Tag: September 9 2024

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 9, 2024

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind…” —James 1:5-6, BSB

“In the life of a Christian believer there are no coincidences, luck, karma, or ‘out of nowhere, it just happened.’ ” Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

We know this because, in Psalm 91, God says, “Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:9-11).

Our lives are monitored under God’s Omnipotence [Power] and Omniscience [Knowledge]. Not only are we protected by guardian angels who consistently obey Jesus Christ, the Commander of Angel Armies, but nothing arises in our lives without Jesus’ permission. Satan is restrained by the power of God when attempting to wreak havoc in our lives. [Read Job chapter 1 for God’s boundaries on Satan during Job’s tribulations].

The Conditions of Participation God Requires of Believers

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ ” —Psalm 91:1-2

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

Because we were created with free will of choice, God never coerces us to love and serve Him, yet, we must cooperate with Divinity to receive God’s blessings and protection against our greatest enemy and his evil surmisings. We cannot live as victorious overcomers without Divine Intervention. Abiding in Christ requires faith, daily surrender, obedience, much prayer, and knowledge of the Scriptures which are the Voice of God.

Our Enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8

The Whole Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” —Ephesians 6:10-13

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul compares our spiritual journey to a Roman soldier who was always prepared to fight in their many battles. Our weapons: Prayer and diligent Bible study. We intentionally keep ourselves in the presence of God by whispering prayers throughout our waking hours. Memorize Scriptures of God’s promises and protection. Study the book of Joshua.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts and alerts us of spiritual and physical danger. Have you experienced discomfort or not feeling right when facing a given situation? That is the Holy Spirit’s warning that all is not well, and you should walk away. Safety comes from praying before you make decisions, even in the routine activities of daily life, we should seek God’s guidance.

Qualities and Habits Required of Christian Soldiers

1. Knowing Jesus’ Character. Study the Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
2. Knowing God’s Righteous Principles and Standards for Pursuing Righteous Living: “Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Study the book of Philippians.
3. Do what is Right! Never compromise under pressure or give in to those with “bad characters” who attempt to influence your walk with Christ. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear [timidity], but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control]” (2 Timothy 1:7).
4. “Pray without ceasing [Never stop praying, ESV]” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. In His earthly life, Jesus prayed constantly, always seeking God, the Father’s will. Pray over every aspect of your life. God is our Guide and Protector, always giving us perfect outcomes.
5. Study the Bible every day. When Christ was tempted, He quoted the Scriptures,”Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test ‘” (Matthew 4:7, ESV). “This would amount to testing God to keep His Word, instead of obeying God by following His will…” Bible Reference

Enoch, Elijah, Job, Abraham, Esther, Mary, Daniel, and Paul are examples of those who lived according to the will of God. Even when we fall into temptation because we fail to pray and obey, God forgives and comforts us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

God, we thank You for being our Heavenly Father who loves us with everlasting love and always forgives and guides us on the Path of Righteousness. Forgive us for our disobedience when we choose self-reliance which opposes Your Perfect will and Your Sovereignty. We ask for wisdom as we seek knowledge. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2024 Steps to Success with Spiritual Solutions