Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

It takes faith, trust, courage, and perseverance to serve God in today's unstable world. Yet, we are never alone. Pray every day and pray often. Study the Bible. The Scriptures are a Love Letter from God to those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior. You will receive comfort, knowledge, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3. Be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thief On the Cross [and the Comparison]

After all these years, thinking about Nursing School Semester 1 still makes chills go through my body. Kathy, our professor, was raised on a farm in Upstate New York. She was definitely one of the tough-as-nails, “The Few, The Proud,” without being a Marine. Kathy said many things that offended the entire class in her introduction, but “It doesn’t matter what you think” was her favorite. Eventually, we coined the phrase in our study groups, using it frequently for the naysayers who went against the rationale for the correct answer.

After two weeks into the program, we acquiesced to our professor’s expertise. Kathy was aware that our theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and nursing judgment would provide us with the qualifications to assess and make decisions that our patient’s safety and well-being depended on. There are two concepts that Kathy taught, which have enabled me to make it through my Christian journey: 1. You will forever be on a learning curve. 2. It doesn’t matter what you think.

For six months now, I have had an online TikTok ministry. There are two areas of contention–Loving and Helping Others and Studying the Bible that have divided believers. The thought of a Christian never studying the Bible should cause shuddering chills throughout our bodies. Still, even more, frightening is the rationale many are using for not studying the scriptures: “The thief on the cross was saved and did not read the Bible.” I will not qualify that statement. But in the words of Jesus, Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

The natural mind will never understand the supernatural power of God. You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet. Hebrews 2:7-9. The hierarchy of created beings is defined in the Word of God. We are lower than the obedient messenger and guardian angels, but the animals are under our feet.

Satan continues his most profound deceptions based on the acquisition of knowledge based on human rationales. “Did God really say…?” The demon of pride is innate. Without humility and intentional obedience, we become self-righteous and interpret the scriptures according to what we desire them to be. Why is it so easy to negate the Word of God? We are caught up in self-worship. We are the idols. Many thrive off of the prosperity messages that have replaced God’s truth.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24. It is impossible to serve God and indulge our carnal desires with tangible–material possessions, which prevents us from realizing that we are subordinates to the Almighty Creator God.

We do not realize the depth of our pride. Sadly, we have become a generation of believers who have a sense of entitlement. We are just as disobedient as the Israelites who lost their right to enter the Promised Land [only Joshua and Caleb from that generation were allowed to enter]. Have we not taken on God-like qualities by developing our lists of goals and accomplishments without asking God’s approval and blessing?

At least the thief on the cross realized his wretchedness. He confessed his sins, acknowledging that he deserved death. With a humble heart and contrite spirit, he took a giant leap of faith by proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and truly the Son of God. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong. Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Luke 23:41-42

No, we cannot compare ourselves to the thief on the cross. We have been given the mercies of a new day. The opportunity to restart our relationship with Jesus simply happens from the confession and repentance of our sins. Until we bow in humility to God and take on the status of a disciple of Jesus Christ, we cannot embrace these concepts: 1. You will forever be on a learning curve. 2. It doesn’t matter what you think.

Repentance and God’s Forgiveness

And when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, and return to the Lord your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you today, with all your heart and with all your soul, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. Deuteronomy 30:1-4

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for thinking and living as if we have created ourselves. Holy Spirit, we invite you to come and anoint us with understanding and wisdom of the scriptures. We pray for a spiritual transformation, one of servitude and the eagerness to study the Bible. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Ambition or Anointing

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. John 14:16‭-‬17 NKJV

I can recall a conversation with my Aunt over three decades ago regarding the decrease of Christian believers who desired and were actively preparing for Eternal life in heaven [the New Heaven and New Earth]. The question of living a holy and righteous life has evolved into a subjective concept among modern-day Christians. They ask, What is truth? In fact, many have the mindset of Cain, who offered his version of the sacrifice that God required for the sin offering.

The churches have structured their teachings to only include select verses from select chapters in the Bible. And their congregants are happily in agreement that the prosperity message does not require them to study the entire Bible. There is no mention that one needs to pray for the daily anointing of the Holy Spirit or receive baptism by immersion. Witnessing to others is accomplished by an outward show of a smile and peaceful Christian behavior. The most heartwrenching truth is that many Christians believe this lifestyle reflects discipleship, and their minimal effort fulfills God’s requirements.

Still, Jesus Christ safeguards His faithful remnant. There are many baptized prayer warriors diligently studying the scriptures. Yes, we realize that one cannot prepare for Eternal life without total surrender and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We are the commandment-keeping disciples that accept and witness the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Facing another battle with fellow believers proves that our fight is against spiritual wickedness. Due to a lack of scriptural knowledge, many have accepted watered-down versions of the Word of God. And it saddens our hearts to see the number of Christians giving up and turning away from God because “it’s just too hard to go through storms, or to wait on God for answers.” No, we are not boastful. We simply strive to obey and hear “Well done” from Jesus Christ when He comes again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It takes sacrifice to serve the Lord. All of Jesus’ disciples [John is the exception], including the Apostle Paul, were killed because they were steadfast, courageous, and loyal to God. The Apostle John [who Jesus loved] describes the life of Christ in the Gospel of John. In fact, John was the only Apostle that died a natural death. Though Satan attempted to take his life, he did not die from being boiled in oil. Jesus had divine plans for this disciple. The Book of Revelation provides proof that God uses us even under extreme duress. Although John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, he received the visions of the New Heaven and New Earth and last-day prophecies.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. Acts 2:17‭-‬18 NKJV

Every person has a choice to make, either we pursue Ambition–following our own desires or we serve and obey God without hesitation. Praying and receiving daily anointing from the Holy Spirit is required to have daily spiritual growth. Sanctification–to become like Christ requires diligent study of the Scriptures, praying without ceasing, fasting, faith, trust, obedience, helping those in need, and witnessing to others.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. And thank you for being our example of a life dedicated to please God, our Heavenly Father. God, we ask forgiveness for half-heartedly serving you. We desire to dedicate our lives to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Minute Devotional: The Prosperity of Peace

The competition for apps that promise to provide peace have reached an all-time high. Without wholehearted commitment to discipleship, we will never experience the prosperity of peace. Jesus Christ is the Source and Giver of Peace. It is a choice to renounce sin, our desires, and to surrender our will to God. The covenant vow to be faithful and obedient keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Escaping the Dilemma

As a wee girl, I have always loved the holiday season of the Christmas celebration. The fascination of the decorations would hold my attention for hours. It certainly was the most beautiful time of the year. But truth be told, I was not interested in the gifts. My DNA includes a three-generational history of artists with raw talent. My preference was always for the deep, rich colors of mulberry accented with gold. Even so, there was always a thought in the back of my mind–Christmas was not Jesus’ birthday, nor was the holiday honoring Jesus, the Son of God who died on the cross. Christmas was a strong family tradition. I did not understand my thought processes, nor did I dare verbalize my feelings because of fear.

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

It is not my intent to spark a debate regarding the celebration of Christmas. My love of the season has not changed. However, my perspective of the season has changed.

The Origin of Christmas Celebration

Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas

The Dilemma of Christmas Observance

In 2020, Americans were ready to spend an average of $998 on winter holidays. Most of the money spent on Christmas was planned for gifts ($650), non-gift holiday products like decorations ($230), and other non-gift products ($117). https://capitalcounselor.com/christmas-spending-statistics/

The increase in homelessness in the United States has risen sharply for single mothers and children. Since the pandemic, many individuals have lost their primary source of income. The social status of middle-class America has almost vanished. Our societies have two prominent classes of families–Those who Have and Have Not.

Poverty has always existed, and it will remain until the Second Coming of Jesus. In 2019, there were 123 million families in the United States. If half of the average money [$500] spent on one holiday was donated to shelters and churches, we would alleviate the suffering of many individuals. The total amount contributed for one holiday would be 61.5 billion dollars.

Christian believers, May God, have mercy on our ability to spend our money without any thoughts of stewardship or the fact that everything we possess is a gift from God. We have readily embraced the “I” concept indicating that our lifestyles are not in sync with the life of Christ or the Scriptures.

Yes, I will decorate with home with handmade Christmas items. And will send a beautiful handmade Christmas ornament to family and friends. Even so, I realize that my life is not my own. As a disciple, I must obey God. With a good conscience, I can no longer spend the financial blessings from my Heavenly Father on impractical gifts when my brothers and sisters are hungry and homeless.

What does God require of us?

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Matthew 25:34-36

Prayer: God, we pray for the desire to live a life of sacrifice as you did. Are we our brother’s keeper? Yes, God, we are. Please transform our minds that we may see life through spiritual eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry