steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

God Allows Us to Make Mistakes

God Allows Us to Make Mistakes Devotional Reading

Why does God allow us to make mistakes that cause devastation in our lives?

From Adam and Eve who desired more than the perfect life gifted by God to Christian believers in 2023, we exhibit more trust in our decisions than in seeking God’s will. Created as free moral agents with the freedom to choose, but quickly forgetting that we were born into sin gives us a natural desire and attraction to fulfill our heart’s carnal desires.

The desire for earthly gratification is innate and produces a pattern of wilful disobedience. By following the worldview of going ahead and doing it, there is little to no resistance to making choices without praying for Divine guidance. Unfortunately, the freedom to choose easily becomes a habit that boosts self-reliance and overconfidence—leading us to sin against God.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” —Jeremiah 10:23, NIV

We may justify that our small decisions do not require God’s involvement. Yet, the Scriptures indicate that God expects us to pray for direction in every matter in our lives. God is detail-oriented. Every aspect of creation along with the human body and mind is perfect and exudes excellence. God pays attention to every small or great detail in our lives. Without praying for God’s blessings and direction we have placed ourselves outside of God’s plans and will for our lives.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” —Isaiah 55:8

At some point in our lives (the timing being unique to each individual), we experience a period of success that reinforces our belief in our decision-making abilities. During this time, we feel content and self-assured, basking in the positive outcomes of our choices. This self-assurance leads us to congratulate ourselves on our flawless decision-making skills and admire our strategic thinking, which we believe has honed our minds into wise and skilled vessels.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

But our self-willed choices are gift-wrapped in an unknown future that always produces consequences that we never anticipated. And for our exclusion of God’s direction, we will eventually experience disappointment. Why would God allow us to make choices that would bring chaos and devastation?

I recall a spiritual counseling session with a former pastor who explained that God looks at our mistakes on an individualized basis. If we were ignorant [lack of knowledge] when making the wrong choice, God extends His mercy, which usually prevents us from suffering full consequences.

When we have formed the habit of disobedience which results from a heart that is haughty and proud, we begin to view ourselves as wise. It is then that God allows us to suffer the full impact of the punishing consequences of our blatant disobedience. Our thoughts, actions, decisions, and lifestyle reflect our loyalty or disloyalty to God.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” —Galatians 6:7-8

Accountability: to be responsible, (of a person, organization, or institution) required or expected to justify actions or decisions.

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” —Hebrews 4:13

There are many Christian testimonials from brothers and sisters who experienced the life-altering consequences of their disobedience. Without God’s approval, they started the business, accepted the once-in-a-lifetime career offer, purchased the house, or car, or married the person based on their desires. Self-confidence produces self-perceived “human wisdom.”

Remember that bad decisions can change the course of our lives forever. The unholy marriage that ends in divorce, the loss of employment, or foreclosure and repossession have a long-lasting impact spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. The healing of emotional wounds requires a long spiritual journey. And most people never recover from lost finances. We do not have to become a statistic suffering from the consequences of self-willed disobedience against God.

If you are already in the group of believers who are suffering from long-term consequences that have altered your life, confess and repent of your sins. God promises to give you restoration. “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.

Never forget King David’s heinous crimes of taking Bathsheba and giving orders for her husband to be placed on the frontline of the battle so he would be killed. Psalm chapter 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. Yes, the consequences included the death of their first child, but our Merciful God anointed their next son, Solomon to become the wisest man to ever live.

Pray the prayer of surrender and obedience. Contrary to Satan’s lies, we have a Loving, Heavenly Father who does not crush us with eternal punishment even when we make intentional mistakes.

Prayer: God, we thank You for creating us with the free will of choice. We confess that we have messed up our lives by making decisions that are outside of Your plans. And for our disobedience, we repent and ask forgiveness. We pray for strength, direction, discernment, and the patience to wait on You to reveal Your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:28-31

Sabbath Peace and Blessings

The Power of Influence Devotional Reading

“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” —Proverbs 12:26

Becoming a product of our environment is a psychological theory that is not true when we are loyal to God.

The gospel singer Kurt Carr was raised in a family who never did acknowledge that God existed. Although he lived in a worldly environment, God revealed that He had a plan for his young life. In his testimony, at the age of 13, the church on the same block that he walked past twice a day for his round trip to school, God told him to attend and sing in the choir, and from his obedience He would bless his life.

Despite the influence of the music/entertainment industry, throughout the years of his music ministry, Kurt Carr has stayed true to his calling by writing and producing gospel music that glorifies God.

Can you imagine being the only Christian in your home? God’s power defies all evil strategies to keep us from having a fruitful relationship with Jesus. Still, we must do our part by obeying God and letting go of the people, places, and things that separate us from God.

One of the greatest challenges we face in life is being influenced by people—family, close friends, social influencers, and financial consultants with various agendas. Satan always uses people to test our loyalty to God. We easily succumb to deceptive tactics when familiar persons are involved. Yet, I recently listened to a story of success by someone famous posted who convinced us that we should pursue our dreams at any cost on social media.

Most of the time someone else is involved who influences us to make decisions that do not align with God’s plans for our lives. Where do we stand? Who is influencing our minds? Our loyalty to God is tested every day.

“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” —1 Corinthians 15:33

Maybe our first reaction to this Scripture [warning us to stay away from unbelievers] would be, “I wouldn’t consider my family, friends, or that entertainer to be evil,” but we cannot see them as God does. The people who do not have eternal life as their goal, God says they are bad company. Plans and pursuits that do not glorify God are dangerous to our spiritual status.

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?…” —1 Corinthians 6:9

Either we influence others for good or we are influenced by evil. Truthfully, we cannot influence those who have not given their hearts to Christ. Our spiritual journey is tough enough without allowing those who have no desire to dedicate themselves to God to convince us.

“It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

With an intentional mindset to follow Christ all the way, do not allow the bonds of close relationships to form with unbelievers [whom Satan will use to influence us] to result in spiritual conflict. Staying true to God requires us to avoid the influencers whose advice can result in disobedience and missing out on our blessings.

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and wisdom to avoid following the influencers of this world. We ask You to reveal Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

What Do You Think About? Food for Thoughts Devotional Reading

Fact: “Thoughts repeated become thoughts ingrained [like tire tracks] in our minds. When our thoughts are firmly fixed and established the brain responds by making us think those thoughts repeatedly.” Pastor Mark Finley

Fact: Feeding our minds with false information, gossip, fantasy, principles of evolution, sensationalism, profane, and vulgar information produces a mind that automatically rejects God’s Truth.

Fact: We cannot empty our minds as the myth of Eastern mysticism promotes. Replacing currently-held traditions and beliefs with biblical truths is the only way for us to experience a change in our thoughts.

Fact: We do not have empty spaces in our minds. Either our minds will be filled with good, wholesome thoughts that reflect the righteousness of Christ or bombarded with all that is unholy.

Our Responsibility: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” —Ephesians 4:22-24

Changing our habits requires a significant amount of effort. It’s essential to be critical of what we watch and listen to and guard our minds. Discipline is crucial in altering the things we feed our minds, but spiritual transformation also necessitates Divine Intervention. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s assistance through prayer can aid in changing the habits of our past that we brought into our new life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: God, we confess that our habits are worldly. Lord, we desire to think pure thoughts and speak positive words that reflect Your Righteousness. We pray for Your Divine Help for a spiritual transformation of our minds. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Staying Alert in the Enemy’s Territory Devotional Reading

Staying Alert in the Enemy’s Territory Devotional Reading—May 8, 2023

The drought lasted eight months in the African savannah, leaving only one remaining water hole. Jackals, giraffes, elephants, and gazelles risked their lives to nervously drink just enough water and quickly run away. This was the enemy’s territory. The only remaining water hole was ruled by a strong and ruthless lion pride with two mature male lions and four lionesses who were skillful hunters.

All of the animals were at their weakest point due to the intense heat and lack of rain. Yet the lions maintained their strength and resilience. As the water level continued to drop, the prey animals were at a disadvantage—they could not drink and watch for a lion attack. The narrator emphasized paying attention to the lead lioness who exhibited an unusual behavior–she began watching the giraffes dipping their heads low into the deep ravine to drink and that’s when she stalked her prey and completed the kill.

The lions were able to maintain their strength as they no longer had to go after their prey. The bigger animals, who are not usually caught by lions, were caught off guard as they were focused on quenching their thirst. Despite weighing only 300 lbs, the lioness’ sharp observation skills helped her take down a giraffe that was 18 feet tall and weighed approximately 4,000 lbs while it was drinking water.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. –1 Peter 5:8, BSB

The rapid pace of life and the never-ending busyness of the activities of daily living has robbed many of having a close relationship with Jesus. When our spiritual reservoir is depleted from no time to have daily worship, we are left in a weakened condition. Like the animals who had to bend their heads deep into the ravine, we become prey to Satan’s covert tactics because we lose our spiritual eyesight [discernment].

Without daily communion with God, our perception is skewed. We lose the ability to discern Satan’s deceptive strategies that separate us from God. On Sunday, we attended church, received a spiritual refresher, and made the commitment to study the Bible every day. When we arrive at work on Monday, an email is asking for volunteers to work overtime for the next two weeks including weekends. We choose to work overtime because we could use the extra money.

“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

Studying the Bible daily is a commitment that pleases God and helps us gain knowledge and wisdom. Our faithfulness to God is evident in our loyalty to Him.

As Christians, we face daily challenges from the “Roaring Lion,” but we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus, the Commander of the angel armies, protects those who remain faithful, loyal, and obedient. We must remain vigilant and seek refuge in our Savior, who promises to deliver us from Satan’s schemes and temptations. We were not created to become prey to the spiritual warfare we face daily.

“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” —1 Peter 5:9-11

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your love and Divine Intervention to keep us protected from the enemy’s spiritual warfare. Jesus, we desire to have a closer relationship with You and commit to spending time worshiping You every day. We ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Wisdom Prevents All Mistakes Devotional Reading

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 3:1-15

The Dream: “At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” —1 Kings 3:5, NIV

Solomon’s Request: “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in…Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” —1 Kings 3:7 and 9

God’s Answer: “…behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.” —1 Kings 3:12 -13

The Condition: “So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days (1 Kings 3:14).

Because of Solomon’s humility and recognition of his human limitations, he was blessed with the wisdom that no other man or woman will ever receive on this earth. God also honored young King Solomon by giving him the wealth that no other king possessed during his reign.

Although we read this biblical story many of us do not understand that God is not a God of yesteryear. The same loving God who blessed King Solomon will also bless us with the wisdom of elevated knowledge and discernment.

Recently, Pastor Mark Finley of Hopelives365.com shared his experience as a teenager who struggled through school always making C’s and D’s in his classes. At the age of 17, he accepted Christ as his Savior and began studying the Bible. As time passed, he noticed a complete transformation of his mind and school grades. From studying the Bible and praying for wisdom, his grades changed to “A+,” and continued through his studies as a collegiate student.

Pray for Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” —James 1:5-6

The Condition: We must be faithful and obedient to receive godly wisdom and knowledge.

In Proverbs chapter 8, Solomon says, “Wisdom is Excellence.” Can you imagine thinking and making decisions on a higher level that honors God and prevents all mistakes? Yes, we can have the same wisdom God gave to the faithful throughout biblical history.

“I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.” —Proverbs 8:17

Our steadfast commitment to God comes with spiritual benefits when we surrender, pray, and ask for wisdom and discernment. The dreams that we have of pursuing our degrees, starting a business, purchasing a house or vehicle, relocating, or starting a ministry will not fail when God is involved.

“Now, therefore, listen to me, O you children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it.” —Proverbs 8:32-33, MEV

Every believer should pray daily for the gifts of wisdom and discernment. As we seek God in prayer for His will and plans to be revealed for our lives, we will grow closer to Him. Praying invites the Holy Spirit to give us the perfect gift of wisdom that allows our minds to be transformed.

As we start to perceive things from a holy and righteous perspective, we become aligned with our Heavenly Father. With wisdom, we can avoid having regrets. We will no longer partake in the foolishness of this world or make decisions based solely on our emotions, which can lead to mistakes and devastating outcomes.

“For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor of the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” —Proverbs 8:35-36, MEV

Prayer: God, we pray for wisdom, discernment, and Your guidance in every aspect of our lives. We desire to receive spiritual transformation of our minds and to live in complete alignment with Your will for us. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers that we ask in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

(SDA Sermon) Mark Finley – “Guarding Your Thoughts”

Happy Blessed Sabbath

Spiritual Checkpoint: Day 125 of 2023 and Strategies for Change

Time is passing quickly, we are already into the fifth month of 2023. Many of us made promises on day one of this year to change so we are functioning at our highest level of productivity. We identified goals but failed to develop realistic strategies to complete them. Desperately striving to have a work-life balance, we find on day 125 that we are still in the struggle with tasks and commitment overload.

What is your reference point? Is sensory and task overload your norm? Do you have a hectic schedule that keeps you from completing most of your to-do list? Most importantly, are you still promising yourself every night that tomorrow you will spend more time with God? Yet when tomorrow comes, you rush through personal worship, saying a quick prayer and reading only one Bible verse?

Life is so jam-packed with must-do tasks and the unexpected that we may feel helpless or victims of the rapid pace of life over which we have no control. Yet there is something we can do. Be intentional and set a time block of at least two hours to write down your daily and weekly responsibilities in a journal. Even though it has probably been a while or maybe never since you have used a pen and paper for organizing your responsibilities, it’s worth a try.

TCK Publishing has compiled a list of the top benefits of handwritten documentation.

8 Benefits of Writing Things Down
Improve Your Understanding. …
Strengthen Your Memory. …
Process Emotions. …
Reduce Stress. …
Improve Your Focus. …
Clarify Your Goals and Priorities. …
Create a Physical Copy of Your Thought Process. …
Record Your Journey. TCK Publishing

Another company expounds on the benefits of writing things down from the viewpoint of achieving success [especially if you purchase their products].

Writing Things Down Makes You More Focused
In our society, we’re constantly bombarded with information that prompts more thoughts in your head. Counteract the information overload by writing things down! When you write things down, you’re forced to focus on one idea at a time. And when you’re able to dedicate the time each thought requires, you’re able to really flesh it out and get every thought related to it out of your system and your head. Your brain is meant for creating ideas, not storing them!

Writing Things Down Helps Clarify
One huge benefit to writing things down is the ability to clarify. Clarity is what helps people become successful because they’re able to clarify their goals, priorities, and intentions. It’s one thing to have goals, hopes, and dreams, but it’s another to have them written down. If they’re written down, then they’re real and require your attention if you want to make them true. Plus, once they’re written down, you can expand on them and make them more specific so they can become a reality. https://thepaperandplanco.com/blogs/news/the-science-behind-why-writing-things-down-makes-you-more-successful

By journaling, I have made many personal achievements. It has allowed me to prioritize my life by identifying distractions and activities that use up valuable time but accomplish very little. Yet the most important change is that I am finally able to worship God by studying the Bible and spending more time praying throughout the day.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33, ESV

Our most important goal in life is to remain close to God and strengthen our relationship with Christ. We should pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to recognize any individuals or activities that are hindering our peace of mind and consuming our time. By prioritizing God in our lifestyles, we can lead happy, healthy, and content lives that align with God’s Divine purpose.

Prayer: God, we admit that we need Your Divine help in eliminating the distractions which prevent us from spending time with You. We invite You into our daily routines and ask for wisdom and guidance to live healthier, productive lives. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

Relying on the Strength of His Righteous Right Hand

Relying On the Strength of His Righteous Right Hand Devotional Reading

“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

In our relationship with Christ, the greatest challenge comes from within our minds. Yes, we love Jesus, but we do not trust in Him. We have been influenced and molded by the worldview of “Self-reliance.” Readily embracing DIY [Do-It-Yourself] has caused us to exclude God from every aspect of our decision-making.

DIY results in disobedience. without Divine guidance, we practice self-governance which opposes God’s righteous standards. Yet the reality is that we were not created to live using prior experience, strategies, or guesswork in choosing the best option. Belief in our limited abilities over God’s power leaves us faithless and feeling alone, producing anxiety, worry, and stress.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.” —Proverbs 4:18-19

Pray and Wait! Pray for guidance in every aspect of your life—even the little things. Fight the urge to live with a DIY mentality. We don’t have to stumble and fall as unbelievers who live in darkness. The righteous have access to Divine Guidance and Strength 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Achieving a victorious life requires faith, trust, and obedience to God’s will and plans. Throughout your journey, visualize Jesus holding You in His Righteous hand and guiding you toward perfection. Although restoring furniture is a great DIY skill, it’s not worth taking chances using DIY guesswork with our precious lives and suffering unnecessary consequences.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” —Psalm 27:14

Choose Christ and His gifts of peace, joy, and contentment by renouncing all self-reliance. Turning your life over to Jesus every day reveals steadfast faith and trust in the Lion of Judah. You will never regret staying in His Righteous Right Hand!

Prayer: God, we have suffered from the anxiety and worry that the DIY mentality produces. We desperately need Your Help! Please lead, guide, and direct us in our journey. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.