23 “Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while He was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you this authority?’ “
24 Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 “John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin? ‘ “
“They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, From heaven, He will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’ “
27 “So they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’ Then he said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ “
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
The commitment to follow Christ has always required surrender and faithful obedience to His authority, which was given to Him by God, the Father.
When we fail to consecrate and commit ourselves to God through daily personal worship, our thoughts and actions supersede our spoken words.
But what we do not understand is that we are questioning God’s Authority, which places us in wilful rebellion against God’s Sovereignty.
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV). Jesus’s earthly life reveals that obedience to God is non-negotiable.
Remain Faithful to God
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4).
Never Trust Your Own Thoughts
“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).
Reverence God Through a Spirit of Humility
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7).
Embrace God’s Promise of His Faithfulness
“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).
Honor God’s Sovereignty, Because He Is God
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Our Allegiance and Loyalty Is To God, or To Ourselves
Reflection: By whose authority are you living your life? Every day, we choose our destiny, our choices and lifestyles reveal if we are obeying God, or not.
If we live according to our thoughts and desires, then we choose to forfeit our reward of The Crown of Life. Our only reward will be whatever we pursued and accomplished in our earthly lives.
Jesus’ Promise To the Faithful
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV).
Bible Study: Revelation 19, 21-22
Lord God, we ask forgiveness for the sins of self-reliance and disobedience. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and remove the stubbornness in our hearts. We desperately need Your Holy Spirit to baptize our hearts, and minds, so we can see life through spiritual eyes, and live a sacrificial life of obedience. Lord, we consecrate our lives to follow Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, and ask for the daily Spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment required to live as overcomers. God, we acknowledge that You are the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, and ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus, Amen.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
“The psalmist affirmed, ‘The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night” (Psalm 121:5–6).
“No matter what we face, day or night, the Lord stands over us as a protective shield. Through every trial and storm, God is our constant shelter and refuge (Psalm 46:1; 91:1; Proverbs 18:10). Our good and loving Lord will protect us from every evil (Psalm 121:7).”
“If a believer should ask you, ‘Where does my help come from?’ You can offer them this remarkable assurance: At all times, no matter where you go, and for as long as you live, the Bible declares, ‘Your help comes from the Lord!’ ” (Psalm 121:8).
Lord God, we thank you for giving us the Holy Scriptures that reveal Your overwhelming love for us and Your desire for us to put You first in our lives. We commit to living a consecrated life, dedicated to following Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, Protector, and Triumphant King who is coming soon. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.
“Be holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11, NLT).
As a child, we received God’s blessing of growing up in a Christian home. My mother gave us the simple, but profound explanation that Halloween did not honor God, and we live to honor and obey God.
From a spiritual perspective, there is no reason to offer an alternative to Halloween, in the attempt to pacify children. God expects parents to teach their children the difference between what is Holy and unholy.
The Steadfast Decision is ours to Choose: Compromised Christianity, or Receiving Our Crown of Life.
“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, NLT).
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)
Jesus tells us that the life we desire filled with only love, joy, happiness, peace, and without hardships will not happen on this present Earth.
In fact, the life of a believer is the toughest journey, we will ever face. In the Great Controversy of Good and Evil, believers are the target!
Not only do we face the external opposition of Satan’s temptations, and animosity for following Christ, we must also overcome our internal desires, which are always in rebellion against God.
“Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4, Amplified Bible).
The King James version of this Scripture states, “Abide in Me.” To abide in Christ means that we become totally dependent on Him.
“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).
We choose to follow Christ by using our faith to surrender in obedience. By seeking God’s will and plans through daily prayer, we receive wisdom and strength to fulfill His Perfect Plans.
“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).
Because we were created with a free will to choose, we must ask God for help. Whispering prayers throughout our day eliminates self-reliance and builds our faith and trust in God.
Despite our circumstances, if we rely on Christ, the Holy Spirit gives us unlimited Spiritual comfort, peace, joy, and guidance.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV).
Throughout the Scriptures, Jesus reiterates His love for us, still, due to busyness and distractions, we often do not engage in consistent personal worship [prayer, and Bible study].
But when facing challenges, if we exclude God, we easily become discouraged. Using human wisdom and effort has many limitations, we can develop strategies, but we can never predict a definitive outcome.
Prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures keeps us grounded in Christ and builds our faith. The Bible is the only way, we can learn Christ’s Loving Character, His promises, and the history of His Divine intervention in the lives of the righteous.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).
Truthfully, we cannot trust a stranger. When our knowledge of God is limited, we instinctively place our faith and trust in ourselves. But at some point, we will experience life-changing events that only Divine Intervention can resolve.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).
From staying connected to Christ, we receive an internal assurance of peace and safety in knowing that we are loved by God, He is Faithful, and Committed to taking care of us.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’ ” (Genesis 1:26).
To learn the Righteous Character of Christ and His love for us requires that we start with studying the Book of Genesis, the Beginning. Biblical knowledge increases our faith in God.
The Foundation: Study the Book of Genesis and the Four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John], which records the Life of Christ. Before studying, always pray for The Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit to give you spiritual wisdom and discernment.
Our Heavenly Father Cares
“The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, BSB).
Words cannot describe the inner peace that comes from learning who God is, and His Amazing Love for those created in His Divine Image.
“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).
Despite our challenges and hardships, our Heavenly Father also allows us to enjoy peaceful times. Even when experiencing hardships, we are not grapes, God never crushes us, which would also crush our hope in His Agape love.
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18).
We are sons and daughters of the Most-High God who loves us unconditionally! God desires to lead us from Earth to Heaven. We cannot change ourselves or stay on the Path of Righteousness without Divine Directions.
We often mistake suffering the consequences of disobedient choices for God-Allowed trials. Thinking our own thoughts and planning our lives without God always has repercussions.
Praying for God’s Divine Guidance before making decisions gives us the assurance that we are aligned with God’s plans, which is the only way we can enjoy His peace, and receive guaranteed Victorious Outcomes.
By accepting Christ as our personal Savior, we committed to following Him as sheep who follow their shepherd. We are never alone! Pray, Obey, and Persevere through life in Jesus’ strength.
“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, NIV).
Daily personal worship [prayer and Bible study] is the outward sign of possessing a heart filled with love, loyalty, adoration, and reverence for our Loving Heavenly Father.
Staying connected to Christ has definitive advantages: In times of adversity and lingering hardships, only true worshipers can remain courageous, enjoying Jesus’ gift of peace.
From establishing a life of prayer, we establish our dependency on Christ. When facing the stormy seasons, our first response is a faith-based prayer asking for Divine Help.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
No other book, but the Bible gives us the spiritual nourishment needed to grow in Christ. Studying and meditating on the Scriptures invites the Holy Spirit to give us a deeper understanding.
Our commitment to worship God is rewarded. The Holy Spirit empowers us to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Our dependency on God is not weakness, it is the only way that we can remain steadfast in our Christian Journey.
“Trials never feel good, yet, trials are faith builders.”
From possessing Scriptural knowledge, in difficult times, the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s promises, giving us the assurance of our Heavenly Father’s Love and Faithfulness.
Whether in peaceful, or stormy times, we should separate ourselves, and deeply reflect on God’s love and our many blessings. We did not achieve a lifetime of victories by using human effort.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, HCSB).
Our Sovereign God is always Faithful! Every day, we are recipients of His overwhelming Love, Grace, and Abundant mercies. Yes, God deserves our prayers of praise and worship.
The storm cannot last! Eventually, the Sun will shine! We know that Christ, our Loving Shepherd will say, “Peace be still” and give us a spiritual calm that cannot be reproduced by human ability.
Like Job who suffered the most devastating adversity recorded in the Bible, if we stay connected to Christ, we will be able to proclaim:
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. “Even after my [mortal] skin is destroyed [by death], Yet from my [immortal] flesh I will see God…” (Job 17:25-26, NIV, Amplified Bible).
Only God can guide us through the storms that produce spiritual growth and transformation necessary to prepare us to receive our Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NLT).
Bible Study: Genesis, and The Four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John].
Lord God, we thank You for Your Divine Love and for taking care of us, even when we failed to acknowledge Your Faithfulness. Jesus, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, we choose You. We ask You to lead us, correct us, and protect us from spiritual warfare, and give us the strength to overcome external opposition and internal conflict. We thank You, and promise to give You the honor, the glory and the praise that you deserve. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
Recently, I listened to a sermon that taught us how we should pray for God’s help. For us to pray a prayer of faith with the confidence and assurance that God will intervene, we must know the attributes of God’s Righteous Character.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
Since the Bible reveals God’s Loving and Faithful Character, the Holy Scriptures are the Resource we depend on to learn Who God says He is.
God’s Righteous Character: God Is Faithful to His Never-Changing Character: “I do not change.”
“God describes Himself as The Living God. He is Eternal and He is Powerful.”
“…Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23).
“God is a God of Love, God is Trustworthy, and He is Faithful. God is able to do miracles that no one else can accomplish.”
Effectual Prayers Focus on the Power of God Not the Problem
The Child’s Prayer: “God, You are Powerful. I am afraid and need Your help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
King Jehoshaphat’s Prayer
“O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:6, 12).
King David’s Prayer
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; For You are my hope, O Lord God; O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me. But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.” (Psalm 71:1, 3, 5, 12, 14).
Jesus’ Consistent Prayers
“In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.” (Hebrews 5:7).
Affirming God’s Attributes, Commands, and Promises in Our Prayers
When Facing Enemies: “Lord God, You said that I should stand still, hold my peace, and you would fight my battle…” Exodus 14:14; 2 Chronicles 20:17.
When Facing Uncertainty: “Lord God, You are All-knowing, and have the answers to my dilemma, I do not know what to do…” Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7.
God Proclaims His Sovereignty
” ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God is Holy, God is our Creator, and God is The Sovereign Ruler and Authority of this universe. Angels bow before Him, all Heaven loves, adores, and worships Him with humility, awe, and reverence.
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4, NIV).
We are privileged to be created in the image of God, redeemed by the blood of God’s Precious Son, Jesus, and to have God’s Ruach breath flow through our bodies. Truly, God is the Sustainer of our lives.
We cannot remember “…the most important provision, most costly provision, YahwehYireh has given us. He provided the perfect Lamb of God.” How can we forget?
In 2025, because we are practicing the worldviews of self-reliance, pursuing our goals, and worshiping God only by attending weekly church services, we have distanced ourselves from God.
Truthfully, we do not have time for God. Satan has deceived us with the busyness of distractions, and we are following our desires for earthly prosperity and success.
The Christian Journey is tough! We cannot make it without receiving Jesus’ strength to remain faithful and to persevere through our many trials and adversities.
Daily worship God keeps us connected to Jesus, our Shepherd. To abide in Christ is accomplished through prayer, fasting, and studying the Bible.
We must learn God’s Righteous Character and His Promises to respond with faith and trust in God during hardships.
It is in the quiet times of personal worship that we receive the blessings of peace and the assurance that we are loved by God, who promises to always take care of us.
” ‘I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ ” (Isaiah 46:10).
Without Scriptural knowledge, and wisdom received from the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand God’s Majesty and Authority, or the need for His continuous Presence and Power in our lives.
Certainly, as the creation, we should possess a spirit of humility and reverence for our Creator. We should not wait until adversity enters our lives [that human effort cannot resolve] to pray for Divine Intervention.
To love God with all of our hearts is to acknowledge His Sovereignty through surrender, reverence, and to worship Him every day in Spirit and Truth with faithful obedience.
Only then can we approach the Throne of God with confidence, knowing that He will help us in our time of need, which is every minute of our days.
“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, ESV).
Lord God, we desperately need Your help to overcome in this journey of life. We ask for forgiveness for not reverencing You as the Sovereign Creator of this universe who sustains our lives. Lord, You are the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, and we approach your Throne of Grace because we desperately need Your help in resolving our challenges. We love You, and thank You for giving us the victory. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. (John 16:33, Amplified Bible)
The External Opposition
“Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4).
God’s Answer: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NIV).
Spiritual Warfare is invisible to the human eye, still every believer is targeted. In the Great Controversy of Good and Evil, we are the focus. Satan uses people and temptations to fulfill His schemes in the attempt to separate us from God.
Internal Conflict: Our Minds [Hearts] Are the Battlefield
Internal: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Since it is easier to choose wrong, we must pray to overcome our heart’s desires, which are never satisfied.
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14 NLT)
Though we can never be coerced to sin against God, every temptation is customized according to our desires and habits. Satan is not Omniscient, therefore he cannot read our minds, but he observes our habits and hears our spoken words.
The battles of Spiritual Warfare and the Desires of our Hearts are lifelong battles for which we desperately need Divine Strength to overcome!
The Struggle Is Real, but Victory Is Sure Through Jesus Christ
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12).
Although Satan has not changed his deceptive strategies since the Garden of Eden, his knowledge and wisdom supersedes human knowledge.
Yes, we were created in the Image of God, still, we were created lower than the angels. We cannot fight Satan, formerly known as Lucifer, the highest ranking angel, without the strength of Jesus, the Commander of Angel Armies.
True heart conversion reveals itself by acknowledging, “I was created to depend on God.”
Without involving God in our battles, we place ourselves in a spiritual dilemma, because we cannot win the war within, or the invisible warfare, without asking Jesus Christ, our Mighty Warrior for His Divine Help.
We Must Live As Prayer Warriors
“To pray without ceasing” means to pray continuously throughout our day for Spiritual wisdom, discernment, guidance, and strength. Prayer keeps us connected to Christ.
“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14).
The key to Victory is to possess a spirit of humility, always realizing your limitations. Before responding, or making decisions, always hesitate, and pray.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). To build our faith, and test our obedience, there is always a waiting period when we pray for Divine Help. Resist the urge to help God.
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14, NLT).
Who can fight against Christ, our Mighty Warrior and win?
God’s Promise: “I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24, NLT).
Bible Study: Exodus 14, 2 Chronicles 20, Psalm 37
Lord God, in these continuous Battles of Life, we desperately need Your Divine Help. We ask for the wisdom to use self-control when facing external opposition and internal conflict by persevering and waiting until you provide resolution. Lord, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and Divine protection. We ask this prayer in faith, and with joyful anticipation, we know that You will give us the victory. In Jesus’ Powerful Name, we pray, Amen.
“I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24, NLT)
We are not alone! Jesus loves us, He died for us, and He promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Everyday, we choose to stay close to Christ and to depend on Him through the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study. God has given us the Holy Spirit to be with us and to guide us.
Through the Holy Spirit, we pray and receive God’s Comfort, Strength, Direction, and Help. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in two ways, through our thoughts, and the Holy Scriptures.
The Bible is our Spiritual Handbook to knowing God’s will and making our lives easier. If you have never studied the Bible, begin with the Book of Genesis, which reveals God’s love for humanity, and the history of His Intervention when we pray for help.
“You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:13, NLT).
From studying the Bible, we learn God’s Loving and Righteous Character, and the way He resolves our challenges. Everything that God does for us brings glory and honor to His Holy Name.
How do we know God is speaking to us? He always performs miracles that human effort could never do. God desires for us to be faithful, pray, and wait on Him to resolve our challenges.
If God desires for us to do anything, He will give us instructions. The most important thing for us to do is to remain strong in our faith. We must trust God’s Sovereign Power.
God’s Promise: “You will not need to fight in this battle…stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you…Do not fear or be dismayed…for the Lord is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20: 17).
At times, Satan, our greatest enemy uses people to bring conflict and oppression into our lives. We respond with silence and immediately go to God in Prayer for help.
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14, NLT).
God is never in a hurry. Using our faith, we pray, and believe that God will help us. And then we wait, wait, and wait on God. During the wait, God is testing our faith, and the ability to be obedient.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
The Steps to Victory: Pray, Obey, and Faithfully Wait on the Lord!
Bible Study: 2 Chronicles 20
King Jehoshaphat’s Prayer: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?” (2 Chronicles 20:6).
The Pastor’s Instagram Reel started with these words, “Jesus is coming! “Truthfully, I felt relieved. Why? Finally, a pastor was on Social Media speaking with fervency about Jesus’ Soon Return.
After scrolling through six more Reels, I watched another reel of a young man on the beach who had a few grains of sand on his finger, who explained that the few grains of sand represent our personal interests, goals, accomplishments, and future plans for our lives.
But the beach that continued for miles represents God’s Eternal perspective and Jesus’ promise to give us Eternal Life, for which we are not prepared to receive.
God’s Eternal Perspective: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ ” (Isaiah 46:10, NIV).
Jesus’ Promise and Warning: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).
We are too distracted by our hearts’ desires and the world’s wealth and possessions. Satan has persuaded us to maintain friendships with individuals who cannot give us spiritual support because they also fail to live with an Eternal perspective.
Sadly, most do not realize that the Apostle Paul’s letter, 2 Timothy 3, is prophetically describing “The Last Days,” which is the time that we live in right now.
The Bible that contains God’s Moral Law, The Ten Commandments, His Principles, and Instructions on living righteously, most Christians do not study. We can blame our busy lives for not having daily personal worship, but the failure to pray and study reveals the true status of our unconverted hearts.
Not only is daily Bible Study nonexistent, but we say quick prayers and happily pursue and fulfill our agendas, never thinking about Revelation 22:12. We are so fixated on achieving our goals that we have forgotten about Jesus’ promise in John 14.
The Eternal Reward: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 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).
God’s Mercy: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Steps 2 Returning to Christ, With the Faith and Determination to Let Go, Let God, and Live a Blessed Life
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). “When we pray and ask God to guide us, He will guide us to the plans and the future that He has for our destiny.”
“Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14, ESV). This is Jesus’ promise to give us Spiritual Reinforcements. We cannot live righteously, resisting and overcoming temptations, and our internal desires, without receiving God’s Divine Power, Strength, and Wisdom, given to us by the Holy Spirit.
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23, NLT). “Let God guide you and He will keep you safe from Satan’s snares and temptations, and give to you every miracle you need.”
“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).
The Sacrificial Life: Separate yourself from habits, behaviors, and half-committed believers who are not pursuing spiritual goals and preparing to receive the reward of their Crown of Life.
Finally, we must align ourselves every day with the will of God through continuous prayer, fasting, and the commitment to seek, obey, and fulfill His plans, which we can only accomplish through Divine Strength.
When God, the Father, agreed to Jesus’ commitment to die for us on Calvary’s Cross, saving us from the wages of sin, their Redemptive Plan required our commitment to actively participate in our salvation.
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13).
“This does not mean to be terrified or to work for salvation through performance. Instead, it conveys a sense of awe, reverence, and respectful submission to God’s Sovereignty. It indicates a serious and cautious approach to living a life that honors God.”
“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).
God’s expectation is that we will demonstrate our love and loyalty for the gift of His Only Son through daily surrender, consecrating ourselves with faithful obedience to follow His Son, Jesus Christ, who keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
“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).
Yes, God has definitive plans for the faithful; still, we must possess the love for God to total commitment, and have the mindset of “Lord, Your will, be done in my life.”
Personal Declaration: “Brothers and Sisters, Because I love God, and I desire to see Jesus, the one who died for me, every day, I reinforce my commitment to Christ by verbalizing, ‘I am going to Heaven, and I refuse to willfully sin against God!’ Yes and Amen.”
Bible Study: Revelation 21-22
Lord God, we come to You standing in the need of prayer because You know that we do not have the time that we have been deceived to believe is ours to waste. Lord, we ask you to teach us, lead us, correct us, and protect us as we continue through this earthly Journey. It is our desire to live a faithful, obedient life dedicated to following Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and Triumphant King. Give us the strength, spiritual wisdom, and discernment to perceive life through spiritual eyes. Lord, we love You, and ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)
In 2025, conflict has infiltrated the home, workplace, social media, and every society. Oppression, mass job layoffs, economic instability, political corruption, and violence exists globally, and according to Bible prophecy will continue to increase.
“Numerous diseases once considered nearly eradicated or well-controlled have seen a resurgence in recent years.”
Our Fight Is Against Satan’s Dark Power
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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 6:12-13).
Believers, we are the target in an invisible Spiritual War of Good and Evil. Every day, we face temptations, schemes, and scams devised by Satan to produce personal devastation, and place fear in our hearts.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).
Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 [The Last Days] are the times we live in, and our response to the continuous discord must be continuous prayers of faith asking God for His Divine Help, Spiritual Wisdom, and Discernment.
Our Heavenly Father knows every challenge, demonic attack, and hardship, we will face, still, no spiritual warfare happens in the believer’s life unless it has been approved by our Intercessor, and Mighty Warrior, Jesus Christ.
The Spiritual Purpose of Hardships
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4, NIV).
The Daily Believer’s Prayer: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5).
King Asa’s Prayer of Faith
When the Ethiopian Army of one million soldiers came against Asa, the King of Judah, his immediate response was a prayer asking for God’s Divine Help.
“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).
“So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” (2 Chronicles 14:12). Through the Power of God, the Ethiopian Army was annihilated.
The Mighty Warrior God of Biblical Times Is Still a Mighty Warrior Who Rescues and Delivers! Yes and Amen.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17).
Active Faith is the Foundation of Our Relationship With Christ
Too often, we place faith in our limited human wisdom and abilities, but Christians who do not place their faith and trust in God through daily surrender and obedience can never stand against Satan’s Warfare.
“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:16-18).
Steadfast Faith requires total dependency on God. The raging battles, we face are greater than ever! Love is the foundation of our loyalty to God.
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” (Matthew 22:37).
To live as Overcomers, from the moment we awaken, we dedicate ourselves as Courageous Prayer Warriors because we love and trust God.
Yes, through faith we are saved by grace, still God requires us to actively participate in our salvation. To experience spiritual growth and character transformation requires full cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
“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).
Christ Is the Commander of Angel Armies and Believers Who lived an earthly life of faithful obedience to God, the father.
Preparing for Eternal Life is to daily seek God’s will and plans by searching the Scriptures, and continuously praying for the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible was written for Christian believers. The Holy Scriptures reveal God’s Love, His Righteous Character, Commandments, and Precepts, which impart knowledge, guide us in our spiritual journey, and prevent us from detouring off of the Path of Righteousness.
Our faith [and relationship with Christ] is nourished and grows through daily personal worship. At least one to two hours per day, we should separate ourselves and worship God through prayer, fasting, and studying the Scriptures.
God’s Promises Are Eternal
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43 1-3).
Without knowledge of God’s promises, when facing adversity, we join the group of believers who suffer from anxiety and discouragement because they only possess a superficial knowledge of God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). When experiencing trials, or hardships, a spiritual knowledge deficit results in asking the question, “I am suffering, where is God?”
“Jesus says, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ ” We have nothing to fear in the present, or the future when we live as consecrated Soldiers in God’s Army who strive to put God first.
With humility, whether in times of peace, or adversity, the faithful are always on bended knees, praying and asking for our Mighty Warrior’s Divine Help and Strength.
“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, ESV).
Bible Study: 2 Chronicles 14
Lord God, we thank you for being our Mighty Warrior. We ask for the blessing of supernatural strength to live as courageous soldiers in your Army. Give us wisdom and discernment, as we study the Holy Scriptures, and teach us how to apply Your Righteous Precepts to our lives. We thank You for being a Loving and Protective Heavenly Father, and look forward to the day when Christ will come, whose Righteous Name, we ask this prayer, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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