Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

When our lives take a sharp detour from our plans or expectations, often we succumb to emotional responses. Sadness causes us to wait passively, and anger makes us react with hostility. We stagnate, wondering, “What happens now?” Lingering sadness and uncontrolled anger incapacitate our ability to reason, quickly sinking us into despair and often resulting in hatred toward others, ourselves, and God.

It is challenging to control sadness and anger. When we are driven by our emotions, we rapidly lose altitude, and like a drone without a guiding signal, we crash. Prolonged emotional responses are like weeds in a garden of prized roses. How do we keep ourselves from falling into the abyss of hopelessness when our dreams are shattered?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 RSV)

God has promised to provide us happiness out of sorrow. God has promised, “to make us whole.” Yet, many are unaware of God’s healing power of restoration due to a lack of knowledge. “Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.'” (Matthew 22:29). The Bible was written for humanity, teaching us about God, His character, and promises. Unless we study the Scriptures, we cannot have spiritual growth, healing, and restoration from our trials and sorrows of life.

In 2 Kings, chapter 20, we read the story of God’s grace and mercy toward King Hezekiah, who received God’s message from Isaiah to prepare for his pending death. But the King prayed, “Remember now, Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight. And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 2o:3). Although God does not promise everyone an extension of life, He does promise complete healing and resolution to the vicissitudes of life that make us weep bitterly.

God’s response to King Hezekiah: “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you…” (2 Kings 20:5).

When we experience what seems like a deadly blow and are in distress, what happens next? God requires action from us first. We immediately seek God in prayer. Through our tears, we pray, “God, I need your help.” Tears provide a healthy release of our sorrow and connect us to our Heavenly Father. Although we were created with emotions to respond to hardships that cause grief, sorrow extends beyond our emotional responses.

What Happens Now? We prepare ourselves with humility and faith for a sometimes lengthy spiritual journey. Let’s identify the roadblocks.

Roadblock: Never ask why? Satan’s deceptive tactic is for us to question God. If you take that option, there is little hope for healing. Our immediate prayer to God acknowledges that we are disappointed and in overwhelming emotional pain. Every day, we ask to be anointed with the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance to move forward.

God is Omniscience–All-Knowing. He knows our lives from beginning to end, yet, God is not intrusive. He waits for us to approach Him for help. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

God will answer your prayer by revealing His perspective first. The tribulations are intentional [read Job chapter 1]. For us to have Christ-like characters, faith, trust, and total dependence on God, we must endure trials, sorrows, and hardships. God is preparing us for a perfect life in the New Heaven and the New Earth. What is God teaching me? What areas in my life require spiritual growth and development?

Human effort: We must accept sorrow. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33 CSB)

God’s Purpose for Sorrow: Spiritual transformation. “…strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.” (Acts 14:22). Human effort: #2–Acknowledge that God is in control and He has promised to strengthen you during your journey of healing.

Do You Want to Get Well? Will we Set Up Roadblocks or Move Forward on the Path of New Beginnings?

Roadblock: How we view God determines our outcome. Unbelief in His promises prevents us from receiving Divine help to overcome. Believing that God is love, full of tender compassion, grace, and mercy, always keeping His promises is the only way to receive complete healing in all dimensions of our humanness. God is committed to comforting and faithfully guiding us through our spiritual transformation of restoration.

Roadblock: Are you harboring a spirit of unforgiveness? We must forgive. Was the hardship or sorrow caused by another person(s)? Forgiveness is not an option! “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15). What if we caused hardship or sorrow? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Do not respond to Satan’s tactics to live your life filled with the darkness of guilt or regret.

Jesus died an excruciating death for our salvation. We do not have to carry the guilt of sinful actions. If possible, ask forgiveness from the people that were hurt. I say, if possible, because, in cases of Domestic Violence, or the other individual’s choice, you may be restricted from all contact. Still, we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let them know that we are genuinely remorseful for our former actions.

Restoration–complete healing is never immediate. God requires us to travel on a journey guided by His Divine Intervention and our Human effort of faith, trust, and obedience. How we move forward depends on our willingness to strengthen our relationship with Jesus.

Roadblock: Because we were born in sin, we have two opposing views: carnal and spiritual eyes. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15 ESV).

Human Effort: Even in our state of confusion, we must acquiesce and surrender our heart, soul, and mind to God. One of our most demanding challenges is to push doubt away. Trust God as if He told you to step out of the boat and walk on the water during a rough storm. Faith is the first step toward our healing journey. Let God guide you. Live with expectancy!

Our Restoration is God’s Top Priority! Do you want to be made well?

God’s promise of healing includes every loss that we have experienced. Whether we have a severe illness, lost a loved one, unemployed, experienced tangible losses–house, vehicle, our marriage, or relationships with family and friends, God is so much greater than the sorrows of this life!

Human effort: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34). Much prayer and studying of the scriptures are required to keep going.

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

God tells us to stand still [Exodus 14:14] and wait [Psalm 27:14]. God takes our hurting hearts, and He heals and rebuilds them for His honor and glory. If cars can be refurbished by human hands, can you imagine what our Omnipotent God can do with the broken human heart created in His image?

Human Effort: “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5). Give your unknown future to the known God! Through faith, even if it is weak and wavering, we pray daily, “God, let Your will be done in my life.” Trust and obedience to God lifts our hearts’ heaviness, and we receive peace. God promises to heal our grieving, broken hearts and give us new beginnings. And His promises are always, “Yes and Amen.”

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory!

Prayer: God, we need your power to restore our minds and heal our broken hearts. We pray for comfort and strength as we place our faith and trust in you. Please forgive our doubt and trespasses against you and others. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

This is one of the best and most encouraging sermons on Peace. Be blessed.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Mathew 10:34)

When we surrender our heart and will to Jesus, becoming faithful disciples, we can’t remain the same. Yes, we come to Jesus as the hymn states, “Just As I Am,” even so, the Holy Spirit enables us to experience daily spiritual transformation–Sanctification, to become like Christ. God’s expectation is we have faith, trust, and above all, obedience to His will and His way for our lives.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God waits for us to pray and ask Him to reveal His plans and our purpose. The Holy Spirit assists us in the development of our spiritual gifts empowering us to witness the Gospel. Because we are created with unique traits, our gifts and talents differ. Still, all disciples are given work to do for Christ. Before we are given our assignment, we require a Spiritual Bootcamp to produce the strength and courage needed to go all the way for God. Just as Jesus, the Son of God, suffered, we must experience hardships.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

The Apostle Paul tells us of the struggle that all humanity has with sin. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good, I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.” (Romans 7:18-19). Because we have a war raging inside us–fleshly desires, God readily gives us an escape route for all temptations. God created us to be totally dependent on Him. Yes, our Father knows that we require His Divine Intervention to be overcomers.

Soul Ties

Before our conversion, most of us have friends and family that we love and hang out with. In fact, many are involved in dating or long-term relationships leading to marriage. Other situations include believers who chose to marry unbelieving spouses or only one of two unbelieving spouses accepted Christ, and their spouse denies the power of God.

Our soul ties are the first area that Jesus causes division in. Yes, our closest relationships including some marriages will cease to exist. “Therefore, Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

“For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:35-36).

God’s word is absolute! There is never a scripture that indicates God has changed or that He will compromise. Our relationships often bring us to a crossroads of choosing to stay with or say goodbye to those who are unbelievers. Letting go of friendships is a hard decision, but how does one let go of family members, an engagement, or a husband or wife?

With time, opposition [changing from silent to fierce] creeps into our friendships, relationships, and the homes of unequally yoked families and marriages. Our existing relationships become distant. The hours of laughter from alcohol consumption [and maybe recreational drugs] and the pumping dance music in smoke-filled house parties or clubs cease to be part of our lifestyles.

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; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body…(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

As we grow closer to God, we lose the desire to watch the streaming with profanity and sexual content, or go to the pub, club, and engage in other unholy activities. Our spending habits change. The money we were careless with by purchasing unneeded things has stopped. And our friends and family stop inviting us to social activities.

A chasm may develop between husband and wife dependent on their belief system and prior lifestyle choices. Yet, God only sees righteousness and unrighteousness, “…Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

“(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)…” (Exodus 34:14). God requires that we give up any person that prevents us from wholeheartedly serving Him.

Breaking Soul Ties

Breaking soul ties may be the hardest decision that is required of the believer. We will cry bitter tears and experience lonely days and nights. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3). The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Teacher, always available to help us with our spiritual transformation. Following Christ requires daily prayer, studying the Bible, witnessing, and listening for the instructions of the Holy Spirit. God says that He is a jealous God and that He requires us to put Him first.

When we consecrate ourselves to God every day, the spiritual, mental, and emotional separation from unbelievers happens naturally. Sooner than later, as we continue on the Path of Righteousness, we realize that we have nothing in common spiritually with our soul ties. We can never say all or never. Personal choices and lifestyles differ. Not everyone has friends and family members who are social influencers. Nor does every unbelieving spouse prevent or interfere with their spouse’s relationship with God. Alert: Still, it it a struggle for the believing spouse. Compromising to please one’s spouse by going against the truth is costly. Sin places us in spiritual bankruptcy.

Surrendering our hearts to Jesus sets us apart as commandment-keeping disciples with a purpose-driven life. “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37).

Our only option is to put God first! Remember, we experience spiritual growth each day, demonstrating our commitment to God by our lifestyle choices. It is a freewill decision to spend eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth. The evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the last days. Revelation Prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus, our Shepherd is protective of His sheep. For those who made a covenant vow with Jesus, He continues to thrust His Sword forward and upward, causing separation between His disciples and unbelievers.

Serving God is unlike anything we will ever do. There is no middle ground, a gray area, walking on the fence, or room for compromise. Either we go all the way with Jesus in loyalty, or like the young rich ruler who asked Jesus, “…Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16), we turn and walk away when we receive the answer of truth. God never changes, always requiring loyalty and obedience.

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” (Psalm 139:1-2)

Can you do what is required to obey God even if you must break soul ties? It is a personal choice. We cannot be double-minded, nor can we hide our true feelings from God. King David tells us that God knows our every thought and action. Remember, there is a great reward for the faithful remnant who will answer, “Yes, Jesus!” Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth is the reward!

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to break soul ties when required of us. We desire to go all the way in our relationship with you. Thank you for your love, grace, mercy, and the great sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit and open our eyes that we may view life from a spiritual perspective. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

As we already have seen, texts in Exodus and Deuteronomy invite us to look to the past. They exhort us to rest on Sabbath in order to celebrate God’s accomplishments at Creation and at Redemption. Hebrews 4:9-11, however, invites us to look to the future. It tells us that God has prepared a Sabbath rest that is in the future. It suggests a new dimension for Sabbath keeping. Sabbath rest not only memorializes God’s victories in the past but also celebrates God’s promises for the future. A Foretaste of New Creation, SSQ

Sabbath is for celebration, for joy and thanksgiving. When we keep the Sabbath, we indicate that we believe God’s promises, that we accept His gift of grace. Sabbath is faith alive and vibrant. As far as actions go, Sabbath observance is probably the fullest expression of our conviction that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. A Foretaste of New Creation, SSQ

Have a blessed Sabbath. Preparing for Eternal Life One Day at a Time. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

If God so clothes the grass of the field…, will He not much more clothe you…? —Matthew 6:30

“Consider the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere. Jesus said if we would obey the life of God within us, He would look after all other things. Did Jesus Christ lie to us? Are we experiencing the “much more” He promised?

Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. It is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process. Am I continually separating myself and looking to God every day of my life?

Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put our faith and trust in you. We consecrate our lives by giving you our hearts. We ask for forgiveness and anointing on our lives as we consecrate ourselves to you today. In Jesus’ Worthy Name. Amen.

We excitedly praise and thank God for His blessings upon our lives. Yes, God’s never-ending grace and mercies are reasons to rejoice. But how do we react to the hardships and sorrows of life? There are two groups of believers, those who strive to faithfully obey God, enduring trials and sorrows, and those who are fretful, impatient, following their inclinations, and always asking God for help out of their dilemmas [that are really the fiery trials required for spiritual transformation].

The behaviors of the second group indicate they do not understand the spiritual journey nor comprehend that God’s grace and mercy are not to be taken for granted. The Israelites freed from enslavement represent the second group of believers who acknowledge God but desire a life filled with ease and blessings.

Traveling back in time, let’s enter the life of the freed Israelites in their Wilderness of Despair. “on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” (Exodus 16:1-2). These are the people who God delivered from the Egyptians, parted the Red Sea, and destroyed their enemies who pursued them.

The next chapter, Numbers, reveals their ongoing complaints. “So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:1-2).

Returning to the book of Exodus, in chapter 33, we read the dialogue between God and Moses. God demonstrates that He is fed up with the ungrateful, murmuring Israelites. “For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the children of Israel, You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’ “(Exodus 33:5).

Still, Moses was a loving and dedicated leader and intercessor for the “stiff-necked” people who possessed a rebellious and ungrateful spirit. “Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.” (Exodus 33:7). He did this to establish a “tabernacle of meeting” where he talked to God on behalf of the people.

God showed love and favor to Moses for his faithful dedication. Although we read about other individuals who talked with God in Genesis, none can compare to Moses’ numerous one-to-one encounters with God. “So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11). In reading verses 12-17, we become familiar with how Moses petitioned God, “…consider that this nation is Your people.” (verse 13, last part).

Because of their fearless leader, God changes His original promise to remove His presence from Israel. “And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14). Prayerfully, we gain a different perspective of God’s gifts of grace and mercy to the generations of disobedient complainers.

Fast forward to today’s believers, we express our discontent in various ways. A few verbally complain about their fiery trials, but most are anxious, worried, depressed, or have internal anger against God. We seek happiness and ease over the promised gift of Eternal life, which requires hardships. The journey has been extended, Jesus has not come, and many have lost their focus.

Moses could have asked God to make their journey easier by taking their trials away in the meeting with God. But Moses loved God with all of his heart, soul, and mind. And this, God, knew that he had 100% of Moses’ heart. It was through humility that Moses asked:

“And he said, ‘Please show me Your glory.'” (Exodus 33:18).

God’s response: “Then He said, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.’ “”But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.’ “(Exodus 33:19-20).

Sadly, we know of the complainer’s endless wandering of 40 years without receiving their reward of the Promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb from the original generation of freed Israelites were allowed into the Promised Land. Everyone else received God’s just punishment of death.

Today, as we reflect on the greatness of God, His love, long-suffering, grace, and mercies, in humility, we can ask for God to show us His glory. We are not asking for a face-to-face encounter. We are praying for the glory of His goodness, graciousness, and compassion to permeate our hearts. And in return, we dedicate our lives in faithful obedience and service to our Creator God, Jesus Christ, King of King, and Lord of Lords.

Prayer: God, we thank you. We ask forgiveness for being a stiff-necked people. We desire to dedicate our lives through obedience, reverence, and honor. God, please give us strength as we face the wilderness of trials and sorrows as we wait for Your Son’s soon coming. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

So Elijah went and found Elisha, son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders, and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19 NLT)

When Elijah ran for his life because Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him [Read 1 Kings chapter 18], God had an action plan to prevent the Queen’s desire from being fulfilled. Not only did God send an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness, but the food that he ate also sustained him for 40 days. Yet, God was not finished with His miraculous plan. 1 Kings 19, verses 15-17 directs Elijah to anoint two kings and Elisha as the prophet to succeed Elijah.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were wicked–building many idols. Due to fear of execution, many Israelites turned to idol worship, which was at an all-time high. Even Elijah was convinced that he was the only person who served the one true God. Many believers are convinced that they are the only ones suffering severe trials and sorrows. Looking at our circumstances, we begin to sink into despair. God is aware that our human hearts are frail. Even so, God always has a rescue plan for those who love and serve Him.

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)

Elisha’s Call: “…and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.” (1 Kings 19:19, first part)

Elisha’s Response: “Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, ‘First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!'” (1 Kings 19:19)

Elijah’s Answer: “Elijah replied, ‘Go back, but think about what I have done to you.'” (1 Kings 19:19, last part)

To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others. https://law.utk.edu/2016/05/10/to-whom-much-is-given-much-will-be-required/#:~:text=To%20whom%20much%20is%20given%2C%20much%20will%20be%20required%20(Luke,expected%20that%20we%20benefit%20others.

Serving God always includes spiritual responsibilities. Every person who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is called and anointed to witness the Good News of Salvation. Matthew 28:18-20, The Great Commission identifies that we are Jesus’ disciples. All disciples have received spiritual gifts according to God’s plan. Even in a raging pandemic, God has provided technology to advance His message of Redemption and Salvation. Using our social media pages to post a daily Scripture takes little effort, yet, it builds our relationship with Jesus because it requires us to pray and study the Bible.

Still, the question remains, “When God calls, how will we answer?”

Prayer: God, we ask that You reveal our spiritual gifts that we may live a purpose-driven life and hasten the Second Coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.