steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

Free Will of Choice Ends Here

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer, Day 12

The dilemma of humanity: This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!'” Jeremiah 6:16

To serve God is a choice. Even so, once we make the covenant vow to serve God our choices end.

Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16

2. Jesus tells us that obedience is required to serve God:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

3. God clears up our confusion about our former lifestyle:

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance… 1 Peter 1:14

4. Disobedience ends in God’s rejection:

but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. Genesis 4:5

5. God knows that we struggle to obey Him:

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14

Our Reward for Obedience to God:

He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21 AMP

Bible Study: Genesis 4

Prayer: God, we ask you to forgive us for our willful disobedience. We desire to obey you and to receive our reward of eternal life. Please give us the strength to overcome as we continue to serve you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Put your Trust in God! Billy Graham

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God is not a religion or denomination. He uses peop,e from all walks of life to spread His message of truth. Just make certain that what you read or listen to is Bible-based truth. Be blessed.

Faith Makes the Difference

So Jesus, after raising His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread so that these people may eat?” But He was stating this only to test him, for He Himself knew what He intended to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, for each to receive just a little!” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?” John 6:2-9 NASB

The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand men plus women and children reflects His love and compassion for humanity, and His Omnipotence–being all powerful. Two disciples reacted to the situation in the same way that many of us react to our problems: Either we see Jesus as having limited power or we focus on our circumstances more than the Problem-Solver.

Interestingly, Jesus’ disciples had so little faith in Him even though they were constantly in the physical presence of Jesus. Phillip took no action. He focused on the lack of money and gave Jesus the pessimistic reality of the situation. Andrew’s optimism sparked his desire to search among the crowd for food, but he returned with deflated faith. Yes, Andrew took action, but he did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.

Either we have faith or we do not have faith: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. Faith says: I know that my God will take care of this according to His will.

Jesus was testing His disciples on two points: First, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, and testing them to reveal their lack of faith.

Many times we pray and become despondent when God does not answer our prayers. But God always answers our prayers. It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will listen. Isaiah 65:24.

Asking God to take action, but not believing He can solve our problems, prevents God from taking action. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

When we see that God is BIGGER than our problems, we approach Him reverently, boldly, and with great faith!

Bible study: John 6

Prayer: God, please forgive our doubt and unbelief. Thank you for loving and taking care of us. We come to you asking in faith to alleviate our burdens and provide for our needs according to your will. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

Joy in the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

I awaken around 5 am every morning and give God a big hug of gratitude by thanking Him for new mercies. As my challenges increase throughout the day, I plead for His strength to enable me to have victorious outcomes. Finally, as the sun rests and the moon emerges, from tired lips, I offer God my song of praise. I love you Lord. Please protect us while we sleep. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

What is Repentance? Billy Graham Archives

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Here’s to Our Health: Vegan?

I have been eating vegan, plant-based for two years. The physical transformation and healing of my body have been unbelievable. But within the past couple of months, I have experienced increasing fatigue. Why? This week, I had an annual physical with a new primary care provider [I relocated to Florida]. Much to my surprise, she also specializes in weight loss, no surgical bariatric procedures. All of my lab work was normal, except for Vitamin D [found a vegan supplement].

As I relayed reaching a weight loss plateau and feeling more fatigued since relocating, my Dr. began to ask about my dietary intake. When I responded that I was vegan, plant-based, we explored my sources of protein. I eat legumes, nuts, my own recipes for veggie burgers, and nut-loafs. However, when looking up the nutritional value of the legumes and nuts, I was amazed at the low count of grams of protein in a serving.

The question, “What changes have you made this year in your diet? I gave up all prepared veggie meat substitutes…too high in sodium, and reading the last five or six ingredients, I am not interested in feeding my body with things that I cannot pronounce. Still, my protein intake was only 25% of what my body required.

And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia when your cells don’t get enough oxygen, which makes you tired. WebMD.

Adding to the equation of increasing my protein intake is my pre-diabetes diagnosis. Nope, I did not care for my body for five decades, and now my pancreas will not secrete enough insulin for a carb overload.

Last year, through research of credible resources, I have changed my lifestyle to lose additional weight and develop discipline. I have incorporated daily intermittent fasting for the past year, which means I only eat two meals a day with a fruit snack. If I am not hungry, then I can’t eat.

But my physician is impressive. She does not take the cookie-cutter approach with her patients. Instead, we developed a patient-focused life plan to increase my protein intake, eliminate fatigue, incorporate daily exercise, and facilitate further weight loss.

Goal: 100 grams of protein and limit carb intake to 100 grams daily.

Plan: Incorporate a plant-based, no-whey protein shake 1-2 times a day made with almond milk. Choose legumes and nuts that have the lowest carb intake–still exploring my options. So far, almonds, avocados [she is a fruit], and black beans are at the top of the list. Also, use an app (Lose it) that identifies the nutritional value of the foods that you eat.

Outcome: Within four days, I have lost four lbs, and I have my energy level back. Awakened, ready to take on the world and did an early morning walk.

I have been asked the question, “What does one eat when following a plant-based diet?” There are endless possibilities. I can assure you that my food intake is not mundane. I never eat food prepared the same way. You do not have to have the skills of a chef, but you have to have an open mind and explore your creativity.

Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself

The Sadness of Her Soul

Today, I intentionally paid attention to the many people that were at the beach. The sun’s dancing rays highlighted the pale blue waves, still, there were no smiles or laughter even among the children playing. As I contemplated on the reason for the somber mood, our time watching the Atlantic’s waves by Patrick AFB was abruptly cut short. The sirens blared as a robotic voice gave warnings of a pending storm with severe activity including lightning strikes.

I folded my chair and walked slowly down the walkway when a young woman turned her head to the left. As our eyes met, the sadness of her soul was reflected in her eyes. Yes, the same brokenness that I saw in my patients on the Behavioral Health Unit was evidenced in another victim to their circumstances. I decided to interrupt the melancholy mood that was prevalent among the beachgoers packing up to leave. I stopped, looked at the ocean and said, “Isn’t she beautiful?” to which she replied, “Yes, and the breeze makes it perfect.”

We smiled. But, before we could continue our conversation, again the siren sounded loud, ending all thoughts of watching the serene waves become angry and forceful. The young woman left quickly with tears streaming down her face, entered her vehicle, held the steering wheel with both hands, placing her head into her arms. As my friends and I drove away, I whispered a prayer asking God to heal the stranger’s broken heart.

We live in a time where advancements in technology have soared along with the statistics for suicide, depression, anxiety, and worries because love is running on empty. I invite you to look outside of yourself and speak to someone with eyes that reveal “all is not well.” Just a simple “How are you ?” may provide a calm moment in their stormy sea of mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish.

Prayer: God, we pray for the broken hearted, for the weary, and the individuals who feel life is not worth living. We ask you, Holy Spirit to provide comfort for those who are grieving and provide a way of escape for the abused, and the neglected. Help us to pay attention to the people surrounding us that know nothing about your love. Jesus, fill our hearts with the love and compassion that you have for all of humanity. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself

Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions