Sabbath – Page 46 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

24 hours of Peace, Praise, and Worship

Happy Sabbath!

Sabbath Devotional: Living with Faith, Hope, and Gratitude

Life in the 1970s in a small Texas town was tough. There was a significant disparity between the financially wealthy and the rest of us. Poverty transcended all barriers; there were only two classes of people, the rich and the poor.

But, we also belonged to a church family who looked out for each other. Most of us had very little, yet, we were happy. Our faith in God was strong. We prayed continuously and were confident that God would answer. Our joy was evident because we always knew that God would give us our essential needs (Matthew 6). In addition, every Sabbath after lunch, we passed out literature in our assigned areas. Yes, those times are precious memories.

We had great faith as we prayed, prepared, and looked forward to Jesus coming again.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and many believers are feeling anxious, worried, overwhelmed, depressed, and hopeless. What brought about the change?

As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. Luke 17:12-13. The men with leprosy heard of the great Messiah who healed those with many illnesses and raised the dead. When they saw Jesus, all ten men used their loud voices to ask Him for mercy.

Jesus commanded them to go and show themselves to the priest, which took unwavering faith. Remember that lepers were outcasts and not allowed to mix with other people. All ten obeyed Jesus’ command to, “Go.” Because of their faith and obedience, they received healing from the dreadful disease that excluded them from society.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God he fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16. Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to say, “Thank you.”

In this story, the desire to receive healing was reflected by their desperation. But even more importantly, they recognized Jesus and ten men loudly asked Him for mercy. When Jesus told them to go to the priests, they didn’t say, “Jesus, we are not allowed to go into the city, nor can we go into the synagogue.” The lepers faithfully obeyed Jesus’ command, and received healing. But only one of the ten had a grateful heart. And it is gratitude that caused him to turn around to thank Jesus.

Why was the man’s ethnicity of being a Samaritan emphasized? Because the Jews had no interactions with the unbelieving and unrighteous Samaritans. Even so, he did not care about society’s restrictions. The healed man took another giant leap of faith and went back to Jesus to say, “Thank you.”

Most believers of today acknowledge the deity of God, our Creator. Yet, we are so distracted by our circumstances that our faith is almost nonexistent. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27.

Our outlook is bleak when we enter the season of darkness [hardships, trials, and sorrows], nor do we focus on the fact that God always keeps His promises.

What happens when we accumulate wealth? Due to financial prosperity, we begin to forget where the prosperity comes from. We take our eyes off Him and start looking at our wealth. We begin to worship the tangible things instead of the Creator. Alexis, contributor

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We have adapted and conformed to the “self-help” mindset of the world. As we try to figure out the solutions, we are desperate, but our desperation is not for Jesus.

The busyness of our lifestyles has prevented us from having an up-close and personal relationship with God. Simply put, we do not have time to put God first.

Although our faults are many, we can change our current way of thinking, acting, and living. Jesus paid a high price for us. He kept his promise to die for our sins. And now Jesus is still serving us by being our Heavenly Intercessor, presenting us as faultless before God when we confess and repent of our sins.

Always put God first! When we possess a spirit of gratitude, we recognize every blessing, great or small, and we readily thank God for His never-ending grace and mercies.

This is our blessed hope: Jesus promises us that He is coming again!

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:12-13, 20

Bible Study: Matthew 6, and Revelation 22

God, we are so caught up in life’s circumstances that we have lost our faith, hope, and total belief in you. We ask forgiveness for focusing on ourselves. We acknowledge that without your love, grace, and mercy, we would be hopeless. Please give us the strength to change and to put you first. We ask for a renewal of our commitment as we faithfully serve you and prepare for the Second Coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Sabbath!

Remembering Jesus’ great sacrifice should produce prayers of forgiveness and thankfulness every day. Our Savior suffered, bled and died for you and me. Jesus gave His life to prevent the destruction of the human race.

Oh, how He loves you and me. He gave his life on Calvary, what more could He do?

Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13

Prayer: God, we thank you for giving your only Son, Jesus Christ who died for the redemption of our sins, but rose again. And Jesus, we thank you for your unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice your life for humanity. Thank you, for being our Heavenly Intercessor. As we prepare for your soon coming, we pray for perseverance, and the desire, and obedience to live holy and righteous lives. We ask this prayer in your Worthy Name. Amen.

Remember your Gift

Thank you God for the gift of the Sabbath. Amen.

Happy Sabbath God’s Spiritual Spa

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy. Exodus 8:11

It was reported that our former first lady, Melania Trump visits the spa on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day. There is a common thread among humanity, we require love and attention. Life is harsh! Whether one is wealthy or impoverished, hungry or full, no one is spared from the vicissitudes–a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant–of life.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What makes the difference to having and living everyday with peace and inner joy is our response to the never-ending struggles. If we are seeking solace or answers from nature, spas, yoga, meditation, sleep apps or deep-breathing exercises then we are relying on alternative therapies instead of God, our Creator.

Throughout the Bible, God instructs us to remember. Why? We look at our reflection once or twice a day and quickly forget what we visualized. In fact, we can look in the mirror in the morning and by the evening when we look again, we may not even recognize the image we see. It is the fleeting moments that affect us but we don’t have the ability to grasp or control them.

So, we embrace the hardships and the rigors in our lives as if they were newborn babies. And then the bitter fruits of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, worries, and depression take root, and begin to flourish.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Omniscience–all knowing is a quality that only God possesses. The Creator of humanity was fully aware that we would have a poor memory of who He is when our trials hit. Yes, God knows how easily we become overwhelmed. Hence the reason, He created us with the desire to seek Him for love and attention. But God does not force us, contrary to what Satan wants us to believe, we are not enslaved. We have the freewill of choice to serve God or not to serve Him.

If we say, yes to God then He provides us with the knowledge to be overcomers.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, and he watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

God expects us to acknowledge, remember, and obey His commandments everyday. For 24 hours from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, our Creator gives us the solution to overcoming the ruggedness of life by spending one-to-one time with Him. We receive a much-needed break by observing the Sabbath. 24 hours of God-time erases the stress from the vicissitudes that burden us from the other six days of the week.

We have our Creator who says, “Remember the [seventh day Sabbath] to keep it holy,” and I will commune with you and re-energize, refresh, and strengthen your soul. We have God’s Spiritual Spa available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where He sends our Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. But the Sabbath is Holy! It is our prime time to devote one complete day to our Creator. All we have to do is obey and shut out the issues that trouble us the other six days of the week.

Membership in God’s Spa gives us free access to the Spiritual Team of God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit and the countless army of angels who never sleep or grow weary. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components must have daily communion with God to function properly. We should worship God everyday, but He set aside and designated the Sabbath, 24 hours as Holy.

Our perception of God along with our definition of holiness impacts our desire to obey the fourth commandment. Serving God is up close and personal. I decided that I would stop following humanity’s strategies to obtain peace, contentment, and inner joy a very long time ago.

We cannot compete with God! If we believe that we were created in the image of God then we should bow down and worship Him with faith, trust, and obedience. It is when we fail to obey by immediately communicating with God in prayer that our emotions escalate, and we worry as the unbelievers do.

God has given us a membership with unlimited access to His Spiritual Spa. Our membership was paid by the precious blood of Jesus who sacrificed His life that we may have redemption. He is alive and serves as our Heavenly Intercessor soon to come again for the faithful. So go ahead, take your daily visits and enjoy your weekly sabbaticals in the only spa that provides communion with the Trinity Godhead.

Jesus told us exactly what He would provide for us, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus is our prayer. God, our Father we love you. It is our desire to embrace the membership to your Spiritual Spa paid by the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Sabbath and for loving us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

“Do you trust me?”

Happy Sabbath!

The human heart naturally gravitates toward fear, anxiety, and worry when we cannot resolve our challenges. Although we verbalize that we fully trust in God, prolonged adversity can leave us with doubt. We become uneasy and focus on our circumstances. Even David, who killed bears, lions, and the giant, Goliath was honest when he expressed his fears, Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3. God is aware that our hearts are fragile and that we would cave into the hardships of life.

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 AMP

Diligent study of the Bible provides us with the knowledge of who God is and allows us to become familiar with humanity’s victories and defeats. Having a personal relationship with God is the only way to trust in Him when faced with tribulations.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17.

We do not have to be a prophet for God to hear and answer our prayers. The theme of the Bible is the love of God. His love is endless for those that He created from the dust of the ground. We belong to God, and oh how He loves you and me. When we humble ourselves and pray, through His Divine intervention, God unleashes His power. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

God is asking us, “Do you trust me?” The key to possessing total trust in God: And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5. It is our love for God that produces faith–believing that if God said it, then He will do it.

We were created to depend on God. Children run to their parents when they are afraid.

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4

“Do you trust me?” Changing our mindset to become like children allows us to answer God’s question with a resounding “Yes, God, I trust you!”

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.

Happy Sabbath!

Bible Study: 2 Kings 6

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have relied too much on ourselves. We ask forgiveness for overconfidence in our ability to solve challenges. We are feeling weary and pray for your Divine intervention. Thank you for reminding us that you are always here for us. As we honor you on this Sabbath day, we pray for the blessings of peace and joy. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Sabbath! Bountiful Blessings

You cannot spend day after day in the world without its affecting your mind and will and heart. It doesn’t take long to become disoriented to the ways of God. The world has a dulling effect on your spiritual sensibilities. God established the Sabbath, so His people could take an entire day to refocus on Him and His will for them after spending six days in the world. Today’s Devotional-Experiencing God Day-by-Day

Have we reached this conclusion? God desires that humanity receive the fruits of His love: grace, mercy, provisions, and protection. Have we allowed ourselves to become so distracted this week that we failed to praise and worship God? It is with intent and purpose that we continuously thank God because; Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Bountiful blessings gifted without merit! Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1

We receive above and beyond what we rightfully deserve. What about the sacrifice that Jesus, our Precious Savior, gave? He laid down His life for us! The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:10-11

What will it take for us to improve our memory? We should keep a daily log of the blessings that we receive? Every day, morning, and evening offer prayers of thanksgiving to gain a greater appreciation for our Father, who loves us unconditionally. This Sabbath, make a new commitment: Increasing our time in prayer, praises, and thankfulness to God: I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1. Amen.

Bible Study: 1 John 3:1

God, we want to say thank you for the Sabbath, your love, and your bountiful blessings. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Make it Personal

When relocating from the Northeast to a small town in Texas, I had to make a significant adjustment, and that was to transition from tactless to tactful. In the southern regions, if something needs to be said to another individual that is not pleasant but truthful, there is an art form of using analogies or comparing one situation to another to relay the truth. Granted, it wasn’t easy for me to learn how to be less direct in expressing myself. But as I began studying the Bible diligently, I realized that God required me to say truthful words but wrapped in kindness. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6

Because of God’s grace and long-suffering, He always reveals the character traits, behaviors, and habits that are not in harmony with His will. When we study how Jesus exposed sin, He often used parables. So there would be no misunderstandings; Jesus always thoroughly explained the meaning of the story. Luke 18:9-14 tells us of “The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Tax Collector).

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Bible is our spiritual mirror.

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

Study the Bible, and look deeply into the spiritual mirror. God reveals our every thought, word, or action that is sinful. Not only does the Word of God expose our sins, but we are also told the cost of sin, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. Because sin leads to destruction, God is straight-forward: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Establish a relationship with God that is up-close and personal. Only you and God know the thoughts, words, and actions that result in separation from Him. God loves us so much that although He is plainspoken, as our Father, He patiently waits for us to acknowledge, confess, and repent of our sins. Still, serving God requires a humble heart and a “do-right” mind.

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9. Because we are naturally drawn to sin, it takes human effort and Divine intervention to overcome sin. No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV.

Do not be offended by the Word of God. Humbly, receive correction and discipline. The exposure of our wrongdoings is required for us to experience a spiritual transformation. Sanctification is a life-long journey. Make a personal decision to love and serve God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. God would never ask us to do the impossible. We have a Heavenly Father who readily extends His unconditional love, grace, and mercy. 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Saints of God, we are nearing home!

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.…1 Corinthians 15:51-53 BSB

Happy Sabbath! Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!

God, we thank you for revealing our faults and allowing us to change. We ask forgiveness for our sins. We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to have a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Thank you for the Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual renewal. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a Blessed Sabbath!

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears are attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

The Waterfalls of Abundant Love

There is a game that we used to play as children, dodge ball. It was usually the same child who had quick reactions and excellent eyesight that remained the unbeatable champion. But just when their overconfidence peaked and they entered the next game smiling with the facial expression of “you already know that I’m the winner,” the ball-thrower changed.

This was a new thrower with unknown skills but demonstrated that he or she could look in one direction and throw the ball in another direction. I remember when the reigning champion was the second person out of the game. We were silent from the shock for a quick minute, and then as children react, we started laughing and teasing the overconfident losing champion. Well, he became angry and walked away, filled with disbelief.

And then, a couple of players were show-offs and would catch the ball and toss it back to the thrower to showcase their skills. We decided to vote to make the rule that catching the ball would be considered an automatic out, which put an immediate stop to ball-catching.

But I would like to focus on the most amazing children in the game. They were the ones who would sacrifice for those of us who lacked the skills to dodge the ball, knowing that we would have been the first ones out. These good-hearted kids would intentionally jump in front of us and get hit with the ball so that we could play a few minutes longer.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

It makes me wonder, was the ability to put others first an innate characteristic, present at birth, or a learned behavior?

The children who willingly sacrificed have most likely matured into the servants of our societies. They are the ones who rescued the baby birds that had fallen from their nests, shared their school lunches, or helped to clean the house without being asked. Their love and compassion for others flowed like a waterfall that never stops.

Who are they now? They are the volunteers, the missionaries, the ministers, the essential workers, the philanthropists, and that one neighborhood mother and father who have an open-door for all, and most importantly, many are the disciples of Jesus Christ. The list of positions of servitude can go on and on.

We do know that society’s servants and the disciples of Christ share a common trait; they possess the characteristic of abundant love. They have caring and compassionate hearts, which causes them to seek out those who are broken from being hit too many times from the balls of hardships.

If individuals who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, are wholeheartedly committed to helping humanity, how much more as Believers should we be doing to alleviate suffering? But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17. The answer is simple: we really do not love God.

Have you considered that if we were fulfilling our Divine purpose of spreading the message of Jesus Christ (The Great Commission, Matthew 28) and sharing our time and money that our societal problems would not have escalated to epidemic proportions? Not only would the hopeless have hope through the salvation of Jesus, the conditions of poverty, homelessness, and disease transmission would be under control. And just maybe, by now, we would be living in the perfect and sinless New Heaven and New Earth.

There is a song that has the lyrics, “If I can help somebody along the way then my living will not be in vain.”

And Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:35-40 NIV,

35 ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'” 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

Saints of God, we have been commissioned to make disciples and help those in need. But, first and foremost, we must obey the greatest commandment: 36 “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” 37, Jesus declared, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-39

Oh, friend, do you love Jesus? Because when we love God, and Jesus Christ, His Son, we possess the abundant love and compassion that flows like the great Niagara Falls.

In this season of lockdowns, shelter-in-place, social distancing, and facemasks, renew your relationship with God and return to your first love. Commit to helping some one in need, use social media for witnessing by posting encouraging scriptures, and use your financial resources to support the many community churches that need money because they are alleviating others’ suffering. Do not give to prosperity seeking non-profit organizations or because you seek a taxable deduction to offset projected tax liabilities owed to the government. Give to those who are fulfilling the scriptures to love God, and to love others.

Pray and ask God to reveal your Divine purpose as you prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Matthew 25:23

Bible Reading: Matthew 25

God, we ask for forgiveness for not caring about the suffering of those in need. Please reveal to us your divine purpose for our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.