Daily Devotional – Page 11 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Preparing for Kingdom Life One Day at a Time

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3).

Our world is in chaos. The unprecedented global events indicate the progressive loss of our Religious Liberty. Yes, Bible Prophecy is rapidly being fulfilled.

Study Matthew 24, [Jesus answering the disciple’s questions about the signs of the End Times], and Revelation chapters I9-22.

“But mark this: There will be [perilous] terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV).

In 2025, we are the generations living in the Perilous Times, which the Apostle Paul warned us about in 2 Timothy 3. Yes, it is time for Christian Believers to Separate Ourselves from sin in all forms.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 1:15-17, ESV).

Unless we are witnessing, we have no reason to socialize with unbelievers. From hanging out with unbelievers, and participating in their secular activities, it is the Christian who changes, not the unbeliever.

Sanctification requires us to cooperate daily with the Holy Spirit who transforms our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ when we strive to live righteously. Let go of every habit and practice that does not honor and revere God.

Every day, Pray for God’s Guidance and ask Jesus for the Divine strength to overcome temptations, and to stand down your heart’s desires. In Jesus’ Strength, we will be one of the number of people standing on the Sea of Glass. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Revelation chapters 19-22

Lord God, we worship and honor You because You are God. We thank You for the Holy Scriptures, which identify Satan’s various covert deceptions, masterminded to separate us from our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for Spiritual strength, wisdom, and the discernment to recognize and overcome the temptations of success, prosperity, and a life of ease.

The Reasons Christian Believers Experience Discouragement and Disappointment

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans [unbelievers] run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32, NIV).

The primary reason we are discouraged and disappointed is because we do not believe that God loves and cares for us, especially during tough times.

“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.” (John 16:33).

Yes, the spiritual journey is one of trials and challenges, yet, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. The Bible contains God’s promises, which reveal His desire to take care of us.

We know that God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin, but if we do not have Biblical [and experiential] knowledge of God’s Loving Character and His promises then we feel alone and abandoned.

Secondly, we do not understand the impact of sin on the human heart.

God’s Explains: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV).

Because we inherited sinful hearts, it is easier for us to place our faith in human knowledge and abilities than to surrender, and faithfully obey God.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). The lack of spiritual knowledge and wisdom produces a devastating Domino Effect in the life of a believer.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Jesus, God, the Son, created the angels, humanity, and all animal and plant life. Yet, of all the living creatures, only humanity disobeys His Authority, even the oceans, rivers, and seas stay within their appointed boundaries.

Believers who love God do not intentionally disobey Him, but without prayerfully asking God every day to reveal His will for our lives means that we are living according to our desires instead of God’s Perfect Plans.

Without studying the Scriptures, Satan, our enemy deceives us into believing that because of God’s Grace, our disobedience is tolerated by God.

“…but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15, NIV).

Sin is powerful! Because following our own desires drags us away from God, when adversity arises that human effort cannot resolve, we have no other options, but to react with the emotions of discouragement and disappointment.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, HCS Bible).

Believers who diligently seek God through daily prayer and studying the Bible, learn God’s Loving and Righteous Character, and gain knowledge of His Divine Intervention in the life of the righteous for over 6,000 years.

As a result, when challenges, obstacles, and adversities arise, we place all of our faith in God because we believe that God is Who He says He is, and He is faithful in keeping His promises to help us.

The Struggle Is Real, But Jesus Promises Us Victory!

Because of my self-reliance, for most of my life, I suffered with roller coaster emotions. When all was well, I was happy, when it wasn’t, I was discouraged and disappointed.

My breakthrough came while listening to a sermon on the importance of using our faith to trust and obey God, which is only possible through our commitment to seek God through the daily personal worship of praying and studying the Holy Scriptures.

Now, instead of worrying or responding with emotions, I use my faith to pray and ask God for His Divine help.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV).

You are loved by God. Every day, use your faith to surrender, seek God’s plans, and obey His will.

Despite our external hardships, knowing God’s Loving Character and His promises allows us to live with courage and confidence, even when facing tough challenges.

By living a life of surrender and faithful obedience, we invite Christ to lead us, and He rewards us with His gift of Divine Peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV).

Bible Study: Romans 5:6-11

Lord God, we confess and repent of our sins of self-reliance, and disobedience. We desire to reconcile with Jesus, and accept Him as our Shepherd. We are willing to follow His plans for our lives. Lord, we ask for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and today, we commit ourselves to live a life of surrender and faithful obedience. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

“How Do I Know If It My Thoughts, Or God Speaking To Me?”

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

“The Word of the living God is not merely written, but spoken. It is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe we would open God’s Word, and with what earnestness we would search its pages.”

“How do we distinguish it [God’s Voice] from the voice of a false shepherd? God reveals His will to us in His word, the Holy Scriptures. His voice is also revealed in His providential workings…”

God’s Providence is manifested daily in our lives. The impossible situation you faced was not resolved by using your own power, with love, God intervened.

[God’s Providence]…will be recognized if we do not separate our souls from Him by walking in our own ways, doing according to our own wills, and following the promptings of an unsanctified heart…”

The Consequences of Compromise

God’s Warning: “Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:7).

Self-reliance always blocks the Holy Spirit from giving us spiritual clarity. Following our thoughts not only distorts our perception, but also prevents us from receiving God’s gifts of wisdom and discernment.

Those who live according to their thoughts will always be in a state of confusion. “…the senses become so confused that eternal things are not discerned, and the voice of Satan is so disguised that it is accepted as the Voice of God.”

Practical Ways to Recognize God’s Voice

How do we know God is speaking and directing us?

“If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (1 John 2:29, ESV).

Reflect on God’s Righteous Character: He is Holy. We recognize God’s Voice because His guidance always brings glory and honor to His Holy Name.

God never blends righteousness with the worldliness of success or prosperity. Because God brings honor to himself, His blessings never exalt human beings.
God never coerces us to make immediate decisions. If we are confronted with, “this deal is only good for today, or do it now,” then we know it is not of God. Instant gratification always reveals that Satan is involved.
We know it is our thoughts if the outcome satisfies our innermost desires, or exalts us, instead of God.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).

Before making decisions, always pray for God’s direction. Pray and Wait! Patience is a righteous characteristic that reveals faith in God and our willingness to obey.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Do not follow your anxious thoughts, which will only bring unwanted consequences to your life, and result in the separation of your life-sustaining relationship with Christ.

If we wait on the Lord then we can expect God to perform supernatural miracles that reveal His overwhelming Love and Sovereign Power.

From spending intentional time with Christ in personal worship, we learn to recognize God’s Voice speaking to us. The Holy Spirit conveys God’s will and plans through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17, NIV).

“In this verse, James gives an example of a sin of omission. When believers know the right thing to do yet fail to do it, God holds them accountable for not doing it. So, it is not only what we do that matters to God; it is also what we fail to do.”

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, our lives are not our own. With humility and surrender, we pray, ask, and acquiesce to God’s perfect plans for our lives.

Our prayers should always focus on asking God what we need to do to have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Placing ourselves in alignment with God requires total obedience to His will and plans.

We are living in the last days of Earth’s history, our priorities must align with God’s priorities of receiving daily spiritual growth, character transformation, and godly wisdom.

“Pray continuously.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Everyday pray, ask God to search your heart, and reveal anything that would prevent you from hearing His Voice.

The Holy Spirit guides us in our daily decisions, and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness when we consecrate ourselves to serve God through surrender and faithful obedience.

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ “(1 Samuel 3:10).

Bible Study: 1 Samuel 3

Lord God, teach us how to recognize Your Voice. We ask for the blessings of spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to do Your will. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sabbath Sermon – Go Down Broken, Come Up Blessed- September 13, 2025

Jesus, Our Loving Shepherd

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:6-7).

With deep reflection, I began to think about the relationship between sheep and their shepherd. We can learn from the animals who consistently demonstrate love, loyalty, and obedience to their shepherd.

“Sheep behave with loyalty, recognition, and trust toward their shepherd, responding to their voice, scent, and presence, which signals food, safety, and care.”

“Their behavior includes following the shepherd, calming in their presence, recognizing their unique traits, and learning routines associated with their herder.”

“This bond is built on the shepherd’s consistent provision of resources and protection.”

Following and Guidance:
“Sheep will follow their shepherd willingly, knowing that the shepherd provides food, water, and guidance for their well-being.”

I began to think about our relationship with Jesus, our Loving Shepherd who desires to provide for us and protect us from Satan, our enemy. Yet, we must willingly choose to follow Jesus.

Our Greatest Challenge: We inherited hearts overflowing with desires that rebel against God’s plans for our lives.

It is easier to pursue our desires than to surrender in faithful obedience and follow our Shepherd.

Ask yourself, “What is keeping me from following Jesus, my Shepherd?”

Set aside some alone time to think about the desires, habits, and pursuits preventing you from making the commitment to become a faithful follower.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…” (John 10:14).

Jesus reminds us that He knows the pure motives of His sheep. They are the Believers who abide in Him by maintaining a heart-to-heart relationship through daily surrender.

The Characteristics of Faithful Sheep

Through daily personal worship, we consecrate ourselves utilizing Jesus’ prayer to His Father, Not my will, but Your will be done.” (Luke 22:42).

When our hearts are converted, we readily surrender ourselves to worship God in Spirit and Truth. Love and loyalty for our Shepherd is demonstrated by intentional obedience, which is our highest act of worship to God.

As time slips rapidly into eternity, we are confronted with the choice, Who will I follow? Jesus, or myself?

Our Triumphant King’s promise: “…Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the Crown of life. (Revelation 2:10).

The behaviors of the righteous: Follow Jesus, renounce sin, relinquish your desires, and prepare daily for His Soon Coming.

“Commit everything you do to the Lord [YAHWEH]. Trust Him, and He will help you.” (Psalm 37:5, NLT).

Lord God, thank You for giving us freedom from a sin debt that left us spiritually bankrupt. Jesus, You are our Shepherd, we give ourselves to You. Lead us, correct us, protect us, and cleanse us from the unrighteousness of our heart’s desires. With praise and faithful obedience, we thank You, God, and lift Your Name on High for the gift of Jesus. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

The Willingness to Live a Sacrificial Life

“I will guide you with my eye” (Psalm 32:8).

“God will provide intimate, personal, and watchful guidance to those who trust Him. This refers to God’s attentive, loving oversight rather than distant instruction, emphasizing a close, personal relationship where He leads us with His wisdom,” according to his perfect will.

We were not created to be self-reliant. Sadly, many believers have embraced autonomy by never praying and asking God to reveal His perfect will for their lives.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, NIV).

The ocean stays within its boundaries, and the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West, but human beings created in the image of God have consistently fought against the Creator by following the rebellious desires of their hearts.

Although, we were created with free will of choice, and inherited hearts that naturally rebel against total submission to God, total dependency on Jesus Christ is necessary to stay on the Path of Righteousness, and to receive our Crown of Life.

After many failures, with humility, I had to admit that it was impossible for me to live righteously using my strength. No, I could not walk through this earthly journey victoriously without God’s direction, protection, and correction.

Tired of feeling defeated, one day, I decided to fully surrender to God through the lifestyle changes of daily prayer, fasting, and Bible Study.

The hardships still happen, but my outlook changed as my heart embraced Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Filled with hope, I began to understood the necessity of faithful obedience to God’s Sovereign Authority.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

Only Christ can give us the spiritual strength to live righteously. If we are willing to live a sacrificial life of following our Shepherd with faithful obedience then Jesus promises to transform us from the inside out.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

When we humble ourselves and live a consecrated, obedient life, Yeshua promises to complete the spiritual work of Sanctification in our minds, characters, and personalities.

Preparing for Kingdom Life One Day at a Time: With each passing day, we are closer to Jesus fulfilling His promise of John 14:1-3. Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Revelation 21-22

Lord God, we ask You to reveal any hidden desires, habits, and disobedience that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life. We pray for the strength to overcome our internal desires and the external temptations designed to make us fall. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Tough Times? Remember God’s Faithfulness

The quote by Mary Carver reminds us to always reflect on God’s faithfulness even when times are tough.

We cannot give ourselves the beautiful joy and peace that comes from receiving the love, care, and abundant blessings from our Heavenly Father.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?…”

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

Remembering our past and present victories keeps our faith strong. Begin your day with a Prayer of Gratitude. Every day, Thank God for 10 things and you will never be discouraged. Our Heavenly Father Loves Us and is always Faithful. Yes and Amen!

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

Lord God, we just want to say Thank You for Your love and the many blessings, we receive without asking. Lord, we love You. Thank You for Your never-ending faithfulness, grace, mercies, and protection, which reminds us that we are highly valued by You. In faith and gratitude, we pray, in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.

Spiritual Growth and Transformation Requires Active Participation

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV).

God’s Priority is to change our Character to prepare us for our reward of Eternal Life.

Are we cooperating with the Holy Spirit in the daily Spiritual process of growth and maturity [Sanctification]?

Pursuing the world’s temporary and meaningless prosperity, pleasures, and success are a waste of the Believer’s time and energy. We can take nothing with us to Heaven except a Righteous Character.

God promises to give us everything we need. Be content with what you have.

We are looking forward to a perfect life with Jesus in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Worship God in Spirit and Truth by consecrating yourself daily to follow Jesus Christ. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4

Lord God, we ask you to reveal any desire, habit, or behavior that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Living Our Best Lives Through Jesus Christ

The best advice we can follow is to pray more and to think less about our desires. God’s Love has no boundaries. His answer of “No” protects us from suffering the consequences of following our hearts.

“In the Bible, God demonstrates His unparalleled, unrivaled, unequaled powers and abilities and His love to humanity.”

“Only God has the mind of Omniscience, the ability to know and comprehend every iota of knowledge that can be known.”

God’s Love includes His goal for us to receive our reward of Eternal Life. But is this our goal?

Take a few minutes to think about the goals that you are pursuing. Our priorities reveal whether or not, we are choosing Heaven as our Eternal destiny.

God will never bless us with anything that distracts us from putting Him first, or interferes with our spiritual growth and transformation.

Only God can give us our best lives. His thoughts, plans, and ways are above our understanding. Our responsibility is to pray daily, asking for His plans to be revealed, and to use our faith to trust and obey His will.

Redirecting our faith and focus from pleasure, prosperity, success, and material possessions is the only way, we can do our part in receiving our Crown of Life from Jesus, who is coming soon. Peace and Blessings.

Lord God, we desire to know Your plans for our lives. We ask You to lead us, guide us, protect us, and correct us, as we travel in our spiritual journey with Jesus. Lord, we desire to live with you forever in the New Heaven and New Earth.We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Do Not Fear, Worry, or Be Discouraged – The LORD Is On Your Side!

“I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief. You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’ ” (Lamentations 3:55-57, NIV).

“The Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar II, captured the Israelites during the Babylonian Captivity, which was a period of exile for the Jewish people into Babylon.”

“This event marked the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and a forced relocation of many Jews, including prophet Jeremiah, to Babylon as a consequence of their rebellion and idolatry.”

“…we are weary and find no rest.” (Lamentations 5:5).

Jeremiah, known as the Weeping Prophet, lamented in his prayer asking for God to extend mercy and redeem them from their Babylonian captivity.

God’s Promise: “This is what the LORD says: ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:10, NLT).

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we agree to follow God’s thoughts and plans for our lives. The Christian Believer’s life is not our own. We have dedicated ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ, our Shepherd.

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14). Jesus clarifies that obedience is required to be His follower, to have a relationship with Him, and to receive God’s abundant blessings.

Learning God’s Plans: We remain in right standing with God when we consecrate ourselves through daily prayer asking God to reveal His will for the given day. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26, ESV).

One of the most discouraging times in our lives is when we must suffer consequences for following our thoughts and making decisions outside of God’s plans. Willful disobedience always bring consequences.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Clarification: The consequences of willful disobedience differ from suffering trials and hardships.

We experience trials and hardships for spiritual growth and the transformation of our characters. God places limits on the severity of trials and hardships, it would serve no godly purpose for us to be crushed and feel hopeless.

But consequences from disobedience have no boundaries! Following our misguided desires results in making decisions outside of God’s Perfect Will, which equates to intentional self-harm.

Sin Separates us from God: When believers fail to seek God, we may enjoy the benefits of our decisions, but spiritual consequences happen immediately, disobedience separates us from God.

Following our thoughts and desires desensitizes us to the magnitude of our rebellion against God; we can no longer perceive life through spiritual eyes.

The Holy Spirit cannot dwell inside of a believer who is filled with rebellion. Because God loves us, He does not prevent the devastating consequences of our decisions.

Suffering tangible consequences always produces feelings of regret, yet do not focus on how you feel, with surrender and humility, redirect your focus and faith to run to God with a Prayer of Repentance.

God Reveals His Love: “‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 1:3b).

God is Omniscient, and knows every sin that we will commit against Him, still, our Loving Father never abandons us. He loves us, even in our state of disobedience, but we must repent for our rebellion against God.

David’s Prayer of Repentance: Psalm 51:1-4

“Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin…”

3 “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight.”

Do Not Embrace Guilt! King David is our ultimate example of committing sins based on desire, repenting, and moving forward in his life.

Emmanuel: God With Us

“This name is more than a personal name; it’s a declaration of God’s covenant presence. It symbolizes God’s closeness and reassurance, a powerful statement of His enduring connection to His people throughout all stages of their spiritual life.”

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).

Through personal worship of daily Prayer and Bible Study, we choose to stay close to God who promises to give us the spiritual strength to persevere through every trial, hardship, and even the harsh consequences. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we are extremely grateful for Your abundant love, forgiveness, and steadfast faithfulness, even when we choose to rebel against You. We repent of our sins and ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we seek Your guidance and Perfect Will and Plans for our lives. We love You, and ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.