steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

How to Put God First in a Modern World

Sabbath Blessings

Christ is our role-model. He served to meet the needs of others spiritually as well as physically.

Self-evaluation: Does my character and service to others represent Christ?

Shout the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 1 Our Willingness to Obey God

Pray for God to Reveal His Plans

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

This verse reveals everything we need to know about God. His unconditional love is evident: “thoughts of peace, and good, a certain future, and hope.” Unfortunately, we have agendas and plans contrary to God’s plans, preventing obedience, total faith, and trust in God.

Our daily prayer of, “God let your will be done in my life” proclaims our willingness to let God direct our lives. God always answers our prayers.

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Shout the Cry of Victory 30 days of Prayer

For the next 30 days, we will commune with God through prayer. Our goal is to establish and build an up-close, and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

We will pray individually in our homes every day for 30 days. Try to find a quiet place away from distractions. Sing, study the Bible, or listen to inspirational music to enhance your worship experience. Invite God into your heart and your life.

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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer is communication with the God of this universe. He loves for us to take the time to approach Him with prayers of gratitude, repentance, intercession, for protection, to request healing, to ask for strength, resolve our challenges, help with big or small decisions, to provide basic necessities, give finances for unpaid bills, complete school assignments, give us a job, and to receive comfort when grieving. The list is endless.

Always thank God throughout your day. Prayers asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual discernment when studying the Bible prevent us from accepting false teachings and doctrines from deceptive sources. Remember who our greatest enemy is…Get behind us, Satan.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

God, we ask you to hear our prayer and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for our sins. We acknowledge that we are blessed to be counted as the redeemed of the Lord. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

The Celebration of Our Health

I was born into a family with a mother who had southern roots. Although we lived in the Northeast, we acquired the taste for the mouth-watering, high-calorie foods that were home-cooked dinner every day. Entering my father’s background from Upstate New York with a passion for pastrami, corn beef, and steak meant that there were no boundaries for the delicious meals served. Mom made sure that we ate a variety of green vegetables. Still, the meal always consisted of cholesterol-packed meat and a kid’s favorite, macaroni and cheese, and scalloped or fried potatoes. You would think that nothing else could be added to the table. That was far from the truth. We lived for dessert, homemade cakes, cookies, brownies, and pies always topped with a scoop of ice cream.

As to be expected, at the young age of 11, I had childhood obesity. My mom is 88 years old, which makes me a “Baby Boomer.” So the norm was to have plump and happy children. Even so, my childhood was not like the new age children playing high-tech games or watching television until their body is in a state of sleep deprivation. No, I roller skated, jumped rope, played tennis and badminton, and was a swimmer. Nor did I eat all day long. We were allowed regular meals with a snack.

Fact: Weight gain or loss is 80% dependent on your food intake. Exercise for hours, but if your nutritional intake is saturated fat and empty, high-calorie [non-nutritional junk foods], your body will begin to decline regardless of your physical activity.

Fast forward to my mid-fifties, and my overtaxed pancreas started a revolution. I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 to partner with a prior diagnosis of controlled Hypertension. In 2015, I was also diagnosed with End-Stage Osteoarthritis in both knees, defined as “Bone-on-Bone. No cure. Total knee replacements are the answer. I made a few changes in my diet but still enjoyed the foods that I loved including desserts after every meal.

In 2017, my physician relayed that he was very concerned about my health due to our family history of Heart disease, Heart Attacks, High Blood Pressure, Asthma, Diabetes, and Breast Cancer. My cholesterol was abnormally high, with the good cholesterol at its lowest point and the bad cholesterol waging war. Now, I had Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, and High Cholesterol. The probability of me surviving a heart attack was slim to none.

When the Doctor recommended three additional medications with a fourth on hold to add in one month if my body did not respond appropriately, would you believe that my emotions kicked in? I felt angry. Surely, he was over-reacting by bombarding me with all of these prescriptions. In that moment, I transitioned from a health care professional to a resistant patient. I agreed to take one medication–the daily injections for Diabetes that would kick start my pancreas to produce more insulin. My Dr. soon realized that I was overwhelmed and began to speak to me from a Doctor-Nurse perspective, forcing my rational nursing mindset to rise above my emotions. I asked him to give me 30 days to make a change.

The Downward Spiral:

My job required visits to physician offices that involved extended driving and long walks from the parking lots. Texas is a big state. My knees worsened as my mobility decreased, and my joint pain hit an all-time high. At my Ortho visit, I was told to resign, use the custom knee brace, and a cane for stability. I secretely laughed. Yes, I would wear the brace, but there was no way that I was leaving one of my best jobs. We know that life does not work according to our plans. Soon after, as I was walking to a provider’s office, my knee buckled, and I fell to the ground on both knees. The rest of the story, I had to resign.

Challenge #2: Our insurance carrier had annual testing for four tests that identified high-risk subscribers for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. I failed all four tests. The penalty was an increase in the already expensive monthly premiums for the following year.

My Journey

I desperately needed help. I was enslaved to my tastebuds. Was I willing to play the game of chance and keep destroying my body? No, I took this life-long problem to God in prayer. It was then that divine intervention began. Within two days, I received a call from the insurance company’s Health Coach, who was assigned to develop strategies for a healthy, new lifestyle. Our church Health Ministries Dept. had previously scheduled a “Reverse Diabetes” seminar with a medical missionary to teach the principles of healthy living [that I did not plan to attend]. Even so, I had to change my lifestyle or face serious consequences.

God did not forget that I could no longer work as a nurse. In 2017, I received SSD approval–total and permanent disability within one week of self-filing although there was a three-year waiting period in the state of Texas.

1. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14
2. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in your body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2
3. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome

Lifestyle Changes:

As of today, I have lost 70 lbs. My journey still continues to lose the final 40 lbs. The orthopedic surgeons who were ready to give me bionic knees have been waiting since 2015. With the weight loss, I am free from the chronic knee pain that required cortisone injections. I walk in the early mornings, one mile every day, which allow time for Jesus and I to have our little talks.

The most significant change that led to further weight loss is that my tastebuds have been retrained. All of the childhood foods that nearly took me out, I have not eaten in four years. Currently, I enjoy eating a wide variety plant-based diet. I have developed vegan recipes that include a pecan loaf and delicious veggie burgers. Yes, I still have the sweet tooth and must have a dessert after dinner. No more cakes or pies, I enjoy popsicles made with fruit, almond milk, coconut whip, and agave that are perfect for anytime treats.

God taught me not to focus on my physical limitations. At times, I cannot walk a mile. Still, if it’s only two blocks for that day, I have accomplished movement. My energy along with increased mental alertness allows me to laugh out loud. God has given me the ability to practice self-control. I am no longer too tired to study the Bible, and pray. Every day I celebrate my health by expressing my gratitude to God for fearfully and wonderfully making the human mind and body. Thank you, God!

Considering the five decades of self-destructive behaviors, I know that I am blessed. When I reflect on my mind-body changes, I pray that you can understand why I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. The transformation from certain death to optimal health did not happen without divine intervention. I could have never accomplished these changes on my own, even with a Health Coach. God truly answers our prayers. Whatever your health challenge is, take it to Him in prayer, and exercise the faith to believe: I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10

Prayer: God, we thank you for the ability to change the counterproductive habits of our past and present. We thank you for your love, grace, and mercies that we receive every day. Please give us the strength to achieve optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Avoiding Deceptive Theories

If you hear a “biblical truth” with or without scripture, do you readily accept it based on the person’s credibility?

God’s answer: Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1

I love the protection that our spiritual team, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit provide. There is no guesswork or complexities in the Plan of Salvation.

When I became committed to studying the Bible, I attended a seminar at our church on how to study for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. The most important step we should take before studying: Pray for forgiveness of sin, and ask to be anointed with the Holy Spirit for complete understanding and wisdom.

There is a deceptive theory [false teaching] that has saturated social media: The wicked will burn forever in hell as God and the righteous watch their suffering. This concept is not in the scriptures. Why are individuals readily accepting the lie as God’s character? Satan has promoted God as unloving and unfair simply because he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. We must also perform a self-evaluation. Has someone committed a grevious act against us and we desire that they pay for hurting us?

The link with scriptures that support destruction of the wicked and the earth by fire: https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_will_destroy_earth_by_fire

There is nothing new in this world. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9. The early churches also had their challenges. Some new believers practiced pagan rituals and beliefs before they accepted Jesus Christ. Although they received God’s commands not to worship other gods, they attempted to live as Christian believers and continue to practice paganism, which led to chaos and confusion. Study the Apostle Paul’s writings to learn how he addressed the challenges of wayward teachings and practices.

The Apostle Paul’s warning to Timothy: For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

I was also a victim for many years, believing that God was the “Great Punisher.” I was taught in a prior life that if we committed the slightest mistake, we were doomed to eternal hellfire. But then God revealed himself to me. I read John 3:16 repeatedly. I received the assurance that God loved us so much that He gave Jesus, His only Son, to suffer, bleed, and die for us. And the story doesn’t end there; Jesus was resurrected and now serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. We can receive the reward of eternal life if we choose. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12. Hallelujah!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.…John 3:16-17

Our struggle is real. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Make a covenant vow to faithfully serve and obey God. Yes, your life will change. You will have the confidence that God will protect you from all deceptive theories, false teachings and other spiritual warfare [Psalm 91]. Wonderful and miraculous things happen when we put God first!

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the whole armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Prayer: God, you know what we are facing every day. We need your help to protect us from spiritual warfare. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us, teach and reveal the truth as we study the Bible. We ask for discernment and wisdom that we do not sin against you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Give Me My Inheritance

During the past six years, I lived the small-town life, which allowed me to speak or talk to strangers and my neighbors every day. Because of a large shade tree and a house facing east with a country-living sized porch and a screen door, I was able to enjoy the fresh air and birds tweeting their songs. One of the daily highlights was to hear Roger, our postman, talking and laughing to someone on the phone as he delivered our mail. I often wondered who is the person on the other end that could make this man have this level of happiness.

Then I noticed that we had a substitute postman for two weeks. Something was not right. Roger could be on vacation, but it was during the school year, and he had two daughters. My first concern was that he may have contracted the Coronavirus (my nursing thoughts). One day, I noticed that Roger returned, but the talking and laughter had ceased. As the mail truck neared my home, I walked to the end of the driveway. When I saw Roger, his face was etched with sadness. I relayed that all of us really missed his laughter. At that point, he told me that his mother, the love of his life, had passed away.

I expressed condolences, and asked him, “If you could share something about your mother that you would want the world to know about your mom, what would it be?” Roger responded, “that she loved everyone.” But then he expressed that although he was sad about her death, the inheritance that he received caused his siblings to have bitter feelings against him and their parents. Roger’s mother had remarried, and he was the only child from her second marriage. His father, who passed away many years ago, stated explicitly in his will that if Roger’s mother passed away that he was to receive 100% of his estate. But life is not that simple.

Roger had two sisters from his mother’s first marriage [who he loved] demanding that he sell the house and divide the estate equally among the three of them. Although he offered to give them the entire contents of the house, they refused to accept his offer and were leaving daily voicemails stating, “you were always the favorite child.” And now the twist, “Miss Sonya, what would you do in this situation? I know that you are a Christian, and you will tell me the right thing to do.” I mentally prayed, “Holy Spirit, help me.” To make a long story short, I asked him to express his desires regarding the situation and make a final decision based on his morals and values. The dilemma involved emotional turmoil because he loved his sisters, yet, he wanted to honor his parents’ wishes for him to receive the house, and to keep as part of their legacy.

We are familiar with the story of the prodigal son: To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.'” So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. Luke 15:11-12

The youngest son had plans that were in opposition of his father’s plans. He was restless. Why should he live as his father desired? No, he would demand his inheritance! After all, he was young and couldn’t see himself living this boring lifestyle, not one more day. Because the father had the greatest love for his son, he would not force his principles, values, or morals on him, so He willingly granted his request.

What do you think of the youngest son? Selfish, ungrateful, or he didn’t really love his father? Maybe. But we are the youngest son. God tells us, “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. Because God is a fair and just Father, He gives us free will, as he watches us choose the prodigal’s path.

We desperately seek after our desires, regardless of the consequences. Our dilemma is that we cannot wait for God to fulfill His perfect plans, we demand our inheritance now, and we are willing to disobey God to get what we desire.

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17

Self-reveal: Yes, I have family and friends who love me, and I love myself. But are my thoughts precious about myself when I step outside of the will of God? No, I would readily admit that I frequently play the game of chance. Yes, I become a player by making plans based on my desires and creating strategies to get what I want.

In Psalm 139, verse 17, David tells us: How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

I invite you to change your perception of God, the Father who willingly gave Jesus, His only Son, to suffer and die for us, loves us unconditionally. And His plans never have consequences!

Bible Reading: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1-3

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for the desire to make this covenant with you, “Not our will, but God, your will be done in our lives.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Decision to Choose Gratitude

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Have you ever given someone a gift that you were excited about? You paid attention to their likes and preferences, purchased the perfect gift, and waited for the right time. Although there are two possible outcomes: excitement and genuine gratitude or the unthinkable–lack of appreciation and gratitude, the giver would never expect a negative response from the receiver. Because the giver is overjoyed, the natural expectation is that the receiver will respond in the same manner.

But things did not turn out as expected. The giver was the only person who was excited about the gift. So let’s look at the disappointing response of ingratitude from a spiritual perspective.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. James 1:17 Amplified version

God is the Giver, and we are the Receivers.

Every day we receive spiritual gifts:

1. An over-abundance of God’s love, grace, and mercy along with our tangible blessings.
2. Jesus, our Savior, died for us that we may be forgiven of our sins, and He serves as our Heavenly Intercessor [presenting us as forgiven] to God, the Father.
3. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher, Comforter, reveals God’s thoughts and guides believers into all truth.
4. The messenger and guardian angels who serve God and humanity without fail protect us from spiritual warfare and physical danger.

There is nothing new under the sun. Humanity has an ongoing history of possessing the character trait of ingratitude toward God.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you. Luke 17:15-19

It is me, and it is you who are the recipients of God’s gifts that we often take for granted. There are times when we may mumble a half-hearted prayer of thanksgiving, or we breathe a sigh of relief and a quick “Thank you, God” when we are saved from physical danger. Unfortunately, many of us take our blessings for granted.

Honestly, if the receiver of my heartfelt gift displayed ingratitude, the probability of me giving another gift to the person would be slim to none. Yes, I would be hurt and disappointed. Even so, as I reflect on my life, I am the ungrateful child of God who gladly receives His perfect gifts every day. Still, with all of my inconsistencies, God reminds me that He will never change: “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.” Malachi 3:6

Not only were we created in the physical image of God, but we also can love, forgive, express gratitude, possess happiness, have inner joy, and perfect peace. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

Believers in the Most-High God, we can easily change by renewing our covenant with God. With intent, we can thank and praise God right now for His never-failing promises. It is the certainty of God’s promises that give us peace and hope. We can humbly and confidently approach God in faith. Our ability to use our voices to speak and sing praises of thanksgiving deepens our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Bible Reading: Psalm 107

God, we ask for forgiveness for not praising you with our words and songs of thanksgiving. Hear our prayer, Lord. Create in us a clean heart, and renew a humble spirit within us. Lord, we thank you for all the blessings that you have given to us because you love us unconditionally. God, restore our desire to love and serve you with our hearts, souls, and minds. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

The God Who Knows

God is Omniscient–all knowing. Nothing that happens in our lives comes as a surprise to Him. Did you know that God is aware of every trial and sorrow that we will face [present and future]? He also knows how we will react to each challenge. It is by faith that we can grasp His promise to never leave or forsake us. And it by faith, that we can have the reassurance that He will bring us through as victorious overcomers.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Prayer: God, we thank you for loving us. We are overwhelmed by the hardships that we are going through and ask you to give us peace while we endure suffering. God, our confidence is in you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Search My Heart

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24

I must admit that I was not ready for God’s answer to the prayer to search my heart. Even so, it is our Heavenly Father’s desire that none of us perish. Because God has plans of hope and a future for each of us, He will expose the character traits and sins that prevent us from living holy, and receiving our reward of eternal life.

God is love! We are never left alone, nor do we have to figure out which path to take. God lovingly extends his grace and mercies, and the Holy Spirit leads and guides us during our spiritual transformation.

Sanctification is a daily and life-long journey. Every day we pray for forgiveness and the strength to do our Father’s will. Studying the Bible reveals our sins along with God’s answer for us to be victorious overcomers. Prayer keeps us connected to our Spiritual team. Jesus serves as our Heavenly Intercessor, presenting us as forgiven to God.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26. We may not understand the Holy Spirit, still, faithfully believe that He is the third person of the Trinity who has the unlimited power to help, teach, guide, and comfort all who ask to be anointed in Jesus’ name.

Bible study: Psalm 139

Prayer: God, we ask you to search our hearts. Please forgive our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and fill us with the Holy Spirit. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.