Revelation 21-22 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

“What does it mean to be a Christian?” God’s Answer: The Message of the Cross

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] Only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, Amplified Bible).

If a coworker asked you, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” how would you respond?

Our answer is John 3:16: “God, the Father gave His only Son, Jesus Christ…” revealing that we understand that “The Message of the Cross,” always focuses on God, the Father’s, and [Jesus] God, the Son’s Life-Giving Plan of Redemption.

The Apostle Paul explains the difficulty of the human mind comprehending The Message of The Cross: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

“We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19).

When we initially accepted Christ as our Savior, it is God, the Holy Spirit, who gave us the wisdom to understand the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ Love, the Sacrificial Gift of His Life, and His Power to cleanse us from the unrighteousness of sin.

The Blood of Jesus Washes Us and We Are Spiritually Clean: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What a beautiful and foundational Truth!

“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14).

“The Message of The Cross [Jesus Christ] is the Core Foundation of the Christian Faith. It is God’s Ultimate Act of Sacrificial Love, the forgiveness of sins, and the Power of Salvation for those who believe!”

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (Proverbs 2:6, ESV).

Without asking the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom and knowledge, our understanding and perception of God’s Saving and Redeeming Grace is severely limited.

Daily worship invites the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom and strength we need for our spiritual journey and growth; The Spirit of Truth also teaches us the deepest meaning of God’s Holy Scriptures [God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways, Isaiah 55:8-9].

Like the Athenians in the Apostle Paul’s era, who had an altar inscribed “To The Unknown God” many of today’s believers do not understand that Jesus is the Foundation of Christianity, or even know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Bible is our Spiritual Guide. We must study for ourselves. Not knowing who God is and how to apply Christian principles to everyday life, diminishes one’s faith in a Loving God, who gave His all when Jesus went to the Cross to save our souls.

It is God, the Holy Spirit, who gives us the spiritual wisdom and discernment to comprehend the Holy Scriptures, and The Life-Giving and Life-Saving Message of The Cross.

The Answer to Living a Victorious Life Through Jesus Christ: “Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Jesus’ Promise: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3).

God honors us when we consecrate and surrender ourselves daily to follow Jesus Christ, our Shepherd. The Christian Journey requires living a Christ-Centered life of faithful obedience, dedicated to worshiping God through Prayer and Bible Study.

In morning worship, ask for wisdom. And day by day, the Holy Spirit will empower you to see life through spiritual eyes, giving you the Spiritual Discernment to grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ Sacrificial Gift of His Life on Calvary’s Cross.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13, ESV).

God is Omniscient, perceiving time as Eternal, and His Wisdom is higher than we can ever imagine. The Bible is unequivocally Superior to all human knowledge, strategies, and thoughts, and artificial intelligence.

Our prayer for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ Love and the Message of the Cross is immediately answered by the Holy Spirit. Whether we are new to studying the Bible or have studied for years, we can never exhaust the Wisdom of God.

Our Heavenly Father is Loving, meeting us exactly where we are in our journey with Christ. When we do our part, the Holy Spirit establishes a spiritual foundation, gradually teaching us God’s Higher Thoughts, and how to live righteously.

Sanctification is the Spiritual process of being changed into the likeness of Christ Righteous Character. Study Matthew 11:29 and Galatians 5:22-23.

“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

When we pray and study the Holy Scriptures, God, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our minds and hearts, preparing us for a Holy Heavenly Home.

Recognizing Spiritual Transformation: Not only will our desires be different, we will not speak words, or engage in activities that bring shame and dishonor to our Heavenly Father.

Reflection: Does your heart align with the Righteousness of Christ? Our thoughts reflect whether our eyes are on the prize of the Crown of Life, or if we are focusing on the meaningless things of this Earth.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8, NLT).

Everyday we must remind ourselves that we are the blessed recipients of God’s Love, Grace, Mercy, and Salvation. Keep yourself on a high Spiritual Alert! In these Last Days [2 Timothy 3], Satan is busy!

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).

Never let your emotions make decisions for you. Fight uncertainties and temptations by whispering prayers for God’s Guidance and Strength throughout your day!

The Holy Spirit responds by strengthening our faith, giving us directions, and redirecting our focus back to Jesus Christ, our Risen and Triumphant King.

The joy of the Lord is our strength! Because of the magnitude of Jesus’ Gift of Eternal Life, our hearts should overflow with love and gratitude.

Study Revelation Chapters 21-22, memorizing the love and beauty of our future Forever Home.

In John 16:33, Jesus warns us in advance that our Spiritual Journey would be tough, but with His Guidance, Strength, Power, we can face life with courage, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Pray, trust, and depend on Jesus’ Strength.

From a spiritual perspective, there is no reason for a praying Christian believer not to be full of Jesus’ joy, peace, and happiness. Every minute of the hour of the day, we must fight the good fight of faith!

Immediately Respond to All Temptations With Prayer

Be aware of your thoughts and desires! Without the Holy Spirit converting our heart, the inherited human heart is filled with desires of greed that can never be satisfied!

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19, 21).

Allowing ourselves to be mesmerized by Satan’s temporary material possessions and money spiritually disconnects us from Christ.

Greed changes our hearts from pure to unclean, and evicts the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit no longer resides within us, we lose our spiritual focus, and the ability to think clearly.

Praying for our heart’s desires [success, material possessions, money, and relationships] will receive an answer of “No” from God. Why?

God’s priority is to change our character. We can come to Jesus, Just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. Spiritual Transformation is a slow process, requiring a lifelong journey of little steps of growth.

We cannot change ourselves, nor can we speed up the spiritual rate of growth, our responsibility is to follow, obey Christ, and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

God gave Jesus to save us from the wages of sin; and He desires to give us His Best Blessings in the New Heaven and New Earth, not on this temporary Earth that has no future.

Trust God, who knows the future and redirect your faith and focus back to Jesus! Change your prayer to, “Lord God, I want what You desire for me.”

“To him who overcomes, I will give the Crown of Life” is Jesus’ promise. It’s time for us to think, act, and live as if we are blessed recipients of Salvation and will soon receive our reward of Eternal Life.

We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth preparing everyday for our Forever Eternal home. Yes and Amen!

When our goals align with Jesus’ Promises in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12, this Earth becomes insignificant. Jesus is Coming! We are waiting for our inheritance of the Crown of Life.

Use your faith to trust God and His Excellent Thoughts and Plans, which are designed to give us hope and a blessed Eternal Future with Jesus, our LORD of Lords and KING of Kings.

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hell and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18).

Lord God, we pray for a Spiritual Revival and Reformation in our hearts. We ask You to forgive us for our sins, and to give us clarity and strength when we are uncertain of why we are Christians. We confess that we are not studying Your Holy Scriptures as we should and our prayer life is weak. Lord, today we commit to loving and honoring You as You deserve. Thank You for reminding us that because You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ to save us from the second death, we owe You faithful obedience, and honor, glory, and praise. We know that You love us, forgive us for not returning Your love. Today, we desire to restart our spiritual journey. Lord, teach us how to be holy. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jesus Proclaims: “All Power and Authority Has Been Given To Me”

Throughout the Bible, Jesus revealed His Power and Authority: When the disciples and the other followers in their boats were facing death from a vicious stormy sea, Jesus stood up in the boat and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still,”

“…the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” (Matthew 8:27).

“The raising of Lazarus is one of Jesus’ most profound miracles, detailed in the Gospel of John. It is the ultimate display and proof of His Power over death and serves as a preview of His own Resurrection.”

Jesus tells us that without Him we cannot function spiritually without Him: “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).

Behavior Modification, stopping habits and behaviors that produce negative consequences is not Spiritual Growth and Character Transformation.

When we accepted Christ as our Savior, He accepted us just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. “For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:16).

Jesus’ Power and Authority: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

To be holy cannot be accomplished by using human thoughts and strength. Spiritually, we cannot change our heart, mind, and character, only Jesus can cleanse and change the human heart!

Cooperation is our responsibility! We must renounce sin and follow Jesus with faithful obedience; only then can the Holy Spirit give us a clean heart that is responsive to Jesus’ Voice, guiding us day by day in our spiritual journey.

Daily surrender invites the Holy Spirit to Sanctify our thoughts, words, behaviors, and lifestyle. We use our faith to pray, asking for guidance, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.

To differentiate between our thoughts and God’s Guidance, we ask ourselves, Does this thought reflect, honor, and glorify God?

Because God loves us, He gave Jesus, as the Sacrificial Lamb to redeem us from the consequences of sin. (John 3:16). We choose to accept or reject Christ, and we choose our destiny of life or death.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Our Salvation requires an active faith, trust, and obedience to God. We must know the difference between God’s Absolute Truth and Satan’s false teachings.

Keeping our focus on Christ requires Biblical knowledge and the intentional awareness of the people, programs, and activities that we allow to enter our lives.

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, BSB).

Every Son and Daughter of God is the target of Satan’s Spiritual Warfare. All of Heaven is dedicated to guiding and protecting us from Satan’s covert deceptions and temptations.

As Children of the Light, we are responsible for maintaining control of our Gift of Time. Always pay close attention to interruptions and distractions.

Saying No, to most unplanned activities is necessary, so we can spend quality time with our Savior and Shepherd in personal worship.

To Grow Closer to Jesus Christ, Practice Separation, Solitude, and Silence

We dismiss all desires and distractions that prevent us from praying for and receiving Jesus’ Divine Guidance, Wisdom and Strength.

It is the time we spend in personal worship that invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures, and what we need to do to maintain an unbreakable spiritual connection with Christ.

Studying and obeying God’s Precious Promises, His Commands, Precepts, Moral Law, and the Life of Christ in the Holy Scriptures is crucial for our Spiritual Transformation.

The Scriptures reinforce God’s Truth, reveal His Promises, give us the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes, and teach us how to think, respond, and live as Jesus did in His earthly life.

“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).

Satan cannot deceive Christ’s followers, who make it their priority to have daily Bible Study, whispering prayers throughout their day, asking for wisdom, discernment, and Jesus’ Power. “Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To receive spiritual growth and character transformation, we cannot rely on hearing weekly sermons. Just as physical food is required daily, every day, we must engage in personal worship with the goals to learn how to live righteously.

We receive spiritual empowerment from the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s Will and Plans for the given day. “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done,” is the prayer of victory that demonstrates our willingness to obey God.

The Apostle Paul was an awesome, loving, and caring Pastor to the members of the Early Churches; the Believers faced continuous challenges and hardships, because paganism [idolatry] was the standard of worship:

“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. 2 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).

Paul’s instructions to each of his churches: Consecrate yourself to Christ by letting go of unrighteous people, worldly behaviors, profane words and habits, and immorality are still valid for us today.

To be a Christian is to remain steadfast in our Spiritual Journey with Jesus. We must learn to hate sin!

Following Christ may cause us to lose relationships with friends, family members, and at times, our jobs. Facing compromising situations is the true test of our faith.

The possibility of loss reveals to us whether or not, we really believe in Jesus’ Sovereign Power and Authority. Even if your faith is weak, Never compromise!

Our faith will be tested. Still, we must possess courage and the ability to say “No, I will not sin against God!”

I can recall a behind closed doors meeting with the company’s Regional Nursing Director, who relayed an unwritten corrupt policy that I was expected to follow; her exact words, “I will return to your office in 1 hour and we can discuss the changes that will be implemented.”

I prayed and within 10 minutes, walked to her office and stated, “I am ready to meet with you.” She smiled with the look of victory on her face. She entered my office with confidence, but my words were brief, “I emailed Human Resources my letter of resignation that is effective today.”

Her response, ” I cannot believe that you are willing to give up this excellent job.” Within a week, God blessed me with a new job that was a work from home position.

Reflection: Do we really believe that Jesus has All Power and Authority?

Our faith and trust in God’s Love, Sovereign Authority, Power, and Promises is the foundation of our beliefs, morals, values, and most importantly builds and sustains our relationship with Christ.

“…continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the Name of Christ]. (Philippians 2:12, Amplified Bible).

The Holy Spirit is responsible for performing the lifelong spiritual process of Sanctification: The daily spiritual growth and transformation of our mind and character, and our role is to cooperate with surrender and obedience.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).

“God requires a decision on who we will serve, challenging us to make an active, daily choice between worldly influences and God.”

We were created with the power of choice, to either love and obey Christ, or to reject Him and live as we please. God will never coerce us to follow Jesus or to participate with the Holy Spirit.

Many believer’s pursuits and lifestyles reveal they are content with receiving only earthly rewards. But to follow Christ, there is no middle ground, and no areas of compromise; we cannot think and live as we please and inherit the reward of Eternal Life.

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10).

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ has a remnant of faithful followers that love Him, denying themselves of life’s pleasures to implicitly [without hesitation] follow Him.

When our love and loyalty is to Jesus Christ and we desire our reward of the Crown of Life, then we will remain steadfast, and the Holy Spirit will give us the Mind of Christ. Yes and Amen!

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth and the light. We are instructed to represent His Love, Light, and Righteousness in a morally corrupt and dark Earth.

We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth! Prepare every day for your Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As Sons and Daughters of God, who are preparing for our King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming, our thoughts, spoken words, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle must always represent the Righteousness of Christ.

Even when facing the brutal loss of income, relationships, marriage, and severe health challenges, we may feel weak and dejected, but in faith, we must remember that Jesus Christ is still in control!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Loving Christ is to experientially know Him, only then can we abide in Him..Studying the Life of Christ changes our desires, thought processes, and goals, inviting the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, teach us spiritual priorities, and strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus’ Divine Power.

When our journey is tough, and we feel our faith failing, deeply reflect on Jesus’ Promise: “My Power will give you the Strength, you need.”

Immediately Pray for Divine Comfort, Strength, and the Power to persevere! Your prayer will be answered before you say, Amen!

“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).

To stay on the Narrow Path, like the men in the boat, we must ask ourselves, “Who is Jesus Christ?” He is the Only One who can save the human soul!

Through His blood, we are forgiven, and our heart, mind, character, and body are cleansed from the unrighteousness of sin.

Jesus covers us with His Righteousness, transforming us daily into His likeness through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Because of Jesus’ Infinite Love, we can receive the Power to overcome sin, and to live holy!

The Cost of Our Redemption: “…the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

Who Am I? Jesus, God, the Son’s Answer: “‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God'” “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.'” (Revelation 3:14; Revelation 22:13).

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 21:3).

Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and Promises to empower us with Your strength to overcome the temptations and the darkness of sin on this present Earth. We ask You to forgive us for the many times, we have rejected Your Love by following our sinful desires. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us with an Everlasting Love and willingly sacrificing Your life to save our souls. Today, we consecrate ourselves to follow Jesus with humility, surrender, and faithful obedience. We ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our spiritual journey, especially when we are discouraged by our presenting circumstances. We look forward to the day when there will be no more sin and grief. Until then we ask You to please be our Strength. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

The Lifestyle That Reveals We Love Christ

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6).

Who is Jesus [Yeshua]? Jesus is the Only Son of God, the Father and Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead [the Holy Spirit is the Third Person].

In Hebrews Chapter 1, God, the Father makes the absolute declaration that Jesus, His Son is also God, refuting that Jesus is a created angel:

“For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?…Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6).

“But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions. (Hebrews 1:8-9).

God, the Father proclaims again that Jesus is not a created angel:

“But to which of the angels has He [God, the Father] ever said: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).

The Creation of This World and Humanity

God, Jesus Christ created the world and life, by His spoken words, with the exception of Adam and Eve, who, He formed with His hands.

“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3:).

Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

The Creation of Human Beings

“‘Let us make’ is evidence of the Godhead working in unison. God, the Father and God, the Son planned and executed the creation of humanity together.”

Outward Resemblance and Character: “Humanity was created in God’s image both in physical form (bearing a likeness to their Maker) and in moral character. This gave Adam and Eve perfect, holy attributes where reason controlled their passions and their affections were pure.”

“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s One and Only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT).

Jesus Proclaims His Authority: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18).

Because the powerful Jewish rulers denied that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus proclaimed His Authoritative Status given to Him by God the Father to His disciples.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11).

So that every believer has conclusive proof that Jesus is also God, the Holy Scriptures validate that God, Jesus Christ has always existed with God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit.

Yes, we are given conclusive evidence that we must revere Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Savior, Heavenly Intercessor, and Mediator through the worship of faithful obedience.

Our Royal Status: We are Sons and Daughters, heirs of the Promise, who are preparing to live with and worship Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior and Triumphant King, for Eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Living As True and Faithful Believers reveals to the world that we are Sons and Daughters of God!

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14-17, ESV).

Satan’s False Teaching: We can live as we desire and still inherit our Crown of Life.

“But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Obedience to Jesus is not an option.

“Empty Profession: Simply calling Jesus ‘Lord’ is just a verbal acknowledgment; only acknowledging His authority means little without obedience.”

True discipleship requires actively applying and obeying God’s Spoken Words, [the Holy Scriptures] to direct your thoughts, behaviors, actions, and lifestyle to reveal obedience to God’s command, “Be holy, for I am Holy.”

God not only calls believers to have a pure heart and clean lifestyle, but Jesus actively supplies the strength to achieve it. We can do nothing for our Spiritual growth and transformation without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

“The Bible clearly teaches that living a holy life is not achieved through human willpower alone, but through the transforming Power and daily guidance of God’s Spirit.”

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5, 8).

If God the Father required Jesus, God, the Son, in His earthly life to faithfully obey Him, then we as created human beings, certainly must acknowledge God’s Sovereign Authority over this universe and our lives through obedience.

Reflection: If we obey our employer’s policies and procedures, and county, state, and governmental laws and regulations, then how much more does God expect us [mortals who live and die] to worship Him through daily surrender, humility, and faithful obedience?

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38).

When we love God, following Jesus with total surrender and faithful obedience is not a burden or an inconvenience.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).

“We love Jesus because He first loved us,” unselfishly sacrificing His life to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is the second and final death [Romans 6:23].

We love Jesus because through His blood, we have the opportunity to overcome sin and receive the greatest reward of living with Him forever [John 14:1-3, Revelation 21-22].

“I will praise you with my whole heart; I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 138:1, Psalm 139:14).

It is our heartfelt worship of obedience, praising God with our prayers of gratitude and singing joyfully that reveals our reverence, love, and loyalty to the Sovereign and Faithful God, the Sustainer of our lives.

The Path of Righteousness is Narrow, requiring a commitment to live a sacrificial, holy life of self-denial and overcoming our desires and Satan’s temptations through the Power of the Holy Spirit [Romans 12:1-2].

The Beginning of Our Spiritual Journey With Jesus: From our declaration of faith to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, He cleansed us from all our unrighteousness, giving us a pure heart.

Abiding in Christ is a lifelong commitment of following Jesus, requiring continuous Prayer, Bible Study, and asking for His Divine Guidance and Strength.

Daily spiritual growth and character transformation requires a partnership with the Holy Spirit; we must use our power of self-control to say No to our desires, sinful pleasures, and chasing wealth and success.

Keeping our faith and focus on Christ and being content with our blessings, denying our sinful desires, and Satan’s earthly pleasures is the lifestyle of a dedicated follower of Christ.

From our love and willingness to humbly follow Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to Sanctify us, resulting in Jesus covering us with His Righteousness, and this is the Life of an Overcomer. Yes and Amen!

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelation 3:21).

Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant…” (Psalm 51:10; Psalm 86:16). Lord God, with surrender and adoration, we kneel before Your Throne of Grace, asking for Divine Strength and Guidance. As we strive to live holy, we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Lord, teach us how to reveal Your light into a world that is dark from the plague of sin. We look forward to Jesus’ Second Advent when we will finally see our King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Triumphant Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Walk of Faith Is A Lifelong Journey

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21).

Praying for God’s direction before making decisions reveals if our faith and trust is in God’s Faithfulness and His Promises.

Last week, I had a conversation with the maintenance supervisor in our complex and he shared with me that he is teaching his 9-year-old daughter to think carefully and slowly about the decisions that she makes.

Every decision, either produces good results or negative consequences. The consequences take away our happiness and peace, leaving in our minds a dark cloud of misery and regret. This is the surprising part, he is an unbeliever.

The Scriptures teach us to Always Rely On God! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean [rely] on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5).

Reflection: In John 3:16, God proclaims absolute proof of His love for humanity. Our love relationship with Jesus Christ requires reciprocity; Jesus loves us and we love Him by being faithful and obedient.

Unless we love God and practice our spiritual gift of self-control [2 Timothy 1:7], our desires will force us to compromise and disobey every directive that God has given us in the Holy Bible.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2: ESV).

The Believer’s Walk of Faith is a lifelong journey of daily self-denial, surrender, and faithful obedience to God.

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.'” (Jeremiah 17:5, NLT).

King Solomon learned from experience, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). From studying the Bible, we find that God is doing all He can to keep us from being lost.

We have a Heavenly Father, who cares about the smallest details in our lives, and expects us to pray for His guidance and obey, by doing exactly what He tells us to do.

Adam, Eve, Cain, and Samson’s decisions teach us that relying on human wisdom is always a deadly choice, producing unwanted consequences. All repented, except Cain, who embraced pagan customs.

We cannot know what is going to happen from one minute to the next minute, or guarantee the outcomes of our decisions. If we love God, then we Rely on God.

The Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy, who he was training to become a Pastor: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2 Timothy 2:7).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12).

Self-Reliance reveals that the bitter fruit of Pride has taken root in our heart, preventing our Spiritual Teacher and Guide, the Holy Spirit, from giving us the wisdom to make the right decisions, according to God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways [Isaiah 55:8-9].

“Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14, MTB).

We Pray, Wait for God’s Answer, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our thoughts, and the Holy Scriptures.

Not only do we receive God’s Answer, but the Holy Spirit also gives us clear and concise directions to do exactly what God has commanded.

When God emancipated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the journey to the Promised Land was only 11 days. Because of their continuous disobedience of doing as they pleased, they wandered aimlessly in the wilderness for 40 years.

The Final Outcome: “Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me.” (Numbers 14:29).

“God declared that everyone 20 years and older would perish in the wilderness—due to the people’s disobedience and lack of faith after the spies returned from Canaan.”

Joshua and Caleb were the only two faithful and obedient men from the generation freed from Egyptian slavery, who received their reward of entering the Promised Land.

Canaan, the Promised Land in the Old Testament symbolizes The New Heaven and New Earth in Revelation chapters 21-22.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). On the Day of Judgment, what possible answer can we provide to Jesus’ question?

The Walk of Faith requires a sacrificial life of seeking God’s Guidance through continuous Prayer, Bible Study, Faith, Surrender, and Obedience.

Are we willing to faithfully obey God for the remainder of our lives, which is required to receive Jesus’ Promise in John 14:1-3?

Lord God, we ask You to forgive us for our sins of disobedience and self-reliance. We also ask You to give us wisdom and strength, and to guide us in our daily lives as we prepare for Jesus’ Second Advent. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Preparing for Heaven – Eternity With Jesus Christ

The Final Victory: 1 Corinthians 15:50-54

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

53 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

54 “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.'” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54).

When we believe Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3, our worship, thoughts, and lifestyles reflect that we are “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” preparing every day for the Coming of Jesus Christ.

The Sacrificial Life: (Romans 12:1-2).

“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.”

(2) “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.”

A God First life is purpose-driven and requires daily surrender and faithful obedience. Our personal agenda includes our thoughts, decisions, pursuits, goals, and lifestyles that are never placed above God’s Will and Plans.

“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).

Because it is impossible for us to change ourselves, achieve spiritual growth, or stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness without Divine Intervention, through personal worship, we include God by prayerfully seeking His guidance before making decisions, even when we feel they are insignificant.

Spiritual Time Management: “See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

“Redeeming the time” is God’s directive for believers to make the most of our precious gift of time to grow closer to Christ.

We ask and rely on the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom: “…so we act with spiritual diligence, using our gift of time for God’s purpose rather than wasting life on seeking the trivial things of earthly treasures and pleasures.”

“What could this world possibly offer that’s worth forfeiting what Christ offers us?”

Every Believer’s Spiritual Status: “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” preparing every day for the Soon Coming of Jesus Christ.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).

“Why is the promise of Eternal Life so crucial to all that we believe?”

It is not enough to know Jesus promised us eternity with Him. Spiritual preparation is a dally endeavor that requires the Human Effort of seeking God, and relying on the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations; gives us wisdom and discernment, teaches us the One and Only meaning of God’s Truth; corrects us when we disobey by following our thoughts; and guides us in using our faith to trust and obey God.

No, we will not understand His Highest thoughts and ways [Isaiah 55:8-9], but because He is The Sovereign God of the universe, Who sustains our lives, we honor and revere Him.

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

The Christian journey is the toughest experience that we will ever endure. To stay on the Path of Righteousness requires daily surrender, self-denial, and faithful obedience. But when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we receive Jesus’ Divine Strength, which is guaranteed to empower us to live as victorious overcomers. Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: John 14:1-3

Lord God, we desire to receive Jesus’ promise of a Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth. Lord, we need your help! In faith, we obey Your command to come before Your Throne of Grace, because we need Your Divine Wisdom, Guidance, and Strength to continue our journey. We renew our commitment to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.