Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

“Good people who do good deeds go to heaven”

Although many individuals believe this phrase, it is not found in the Scriptures. Having a good character, doing the good deeds of philanthropists, random acts of kindness, or taking care of the homeless do not equate to receiving the reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Growing up in a healthy and loving environment with boundaries and discipline most often will produce good children. Parental guidance enables children to respect themselves and other people. And they have a high probability of maturing into good, loving adults who help others and adhere to governmental laws. Still, society’s moral standards and values do not exceed God’s definition of good [excellence], which is Righteousness and Holiness. “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 20:7).

The Highway of Separation

“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it–only those who walk in the Way–and fools will not stray onto it.” (Isaiah 35:8)

Are you aware that a person with a selfish heart will plan to perform an act of kindness to receive recognition? We see the countless number of videos on social media that do not need to be posted. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1).

God Knows the True Intention of Our Hearts

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9), applies to all human beings. If we could judge ourselves using a merit system [developed from human standards] and inherit eternal life, then Jesus’s death would have served no purpose. So, if good people with good hearts will not automatically go to heaven, what are the chances of anyone receiving eternal life?

Acceptance, Confession, and Repentance

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Salvation is based on a 1:1 heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ. We accept Jesus as our personal Savior through confession and repentance of sins. “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Jesus is the only answer to living a righteous, faithful, and obedient life. Human Effort: Our daily prayer, “God, not my will but your will be done in my life. Anoint me with your Holy Spirit that I can be faithful and obedient to your plans. In Jesus’ name. Amen”

Satan’s Deception: Do good and you will receive the reward of good things

Even study of the Scriptures does not necessarily produce faith, obedience, or the Fruit of the Spirit. How is this possible? When I studied Religion in college, many self-proclaimed atheists also enrolled in the classes. Why? “Because religion is an interesting topic,” or “We study to acquire knowledge to debate with Christians or “We desire to be a good person.” Sadly, because of their professed unbelief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, possessing only academic knowledge of the Bible will prove worthless.

The Plan of Salvation

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6)

Conversion, Transformation, and Sanctification require surrender, faith, obedience, daily praying, and studying the scriptures under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Sanctification: Daily spiritual growth and transformation of our hearts [our minds] to become like Jesus.

Does Sanctification sound complicated? Children can accept Jesus as their personal Savior. We are born with faith and trust, as evidenced by a baby who instinctively recognizes and trusts their parents or caregivers. Yes, God gives each of us a measure of faith. “For I say, through the grace given to me, 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.” (Romans 12:3). Trust is faith in action!

Become Like a Child

“‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matthew 18:3).

As a young girl, my mother taught me that “Jesus is our Savior, He died for our sins–which is doing wrong, such as disobeying your parents, being mean, or selfish, and not telling the truth. And Jesus lives in heaven with God, His Father and the angels.” As I matured, I learned that Jesus will come again and we will live in heaven forever [however, the reward is conditional]. Still, I believed and trusted everything my mother told me was the truth, and it would happen.

The Falling Away

Satan has deceived many Christian believers by presenting righteousness as something we can easily acquire by doing good deeds. The person who accepts this false concept, Jesus says, “But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” (Matthew 13:21).

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. (Romans 1:21).

By what means, then, do we determine whose side we are on?

If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts. EGW

If we belong to Jesus Christ, then all we have and all we are is consecrated to Him. Jesus is our ultimate role model. He met the needs of others by giving provisions, healing, raising the dead, and teaching the Scriptures. Yes, Jesus did good, which always glorified God, His Father. And by faith, which flows from our transformed hearts, we follow His example by reflecting His character through obedience and striving to attain the purity of holiness everyday–Sanctification.

Saints of the Most-High God, By the Grace of God, We Can Do This!

Be Generous and Do Good
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 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. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10)

Prayer: God, we pray for forgiveness of our sins and to be transformed into the image of Christ. Change our hearts to reflect doing good for the sake of righteousness. And we ask for the strength to be faithful and obedient. Reveal to us Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.”(Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer is powerful because you are spiritually connected to the Source of life, God, who is the Creator of humanity.

The Holy Spirit’s ability to be everywhere to all individuals will remain a mystery to our finite minds. Even so, He is only a prayer away.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray, the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:15-18)

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised the heartbroken disciples the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus promised to send the Comforter–the Holy Spirit before His crucifixion, He was aware that we quickly forget His promises. And just before His ascension, Jesus gave them a promise of power from the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Yet, they understood from Jesus’ lifestyle of constantly praying to God that prayer is the only way that we can communicate with God and receive the Holy Spirit.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). And then Jesus ascended to heaven. Can you imagine being in the presence of Jesus every day and then watching His ascension to heaven?

Through our adversities and times of feeling lonely, God always intervenes by comforting us with His promises.

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 2:9-11).

Prayer extends an invitation for God to give us His Divine Intervention. Because God knows the weaknesses of our hearts, He uses our prayers to immediately send the Holy Spirit.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

The Holy Spirit manifested His power by giving the disciples the ability to speak in the native languages of the people who were present in the house.

And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” (Acts 2:6-8)

How important is prayer? “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

We receive the blessings of transformation, strength, comfort, and peace through prayer that can only be manifested from the Divine Source, our Omnipotent God. It is through prayer that we stay in the perfect will of God. Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus Christ, who serves humanity as our Heavenly Intercessor.

Because we do not know what to pray for, “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.” (Romans 8:26).

Jesus stayed in the presence of God, His Father through constant and consistent prayer. “saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.'” (Luke 22:42).

We have God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as our Spiritual Team waiting for us to call for help through our prayers. Prayer releases Divine power to help us overcome our desires resulting from an innate carnal mindset. Prayer prevents us from falling into temptation. Never forget that prayer is our lifeline.

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Most importantly, our prayers of thanksgiving express gratitude to our Heavenly Father. Each day, take the time to thank God for His love, grace, and mercies upon your life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Last year, I developed and wrote my first crochet design pattern, “Precious Hearts.” The website that I chose to submit my pattern to for publication had strict guidelines. In publishing a crochet pattern, the difficulty for acceptance was extreme. Thankfully, they had a template, which I thought I had carefully followed. Imagine my surprise when my design was rejected. Why? The pattern has four variations in size, and I only included the required yarn amount for the primary option.

The only accurate way for me to know the exact amount of yarn required for the other three variations was to crochet each option. The company has a team of three to four testers that crochet every pattern before giving approval. They put your pattern to the test with a pass or fail outcome. It took several attempts to determine an exact amount of yarn for the three variations of the pattern. But, within one week, I received a congratulations email, “Your design pattern has been published.”

When I submitted my design, I anticipated receiving an email that my hard work paid off. The disappointment of rejection caused me to put forth the extra effort to meet the company’s requirements. Until I fulfilled the guidelines, I would be the only person who knew about my pattern.

The Level of Difficulty in Following Christ

“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).

Our walk with Jesus as His disciples is the most challenging assignment we will encounter. Yes, we understand that Salvation is a gift, not based on our merits, but we fail to realize that our lives will include continuous testing of our faith and obedience. Our greatest enemies are Satan and Self. Each of us suffers from an Internal battle of Me versus God. As a disciple of Christ, we must be faithful and obedient to God. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14).

We can only wait on God when we obey His commandments and directives. In our weakness, we cannot follow Jesus with 100% of our hearts if we do not possess faith and obedience. The irony is that we have confidence in people and institutions. We adhere to employers’ policies, an academic syllabus, and the laws of our governments. Yet, we readily place ourselves in opposition to God [which results in spiritual predicaments] because we pursue our desires, which results in disobedience to God.

Greatest Obstacle: Over-confidence in ourselves. In humility, we confess that “We want what we want!” Because we have accepted worldly principles, we are desensitized to the risks involved in decisions without God. We receive encouragement from unbelievers to live the life that will make us happy. Many are willing to exclude God from their lives by chasing their dreams. Have you ever made a choice and then had the great expectation that God would rain His blessings on your desire?

Our salvation is a 1:1 relationship with Jesus Christ. Where do we stand in faith and obedience to God? Surrender and submission of our will require much Faith and dutiful Obedience. Our struggle takes fasting, much prayer, and heartfelt supplication. Human effort is required before Divine intervention takes place.

Our desires, negative memories, forgetfulness, and unthankfulness produce a lack of faith in God. The results of not trusting God: A life of worry and frustration without peace or joy. Through the Holy Spirit, God warns us of the wages of disobedience and faithlessness. He uses the Scriptures, our Pastors, and the community of believers–who have experienced the same struggles to redirect us when we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness.

How do we know that we are not in alignment with God? Our Bible study, prayers, and church attendance develop Phariseeical tendencies–just everyday routine habits. “Let your will be done in my life” is not included in your daily prayers. We avoid those who are true disciples of Christ. Our relationship with God rapidly declines. The people we grow close to [who are unequally yoked] are not living as if heaven is their destination.

If we must follow earthly rules and regulations that keep us within established boundaries, then God’s expectations of His commandments are given to us on a pass or fail basis. Grace and mercy are abundantly given. Even so, know that God is not intrusive. He watches us turn away from Him as evidenced by our lifestyle choices. After a time of ignoring His admonitions and warnings, He turns us over to a reprobate mind. Yes, we receive God’s love, grace, and mercy as unmerited gifts. Still, we are not to abuse our free gifts.

A heart-to-heart relationship with the Precious Heart of Jesus increases our faith and gives us the desire to obey. Although our abilities are limited, God reminds us of His Omnipotence, “Is there anything too hard for me?” Be honest. Admit in your prayers when your faith is weak. God knows that we cannot make it on our own in this most difficult spiritual journey. One thing is for sure, we will experience many tests and trials. Not as punishment, but to prepare us for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).

Prayer: God, it’s me standing in the need of prayer. My prayer is for the forgiveness of the times, I did it my way. I desire to live a faithful and obedient life. Lead and guide me in the direction that aligns with your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

A Loving Tribute to the Women of God

The Government of the Promised Son–Jesus

…For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace. There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Approximately 700 years before Jesus was born as a baby to Mary, the prophet Isaiah received the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, purpose, and forever rule of this world. Hallelujah! Amen!

Gabriel, the Angel Who Delivers God’s Highest Priority Messages

Before Gabriel visited Mary, he brought good news to Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father. Who is the angel, Gabriel? Gabriel identified himself and his position in heaven to Zacharias: “And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.'” (Luke 1:19).

Gabriel’s Second Assignment: “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27).

Gabriel brought news of unbelievable magnitude first to Zacharias and then to Mary. However, we can identify a marked contrast between Zacharias and Mary, one had unbelief, and one had disbelief. Zacharias’ punishment for his unbelief: “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (Luke 1:20).

Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. (Luke 1:26-29 NKJV).

For clarity and further understanding, the New Living Translation states:

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:28-33).

“Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.'” (Luke 1:34). Some may feel that Mary expressed unbelief. Even so, it was not unbelief. [Unbelief: a rejection of the truth or a belief, especially a religious belief]. Mary expressed disbelief. [Disbelief: the unpreparedness or inability to believe that something is the case.] Our Omniscient God is just. Any unmarried woman who has maintained a chaste [pure] life would not be prepared to hear that she would become pregnant. God meets us exactly where we are. He determines if further explanation is required to the recipient of His promise.

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.” (Luke 1:35-37)

Proof of Mary’s great faith: “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.’ (Luke 1:38).

Did Mary comprehend the magnitude of being chosen to become the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God? A resounding Yes!, as evidenced by “Mary’s Song of Praise” recorded in Luke 1:46-55.

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me… (Luke 46-49).

Women of God, we are the Marys of our time. Yes! We are blessed and highly favored! God has anointed and given us [His lowly servant girls] the assignment to carry and deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ. As evidenced in the Scriptures, Jesus showed extraordinary love and compassion for all the women He encountered by using the term “Daughter.” The perfect love poured from His heart for His mother while on the cross is proof that Jesus cares about our burdens.

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus, therefore, saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:25-28).

Jesus ensured that His Mother would be taken care of by John, the disciple whom He loved. This is a real-life account of the greatest love that God’s daughters [and sons] will receive in our lives. Jesus’ love is unmatched. Even in your suffering and distress, remember: Woman, you are loved by God!

We are hard-pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.… (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

Prayer: God, I surrender my will and my life to you. Please reveal your plans for my life and forgive me of my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a common misconception that Jesus was prepared to suffer the extreme torture, including crucifixion required to redeem humanity from sin. However, Matthew refutes the inaccuracy by vividly documenting Jesus’s mental and emotional state of mind before His betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“…He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” (Matthew 26:37-38).

Certainly, God was deeply affected by the mistreatment of His only begotten Son. Humanity was not only created in the physical image of God, but we also have the emotions of our Creator. I cannot think of one person I know who would not have heartfelt sorrow for their suffering children. The knowledge that your son died an excruciating death for humanity [who continue to reject Him through their willful disobedience] will justify the destruction of the wicked. [Malachi 4:1].

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'” (Matthew 26:39)

Our relationship with Jesus mandates a dedicated heart-to-heart connection. The same self-sacrifice that salvation required of Jesus, God also requires from us. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Surrendering the desires of our heart involves letting go of the people we are attached to, the places and activities that give us pleasure, and the things that distract and pull us away from staying on the Path of Righteousness.

Just as Satan deceived Eve, he is busy deceiving today’s Christians. Studying the Scriptures and attending church does not indicate self-sacrifice or produce a transformation of the heart. The Pharisees memorized the scriptures. Yes, they were aware of the prophecy of a Messiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Yet, they rejected the lowly One born in a stable, Jesus of Nazareth.

It is our lifestyle choices that indicate our rejection of Jesus Christ. Total obedience is required of those who claim Jesus as their Lord. Serving God is not like working for an employer and receiving financial compensation. We cannot work to receive the reward of eternal life in heaven. Reflect on your secrets that God sees and the desires of your heart that indicate God is not first in your life.

“…for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God…(Exodus 34:14).

Are we members of the Laodecia church?

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—” (Revelation 3:15-17).

Many people attempt to establish a middle ground mindset, which leaves them in a spiritual dilemma. The Cold–The wicked either acknowledge or do not care if they are lost. They are living to please themselves. It is the lukewarm Christians who will be sadly disappointed when Jesus comes. They are the believers who possessed Cain’s mindset by offering Jesus their version of sacrifice.

Jesus clarifies the consequences of their “middle ground” mindset:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.'” (Matthew 7:21-23)

We cannot read Matthew 24 and reassure ourselves that the signs of Jesus coming again have not been fulfilled. “For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

The Lukewarm says I will do the right thing starting tomorrow. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14).

The Hot humbly give a heart-to-heart sacrificial offering that enables them to “Put God first!” Choose to live a righteous life on earth if you desire eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. “Father, let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”