Tag: Sabbath

The Christian Believer’s Character and Conduct

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 5, 2024

“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

As the events of Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 are rapidly being fulfilled, Christ is directing His dedicated disciples to spread His love by emulating His righteous character and conduct. Before Jesus’ return, every person will receive the precious opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior and embrace the Plan of Redemption that enables us to live righteously.

With our cooperation, the Holy Spirit prepares us for Jesus’ Second Coming through the spiritual process of Sanctification. Our lifelong transformation includes the conversion of our hearts, minds, characters, and personalities. We strive to live holy and acceptable lives by embracing and representing Christ’s Righteous Character to others. The Holy Spirit empowers us with Christ’s strength to live as victorious overcomers.

Recently I listened to an Instagram reel on Isaiah’s calling to be a prophet. The sermon emphasized the reverence and honor that the Most High God deserves. Isaiah’s vision reveals God’s Righteousness and Holiness and the utmost worship of the angels. The sermon leads us to a Spiritual Crossroads. Either we choose God’s righteous standards or live by our compromised definition of true Christianity.

The Majesty and Glory of His Righteousness: Isaiah 6:1-3, NIV

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim [angels], each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ “

Reverencing and honoring God is more than attending weekly church service, studying the Bible, giving tithe and offerings, and praying. In Christ’s earthly life, He faithfully obeyed God, the Father. According to our thoughts, all may appear well in our Christian experience, but we cannot judge the status of our relationship with Christ.

Like King David, every day we pray, “God, search my heart…” Faithful obedience to the will of God is required for us to live holy. Our surrender and commitment are evidenced through prayer, “God, what is your will for me today?” Faithful obedience is our highest form of worship and the only worship acceptable to God.

Because of our inherited and fallen nature, we cannot love and revere God as He deserves. We need the Holy Spirit’s intervention. Our propensity toward sinful pleasures results in practicing a compromised version of Christianity. Today’s believers have embraced worldviews, chase their desires, love wealth, and hang out with and have relationships with unbelievers.

Blurred lines of Truth and Error have many wondering, “How do I know if I am a Christian?” Those with converted hearts strive to reverence and honor God through their lifestyle of worship which glorifies God. And yes, many individuals acknowledge God but possess unconverted hearts by continuing to engage in sinful pleasures. “Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you” (1 Peter 4:4, NLT).

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” —1 Corinthians 10:13

Does our perception of sin align with God’s definition of sin? No. We may not drink, smoke, or fornicate, yet we fail to surrender and obey the will of God which constitutes disobedience and rebellion against God. It is easy to focus on the sins we don’t do, yet, faithful obedience, praying, and studying the Bible along with standing down all carnal desires is a daily sacrifice required by God or we are in the same predicament as unbelievers.

“Romans 6:15, which says, ‘What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.’ In this verse, Paul responds to the rhetorical question, ‘Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?’ The Apostle Paul’s response is that we cannot equate grace with freedom to sin. He states that Christ died to liberate us from sin, not to permit us to sin.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” —Hosea 4:6

Satan has used the influencers to convince us that we do not need to study the entire Bible. The Old Testament is the only accurate historical overview of the creation of this world and human beings. God provided a detailed history of fallen humanity’s disobedience, their repentance, and continual opposition to Him by continuing to embrace sin. Sadly, in 2024, we repeat the same sinful behaviors because we have no desire to live righteously.

God used Moses to approach Pharoah who eventually freed the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement. Although many offered their sacrificial offerings they continued to secretly worship pagan idols. God extended His love and mercies for 40 years. In Numbers chapter 32, we find that God’s mercies do end: “According to the Bible, Scripture states no one over the age of 20 who left Egypt would enter the Promised Land.” Because of their true dedication, only Joshua and Caleb [over the age of 20] were spared by God.

Love, Grace, and Mercy are not New Testament characteristics of God. The Old Testament proves God has always extended Himself to save humanity from the consequences of rebellion against Him. God is Omniscient—All-knowing. God knew Adam and Eve would disobey by eating from the Forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The conversation between God, the Father, and Jesus, God the Son regarding the Plan of Redemption occurred before the creation of this world and human life. Even before Jesus came to this world fulfilling the Plan of Redemption on Calvary’s Cross, God instituted a ceremonial law—animal sacrifice as a representation of Christ’s Cleansing blood, which provides forgiveness for our sins. Jesus’ death abolished the ceremonial law of sacrifice, not the Ten Commandments.

What is our daily offering to God? God has always extended His loving grace and mercies even though humanity has a long history of failing to honor, reverence, and appreciate His loving kindness. How do we demonstrate our gratitude for Christ’s love? It’s time for us to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds by obeying Him as revealed through living righteously.

“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” —1 Thessalonians 4:7

Enoch, Joseph, Noah, Esther, Job, and Mary, along with many others, strived to walk with God and pursue holiness as Enoch did. And yes, they were victorious because they surrendered and committed their lives to God. It is possible for us to forsake all worldly pleasures and to put God first in our lives.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” —Exodus 20:3

Reflection: We should cross-examine ourselves: “Where do I stand with God? Is He first in my life? Do my thoughts, spoken words, behaviors, reactions, desires, friends, and interactions with others reveal that I love God? Do I surrender, and strive to live holy? Am I representing the love of God to others?

Christian Characteristics and Conduct

1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

“Everyone who names the name of Christ should so work that others, by seeing his good works, may be led to glorify their Creator and Redeemer.” EGW

Daily, we reflect on Jesus’ Sacrifice and thank Him through our covenant vow of faithful obedience. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 remind us that our earthly lives matter. This life is our one opportunity to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to reveal our sins and character flaws. Human effort and Divine Intervention are required for our daily transformation into the likeness of Christ.

In John 14:1-3, Jesus promises eternal life to those who honor God by striving to live holy. Our decision to live in the New Heaven and New Earth is revealed daily through surrender, faithful obedience, and perseverance. The Scriptures tell us that our lives are like vapor and this earthly home is temporary, yet, we do not have to struggle alone in our spiritual journey.

All of heaven is on our side to help us overcome! In the strength of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, possess a loving character, and conduct ourselves as disciples who decided to live forever and ever with our Triumphant King!

“Meet me in heaven, we’ll join hands together, meet me at the Savior’s side.”

Lord God, we desire our reward of Eternal Life. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King. We ask for the strength to renounce sin and to live holy. Anoint us with the Holy Spirit and give us spiritual insight and wisdom as we reveal Your unconditional love to others. We pray in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

©2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Sabbath Devotional – Let God Guide Your Life

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – November 1, 2024

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” —Isaiah 26:3

It has taken a lifetime for many believers to fully surrender and faithfully obey God. Sadly most refuse by following their thoughts and plans, never receiving God’s greatest blessings of peace, joy, and happiness. The daily prayer of surrender, “Lord, I will follow Your will and plans” places us in right standing with God. “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things” (Proverbs 13:21).

For the “Yes to God” believers, we have the assurance that we are living our best lives and the rewards are great for honoring God with faithful obedience! Not only are we following the perfect will of God, but we also receive His gifts of inner peace and direction from the Holy Spirit. In fact, mere words are inadequate to express the joy and happiness that God’s Divine peace provides, we never experience worries or suffer from unforeseen consequences!

“Jesus said to him, ‘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

“…you are not your own you were bought with a price…” —1 Corinthians 6:20

If allowing God to guide your steps feels difficult, it reflects a heart issue. Love for God requires dedication and total surrender. Yet, it is truly worthwhile. To live with the assurance that God is always faithful and promises to give us victory despite our circumstances because our obedience aligns us with His will is worth total surrender. May we delight in the love and gifts of Sabbath Peace and Blessings. Amen.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” —Isaiah 12:2

Thank You, God, for the Sabbath and Your sweet gifts of peace, joy, and happiness. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray Amen.

©2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Moving Forward By Gaining the Victory Over Our Past

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 25, 2024

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.” —Isaiah 43:18, NKJV

The New Living Translation tells us, “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do” (Isaiah 43:18). Our lives involve many past negative experiences that Satan uses to keep us from loving God and believing in His Healing Power. From studying the Bible, we learn that God is Love and His priority is humanity whon Christ created in His image.

Would God command us to forget our past if it was not possible? Absolutely not! To forget the past, we replace those thoughts [yes, it is our reality] with God’s promise: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).

Reflection: Perform a self-examination of your current emotional state. If you are nurturing anger, bitterness, and resentment which are the thorny fruits of unforgiveness [toward others or yourself] then you have chosen to travel a path that does not include God nor invites Him to give you a new life of victory. God will not coerce us to forgive or to let go of our past, but God, the Holy Spirit cannot live within an unclean vessel filled with the darkness of an unforgiving spirit.

Moving Forward: “What is God’s purpose for my life?” and “Am I prepared to begin my new life in Christ by forgiving others and myself?” are the key questions to gaining victory over your past through Jesus Christ.

To embrace God’s promise of doing something new in our lives is a conscious decision that requires us to take the first step toward God. We must desire a new beginning. Yes, we may have suffered and been victimized by others or made many past mistakes and now face the consequences of those choices, yet, Jesus loves us and desires to restart our lives.

We must question the status of our faith in God, is it steadfast or wavering?: “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Do we believe that God is All-Powerful? Then we pray for strength and courage to use our mustard seed faith to embrace our new lives.

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ ” —John 5:6

We use our faith, even if it is weak to pray an honest prayer, God knows the true condition of our hearts. Our prayer of faith invites Jesus to heal us. Jesus does not heal us in stages—from our prayer of faith, we are immediately made well spiritually, mentally, and emotionally which also includes the gift of inner peace. Pray the simple but powerful prayer to be released from the imprisonment of your past and all unforgiveness. Our prayer of asking for Divine Help reconnects us to God who breaks the chains of our past by setting us free.

Prayer: “God, my faith is weak and I do not know how to forget my past nor do I know my purpose. Please forgive me for hatred toward those who hurt me. I forgive those who hurt me and I forgive myself for making negative decisions. Lord, I desperately need Your help. I ask You to reveal my spiritual gifts and talents and teach me how to use them to bring honor to Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.”

Some individuals may require therapeutic intervention to learn how to replace negative behaviors with positive and productive strategies, yet humans cannot heal each other. Our cooperation with the Divine power of God gives us spiritual healing and victory over our past. We stay near to God through much prayer and consistent daily study of the Scriptures.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18, NASB

“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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light’ ” (Matthew 11:28-30).

God promises to heal our brokenness which encompasses all of our mental and emotional challenges. We must possess a sound mind to enjoy a productive life, spiritual growth, and transformation to experience a healthy, thriving relationship with Jesus Christ and others.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Love God by thanking Him for today’s mercies of life. Our decisions should reflect God’s goodness for the mercies of the given day. If you must think about the past then it should be on the countless ways that God delivered you from complete devastation.

A new life in Christ begins with total dependence on God. Surrender is our gift of gratitude to God who guides us day by day. Our new lives can be compared to building a house. Christ is the foundation of our faith relationship with God. From our surrender, the Holy Spirit defines and teaches us how to incorporate the building blocks of faith, trust, and obedience to solidify our relationship with Christ.

Jesus also lived a purpose-driven life on this earth. His Divine earthly purpose: To preach, heal, and give us freedom from the wages of sin by dying on Calvary’s Cross. “Isaiah, the Hebrew prophet, lived about 700 years before Jesus Christ was born. The Book of Isaiah contains many prophecies about the coming Messiah, Jesus, which were made over 700 years before his birth.”

Proof that God uses ordinary people to proclaim His Greatness: The prophet Isaiah was given the prophetic purpose of Jesus Christ, the Messiah: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” (Isaiah 61:1).

In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus revealed His Earthly Purpose: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed…” (Luke 4:18).

“Jesus’ earthly purpose was to fulfill God’s will for humanity and to show the world how to live a life that reflects God’s perfection.”

The Radical Change of Saul’s Calling and Conversion to the Apostle Paul

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ 5 ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 6 ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ ” (Acts 9:1-2).

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” —Ezekiel 36:26

Saul of Tarsus who persecuted the early Christian believers reveals that despite our past sins, habits, and atrocities when we accept Christ’s invitation to become our Savior, God forgives and forgets our past experiences and sins. Saul caused much havoc in the lives of the early Christians who ended up in jail and executed. If Saul did not believe in God’s forgiveness and healing power, guilt and defeat would have crippled his mind and kept him from fulfilling God’s divine purpose.

With Divine Power, Jesus Christ transformed treacherous Saul into the apostle Paul who started the early Christian churches and wrote most of the New Testament under the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to cleanse us from all sinful unrighteousness, transform us with His righteousness, and reveal our God-given spiritual assignment to spread the message of His Love and soon coming.

You Are Chosen: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” —John 15:16

Through the Holy Spirit, you and I were chosen by Jesus to be His disciples and to witness His love, kindness, and compassion through our actions and spoken words. Our demeanor and interactions proclaim Jesus is Love and the Lord of our lives. Jesus chose the time and era you would be born and gave you a measure of faith, power, love, a sound mind (self-control), spiritual gifts, and natural talents.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

We are never alone! Throughout the Bible, we find that God patiently guides us by moving us forward one step at a time. If we devote ourselves to God then Jesus holds us in His Righteous right hand and guides us on the Chosen path which always leads to victory. When we know God’s Loving Character and His promises found in the Scriptures, we willingly place our lives in His hands as He leads us into our Divine purpose—to live victoriously on earth and with Him for eternity.

Lord God, we desire to move forward from our past and ask for Your Divine guidance, strength, and wisdom as we travel on the chosen path You have designed for us. Lord, give us courage as we use our faith to believe in Your promises to take care of us. We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus,  Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Are You Making Good and Godly Decisions?

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 14, 2024

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” —Jeremiah 10:23

In this world, “The Game of Chance” has many players who take risks daily by making choices that reap negative consequences. Because the unrighteous rely on their educational achievements, strategic thinking, and prior experience, we expect them to make mistakes. “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:19).

“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; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” —Proverbs 3:5-8

The Scriptures provide direction and protection for Christian believers. Yes, anyone can gain intellectual knowledge by studying the Bible, but true heart conversion and Sanctification are revealed by humility, daily surrender, and faithful obedience to God. Jesus forewarns us that our plans are built on a foundation of sand when we exclude Him.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” —John 15:4

To abide in Christ is to pray continuously for His Divine guidance. We pray and Jesus answers our prayers through the Holy Spirit who speaks to us through our thoughts and the Scriptures. Seeking God through prayer, receiving an answer [and yes, sometimes the answer is to “Be Still”] invites God to guide us and intervene with His Sovereign power. Every godly decision results in victory because God always wins!

The Destruction of Jericho
“Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua: ‘See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.’ ” —Joshua 6:1-5

Joshua received God’s instructions to march around the city of Jericho. Imagine the unbelief of Jericho’s inhabitants who thought the walls were impenetrable. In Isaiah 55, verses 8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

God’s ultimate desire when He gifted the life of His Son, Jesus was to save our souls. Our plans should extend well beyond our earthly lives. We plan for the future not as unbelievers chasing fame and fortune, we walk in Jesus’ footsteps by committing ourselves daily to God, “Not my will, but Your will be done.”

“Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness…” —Hebrews 3:8

In this life, we choose to accept God’s Plan of Redemption through prayerful surrender and faithful obedience. We deny ourselves by not participating in the sinner’s rebellious Game of Chance. Either we will live for ourselves or live for God. If we choose God then our reward of mansions and living in a perfect and sinless New Heaven and New Earth for eternity is promised to us by Jesus who will return to this Earth as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Where do you stand? A Player who bows to no one by following their thoughts and inclinations or a Servant of the Most High God who reverently bows to His Divine Sovereignty by seeking His will and ways?

Prayer: Lord God, in humility, we bow to Your Sovereign Kingship asking for Your Divine Guidance and blessings on our lives. We pray for Your direction and protection from the enemy who seeks to kill and destroy our lives. Teach us to hear Your Voice. We thank You and ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions