Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7

A baby is born with the ability to thrive. In fact, the first twelve months produce an accelerated rate of growth and development. The only fear that develops is the innate “stranger danger” between six and nine months. Many children are exposed to counterproductive stimuli during maturity which prevents healthy spiritual, mental, and emotional development. The unhealthy atmosphere of a home void of love produces fear, unhappiness, and the failure to thrive.

Let me tell you a personal story. Many years ago, we had the privilege of our three grandchildren, ages 4, 6, and 9, living with us for one year. They were fearful, had insomnia, and constantly argued with each other. One day, I watched a few of their programs and was shocked at the physical violence and derogatory words in a children’s anime. We met to discuss a simple but effective performance improvement plan the next day.

We did a store run to purchase crayons, coloring books, scissors, markers, glue, construction paper, children’s books, balls, dolls, and containers of blowing bubbles. Since I had an extra laptop, they were taught the simple basics of navigating to Youtube to watch nonviolent programs. But their favorite activities were learning to swim and visiting the park to run and play. The complex had a pond with ducks where they lost their fear of animals by feeding them bread scraps. Watching and playing with electronic gadgets had a limit of two hours a day.

The change was immediate. Two of the children possessed an advanced level of artistic drawing. Spats and bickering became nonexistent, except for the struggle over specific colors of pencils, markers, and crayons. Yes, I could have purchased separate drawing utensils, but they needed to learn the values of cooperation and sharing. The refrigerator was covered with their art. Daily simple tasks were given to teach and assist their young minds in understanding gratification from a job well done. The reward of receiving hugs, kisses, and frequently hearing “I love you” changed little warriors into happy and loving children who respected each other.

Now, we focus on refuting the belief that our past defines our present and future. Your childhood determines your adult life because you do not know who God is. He is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnibenevolent, and our loving Heavenly Father.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7. Focusing on our limited abilities [because God gave us a finite mind] prevents spiritual, mental, and emotional growth.

1 Timothy 1:7 is a scripture that reminds us of the innate qualities that God created us with. A sound mind requires ongoing learning by seeking credible knowledge, discovering and developing your natural talents, and learning new skills. Biblical knowledge from studying the scriptures results in faith, trust, and confidence that God is in control. Power is courage! We are not afraid of life or the challenges that we face.

Satan desires to minimize God’s power and attempts to deceive us to believe that he is all-powerful. In reading Job chapter 1, it is evident that our archenemy has God-given limits: “‘All right, you may test him,’ the Lord said to Satan. ‘Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.’ So Satan left the Lord’s presence.” Job 1:12.

Just a side note: God can destroy Satan now if He desires. And Satan is aware of this and functions inside of God’s boundaries. Satan obeys God’s limits, yet the human beings created in God’s image have the irreverence and boldness fed from pride to openly and continuously disobey our Creator.

The Apostle Paul was young Timothy’s spiritual mentor. In 1 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds and reprimands his protege for the fear he possessed, afraid to suffer for Jesus.

Fear is like a tornado producing destruction in all areas of our lives. Fear’s bitter, rotten fruits are anxiety, worry, nervousness, timidness, depression, sadness, and pessimistic thoughts. Fear impedes progress! Do not embrace this destructive emotion that is based on nonexistent realities!

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” “Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

Created from God’s Ultimate Love, we were born with everything required to live productive, happy lives. God is aware of the dysfunction that sin causes in our maturity from children to adults. How is retraining our minds and leaving the past behind possible? With God, ALL things are possible!

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now, it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.….” Isaiah 43:18-19

Learning and reminding ourselves of these scriptures

1. “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
2. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
3. “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
4. “No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:10-12)

We are in a new season of our lives. It is time for us to become the soldiers God created us to be. Discover your hidden talents and spiritual gifts by praying and asking God to reveal your purpose. Disciples are fearless because we believe that God loves us and will always sustain us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.” — Michelle Obama

“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.” — Jeffrey Gitomer

Trends come and go. But one trend has become a foundational belief and has grown into a worldview: Self-Elevation By Seeking Success. Yes, we are encouraged to risk our assets to start new businesses, invest in thriving stocks, and climb the career ladder. And now, “Influencers” who feel they have the wisdom of Solomon convince us to go for it. Sadly, many people act on the advice of those who are making blanket statements and live stressed-out, unhappy lives because they have suffered financial losses, or traded away their peace of mind.

Okay, we know the world seeks after tangible things. But many of the royal priesthood–believers, whom God loves, fully accept the prosperity messages preached from pastors who thrive on material wealth. The prevalent scripture that is misquoted and misinterpreted is Jeremiah 29:11. God’s promise is manipulated and twisted from its original meaning to support the acquisition of wealth.

NASB translation: “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

KJV-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us warnings regarding the pursuit of wealth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [material wealth].” Matthew 6:24.

James clarifies the stability of our lives, cautioning us not to make future plans.

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit. 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 4:13, 14 NLT, NIV)

Does the life of a believer consist of an endless list of “Do Nots?” God has given us the ability to dream and abundantly blessed us with natural talents and spiritual gifts. Learning and accepting that God’s plans are 100% fail-proof should provide us with the desire to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23.

Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will? As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps. E.G. White

Before making a decision, pray and wait on God for an answer in every aspect of your life. God has the desire to bless us “according to His riches in glory” according to His will and His plans. The peace and joy that come from faith, trust, and obedience in God are available to every disciple. God’s omniscience gives Him the ability to guarantee the perfect outcome of His plans. Who else can provide us with the guarantee that no obstacles–human or spiritual wickedness can prevent the plans of the Almighty God from coming into fruition?

Prayer: God, help us to rely totally on you. We ask for direction in our lives and the strength to achieve and fulfill Your plans. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Hardships, trials, sorrows, obstacles, and life stressors often leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Unless we understand God’s purpose and direction for our spiritual growth entirely, we can easily slip into the pit of D’s–Discouragement and Depression. Our mental and emotional state of mind dramatically impacts our faith and trust in God. What is our view of God? Do we view God as the Great Punisher? Or do we possess the “Why Me?” mindset?

“I tell you, among those born of women, there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28 BSB). What? John the Baptist was beheaded! [To be continued.]

Discipleship always includes suffering. Only the Apostle John died a natural death. And the Apostle Paul, when imprisoned, wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires…” (Philippians 1:21-23 NLT)

Yes, dying does end our suffering. Still, most believers do not consider the desire to cease living. Although the rough times hit like a tsunami, our hope remains. No one likes to suffer! How do we make it through without giving up? Changing our perspective can only happen when we accept the purpose of suffering and believe the promise that Jesus is always involved in our suffering.

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16:33 Amplified Bible)

How do we know if our suffering is for Christ? Or because of the consequences of disobedience or mistreatment by another person? Pray and ask God. David’s prayer: “Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.” Psalm 26:2

When prior experience, strategies, and help from family and friends do not alleviate or bring resolution, we suffer for Christ. Deliverance is only through God’s Divine Intervention and given when His purpose is fulfilled in our lives. The human effort of prayer and studying the Scriptures will provide us with the faith, strength, and courage required to journey through the harsh wilderness.

Although John the Baptist was imprisoned in a cold, dark dungeon and beheaded, He foretold the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. “It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” (John 1:27 NKJV). John was aware that serving and suffering for Jesus Christ is a privilege and honor.

Certainly, this should be a moment of truth for every believer that, in humility, we realize the privilege and honor to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Philippians 1:29

Prayer: God, thank you for revealing to us through the Holy Spirit that we are highly favored and privileged to serve and suffer for your Son, Jesus. Please give us the strength to endure suffering as we prepare for Eternal life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Some situations are vividly recalled because of the negative impact on our lives. As I diligently searched for employment, the title read, “Innovative Nursing Administrative Position.”

Description: Immediate administrative nursing position that requires solid clinical background with excellent critical thinking skills. Newly developed with the goal of increasing the quality of care among our residents.

Yes, I was excited this had to be a perfect fit. The interview went well, and I received a tentative start date pending background checks.

But there was a red flag that I ignored. The job description was a draft–a work-in-progress, which equated to unknown definitive duties. Receiving reassurance that completing the job description was imminent, along with the salary and benefits package, persuaded me to accept the facility’s offer with excitement. All was well for the initial four weeks, and then new duties were added every day for at least two weeks. The boulder rolled down the mountain when the Charge Nurse resigned on one of the units. The expectation was that I would fulfill the position until another RN was hired and trained.

Eventually, my administrative duties were withdrawn, and I was the full-time replacement for the vacant Charge Nurse position. Shortening the story, I resigned because of the bait and switch tactic of the company. With research, I learned that I was eligible for unemployment compensation. Two infractions: I was demoted to a staff position due to a vacancy without an end date, and the facility never advertised to replace the Charge Nurse position. The facility’s Administrator attempted to block the unemployment but lost the appeal. Isn’t God good?

Many believers have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, either lacking scriptural knowledge or the desire to become a disciple–living to serve. What does God require of us?

Spiritual Job Description

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

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

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

As disciples, we are called into a life of action. To obey God with humility and live a life of service to others in need–providing spiritual [mental and emotional] encouragement and physical necessities. Our role model is Jesus Christ. Impoverished [which God does not require of us], Jesus lived a life of complete servitude. And still, He serves as our High Priest and Heavenly Intercessor. Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NASB)

Thankfully, our spiritual job description has no loopholes or unknown areas. Surrendering in humility to God and loving Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind gives us the motivation and zeal to pledge ourselves to discipleship. For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:27 ESV)

Bible Study: Matthew 25:31-46

Prayer: God, we pray for forgiveness for not humbling ourselves in obedience to fulfill our spiritual job description. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Worthy name. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Last night, I watched a documentary of three young girls–ages 10, 7, and 5 traveling several miles down a massive river in a leaky dugout canoe to journey to school. The perseverance of the children is beyond anything that I have ever witnessed. What is inside us that causes the human mind to go against all odds? Truly our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 1 Corinthians 6:19

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7.

God has imparted–given us the resilience to withstand many obstacles. But many have chosen to travel on the path of self-pity, anger, and resentment when they face hardships. Suffering is a part of God’s Divine plan to lead us into the daily spiritual journey of Sanctification. Every day, the Holy Spirit gives us restorative strength, stability, and guidance to overcome today’s troubles. Do Not Worry or Be Anxious: And which of you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:27 ESV).

Faith Heroes

Job–Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” Job 1:8. Although we do not know the timespan of Job’s suffering, we are aware of the extreme intensity of his suffering. Still, Job proclaimed, “Though He slay me, yet, will I trust in Him: But I will maintain mine own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.” Job 13:15-16

Apostle Paul–Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 2 Corinthians 11:25. The Apostle was unjustly imprisoned on false charges–for preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles and starting the Early Churches. Yet, 4-6 of his books were written in prison.

Our Savior–Jesus Christ

We often forget the suffering that Jesus endured, which is beyond our finite comprehension. In his humanness, Jesus prayed, “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.

As commandment-keeping disciples, we should consider it a privilege to suffer for Jesus. God has never required us to live a life of suffering. The Apostle Peter tells us that “after you have suffered for a little while,” we will receive spiritual restoration and the strength that is needed to run the race. Our enemy, Satan, will never give up. Be aware that he devises plots and schemes to discourage us. God is monitoring the fiery darts that our archenemy hurls against us and will not allow us to be crushed. James tells us to change our mindset to suffering hardships. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance… . James 1:2-3

Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.… 1 Peter 5:9-11

Fortifying ourselves daily with prayer and studying the scriptures provides the foundation to build our faith and trust in God. We will receive knowledge along with wisdom and discernment from the anointing of the Holy Spirit to persevere in all trials, sorrows, and hardships. And like Job, we will proclaim, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25. Hallelujah! Amen!

Prayer: God, many times we complain and become discouraged, but today we thank you for our sufferings. We pray for understanding and strength as you transform us into soldiers of faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries