steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

Happy Sabbath God’s Spiritual Spa

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy. Exodus 8:11

It was reported that our former first lady, Melania Trump visits the spa on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day. There is a common thread among humanity, we require love and attention. Life is harsh! Whether one is wealthy or impoverished, hungry or full, no one is spared from the vicissitudes–a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant–of life.

“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

What makes the difference to having and living everyday with peace and inner joy is our response to the never-ending struggles. If we are seeking solace or answers from nature, spas, yoga, meditation, sleep apps or deep-breathing exercises then we are relying on alternative therapies instead of God, our Creator.

Throughout the Bible, God instructs us to remember. Why? We look at our reflection once or twice a day and quickly forget what we visualized. In fact, we can look in the mirror in the morning and by the evening when we look again, we may not even recognize the image we see. It is the fleeting moments that affect us but we don’t have the ability to grasp or control them.

So, we embrace the hardships and the rigors in our lives as if they were newborn babies. And then the bitter fruits of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, worries, and depression take root, and begin to flourish.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Omniscience–all knowing is a quality that only God possesses. The Creator of humanity was fully aware that we would have a poor memory of who He is when our trials hit. Yes, God knows how easily we become overwhelmed. Hence the reason, He created us with the desire to seek Him for love and attention. But God does not force us, contrary to what Satan wants us to believe, we are not enslaved. We have the freewill of choice to serve God or not to serve Him.

If we say, yes to God then He provides us with the knowledge to be overcomers.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, and he watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

God expects us to acknowledge, remember, and obey His commandments everyday. For 24 hours from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, our Creator gives us the solution to overcoming the ruggedness of life by spending one-to-one time with Him. We receive a much-needed break by observing the Sabbath. 24 hours of God-time erases the stress from the vicissitudes that burden us from the other six days of the week.

We have our Creator who says, “Remember the [seventh day Sabbath] to keep it holy,” and I will commune with you and re-energize, refresh, and strengthen your soul. We have God’s Spiritual Spa available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where He sends our Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. But the Sabbath is Holy! It is our prime time to devote one complete day to our Creator. All we have to do is obey and shut out the issues that trouble us the other six days of the week.

Membership in God’s Spa gives us free access to the Spiritual Team of God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit and the countless army of angels who never sleep or grow weary. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components must have daily communion with God to function properly. We should worship God everyday, but He set aside and designated the Sabbath, 24 hours as Holy.

Our perception of God along with our definition of holiness impacts our desire to obey the fourth commandment. Serving God is up close and personal. I decided that I would stop following humanity’s strategies to obtain peace, contentment, and inner joy a very long time ago.

We cannot compete with God! If we believe that we were created in the image of God then we should bow down and worship Him with faith, trust, and obedience. It is when we fail to obey by immediately communicating with God in prayer that our emotions escalate, and we worry as the unbelievers do.

God has given us a membership with unlimited access to His Spiritual Spa. Our membership was paid by the precious blood of Jesus who sacrificed His life that we may have redemption. He is alive and serves as our Heavenly Intercessor soon to come again for the faithful. So go ahead, take your daily visits and enjoy your weekly sabbaticals in the only spa that provides communion with the Trinity Godhead.

Jesus told us exactly what He would provide for us, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus is our prayer. God, our Father we love you. It is our desire to embrace the membership to your Spiritual Spa paid by the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Sabbath and for loving us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Haven’t you Heard?

Recently I watched a movie about a powerful, affluent person who thought more highly of herself than one should. As she spoke to the other individual, with all of the arrogance, superiority, and pride reflected in her demeanor and tone of voice, she stated, “You must not know who I am?”

I have come to the realization that under most circumstances that adversity causes amnesia. When we experience the trials and hardships of life we often forget who God is. Because if we remembered that God is powerful, merciful, and loves us, why would we become discouraged, anxious, and worried?

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we serve a loving, merciful, and powerful God. Yet, we respond to our challenges as if we know nothing about our Heavenly Father.

Studying the Bible provides us with the ongoing knowledge of God’s character. We falter and become despondent because our relationship with God is based on yesterday’s Bible study, or last week’s virtual sermon.

Even so, God always rescues us.

Yes, God is aware that we are weak and He takes action. Because of His unconditional love, He used the prophet Isaiah to provide words of comfort to the Nation of Israel, a disobedient people who did not do their part in serving and worshipping God everyday.

We can easily form the habit of daily worship by making the effort to “just do it.” I can remember the first time that I watched someone use their thumbs to text at a warp speed. I asked myself if it was possible for me to give up my one finger approach to texting. Since our internet service is out in our Texas town, I am writing this devotional using my cell phone typing away with two thumbs. You may think, “how else would you text?” But I can assure you that learning to thumb type as a senior was not an easy accomplishment.

With motivation and determination if we can learn new skills, certainly we can show our love and gratitude to God through consistent study and prayer on a daily basis.

Worship is defined as treating someone with the reverence and adoration appropriate to a deity. And there is no other person or object that deserves our worship but God.

Of all the promises in the Bible, this is my favorite: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

Haven’t you heard, haven’t you read? Our God is the Almighty and He is Awesome!

Bible Study: Isaiah 40

God, thank you for always reminding us of your love, mercies, and power. We ask you for the strength to do your will. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

New Beginnings are Always Possible

If you are ready to get out of the season of darkness, start singing a song of praise to God. The test or trial may still be present but your praise will bring down peace and comfort like you have never experienced before. Go Ahead! Praise Him!

The Seasons will Change

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

Presently, our small town in Texas is crippled by the bitter, icy winds and the chilling temperatures that have frozen our utilities leaving many without water and electricity. Our streets are layered with a thick coat of ice and adorned with a snowy covering that has turned from snowball quality to a highly dangerous road hazard.

For those who endure far worse winters as a routine way of life, please know that we are not equipped to meet the challenges of icy winter storms. Our county does not have plows or dump trucks filled with a sandy/salty mixture for traction. We barely own clothing that would protect us below a temperature of 40 degrees if we dared to venture outdoors. And did I fail to mention that all cable providers have sent apologies for the outages?

Being from the Northeast, I have endured many harsh winters without blinking an eye. But the brutality of this storm has caused the cessation of all activities with the exception of looking out the windows. As I read, study, crochet, or use my cell phone to stay connected, I console myself that this storm will be over in four to five days. In fact, by next week our temps will be in the 60s.

During my solitude, I figured out a secret to staying content during our winter storm, I know that this storm will not last. There is an end to the harshness that has us at a standstill. If only it was that easy to remain content when I face the seasons of my trials and tribulations. If only my faith was stronger and I believed Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.

God requires continuous growth. We are not where He needs us to be in our relationship with him. Faith and trust must flourish and until it does, God helps us to reach the mark, the level that pleases Him. Unlike the counterproductive storms, our trials produce: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

God, we thank you for loving us so much that you help us to build the spiritual qualities that are pleasing to you. We pray for the strength to trust you during the process of changing and growing. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

The Struggle to 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 NLT

God is love (1 John 4:16). His very nature is perfect love, but because of sin love does not always come freely and naturally to His children. You may have been raised in a home where love was not expressed. Perhaps you were hurt by someone you loved, and your heart became hardened as a defense against further pain. You may love others but not know how to express your love in words or actions. You may feel frustrated because you have been called by God to love, yet you do not understand how to love others.

God in His grace has made provision for our human weakness, and He is prepared to teach us how to love one another. There are no exceptions. God can teach us to love even that especially difficult person.

Are you struggling to love someone? God will help you. He will enable you to love your parents, your spouse, your children, your friends, or your enemy in a deeper way than you could ever love them on your own. If you do not know how to express your love in a meaningful way, God will teach you how to do this. God is the authority on love. As you relate to others, ask God through prayer to make His love overflow to them through your life. Today’s Devotional-Experiencing God-Day by Day

As I read this devotional, I asked God to help me to overcome all tendencies, either learned from my environment or genetically transmitted, which would prevent me from loving those who intentionally hurt others. God does not expect us to stay in hurtful or abusive situations (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). But Jesus confronted the false beliefs that it was alright to hate others: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44.

Yes, loving the unlovable remains one of our most significant challenges. Even so, we must never forget that Jesus loves the unlovable, the disobedient, and the faithless, or else He would not have sacrificed His life for you and me. Nor would we be able to communicate with God through Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor, and our Savior.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

God. we thank you for teaching us that hate is unacceptable, even for those who abuse and mistreat us. Please help us as we learn your definition of unconditional love. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Did you know?

Where are the following scriptures found?

“I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
“Indeed, God helps those who help themselves.”
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I had a nursing professor who told us, “When you know something you are able to recall those facts every time they are needed. Because that is the ability of the brain’s short-term and long-term memory.” How well do you know the scriptures? You are not alone. Many choose not to study the Bible. Of course, we attempt to justify why we fail to study. Even so, the main reason is that God is not the #1 priority in our lives. We simply do not love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. But the truth of the matter is that the knowledge we require to have a deep understanding of who God is, His character and love for humanity, to possess peace, inner joy, and to live righteously is found in the Bible.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

We do not require a pastor or minister to study the Bible. God has given us the Holy Spirit to provide us with a complete understanding of the scriptures and the ability to live holy. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

How important is studying the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

It is impossible to obtain spiritual growth without studying the Word of God, nor is it possible to know who God truly is. Only diligent seekers can live a faith-based life because they have a deep relationship with the “Almighty God.”

Without a biblical foundation and the Holy Spirit, we cannot determine truth from error. Did you know #3 of the above list of scriptures is not found in the Bible? The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is a motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency (taking action to produce a desired effect).

We are living in the last days. Diligent study along with continuous prayer is essential for us to stand firm in Jesus Christ. Make a total commitment to God by serving Him with love, faith, trust, and obedience.

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 3:16

God, thank you for the Sabbath. We confess that we not study the Bible as we should, nor do we have a close relationship with you. Please forgive us for not placing you as the #1 priority in our lives. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit as we study, and may we always recognize that you are the Almighty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Praying Through the Darkness

Psalm 88 is the one song that King David wrote, which begins in despair and ends in despair.

Beginning: O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near.

Ending: You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.

The dark times in our lives may feel as if we have been abandoned by God, our family, and friends. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5. We should not attempt to ask “why” or use analytical deduction to figure out the reason for our dark times.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

In my personal experience, God has used the temporary state of darkness to draw me closer to Him, and to build my faith. The reality is that we need the trials and tribulations to stay on the path that leads us to the Light, Jesus Christ. Remember Job and his dark period? God told Satan that Job was a righteous and faithful man. Job faithfully served God, yet, he endured extreme suffering. God is aware of how much each of us can bear. Our Omnipotent God knew that Job would remain faithful, even through an extended period of darkness. It is God who allows our tribulations for the purpose of preparing us for our greatest reward: Eternal life!

Pray through the Darkness

Human beings have fragile hearts, we can only take so much before we are ready to completely give up. But I would like to invite you to change the manner in which you are praying. If you were speaking to your best friend would you repeat the same conversation over and over each time you chatted? God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our Savior, and Heavenly Intercessor, and the Holy Spirit is our Comforter. Pray with honesty: “God, I am feeling the worst that I have ever felt in my life. Please show me that you are here and that you love me. Jesus, help me!”

There is power in the Name of Jesus!

The darkness places us in the position to desperately look for the Light, who is Jesus Christ. Seeking God through His Son, Jesus is the only way to escape the darkness, and as young children, we must approach God with transparency. God does not require eloquent four-syllable words for us to communicate with Him. He desires that we pray with humility and honesty.

Praying through the Darkness

Where do we take our anguish? Do we call our family or friends? We can, but only after we take it to God in prayer.

Do not stop praying! Prayer meets our inner need to connect to God, our Heavenly Father.

The benefits of praying in our darkest hour:

1. Freedom from Fear, Psalm 118:56.
2. Strengthens Your Soul, Psalm 138:3.
3. Receive Guidance, Isaiah 58:9-11.
4. God-given Wisdom and Understanding, Daniel 9:20-27.
5. Deliverance from Harm, Joel 2:32.
6. Rewards for being Alone with God, Matthew 6:6.
7. Gift of the Holy Spirit, Luke 11:13.
8. Fullness of Inner Joy, John 16:23-24.
9. Complete Peace, Philippians 4:6-8.
10. Freedom from Anxiety, 1 Peter 5:7.

The scriptures for the Benefits of Prayer are from a sermon that I listened to by a powerful, and annointed Woman of God, who believes that our worst problem is not praying enough. I am inclined to agree with the Pastor, “Why is it so hard for us to pray?” The good news is that we can break the habit of ignoring God immediately. I encourage each of you to make a covenant with God in the year 2021 that you will begin to “Pray without ceasing.”

There is a simple but powerful song: God answers prayers in the morning, God answers prayer at noon, God answers prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.

Bible Study: The 10 verses listed that explain the benefits of prayer.

God, we admit that we have failed in honoring you with our prayers and praise, and for this intentional sin, we ask forgiveness. Thank you for the privilege of prayer and for being our Heavenly Father. As we worship you daily, may we draw closer to you and prepare for the soon coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

How long have you been waiting?

Although the focus has intently been on Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos and his net worth, my 10 -year membership with Amazon Prime is all about satisfying my desire for instant gratification. Yes, I am a product of a Capitalistic environment, and the fact that I can get what I want in 1-2 days delivered at my front door brings joy to my heart, and a smile to my face. With me, there is no generational conflict against the Millennials who virtually shop, Instacart delivers my groceries order from my favorite local supermarket in two hours. It is not the pandemic, my disability, or the lack of a vehicle that forced me to modify my shopping habits. I enjoy receiving what I want on time without any hassle. And why not?

Yes, why not?

The downside of knowing precisely what you will receive and when you will receive it is that our desires facilitate an inner controversy of our will versus God’s will. Our habits reflect our character! There is no middle ground, either we obey or disobey God’s plans for our lives. Serving God is a daily commitment where we must empty ourselves by praying, “Not my will, but your will be done.” Many are suffering from turmoil because they are double-minded. We cannot pray and ask God to resolve our challenges or provide our needs if we try to take control.

Think about your current or previous trial or tribulation: Did you attempt to help God resolve your challenge? Back to the habit of loving instant gratification, it places us in opposition with Jesus’ command to, Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14. Our desires will always be in direct conflict with the plans or outcomes that God has for us. The pursuit of resolving our problems usually develop the “fast and easy,” which eliminates faith, trust, and obedience to God. After all, who enjoys traveling down the path of suffering?

But that is the way you and I think. God says that we must suffer and enjoy the trials and sorrows:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT

Those of us who do not like waiting: A double minded man (or woman) is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8 KJV.

James 1:5-8, New Living Translation states:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

How long have you been waiting for God to resolve your situation?

My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans. Isaiah 55:8-9 CEB

Instant gratification versus waiting on God is a daily struggle. We must die daily to our selfish desires and disobedient hearts. How long have you been waiting? Take the time to build your faith and trust in God during the waiting period, and pray, pray, pray!

Bible Study: James 1

God, we desperately need you. Because of our desires to end our suffering, and take the quickest way out, we are in turmoil. We ask forgiveness for pursuing our own desires. Please give us the strength to endure as we learn to wait, and to faithfully trust and obey your plans for our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Faithful and Fearless

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:31-32

I have been seriously talking to God through prayer. Mainly, I am praying for the forgiveness of being faithless. Yes, I truly love God. But the concerns (anxieties) that I have during the stormy trials that I face, places me in the same dilemma as unbelievers. Because God loves me, He is doing what is necessary to redirect my focus from my meager abilities to His awesome love and power. It is time for a surge in my spiritual growth. God is taking me from being faint-hearted to becoming faithful and fearless through Him.

When we take into our hands the management of things we have to do and depend upon our wisdom for success, we are taking a burden that God has not given us and are trying to bear it without His aid. We are taking upon ourselves the responsibility that belongs to God and putting ourselves in His place. We may well have anxiety and anticipate danger and loss, for it is certain to befall us. But when we really believe that God loves us and means to do us good, we shall cease to worry about the future. We shall trust God as a child trusts a loving parent. Then our troubles and torments will disappear, for our will is swallowed up in the will of God. Ellen G. White

Why is it so hard to trust in God? Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. For our faith to grow, we have to give up the sinful desire to be in control. God does not require our help, He requires our faith. Often, we misunderstand the purpose of the hard times that seem to go on forever. It takes trials to build our faith and trust in the Most-High God. Every day we must proclaim God’s unlimited love, power, grace, and mercies. As a result, we lose all fear, anxieties, and worries. It is then that we can live a faith-based life in every circumstance. As happy and joyful as we are in the good times, we can possess that same inner peace and joy through the stormy trials if we just believe that nothing is too hard for God.

Bible Study: Jeremiah 32

God, we ask forgiveness for our lack of faith. Thank you for providing the stormy trials that are necessary to build our faith and trust in you. We relinquish our will and desire to be in control. Heavenly Father, we love you and will continue to serve you despite our circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Tests, Trials, and Trust

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Psalm 34:1

Through the toughest of times, the heart will either show it’s fragility or strength. As I read Psalm 34:1, I had the deepest desire to praise God at all times. But as I reflected on my current tribulation, I admit that I have felt discouraged, and my praises have been inconsistent.

Studying the Bible reminds us and reinforces why we must endure suffering: But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

I realize that many followers of Christ, like myself are not feeling their best as we continue to experience adversity on every level in our lives. Still, God reminds us: And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Bible Study: Psalm 27, Proverbs 3

God, we are not feeling our best right now. But we will continue to trust in your plan for our lives. Please give us the strength to endure through our trials and never forget that our lives are in your hands. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.