steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

Protection at No Cost

Safety: The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.

We have an innate safety mechanism: The Nervous System protects us from physical danger based on our response to a life-threatening situation. The fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fight-or-flight-response/

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

Even with the fight or flight response, our critical thinking and judgment must perceive the situation as dangerous or life-threatening for activation. If only we had an automatic response to the danger of sin. But God did not create us with that ability because we would not need His divine intervention.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Our warrior God has promised us protection against all spiritual warfare–the traps of worldly pleasures and thoughts of doubt and defeat set up for us by Satan. I like to call it “God’s Spiritual Flight Response. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14. Each morning our defense is to pray and ask God to protect us from all hurt, harm, and danger, which includes the personalized plans of Satan to make us stumble and fall.

Our relationship with God is dependent on our knowledge, faith, and trust in Him. Many believers cannot enjoy the all-inclusive protection from our Spiritual team because of a lack of knowledge. Studying the Bible reinforces our belief in the Most-High God. How can we trust someone who is a stranger? King David expressed the benefits of serving God: He is Elohim shomri–God is my protector!

Do you have the peace of mind and joy bubbling over because you have a personal relationship with our loving and compassionate God? Start today by praying and searching the scriptures. No-cost, ongoing protection from all danger seen or unseen, and guardian angels sent to protect us 24/7. Yes, we should dance the spiritual happy dance.

Every day, smile and sing “Oh Happy Day!” We know who created us, and we know who we serve. Give our Heavenly Father the praise He deserves!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

Prayer: God, we praise your holy name. Thank you for the protection from our guardian angels that we take for granted. God, we love you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have Great Expectations!

During the last ten years of my nursing career, I transitioned from working in direct patient care facilities to corporate healthcare settings. The culture differed significantly in that the drive to compete against coworkers is the standard and considered a strength. But the most thought-provoking was the interviewing process. I can recall the first time that I was asked, “If you are hired, what are your expectations of the company?”

My answer, “I expect the company to adhere to their policies, provide additional training to increase my knowledge base, and provide me with the ability to independently perform my job within my probationary period.” Yes, I was hired. I was confident in my expectations because a very close friend, a nursing colleague, explained the differences in the culture and goals between clinical nursing positions and non-clinical, corporate positions prior to my interview.

Yesterday, I received a package from Amazon, and the driver’s hat said, “Faith over Fear.” We chatted briefly about the goodness of God. He shared a story with me about a prior delivery where the customer relayed that she was very discouraged in her relationship with God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

We are allowing our feelings [emotions] and circumstances to overshadow our love relationship with Jesus Christ. The root of the problem? We lack knowledge of God’s promises that are in the Bible. Secondly, we are caught up in the busyness of life, which makes our prayer life nearly nonexistent.

1. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6
2. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Our relationship with God is not thriving because we do not have any expectations of God. Do we know His character? Our Heavenly Father’s precious promises are in the scriptures. It is faith, not overconfidence, when we expect God to keep His promises. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Relationships fail without communication–prayer is essential for spiritual growth. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6.

The corporate job was high-stress. But during my lunch hour, I went to my car, ate lunch, listened to music, prayed, and read a few Bible verses. Not only was I spiritually re-energized, but the mid-day worship also provided the physical strength to drive the 60-minute distance home.

Believe that God never intended for us to struggle through life without the help of the Spiritual team, God, the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the messenger angels.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

The only way to have complete joy during the peaceful and the dark, stormy times is to have great expectations. We must pray with faith and believe that God will always keep his promises.

Make a change in your study habits: Utilize a hard copy of the Bible and an audio Bible app to read and hear the scriptures. Consider listening to the song “Great is thy Faithfulness” before having worship.

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

Bible Study: Psalm 27

Prayer: God, thank you for being faithful in your promises to us. We desire to strengthen our relationship with you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Watch “The God Who Sees” on YouTube

Great is Thy Faithfulness

https://youtu.be/eh0bj_tYX1U

The Price is Too High

Many years ago, I was the Nurse Administrator in a minimal correctional facility operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Random searches for illegal paraphernalia were conducted on a routine basis. Thankfully, the facility director was very protective of the female staff and would inform me of the scheduled search the day before.

The protocol involved total lockdown, which required that our entry-proof door of the clinic be double-bolted from the inside. Except for the Director, all staff was sequestered in their offices for an unlimited time until “All-clear” was announced. Although, in-house searches were part of the environment, this one was different. The Dept. of Corrections had escalated the search by bringing in an outside task force.

On this particular day, my coworker and I decided to peek at the officers and dogs entering the corridor. We were younger, and our curiosity had gotten the best of us. The ferocious barking that we heard from the team of dogs made our hearts race and accelerated our breathing. But in our desire to see, we were not prepared to witness armed officers with massive-sized German Shepherd dogs. Nor did we realize how a man would appear shackled with chains around his chest, back, wrists, and ankles to our curious eyes. When his eyes met with our eyes, he dropped his head in shame.

After witnessing the dogs, armed officers, and the shackled offender, my coworker began to cry uncontrollably. Since the sick call was canceled for the day [exceptions for emergencies], we stayed in our clinic with the door closed to process what we had witnessed. It was overwhelming, to say the least, sixteen years have passed, and I still remember every detail.

Sin shackles our minds and bodies. If only we would reflect on the devastation that we suffer when we choose to live outside God. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23‭-‬24

King David realized the devastating impact that sin has on our hearts: Sin shackles us in the chains of wickedness and separates us from God. Yes, we can always pray for forgiveness. But, sin leaves residual effects by desensitizing our desire to live holy and acceptable lives before God. The pleasures of this world are deadly. We can never pay the price that sin requires of us. Our morals and values deteriorate along with our desire to live faithful and obedient lives to God, our Creator.

Jesus went above and beyond, giving His life so we can have salvation, a permanent solution to our inherent sinful desires. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 6:24. We must make the decision to either serve God and live according to His plans, or we must continue to enjoy the people, places, and things that make us feel good. Serving God means total surrender to His will and His way. If God required Jesus, His only Son, to suffer, bleed and die for us, then He requires us to choose this day who we will serve. Free yourself from the shackles of your desires.

Bible Study: Psalm 139

God, we pray for forgiveness of our sins. We need your strength to release us from the habits, and people that are feeding our desire to sin. Thank you, Jesus for your great sacrifice. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

This is Faith!

Call that Name, Jesus Wonderful, Precious Redeemer

The Cry of Victory! Happy Sabbath!

Prayer: God, we pray that you open our spiritual eyes. Amen.

Jesus is here, walking in front of us. We are entering another storm, even so, keep your eyes focused on the Savior. Follow your Guide! The path is narrow. Don’t look to the right or to the left! And if the cloudy darkness of hardships and sorrows blind you, just call out, “Jesus, I can’t see you, Jesus, please help me.”

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

It is a conscious decision to awaken to a new day and invite Jesus into our life. “Behold, I stand at the door [our heart, which is our mind] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.

Struggles are necessary to develop the faith that keeps us totally dependent: “…Without Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5. Yes, we are required to surrender our will, along with the way we think and the things we desire. And why not? For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Read Joshua chapter 6.

But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days.” Joshua 6:2‭-‬3.

Faith: Have we placed ourselves in the position to receive God’s plans? “Be still, and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10. Prayer keeps us connected to God. Why is studying the Bible a necessity? Not only do the scriptures reveal the character of God, but they also teach and remind us that faith, trust, and obedience are required to stay in alignment with God. Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and Omega is the only way to receive salvation.

Obedience: “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” Joshua 6:10

Victory: When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20

Like the walls of Jericho that fell, if we put God first, He will lead and guide us through every heartache, tribulation, and challenge. Put your faith and trust in Him. It is only then, we can cry the shout of victory!

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us. Please forgive us for our sins. We desire to faithfully serve, obey, and wait for you to reveal your plans for our lives. We thank you for the gift of the Sabbath–a time dedicated to redirecting our focus on you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Did you get your gift?

Not many of us would turn away a free, no-strings attached gift. Yet, we have let the distractions and hardships rob us of Jesus’ gift of peace. A peaceful, quiet setting away from chaos and confusion is how the world defines peace.

But the peace that Jesus gives, exists in the middle of the chaos and confusion. Our faith is the catalyst that propels our mind, soul, and body to accept the peace that passes human understanding. Go ahead, get your gift. Jesus promises when you receive His peace, you will live free from all worries and anxiety.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

God, we praise your name. Thank you, Jesus for giving us peace. Please forgive our doubt and unbelief. We pray in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Please Check Your Bible

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13

The least understood and utilized person of the Godhead is the Holy Spirit. And because we view the Holy Spirit as mysterious, we miss out on spiritual growth because we always need spiritual reinforcement. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…John 14:16. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit because humanity is sinful, and sin places us in a natural dilemma of helplessness.

Acceptance of our limitations in understanding the truth without the Holy Spirit places us in the position to receive guidance. Yes, we can freely gain knowledge, but studying and understanding the holy scriptures in the Bible requires the discerning power of the Holy Spirit. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 1 John 2:20. God tells us that we will have all knowledge [of the truth] when we pray to be anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Although we take credit for the “gut feeling” or “hesitation” when a situation or interaction with a person doesn’t feel right, the Holy Spirit is alerting and protecting us from dangers seen and unseen. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5.

The link to scriptures on the Holy Spirit: https://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_sending_the_holy_spirit

My testimony of the divine intervention by the Holy Spirit:

Last night, I watched a video of a young Christian woman and her family sharing their experience about the Holy Spirit revealing missing verses in the two translations of the Bible they use to study.

Fact Check

Read Matthew 17: 14-21 in the Bible that you currently use to study.
Focus on Matthew 17:21 KJV, which reads: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Does your Bible have Jesus’ explanation that we need prayer and fasting for challenges that involve spiritual warfare? 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

I frequently use three translations of the Bible: King James Version, New King James Version, and New Living Translation. There are some immediate changes that I will make moving forward, and that is to cross-reference the scriptures. I was raised to use the King James Version and never attempt Bible study without asking forgiveness of sins and for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But, I readily admit that I have adjusted to leaning toward modern-day English-speaking translations of the Bible.

These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10. It was not a coincidence that the Holy Spirit placed a video in my TikTok feed that revealed the missing Bible verse.

We have access to the Holy Spirit, who will lead us into the truth. Many individuals have access to the various digital translations of the Bible. And many people only have a hard copy. Please understand that it is better to study the version of the Bible that you have access to rather than not to study the Word of God. When we approach God with humility, faith, and obedience, we are never denied when we ask anything in His name, according to His will.

Rely on the third person of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is just waiting for us to ask to be anointed. Your relationship with God will begin to flourish because you will experience a transformation: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Prayer: God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth, gives us knowledge, and provides us with spiritual discernment. We ask for forgiveness of our sins. Holy Spirit, please correct all false information or untruths that we have embraced intentionally or unintentionally. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.