Where Are My Keys? - Part 1

Excerpt taken from Journey to Promise - Chapter 3 - Part 1 

 - "Where Are My Keys?" 

Copyright (c) 2024 LaDonna K Sanders 

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Journey to Promise – Chapter 3 – Part 1 -  Where Are My Keys?

I am your host, LaDonna Sanders, and today's episode is titled Where Are My Keys? An excerpt from Chapter 3 in my book Journey to Promise. 

Have you ever been in a rush, and suddenly, your keys are missing? You search high and low, and the frustration builds. That frantic moment of Where are my keys? It is the perfect metaphor for today's message.

Let's dive in."

"Picture this: 'Where are my keys? These are not my keys! If I don't find them, I'll be late! Somebody, help me find my keys!'

Sound familiar? When we lose our keys, it's more than an inconvenience—it's a delay that can throw off our entire day. In life, keys are essential. They unlock doors, start engines, and get us where we need to go. Spiritually, keys are just as vital. God has given each of us the keys to peace, purpose, and promise.

In this episode, we'll explore some of those spiritual keys, focusing specifically on the key of prayer. But first, let's take a quick look at a few other keys God has provided:

• The Blood of Jesus
• The Name of Jesus
• Obedience
• The Word of God
• Praise
• Fasting
• Prayer

These keys are not just theoretical—they're practical tools to help us navigate life's challenges, keep Satan at bay, and stay on track toward our God-ordained destiny. Let's begin with the powerful key of the Blood of Jesus."

The Blood of Jesus Is a Key

Ephesians 2:11-13 reminds us that the Blood of Jesus brings us near to God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, the relationship broken by sin has been restored. Through His crucifixion, Jesus secured our salvation, healing, and peace. His blood cleanses us—past, present, and future—and redeems and restores us completely.

As a teen growing up in a Pentecostal church, I often heard the phrase, 'I plead the Blood of Jesus.' It's a declaration of protection and a call for divine intervention. This powerful practice traces back to Exodus 12, where the Israelites marked their doorposts with the blood of an unblemished lamb. When God's judgment passed through Egypt, the homes marked with blood were spared.

Today, Jesus Christ is our unblemished Lamb, as John 1:29 tells us. When we embrace His blood sacrifice, we receive eternal protection. Pleading the Blood of Jesus is like having the ultimate spiritual insurance—it's coverage for your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

 So, how do we apply this in daily life? You can call on Jesus in prayer, ask Him to protect and cover you, your family, ask him to cleanse you from unrighteousness, to remove sinful defilement from every core of your being, and help you to live each day honoring Him. 

Let's read: Hebrews 9:13-14-, it states, "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." 

Hebrews 9:14 says that the blood sacrifice Christ made for us can empower us to serve the living God. So ask him to purge your conscience from all dead works (sinful acts, righteous acts done to earn salvation, unfruitful living) to serve the living God? Ask Him to cleanse your heart from everything that dishonors Him and interferes with His will for your life. Then, ask the Lord to release protection, healing, and peace over you and yours, as well as over situations that matter to you each day. The Blood of Jesus brings us near to Christ; it cleanses us from the things in our hearts and lives that displease God. The blood of Jesus offers protection to those who believe that He is our protector. The Blood of Jesus is a key to victory, not a mantra; it is tied to faith in God, His Word, and obedience to His will. My friends, the  Blood of Jesus is a key that never loses its power.

The Name of Jesus Is a Key

Now, let's talk about another key: the Name of Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 says, 'Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name Jeus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." 

These scriptures tell us that God has given Jesus the name above every name—one that every knee will bow to, and every tongue will confess.

John 14:13-15 says, And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. 

The Name of Jesus carries authority. When we pray in His name and align with His word, we align our will with God's will, and Heaven's power is released on earth. We agree with God's written promises, which are irrevocable and unchangeable. Through prayer, we acknowledge the honor He has given to Jesus.  

But why does the Name of Jesus spark such division? Some people don't believe in God, others think good deeds are enough for salvation, and some see Jesus as just a prophet. The Bible, however, is clear: Jesus is the only way to eternal life. In John 14:6, Jesus says to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' 

 "Let me encourage you: use the Name of Jesus in prayer and life with reverence and confidence. Trust in His authority, and watch how God moves on your behalf."

Obedience Is a Key

 "Obedience is another essential key to accessing God's promises. Merriam-Webster defines obedience as being submissive to authority. And in Romans 6:12-16, we learn that obedience to God shows our love and allegiance to Him.

Romans 6:12-16 says, 'Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then: Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness. 

Temptation is one of the biggest obstacles to obedience. But here's the good news: God provides a way out. First Corinthians 10:13 assures us that no temptation is too great, and with His help, we can overcome.

It says, 'No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.'

Here are three tips for staying obedient:

1. Remember, temptation doesn't come from God (James 1:13-15).

James 1:13-15 says, Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

Temptation does not come from God! 

1. Lean into Jesus—confess your sins and ask for His help.
2. Resist the devil by standing firm in faith and staying grounded in God's Word (James 4:7-8).

James 4:7-8 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

My friends, obedience is a key; it is our roadmap to victory, and the Holy Spirit is our guide." So, learn to trust and obey! 

Closing: Prayer Is the Ultimate Key

"We've covered a lot today, but I want to leave you with this thought: Prayer is the ultimate key that ties everything together. It's our direct line to God—a way to unlock His guidance, strength, and peace in our lives.

As you go about your week, remember the keys we've discussed. Apply them with faith, and trust that God will guide you on the journey to your destiny."

Thanks for joining me on this episode of Healing Waters. If you were blessed by today's message, share it with a friend or leave a review. And don't forget—your spiritual keys are within reach. Use them to unlock the incredible life God has planned for you.

Until next time, I'm LaDonna K Sanders. Stay blessed."