Tag: Sabbath

Historically, the United States Marine Corps had a catchphrase, The Few, The Proud, Always Faithful. The Corps has always boasted that only those who achieve excellence [which requires going beyond human strength] become Marines.

As an outsider looking in, I am challenging their proclamation that becoming a Marine is the highest victory that one can achieve in life. Yes, they withstood the grueling environments, but once they have completed their enlistment or retirement from the Corps, they can live according to their dictates.

The Toughest Journey in Life: Christianity Requires Human Effort Plus Divine Intervention to Succeed Because Our Spiritual Journey lasts a Lifetime. Once we become soldiers in the Army of God, we are always soldiers [if we remain faithful].

Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior with earnest conviction is Conversion. And then the grueling journey begins! Endurance and perseverance through the hard times of suffering that may last for months or years is God’s spiritual process of Sanctification which takes a lifetime.

Jesus forewarned what would happen when we decided to become a soldier in God’s Army: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you 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.

Military soldiers complete their enlistment unless they receive an early honorable [based on medical diagnoses] or a dishonorable discharge. AWOL–Not completing one’s enlistment time is a criminal act.

Becoming a Christian does not mean one will stay a Christian. The Apostle Paul tells us there will be a great apostasy–falling away from God before Jesus comes.

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled …Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…(2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).

The continuous cycle of unexpected harsh trials or chasing carnal desires causes many to fall away. We do not understand that our characters are being changed for a perfect and holy life for eternity. Suffering is the way we can become righteous. Those who fail to endure trials and tribulations will not receive their heavenly reward of eternal life.

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. –Revelation 21:8

Yet the Apostle John says there is another group of Christians who made it first on the long list of sinners–the cowards—those who are fearful will also miss out on eternal life. Those who deny Christ, as evidenced by their cowardly actions–take the side of the opposers by verbal agreement or remain silent when controversial subjects such as pro-choice arise. Cowardly Christians do not stand for the truth around their friends because they fear rejection.

An example of falling away: Living a double life by attending church weekly but sinning on demand because you love pleasure. God will not interfere in our decision not to serve Him.

Some situations call for immediate spiritual intervention. Christians who become overwhelmed with their trials and those who are confused about the Biblical truth because they do not understand the role of the Holy Spirit are the first to fall away from God. Praying for yourself must be done first, but additional spiritual counseling from a pastor or a fellow believer who is a steadfast prayer warrior is also needed.

When fear overpowers our minds, it indicates a loss of faith in God. Christians who fear persecution from unbelievers, rejection from family members and friends, do not believe angels keep us safe by fighting spiritual warfare, are afraid of spontaneous demon possession, and fear the Second Coming of Jesus are just a few examples of cowardice.

Because fear is based on our mental perception, not even therapeutic counseling can eliminate our fear. Sadly, fearful Christians are at the highest risk for apostasy. Only faith can erase fear!

“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.

The Apostle Paul mentored young Timothy as Pastor of the Early Church. When Paul was imprisoned, Timothy was afraid that he would also have to endure persecution. Paul’s spiritual reminder to Timothy was a loving but stern rebuke reminding him of our spiritual gifts and responsibilities to Christ.

God does not expect us to do the impossible. He never created us to bear our earthly burdens without Jesus’ Divine Intervention. When we are at our limits, trapped by out-of-control emotions, and ready to give up, pray, Jesus, I cannot stay on this journey without Your help.

Something happens when we call on the name of Jesus for help—the Holy Spirit arrives immediately, and extra angels are sent from heaven to fight the spiritual warfare we are going through. Study Daniel chapter 9.

When you are ready to throw your Christianity–relationship with Jesus away, go to a quiet place to be alone and take a bottle of water with you. Drink the water. And then pray and cry out to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. His promise, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8). Close your eyes and believe that your prayer has been sent faster than the speed of light to Jesus, Our Heavenly Intercessor.

If you quietly wait, you will feel the rush of a Mighty Wind–the Holy Spirit imparting spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to your mind and body. And then make certain that you pray a prayer of gratitude.

To my brothers and sisters, I am not writing a fictional story or referencing biblical history. This is my testimony of a meltdown experience today. I felt that the vicissitudes in my life were too overwhelming. And I reacted first instead of praying immediately. Still, through my tears, I began to ask Jesus for His help. The power of God brought spiritual strength to my mind and body. I started singing, grabbed my laptop, and started writing these words of encouragement.

We do not have to be ashamed of our weaknesses. Yet, we must present ourselves to Jesus through prayer.

Yes, the struggle is real, but Victory through Jesus is guaranteed! We have come too far to give up. Praying several times a day during peaceful times enables us to develop a lifestyle of prayer and reliance on God. Even when the overwhelming trials come, our first response will be to pray. Jesus never fails!

Bible Study: John chapter 17

Prayer: God, we thank You for your Love and Divine Intervention. We bring our burdens to You in faith. We know that You will take them and will deliver us. We pray for the patience to wait on Your timing. Anoint us with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can view life through spiritual eyes. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. In Jesus’ name, we have victory. Hallelujah! Amen!

Devotional Reading—Our Willingness to Learn Determines Our Destiny By Sonya Johnson

In the 1990s, the nursing staff at the facility where I worked were scheduled for a mandatory meeting. Many anticipated the news that we would receive a hefty raise in salary or that the company was purchased by another organization. No, our educated guesses were wrong. We were signing up for a mandatory one-week educational seminar to learn electronic medical records software.

I was among the younger group of nurses who were elated that the tedious job of handwritten patient documentation was ending. Yet, I remember looking at many faces portraying disgust and anger. In anticipation of refusal to learn the software, the Administrator emphasized that our jobs were reliant on making the transition from handwritten documentation to electronic documentation within 30 days.

The nurses who were resistant attempted to stifle progress by filing a grievance–which they lost. The facility lost 50-60% of its nursing staff [either by resignation or termination] who were not willing to learn electronic health record documentation.

Resistance to learning is a forever problem that impedes the progression of one’s life.

“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

God anticipated that we would need divine intervention. We were created with the innate traits and abilities to travel the journey on the Path of Righteousness. Our lives revolve around a continuous cycle of learning, falling down, and repentance. Yet, if we surrender daily to God, we change from fulfilling the desires of our carnal hearts to one of righteous living.

For the Christian believer, resistance to learning prevents us from achieving the daily spiritual growth of becoming like Christ, Sanctification. For our destiny to be the New Heaven and New Earth, we must endure the change necessary to have the Character of Christ. It’s a tough journey. Even so, we are never alone!

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” –Matthew 6:6

The Learning Curve: With the noise of world news, social media, and life events, we are challenged to recognize the quiet voice of God. Develop the habit of isolation when worshipping God. Forget about the cell phone and the cares of life in your communion with God. Taking the time to allow the Holy Spirit to provide spiritual renewal and restoration is of utmost importance. Break the habit of saying a prayer on the go. Many times we pray, say Amen, and never receive God’s answers because we failed to heed His command, “Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, first part).

We require daily prayer to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Learning to remain in a posture [mindset] of waiting for God to reveal His will and plans along with the diligent study of the Holy Bible is vital for knowing who the Trinity Godhead—God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are and their purpose in our spiritual journey.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.” –Matthew 11:29, Amplified Bible

What does it mean to take Jesus’ yoke?

“Wearing the yoke with Christ means to…to be a copartner with Him in His sufferings and toils for lost humanity. In accepting Christ’s yoke of restraint and obedience, you will find that it is of the greatest help to you. Wearing this yoke keeps you near the side of Christ, and He bears the heaviest part of the load.” Ellen G.White

“…to those who have no might He increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). God comes and takes us out of our emotionalism, and then our complaining turns into a hymn of praise. The only way to know the strength of God is to take the yoke [burden] of Jesus upon us and to learn from Him.” Oswald Chambers

The reward of Eternal life requires us to give up all hindrances and worldly pleasures. To consecrate our all to Jesus Christ [which requires sacrificial giving] goes against our carnal heart’s desires. “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’” —Revelation 3:17.

Continuous spiritual learning is the foundation for our lifelong journey of Sanctification. Obedience and restraint [temperance, self-control] mandate that our hearts are filled with humility and we have a mindset of perseverance. To be a disciple of Christ, we must learn to endure suffering. Yet, the Apostle Paul who lived the remainder of His life in prison and became a martyr for Christ gives us words of hope.

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” –2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Yes, as Christians we are on a forever learning curve. Never forget that Jesus gave us the priceless gift of Redemption. Every test, trial, and hardship prepares us for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Just as an athlete learns to eat the balanced meals that provide them with the energy to sustain their daily training for competitive events, we must learn to feed daily on the Word of God to receive the spiritual strength to endure the Christian race.

Bible Study: 2 Corinthians chapter 4

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to endure the race. Help us to understand that we must have the Character of Christ to receive the reward of eternal life. With humility, we ask You to empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we can learn to live obediently and righteously in preparation for our forever lives in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.