Romans 12 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Enjoying Jesus’ Peace In Times of Uncertainty

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. (John 16:33, Amplified Bible)

Jesus warned us in advance that uncertainty will be present on this Earth until His Second Coming. Yet, if we use our faith to rely on Him for guidance, we will receive His Perfect Peace, and the Divine Strength to have a Victorious faith, despite our circumstances.

The following is an excerpt from a Devotional Reading, I read this morning.

“It’s hard when a situation doesn’t look anything like we thought it would. Especially if, like me, you like a plan. I like all involved to follow along with the plan.”

“And I certainly don’t want any unexpected deviations from or disappointments with the plan at all, ever.”

Yes, this is the writer’s honest feelings, but if Christian believers possess this [unrealistic] mindset, we will never receive the spiritual joy, peace, and confidence that comes from using our faith to completely trust in God’s Perfect Plans for our lives.

I am not passing judgment. For most of my life, I nurtured self-reliance, one of pride’s bitter fruits. Yes, by using prior experience and various strategies, I attempted to control outcomes, which led to a medical diagnosis of insomnia, and spiritual separation from God.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Not only did I lose sleep and my gift of peace, since I was not studying the Bible, I failed to realize that excluding God is disobedience, resulting in a spiritual disconnection from Jesus Christ.

“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).

Thankfully Jesus intervened. One day, while browsing on YouTube, I came across a Sermon that helped me to understand God’s perspective on Christians who rely on their own thoughts and ways; we are in a spiritual state of rebellion against God.

God’s Command: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the members of the Ephesus Church: (Ephesians 2:1-3).

“And you He made alive, who were [spiritually] dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind…”

When we follow our thoughts and strategies, instead of praying for God’s Divine Guidance, asking Him to reveal His will and plans, spiritually, we are on the same level as unbelievers, who the Apostle Paul refers to as “sons of disobedience.”

Reflection: Brothers and Sisters, where do we stand spiritually with God in 2026? Are we part of the Christian majority, whose First Response to their challenges is, “What am I going to do?”

Sadly, the Christian Community has evolved to the point that disobedience to God is an acceptable character trait. But God clarifies the true status of self-governing Christians: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12).

When Jesus was on this earth, in His human form, God, the Father expected His Son to always obey Him. In John 8:29, Jesus proclaimed: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

To remain in right standing with God, and to receive His blessings, the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12 that worshiping God requires a sacrificial lifestyle of humility, self-denial, daily prayer, Bible study, surrender, and faithful obedience.

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV).

Jesus’ Promise to come again should fill us with hope, peace, and joy! The uncertainties of life should never distract us to the point that we are not preparing every day to receive our Eternal Crown of Life [Revelation 22:12].

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that our spiritual journey will be a turbulent one. Yet, Jesus extends an open invitation to the righteous [you and me]: “Pray continuously!”

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).

The True Believer’s Response: “Let us then approach God’s Throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV).

Faithful obedience to God is non-negotiable. Obeying God’s Command in Proverbs 3:5-7, facilitates staying connected to Jesus and alleviates all anxiety and worry when we face life’s uncertainties.

God Is Faithful: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3).

Despite life’s challenges, if we are striving to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit will anoint us with Jesus’ Perfect Peace that permeates the mind, body, and soul with a spirit of calm assurance.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23).

Peace is a spiritual gift that is promised to every one, who uses their faith to trust and obey God, confident [without wavering] that God is always Faithful. Yes and Amen!

No Peace? Return to God and Enjoy Jesus’ Perfect Peace

From studying the Holy Scriptures, we learn the faith, trust, and obedience required to follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. And from our decision to consecrate ourselves daily to God, the Holy Spirit teaches, guides, and keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

Renounce Trusting Yourself: Redirect Your Love, Faith, and Focus Back to Jesus Christ

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8).

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity. We use our faith to believe that Jesus died to redeem us from our sins, and then we commit to following Him with daily surrender, always trusting and obeying His plans for our life.

Faith is the spiritual catalyst that keeps us connected to Jesus! Facing uncertainty? Pray and wait on God [Psalm 27:14].

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly… .” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

Even if your prayer is not answered immediately, do not embrace doubtful thoughts. Remain encouraged, maintain a calm spirit, and even before you receive the blessing, continue to thank God for His Divine Help.

To align ourselves with God’s Will, we must learn God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways [Isaiah 55:8-9]. Every day, we commit to worshiping Him through morning and evening worship [Prayer and Bible Study].

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV). Steadfast Faith and Spiritual Strength are received through studying the Word of God [The Holy Scriptures].

From studying the Bible [Genesis to Revelation], we learn how Loving and Committed Jesus is to His followers: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). We are never alone!

Jesus Christ is our High Priest and Heavenly Intercessor, Who receives every prayer of the righteous through the Holy Spirit.

Separation, Solitude, and Silence invites the Presence of the Holy Spirit to permeate us with the glory of God. We must never forget that when praying, we are approaching the Sovereign God of the universe.

Desire Perfect Peace? Begin praying more. Even if we are at work, we should pray silently throughout our day. Ask God for the spiritual blessings of peace, joy, wisdom, discernment, and strength.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2).

Pray differently: We cannot enjoy Jesus’ Peace, if we are constantly asking for this earth’s temporary material possessions, success, and wealth. Study Matthew 6.

Our Savior and Triumphant King Is Faithful: “Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).

Pray for Stronger Faith: Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with the wisdom and discernment to perceive life through spiritual eyes.

God knows our human weaknesses. When praying, include one or two of God’s Promises and focus on His Sovereign Power. When King Jehoshaphat faced three armies, this is how he prayed:

“O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?…”

“For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Knowing and believing in Jesus’ Promises anchors us to Christ, gives us hope, peace, and redirects our focus from overwhelming circumstances to the Unlimited Power of God.

“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, Legacy Standard Bible).

The Message of The Cross proves that we are loved by God, the Father, and God, Jesus, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.

The righteous have guardian angels [Psalm 91] assigned to protect us from invisible spiritual warfare; our angels keep us out of harm’s way, and comfort and strengthen us in our journey of life.

Every day, we are blessed with the opportunity to invite the presence of God into our lives. Our priority in life is to establish and maintain our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are Temporary Travelers living on a Temporary Earth, preparing for an Eternity of worshiping God, and living in a heavenly atmosphere of Perfect Love, Peace, Joy, and Happiness. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we come, asking You to give us direction, wisdom, strength, and peace. Every day, we face many decisions that we attempt to resolve without Your Divine Help, and for this sin against You, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we desire to be aligned with Your Perfect Will and to receive the Spiritual Peace that gives us comfort, and reinforces Your Great Love for us. We ask You to guide us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, and to reveal any thoughts, habits, and behaviors that would prevent us from receiving our Crown of Life. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Walking On The New Path of Total Surrender

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

When Jesus approached Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, Jesus extended the invitation: “Follow Me’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him…”

Matthew did not have to respond with spoken words; Jesus had the Divine Power to read what is in every human mind and heart, so He knew that Matthew was tired of his journey of walking down a dead end road.

Every day, Matthew heard the people in the marketplace telling others about Jesus’ Teachings of God’s Love for all people, regardless of their social or economic status.

Although Matthew had never personally listened to Jesus’ Teachings, as he sat at the tax collection table, the people constantly talked about a Powerful Man, named Jesus.

And this Jesus, who was from Nazareth healed lepers, opened blind eyes, gave hearing to the deaf, those who were unable to speak, talked, the crippled got up and walked, and He also have the power to cast out demons.

“Mark 7:36-37: Even though Jesus told them not to tell anyone, the people kept talking about it more and more, saying, ‘He does everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'”

Yes, Jesus’ Love, Teachings, and His Ministry of Healing was known throughout Syria. “Yet, Dr. Luke records that when Jesus raised the widow’s son—His reputation of healing power spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”

The Truth is, Matthew knew that he was traveling on a wide path when he learned that Jesus taught one’s status, wealth, and material possessions were worthless in the kingdom of God.

Jesus refuted the Pharisees’ false doctrines that only wealthy individuals would enter heaven. Deep within his heart, Matthew realized that his lifestyle placed him on the broad road, leading to death and destruction.

“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).

Today, Jesus is asking you and me to stop giving Him the ritualistic worship of weekly church attendance, and to “Follow Him” with a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

We must be willing to stop nurturing our habits of self-reliance and disobedience against God; cease following our thoughts and strategies; and stop chasing our desires for this Earth’s temporary treasures, pleasures, and meaningless relationships.

“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV). Jesus knows the true status of every human heart.

Who is sitting on the throne of our heart?

From reflecting on our thoughts, desires, habits, and lifestyle, the truth is revealed; without loving God, and honoring Him with daily surrender and faithful obedience, we are sitting on the throne of our heart.

For Jesus to sit on the throne of our hearts, the Apostle Paul tells us:

“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).

To follow Jesus requires a spirit of humility and a lifelong commitment of daily surrender and obedience.

Through daily personal worship [Prayer, Studying and Obeying the Holy Scriptures], we abide in Christ. Asking for God’s Will to be done in our lives, reveals that we honor and reverence our King’s Sovereign Authority.

When we use our faith to implicitly trust and obey jesus, our Shepherd, the Holy Spirit leads us [day by day] on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for sanctifying and transforming our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous and Divine Character.

When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide gives us knowledge, spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength.

When tempted, it is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to recognize Satan’s covert temptations, and the Holy Spirit convicts our conscience if we try to hide secret sins.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”(Romans 12:9, 11-12, NIV).

Walking on the Narrow Path of Righteousness Requires the Human Effort of Total Surrender, Faithful Obedience, and The Divine Intervention of The Holy Spirit

Everyday, we will face the internal conflict of our hearts, driving us to pursue its desires and the external conflict of Satan’s continuous temptations.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24).

Although we practice self-control, our willpower can never keep us on the Path of Righteousness. We must walk through life on bended knees, asking the Holy Spirit several times a day to give us Divine Strength.

Following Jesus requires faith, courage, and the desire to live righteously. Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus, and we put on our armor, by studying the Scriptures, our Spiritual Sword.

Because of the Cross, we have Total Access to the Saving Power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Yes and Amen!

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited….”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18, NIV).

Lord, we come to You with our stubborn hearts and clenched hands of self-reliance. Yet, we have come to our spiritual senses. Jesus, we love You and desire to follow You. We ask You to forgive us for sitting on the throne of our heart, and excluding You from our lives, by only giving you recognition once a week.

Lord, we are willing to take the leap of faith to trust and obey You. And with trembling hands, we release our character deficits and burdens into Your Holy Hands. As we walk on this New Path of Total Surrender, we ask You to please be our Strength, and to anoint us with the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Jesus’ Love Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, We Are Followers of Christ!

The Rich, Young Ruler “…came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?…'”

“All these I have kept,’ the young man said. ‘What do I still lack?'”

“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Matthew 19: 16, 20-21, NIV).

“To join Jesus meant that this young man had to accept a life of self-denial. With deep interest Jesus watched him weigh the question. With keen insight the ruler understood what he’d been told, but it made him depressed. If he had sensed what he would gain in the gift Jesus offered, he would have become a disciple. Instead, he reflected on what he would lose.” (Commentary).

We have made it to the second month of 2026. Our goal is to have a closer relationship with Christ by any means necessary!

Are you a follower of Christ? Most Christian believers do not consider themselves to be “Followers of Christ.”

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Daily surrender and faithful obedience are the defining characteristics of a true follower of Christ. Deep within our hearts, we know whether or not, God is our priority.

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

Behaviors Revealing Earthly Pursuits

Misplaced Priorities: Focusing entirely on material success, greed, or selfish desires.

Neglecting the Eternal: Trading the eternal, priceless nature of the soul for temporary, passing worldly benefits.

Rejecting Spiritual Life: Failing to surrender to God’s will and instead chasing personal ambition, which results in a life lived without a right relationship with Christ.

If we are caught up in pursuing the distractions of earthly trinkets, pleasures, success, and relationships instead of following Jesus, then sadly, our desires will be our only reward.

To follow Jesus requires much more than attending church once a week. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans chapter 12 that we must live a sacrificial life of self-denial to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.

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

The Characteristics of the Sacrificial Life: Faith, Surrender, Obedience, Courage, and Commitment Are Required to Be a True Follower of Christ

“Every person is as close to God as they want to be.” (A.W. Tozer).

From praying daily for God to reveal His will and studying the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, guidance, and teaches us how to live a holy and acceptable life, pleasing to God.

How close are we to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 gives us the answer: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

From reading this description, one may think that the apostle Paul is referring to unbelievers; but unbelievers do not have a form of godliness. He is describing believers who have failed to commit to living the sacrificial life of self-denial that is required to be followers of Jesus Christ.

When we appreciate God’s love and Jesus’ great sacrifice, we love God; and, it is not a burden or an inconvenience for us to live the sacrificial and obedient life required to be a true follower of Christ.

“However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8, Amplified Bible).

Lord God, does our lifestyle reflect that we are committed followers of Jesus Christ? If not, we ask you to reveal the habits and people, we must give up to live a God First, Christ-centered, Bible-based life. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.