It takes faith, trust, courage, and perseverance to serve God in today's unstable world. Yet, we are never alone. Pray every day and pray often. Study the Bible. The Scriptures are a Love Letter from God to those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior. You will receive comfort, knowledge, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3. Be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12).
Spending time with Jesus invites the Holy Spirit to perform the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the Righteousness of Christ, only then can we reflect His perfect love to others.
One of the best benefits of intentional time with Jesus is when facing life’s overwhelming challenges, we are not anxious or worried because our first response is to humbly bow before the Throne of Grace asking for His help in our time of need.
And with confidence, we thank Him in the same prayer for giving us His perfect resolution, and a victorious outcome. Yes, we can always rely on Jesus’ promises to “never leave us or forsake us.”
Lord God, we thank You for loving us with a love so deep that we do not understand it, yet we are extremely grateful for Your Agape Love. We ask forgiveness for not spending enough time with You. In faith, we commit to daily personal worship. Teach us how to live and to live with grateful hearts. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.
God tells us to, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10).
Growing closer to God is not an emotional experience of highs and lows, it is a day by day spiritual transformation of our mind, character, and personality that allows us to receive Jesus’ gift of peace.
Sanctification Prepares Us for Eternal Life
Sanctification is the gradual and daily spiritual process of growth and transformation performed by the Holy Spirit, which requires the human effort of surrender, faithful obedience, and renouncing our desires, and sinful practices and pleasures.
Sanctification requires the human effort of full cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Instead of following our thoughts, we pray for God’s guidance, and obey His answers. Yes, this is a struggle!
We do not use our emotions to react to conflict, or stressful situations, instead, we strive to possess the Spirit of Christ, and immediately pray for Divine Help.
Christ’s Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness faith, meekness [humility], temperance [self-control], against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).
Through our daily personal worship of Prayer and Study of the Scriptures, we receive spiritual wisdom. It is in the times of separation from others, the Holy Spirit quietly teaches us the deepest meaning of God’s Righteous Precepts.
As we begin to perceive life through the Spiritual Eyes of Christ, we begin to recognize that we are growing spiritually. Not only do our desires and goals change, but we also approach the Throne of Grace before making decisions, and rely on God to fight our battles.
Loyalty to God is manifested by righteous thoughts. Instead of pursuing earthly success and material possessions, we seek to fulfill our God-given purpose of using our talents and spiritual gifts to honor God, and witness to others.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33, CSB).
Remaining loyal to our Shepherd does not exclude us from enduring suffering, trials, and hardships. The apostle Peter tells us that we will experience fiery trials.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, NLT).
“These ‘fiery trials’ are seen not as surprising misfortunes, but as opportunities to test faith, purify character, and deepen one’s connection with God, ultimately preparing us for future glory.”
Spiritual Fact: When facing challenges, our first response reveals the status of our faith and trust in God.
Although, we can resolve our obstacles, spiritual growth is evidenced by our desire to depend on God. Instead of developing strategies, our first response to adversity is a prayer asking for God’s Divine Intervention.
“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24, CSB).
Developing a life of prayer builds steadfast faith and trust in God, and demonstrates confidence in Jesus’ promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
In Philippians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul gives us Jesus’ instructions on maintaining our faith and gift of peace despite our circumstances.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Prayer connects us to Jesus, our Intercessor who receives every prayer, silent and spoken. From exercising our faith to believe in the Power of God, the Holy Spirit blesses us with Christ’s spiritual peace [an abiding inner calmness] that words cannot describe.
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3).
God loves and honors His faithful believers. From surrendering ourselves to follow Christ, we receive the daily blessings of spiritual peace, a quiet spirit, provisions, the fruition of His perfect plans, and the ability to sleep like newborn babies.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8).
Like David, even when facing adversity, we can have the confidence that Jesus Christ, Heaven’s Mightiest Warrior will fight every battle we face!
If you are living a life of faithful obedience then you are right where God needs you to be. Yes and Amen! Peace and Blessings.
Bible Study: Psalm 46
Lord God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth who speaks to our hearts, giving us spiritual wisdom and discernment when we dedicate ourselves to follow Christ. Jesus, we thank You for Your amazing gift of peace, and protection from spiritual warfare. We give you the honor, glory, and praise, and ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
A powerful sermon that outlines practical ways to let go of certain thoughts and behaviors that hinder Believers from fully experiencing Jesus’ gift of Divine Peace. I watched the sermon and took journal notes on incorporating pertinent actions to sustain my peace. Happy Blessed Sabbath, and Peace and Blessings!
“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV).
As Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, sat outside at the tax table, day after day, he frequently overheard many individuals talking about Jesus’ Love, Compassion, messages of Salvation, and the countless miracles of healing He performed on the multitudes.
Although Matthew was despised by the Jewish leaders and community, his social circle included men who were as wealthy and diabolical as himself. Yes, Matthew had everything that Satan offers: wealth, pleasure, social status, and an easy life.
“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33, ESV).
Matthew gave up the sinful pleasures of life and a prestigious job to follow Jesus. The Roman government was Matthew’s employer, and to walk away from a once-in-a-lifetime job that guaranteed forever wealth would destroy any chance of rehire.
Matthew was not intimidated by the cost of following Christ; he trusted that Jesus was exactly who He said He was, “the One sent from God.” The wealthy tax collector who immediately got up [without hesitation and with silence] from the table demonstrated the giant leap of faith that boldly says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.”
The same leap of faith required to follow Christ is one that many of today’s believers are unwilling to take. We have been deceived by Satan into thinking that we can serve God and live as we please, but there is no reward for those who are not willing to be modern-day Matthews.
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NLT). Jesus discerned the Tax Collector’s heart, knowing that Matthew was ready to embrace righteousness; Jesus extended the invitation, “Follow Me.”
Matthew’s decision to follow Christ did not happen at the time he received Jesus’ invitation. From previously hearing about Christ, Matthew used his faith to believe, which invited the Holy Spirit to perform immediate Heart Conversion when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” [In Genesis chapter 1, the Scriptures mention that God, the Holy Spirit, was present with God, the Father, and God, Jesus, the Son.]
Despite the hardships of rejection and hardships that all followers of Christ must endure, Matthew was 100% committed to love and obey God, love others, renounce his former sinful habits and lifestyle, and remain loyal to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew traveled with Jesus for three years [the duration of Christ’s earthly ministry]. Spending time with Christ every day resulted in a complete spiritual transformation of his mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ.
The apostle Matthew proves that, despite our past, dedicating oneself to following Jesus results in a new heart overflowing with love, faith, obedience, and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Every day that we consecrate ourselves to faithfully follow and obey Jesus invites the Holy Spirit to perform the life-transforming spiritual process of Sanctification.
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14, NIV).
Not only will eleven of the twelve men [Jesus’ original disciples], and Matthias who replaced Judas, receive Eternal Life when our Triumphant King comes again, they will also have their names inscribed on the foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Righteousness by Faith: Our greatest desire should be to follow Jesus with love, loyalty, and faithful obedience. We only have one opportunity to become faithful followers, and that is in our earthly lives. Only those who are willing to let go of every desire, pleasure, and material treasure to follow their Savior and Shepherd will receive the Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!
Bible Study: Matthew 9, Revelation 21-22
Prayer: Lord God, create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. We ask You to turn our eyes away from worthless things, so like Matthew, we are willing to follow You wherever You lead us. We ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart [Be courageous]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
The Spiritual Purpose of Hardships: Christ sees us as His sheep who have individual needs, and He guides us according to the spiritual transformation required for each of us to have a righteous character necessary to receive our reward of Eternal Life.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).
Unfortunately 99% of our goals are usually materialistic ones. But our desires for prosperity and success always create opposition to God’s Sovereign Plans for our lives.
“Discouragement is also the Emotional Response to Placing too Much Value on Future.” We were created to live happy and healthy lives, which is not possible when we worry about the future.
Bible Study: Matthew 6:25-34: “Do Not Worry About Tomorrow”
In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to be concerned about tomorrow, which has a literal meaning of the next day, and the future. Neither tomorrow, or the future is promised to us. Live for today!
Jesus, our Heavenly Provider promised to give us the daily provisions necessary to sustain a healthy and happy life. The only futuristic goal we should prepare for is Jesus’ Second Coming [Revelation 22:12].
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV).
Because we inherited hearts that drive us to pursue what we want, Believers stand at the “Crossroads of Decision-making” when God fails to give us what we desire.
The Crossroads: Either we will choose to follow and obey God’s answer of “No, or Not Now,” or we will separate ourselves from God by pursuing our desires without His Divine Approval.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1, ESV).
To clarify, God loves us and He does not want us to live miserable lives, still, He is doing everything possible to give us Eternal Life. Never forget, we are greatly loved by God!
Why do we strive against God’s will? Because we are impacted by our environment that promotes the worldview of Greed Over Need, we feel unloved and dissatisfied when God does not fulfill our desires.
I am sharing the following Notes on a Sermon by Pastor D. Snell: “Fighting Through Seasons of Discouragement [and Disappointment],” which gives Believers like you and me Spiritual Solutions to follow and obey God while navigating through be emotions of Discouragement and Disappointment.
“Discouragement can be like quicksand. Fight and stand down your natural responses so that you don’t make a bad situation worse.”
1. Don’t make big decisions. Do not make any decisions while you are in a state of mind of discouragement. Pray and wait for God to answer your prayer. Let God provide clarity. 2. Do not compare your life with someone else’s life. Redirect your focus to God, not to yourself, or other people. 3. Don’t Complain! Face the problems, but complaining will become a substitute for praying. Never let your complaining become stronger than your Prayer life. 4. Stop waiting on the circumstance to change, or end. We have no control over when our circumstances or seasons will change. 5. Change your attitude, your outlook and your focus. [Trust God Sovereignty! Know that He is making the best decisions for your life]. 6. Stop waiting on outward validation and encouragement. David encouraged himself in the Lord. (1 Samuel 30:6). 7. Be selective about the company you keep. If friends or family cannot pray with you, do not share your personal feelings with them. (Luke 9:28). Jesus took Peter, James, and John, the most faithful disciples. 8. Guard the words you receive, and guard the words you express. David asked himself, “Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet Praise Him, My Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11). 9. Ask yourself, “Who is in control?”
God has given us music which penetrates the mind, body, and soul. Listen to Praise and Worship music. Sing! Study the Bible, and direct yourself to praise God!”
Faith, Trust, Prayer, and Bible Study invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to Fight Through A Season of Disappointment and Discouragement.
Every day, make the commitment to pray, and put yourself in God’s hands by giving up self-reliance. Turn to God for guidance. Ask for strength! Be patient and wait! Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we admit that our faith and trust in You has been very unstable, and we ask for forgiveness for doubting your Love, and questioning Your Sovereign Authority. We realize that You love us. We made the decision to follow Jesus, and we will use our faith to trust and obey Your Perfect Plans. We pray for strength, and to hear Your Voice as we travel through this journey of life. We love You, and ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is it so easy for us to choose sin instead of doing what is right?” Although our answers may vary, many Christians have embraced the false belief that “Good people go to Heaven.”
According to Jesus, good people do not go to heaven. Only the righteous will receive Eternal Life. Study Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 22.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).
The other false teaching that promotes sinful habits and behaviors is “The Commandments” were nailed to the Cross. But Jesus says, “Blessed are those who do His Commandments…”
“The Ten Commandments are God’s Moral Law. The law of God reveals God’s character, who He is. As God is Holy, Righteous, and Good, so also is His law. Paul confirms: ‘So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good’ (Rom. 7:12, ESV).”
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).
Without the Ten Commandments, Christian believers would not have boundaries, and we would practice the same sins that unbeliever’s embrace and commit everyday.
We are not saved by the Law, we are saved by faith through Jesus Christ. Still, the Law identifies sinfulness as defined by God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).
The struggle with sin has intensified because we are attending church, but not studying the Holy Bible. So we rely on our perception of holiness, which is the foundation for disobedience to God.
“And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29, Amplified Bible). Jesus instructs us on the importance of obedience to God.
Without obedience, we do not have the covering of Christ’s Righteousness, nor can the Holy Spirit dwell inside of the unclean mind and body who rebels against God.
Personal testimony: When I began studying the Bible every day, I was shocked to find out that over half of what I believed [and was taught in my former church] was not in the Holy Scriptures.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26).
I knew nothing about living a consecrated and obedient life. Thankfully, I prayed and the Holy Spirit led me to a Christ-centered, Faith-based church. Still, I study the Bible everyday, asking the Holy Spirit to give me much-needed wisdom and discernment.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12-13). “What does this mean? It means that every day you are to distrust your own human efforts and wisdom.” Relying on God’s Directives is our Spiritual Safety Net. (Study Proverbs 3:5-7).
We are commanded to work on our salvation which includes much prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures. When we pray and ask God to give us understanding of His One and Only Truth, our prayers are answered immediately by the Holy Spirit who gives us a deeper understanding of God’s Truth.
Jesus paid our sin debt with His sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, and gave us The Bible, our Spiritual Guide Book, so we can search the Scriptures, obey, and live righteously. What more could Jesus have done for us?
“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am Holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1:16).
We must believe Jesus when He says we can do nothing without abiding in Him [John 15:5]. Because we inherited sinful hearts, we cannot judge ourselves, nor can we live holy, without being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, NIV).
Our Triumphant King is coming sooner than we think. It is time for us to take God seriously by using our time and faith to study, believe, and obey His Righteous commandments, and instructions in the Holy Scriptures.
We choose our destiny, which is reflected by our thoughts, decisions, and our lifestyles. Throughout the Bible, Jesus consistently reminds us that only the righteous [faithful and obedient] will see God. Yes and Amen.
but just as it is written [in Scripture], “THINGS WHICH THE EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND THE EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9, Amplified Bible).
Lord Jesus, You promised that when we call on Your Name, and believe, study, and trust and obey the Scriptures that you will complete the work of Sanctification in us. Lord, we desperately need Your help to overcome sin. We ask for Your Divine guidance and strength to live righteously. Thank you, for Your Steadfast love, and great sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. Give us wisdom and discernment, as we study Your Word. It is in faith that we ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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