“Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.”
39 “She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.”
40 “But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.'”
41 “But the Lord replied to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:38-42)
Every day, our daily routine reveals whether we are actively fulfilling the role of Martha, who always focused on the continuous busyness of life, or like Mary, our worship of Jesus Christ is first and foremost in our lives.
Are we taking the time to acknowledge and thank God for His Blessing of another day? God is the Sustainer of Life.
We have been blessed to receive the gift of 24 hours; yet, most of us do not even give God 60 minutes in the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study.
One of Satan’s most effective deceptions is that we have the time to live as we please, and because God is merciful, all will be well. Yet, the prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is:
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23-24).
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us that we must love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we fail to worship and obey God, we reveal an issue of the heart, we love ourselves more than God.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.” (Psalm 95:6-7).
Loving God First is revealed as soon as we wake up to a new day. Our automatic response is to worship, and we joyfully speak a prayer of gratitude, singing praises that acknowledge the Lord’s gift of new Mercies.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25).
We revere God by making worship the first activity of our new day. Worship reveals our love and gratitude for God’s Abundant Blessings of His Steadfast Love, Faithfulness, Grace, Mercies, Provisions, Correction, and Protection.
By excluding God, we reveal that we value our human thoughts and strategies over God’s Sovereign Wisdom and Providence.
“See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Because we are living in the Last Days of Earth’s existence [Matthew 24; 2 Timothy 3], we do not have time to play the Game of Chance with our Life. Following Jesus Is All or Nothing, there is no middle ground.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10).
Since we do not have the ability to predict the future outcomes of our decisions, we should renounce the habits of unbelievers, who trust human thoughts and their imaginings over God’s Divine Omniscience.
The same sacrificial life of self-denial that Jesus lived on this Earth is the same life that God, the Father requires us to live.
“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).
When we love God and appreciate Jesus’ Blood Sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, we will joyfully give up every obstacle that prevents us having a heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.
We redeem the time by using our faith to actively participate in our Spiritual Journey. Cooperating with God, the Holy Spirit, Who performs the Spiritual Process of Sanctification, requires us to willingly surrender our will and plans to Jesus Christ
Sanctification is a spiritual process that can only occur in our earthly lives. The daily Spiritual Growth and Transformation of our heart, mind, and character from its inherited carnal desires into the Righteousness of Christ, prepares us for Eternal Life, but ceases when we take our last breath.
Do not believe Satan’s lie that we have the time to waste. Now is the time for us to follow our Shepherd with steadfast faith, obedience, determination.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Reflection: This morning, as I reflected on the ungrateful and selfish use of my time, I whispered a prayer of forgiveness for taking the gift of my life for granted.
The Message of The Cross reveals that Jesus has done all that He can for us: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Following Christ requires the courage to renounce the personal habits that consume our time; saying No to the spiritual warfare of distractions, and most importantly, letting go of the people, who are interfering with our Love Relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our Triumphant King is Coming sooner than we think. We do not have time to think and live as Martha, because according to Jesus, only those with the habits of Mary will hear:
“‘…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).
LORD God, with humility and surrender, we ask for forgiveness for wasting our merciful gift of time. We desire the wisdom and discernment to be intentional with our time, so we can always put You as First in our lives. Holy Spirit, transform our thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Christ’s Righteousness. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the habits and people, who are stumbling blocks, preventing our spiritual transformation in our journey with Jesus. LORD God, give us strength, as we follow Yeshua, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. In faith, we ask and believe that we will receive these things in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew (Levi) sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk]. And Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, Amplified Bible)
When we surrender to accept, love, and follow Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit not only transforms our heart, mind, and desires, we also receive the Spiritual Wisdom to understand deeply “The Message of The Cross.”
The Message of The Cross
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).
“For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8).
The Response of True Heart Conversion
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, every day, our goal is to remain anchored in Christ.
Our Mindset is Purpose-driven: From the Power received through continuous prayer, and study of God’s Word, we remain spiritually focused; our lifestyle reveals the daily commitment to worshiping God in Spirit and Truth.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12, ESV).
Because we are preparing for Eternity with Jesus Christ, our priorities begin to align with God’s Perfect Plans; we commit to following Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, never looking back.
Yes, Loving and Following Jesus Changes Everything! Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for the Plan of Redemption. We have decided to follow Jesus, but realize we cannot live righteously using our strength. Jesus, we ask You to be our Strength, and to anoint us with the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. We also need the Divine guidance to stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes, and the strength to persevere in our Journey of Sanctification. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it is not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3).
God desires the best for us; He wants us to have a relationship with His Son, God, Jesus Christ; to know and do what is right; to live righteously, and to know and obey His One and Only Truth in the Holy Bible.
Because of the hardships in our spiritual journey with Jesus, we may become discouraged or disappointed, but if we feel that our life does not matter to God, then we are in a Spiritual Crisis.
To understand God, the Father, and God, Jesus, the Son’s phenomenal love requires that we maintain a heart-to-Heart relationship with Jesus Christ through daily personal worship.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
“The Vine: Jesus represents the Source of Life, Strength, and Power.” “The Branches: Believers must stay attached to the Source.” “Bearing Fruit: Doing good works and living a faithful life happens naturally only when staying close to Jesus.”
“Staying Connected: To “abide” means to keep a close, daily relationship with Him through faith, trust, obedience, prayer, and Bible Study.”
To abide in Christ requires using our faith to follow Him and live a sacrificial life of self-denial. Study Romans 12:1-2.
Put God First: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” To stay connected to God, we must love God and dedicate ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, our Faithful Shepherd, with surrender and obedience.
“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…It will be health to your flesh [mind and body], And strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
Becoming weary and feeling as if we are carrying the weight of the world reveals that we have excluded God.
By attempting to use our thoughts and strategies to navigate through life, we have separated ourselves from the Divine Source of All Knowledge, Wisdom, and Strength.
Jesus tells us, “…you can do nothing without me.” Our spiritual journey of growth and transformation cannot be accomplished without Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).
We desperately need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to empower us with wisdom and strength. Because we must eat physical food every day, we must also pray daily, asking for wisdom and strength.
Nothing creates discouragement and despair like a decision that leads to facing unnecessary consequences. Yet we do not have to live the chaotic life of unbelievers, who will never enjoy Jesus’ Gifts of Peace and Contentment.
Resolution To Our Spiritual Crisis: We Make The Commitment to Redirect Our Faith and Focus Back To El Roi
El Roi (אֵל רֳאִי), translates to “The God Who sees me” or “The God Who sees.” Jesus knows every challenge and every adversity that will happen in our lifespan.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus is committed to resolving life’s routine challenges and the unexpected hardships, but we must choose to include Him. Accepting Jesus as our Savior also means the commitment to follow Him; we pray, ask for help, and obey His instructions, waiting patiently for His resolution.
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you” [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible).
The Prayer: ” Lord God, today guide me in my decision-making and give me the strength to keep moving forward.”
Faith, Trust, Courage, and Internal Joy and Peace are Spiritual gifts available to every dedicated follower of Christ. Imagine being in a one-sided relationship: you give your all, and the other person receives but never reciprocates.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on 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, NIV).
Jesus has given us above and beyond what we deserve. It’s time for us to lavish our love on our Loving and Compassionate Shepherd, Savior, and Triumphant King.
By dedicating personal time with Jesus, we can whisper words expressing our love and gratitude to Him for sustaining our lives with the daily blessings that we take for granted. God is the Sustainer of all life: Our greatest blessing is God’s Ruach Breath that flows through our bodies.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Each day brings its own obstacles. We were never created to figure things out. The answer to building our faith and escaping the Spiritual Crisis is to restore our relationship with Jesus Christ by maintaining constant communication with Him through prayer.
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NIV). Victorious faith requires that Jesus is actively involved in our lives, teaching and guiding us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Worshiping the King of Kings with consistent prayer and diligent study of the Holy Scriptures invites the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to see life through spiritual eyes.
The Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom and strength to persevere, keeps us spiritually connected to Jesus, and guides us to move forward and stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
The Message of the Cross reveals the Plan of Redemption, which God, the Father, and Jesus Christ had in place before the world and before Adam and Eve were created. We have been rescued from the wages of sin [Romans 6:23]. Thank You, God!
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, Amplified Bible).
All of Heaven, the Triune Godhead [God, the Father, God, Jesus, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit] and the host of angels are dedicated to guiding and giving us the spiritual wisdom and strength to persevere in our journey with Jesus from Earth to Heaven.
Does our life matter to God? The Cross answers with a resounding Yes! We are greatly loved! Through our faith, we are saved by God’s Grace, and we are alive because of Jesus’ Love and Mercies. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
God Validates Our Worth – The Spiritual Status of the Righteous: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).
The Holy Bible reveals God’s Love, His Righteous Character, and is filled with countless stories of His Divine Intervention, which always produces victorious outcomes!
Does our life matter to God? We have 24/7 angelic protection! “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV). The righteous have guardian angels assigned by their Commander, Jesus Christ, to protect and guide us 24/7. (Study Psalm 91).
Not only do our invisible angels fight Satan’s invisible evil angels, but they also help us to recognize covert temptations [spiritual warfare] that the human mind cannot discern. The dedicated believer, who prays and relies on Christ, will never be scammed or suffer from financial loss due to deception.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3).
The Bible Is Our Spiritual Guide and Mirror
God has given us Commandments [His Moral Law] and Righteous Precepts that teach us the difference between His Truth and false doctrines, sin and righteousness, providing us with His never-changing expectations on how we are to think and live.
The righteous who remain faithful and persevere will be rewarded: “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). Yes and Amen!
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12). It is just a matter of time, and He that shall come will come. Jesus asks, “…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John gives us a limited description of the New Heaven and New Earth; Jesus reveals how sin and evil on this Earth will end; and His Ultimate and Definitive Plan to destroy the wicked and reward the righteous with our Eternal Crown of Life.
The Holy Scriptures reiterate that we are Sons and Daughters of the Sovereign God of this universe, who will inherit the Kingdom of God if we participate with the Holy Spirit by living righteously. Guarding our gift of time is crucial to progressing in our spiritual journey.
Busyness does not produce spiritual growth! “…making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.” (Ephesians 5:15, Amplified Bible).
There is only one reason why Christian believers become despondent in their Spiritual Journey, questioning if their life matters to God: They are spiritually disconnected from Jesus Christ.
Too busy to spend time with God? We are drawn away by our digital devices, ChatGPT, wealth-building, pleasure-seeking activities, insatiable desires, and unholy relationships. “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).
“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He [Jesus] is righteous. He who sins is of the devil for the devil has sinned from the beginning…” (1 John 3:7-8).
We cannot follow Christ with a divided heart. Without being anchored in Christ, Satan easily uses distractions to entice us. Many former Christians have drifted so far from God that they have lost their sense of direction.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). Believers who spend time with God in Prayer and Study of the Holy Scriptures are anchored spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to Christ.
The Christian Community has changed—We cannot look for validation from those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, which also includes many church members who only practice ritualistic worship. Attending church does not indicate that we are spiritually connected to Christ.
“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” God desires that we live a pure and holy life, made possible through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual Transformation and Maturity require a lifetime of steadfast determination to live holy, revealing our desire to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
“I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.” Our earthly lives are a time of probation. We only have the here and now to actively participate in our spiritual journey. Make your relationship with Jesus your priority!
The Bible Is Our Guide to Eternal Life: We must study the Scriptures for ourselves. We cannot grow spiritually from listening to someone else’s Biblical knowledge. God never instructed us to only study part of the Bible—this false doctrine has pervaded today’s Christian Community.
No, animal sacrifice in the Old Testament does not apply to today’s Christians, but learning the Sanctuary Service helps us understand the magnitude of the Plan of Redemption and the Sacredness of the Sacrificial Offering of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
The perfect lambs that were brought to the temple and sacrificed pointed to Jesus, whose death was required on Calvary’s Cross. Yes, only Jesus, the perfect Lamb’s blood had the Power to wash away our sins and to save our souls.
According to Bible Scholars, the New Testament contains 70% of the Old Testament. We live in extremely evil times; believers are confused [My people perish for the lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6] and desperately need the power of God that comes from knowing and obeying the entire Bible [Genesis to Revelation].
The Bible identifies and teaches us how to differentiate between what is Holy and what is “filthy unrighteousness.” Always ask yourself before speaking, watching, or participating in an activity: Does this honor a Holy and Righteous God?
Studying the Bible teaches us God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways, and invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the wisdom to understand the Message of the Cross, and God’s Love, Grace, and Mercies.
The Bible teaches us how we should honor and worship God. While on earth, Jesus lived a sacrificial life of self-denial, and He gave us instructions on how to live righteously and renounce sin in every form. The Holy Scriptures build our faith and trust in God, and teach us how to surrender, obey, and follow Jesus.
When God matters to us, we will stay connected to Jesus through prayer; we will abide in Christ by diligently studying the Bible; we will ask the Holy Spirit to teach us how to live a righteous life that honors, reveres, and glorifies God.
When our love for God is genuine, and our worship is revealed by a lifestyle of consecration, only then will the Holy Spirit begin and continue the Spiritual Process of Sanctifying and preparing us for Eternity.
Sanctification: Through the Holy Spirit, day by day, we will experience continuous spiritual growth and transformation, becoming more and more like the Righteous Character of our Triumphant King. Yes and Amen!
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).
Lord God, with humble hearts, we approach Your Throne of Grace, surrendering ourselves to follow Jesus with love and loyalty. We ask for forgiveness for the sins of self-reliance and following our thoughts, instead of asking for Your perfect plans for our lives. Lord, we have hit the wall and can go no further without Your Divine Help. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, we are Your sheep, teach us how to recognize Your Voice. Today we renew our covenant to follow and obey our Shepherd. Lord God, we look forward to the day when we will see Jesus and receive our Eternal Crown of Life. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] Only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, Amplified Bible).
If a coworker asked you, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” how would you respond?
Our answer is John 3:16: “God, the Father gave His only Son, Jesus Christ…” revealing that we understand that “The Message of the Cross,” always focuses on God, the Father’s, and [Jesus] God, the Son’s Life-Giving Plan of Redemption.
The Apostle Paul explains the difficulty of the human mind comprehending The Message of The Cross: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
“We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19).
When we initially accepted Christ as our Savior, it is God, the Holy Spirit, who gave us the wisdom to understand the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ Love, the Sacrificial Gift of His Life, and His Power to cleanse us from the unrighteousness of sin.
The Blood of Jesus Washes Us and We Are Spiritually Clean: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What a beautiful and foundational Truth!
“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14).
“The Message of The Cross [Jesus Christ] is the Core Foundation of the Christian Faith. It is God’s Ultimate Act of Sacrificial Love, the forgiveness of sins, and the Power of Salvation for those who believe!”
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (Proverbs 2:6, ESV).
Without asking the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom and knowledge, our understanding and perception of God’s Saving and Redeeming Grace is severely limited.
Daily worship invites the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom and strength we need for our spiritual journey and growth; The Spirit ofTruth also teaches us the deepest meaning of God’s Holy Scriptures [God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways, Isaiah 55:8-9].
Like the Athenians in the Apostle Paul’s era, who had an altar inscribed “To The Unknown God” many of today’s believers do not understand that Jesus is the Foundation of Christianity, or even know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Bible is our Spiritual Guide. We must study for ourselves. Not knowing who God is and how to apply Christian principles to everyday life, diminishes one’s faith in a Loving God, who gave His all when Jesus went to the Cross to save our souls.
It is God, the Holy Spirit, who gives us the spiritual wisdom and discernment to comprehend the Holy Scriptures, and The Life-Giving and Life-Saving Message of The Cross.
The Answer to Living a Victorious Life Through Jesus Christ: “Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Jesus’ Promise: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3).
God honors us when we consecrate and surrender ourselves daily to follow Jesus Christ, our Shepherd. The Christian Journey requires living a Christ-Centered life of faithful obedience, dedicated to worshiping God through Prayer and Bible Study.
In morning worship, ask for wisdom. And day by day, the Holy Spirit will empower you to see life through spiritual eyes, giving you the Spiritual Discernment to grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ Sacrificial Gift of His Life on Calvary’s Cross.
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13, ESV).
God is Omniscient, perceiving time as Eternal, and His Wisdom is higher than we can ever imagine. The Bible is unequivocally Superior to all human knowledge, strategies, and thoughts, and artificial intelligence.
Our prayer for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ Love and the Message of the Cross is immediately answered by the Holy Spirit. Whether we are new to studying the Bible or have studied for years, we can never exhaust the Wisdom of God.
Our Heavenly Father is Loving, meeting us exactly where we are in our journey with Christ. When we do our part, the Holy Spirit establishes a spiritual foundation, gradually teaching us God’s Higher Thoughts, and how to live righteously.
Sanctification is the Spiritual process of being changed into the likeness of Christ Righteous Character. Study Matthew 11:29 and Galatians 5:22-23.
“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
When we pray and study the Holy Scriptures, God, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our minds and hearts, preparing us for a Holy Heavenly Home.
Recognizing Spiritual Transformation: Not only will our desires be different, we will not speak words, or engage in activities that bring shame and dishonor to our Heavenly Father.
Reflection: Does your heart align with the Righteousness of Christ? Our thoughts reflect whether our eyes are on the prize of the Crown of Life, or if we are focusing on the meaningless things of this Earth.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8, NLT).
Everyday we must remind ourselves that we are the blessed recipients of God’s Love, Grace, Mercy, and Salvation. Keep yourself on a high Spiritual Alert! In these Last Days [2 Timothy 3], Satan is busy!
“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).
Never let your emotions make decisions for you. Fight uncertainties and temptations by whispering prayers for God’s Guidance and Strength throughout your day!
The Holy Spirit responds by strengthening our faith, giving us directions, and redirecting our focus back to Jesus Christ, our Risen and Triumphant King.
The joy of the Lord is our strength! Because of the magnitude of Jesus’ Gift of Eternal Life, our hearts should overflow with love and gratitude.
Study Revelation Chapters 21-22, memorizing the love and beauty of our future Forever Home.
In John 16:33, Jesus warns us in advance that our Spiritual Journey would be tough, but with His Guidance, Strength, Power, we can face life with courage, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Pray, trust, and depend on Jesus’ Strength.
From a spiritual perspective, there is no reason for a praying Christian believer not to be full of Jesus’ joy, peace, and happiness. Every minute of the hour of the day, we must fight the good fight of faith!
Immediately Respond to All Temptations With Prayer
Be aware of your thoughts and desires! Without the Holy Spirit converting our heart, the inherited human heart is filled with desires of greed that can never be satisfied!
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19, 21).
Allowing ourselves to be mesmerized by Satan’s temporary material possessions and money spiritually disconnects us from Christ.
Greed changes our hearts from pure to unclean, and evicts the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit no longer resides within us, we lose our spiritual focus, and the ability to think clearly.
Praying for our heart’s desires [success, material possessions, money, and relationships] will receive an answer of “No” from God. Why?
God’s priority is to change our character. We can come to Jesus, Just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. Spiritual Transformation is a slow process, requiring a lifelong journey of little steps of growth.
We cannot change ourselves, nor can we speed up the spiritual rate of growth, our responsibility is to follow, obey Christ, and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
God gave Jesus to save us from the wages of sin; and He desires to give us His Best Blessings in the New Heaven and New Earth, not on this temporary Earth that has no future.
Trust God, who knows the future and redirect your faith and focus back to Jesus! Change your prayer to, “Lord God, I want what You desire for me.”
“To him who overcomes, I will give the Crown of Life” is Jesus’ promise. It’s time for us to think, act, and live as if we are blessed recipients of Salvation and will soon receive our reward of Eternal Life.
We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth preparing everyday for our Forever Eternal home. Yes and Amen!
When our goals align with Jesus’ Promises in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12, this Earth becomes insignificant. Jesus is Coming! We are waiting for our inheritance of the Crown of Life.
Use your faith to trust God and His Excellent Thoughts and Plans, which are designed to give us hope and a blessed Eternal Future with Jesus, our LORD of Lords and KING of Kings.
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hell and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18).
Lord God, we pray for a Spiritual Revival and Reformation in our hearts. We ask You to forgive us for our sins, and to give us clarity and strength when we are uncertain of why we are Christians. We confess that we are not studying Your Holy Scriptures as we should and our prayer life is weak. Lord, today we commit to loving and honoring You as You deserve. Thank You for reminding us that because You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ to save us from the second death, we owe You faithful obedience, and honor, glory, and praise. We know that You love us, forgive us for not returning Your love. Today, we desire to restart our spiritual journey. Lord, teach us how to be holy. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV)
There is a misconception that has spread like wildfire in the Christian Community: Because Jesus Paid it All [redeeming us from our sins] on Calvary’s Cross, once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we don’t have to do anything beyond attending church to receive Eternal Life.
Jesus says, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12, NKJV).
The Amplified Translation: “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).” (Revelation 22:12).
Throughout the Bible, God reveals that He has given us spiritual gifts and innate talents to use for His Honor and Glory. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6).
“By His own humiliation and agony, Christ has paid the purchase for our salvation, and He has a right to our services.”
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
“By the body we are to understand [lustful desires], appetites, and inclinations. These the apostle Paul set himself to curb and conquer, and in this the Corinthians [members of the Corinth Church] were bound to imitate him…”
“I say then: ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.’ ” (Galatians 5:16).
“[We] must fight hard to overcome fleshly lusts, and not to surrender to uncontrolled appetites.” Fleshly lusts also includes the relentless pursuit of our desires, material possessions, wealth, and relationships with the intent of self-gratification.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV).
“You are the light of the world…You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-14).
As “Light and Salt of the Earth” [Matthew 5], we represent God’s Love by possessing the Fruit of the Spirit, including self-control, which represents Christ’s Righteous Character:
“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible).
As “Light and Salt of the Earth,” God has given us the responsibility of spreading “The Message of the Cross.”
Sadly, many believers cannot fulfill their God-given Spiritual Assignment of witnessing to others, because they do not have a heart to Heart relationship with Jesus Christ. And from not studying the Holy Scriptures they do not know or understand God’s Character, His Commandments, and Righteous Precepts.
Walk In Love – Walk In Light – Walk In Wisdom
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ And Jesus replied to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'” (Matthew 22:36-38).
Love for God is the foundation and the catalyst of our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. To love God is to know Him, to honor and revere Him, and to put God First in every aspect of life.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12, ESV).
Following Jesus requires that we love Him more than we love ourselves, and this includes our spouse, and our family. We do not neglect them, yet, we do not compromise because they are not committed to following Jesus with faithful obedience.
Dedicated followers of Christ are willing to live a daily sacrificial life of self-denial and faithful obedience. “I will not sin against God,” is the True Believer’s Creed.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship.” (Romans 12:1, Amplified Bible).
Sacrificial Commitment: The daily personal worship of praying, fasting [at least one hour per day], and surrendering oneself to follow Jesus cannot be accomplished without self-denial, self-control, and Jesus’ Wisdom, Strength and Power, given to us by the Holy Spirit.
“Spiritual Fasting is an earnest tool for seeking God’s Wisdom, breaking self-dependence, [and sinful habits, behaviors, and self-seeking pleasures].”
Practical Ways to Incorporate Spiritual Fasting: At 8 pm, I cease all food intake, with the exception of water [if thirsty]. At 10 pm, I pray for God’s forgiveness of sins, asking for blessings of safety while sleeping, and to reveal His will for my life.
The next morning, I whisper a prayer of gratitude for the blessing of a new day, breaking my fast with lemon water. At times, I feel no hunger for 3-4 hours, so I delay eating.
Spiritual fasting draws us closer to Christ and gives us spiritual and mental clarity. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to distinguish God’s Voice above our thoughts and others’ voices.
From daily fasting, we are rewarded by Jesus with the Wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Not only do we gain a higher spiritual focus, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the self-control to stop former habits and behaviors. Yes and Amen!
Before engaging in spiritual fasting for an extended time, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you regarding the duration of your fast. This is especially important for those with medical diagnoses that require taking medications within definitive time parameters.
“See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15).
Continuous Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with Spiritual Wisdom, Discernment, and Strength. Without daily Spiritual Reinforcements, it is impossible to recognize and overcome Satan’s continuous covert strategies and temptations.
We receive our greatest Spiritual Blessings through personal worship. Our love and gratitude to God for our Spiritual Gift of Time is revealed by separating ourselves to worship Him one-to-one in Spirit and Truth.
From praying and eating The Bread of Life and drinking The Living Water [Studying The Holy Scriptures], God, the Holy Spirit converts our heart, and transforms our mind and character, preparing us for eternity with Jesus Christ.
Sanctification is performed by the Holy Spirit, who requires our willingness to actively participate in our daily spiritual growth and character transformation into the likeness of Christ. Let go of people, places, and habits that fail to honor God!
“Be holy for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
If our lives do not reflect the daily sacrifice of self-denial, and the willingness to surrender with faithful obedience to follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness then we are only carrying the label of being a Christian.
Brothers and Sisters, we are living in the Last Days [2 Timothy 3], Run, Run, Run the Spiritual Race with Conviction and Courage in the Power of our Lord, Savior, and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Who Promises:
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His Throne.” (Revelation 3:21).
Lord God, as we strive to run the Christian Race, we ask You to empower us with Your Divine Wisdom and Strength. We ask for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Lord, teach us how to be holy, and guide us in our thoughts, spoken words, and decisions, so we always bring Glory and Honor to your Holy and Righteous Name. Jesus, please be our Strength, lead us, guide us, correct us, and protect us. Thank You, for Your Amazing Love. We ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14, 16
Pastor G’s Testimony of His Life-Changing Experience
“It was a busy morning for Pastor G. He had awakened early to prepare for the Bible Class and the Sermon, and he was also leading an Evangelistic Series in the afternoon. He grabbed his keys, ran out the door, and sped away….
He drove through the city traffic, annoyed that so many people were out on that morning and could make him late for church. Where were they all going? Then, out of nowhere, one car cut in front of him. He slammed on the brakes and held up his fist in frustration and anger, yelling at the driver.
Finally, Pastor G arrived at the church. As he stood up to teach the lesson, his eyes scanned his class and came to rest on a familiar face: the driver of the car he was angry at just 20 minutes earlier was sitting on the church pew.” SSNet
Jesus’ disciple Peter was a fisherman who was prideful, aggressive, impatient, and usually the first one to express his feelings using harsh words.
In fact, at The Last Supper when Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him, Peter immediately stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33).
As the disciples followed Jesus to the Mount of Olives and entered the Garden of Gethsemane before He separated Himself to pray, Jesus told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
The Rest of Peter’s Story: After Jesus’ arrest, Peter viciously denied knowing Christ three times, swearing and cursing, and then the rooster crowed, just like Jesus prophesied.
Jesus Forgives and Restores Peter: After Jesus’ resurrection, He had breakfast with His disciples by the sea. “Jesus asked Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’ as recorded in John 21:15–17.”
“By asking Peter, ‘Do you love Me?’ three times, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of Peter’s love and [unrelenting] obedience to his Lord as necessary for his future ministry.”
And from deciding that he desired to love like Jesus loved, Peter cooperated with the Holy Spirit, who changed his crude, unloving heart into a gentle heart that was tender and responsive, a heart overflowing with God’s Agape Love.
Yes, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave Peter the wisdom and the words to witness Jesus’ Love and Saving Power: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36).
When Peter spoke, the people who knew him as the rough fisherman listened closely to his words. Yes, Peter revealed that following Jesus, and surrendering to Him with faithful obedience, invites the Holy Spirit to transform us from roaring lions into gentle sheep.
The People’s Response: “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:40-41).
Today, Jesus is asking His believers [you and me], “Do you love Me?” Yes? Then Feed My Lost Sheep!
Possessing the Love of Christ Is the Foundation of Our Relationship With Christ and Our Most Powerful Witness: “Though I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Like Peter, if we desire a spiritual transformation [total makeover] of our heart, mind, and character, we commit daily to following Christ with love, surrender, faith, and obedience, always praying for wisdom, guidance, and strength.
Spiritual Growth Requires Human Effort and Divine Help! We were not created with the ability to change ourselves. Behavior Modification is the attempt to change by using human strategies and effort, but Spiritual Transformation can only occur when we are empowered daily by the Holy Spirit.
Human Effort: To follow Jesus requires a life of self-denial, renouncing sin, and agreeing to live as clean vessels with pure hearts. Spiritual transformation is a lifelong, daily spiritual process, which requires us to be in total agreement with the Holy Spirit.
Yes, the spiritual journey is tough! Yet, we have hope; eleven of Jesus’ twelve apostles were transformed [Judas had his own agenda, including betraying Christ].
Through prayer, we commit to actively participating in our Salvation. We must maintain the continual desire to be one of Jesus’ faithful disciples. Using self-control, when we resist our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations, the Holy Spirit gives us the Divine strength to overcome.
To Be a Light Requires a Daily Battle With Self and Satan!
Reflection: Are we ready to use our faith and self-control, praying to be empowered with Jesus’ Strength when facing challenges and temptations?
Jesus revealed in His earthly life that He relied on the Divine Power of the Holy Spirit for strength to accomplish His daily goals and to say, No to temptation.
The Character of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible).
How do we know we are growing spiritually?
Spiritual Growth is gradual, but consistently progressing, from the invisible spiritual, mental, and emotional changes to the visible physical changes.
Jesus’ Promise: “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, NLT).
From the moment we wake up, we have peace and joy from being filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion—our presence, facial expressions, attitude, thoughts, spoken words, and actions reflect that we are “lights” in darkness.
The Holy Spirit, through daily Sanctification, changes us from the inside; we let go of worldly habits, clothing, and lifestyles that we used to enjoy; and the things that used to annoy and upset us, instead, we whisper a prayer or sing a song, praising God for His Faithfulness.
“The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NIV). To be a “light” requires continuous self-denial and steadfast faith, courage, and prayer. You will lose friends and family.
“We live in a world that hates God’s Truth, but that reality should not prevent us from sharing [God’s Love] in thoughtful, loving ways.”
As empty vessels, if we allow ourselves to be filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion, serving as witnesses of God’s Steadfast Love, Grace, and Mercies, Jesus has this promise for you and me:
“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). Yes and Amen!
The Apostle Peter’s Guidance:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers [and sisters], be tenderhearted, be courteous;
not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, 12).
Lord God, we thank You for choosing us to follow and represent Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world. We pray for a spiritual makeover, one that represents a heart filled with Christ’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, and self-control. We desire for our minds and characters to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, revealing to the world that loving and following Jesus makes a difference in one’s life. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to those who desperately need to know that Jesus loves them. We also pray for wisdom, guidance, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
“‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.'” (Jeremiah 33:3, Amplified Bible)
Through daily surrender, prayer, and studying the Holy Bible, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and the One and Only interpretation of God’s Truth in the Scriptures.
“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NLT).
The Bible is God’s Love Letters, written for every Christian believer. Because we inherited sinful hearts [Jeremiah 17:9], it is easier for us to follow our desires, leading us into disobedience against God.
Every day, we must choose to do what is right according to God’s Righteous Principles. The test of our love and loyalty for Jesus is one that we cannot pass without being empowered with our Shepherd’s Divine Wisdom and Strength.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control]. (2 Timothy 1:7).
God gifted us with the Spiritual Fruit of self-control, but we must pray, asking for the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize sin, and the strength to say, No.
In Ephesians chapter 6, we learn that we are in a spiritual battle, requiring us to continuously overcome our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations.
Still, we are not helpless! Satan can never force us to sin against God. We decide to embrace or to renounce sin. We have the power to be loyal to God by proclaiming, “No, I will not sin against God.”
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The Bible also serves as our Spiritual Map. We were created with limitations, including the inability to see beyond the moment, we are living in.
God’s Words of Warning: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” In Proverbs 3: 5-7, God tells us not to trust our own thoughts or follow human wisdom.
We are blessed to have the Holy Spirit who convicts us through our conscience when we are considering choices that separate us from God.
Recently, I had a “Come to Jesus” experience. While preparing for personal worship, the Holy Spirit convicted me of only sporadically praying for God’s Guidance. I quickly came to my spiritual senses, asking myself, What were you thinking? How can I know more than God?
When we separate ourselves to pray and meditate on God’s Love, Saving Grace, Mercies, and His Sovereign Authority and Power, the Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand the magnitude of our disobedience against God.
“Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people]…”
16 “making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Do not trust your salvation to anyone else! Do not believe the enemy’s lie that you do not have to pray and study the Bible!
Praying, Studying the Scriptures, and Obeying God is the way Jesus intentionally lived. Christ always prayed for spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to overcome temptations.
The Apostle Paul was given the Spiritual Assignment of starting the early churches.
Since most of the converts were from pagan backgrounds, they required the knowledge to let go of former hatred for others, lustful desires, and idol worshipping practices.
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul with the knowledge to teach and guide the new believers in letting go of their sinful habits and lifestyles.
The Epistles [Books] of the Bible that Paul wrote are not only letters to the members of the Early Churches, his writings are still relevant for today’s Christian believers, who have the same unrighteous behaviors and temptations to overcome.
“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. Through daily personal worship [Prayer and Bible Study], with faithful obedience, we surrender to Christ, inviting the Holy Spirit to give us the Spiritual Knowledge and Wisdom that we need to navigate in this sinful and evil environment that we live in.
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by Divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]” (2 Timothy 3:16, Amplified Bible).
God teaches us His expectations and how to live holy through the Scriptures.
The Bible teaches us about God’s Loving Character, the Creation, the history of God’s Divine Help, and the life of suffering that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, endured to complete the Plan of Redemption, required to save us from the wages of sin [Romans 6:23].
God’s Holy Word has separated the Christian Community into two groups of believers:
Those who study and obey the Scriptures will remain faithful and steadfast, because they invite the Holy Spirit to empower them with the highest level of Spiritual Knowledge and Wisdom; And those who refuse to study the Bible, who will continue to live a life of compromise, following their thoughts and living as they please.
God’s Grace and Mercy: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Everyday, we have the opportunity to choose Eternal Life by renouncing sin, and dedicating ourselves to follow and obey Jesus through continuous prayer, and the study of the Word of God.
Bible Study: The Book of Philippians
Lord God, we come to You with humility, asking for the forgiveness of wilful disobedience. We have come to our senses, realizing that You demonstrated Your Love for us, by giving Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered, bled, and died on Calvary’s Cross. We know that the next time Jesus comes, He will come as the Triumphant KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. Today, we commit ourselves with faith and surrender to follow Jesus Christ, our Savior and Shepherd. And we also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with wisdom and understanding, as we seek knowledge in Your Holy Word. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Behold, I am the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me. (Jeremiah 32:27).
Brothers and sisters when we surrender ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, His power is unlimited! Preparing for eternal life one day at a time. Peace and Blessings.
Redirecting our faith and focus from our challenges to God’s Sovereign and Unlimited Power proves that we believe God is who He says He is, “I Am that I Am!”
Elisha Prays, “Lord, Open His Eyes”
“Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, ‘I will set up my camp in such and such a place.'”
9 “The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: ‘Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.’ 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.”
11 “This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, ‘Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?'”
12 “‘None of us, my lord the king,’ said one of his officers, ‘but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.'”
13 “Go, find out where he is,’ the king ordered, ‘so I can send men and capture him.’ The report came back: ‘He is in Dothan.’ 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.”
15 “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.”
16 “‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'”
17 “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.”
18 “As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike this army with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.” (2 Kings 6:8-18, NIV).
This morning at 3 am, God awakened me to speak to my heart, and reminded me, that He is the God of all flesh, and nothing is too hard for Him.
God’s primary method of speaking to us is through the Holy Scriptures. Sadly, we have become too comfortable with only attending church once a week, and hearing second hand knowledge of who God is from others who dedicate their time and effort to studying God’s Holy Word.
Elisha was a great prophet, and in Biblical times, servants lived with their masters. Servitude was not like the atrocious enslavement that the Israelites suffered in Egypt.
Although Elisha’s servant had witnessed God perform countless miracles through His faithful and dedicated prophet, Elisha’s servant remained faithless.
How is it possible for someone to witness the power of God and still not believe?
“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, NIV).
To believe in God requires that our hearts are converted and we place 100% of our faith in God.
When challenges arise, instead of us thinking, What am I going to do? We immediately fall to our knees and pray for Divine Help, and in the same prayer, thank God for giving us the victory.
Why? Because we believe that God loves us, and we have a Heavenly Father Who is Sovereign and Omnipotent.
To have the faith and courage that God requires us to completely trust Him with our life. We relinquish self-reliance through daily surrender.
Whether we are facing dilemmas, or the routine duties of life, when we include God, we reveal that our love, loyalty, and trust is completely in Him.
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 6:8).
It is wonderful to awaken with a mind filled with peace, joy, and happiness. Involving God in every aspect of our lives is a faith-building activity that removes all doubts, fears, anxieties, and worries.
From our willingness to trust and obey God, Christ promises to shower us with His greatest spiritual blessings of steadfast faith, courage, wisdom, discernment, endurance, and perseverance, which is required to run the Christian race and win.
Steadfast faith in God redirects our focus to God’s power instead of the circumstances. We can only live as Victorious Overcomers, if we stop trusting in our limited abilities.
How important is faith in God? Faith in God is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith, or the lack of faith also determines our destiny.
Reflection: If we did not honor and revere God with steadfast faith in our earthly lives, can we expect to spend eternity with God?
If we did not trust God on Earth, it would also be impossible to trust Him in Heaven.
The character that we develop on Earth must reveal steadfast Faith and the attributes of the Character of Christ, written in Galatians 5:22-23 to receive Eternal Life.
Yes, we were given a mustard seed size faith, but God expects our faith to strengthen and experience growth based on our belief in His Sovereign Power, which requires knowledge of His Divine Character.
Our daily personal worship should consist of prayer and studying the Bible. The Scriptures feed our faith. The same God who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River says, “I do not change! Trust Me.”
Those who trust in God are empowered with the Divine Strength of Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
Trusting God with your life produces spiritual growth and development. Not only will you begin to perceive life through spiritual eyes, but your character will also change to reflect the Righteousness of Christ.
David’s prayer reveals that humility, surrender, and obedience is worship: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:4, 6).
Preparing for Eternal Life One Day At a Time
Lord God, we come to You on bended knees, seeking Your forgiveness for redirecting our faith and trust from You to ourselves, and for not studying your Holy Scriptures. Lord, we confess that our faith is weak because we have failed to worship you in Spirit and Truth. We ask you for strength, wisdom, and discernment. And we thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
For the next 24 hours, immerse yourself in the Holy Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit to empower you with wisdom, discernment, and the strength to apply God’s Righteous Principles to your life.
In 2 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul described the time we are living in, The Last Days. To keep moving forward in our spiritual journey with Christ, we must be anchored to Christ through the study of the Bible, and much prayer.
Lord God, we pray and ask for the wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes. We know that You are coming soon, and Lord, we ask You to give us direction, so we stay on the Path of Righteousness. We ask for a double blessing on this Holy Sabbath. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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