Daily Devotional – Page 17 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

God’s Invitation: Come Let Us Reason Together

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Every day we fight external opposition, and the internal conflict of our heart’s carnal desires, which requires Christ, our Mighty Warrior’s Divine help.

“A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me” (Psalm 3:1).

David understood what it meant to fight against principalities, powers, and people [David’s son Absalom attempted to kill him]. He acknowledged the power of the evil darkness of this world, designed to separate us from God. The Psalms reveal the spirit of humility to accept our [human] limitations, and the desperate need for God’s Sovereign power.

Many who study the Psalms misinterpret David as having a clinical diagnosis of Depression. David was not depressed. His childhood included the enjoyment of parental love and nurturing. Yes, David was the young boy who lovingly cared for a large flock of sheep, guiding and protecting them from harm.

Because God allowed him to live as a fugitive for 15-20 years to prepare him for rulership as King, David possessed steadfast faith and the courage to overcome his obstacles. Yet, he perceived the Believer’s daily battle through spiritual eyes. David acknowledged that we are powerless against our desires and temptations, unless we seek God through prayer, asking for His Divine intervention.

God extends the invitation to come and reason together with Him: “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’ ” (Psalm 27:8). The Psalms reveal our true spiritual status, God’s desire to save our souls, and rescue us from adversity. Our only hope of living as Victorious Overcomers is to continuously cry out through prayer for Divine strength.

Dedicating ourselves to a life of worship means completely trusting in God’s Providence and relying on His guidance and protection. We cannot trust in our limited abilities to live righteously; it is impossible to fight satanic forces without the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” —Ephesians 6:13

Jesus Christ, our Mighty Warrior, is our Defender against the enemy’s attacks. Our Triumphant King is the Commander of Angel Armies, the angel’s primary role is to protect believers. Psalm 91 gives us the promise of angelic protection. Regardless of whether spiritual warfare is seen or unseen, the righteous are protected 24/7, still, we must choose to renounce sin by choosing right over wrong.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” —Proverbs 18:10

We have the privilege of Divine Help 24/7. The Prayer of Faith, asking for supernatural help, is answered immediately. Something is not right within our hearts if we only seek God when we cannot resolve our challenges. Like King David, we must stay on bended knees whether times are peaceful or not.

A life of worship is reflected by easily bringing our petitions and prayers before Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor and Savior. It is in the Name of the Lord that we receive the wisdom to discern covert temptations, and the Divine power to say no to sinning against God. It is in the Name of the Lord that we receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to keep us on the Path of Righteousness.

“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” —Acts 7:11

The Scriptures reveal God’s Righteous Character. A false belief is that the God of the Old Testament was unforgiving, as evidenced by His punitive actions, and the God of the New Testament is lenient. God’s Character has never changed; He is Loving, Long-suffering, Gracious, and Merciful, but He is also “The Righteous Judge” who abhors sin.

We have been deceived by Satan into believing that we can live a life of disobedience [following our thoughts and plans], and receive Eternal life. Sadly, Contemporary Christians are repeating the behaviors of the Nation of Israel.

The apostle Paul warns New Covenant believers: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

God’s Invitation and Warning: ” ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken’ ” (Isaiah 1:18, 20).

Worship is a lifestyle of sacrifice, faithful obedience, trust, and seeking the will of God. Only from the commitment to dedicate ourselves to a Christ-centered, Faith-based life, and total dependency on the Name of the Lord, we are promised victory over sin, daily spiritual transformation, and our Crown of Life when Jesus comes.

Lord God, today we accept Your invitation to come to You. We repent of our self-reliance. In humility and surrender, we confess that we desperately need Your Divine guidance, strength, wisdom, and discernment to live righteously. Teach us how to live a sanctified life depending on the Mighty Power of Your Holy Name. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Encouraging Words Are Blessings

“Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.”

Every day, we receive God’s love, grace, and countless mercies, especially for the forgiveness of our transgressions, yet, we are often harsh and unforgiving with those who offend us. When God’s love reigns in our heart, we forgive easily because we are forgiven.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). If our facial expressions are pleasant, and we easily smile then it is easy to speak encouraging words.

Maintain a heart filled with forgiveness by never allowing your emotions to override your love for God and others. The Jewish leaders despised Christ, yet, He always answered with words of wisdom, using a parables, and the Scriptures.

Regardless of how programs like “The Chosen” portray Jesus, the Scriptures reveal that He never spoke in harsh tones. Even when unkind, angry words are directed at us, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to others. We choose to nurture a spirit of humility by not retaliating.

Satan uses people to disturb our peace in an attempt to make us react negatively with emotions, which reveals the lack of discipline and self-control. When facing the conflict of contentious words, whisper a prayer, and remain silent. If we must reply, then simply say, “Jesus loves you,” and walk away, or end the call.

Not only should our words be spoken with a pleasant voice, breathe a prayer before sending text messages. Texting poses challenges because written words are often misunderstood, we never know how the recipient is going to perceive our message.

[Disclaimer: This Devotional is not advocating for one to remain in an abusive relationship.]

Staying close to God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our status of sons and daughters of God. We will face fiery trials and spiritual warfare in various ways. Satan’s goal is always to disturb our gifts of internal peace and joy. With the strength of Christ, we can overcome every situation. Study Ephesians 6.

Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to experience the spiritual growth and transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. The human effort of exercising patience and self-discipline in troublesome situations reveals our cooperation with the Holy Spirit to develop a righteous character.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Fruit of the Spirit represents the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, the Christian journey involves suffering, still, if we speak encouraging words, we fulfill our part in cultivating a righteous character.

“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1).

“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings.”

“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).

At first, speaking only positive, and encouraging words requires much effort, yet if we persevere, the Holy Spirit softens our inherited, hardened hearts, and we begin to perceive life with a spirit of love and gratitude.

One day soon, we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth where love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and love-infused words will permeate the atmosphere. We should look forward to that Great Day!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Encouraging words always bless the giver and receiver. Peace and Blessings.

Lord God, we pray to have a spirit of love, compassion, and self-control as reflected by our words. Please help us to love others as you love them. We pray for the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through the eyes of Christ. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.

“I Will Give You Peace”

POP: Pray, Obey, Persevere

The Christian journey is a tough battle that requires the human effort of possessing and exercising the righteous characteristics of humility, surrender, faith in God, and the willingness to bow to God’s Sovereign Authority.

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

We believe that Jesus Christ is who He says He is: Our Provider, Protector, and Peace-Giver. Much prayer is required to receive God’s Power and His Peace.

Once or twice-a-day prayers are no longer enough to live as Victorious Overcomers in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3). We must stay connected to Christ by whispering prayers throughout our day.

Prayer is our greatest weapon against Satan, our enemy. Dependency on God is the only way to remain faithful and steadfast in a world filled with the temptations of pleasure and prosperity.

Obedience is a worship, and acknowledges our love and reverence to God’s Sovereignty. Obedience reveals that our hearts are pure, and filled with love for God.

To obey is the only way, the Holy Spirit can give us the continuous spiritual guidance, wisdom, and strength to overcome the darkness of spiritual warfare.

Perseverance is to push forward in the strength of Jesus Christ. We may not be able to see beyond the given moment, and feel as if we have exhausted our mental, emotional, and physical strength, still, in those times, we pray a child’s prayer, Jesus, I need Your help.”

Never forget that God is Eternal! God is the definition of Eternity Past, Present, and Future. Every aspect of our lives He knows. In the power of His might, we must keep moving forward even if it’s baby steps.

Live for today: Study Matthew 6

Only trust Him, and one day, we will behold Jesus Christ, our Triumphant King in the clouds in all of His Divine Majesty and Glory. We have this hope, this earthly life is temporary, and our Lord and Savior is coming soon to take the righteous to their forever home. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we ask for your Divine help. We need the strength to persevere in our journey. We are renewing our covenant to faithfully seek and obey Your will, and plans. We ask you to bless us with peace and the strength to keep moving forward. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

God’s Love Empowers Us to Love

Love is a Fruit of the Spirit, and the Fruit of the Spirit represents Christ’s Righteous Character [Galatians 5:22-23].

“When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and [elevates] the affections.”

“This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing all around.”

“Without a living faith in Christ as a personal Savior it is impossible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world.” Unless we possess Agape Love, we will not have the power to demonstrate the difference Christ makes in one’s life.

We cannot give to others that which we do not ourselves possess. It is in proportion to our own devotion and consecration to Christ that we exert an influence for the blessing and uplifting of mankind.” EGW

Lord Jesus, we live in a world void of love. We ask You to teach us how to love others as You love them. Please remove all the harshness from our character. Empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we can represent Your Righteous Character. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

Resetting Our Priority to God First

“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

Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty is the daily, intentional decision to put God First. By asking for God’s will to be done, our love for God is revealed by the desire to consecrate ourselves to Him. Faith, surrender, and obedience are the righteous attributes that keep us connected to Christ, who taught us by His earthly life what it means to put God First.

The ‘God First’ commitment is renewed each morning. We use our faith to invite God to perform the miraculous. Asking our Heavenly Father for help is always answered immediately. Our prayer invites the Holy Spirit to impart the spiritual wisdom required to recognize God’s Voice and to align us with His will.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Since the human heart naturally rebels against God, we always need Divine help to fight Satan’s continuous spiritual warfare and the internal conflict of pursuing our desires. Consistent prayer is our Spiritual Lifeline to our Advocate, Jesus Christ.

The Christian Journey is tough! We need the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit to live as overcomers. Receiving supernatural strength is Christ’s response to the faithful who know we must depend on our Shepherd to persevere and resist distractions and temptations.

Putting God First requires us not to react with feelings. Failure comes from following our natural thoughts and inclinations. Even with the best strategies, human wisdom cannot predict outcomes.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Believers do not awaken with a mindset of defeat, but each day, our desires, goals, and to-do lists also awaken, always posing the threat for us to exclude God. Our response will either include God by asking for His Divine intervention, or completing our agenda using the risky behavior of relying on our strength.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” —Proverbs 3:7

Human wisdom is often praised, but it always leads to unforeseen consequences. God warns us not to rely on our thoughts. Without God, we exchange internal peace for racing thoughts. Focusing on the present circumstances instead of God’s Faithfulness creates pressure, anxiety, worry, and doubt.

The Bible says that unbelievers always stumble by making the wrong decisions because their faith is displaced from God to themselves. Faith in God separates us from unbelievers; therefore, we should not embrace and practice their worldviews of self-reliance and following one’s heart.

Unbelieving believers only acknowledge that God exists; they do not trust God’s faithfulness, love, and power. But most importantly, trusting in self excludes God and places us outside of His perfect will, which is disobedience against God.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). God First is a lifestyle of surrender and faithful obedience. It is also God’s command to the righteous. Self-reliance reveals our rejection of God’s daily blessings. Unless we travel on the Narrow Path of Righteousness paved by humility and faithful obedience, we forfeit our reward of Eternal life.

How to Live a “God First” Lifestyle

Accept God’s Truth: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Through obedience, we fight against internal conflict.
We must acknowledge that spiritual warfare against believers does exist. Satan’s greatest goal is to make us feel that God does not care about the small details of our personal lives, leaving us alone to figure it out. But Satan is the master deceiver whose modus operandi is the skillful use of lies and chaos. Study Matthew 6. We are loved! Yes and Amen!
Choose to stand down unreliable emotions with prayer. We cannot see clearly when we follow our feelings instead of praying. Asking “Why now?” only escalates emotions and diminishes our faith. Feeling overwhelmed occurs when we try to create strategies to tackle our challenges. Turn it over to Jesus!
Putting God first requires a dedicated lifestyle of much prayer. Prayer is our highest priority. We can expect a perfect outcome when we obey God. Pray for help and thank God in the same prayer. Our Heavenly Father already has the answer.
Describe the attributes of God’s Character. We must know Who our Faithful God is to completely trust Him. The Bible is the least read among Christian believers. Something is not right! Even pagan worshipers know the attributes of their deities. For Beginners: Study Genesis 1-3, and the Life of Christ found in the Four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John].

Putting God First is a matter of the heart: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”(Mark 12:30).

God’s Invitation: “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’ ” (Psalm 27:8).

Our Responsibility: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).

God’s Faithfulness: “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

We Have This Hope: “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).

Turning our hearts to Christ, even in the smallest matters, guards against developing a spirit of self-reliance and increases our faith. Total dependency on God is living the most beautiful life filled with peace. Why? When our response to adversity is praying in faith, we possess courage and confidence in the Power of God!

Lord God, we desire to change our response to life’s challenges by putting You First. We admit that we cannot resolve our current challenges, and ask for Your Help. Lord, teach us how to recognize Your Voice above our thoughts. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

This Is How the Story Ends: A Forever Life!

Life may be tough, but for the faithful and obedient believers, we are preparing every day for the blessed return of our Triumphant King.

The reward of forever establishes our priorities: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
(Matthew 16:26, NLT).

Jesus, we thank You for redeeming us from the penalty of sin. We ask for strength, guidance, wisdom, and discernment in our earthly journey. In Your Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

When We Don’t Understand Why

Jesus’ Answer: “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

Because Adam and Eve rejected God’s command, the domino effect of sin has intensified to almost unbearable in the 6,000 years of humanity’s existence on the planet Earth. The calamities of wars, disease, death, violence, natural disasters, homelessness, hunger, and hatred are the result of the evil one [Satan].

“Everything under heaven is Mine.” -Job 41:11

No, God does not intervene to save us from the consequences of humanity using our free will to reject His perfect decisions and plans, but we are suffering greatly from following human wisdom, and giving into our desires, and the enemy’s temptations. When will we tire of sin and its results?

Still our God is Love! The Holy Scriptures provide the answer to receiving the Divine Help and Strength to live holy in an unholy world.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” -John 14:15-17

Everyday, from the moment we awaken, if we choose to follow Christ, we have access to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who gives us the wisdom and strength to overcome every obstacle and temptation.

Through a daily prayer of surrender, we make the covenant promise to serve our King with faithful obedience. As Christ’s disciples, we obey and fulfill God’s plans because we dedicate ourselves with love, loyalty, and allegiance to God’s Sovereignty.

Rejecting our heart’s desires is a tough battle, but obedience to God is a righteous characteristic that distinguishes the True believers who worship God in Spirit and Truth from ritualistic believers.

Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear that He expects us to worship Him with total obedience. Because God is Sovereign, His Providential Authority must be revered without asking why. Obedience is the only choice that keeps us in perfect alignment with God’s Perfect thoughts and ways.

At some point, we must reflect on the rapid decline of all morals and values, and the escalating chaos permeating our societies, and global nations. Not only are these times perilous [2 Timothy 3], but this present Earth has nothing to offer the righteous believer.

The only “why” question we should ask God, “Lord, why have you waited so long to rescue us from this sin and degradation?”

“The Lord is not slow in fulfilling His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

If we remain faithful, when Christ comes, He will reward us with eternal life, [and a mansion], in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Revelation 21-22

Lord God, we thank You for the gift of Jesus, Your only Son who willingly sacrificed His life for us. We ask You to guide, protect, and correct us, so we will stay on the Path of Righteousness. Lord, if it is not your will, we ask you to speak to our hearts, and give us the strength to stand down our internal desires, and to walk away from all temptations. We ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of your Son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Internal Peace that Comes from Following Jesus

“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

This week, the postal worker delivered my package to the wrong mailbox, and whoever received it kept it. I contacted the seller, whose response was surprising: “We have no control over the package once we mail it.” Yet, I reminded the manager of the company’s policy to assign tracking numbers and insurance, which requires filing a claim if the buyer did not receive the merchandise.

Although I filed the missing package claim, the postal email reminded me that it was the seller’s responsibility to file a claim for the missing package, and they closed my case without resolution. I prayed for Divine intervention and guidance, and the Holy Spirit reminded me I had another option.

Thankfully, I paid for the purchase with my credit card [that I rarely use], so I had the option to file a dispute, which I did. The next day, I received an email from the seller stating they filed a claim for the missing package, and the post office sent an email informing me they reopened my claim.

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” -Isaiah 65:24

Prayer, Bible Study, Faithful Obedience, and total dependency on God are the habits of a converted and consecrated Christian. Prayer is a privilege. Although we have unlimited access to a Sovereign God, seeking His help is usually not our first response to adversity.

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 4:8

Not using human wisdom to resolve our challenges changes the trajectory of our lives. With God involved, who can challenge His Authority? Honoring God by praying for His intervention means never suffering consequences or losing our peace. We can sleep like newborn babies when God is involved. No worries because we know that our God is always faithful.

“And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, ‘Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!’ ” -2 Chronicles 14:11

A prayer of faith moves the arms of Jesus Christ, our Mighty Warrior, who commands angel armies to fight the spiritual warfare that threatens to discourage and overpower us. Pray, wait, and be still.

“When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” -Matthew 6:6

We must learn to distinguish God’s voice from the voices of human opinions; therefore, do not involve family and friends in developing resolutions, for God’s thoughts and ways never coincide with human strategies. If human intervention is needed, then God will speak to the hearts of the individuals He chooses, and they will help us.

Have you ever misplaced something important, searched, and just couldn’t find it? Say a prayer. God desires to be involved in the routine duties of our lives. Even when we think we can resolve the issue, if we choose to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), not only will we develop the habit of immediately praying, but our faith will be redirected from ourselves to God who rightfully deserves our faith.

Adversity has a spiritual purpose; God requires that 100% of our faith is in Him. To save our souls, eventually, He allows a trial that human effort cannot resolve. Yes, standing at the Crossroads of decision reveals our limitations, still, God does not infringe on our free will. He knows the true feelings of our hearts, and many believers have chosen the path of least resistance by rejecting God’s help.

Obedience gives us confidence and courage, and our faith, hope, and peace are renewed.”I will never leave you or forsake you.” Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to give us the spiritual strength to persevere. Divine guidance empowers us with spiritual perception and wisdom.

When our faith is weak, God reminds us of His Omnipotence: “Who then is able to stand against Me?…Everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:10-11).

The Holy Bible is our Spiritual Guide. Spending time in the Scriptures is life-changing. In Jesus’ humanity, He no longer knew the thoughts of God, His Father, as He did in heaven. Mary, His mother, had the responsibility to teach Jesus the Old Testament Scriptures, but at the age of 12, the Holy Spirit empowered the child Jesus to discuss the Holy Scriptures with the formally educated Rabbis.

One of my favorite Scriptures is John 8:29, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Obedience is Jesus’ answer to enjoying His ever-present gift of internal peace. If God expected obedience from Christ, then His expectations are the same for every believer.

Consider Jesus’ tumultuous earthly journey of living in poverty and being despised by the Jewish leaders who consistently schemed to trick Him with never-ending questions that appeared to have no right answer. In the Four Gospels, the writers reveal that Jesus always relied on God, the Father for His spiritual strength and wisdom.

Jesus knew his human limitations. With humility and surrender, the Scriptures reveal that our Savior spent hours in prayer with His Father. Prayer is our only channel for receiving the Divine wisdom and strength to overcome the continuous challenges of spiritual warfare. We cannot guide ourselves on the Path of Righteousness; we desperately need Divine guidance and resolution to receive victory!

Jesus, Our High Priest: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Prayers of Faith asking for Divine help are immediately answered by Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor. Our reward for approaching the throne of Grace is received through the Holy Spirit, who gives us Spiritual Wisdom, Strength, and Peace. Yes, the ways of the Triune Godhead are a mystery, but we do not have to understand, we just need to pray and believe.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” -Psalm 121:1-2

King David reminds us that in every challenge, we are just a prayer away from receiving help from our Loving Creator, Jesus Christ, who is always Faithful. In faith [even when weakened] like a trusting child, we simply believe God’s promises to resolve our challenges.

Faith is a spiritual muscle, we must exercise our faith to believer that God loves us and knows what is best. The decision to include God in every aspect of our lives requires that we let go of the disobedient spirit of self-reliance.

“Trusting and obeying God” is our greatest challenge, yet it is the key to living a peaceful and victorious life that is perfectly aligned with God’s Will and plans for which we will receive our reward of the Crown of Life.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” -Isaiah 26:3

Lord God, we thank you for Your faithfulness even when we are unfaithful, for which we ask forgiveness. We pray for the desire and strength to overcome our habit of self-reliance that opposes Your Perfect Plans for our lives. With this prayer, we renew our covenant to be faithful, obedient, and to depend on You by seeking Your guidance every day. We ask You to shower us with Your Divine Peace, and ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

Who Will Go?

Our love for God is the catalyst that propels us to reveal Christ’s Divine Love to others. Brokenness and hopelessness has permeated humanity as never before. Every day, we are given the opportunity to witness and tell everyone within our reach, “Jesus loves you.”

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” -Revelation 22:12

Historically, as Christians, we were taught, acknowledged, and prepared daily for Jesus’ Second Coming which is proclaimed in the Books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation.

Yet, there is a marked difference between believers of yesteryear and today’s Christian Community who appear disinterested in a Heavenly Home. Too many pursue earthly success and prosperity as if this present Earth will be our forever home.

In John chapter 17, Jesus prayed for Himself His disciples, and His future disciples (you and me) that we would be ready to meet Him when He comes again. Read John 14:1-3.

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.’ ” -Matthew 9:37

Yes, Salvation is a free gift flowing with God’s love, grace, and mercies that we receive every day. Still, what about the estimated 3.2 billion people who do not know about Jesus Christ?

As Christ’s disciples, how can we despise our spiritual assignment of telling others there is a Savior who forgives their sins and cleanses them from all unrighteousness?

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household ‘ ” (Acts 16:29-31, NIV).

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9

Witnessing is not a merit-based work. We tell others who are lost in the despair of sin because Jesus rescued us. God needs dedicated workers who will spread the message of Salvation which flows from Jesus’ ever-abiding Love for humanity.

Yes, our Triumphant King hung on Calvary’s Cross, and from His blood sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

From using our faith to believe in Jesus Saving Power along with repentance of our sins, the Holy Spirit performs a daily spiritual transformation of growth and maturity within our hearts.

This spiritual transformation is described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Loving God equates to loving everyone who God loves. With Christ’s love and compassion, we tell others, Jesus Saves! The Holy Spirit will continue our efforts by touching the individual’s heart to accept Christ.

We may never know in our earthly lives the outcome of our witnessing. Still, it will be wonderful when we get to heaven and someone approaches us and says, I accepted Christ because you told me that He loved me. Yes and Amen!

Who will tell them? Will you go?

Lord God, in Your Holy Name and Saving Power, we will go. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

Seek God, Not Gifts

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” -Luke 9:25

“Worldly people bless themselves in the
abundance of this world’s goods; but
God’s servants bless themselves in Him.”
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus promised to
provide all of our necessities of life.

We use our faith to believe and to be content
with what we have. We must learn to practice “Need over Greed.” Preparing for eternal life does not include success, prosperity, or pursuing the acquisition of material things.

Our Character Matters to God: Romans 12; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; and, 1 Peter 1:16. To be sons and daughters of God, we seek His will, obey, and fulfill our Heavenly Father’s desires and plans.

Put God first! Spiritual growth and
transformation is accomplished by the Holy
Spirit. The human effort of daily consecration
through prayer invites Christ to bless us with
wisdom, discernment, and His strength to live as Victorious Overcomers!

Lord, God, thank you for giving us our daily
provisions.In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we
pray, Amen