Despite our unexpected stormy trials, believers are never alone. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Trials, sorrows, and difficulties are designed to give us spiritual growth and increase our dependency on God. We were not created to live without God’s divine intervention. It’s normal for our emotions to intensify when we feel our hardships are drowning us. If we allow our emotions to control us, our faith diminishes and we risk losing our confidence in the love and strength that God provides.
Take the time to separate yourself and pray for help. Pray an honest prayer. “God, I am feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. I need your help. I know that you love me and will bring me victoriously through this situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Praise God and thank Him in advance for His Divine Intervention. Prayer does not take away our trials. Consistent prayer allows us to receive strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Study the Scriptures every day. Include time for quiet meditation. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. As believers, we can hear God’s voice through different means such as our thoughts, reading scriptures, listening to sermons, or hearing another believer’s testimony of victory. Sometimes, God communicates through spiritual dreams or a fellow believer who may not even know our situation. However, it’s important to note that God’s answer always aligns with the Holy Scriptures. Through daily worship, we learn to recognize the voice of God.
When the disciples were in the boat, fearing for their lives, Jesus appeared to them by walking on the water. “Be of good cheer! It is I, do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Remember, we are never alone. Jesus is with us in every stormy trial. The human effort of faith and trust along with Divine intervention always ends in victory! During the challenges of the raging storm, Jesus says, “Come to Me.” Take the giant leap of faith and “Go Ahead! Walk on the Water.”
Lord God, we thank You for bringing us safely through this week and empowering us with Your Divine Strength to persevere in our spiritual journey. We ask You to give us the blessings of spiritual renewal, joy, peace, and the restoration of our mind, body, and soul. We look forward to the day when we will receive our Crown of Life and worship You face to face. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Holy Name of our Resurrected and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Last week, I was chatting with the maintenance supervisor in our complex, who stated that he finally has a crew of people who care, have high standards, and do quality work; yes, they refuse to compromise by taking shortcuts.
In Genesis Chapter 1, The Story of Creation, every day, God, Jesus Christ, who made all things [John Chapter 1] critiques the results of His spoken words: “Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear;’ and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:9-10).
Integrity: In the beginning, Christ established a guiding principle for everyday Christian living; He emphasizes that our beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions must completely align with His Perfect Righteousness:
“It is written, ‘Be holy, for I am Holy.'” (1 Peter 1:16). When Jesus looks at our heart and mind, examining our thoughts, beliefs, words, and actions, He should be able to say, “It is good.”
The Apostle Paul taught his new believers in the early churches: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17).
“As followers of Christ, righteous integrity must be practiced in everything we do, even the ordinary, daily tasks. Yes, every action should be done as an act of worship to honor God.”
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8).
God reminds us that His Righteous thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and strategies, which requires us to pray, asking for His plans to be revealed.
God tells us that He does not change. If we rely on His thoughts and ways, learning His Character and how He intervenes, then we will remain spiritually stable, despite the planet Earth’s declined morals, values, and ever-changing beliefs and practices.
Because we were created with free will, we must choose to do what is right. And that is increasingly more difficult, not only due to corrupt societies, but also because we inherited sinful hearts that easily compromise [Jeremiah 17:9].
Yet, God gave us the Holy Scriptures to learn how He defines what is right and wrong. And through daily personal worship, we pray for Divine Guidance, which is given to us by God, the Holy Spirit.
We study, commit to memory, obey, and live a life that reflects God’s Righteous Principles. To love God is to put Him first! The Holy Spirit teaches us how to live holy and guides in our daily spiritual journey on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV).
Always doing what is right is the choice that invites the Holy Spirit to convert our heart, guide our decisions, and transform our mind, character, and personality to reflect Christ’s Righteousness [Sanctification].
“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).
From obeying God’s Commands, our hearts are spiritually connected to Jesus’ Pure and Holy Heart. The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out, empowering us to let go of old habits, behaviors, unbelieving friends, and former lifestyles.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we begin to think differently, perceiving life through spiritual eyes. Not only do our habits and lifestyles reflect Christ Righteousness, but day by day, we prepare ourselves to receive our Triumphant King’s Promises in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12.
The pure heart is filled with Righteous Integrity and is a powerful witness of God’s Holy Standards of “Perfect Love, Obedience, and a Mindset of No Compromise.” These values constitute acts of worship, revealing that loving and obeying Christ does make a difference in one’s life.
Overcoming Satan’s Covert Deceptions
Satan is very devious and subtle with his temptations. Because we were created a little lower than the angels, we must remember that Satan is still a fallen angel; and his intellect and wisdom supersedes our intellect.
Divine Command: “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.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Covert Deceptions: When a temptation is presented that fulfills one of our heart’s desires, if we fail to pray, it is impossible for us to discern Satan’s diabolical schemes.
Without prayer, we will fall! Yes, we can repent, receive forgiveness, and apologize to those who were impacted, but Sin always leaves its Mark, and often irreversible consequences.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). We must never cooperate with Satan, by letting our feelings override our sound mind [self-control and discipline].
Always pray and wait for God’s answer before making a decision that will easily compromise your integrity and right standing with God: Pray, Wait, and Obey!
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake…” (Philippians 1:29, ESV).
Always doing what is right eventually requires a cost: To say No to an “Offer of Compromise” may result in the loss of our jobs, friends, family, a marriage, and what appears to be the world’s best solutions and greatest financial rewards.
When a situation arises, demanding that we compromise our integrity, or even if we are unsure and have a conflict within our mind, we immediately breathe a prayer for strength and ask God, “Will a decision of Yes, honor You?”
Do not let your feelings overwhelm or control you! There is no reason to be upset, Offers of Compromise are part of Satan’s continuous Spiritual Warfare [Ephesians 6].
From placing our faith and trust in God and His Saving Power, we remain calm and courageous by maintaining our faith and trust in God, by simply stating, “No, I cannot do that,” and walk away.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11, NIV).
We should never say, “I am sorry that I cannot do that.” We leave the door open for Satan to present the same compromise, using a more devious strategy. Never apologize for upholding God’s Righteous Standards.
God’s Action Plan To Honor The Faithful
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV).
If your decision results in loss, remain steadfast in your faith. Always trust God! We can only see life through natural eyes, but God tells us to redirect our focus to the Heavenly Realm, where the concept of impossible has never existed!
“Behold, I am YAHWEH, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, BLB).
God is Omniscient [All-Knowing], so, He already knows every trial and temptation, we will face. Remain loyal to God by using your faith to pray, believe, and trust in His Promises and Mighty Power.
We Must Walk Through Life On Bended Knees – Build Your Life On Prayers of Faith
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).
God, the Father has promised to give us our needs through God, His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray, Prayers of Faith and Gratitude, thanking God in advance for giving you the victory and supplying your needs.
Keep your faith and focus on God and His Promises by not looking at the circumstances. Even in the time of waiting, remain steadfast with prayers and praises of gratitude!
Remain courageous: “Wait on the Lord.” Place your confidence in Jesus Christ, Who is Yahweh Yireh, The God Who Provides. He has already designed your personal Plan of Victory!
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind” [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes]…(Romans 12:2, Amplified Bible).
Yes, shortcuts, and hidden practices requiring the compromise of one’s integrity is the world’s standard, but our allegiance to God requires that we uphold God’s Holy Principles.
We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the decision to uphold the Righteous Standards of a Righteous God demonstrates our love and loyalty to Christ, our Savior and Triumphant King, for which we will be greatly rewarded.
Brothers and Sisters, it’s just a matter of time! Sooner than we think, “He that shall come will come” and one day, we will hear King Jesus say to us, “Well done,” and He will give us our Crown of Life. Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love, Your Promises in the Holy Scriptures, and the open invitation to come to Your Throne of Grace in time of need. Lord, we realize that we are always in need, so we ask You to bless us spiritually, and to increase our faith that we may remain steadfast when facing temptations. We ask for the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize Satan schemes, and the strength to overcome. And Lord, we also ask You to please be our Strength. In love and faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Yahweh Yireh, our Provider, Amen.
Practical Messages For Living In Impractical Times
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
A pastor shared this testimony: When I was 15 years old, my church hosted a mountain hike for the community and it was a great turnout. The guides reviewed the rules with everyone, and we agreed to follow our guides and the rules.
But as we walked along the trail, everyone was excited, except for me. I had hiked this mountain with my dad, and knew the trail, so I became bored. I listened to my feelings, and decided to deviate from the trail.
The thought of exploring new territory made me excited, but as the group kept walking, I waited by a tree for five minutes to see if anyone missed me, but no one called my name, so I decided to keep moving forward.
Yes, I knew the rules, if you’re navigating an unknown path, you mark the trees, which will guide you on the return trip. But with overconfidence, I told myself, you don’t need to do that, you have an excellent memory.
After walking for about 10 minutes, I decided to return to the group. Being alone, and no one knowing where you are did not bring the excitement that I anticipated, but when I turned around, I became disoriented.
All the trees were identical and I knew there weren’t any straight paths on a mountain. Still, I reassured myself that I could get back, so I just started walking forward, hoping to see the familiar trail. But after walking for what seemed to be forever, I realized that I was lost.
Immediately I reached for my cell phone, but there was no signal. I can still remember the fear and panic consuming my mind, and my body reacted. My heart began to beat faster and I started hyperventilating, at that point, I knew that if someone didn’t find me, I would die.
Because my heart was filled with pride, I thought, If I call out for help, others will laugh at me, knowing that I was raised in this area, and still got lost, so I suppressed the desire to call out.
But as my vision became blurred from the tears of fear, I realized that I needed God’s help. I prayed, confessing that I had been disobedient, and I begged God to show me how to get back to the trail.
My legs felt weak, but the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus’ Promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you;” peace replaced the fear in my mind, and step by step, I slowly moved forward.
The Holy Spirit gave me the courage and wisdom to walk through the unknown. God revealed His Never-Changing Love, Mercy, and Faithfulness: Although at least 20 minutes had passed, when I returned to the trail, I was right behind the crowd of hikers.
No one knew that I was missing, except for my Shepherd, Jesus Christ. I never shared this experience until I became an adult because it was only then that I fully understood the love of Jesus Christ.
The Decision To Follow Jesus Christ
Jesus had just performed the miracle of healing the paralytic: “Now when the multitude saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” (Matthew 9:8)
Matthew’s Decision To Follow Jesus: “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV).
Can you remember the joy and excitement that was in your heart when you said, “Yes, I repent of my sins and accept Jesus as my Savior?”
Do you still have the joy, happiness, and peace that comes from following Jesus?
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
If you are navigating through life following your own thoughts and strategies, repent and renew your commitment with Jesus Christ to be His Forever Follower.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:14, 27-28).
To Follow Jesus, Surrender, Repent, Forget the Past, and Keep Moving Forward
Every day, use your faith to pray and ask for God’s guidance before making plans and decisions. Make the commitment to following Jesus on the Narrow Path, wherever He leads you. No, it will not be easy, but Jesus promises:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV). Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we are following the prideful thoughts of our hearts. And today, we come to You in humility, with repentance, asking for the forgiveness for the sin of disobedience. Although we have been like sheep, who stopped listening to their Shepherd’s Voice, following the Wide Path, You continued to search for us. Thank You for loving and protecting us. Jesus, You are our Shepherd, we love You, and commit to following You with faithful obedience. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.” (Daniel 6:7, NIV).
Daniel 6 teaches us that God honors, helps, and rescues believers who have unwavering Faith in His Love and Power and use courage to practice uncompromising integrity.
Daniel was approximately 80 years old when his faith was severely tested. His response to the Kings command:
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:10).
Is it possible for Christian Believers in 2026 to have the faith and trust in God that Daniel had? Yes!
God’s Gifts to Humanity
Faith: “…I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” (Romans 12:3, CSB).
Spiritual Gifts: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (2 Timothy 1:7, Amplified Bible).
From accepting Christ as our personal Savior, what does God expect of us? “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
Reflection: Do your thoughts, spoken words, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle reflect that you are a Son or Daughter of God, who is striving to live righteously?
Choose a Time when you can be alone and without distractions and perform a Spiritual Self-Assessment. When complete, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any habits or behaviors that indicate the compromise of God’s Righteous Standards.
Without the power of the Holy Spirit guiding our thoughts and decisions, we may have embraced the Unbeliever’s Creeds of “Self-Reliance and Chasing Your Desires.”
“A creed is a formal statement of core beliefs or guiding principles. While most commonly used to define statements of religious faith (from the Latin credo, meaning ‘I believe’), it can also refer to a personal philosophy or set of principles that dictates how someone lives.”
Self-Reliance and Chasing Our Desires Always Separate Us From God!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding…Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:5, 7).
“Self-trust replaces Reliance on God, the Creator, with reliance on the thoughts and strategies of the flawed human heart.”
Reliance on AI: “Artificial Intelligence does not have human feelings, self-awareness, or inner consciousness. Instead, AI simulates thinking by processing massive amounts of data…”
“By trusting in one’s own thoughts [human wisdom], or the supposed wisdom of AI, the believer severs their vital connection with God.”
The Triune God is the Only True Source of All Knowledge including All Present and Future Situations and Outcomes, and the Only Source of Spiritual Wisdom. (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Chasing Your Desires is to actively pursue your biggest ambitions, goals, or passions. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19, 21).
We cannot follow Christ with love and loyalty with a divided heart. “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24).
The concept of a Worldly Christian, who lives as they please [as long as they attend weekly church services] is a deceptive false teaching originated by Satan.
God’s Command: “Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.'” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
“In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul calls believers to live a life that is spiritually set apart and distinct from worldly, ungodly influences.”
Daniel Is a Faith Hero!
Although Daniel and the nation of Judah were in Babylonian captivity for 70 years, he used his faith to always believe and trust in God’s Love, Power, and Promises. Daniel proves that it is possible for us to intentionally keep our faith and focus on God, and not our circumstances.
Bible scholars estimate that Daniel was between 80-85 years of age when he was thrown in the lion’s den. But God!
Daniel’s Deliverance: God Honors Daniel’s Faithful Obedience – Daniel 6
“Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting [sorrowful] voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?'” (Verses 19-20).
“Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.'” (Verses 21-22).
God’s Plan For Us Is To Have Steadfast Faith Like The Prophet Daniel
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith is Active! We use our faith to Love, Trust, Surrender, and Obey God, the Father; we pray in faith to God, the Son [Jesus], our Redeemer and Intercessor, who receives all prayers, forgives us of our sins, and it is God, the Holy Spirit, who uses our faith as a catalyst to perform our spiritual growth and transformation, and empower us with knowledge, wisdom, and strength..
Our faith keeps us connected to Jesus Christ, and reveals our cooperation with God, the Holy Spirit, who relies on our faith and obedience to perform Sanctification.
“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
Like Daniel, we must also use our faith to remain focused on God’s Sovereign Power, believing [without any fear or doubt] that God is more Powerful than our circumstances.
Studying the Bible is crucial to our faith and spiritual growth. The Scriptures teach us of God’s Loving and Righteous Character and the various Bible stories document the many times He has intervened to give victory to the righteous. [Faith Builder].
“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). Through the Scriptures, the inspired writers give us historical details revealing that God is Faithful, Dependable, and Powerful! [Faith Builder].
“For the word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Words strengthen our faith, giving us hope that He will never leave us or abandon us. Jesus tells us that the Scriptures are the Bread of Life, and we must eat from them [study] every day, to be fed spiritually. [Faith Builder].
“Be holy…” We cannot depend on human thoughts, or teach ourselves how to live holy. There are many opinions on what we need to do, yet we need to pray for wisdom and guidance and study Christ’s instructions.
The Bible is our Source for navigating through our spiritual journey with victory. Much prayer is required for the building of our faith, spiritual transformation, and maintaining our relationship with Christ.
Our Spiritual Journey with Jesus requires consistent Human Effort and we will receive from the Holy Spirit, the Divine Intervention of Jesus’ Strength.
The Apostle Paul who started the early churches wrote letters of encouragement to the members, describing the spiritual activities that every Christian believer must do to receive the spiritual growth and transformation performed daily by the Holy Spirit:
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10, NIV).
“We can come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay just as we are.”
Sanctification Is God’s Spiritual Goal: Daily spiritual growth and transformation of our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character requires the teamwork of Human Effort and Divine Intervention.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 16, NIV)
Like Daniel, who consecrated himself through daily personal worship, three times a day, we also need to use our gift of time to commit to worshiping, following, trusting and obeying Christ, our Savior and Shepherd.
“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, Amplified Bible).
Following Jesus requires a mindset and lifestyle of continuous self-denial and worship [Romans 12:1-3]. Every morning, we use our faith to surrender and commit to obey the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
For over 6,000 years, Satan has manipulated the minds of many people to rebel against God. Human Effort alone cannot keep us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
Our daily prayer of faith and surrender invites the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith, and empower us with the spiritual knowledge and wisdom to discern life through spiritual eyes.
Despite King Darius’ command, Daniel was faithful and obedient to God. Not only did he continue to worship God three times a day, by opening his window, Daniel’s accusers witnessed his courage and steadfast faith and trust in the Most-High God.
In 2026, our tests of faith are very different from Daniel’s test of faith. Satan is presenting temptations of social media, earthly trinkets, success, relationships with unbelievers, fornication, gambling, immoral programs and video games, alcoholic beverages, and addictive mood gummies and teas to calm us.
Many Christian believers have embraced and developed hatred for one another because of political differences; and instead of helping those who are economically disadvantaged, they are using their God-given resources to become Wealth Builders.
Loving Others Is a Test of Our Faith and Obedience to God: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39).
Represent the love of Christ to everyone. We do not have time to hate or to be upset with anyone. Ask the Holy Spirit to saturate your heart with God’s Agape Love.
Prayer, praise, and study of the Holy Scriptures keep us close to Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, who promises that He is coming soon. Yes and Amen!
Satan is using his best strategies to entice us to abandon our relationship with Jesus Christ. Every day, when we least expect it, we will face temptations that test our faith and loyalty to God.
Stop, Think, and Pray! Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Facing accusations or conflict? It’s a faith test! Never react with emotions; remain silent and pray. [Faith Builder].
Whisper prayers throughout your day for Divine Wisdom and Strength. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit empowers us with Jesus’ Divine Strength to persevere and pass every test of faith. [Faith Builder].
God has promised to deliver us and He will!
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” (Ephesians 6:10, Amplified Bible).
Lord God, we ask You to be our Strength as we navigate through our spiritual journey of faith. We also ask for the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, and correct us, as we follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you were asked to define success, would your answer include money, material possessions, and an elite social status?
“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).
Spiritual Fact: Wealth builders will not receive the reward of Eternal Life.
It is impossible to focus on pursuing temporary treasures on a temporary earth and have a faithful and obedient heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Revelation 3:19, NIV).
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).
We are Temporary Travelers living on a Temporary Earth and everything we own is Temporary.
“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).
Persevering in faith with perfect trust and obedience to God will ensure spiritual success [spiritual growth and character transformation] and receiving your reward of the Crown of Life.
Every day, Prepare for Eternity – Put God First!
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1, 5).
Bible Study: John 14:1-3; Revelation 21-22
Lord God, we repent for chasing earthly treasures and pleasures, and ask You to give us the wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes, and the strength to overcome Satan’s distractions and temptations. Jesus, in faith, we dedicate our hearts to You, and thank You for the sacrificial gift of Your life on Calvary’s Cross. Lord, give us a heart filled with love and humility. We ask You to guide us in our journey on the Narrow Path of Righteousness as we prepare for Your Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.
“And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:22-23).
Jesus tells us that every human being has sinned by disobeying God. Peter messed up and denied Jesus three times, still Jesus did not condemn him, Jesus restored him by asking Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”
We give Praises to God, the Father and God, Jesus the Son Jesus, who completed the Plan of Redemption on Calvary’s Cross, which includes confession, repentance, and God’s forgiveness for our sins.
“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).
Do not hold onto and grieve over your past experiences and mistakes. Refusing to forgive, nurturing anger, sadness, and despair over the past reveal unbelief [not using our faith to actively believe] in God’s Gift: “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
“Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we are adopted into the family of God, and we proclaim, ‘Abba, Father!'”
Even God cannot change our past, but if we are willing to use our faith and believe in His promise of “making something new,” He will reset our lives and make beauty from the ashes of our past.
“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, NLT).
The Gift: Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous. The Apostle Paul tells us that from accepting Christ as our personal Savior, we become “new creations,” who are covered by Christ’s Righteousness, and as Sons and Daughters of God, we can expect to receive God’s greatest blessings.
Spiritual Restoration is a gift from God that requires us to live holy: “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).
We connect to Christ and stay anchored in Him through daily surrender, faithful obedience, and personal worship [Prayer and Bible Study].
Yes, we use our faith to love, honor, and revere God by implicitly trusting and obeying Him. To receive God’s promises of Spiritual Renewal and Restoration, we cannot have a divided heart.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Our inherited Hearts naturally gravitate toward fulfilling our desires, but Self-Reliance is willful disobedience against God. The heart filled with love for God easily embraces and practices a “God First” mindset and lifestyle.
The Lifestyle of Daily Surrender: We let go of our thoughts and strategies by always praying for God’s Guidance before making decisions. “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).
Even when we fall, with Agape Love and Mercy, Jesus extends His hand, which is an invitation for us to get up and try again. But this time, we use our faith to trust and obey our Shepherd by relying on His Divine Guidance and Strength. Yes and Amen!
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).
Lord God, we confess that by living to fulfill our desires, we have redirected our faith and focus to ourselves. Our decisions are based on our thoughts and emotions, and for these sins of disobedience, we ask You for forgiveness. Our past experiences and mistakes have produced many consequences, but most importantly, we have forgotten that loving You requires us to put You First and to obey Your Will. In faith, we ask You to teach us how to love, to heal us from our past, and to restore our relationship with You. With gratitude and joy, we look forward to receiving Your promise of doing something new in our lives. With humility, we ask for these spiritual blessings in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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