Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional - April 21, 2024
"Out of the ground, the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name." —Genesis 2:19
Christ revealed God's plan of excellence for the human mind on the sixth day of creation when Adam named every living creature. According to PLOS BIOLOGY, in November 2023 when asked how many species exist on Earth? "Projections range from millions to trillions." Even the experts admit we can only project the number of species in the animal kingdom.
Nature reveals the overwhelming love, Omnipotence, and Omniscience of the God who not only humbled Himself in death so we can experience perfection in the New Heaven and New Earth but also gave those created in His image a fulfilling life on planet Earth amidst magnificent beauty that still exists.
God created the world as a dynamic wonder for us to behold its splendid beauty, pursue opportunities to excel and reach our fullest potential, and most importantly understand His loving character. "God intends that improvement shall be the lifework of all His followers and that it shall be guided and controlled by correct experience." (Reaching Forward to Perfection).
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." —James 3:13
The Holy Spirit empowers us with the gift of wisdom to understand the Scriptures and God's Divine plan of restoration for fallen beings. His goal is for us to achieve continuous spiritual and intellectual growth through studying the Scriptures, experiencing the natural world, and personal and professional development.
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." —1 John 3:1
So why do so few believers grasp the Godly concept of setting our standards high? "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). From the diligent study of Creation's story we learn of God's infinite plan for humanity. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament revealing that our true identity is in Christ our Creator.
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' " —Galatians 4:6
Christ proclaims "We are sons and daughters of God, we are bought with a price, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are a royal priesthood." Instead of recognizing the privilege of our spiritual birthright, we classify ourselves according to the world's standards of family ancestry, academic achievements, and social and financial status.
"Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." —1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible
Our refusal to consecrate ourselves to God has strengthened Satan's influence in the Christian Community. Blended truth with human-made concepts is accepted because we harbor a spirit of discontentment. Instead of praising God for our blessings of provisions, and studying the Bible under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we listen to podcasts on "How Successful People Think."
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." —John 14:14
Satan twists the Holy context of the Scriptures to appease our desires for earthly treasures. He uses misguided human interpretation, "Didn't Jesus say to ask anything in His name and He would do it?" to incite our passions. We pray, follow our inclinations, and answer our prayers based on the false teachings of the Name It and Claim It prosperity message and the worldview of pursuing one's desires.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Our focus has shifted to building wealth and elevating our social status instead of seeking the intangible [intellectual and spiritual growth] blessings. "There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self." ( COL 67).
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." —Hebrews 4:12
The focus of spiritual warfare is our soul! Satan is using two effective strategies to turn our attention away from seeking the Kingdom of God. Never-ending Distractions: Our schedules are filled with secular activities. The busyness of today has left us depleted. We are just too exhausted to experience meaningful worship in the presence of God.
You Have Time: Today was a taxing effort, tomorrow will be better. We rarely appreciate the new mercies of the given day because our focus is on the future. When the children are older and the mortgage is paid in a few years from now life will not be so hectic. The Deception: We think time is ours to manage. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom " (Psalm 90:12).
" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me' " (Matthew 15:8).
Many Christians are unaware the last few years including 2024 is the time Jesus identified as "The Beginning of Sorrows" (Matthew 24). We desperately need to consecrate ourselves to live sacrificially. Only then can the Holy Spirit open our natural eyes and empower us with the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and rebuke Satan's deceptions.
The times are perilous and Satan attempts to deceive the very elect. Too many rely on their intellect, quick wit, and life experience instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit. According to today's pastors, a new term for 21st-century Christianity has been adopted, we are Middle-of-the-road Christians, not engaging in abject wickedness, but living an uncommitted life of self-seeking behaviors.
Think on These Things: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.…" —Philippians 4:8
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." —Matthew 5:48
How often do we think of life in the New Heaven and New Earth? This season of life should be utilized for the transition of shifting our focus from distractions, busyness, and worldly gain to the pursuit of spiritual excellence. Filtering the stimuli that we allow to enter our minds requires heightened spiritual awareness—Is this information beneficial for my spiritual or intellectual growth? Every newsworthy event should not consume our valuable time.
A Call to Worship and Obedience: "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. Today, if you will hear His voice: 'Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion...' " —Psalm 95:5-7
Christian believers do not need to seek the world's advice. We have the Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit who refreshes and empowers our minds with Godly wisdom and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. Still, our activities of daily living must be secondary to allow adequate and unhurried time to worship God in Spirit and in Truth which is necessary for spiritual clarity, growth, and transformation.
Changing Our Lifestyle: Transition from Technology to the Outdoor Life
The things of nature are God's blessings, provided to give health to the body, mind, and soul. Surrounded by the wonderful works of God, our minds are lifted from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads us to think of the matchless charms of the earth made new, where there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy, nothing to cause disease or death. The Health-giving Value of Outdoor Life
"Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert." —Isaiah 43:18-19, BSB
Without surrendering ourselves to God, we cannot perceive the new blessings God desires to give us in our earthly lives to prepare us for life with Him. Letting go of counterproductive behaviors includes people and pleasures that serve no purpose in our spiritual journey with Christ.
God has a definitive plan for every faithful and obedient believer which begins in our earthly lives and culminates at Jesus' Second Coming. To receive the Heavenly Crown of Life requires that we live an earthly life as the Sons and Daughters of God—Spiritual Royalty.
Lord, we pray for ourselves. We on traveling on a detour road instead of the Path of Righteousness and for this we ask for forgiveness. God, like the prodigal son, we have come to our senses. We surrender. Please reveal Your will and plans for our lives. Holy Spirit empower us with Your presence and lead us to the Narrow Path. In Jesus' Matchless Name, we pray. Amen. © SDJ April 2024
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