the only source of certainty in the chaos that engulfs our minds, bodies, and souls. It is the “Rock” that provides peace, true joy, and the reward of eternal life.

Certainty: A firm conviction that something is the case.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (BSB)

Prayer: God, we admit that we do not know where to begin in achieving certainty in our lives. Yes, we desperately need your help and your guidance. Today we say, “enough is enough.” Please forgive us and reveal your plans to get us out of our chaotic lifestyles. We ask this prayer in the powerful and worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Humanity Requires Divine Intervention

Nothing is worse than trying to recover and putting the pieces back together from making a wrong decision. Most of us can recall a time when we thought that we would lose our minds. But we made it. Yes, somehow, we made it through the impossible time.

But have you ever thought about how the pieces came back together? God says, “I change not,” extended grace and mercy that you probably did not recognize as Divine Intervention. Matthew 5:45 NIV says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God also blesses those who oppose Him because He is fair and just.

Do you recognize the blessings [small and great] and thank Him with a prayer of gratitude? God created us to fully depend on Him. Yes, it is His intention to keep us from making life-altering mistakes by asking for His plans to be revealed in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We were not created to endure suffering and hardships because of our disobedience. There are many times when other people cause immense grief in our lives. Even so, God who knows our future. Nothing that happens comes as a surprise, there are no oops moments with God.

Our outlook when experiencing trials and sorrows depends on our perception of God. If we view God as [a little god], then our faith and trust in Him will be nonexistent. But for those who view God as “Mighty and Powerful” have the assurance that He will bring them through the toughest hardships. Yes, we will have to persevere as we endure God’s silence and His extended waiting times for deliverance. And how will we react when the outcome differs significantly from our expectations? We must not lose hope. Remain as courageous and confident as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who boldly proclaimed, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:18.

And who was the fourth person in the fiery furnace? None other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Bible Reading: Daniel 3

Prayer: God, our faith is not even the size of a mustard seed. How quickly we forget about the blessings you have granted us throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for thinking, acting, and living independently as if you do not exist. Our lives are in turmoil and we need your help desperately. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in powerful name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Edited 7/1/2021 2pm

VIP Status

Why are we feeling depressed, worried, and anxious? As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are on the Who’s Who list with God. He knows our name, needs, the number of hairs on our head, and our strengths and weaknesses. And, never forget, we are the only created beings made in His image, not the angels or the animal and plant kingdoms. Jesus died for humanity. That is the greatest love we will ever know. No earthly status compares to our level of importance when we align ourselves with Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. The reward is eternal life living in a New Heaven and New Earth forever and ever. Amen.

The Refreshing Relationship

Is there anything you feel is standing between you and God?

Many have created a spiritual comfort zone that includes certain behaviors and habits that compromise their relationship with Jesus Christ. Holding on to stuff, emotional scars, unforgiveness, relationships with unbelievers, wayward habits, and secret sins prevent us from having a serious relationship with God. Although our secret sins are unknown to others, God is fully aware of the self-seeking desires that keep us distanced from Him. Can you imagine being in a committed relationship with a significant other involved with you and someone else?

The above question contains two words, “you feel” which immediately places us in the realm of compromise. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9. God leaves no stone unturned when He says that we cannot evaluate ourselves according to our standards. No one is exempt. It is easy to say, “Oh no, I would never do that” or ask “How could they have done something so terrible?” Yet, we neglect God by placing more importance on the demands of people, places of entertainment, and things that make us feel good.

How do we know if we are obedient and following God’s commandments? The Bible is our guidebook to living faith-based righteous lives. The Bible is not a self-help book. Yes, we study the Bible for knowledge. Even so, God never expected us to travel this journey without His help. Our connection with God is vital because He is the source of our strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.… ” John 15:5-6

It is our faith that causes us to have a totally dependent relationship with God. When we finally decide to serve God wholeheartedly, we can have trials of fire, seasons of darkness, and continually thirsty souls. Still, we also will have the confidence and courage to wait on the Lord our God who promises to deliver us.

The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

Prayer: God, we are standing in the need of prayer. We confess that we are wavering between you and our self-seeking desires, and for this we ask for forgiveness. We desire to have a relationship with you built on faith, trust, and obedience. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Here’s to Your Health: Grades A-D

My career as a nurse mainly consisted of employment in non-traditional settings with two positions in the Criminal Justice system. The NJ State of Corrections had a minimal correctional facility in Trenton, where I served as Health Administrator. In my initial interview with Mr. Oliver, the Director was pleasant enough with only one warning, “If you get involved with any of the residents, your nursing career is over.” No chance of that ever happening!

The most interesting information he shared during the interview was that the Food Services Director was a chef. Mr. Oliver gave two reasons: 1. The foods you eat impact the spiritual, mental, and emotional components as well as the physical body. 2. The chef was also contracted as his personal chef and prepared his daily lunch and dinner.

Truthfully, I had never encountered a man like Mr. Oliver, who was always in a good mood but strutted around the facility on his rounds like a peacock. So, the other nurse and I dubbed him “The Peacock.” We accused him of being arrogant and decided that we would never marry a man like that. Keep this thought in mind. We will refer to it later.

One morning, I overslept. It was my habit to take my lunch, but I did not have time. Because of the re-entry process, the medical staff did not leave the facility during their shift. Lunch for the residents was from 12-1 pm, and for the staff from 1-2 pm. At 1 pm, I went to the dining area to ask for a plate [residents also had kitchen duty]. But then I heard the chef’s voice, “I will take care of the nursing staff.”

Our conversation:

“Sister, how are you? What can I do for you?”

“I am hungry, overslept and did not have time to fix my lunch.”

“Sister, you do not want to eat this food.” I gave a blank stare and remained silent. “You know that I am a Chef?” “Yes,” I replied.

“Food is graded from A-D with D being the lowest that is not fit for human consumption, it is usually fed to animals, and our food is grade D.” I ended up eating a peanut butter sandwich and drank bottled water.

Fast forward 20 years, and 98% of my food is organically and responsibly grown. Many argue that organic food is a waste of money, and that’s okay. Nor do I eat food from fast-food restaurants, as the majority of individuals frequent. I am not here to judge. But this is what I know. At 62, I am in optimal health. I have several diagnoses that are stable. The Grade A nutrients that I feed my body, along with the power of God, have healed me mentally, emotionally, and physically and have resulted in increased cognition and energy. My spiritual relationship with God has reached a deeper level because my total health is optimized.

Back to Mr. Oliver, I was wrong. It was not arrogance that made him strut around like a peacock, nor did he take happy pills or drink energy drinks to make it through the day. No, this was self-love that honored God for creating him in His image. Twenty years later, I fully understand Mr. Oliver’s enthusiasm about life. I also enjoy happiness [inner joy], the high-energy level, increased mental acuity, and the knowledge and wisdom of taking care of one’s temple. In fact, I, too, find myself doing the “Peacock strut.”

Bible verse: I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

Prayer: God, we thank you for making us in your image. Help us to start and maintain the journey to achieve optimal health. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

It Takes Courage for the Journey

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 13

One of the hardest things that you will ever do is maintain the courage to keep your covenant vow with God. You will be tested by Satan, who will use your closest friends, family, and your desires to test your convictions to serve God. Our desires indicate whether or not we are serving God with unwavering faith, trust, and obedience. Often we fall into the temptations of sin, still, you must pray and stand against the deceptions of spiritual wickedness. Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome!

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Yesterday, I reached the crossroads of Obedience and Disobedience. God has spoken to me through my Pastor and several other individuals to stop all communication with an individual who no longer served God and did not have my best interest in mind. You know what? I prayed and asked God to give me the courage and strength to completely sever this relationship. God answered my prayer immediately. It happened yesterday. The relationship is over!

What made the difference? Divine intervention! God knows that I love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Before the 30 days of Prayer, I identified deficits in my character that required change. I prayed for spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, God reached down from heaven and manifested His power to eliminate a huge problem that I struggled with for a long time.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

We can agree that life is tough! Even so, obedience to God places us in the position to receive the blessings of peace and inner joy. When we do our part: Having courage [standing our ground] against all deceptions [people, places, and things] that Satan uses to lead us down the “Road of Disobedience,” then our Warrior God steps in, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.

Choose to always obey God! Our reward of eternal life depends on the humility to be an obedient servant of the Most-High God.

Scripture: But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.” Exodus 14:13

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness of the sin of disobedience. We desire to serve you wholeheartedly. Please help us have the courage to give up the people and the desires that separate us from you. Thank you for your divine intervention. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The Skin Controversy

Last night, I watched a believer defend his right to tattoo his body. He stated, ” You are looking at the outside of my body, but God knows my heart.”

God’s answer: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9

Documented history: The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattooing to penalize slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war. While decorative tattooing was looked down upon, pagan religious tattooing was accepted and practiced in Egypt and Syria.

God’s answer: Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

2. Recently, I looked through my google photos, and found some uploaded pics from the 1980s where the sides and back of my head was buzz cropped–shaved. It was fashionable back then and now head shaving for women is readily accepted. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

God’s answer: But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 1 Corinthians 11:15

3. The many breathtaking circular designs that skilled barbers design in your head are also pagan practices signifying worship of other gods.

God’s answer: In Leviticus chapter 19, God gave instructions on not conforming to pagan hairstyles which signified worship of other deities–pagan gods or goddesses.

4. Assimilation: the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas. We have readily adapted to many worldly practices, and most of us do not have a complete understanding of their historical meaning. Believers, why do we have a dislike for studying the Bible?

God’s answer: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6

5. We have downgraded the holy standards of God because we do not desire to fully commit ourselves to God. The Bible [Old and New Testaments] reveal God’s righteousness. Fact: Many believers do not believe in the Old Testament. I can assure you that if we studied the first five books of the Bible (Genesis-Deuteronomy), we would view God with a greater level of reverence and honor.

God’s answer: God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Isaiah 55:11

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16

My personal decision is to surrender and follow Jesus until my last breath. I have not lived a naive life. During my rebellious period, I explored all that the world has to offer. It is my desire to have eternal life by giving up habits, people, places, and things. Whatever God requires me to do, I will do it.

Jesus said: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:27-30

Jesus always faced controversy and death-threats for speaking the truth: Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. John 10:31; They got up, drove him out of town, and brought him to the edge of the hill that their town was built on, intending to hurl him over the cliff. Luke 4:29. Never once did our Lord and Savior give in to the majority opinion nor was He swayed to accept the temptations of this world.

Certainly, we have a choice to faithfully follow God’s standards of righteousness or to follow our own desires and attempt to incorporate them as a New Age Christianity.

God’s answer: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11

Bible Study: John 10

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for blending our unrighteousness with your holiness. It is our desire to love and serve you with our hearts, souls, and minds. Please teach us to live holy and acceptable lives that are pleasing to you. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus that we may have eternal life. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

Sabbath Blessings

As we watch the condition of our world rapidly decline, we can refer to the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Our relationship with God determines our destiny. Either we will choose eternal life by total surrender and submission to God, or we will choose the final death by seeking after worldly pleasures.

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3