Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 4, 2024
“He must increase and I must decrease.” —John 3:30
The humility demonstrated by the prophet John the Baptist is the righteous trait we must possess to be a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. In His earthly life, Jesus was always submissive to God, the Father, therefore, we die daily to our desires by surrendering to God’s will and plans. Discipleship requires us to maintain a “…child-like, submissive, and teachable spirit.”
Surrender is a daily act of humility. Every day, we choose to obey God by our prayer, Lord, what will You have me to do? From our prayers, we receive God’s plans and the strength and direction from the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will for the given day. Our faithful obedience is the catalyst for the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts and transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” — John 8:29
Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of growth and development performed by the Holy Spirit. Our vow of faithful obedience to God, the Father indicates our willingness to strive for holiness. The human effort of surrender extends the invitation for Christ, our Heavenly High Priest, and Intercessor to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Winning the daily battle of surrendering our will and heart’s desires to God is to decide that we will not sin against God and to act accordingly by renouncing sin and overcoming temptation with the power of the Holy Spirit.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
Being created in Jesus’ image included the spiritual gifts of power, love, and a sound mind [self-control]. We are not helpless! We choose to sin! Even Satan with all of his evil power cannot coerce us to sin. When we love God and appreciate the gift of His Son, Jesus, our choice of maintaining a steadfast relationship with Him reveals that our hearts are filled with overwhelming love and loyalty for Christ.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ ” —Hebrews 13:6
Living a sacrificial life not only demands self-denial but also requires us to renounce sin and redirect our focus from the affairs of this world to turning our eyes on Jesus. Never compromise your salvation for individuals who have no desire to fully commit themselves to God. And yes, from striving to please God, we will lose many relationships, yet, Jesus promises, “…I will never leave you or forsake you.”
The Narrow Way
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14
To fulfill our roles as disciples of Christ is to pray, seek, and carry out God’s will. Through our contrition and faithful obedience, we receive the blessing of King Jesus’ supernatural strength. We live in perilous times, pray five times more than you are currently praying. Through daily prayer, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the blessings of spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to live righteously.
“But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” —Philippians 3:7-8, BSB
The apostle Paul reminds us that the earthly treasures and relationships we lose for Christ are gainful to our Christian experience and relationship with Christ. Let go of all baggage [people, places, and personal habits] that fail to honor God and impede your spiritual growth. Our lifestyle including associations with peers, family members, social activities, and pursuits reveals whether or not we are lifting up the Name of Jesus. “Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
“And [in reverent fear and obedience] Enoch walked with God; and he was not [found among men], because God took him [away to be home with Him].” —Genesis 5:24, Amplified Bible
Most sermons fail to inform us that we may have to walk alone on the Path of Righteousness—without human support. Yet, the Scriptures indicate the believer’s journey with Jesus has always been a one-to-one, heart-to-heart, righteous relationship with God. “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). Christ gives us the assurance that spiritually, we are never alone!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
Living a Christ-centered, Bible-Based life requires much faith, courage, and dependency on God! From a lifestyle of worship, we are showered with Divine joy, peace, and happiness. We have a higher purpose than this world has to offer. Yet, we strive to maintain a spirit of humility in our interactions with others.
Our Christ-like love, righteous thoughts, gentleness, compassionate spoken words, behaviors, and habits are the greatest witness of our commitment to glorifying the Righteous Name of Jesus.
Lord God, we pray for an increase in our faith and the courage to renounce sin in all forms. We ask for blessings of Divine Strength, wisdom, and discernment as we navigate life’s tumultuous journey. Our desire is to receive our Crown of Life when You come again. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
©2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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