Tag: Sabbath

The Privilege and Power of Prayer

The Privilege and Power of Prayer Sabbath Devotional Reading and Podcast

Our Christian experience is like a stream of water always flowing forward from the source. Our Source of life is Jesus Christ. Consistent prayer keeps us connected to our Source which is the reason the apostle Paul admonishes us to pray without ceasing. Effective communication is the key to building a loving, faithful, and trusting relationship with Christ.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6, NIV).

Corporate prayer is not enough to build our relationship with Christ and produce the spiritual transformation necessary to receive eternal life. It is the daily one-to-one prayers that strengthen our faith and trust in God. We are promised rewards [not necessarily financial] for diligently seeking God.

Prayer is the precious privilege of speaking to our Heavenly Father—prayer is a two-way conversation between us and God. Our prayers are an essential element of worship. Personal prayers allow us to share our innermost thoughts which leads to an intimate relationship with Christ.

Establishing the habit of prayer draws us closer to God. We learn to recognize His guidance, and the various ways He speaks to us through the Scriptures, our thoughts, and sometimes other people who also have a close relationship with Him. “…Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” –Matthew 6:10

“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” –James 5:16

Prayer changes our perception of God. We begin to love God from the depths of our hearts. Willingly we surrender and obey our Heavenly Father. Time spent with God reveals the benefits, we have peace of mind despite our hardships. Our faith and confidence grow and we dedicate ourselves to doing His will. Consistent prayer builds an unbreakable bond between us and God.

As we witness His miraculous power, we place our complete trust in God. And the benefits of being fully reliant on our Father? Faith replaces fear and we enjoy the blessings of peace and joy. We have the assurance that God always keeps His promises. Never alone!

There is no need to worry about tomorrow, our lives are in His hands. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

We are not limited to praying only behind closed doors. Whether our prayers are silent or audible, we can pray anytime and anywhere. Regardless of the circumstances, minor or major, whisper a prayer for Divine Intervention immediately. Never let yourself become too busy to pray.

Despite our job or stay-at-home obligations, we can always incorporate a few 5-minute mini sessions of prayer to ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit who will give our souls a spiritual refreshment of comfort and strength. Feeling tired at work? Pray for strength instead of having a cup of coffee.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

How did we end up thinking that we had to travel this spiritual journey alone? God never expected us to live without His Divine Intervention. For us to have the reassurance that God will take care of us throughout our lifespan, we not only need to become prayer warriors, but we also require knowledge. Studying the Bible is not optional in the believer’s life. The Scriptures reveal God’s character and His promises to the righteous.

There is a reason the apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Much prayer brings much power! The vicissitudes of life are challenging. We will always feel overwhelmed when trying to resolve our trials and sorrows alone. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls'” (Matthew 11:28-29).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

None of us are exempt from the hardships that cause our emotions to escalate and drain our mental resolve and physical energy. When faced with adversity, weighed down with sorrow, feeling lonely, or out of options, do not let your emotions think for you. Do not do what you feel like doing! Pray! Pray even if the tears are flowing like a waterfall. You may have to take a day off of work to be alone with Jesus. Pray in faith, believing God’s promises.

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…'” (Isaiah 43:verses 1,2, and 3).

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

When we approach God in prayer, He requires us to have faith—believing that He will do exactly what He said in His promises. Perhaps you are a new believer or never committed to accepting Jesus as your Savior and do not understand the definition of faith. Grab your Bible or use an online version with audio and study Hebrews chapter 11. Pray a simple prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for an understanding of the Scriptures.

Even if you are not familiar with any of God’s promises in the Bible, proclaim your faith by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior. This may be your first prayer, “God, I don’t know Your promises, but I believe in Your Son, Jesus, and accept Him as my personal Savior. I am tired of living and feeling like there is no hope. I am asking you to come into my life and change my heart. I need Your help. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.” Although it appears that we are in a hopeless dilemma, remember nothing is impossible with God!

The love of God is matchless! With determination, believe that we serve an Omnipotent God who promises to take care of us. “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all…” (Psalm 34:19).

Praying in faith means that you trust God to answer your prayer according to His will. Yes, our heartfelt, honest prayer was received, but we may have to wait for the answer. The Holy Spirit intercedes by taking every prayer to Jesus, Our Heavenly Intercessor and High Priest.

Although, we do not have to beg God for help, praying once is never enough! Many pray and then worry or attempt to answer their own prayers by developing Plans A and B because they expect God to resolve their dilemmas immediately.

Never dishonor God by demanding Divine Intervention right now. There are times when God includes a period of waiting to test our faith. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).

Never give up! Keep praying and stay faithful. “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

Incorporating the habit of prayer into our lives strengthens us. Any time of the day or night we can have unlimited talks with Jesus. Silent prayers are just as effective as audible prayers. Many Christians miss out on the blessings of peace, joy, and a worry-free life because they let the seed of doubt enter their minds.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” –Hebrews 4:14

If you nurture doubt, the weed of worry grows and suffocates your faith. When feeling any negative emotion, immediately pray. Pray without ceasing to obtain victory! Forming the habit of much prayer provides confidence and courage. We have access to our High Priest, Jesus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who never sleeps or slumbers.

Prayer transforms our hearts. With humility, we recognize our dependency on God. Through prayer, we honor and glorify God and we receive the power to resist temptation and uphold God’s righteous standards. Prayer allows us to commune with God.

Prayer is our highest form of praise and worship to a powerful and loving God. Those who have a consistent prayer life possess a spirit of reverence for God. They desire to please Him by seeking His guidance and following His plans.

Jesus is our Divine Role Model: “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” –Luke 6:12

“Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome.” Ellen G. White


Prayer keeps us in alignment with God’s will and His plans for our lives. From consistent prayer, we begin to recognize God speaking to us through the Holy Spirit who often uses our mind to give us answers. Have you prayed and then received the answer as a thought? Or you knew that the decision you were going to make didn’t feel right?

Always pray for protection from physical danger and spiritual warfare. Every day our prayers should include a request for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment.

Prayer allows us to receive blessings and victorious outcomes even when the outlook is dismal. Pray, pray, pray to stay connected to the Source, Jesus Christ!

The Lord’s Prayer: After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

© 2023 Steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

The Sabbath Blessing of Receiving Complete Restoration

I was 15 years old when I made the decision to keep the Sabbath. And it was the best life-changing decision that I have ever made. God knew the pace of life would wear us down mentally, emotionally, and physically. By Friday, most are in a state of exhaustion. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, we have time to focus on our relationship with Christ which helps us to determine what our priorities should be–always keeping God first.

Sabbath is like being away at a resort or spa where all of your stress and worries melt away. Only Sabbath keepers get to enjoy our time receiving the blessing of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical restoration and strength every week. Thank You, God, for creating the Sabbath for humanity. Have a blessed and happy Sabbath!

Optimal Health Requires Daily Movement

Optimal Health Requires Daily Movement Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” –3 John 1:2

Happy Sabbath! This morning during worship the devotional spoke about God’s original plan for us to have daily physical exercise. I got dressed and went for a walk. Truthfully, it has been one week, since I walked long enough for it to be beneficial to my internal organs. I prayed and thanked God for a sound mind and relatively healthy body. And yes, I feel great!

“Inactivity is the greatest curse that could come upon most invalids. When invalids have nothing to occupy their time and attention, their thoughts become centered upon themselves, and they grow morbid and irritable.” EGW

This quote uses strong words to emphasize the negative impact of living daily without physical exercise. God created our bodies to have an anatomy–structure without excessive weight and muscular definition so the physiology–function of our cardiovascular [heart] and respiratory [lungs] systems function properly and nourish our internal organs for the duration of our lives.

Advanced technology has resulted in a sedentary society of individuals plagued with an increase in mental health issues, out-of-control emotions, and declining physical health. Screen time has decreased our ability to cope with life’s normal issues. The work-life balance is tilted to the side of overworking.

Most people are so stressed their lives are not enjoyable. We are pushing ourselves beyond God’s limits for the human body. If you are exhausted by the end of the day you cannot wait to get home to relax, engage in screen time and fall asleep then your lifestyle is unhealthy.

The cycle of inactivity is detrimental. One false belief is that a person who is at their normal weight does not need to exercise. Whether our weight is normal or abnormal, every person needs daily exercise for at least 20 minutes. Without sustained movement, eventually, the body becomes deconditioned resulting in a decline in one’s health.

We cannot change the non-modifiable factors including hereditary diseases such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. Some individuals have maintained healthy lifestyles and still end up with chronic diseases. Changing our lifestyle is a modifiable factor that we can accomplish.

There is a major difference between a person whose diagnosis is uncontrolled because of their counterproductive lifestyle choices and one who has the same diagnosis that is controlled due to a healthy lifestyle. Reaching and sustaining optimal health requires daily exercise which is just as important as eating nutritious foods and taking prescribed medications.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

God created the mind and body to maintain a harmonious relationship. What exactly does that mean? Healthy minds require healthy bodies! Compromised physical health results in a domino effect–a person’s spiritual health declines as well as their mental and emotional health.

We cannot maintain a relationship with Christ when we are sluggish. Falling asleep when studying the Bible or listening to a sermon in the church whether in-house or virtual indicates that our minds and bodies are not in balance, known as homeostasis.

Getting started. If you have chronic diseases consult your physician first. Stay hydrated with water and avoid intense sunlight. Dehydration requires medical intervention! Walking outdoors in nature in the early morning hours is best. If you live in the concrete jungle, rearrange your schedule to walk in the park. God gave us nature to remind us of His love and goodness.

Psychologists and Naturopathic practitioners agree that nature nurtures our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Even if you have a gym membership or treadmill at home incorporate nature walks unless wintry conditions prevent outdoor exercise. Can’t exercise outdoors until spring? Watch a nature documentary while you exercise. Even when not exercising, incorporating nature documentaries into your screen time still provides a boost to our mental health. Our earth still has many beautiful places that we can explore virtually.

Daily physical movement for at least 20 to 30 minutes in nature enables the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to function at an optimal level, stabilizes one’s emotions, is the cure for laziness, and enables us to have a greater appreciation of God who created our wonderfully made minds and bodies. Get moving!

Prayer: God, we thank You for creating our wonderful minds and bodies in your image. Give us the strength and wisdom to change our sedentary lifestyles and improve our overall health by exercising and embracing our gift of nature.

© 2023 Steps2yourspiritualsolutions

Sabbath Restoration [Reupload]

The 7th day Sabbath has always been controversial in the religious community. I have never found evidence in the Bible that God changed the Creation Sabbath to Sunday. Emperor Constantine was responsible for Sun worship–Sunday. Does the day matter? God says that the seventh day is Holy, so if it didn’t matter would He have blessed, made the seventh day holy, and rested from all His work?

Adam and Eve kept the Sabbath and they were not of Jewish descent. The only law abolished was the ceremonial law of sacrificing animals. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil between the Holy and the Holy of Holies ripped from top to bottom, indicating no need for earthly [human] priests any longer. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb in heaven serving as humanity’s Intercessor.

I have been a Sabbath keeper for 50 years by choice. Why? Because I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. I believe that God never changed the holy day of worship. And because obedience to God is an absolute requirement to receive the reward of eternal life, I am siding with the Scriptures. My recommendation is to fast and pray about Saturday Sabbath observance. The Holy Spirit never fails to reveal the truth to those who are seeking it. Have a Happy and Blessed Sabbath!

“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” (Genesis 2:1-3)

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” (Exodus 20:8-11)

© 2023 Steps2yourspiritualsolutions