steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

The Courage to Achieve Optimal Health

Disclaimer: The content that you are reading may be offensive to your current mindset.

During my nursing career, I worked in various areas, but Behavioral Health was my favorite. Performing the Intake interview, which included medical and psychosocial history, never ceased to amaze me. The two factors that all patients shared:

1. “I know my situation is bad, but what can I do, I cannot change my circumstances.”
2. Their past or background held them captive, and they repeated the same counterproductive habits every day with consistency.

An interesting fact that has me perplexed: Most individuals take care of their plants and animals better than they care for themselves. I have a neighbor with a beautiful pedigree dog with chocolate brown hair that shines like the sun. His first love (Puppy) is well-taken care of with toys, several walks a day, swimming in the river 2-3 times a week, and from the description of the food that Puppy eats, the cost of his food is my monthly food budget. One more fact, Puppy has a night-time dog sitter while his owner is at work. What a life!

Now let’s compare the lifestyle of Puppy’s owner: He is a chain smoker, drinks every day, eats from fast-food restaurants three times a day, never exercises, and works the night shift [research shows shorter life spans]. Since my neighbor lives alone without family in Florida, I often wonder what would happen to Puppy, who lives the rich and famous lifestyle, when his owner collapses from poor health.

I live in a glasshouse, so I am not throwing stones. Even so, at some point in life, I had to face the facts that I would have a premature death if I did not change my bad habits. My academic achievements and RN nursing license meant absolutely nothing regarding my addiction to self-gratification. I was not an emotional eater. I simply loved the great taste of food. And it was not the cheap fast food that is the craze of our nation. No, no, no, this was the high-fat, high-cholesterol meats like pastrami, corned beef, beef bacon, and lamb. Never really cared for steak, but I loved veal [the baby animals]. And the desserts, especially the variety of cheesecake, if it was created, then I had eaten it.

In 2017, my physician told me that he was very concerned about my health because of my non-modifiable risk factors and abnormal lab work [Diabetes and High Cholesterol]. When I heard that I was certain to have a heart attack sooner than later that I may not survive, the reality of my “do what makes you feel happy” lifestyle had to cease and desist.

There are two concepts that I was totally unaware of, and I did not learn until recently:

1. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. “Without the desire to change, the courage to change, and a plan for change, we will not change.” (Johnson, 2021)

I could not apply the learned theories of anatomy and physiology and health principles that I learned throughout my lifespan because I did not possess the “desire to change.” When I desired to eat healthier, I did not have the courage or plan to change destructive habits. And for whatever reason, even with studying the Bible, I was unaware of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Where are the sermons on keeping our minds and bodies healthy?

Fact: Our bodies were created in the image of God to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

We have discarded healthy behaviors for doing what makes us feel good and tastes great. And BIG PHARMA–pharmaceutical companies accommodate and feed our desires by developing and promoting their never-ending supply of pills. If we have the diagnosis, they have the drugs. We must stop our uncontrollable behaviors!

Identify the behaviors that are the root of your diagnosis of an unhealthy mind and body. Yes, we have the choice to live healthy by loving and taking care of ourselves. Begin today! Our past should not cripple our future! Pursue optimal health at all costs.

Our taste buds can be retrained. Discover fruits, vegetables, legumes, and the joy of cooking. Leave the cell phone, gaming, television, and laptop alone. Get outside. Take a walk, use your five senses to see the beauty of nature around you. If you live in the concrete jungle, find a scenic park. Do what is necessary to boost your endorphins and serotonin [research these hormones]. It takes exercise and bright light to make our mind and bodies thrive. Take control today!

It’s still a beautiful world!

Prayer: God, we need to change our mindset. We realize that our behaviors are destroying our health. We ask you for the strength and wisdom to develop a life-altering plan to achieve optimal health. As we use courage and knowledge to change our lifestyles, please give us the desire to include you as our Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson (Edited version)

Independence in Every Aspect

First and foremost, I thank Jesus Christ for His sacrifice that we can receive INDEPENDENCE from sin. And it was His blood that provides freedom from the chains of sin. Redemption is all-inclusive for all humanity. Eternal life is the reward for the faithful. And for this reason, I bow and kneel to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Thanking God for the brave men and women who fought for America’s independence from oppression. We salute and thank every member of the military, law-enforcement officers, first-responders, freedom-fighters, and others who are keeping us safe.

And, thank you, God, for the brave people with loving hearts [throughout the world] who believe God created all of humanity in His image! The root of true independence is unconditional LOVE. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Declaration of Independence [excerpt]

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Sinking into Deep Waters?

Since moving to Florida, I have seen several capsized boats [rolled over on its side] on the larger-than-life body of water, the St. Johns river. It always makes me wonder what is going through the person’s mind when they are in the deepest area of the river, and their boat begins to sink. Is it fear, overconfidence due to years of boating experience, or knowing that the life-jacket and the SOS call for help will save them before tragedy happens?

According to boating experts:

A capsize is defined as a boat rolling over onto its side or completely over. Swamping typically means that a boat fills with water (often from capsizing) but remains floating. … Nearly all capsizes can be assigned to one of three causes: too much or poorly distributed weight, leaky vessels, and bad weather. https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/

It appears that unless the person has hit floating objects that damaged the boat, then it is their responsibility for capsizing. The power of choice and preventative maintenance lies within the captain’s ability to prevent the occurrence. You may think who would intentionally place themselves in harm’s way.

The coastal area of Florida has a long rainy season. Speaking from experience, the love for water causes the intense desire to be “one with nature.” [However, I respect nature’s fury.] Unfortunately, it is overconfidence in your abilities, which is a dangerous character trait that leads to compromising one’s safety. Many individuals choose to ignore the stormy forecasts, and much to their despair, their heavily relied upon skills and small vessels are no match for the turbulence caused by the relentless gusts of nature’s angry storms.

As believers, we face the tsunamis of daily trials and hardships every day. Some of our storms result from poor decision-making, but most challenges are outside of our control.

In Psalms 27;11, David requested, “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.” At the time, David was king, and many of his closest advisors despised his allegiance to God. Even his son, Adonijah, attempted to become the king through a diabolical plot [Read 1 Kings chapters 1-2]. But God honored David’s prayers through His divine intervention, and the secret plot was revealed.

Like David, we need to ask God to teach us how to live. The Sea of Life has many enemies waiting to make us capsize into the deep waters of sin. Yes, every day, Satan has plans to discourage and tempt us to sin against our Captain, God the Father. He uses humanity and his demonic forces to bring the squalls of chaos and confusion into our lives.

We should never become over-confident by starting our day without requesting God’s protection from danger.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

God’s omniscience and omnipotent power protect us from our enemies [human and satanic]. Our faith in God and daily prayers keep us from capsizing and sinking into the darkness of sin. “Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Psalm 27:3. We do not fear! Yes, we can remain confident. Our spiritual crew, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, stay at the helm to watch over us and navigate us to safety.

Even when we rush about pursuing our tasks, God reminds us that we forgot to include Him in our day. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me. ” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8. Like the overconfident person who takes their boat on the water regardless of the weather forecast, we cannot predict the outcome from the unexpected storms of sorrows and hardships.

Pray and “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14.

Prayer: Hear our prayer, O Lord. We come to you with humble hearts, asking for your divine intervention to navigate us through the seen and unseen dangers in the Sea of Life. We admit that we can do nothing without you. Thank you for your protection and endless love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Wait for Your Victory!

Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:17

Why are we worried? Who told us that God has left us alone to fight that BIG problem or that situation that’s been going on for years?

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:14 NKJV

God, please open our eyes that we may see you as the GREATEST, the Alpha and the Omega, our Provider, our Warrior, our Father, and our Problem-Solver. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Burnout Prevention

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. Genesis 2:2

• In 1899, a speed record had been broken. Someone had actually gone 39.24 miles per hour in a car—and lived to tell about it! Today, of course, cars go much faster than that. And the speed of the processors in our cell phones are much faster than the fastest large computers of a generation ago.

And air travel is faster than it used to be—and is getting even faster. The point is that almost everything we do today is done faster than it was in the past, and yet, what?

We still feel hurried and without enough rest. What should that tell us about basic human nature and why God would have made rest so important that it is one of His commandments? –SSQ

Sabbath Blessings

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

How do you see yourself? With Dignity?

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Triumph [Victory] from Trials, Tribulations, and Temptations

Since the age of five, I have believed in Jesus. My mother was a woman of God who lived by the Word of God. She gave a simplistic explanation that Jesus loved and died for me, was resurrected, went to heaven, and was preparing a home in heaven where we would live forever. Attending church reinforced my belief that God is love, prompting me to love Jesus throughout my childhood.

But reality surfaced as I matured and left home. I noticed that my life was no longer manageable. One problem after the other bombarded my life, and eventually, I decided that serving God had no benefits. Truthfully, I did not study the Bible, nor did I have a consistent prayer life. It is “Human effort plus Divine Intervention that equals Victory.” I held God responsible for the failure of a thriving spiritual relationship with Him. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [they do not know me]. Hosea 4:6

Many years later, in 2006, I met an elderly woman while shopping who witnessed to me about returning to my first love, Jesus Christ. I started attending revival services, made the commitment to follow Jesus, and was baptized [Human Effort]. Even so, God had plans to produce a different outcome [Divine Intervention]; the church had a New Believers program. I was assigned a spiritual mentor that helped me through the roughest times: The transition of renouncing–giving up worldly pleasures to serve Jesus.

And it is during those turbulent times, many believers fail to understand the purpose of hardships and how they are related to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

1. Your life becomes tougher: Serving God means giving up all of the ungodly people, places, and things you love and are familiar with. Yes, you may be living a clean and sober life and free from your past habits [Praise God!], but now that you are a member of the “body of believers,” which requires you to give up everything that prevents spiritual growth and inhibits your relationship with God. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. The Holy Spirit helps us to develop a new lifestyle that reflects our commitment to God. Everything changes when we become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17
2. Learning to study the Bible and praying: Building the spiritual foundation with God requires diligently studying the Bible and praying every day. Here’s some unspoken guidance about prayer, if you can count the times you have prayed today, then you are not praying enough. Staying connected to the Vine-Jesus requires faith, trust, obedience, courage, strength, discipline, and self-control. [Read John 15:5]
3. Forming new relationships: I must admit that this is one of the most challenging parts of serving God. Jesus must become your best friend. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. You made the commitment to follow Jesus, so you must build your relationship with Christ first. God will reveal the friends that we need in our Spiritual-Social Circle. The Holy Spirit amazingly gives us the gift of discernment to know when the person or activity does not glorify God.
4. Forming new relationships, part 2: It is not easy making new friends at any stage in life. Even so, pray and ask God for guidance. Ask the Pastor to assign you a spiritual mentor if the church has not provided one. If you accepted Jesus without church intervention, then you may have to accept isolation for a little while. Do not despair! Remain obedient to God. He will reveal the path [the plans] that He desires for you to follow, including a Bible-based church. Pray and wait on the Lord. Do not follow an emotional response to cope with being alone. Put God first! Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:22
5. Our life becomes full of peace, joy, and happiness: No, this is not a contradiction. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33. Pray and ask for help! “God, I’m having a tough time. I need your help. Amen.” Enter the spiritual team of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, and Comforter, along with messenger/guardian heavenly angels who we have on our side. What worries should we have? “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
6. Know, understand, and embrace the trials, tribulations, and temptations: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and difficulties, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Our characters must align with God’s requirements. Every trial, tribulation, and temptation is to produce the Fruit of the Spirit within us: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Trust in God: 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

Need Encouragement? Jesus says, “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. Saints of the Most-High God, never forget: Victory belongs to Jesus! Amen and Amen!

Our Goal: Eternal life

Bible Reading: Romans 5: 1-11

Humanity Requires Divine Intervention

Nothing is worse than trying to recover and putting the pieces back together from making a wrong decision. Most of us can recall a time when we thought that we would lose our minds. But we made it. Yes, somehow, we made it through the impossible time.

But have you ever thought about how the pieces came back together? God says, “I change not,” extended grace and mercy that you probably did not recognize as Divine Intervention. Matthew 5:45 NIV says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God also blesses those who oppose Him because He is fair and just.

Do you recognize the blessings [small and great] and thank Him with a prayer of gratitude? God created us to fully depend on Him. Yes, it is His intention to keep us from making life-altering mistakes by asking for His plans to be revealed in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We were not created to endure suffering and hardships because of our disobedience. There are many times when other people cause immense grief in our lives. Even so, God who knows our future. Nothing that happens comes as a surprise, there are no oops moments with God.

Our outlook when experiencing trials and sorrows depends on our perception of God. If we view God as [a little god], then our faith and trust in Him will be nonexistent. But for those who view God as “Mighty and Powerful” have the assurance that He will bring them through the toughest hardships. Yes, we will have to persevere as we endure God’s silence and His extended waiting times for deliverance. And how will we react when the outcome differs significantly from our expectations? We must not lose hope. Remain as courageous and confident as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who boldly proclaimed, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:18.

And who was the fourth person in the fiery furnace? None other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Bible Reading: Daniel 3

Prayer: God, our faith is not even the size of a mustard seed. How quickly we forget about the blessings you have granted us throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for thinking, acting, and living independently as if you do not exist. Our lives are in turmoil and we need your help desperately. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in powerful name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Edited 7/1/2021 2pm

Do not Fear!

This message was written in the 1800s and addresses a serious issue that has escalated among today’s believers, Fear. Be blessed, pray, and receive the victory from fear.

Morning Devotional by Ellen G White

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isa. 43:1

Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable, and without help from God they are indeed unbearable. Unless we rely upon Him we shall sink under the burden of responsibilities that bring only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial.

When all seems dark and unexplainable we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words that Christ has spoken to our souls, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Do not go about as if Jesus were in Joseph's tomb, and a great stone were rolled before the door In the trial of your faith show that you know you have a risen Saviour, One who is making intercession for you and your loved ones.

The Bible places the responsibility of our happiness upon ourselves. We are to look to the light of life. Our usefulness depends on our own course of action. We are so anxious, all of us, for happiness, but many rarely find it because of their faulty methods of seeking, in the place of striving. We must strive most earnestly and mingle all our desires with faith. Then happiness steals in upon us almost unsought.

When we can, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, rest confidingly in His love and shut ourselves in with Him, resting peacefully in His love, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy. This experience gains for us a faith that enables us not to fret, not to worry, but to depend upon a power that is infinite.

We shall have the power of the Highest with us. Jesus stands by our side. As the trials come, the power of God will come with them.

From My Life Today – Page 189 Ellen G White