steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

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God, thank you for today. Please forgive me of my sins. I ask you to lead and guide me according to your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

God Desires Our Love

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…Genesis 1:26

Many of us never think about where we received the ability to love and the desire to be loved. Our Love comes from God, the Father of all humanity.

God desires our Love just as much as we desire His love.

Thank you God for creating us from love and for loving us unconditionally. Amen

Are you familiar with the cliche, “Looking for love in all the wrong places?” Many of us are looking for love in all the wrong people. We have different definitions of love based on our total life experience from childhood to the present. Because of sin, we willingly compromise by placing ourselves in the lives of those who do not love God wholeheartedly.

We were created from love and redeemed from sin by unconditional love. Yet, we fail to commit our love and life to the very One who suffered, bled, and died for us, Jesus Christ. Have you discarded your prior beliefs or knowledge of love to embrace God’s, unconditional love?

God definition of love: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

But then God says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9

Sounds like a dilemma? Not for God. We do not understand that it takes God’s supernatural power to give us the wisdom to understand unconditional love.

God’s concept of love: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s expectation for all believers: “Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.… Matthew 22:37-38

Jesus gave us the foundation to resolving all of our challenges of feeling lonely, empty, and broken. We must love God with our “all.” Are we doing our part in the love relationship with God?

After the creation of Adam, God was aware of the misery that being alone would cause: Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18. Marriage is a holy institution ordained by God. Adam and Eve were the first married couple. God designed the family: And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28.

Sin entered and messed up God’s perfect plan. But the plan of salvation and redemption was already in place before the creation of the human race. Our Omnipotent God was fully aware that Adam, Eve, and the entire human race were lost without His perfect, divine Son dying for us.

We should never doubt God and Jesus Christ’s love for humanity. It is only human beings who are created in His image. We have the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of our Heavenly Father. Still, we do not comprehend God’s love.

The breakdown: We fail to do our part in the love relationship with God. The daily prayer, “Let your will be done,” demonstrates the level of commitment that we have to God.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.… Psalm 37:3-5

God is always aware of our mental, emotional, physical, and most importantly, spiritual needs. Why would He withhold the blessing of us being loved by another individual? If we cannot love, obey, have faith, and trust in God, then we are not ready to enter the life-long (until death do us part) holy union of marriage.

We will always remain in the struggle between good and evil. Without divine intervention, our human effort would be meaningless. The decision to follow Jesus involves a challenging journey. “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.

Trust God’s plan by praying daily, “God, let your will be done in my life. Please show me the way to love and serve you with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Amen.”

God is the giver of gifts! We receive His love, grace, and mercies every day. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.

God does not promise us that He will give us a husband or wife. But we are guaranteed eternal life if we: Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways, know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Proverbs 3:5-6, Amplified Version

Are you looking for love? Allow God to show you the joy of being in a love relationship with Him, and He will bless you beyond your expectations.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

God, we confess that we have not loved you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. And for this, we pray for forgiveness. Please show us how to love you by teaching us how to love you through faith, trust, and obedience. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

100% Commitment Required

Can you imagine falling in love with your soulmate? The excitement and feelings from being in a love relationship with another person are second only to our love relationship with Jesus Christ. But as time passes, your “soulmate” is not as enthusiastic and appears emotionally detached. You ask, “Are you okay?” to which he or she may blame it on feeling tired or involvement in a stressful situation. Usually, soon after that conversation, you receive the sad news that things are not working out, they are not ready for a serious relationship.

How did their feelings change so fast? Why didn’t you see it coming? The Red Flags were evident. Because of your commitment and ability to give unconditional love, you were blinded. Unfortunately, you were the only one who gave 100% commitment, and now you are dealing with the heartbreak of a love no more, and the stages of grief that accompany a broken heart. Many of us know this story quite well. Even so, “He heals the brokenhearted, and bind up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

When we enter into a relationship with God, we are saved from sin through Jesus Christ. We may not realize that it takes 100% total commitment to worship and serve God. Still, God’s standards have no leeway or a gray area.

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14.

Listen, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Deuteronomy 6:4

We are depressed, anxious, and worried because our perception of God differs from who God says He is. We give to God the time that we think He deserves. Most of us would never believe that we do not give God 100% commitment. Red Flags: How often are we studying the Bible or communicating with God through prayer? When do we give time or money to help those in need?

We do not see ourselves as desperate people who need God for our existence. Our mindset of self-sufficiency and independence becomes evident in times of prosperity. Those are the times we smile, laugh, and have joy because all-is-well. Yes, we are thrilled in the good times as we proclaim that “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”

What prevents us from being committed to our love relationship?

We worship many idols: Self, jobs, material things, pleasure-seeking activities, people, etc. These are the distractions that consume our time and indicate who or what is the priority in our lives. But God being the loving Father that He is, takes action to redirect our focus. Yes, it is God who reminds us that we need Him.

Our true perception of God is revealed when the bitter trials and seasons of darkness invade our peaceful existence. Do we proclaim that God is good? Are we thanking God for His grace and mercies during challenging times? Does adversity make us wipe the dust off from our Bible to search for God’s promises to deliver us? “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27. Are these the times that we fall on bended knees with fervent prayer?

The “I Am” requires wholehearted commitment: And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

We cannot have an emotional roller-coaster [based on the high and low times] relationship with God. Whether we are in good times or stormy trials, we must stay committed to our Jealous God by giving Him our whole heart. God sets the standard for the level of commitment that He is willing to accept. Our priority is God because He is the Lord alone.

There is a sweet peace that is always present when our heart is 100% committed to God. We have the advantage that God will never leave us or forsake us. He remains 100% committed to humanity. God created us from love, in His image. We are the recipients of Jesus’ blood sacrifice, and God’s gifts of grace, mercy, and provisions. And for this, God deserves our everything!

And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Bible Study: Deuteronomy 6

God, we say thank you for setting the standard for serving you. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. We desire to give you 100% commitment from today forward. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

Tired of Having Hard Times?

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 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 5:3-5

I have to confess that I haven’t reached the stage in my spiritual journey where I rejoice during hard times. So, I imagined yesterday; God said, “Enough crying and feeling down.” While searching for a specific scripture in Luke 4, I decided to study the entire chapter. As I read the events that led to Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth, I couldn’t get past verses 28, 29, and 30.

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:28-30

I read these three Scriptures repeatedly, attempting to process and visualize an angry mob planning to push Jesus over a cliff. Why? Because He told the truth!

Yes, I understood the lesson that God was teaching to me, but I still have been wrapped up in my emotions during this challenging trial that I am going through. I can honestly say that “God is love, and full of grace and mercy.” Today, every hour, I have been praying. Immediately after I finished my 5 pm prayer, the words, “If you suffer, you will reign with him,” came into my mind. Since I had no prior knowledge of these words, I did an internet search out of curiosity.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us…” 2 Timothy 2:12

The Apostle Paul wrote the First and Second letters of Timothy to encourage the young believer to endure and persevere all trials because he would receive a great reward.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. So I am willing to endure anything if it brings salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:3, 10-13

Enduring hardships is part of the believer’s journey. If we desire eternal life, then we must embrace hard times. Jesus suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected for the redemption of our sins. Let us prepare to reign with him forever and ever. Amen.

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 2

God, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach us the purpose for suffering. We pray for strength and a change in attitude while we endure the hardships of life. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

We Need to Pray More

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Every day we are faced with various forms of chaos and confusion. Many believers are being affected emotionally [discouraged] and spiritually [disconnected from God, the source of our strength] by the increase in the godlessness of these last days. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 Amplified version. No prayer, No peace!

There are many ways to fracture a bone in our bodies. But there is only one way for us to fracture our relationship with God. We fail to maintain our connection to God by not praying as we should. The advantage of serving God is that we can live content, worry-free lives because we know who our Heavenly Father is and we have the faith and trust that He will always take care of us.

Little prayer also means that we place limits on God. “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25. God is reminding us that He is Omnipotent–all-powerful. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray as if your life depends on it because it does. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

We can never pray too much! As we approach the Sabbath, commit to communicating to God in prayer every hour while awake throughout this weekend. Prayers of thankfulness, prayers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, prayers for healing, prayers for necessities, prayers for your family, and prayers for an increase in faith, trust, and obedience in God are just a few of the many things that we can pray for. Invite a friend or family member to make the weekend commitment to pray hourly.

It is time for us to redirect our focus from the current events and establish a stronger relationship with God. We need God. Prayer allows us to tap into the power of our Almighty God.

Bible study: Isaiah 40

God, we desperately need you. Our lives are in chaos, and we have no peace or direction. Please show us what to do. Renew our faith as we commit to love and trust you with all of our hearts, soul, and mind. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Made in His Image: Eliminating Racism

As believers, we have many advantages. God has given us spiritual insight, which allows us to view and live from a deeper perspective based on His love. The earth is filled with beauty and diversity. Nature is full of flowers and trees of various colors, shapes, and sizes that we admire. Landscape photography and art remain a high point of interest for most individuals.

But then a different perspective arises when the diversity is evident among humanity. We love and appreciate the animal kingdom’s various species, but we separate and segregate human beings based on outward appearance, social, and economic status.

Biases and prejudice against one another are historically documented throughout the Bible.

1. Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman. Numbers 12:1
2. The Samaritan woman said to him, you are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink for Jews do not associate with Samaritans? John 4:9
3. Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28

Many individuals claim that they love God, yet they “dislike” other individuals based on race, ethnicity, social, and economic status. More surprising are the “believers” who harbor hate against their brother or sister or intentionally ignore racism because they feel it is not their responsibility to speak out against society’s injustice. Yes, it is our responsibility!

1. Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause, Isaiah 1:17.
2. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.

Biases and prejudice are clearly against the harmonious relationships that God intended for us to have with each other. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. 1 John 4:20. God has also made it clear that He will not condone hatred among human beings. Our hearts may be full of dark secrets, but we cannot hide our true feelings from God. Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? 1 Corinthians 6:9

Because we tend to overlook certain scriptures, God addresses the age-old issue of racism in Acts, the 10th chapter. Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35.

It is time for us to declare “zero tolerance” for the war of humans against humans based on the diversity that God established. Yes, God is the Master Artist who was pleased by His creativity (read Genesis 1). Love for others is a command, not an option. The Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 13:1 states: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction].

What change can one individual make? With 7.9 billion people in the world, one plus one adds up. We are not a box of Crayola crayons. We must cease using color adjectives to describe others. We can say, “The man in the blue shirt” instead of verbalizing “the black or white man.”

Pray and search your heart for eternal life deal-breakers of prejudice, biases, and the “isms”. Please know that in the New Heaven and New Earth, sin will not exist. We are not allowed to define sin: God defines dislike for one another as hatred. Diversity is not an issue of learning or faking acceptance of differences. It is loving and honoring God who created all of humanity in His image. If God was pleased with His creation, do we have a choice?

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Bible Study: 1 John 4

God, we ask forgiveness for not loving one another as you have commanded. It is our desire to do our part in demonstrating that you created all of humanity in your image. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

The Pass or Fail Test

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21

Trust God With Your Life

We live in a world that promotes self-achievements. We are bombarded with social media videos that say, “Go for it! Follow your dreams.” Look at me, I did it, and for only $295, I will teach you how to be successful and wealthy.”

But God says, “For I know the plans I have for you…” Jeremiah 29:11.

Obedience and faith in God remove all doubt. Renounce the trending worldview to trust in yourself.

Trusting God with your life requires Faith, Obedience, and Patience.

Remember these two things:

1. God is always right. Yes!

2. Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27. No, God. Sorry, we forget.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Bible Study: Psalm 27

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for our forgetfulness. We were temporarily persuaded that we could solve our problems, and now our minds and lives are in chaos. God, we desperately need you to remove the confusion from our disobedience. We commit to obey and will wait for your divine intervention. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Biblical Truths and Fake News

My testimony is that I have lived through many life-changing events. Not only did 2020 and 2021 bring a ruthless pathogen to humanity, at 62 y/o, my status changed from married to single. And in January of this year, God told me to move to a city in Florida where I have no friends or family. Did God forsake me? No!

The events that happened in my life resulted in a much closer relationship with God. The peace that God gives is priceless. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24. God always answers our prayers. And His answer will always be above and beyond our expectations.

“Lord, I want my faith in you to increase” was my prayer. Not only can I enjoy my new life, but I also have time to have an in-depth study of the Bible every day. I am truly amazed by the treasure map that God has given to us. If you desire a complete understanding of who God is and how we can transform into becoming holy and acceptable to God, pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and diligently study the Word of God.

Fact: Through consistent prayer and studying, Satan is defeated. We also gain the confidence of knowing who we are [children of God], and learn to completely depend on God. Our Heavenly Father has promised to never forsake us. Even when we fall deep into sin, all we have to do is confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness. God’s grace and mercies provide us with new beginnings.

Truth: We have the hope and assurance that God will always be faithful. It is up to us to obey. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Truth: God forgives all of our sins and throws them into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

Fake News: Satan will be forgiven if he only asks God for forgiveness. Revelation 20:9

Truth: God can heal you from all past emotional, mental, and physical abuse. Jeremiah 32:27, Psalm 147:3

Fake News: You will need therapy for the rest of your life. Mark 9:29, Psalm 147:3, Luke 17:11-19

Truth: Satan easily deceives us when we do not pray and study the Bible.

Truth: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-18

God, we thank you for giving us the Bible. Please forgive our sins and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We desire to know who you are and to live righteously. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions