Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

Have you ever wished to find that special someone whose heart was overflowing with love [for you]? Well, you are not alone.

It is a common wish to find someone who could love us with that intensity. Even so, we have someone who loves us beyond our finite understanding…His name is Jesus Christ. He made a covenant with God, His Father, to die for humanity. Because God is Omniscient, knowing that Adam and Eve would sin, Jesus’ death on Calvary was not an afterthought. The Plan of Redemption for our salvation was put into place before we were created.

Although created in the image of God, we rarely think that God expects us to love Him above all others. “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” Jesus declared, ‘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.…'” (Matthew 22:36-38).

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).

How often do we think of Jesus’ suffering and death? Our time spent with God is too limited, which places us in a mindset of ingratitude. The roadblock to understanding and having a thriving love relationship with Jesus is little praise and worship. We take God’s love, grace, and mercy for granted. Sadly, we have assimilated to the worldview of self-sufficiency. Pursuing our heart’s desires prevents us from being in love with the One who gives us the breath of life.

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Our wish for never-ending love is fulfilled with God’s gift of eternal love. We receive unmerited love, grace, and mercy every day. Put God first, and the abundance of peace and joy will fill your heart. Then you will fully understand what it feels like to be loved. “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16).

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us. We receive your grace and mercies every day without asking for them. We love you and ask forgiveness for not embracing your lovingkindness. Thank you for hearing our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:17‭-‬19 NKJV)

Many believers are praying for the safety of those in Ukraine, and the persecuted believers in Ukraine are also praying for deliverance. Yes, we are aware that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled. Even so, God will pronounce the final judgment on the evildoers of this earth. “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. (2) For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. (Psalm 37:1 NKJV).

Satan is unleashing his fury on this world. If we look at the present situation, he uses those who serve him to deliver unjust punishment, but he also destroys those who serve him. Yes, this is a wake-up call for the modern-day Laodecian believers who are not fully committed to Jesus Christ, who is coming soon. “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. (2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NKJV).

God’s Promises

1. “For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
   Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.” Psalm 37:9-10.
2. “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” (Psalm 37:39-40).

Prayer: God, we pray for forgiveness of our sins. And we ask If it is your will that you deliver the righteous from the hands of the wicked. We pray for strength for the people in Ukraine that they will not view life as hopeless but put their faith and trust in you. Lord, help us to have an urgency in our thoughts and actions to prepare for the soon coming of your Son, Jesus. Give us the anointing of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We thank you for our lives and your Divine intervention and protection. This prayer, we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

God, we ask you to give comfort and protection for the innocent victims in the Ukraine and Russia. We pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort and protect. May your will be done. Help us to realize that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled. Jesus, please give us strength and to prepare for your soon coming. We ask this Prayer of Intercession in your Holy Name. Amen.

Academic degrees, moving upward in our career, taking care of ourselves, the children, marriage, resolving daily challenges, and maintaining a nurturing environment require determination, strength, and resilience. As mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing as life is, even with our accomplishments, still, it is not enough. To have the highest quality of life, God requires that we put Him first.

“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 greatest commandment.'” (Matthew 27:37-38)

The most formidable challenge we face every day is to put God first! With so many distractions, how is it possible to dedicate our hearts to God, as He requires? We must ask ourselves, “Would God ask us to do the impossible?” Regardless of our feelings, the answer is No. When was the last time you analyzed your lifestyle? Our schedules reflect the desires of our hearts. The people, places, and things we embrace are the obstacles that keep us from putting our Heavenly Father first.

Simple changes include morning worship. Let your day begin with prayer and study of the Scriptures. Studying the same verses or a chapter for 7-10 days allows one to memorize God’s promises. Your day will begin with joy and peace, equipping you with the power of the Holy Spirit to handle the challenges for that day. “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).

Review your family’s extracurricular activities and explore the “working smarter not harder” strategies. Our lifestyle will steal our time and rob us of joy and happiness. Say a prayer, asking God to reveal the changes that keep you from putting Him first. Self-control and discipline are necessary to eliminate nonproductive habits and activities.

With steadfast determination, make the necessary changes. Stand your ground with children. Yes, they will be disgruntled in the beginning. Remind them that the believer’s family is preparing for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance before you commit to adding something else to your already packed schedule. Finally, learn to gently say, “No, I am unable to do that at this time.”

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2).

Dedicating our hearts to God requires a daily commitment. Put God first! Jesus will provide the knowledge, wisdom, and strength to lift the heavy burdens. Living according to the will of God guarantees peace. Stay encouraged! The Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual power to run the race every day.

Prayer: O Lord, our God, we ask You to give us the knowledge and wisdom to change our lifestyles. We are worn down in every aspect of our minds and bodies. Give us the peace that surpasses our understanding. And as we worship and dedicate our time to you on the Holy Sabbath, anoint us with the Holy Spirit. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18‭-‬20)

As believers, our first obligation is to God. We have been given the responsibility to witness the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thankfully, we are blessed to have many options to minister to those who need a Savior. Posting encouraging Scriptures, volunteering to feed the homeless, or giving a smile and saying, “Good Morning” are the avenues the Holy Spirit will utilize to comfort the person by giving them hope.

Think about how you feel when trials and sorrows enter your life, turning it upside down. Even with knowing Jesus’ promise in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” I will be the first to confess that I have not reached the point of being cheerful or rejoicing in the midst of hard times.

Have you considered this verse? “Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15). Although many unbelievers appear happy and content, God tells us that it is not valid. Depression and anxiety have reached a super-pandemic level in mental health disorders.

“Rather than the way of the Christian being hard, the Scriptures teach that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15). His life is more difficult while on earth than is the life lived in obedience to the Lord.” https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume30/GOT030268.html

Jesus is our role model. He approached those in need with a loving and compassionate heart. There are four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] written by four different men describing Jesus’ life and healing interaction with those in distress. Micah 6:8 gives us clear direction on the expectation that God has for every disciple who says, “Jesus Christ is Lord and King of my life.”

God has many who have committed their heart, soul, and mind to Him. Praying daily to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, and making the commitment to give up their desires, “Not my will, by your will be done.” No, they are not perfect. Even so, they strive for spiritual perfection, diligently study the Scriptures, and are faithful and obedient to the will of God.

Selected, Appointed, and Anointed by God

Samuel speaking to King Saul: “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14

David Anointed King

“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons. ‘” (1 Samuel 16:1).

Jesse and his sons witnessed the anointing of David as king, to which he received jealousy and hostility from his eldest brother Eliab. “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28). Why is this important to us? God desires us to know that we will experience pushback from those closest to us.

From David’s anointing to becoming king was lengthy–15 years. After killing Goliath, King Saul became jealous and sought to kill David. Living as a fugitive for 15 years, God developed his character, increased his courage, and imparted the wisdom David required to rule as king.

As time grows shorter, God desires to select, appoint, and anoint men and women who are 100% committed to Him. We will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Yes, through His grace, God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Pray for the discernment from the Holy Spirit to reveal your gift and the directions on how you will use it.

Love God deeply. You have been selected and appointed. Still, God is waiting for you to accept your assignment. Establish a covenant vow to serve Him with your spiritual gifts. It is then that you will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Tattle-tale, are you familiar with this old-school word? Definition: a person, especially a child, who reveals secrets or informs on others; a telltale. It usually occurs among the siblings involved in a rivalry with each other. My brother was a junior detective who was always watching our mischievous younger sister so he could tell our mother. He loved to see her get in trouble. But I also recall my mother advising him to stop being a tattle-tale and readily asking him, “What are you doing that you shouldn’t be doing?”

In witnessing wrongdoing, “What would you do? What would your child do?”

The scenario that I vividly remember from my childhood involved theft. I was probably around 11 years old, and my paternal cousin and I went on a shopping trip to Macy’s. Each of us had a $10 allowance [this was in 1969], and with child-like faith, we made an extensive shopping list. The only thing we could afford was a swimming cap. But I saw a clearance sign for wallets and stopped to look. Excited, I found a small wallet that I could afford. As I looked up, fear gripped my mind and body. I witnessed my cousin stealing a wallet. It was then that my cousin’s real character of being a bully was exposed. She stated, “If you tell and I get in trouble, I will say that you told me to do it, and I will tell the police that you stole that wallet.” Needless to say, I did not tell anyone until now.

Stop being a tattle-tale were words that followed into my adulthood. Growing up, I had a timid personality and did all that I could to avoid conflict with others. Yes, I witnessed many wrongdoings on the jobs I worked on, yet, I did not get involved. Not because I didn’t care, the employer did not care.

Even so, my mindset was retrained when I began employment with the New York State Division of Parole. One of my strengths is the skill of observation, which was necessary to work in the dark underworld. Under the training of the Assistant Deputy Director, I was taught that our eyes must see everything and report all infractions.

In today’s society, the line is blurred between right and wrong. Many believers are desensitized to the moral and ethical decline that permeates our environments. And most will not get involved in moral and ethical dilemmas, including witnessing criminal activity. We look the other way because we have adopted the “see and don’t see” mindset.

Yes, we ignore the pollution that results from “What is truth? Truth is what I believe it to be,” giving our teens “their right to privacy,” and we keep it a secret that our best friend’s husband or wife is cheating on their spouse. It is a conscious decision to willfully overlook the actual predicament of the world we live in. And our greatest enemy has us blinded by the prosperity sermons and our desire to live a happy life, so we hold fast to the worldly standards of “I am not my brother’s or sister’s keeper,” and “This does not concern me.”

Love does cover a multitude of sins, yet, we have a moral responsibility to God to do our duty to God and humanity. Criminal activity and raising a rebellious child to do as they please are not included in “love’s spiritual cover.” How does God view deliberate, intentional sins and the believers who are aware yet do nothing?

Acts chapter 5, verses 1-11 tells us the story of the husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira who schemed to lie regarding the amount of money they received from selling their land.

“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'” (Acts 5:3-4). As we read further, both husband and wife dropped dead from lying.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

We are the light-bearers of this world. Speaking out against injustice, disclosing criminal activity, and disciplining our children is the expectation of righteousness. We will be held accountable if we do not stand for the truth and God’s commandments. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

Preparing for Eternal Life each and every day.

Prayer: God, we pray for the courage to be just and take a stand for the truth. We ask for forgiveness for the times we have overlooked and become a part of someone else’s intentional sin. We pray to be anointed with the Holy Spirit and ask for wisdom as we seek knowledge. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'” (Matthew 28:17-18)

The Beginning of Doubt, Disbelief, and Disobedience to God

There is a long history of humanity disobeying God. Adam and Eve desired more than their perfect life. Cain chose the sacrifice he wanted to give to God, became angry when God rejected it, and murdered Abel, his brother.

Still, the Israelites exhibited the most significant doubt and disobedience against God. As if suffering intensely as enslaved people in Egypt was not enough oppression, they openly rebelled against their wilderness journey. “Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.'” (Exodus 14:12 BSB).

The Prophet [Jeremiah] is Called

God’s Promise: “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ Jeremiah’s Doubt: Then said I: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'” (Jeremiah 1:4-6).

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: Jeremiah prayed for understanding and faith. With humility, he acknowledged the ultimate power of God. “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17). Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

Midianites Oppress Israel [Gideon is Called by God]

God’s Promise: “And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” “Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?'” (Judges 6:12, 14)

Gideon’s Doubt: “So he said to Him, ‘O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.'” (Judges 6:15). God’s Promise: “And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.'” (Judges 6:16).

Gideon’s Request of “Show Me”: “Then he said to Him, ‘If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.’ And He said, ‘I will wait until you come back.'” (Judges 6:17-18).

As the story unfolds, in verses 36-40, Gideon requests another sign of the fleece. Our Omnipotent God, who does everything for His glory, used 300 men to defeat the Midianites. “Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” (Judges 7:12).

Because of sinful desires, we have the innate tendency to doubt God. And in doing so, we function outside of the will of God without remorse. Desire always produces disobedience against our Heavenly Father. We boldly and relentlessly pursue the husband or wife that God is waiting too long to give to us. We purchase houses and vehicles depending on our employers to provide lifelong financial security. We listen to our friends, family, and people on social media to “go ahead, pursue your goals, and live your best life.”

Fear produces doubt. Doubt creates faithlessness and is based on one’s perception of God. Many do not live according to the reality that “Jesus has all authority.” We have been deceived into believing in ourselves. Seeking God’s approval is no longer a priority. Our journey on the Path of Righteousness is only possible by possessing unwavering faith and total obedience to God. Believers must pray and patiently wait until we receive God’s answer.

To the disobedient who continue to pursue their desires, the Israelites are our example of people who witnessed the end of God’s mercy. Of the generation that left Egypt, only two, Joshua and Caleb, and those under the age of 20 were allowed to enter Caanan, the Promised Land.

The same God of the Old Testament who manifested love, mercy, and patience to human beings full of doubt and fear is the same God who requires obedience and faith in His Omnipotence from us. We are promised eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14).

Prayer: God, we thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask for forgiveness of doubt and disobedience. It is our desire to receive eternal life. Lord, we pray for strength, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we may have discernment, wisdom, and the patience to wait on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As a child, I eagerly looked forward to the promise of the shopping trip to spend part of my allowance for completing my household chores. I recently realized that my mother instilled the character traits of humility, obedience, faithful anticipation, and work ethic required to serve God. Those who do not believe it is necessary to perform a faithful duty to God every day to receive His blessings consider your employer’s expectation of you achieving productivity every day to receive monetary compensation and merit raises.

Promise [definition]: 1. A declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. 2. To assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen.

A promise involves two or more individuals: The giver and the recipient(s). The fulfillment of the promise requires integrity and commitment from the giver to ensure that a particular thing will happen.

From experience, many have endured the heartache of broken promises. We must establish that circumstances beyond the giver’s control cause the contractual agreement to become null and void. Insolvency of a company causing massive lay-offs is deemed necessary to sustain further business operations, or due to compromised health or death, the giver is unable to fulfill their promise.

The reality is that many promises have the potential to never come to fruition. The giver made the promise without intention to fulfill the promise. It is not difficult to find a person who has not suffered the brokenness of their fragile hearts from unfulfilled promises, mostly from deceit. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” (Psalm 118:8 NLT).

Only God never fails in His promises. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Even so, His promises to humanity are conditional and always involve “If and then.” Yes, the human effort of obedience, faith, and patience are the conditions required to receive God’s blessings.

1. “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1 ESV).
2. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
3. “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14 ESV).

Our belief in God’s promises should dictate our lifestyle choices. When we memorize the scriptures that promise the blessings of eternal life, we do not allow the compromise of breaking our promise to love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

1. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3).
2. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
3. After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands… (Revelation 7:9 ESV).

God’s promises are “Yes and Amen.” “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 ESV).

The question of “Do I really desire eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth?” is reflected through the choice of faithful obedience. We cannot tell ourselves that we are doing enough for God. Attending church service once a week is not enough. Many hear the Word and study the Scriptures but do not put God first. Most importantly, we have been given a spiritual duty that is a requirement for eternal life–

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV).

Eternal life is based on “if you” and the choice is up to you.

Prayer: God, not my will, but your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.