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.”
Why do storms keep coming? When the storms of life press down upon us that is God talking. When the storms in our personality arise, God is talking.
When the storms in our churches arise caused by divisions of power hungry troublemakers; and when there is chaos in church board meetings, we have chosen to ignore common sense then we realize that God is talking.
God’s job is to take charge of the storm and our job is to listen to the lesson He teaches us through the storms.
If we take the time to be still and listen then God’s message to us says, “Be still and know that I am God!”
Peter could tell us what he learned from getting out of the boat and walking on the water: If you want to keep your balance, your equilibrium, don’t look back, do not depend on your knowledge or skills, you must keep your eyes on Jesus.
The man who built his house on the solid rock tells us, If you want to stand tall and strong, and survive the storm, you must build your hope on things eternal.
How do we handle our storms in the Sea of Life? We stay on the boat. The Bible is our life vest. Will our anchor hold?
When the storms keep coming, hold on to the Anchor, Jesus Christ. Hold on to God’s unchanging hand!
Lamentations 3:22-26
In the book of Lamentations Jeremiah was looking at suffering and loss. Because we receive new Mercies every day. God is faithful, never changing.
John 16:33: You will have trouble, but be a good cheer give God praise when you’re hurting.
The convictions we must have to experience fresh mercies every day.
Our Compassionate High Priest: Hebrews 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We are sustained by God’s Grace and Mercies.
We are covered by God’s Mercies!
God’s Mercies are our Portion.
God’s Mercies continue to bless those who wait on Him.
Holy Spirit, “Pray with me, and for me as I pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27).
We have to learn not to give up on God’s Mercies. Jesus has compassion for us.
We have received a gift that God expects us to use for His Honor and Glory.
God is faithful! Wait on the Lord! Cling to the One who is Faithful!
“Jesus replied: ‘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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV).
In Romans 12:3, the Apostle Paul tells us that God has given to all a measure of Faith [the ability to believe and trust in God]: “…to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
We use faith to believe that God exists; faith is the catalyst that enables us to love God, the Father, and God, Jesus Christ; and faith causes us to believe and accept Christ as our personal Savior.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).
Active Faith allows us to embrace the Plan of Redemption, fulfilled by Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross, keeping us spiritually connected to Christ by believing in God’s Power and Promises.
Like a seed in the ground, faith can grow. We choose to water and feed our faith by trusting and obeying God in every aspect of our lives. Instead of making decisions based on speculation, we pray, ask, and wait for God’s Divine Guidance.
Faith is a spiritual muscle that must be exercised daily to gain strength. Our love for Jesus keeps our faith active, giving us the desire to stay connected to Jesus Christ through daily Personal Worship, Prayer, and Bible Study.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6, ESV).
From the moment we wake up, our first words should reflect immense gratitude for God’s Love and Mercies revealed by the gift of time. Yes, we have received another day, which allows us to consecrate ourselves to follow Christ by worshiping God in Spirit and Truth.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28, NKJV).
Morning worship reflects the intentional decision to place our faith and trust in Jesus, our Loving and Faithful Shepherd. The Holy Spirit rewards our faithfulness by empowering us with Jesus’ Wisdom and Strength. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
It is a mystery that the human mind cannot comprehend; however, God, the Holy Spirit, can be present everywhere at the same time. The Spirit of God strengthens our faith, always guiding and giving us the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes.
“In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will].” (Hebrews 5:7, Amplified Bible).
In His earthly life, Jesus was a Prayer Warrior who used HIs faith to rely on God, the Father’s Guidance and Power! We must form the habit of consistently whispering prayers for Divine Wisdom, Guidance, and the Strength to overcome our internal desires and the external temptations we are guaranteed to encounter every day.
“Key Ways to Strengthen Faith: Faith is the very life of the soul!”
Study the Scriptures Daily:
Treat God’s Words as Spiritual food and water.
Meditate on the gift of Redemption and Christ’s Righteous Character.
Let your mind dwell on sacred, eternal things rather than trivial matters.
Engage in Secret Prayer:
Open the heart to God in solitude, free from outside distractions.
Bring burdens and trials directly to the Lord to receive the spiritual strength for endurance.
Consciously surrender your plans each morning and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day.
Exercise Active Obedience:
Understand that true faith produces fruit and works through love.
Clear the heart of cherished sins or selfish desires that act as strongholds for doubt.
Put faith into practice by cooperating with God in daily duties.
Take Time to Separate and Meditate on God’s Past Leading:
Remember that we have nothing to fear for the future unless we forget how the Lord has led us in the past.
Count your blessings and speak words of praise and thanksgiving rather than entertaining discouragement. Steps to Christ and The Desire of Ages
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, ESV). “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV).
Our faith is strengthened by praying, asking for, and depending on God’s Will and Perfect Plans. The choices we make either build and strengthen our faith or destroy our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ; Self-reliance [depending on our thoughts and strategies] always excludes Christ from our lives.
Exercising Faith invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to trust in the unseen Promises of God. “Faith is not only to look forward to things unseen; [faith] is to be confirmed by looking at past experience,” and at the many victories God has given to us in impossible situations.
“Faith enables us to reveal that Christ is abiding in the soul,” giving us the courage and strength to reflect the Light of Christ in a world overshadowed by spiritual darkness. Through faith, we demonstrate that loving, honoring, and following Jesus Christ makes a difference in one’s life.
Reflection: The time we intentionally spend worshiping God reveals the direction of our faith, trust, and focus; either we use our faith to implicitly focus on Christ, trusting Him with our lives, or we use our faith to focus on and trust our limited abilities.
Daily Faith Building Activities Will Result in Steadfast Strengthened Faith
Consecrate Yourself Daily to God: “…by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1, ESV).
Diligently Study the Holy Scriptures: Receive Power Through God’s Word
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13, NIV).
Prayer Keeps Us Connected to Jesus, The Source of All Strength
“Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV). Every day, pray, “Lord, increase my faith.”
“Prayer is simply talking to God as a trusted friend who hears hidden thoughts and understands every burden. Prayer is a vital, personal connection with Jesus, our Loving Friend. Solitude in prayer protects the mind from outside noise and lays the soul bare before God for true spiritual growth.”
“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…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
Invite God into your decision-making activities. Use your faith to trust and rely on God’s Divine Guidance in every aspect of your life. Never consider any decision insignificant; we cannot discern future outcomes. As followers of Christ, we should never suffer consequences because we failed to ask for Divine Guidance. Always wait on God to answer your prayer. Our Heavenly Father is never in a hurry. [Study Psalm 27:14].
King David’s Prayer of Faith: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek…. Teach me Your way, O Lord.'” (Psalm 27:7-8, 11).
“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38).
“The early Christians endured [the spiritual] sealing their testimony with their lives. Regardless of social and economic status, and educational achievements; without mercy, nobility and the common person, whether rich or poor, they were executed for following Jesus Christ.”
“These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul;” [Nero hated Christians, executing the Apostle Paul simply because he was a Christian].
And this raging anger and hatred against the people of God was sustained for centuries. “Christians or falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declare to be the cause of great calamities–famine, pestilence, and earthquakes.”
“As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gaining money and material possessions, to betray the innocent.”
“They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as enemies of religion and viewed as invading pests. Great numbers were thrown to wild animals and burned alive in amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrown into the arena to be eaten by wild dogs.” The Great Controversy
As I read the historical account of the Christians in the Early Churches, I reflected on the trials and hardships that I have endured in the past 5 years; and realized that absolutely nothing, I have faced compares to true persecution.
The Apostle Paul Shares His Life of Persecution: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11, NIV).
Trials Are Part of Every Believer’s Faith Journey
“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20).
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).
“The Bible indicates that followers of Jesus should expect persecution, framing it as a natural consequence of living a godly life.”
“Key Scriptures emphasize both the inevitability of suffering and the spiritual blessings associated with it, encouraging believers to respond with love and prayer rather than retaliation.”
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
The Purpose of Trials
“Spiritual Growth: “Difficulties force people to stop leaning on human strength and trust completely in God.”
“Character Refining: Trials act like a refiner’s fire, removing bad habits, pride, and hidden defects so the believer can reflect the image of God.”
“School of Sorrow: True spiritual leadership and deep service require training through hardship; those with greater callings face the most difficult tests.”
How To Endure the Suffering of Trials and Hardships
Pray continuously, asking for God’s Divine Help, and expect Jesus to give you comfort, courage, and strength.
Rely On Heavenly Help: Unseen angels actively push back dark forces and bring peace to souls ready to faint under heavy burdens.
God’s Goal is for us to have the Loving Heart and Character of Christ
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32).
Lord God, we come to You with humility and gratitude. Your love for us includes desiring that none should be lost, because of unrighteous character traits. We ask You to forgive us for our sinful thoughts, habits and behaviors, and to do whatever is necessary for us to have a pure heart, so we will receive our reward of the Eternal Crown of Life. Lord, we also ask You for the comfort and strength to persevere in our Christian Journey. Help us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, using our time wisely as we prepare for Your Soon Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“For it is written, Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)
“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10: 2-3).
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the members of the Church in Rome, who attempted to become righteous and live holy using their own thoughts and strength.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Because we inherited sinful hearts, it is impossible for us to use our thoughts and strength to live righteously. We must receive Divine Help to overcome the internal sinful desires of our hearts and Satan’s covert temptations.
“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25, BSB).
The Plan of Redemption Includes Divine Help From Heaven: Jesus, Our Savior and Intercessor, the Holy Spirit [John 14:26], and the Heavenly angels [Psalm 91].
When we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), through our faith, we are saved by God’s Grace; the Holy Spirit lives within us; and Jesus, The Commander of Angel Armies, assigns guardian angels to every righteous believer.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Active Participation Is Required in the Plan of Salvation
We accept Christ as our personal Savior; abide in Christ through consistent prayer and diligent study of the Holy Scriptures [The Bread of Life]; and the Holy Spirit dwells within us, unless we choose to rebel against God.
We cannot serve God with a divided heart. It is impossible for us to be a “Worldly Christian,” either we are living righteously, or we are living in sin.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14).
Always ask this question before you participate: Does this honor the Holy and Sovereign God?
Although we face many temptations in our spiritual journey, we were created with spiritual gifts, giving us the ability to discern between right and wrong:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control, discipline].” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Loving and honoring God includes the daily covenant promise to be a faithful and obedient follower of Jesus Christ: “I love God and I will not sin against Him.”
We have received the ability to establish and maintain boundaries. Satan does not have the power to coerce us to sin against God. Choosing sin is a conscious and willful choice to rebel against God.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT).
“Power Over Temptation: God gives the soul united with Christ the active spiritual strength needed to overcome evil, meaning a converted person does not choose a lifestyle of willful disobedience.”
Our True and Proper Worship
“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. 2 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).
“Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer immediately connects us to Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, Who gives us His strength through the Holy Spirit to overcome all temptations.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14, NLT). We use our faith to believe in and trust God, whose Wisdom is Infinite.
And from studying the Holy Scriptures, we redirect our Focus from the distractions of this world to our spiritual journey with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will lead us, correct us, and protect us from satanic warfare.
Through daily prayer, we surrender to following Jesus Christ, and God, the Holy Spirit begins the process of Sanctification: The lifelong journey of Spiritual Growth and Character Transformation into the Righteousness of Christ.
We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth that is almost out of time. We do not know the exact time or date when Jesus is Coming; but we are 100% certain that His promise will be fulfilled.
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so that he will not go naked and be publicly shamed.” (Revelation 16:15).
Meaning of the Verse
It warns believers to stay spiritually ready.
“Coming like a thief” means a sudden, unexpected arrival.
“Remaining clothed” means keeping your faith and good deeds active, so you are not caught unprepared.
“I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8, NIV).
Lord God, we ask You to give us the Divine Wisdom to use our time wisely to prepare for Your Ultimate Promise to the righteous in Revelation 22:12. We also ask You to empower us with the Spiritual Strength to renounce sin in every form, including our hearts desires that do not glorify and honor Your Holy Name. Lord, please open our eyes so that we can perceive life on a spiritual level, and give us the courage when facing opposition to renounce all that is unholy. We look forward to that Great and Glorious Day when You will come for the righteous. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Adversity enters our lives in various ways. One of the toughest challenges to effectively deal with is when facing conflict with familiar people [family, coworkers, neighbors], who Satan uses to disturb our spiritual gifts of Jesus’ joy and peace.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29).
In His earthly life, Jesus continuously faced jealousy, hatred, and conflict from those who considered themselves to be religious. Not only did Jesus have an unbothered mind, He also established and maintained boundaries.
“Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about Him and had been hoping for a long time to see Him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer.” (Luke 23:8-9, NLT).
Jesus is our perfect example on how to handle conflict. Pray and ask for Divine Strength; Remain silent. We simply choose not to respond to antagonistic behaviors and spoken words, because we represent to the world that Christ makes a difference in our life.
“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, Amplified Bible).
Conflict in the home of a Christian believer reveals that satanic influence rules in the home, instead of the Spirit of God. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1, NLT).
Facing mistreatment and abusive behaviors prevents the Holy Spirit from performing our daily Spiritual growth and Character transformation required for us to receive our reward of Eternal Life.
“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” (Matthew 22:37).
Always Put God First! Jesus tells us that our love and loyalty to God is our priority, not to our spouse or family members. If conflict cannot be resolved then make the choice to leave. God promises to take care of you.
Conflict in the workplace should be handled according to the employer’s policy. Do not engage in verbal sparring or respond to hostile emails.
The Following Message is from the Pastor of the Oakwood University Church in Huntsville, Alabama:
“If you’re facing unfairness, betrayal, or watching others succeed through dishonest means, Psalm 37:7 encourages you to bring your concerns to God instead of becoming consumed by them.”
“Avoid comparing yourself to others; continue living with integrity; and trust that God is aware of the situation and that His justice will ultimately prevail.”
“The central message: ‘Stay calm, trust God, and don’t let the apparent success of wrongdoing cause you to lose faith in God or to compromise your values.'”
King David faced many enemies in his lifetime, and in Psalm 37, he reminds us to rest in the Lord because of God’s Love and Future Plans:
The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked
“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.”
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.”
“For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For yet in a little while and the wicked shall be no more…”
Lord God, we look forward to the day when our lives will not include the many faces of adversity. Until then, we ask You to give us the strength to remain silent, and pray, always asking for Your Divine Intervention. We also ask for the courage and strength to persevere in our spiritual journey, and make the necessary changes to live according to Your Divine plan, which includes a calm and nurturing environment. Lord, we thank You for the future promise of the righteous living on a perfect New Earth that overflows with Your Agape Love, Peace, and Joy. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“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 22:5).
Can you imagine living in a Perfect New Heaven and New Earth filled with love, peace, and joy, and with our Savior and Triumphant King for eternity?
Jesus is coming sooner than we think! Keep your hope alive by memorizing John 14:1-3 and Revelation chapters 21-22. We must never forget that we are Temporary Travelers Living On A Temporary Earth.
Lord Jesus, with gratitude, we bless Your Holy Name. Thank You, Jesus for Your Divine Love and the Sacrificial Offering of Your life. Our Savior, Redeemer, and Triumphant King, we look forward to living forever with You. As we celebrate the Holy Sabbath, we ask You for the spiritual renewal and restoration of our mind and body. We also ask for wisdom and clarity as we study the Holy Scriptures. Lord, please bless the many Christians, who are being persecuted throughout this world for following You. Until You come, we ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the strength to keep moving forward in our spiritual journey. In faith, we ask this prayer in your Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Although we have a tendency to focus on our desires and deficits, in our times of need, the believer’s faith is the catalyst that prevents doubt and worries. When we believe that God is Faithful, we implicitly trust Him.
When our faith is weak, we say, “God, will provide,” hoping that He will come through for us. But deep within our hearts, we are wondering how we are going to resolve our challenges.
Yet, for those who acknowledge that God sustains every aspect of our lives, with steadfast faith, we proclaim “Thank You, God for providing.” From reflecting on our past victories, we know that God is always faithful.
“The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.'” (Lamentations 3:24-25).
In Matthew 6, Jesus promises to give us all of our provisions:
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles [unbelievers] seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32).
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
When we remain safely in the arms of Jesus, He provides all of our daily basic needs. We receive His Love, Housing, Food, Water, and Clothing, and the money necessary to maintain optimal mental, emotional, and physical health.
Jesus created all things [John 1]; And He knows that our psychological and physiological status’ require a state of equilibrium [balance].
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34).
Focusing on the blessing of the given day facilitates a spirit of gratitude; allows us to enjoy Jesus’ gift of internal peace; promotes the level of wellness required for spiritual growth; and keeps our focus and dependency on Jesus, required to build our faith.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Our level of faith determines whether we will perceive our challenges and adversities as impossible, leaving us defeated, or knowing that with God, all things are possible. Yes and Amen.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
Job loss is one of the trials that reveals [to us] the true status of our faith. God already knows whether or not, we really trust Him. The direction of faith [in God or ourselves] determines our first response to life-changing events.
The Believer Who Has Steadfast Faith in God
“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, BLB).
Although we feel disappointed, our first response is prayer: Lord, I thank You for my time on this job. In Matthew 6 and Hebrews 13:5, You promised to provide all of our needs, and I believe and trust in Your Promises. I ask You to give me guidance during this time. And I thank You in advance for Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Believer Who Practices Self-Reliance
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).
From living a life of redirecting one’s faith and trust from God to self; the believer, who trusts in their thoughts and ways, perceives job loss as devastating. “What am I going to do?” is their First Response.
The Mind-Body Connection is powerful; and sympathizes with each other. Mentally, if we feel defeated and depressed then physically, our body responds.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.'” (Jeremiah 17:5).
The lack of faith and trust in God are the catalysts that produce “a psychosomatic physical illness or other condition) caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress, manifesting symptoms of a physical illness that does not exist.”
Redirecting Our Faith and Focus Back To God
“…Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” (Romans 12:3, CSB).
The journey from self-reliance to placing one’s faith and trust in God is a tough spiritual journey. Yet with repentance, we pray for strength and every day, strive to walk on the Narrow Path of following Christ.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17: 7).
Faith requires action! Even when the circumstances appear to be impossible, we decide to use our faith to believe and trust in God’s Love, Promises, and Power; If God said it, “It is done!”
Prayers of Gratitude are Faith-Builders!
When we redirect our faith and focus to Yahweh’s Love and Faithfulness, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes. We begin to understand our spiritual purpose as Sons and Daughters of God
Our Response to God’s Goodness
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3).
“Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5, ESV).
The Message of The Cross reveals that God, the Father, and God, Jesus the Son loves us with an everlasting love.
Yes, God is always faithful in fulfilling His promises; yet our relationship with Christ is based on reciprocal love and faith.
Our Response To God’s Faithfulness
“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).
We demonstrate our love for Christ by following our Shepherd with daily surrender and faithful obedience, which is the highest form of worship, we can give to our Sovereign God.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). To enjoy Christ’s Abundant Blessings and His Spiritual Gifts of Peace and Contentment, we commit to loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
“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.” (Romans 12:1, NIV).
A God First mindset is revealed by the willingness to trust and obey God’s Will and Plans for our lives, and live the same Sacrificial life of self-denial that Jesus lived.
God Proclaims His Sovereignty: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11).
Facing The Opposition With Jesus’ Strength
The human mind is easily distracted by our environment of rapidly changing circumstances. Yet our stability is in God’s Promises, “I do not change.” [Malachi 3].
“There are always events happening in this world that Satan uses to steal our peace, joy, and happiness.”
Jesus’ Guidance: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7).
“Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to teach about maintaining a close, life-giving, and continuous relationship with Him.”
Our Response To Jesus Saying, “Stay Close To Me: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2).
We establish and maintain a love relationship with Christ through daily personal worship: Pray continuously, Study the Holy Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in every aspect of your life.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3).
Yes, we live in a world full of confusion and disorder, but as Sons and Daughters of God, we intentionally place our faith and focus on Jesus’ Promise, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2). “Without faith it is impossible to please God…” And without faith, it is impossible for us to keep our focus on God.
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. Faith is the spiritual conduit that allows the Holy Spirit to give us a constant Spirit of Peace, despite the presenting circumstances.
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. “[Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge]. (John 14:27, Amplified Bible).
“What rest is to the body, Peace is to the mind! Jesus’ Peace, is the inner tranquility of the soul, that is undisturbed by external pressures.” Jesus, please give me Your Peace.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).
Lord God, we thank You for Your consistent Faithfulness. We thank You for loving us, so much that You desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives. We thank You for our spiritual gift of faith that we can use to totally depend on Your Goodness, believe in Your Promises to intervene, knowing, You will give us victory. Lord, we repent for using our faith to rely on our thoughts. As we face the uncertainties in this spiritual journey of life, we realize that we desperately need Your help and guidance. With gratitude and faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Face-to-Face Lost in Eden: Face-to Face will be Restored
The Sanctuary is the path back to the Throne of God; The Sin in our lives is the problem; The Sanctuary brings us back to that face-to-face encounter with God although it is shrouded;
Haggai 2:7-9: “‘…and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.'”
The Courtyard represents Justification, which delivers us from the penalty of sin; The Holy Place delivers us from the power of sin. The Most Holy Place delivers us from the presence of sin.
Within us, we have an emptiness that only Jesus, The Desire of The Ages can fill. There is no human relationship that can feel the void within us why Jesus can.
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.