“Because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:16).
“God is pure Holiness, and when we come to Him, we must see Him as being Holy.”
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).
“God is love. Love is His character. Love is the very essence of who He is. God is love, Jesus created us in His image (Gen. 1:27) to love and to desire love.”
“In Hebrew, one major word for love is hesed. This describes God’s covenant love for humankind, which encompasses traits of loyalty, protectiveness, steadfastness, and tenderness.”
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6). “God, the Father’s Love is revealed and given to humanity through Jesus Christ.”
The Holy Scriptures give us evidence of Jesus’ Divine Love for us. Each new day, we receive the phenomenal blessing of God’s Ruach breath, which keeps us alive.
Studying the Scriptures keeps us anchored in Christ. When life’s challenges and adversities arrive, our first response is a prayer for help. Faith and trust in God’s promises to help us gives us abundant peace, hope, and happiness.
“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.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).
The Christian journey results in a tough life that requires experiencing trials, overcoming temptations, and choosing every day to live a sacrificial life of self-denial, still Jesus commands us to be courageous:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
We have an unbreakable promise that God is with us. Daily surrender, prayer, and Bible Study strengthens our faith, keeps us connected to Christ, giving us comfort and peace despite our circumstances.
“How well do you know God’s Character and the history of His Divine Intervention?
Proof of God’s Faithfulness: The Bible gives us total access to the many stories of God’s intervention, protecting and rescuing the righteous from their enemies.
In fact, the Apostle Paul compares the Christian journey to a life of a soldier [Ephesians 6]. So we would never feel alone and discouraged, Jesus invites us to continuously ask Him for strength and help:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
With God, victory is guaranteed, not only do we receive the spiritual strength to persevere and keep moving forward, Satan’s schemes are always defeated. Yes and Amen!
Reflection: What is our response to God’s Amazing and Endless Love? We respond with hearts that are filled with love, honor, and gratitude to God.
Yes, we have hope in God’s promises! On Calvary’s Cross, Jesus Christ won The Great Controversy between Good and Evil
Christian soldiers utilize prayer as our first response to every challenge. When personal worship is our priority, we receive angelic protection from seen and invisible spiritual dangers [Ephesians 6:10-13].
“For He will give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11).
From inviting Christ, our Savior and Triumphant King to have dominion in our lives, we receive the promise that all of Heaven is committed to helping us to live as overcomers.
Everything Has Its Time: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
In Revelation chapter 19, Jesus reveals how He will remove sin and wickedness. Despite the escalation of evil on this earth, God’s loving promises give us hope, peace, and contentment.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). Loving God is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
With joyful anticipation, we have this hope that we will live eternally with our Triumphant King forever in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah! Amen!
Lord God, for this new day of life and for the Holy Sabbath, we praise your Holy Name. We rejoice because Your promises are steadfast and You are always faithful. We are so grateful that You never change. Thank You for giving us Spiritual Stability, which strengthens our faith, and releases all of our anxieties and worries. We honor and revere Your Sovereign Authority and in faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” (Mark 1:35, NIV).
Jesus Christ, born as a human baby, was still the Divine Son of God. Yet born in human flesh, Christ did not have the infinite knowledge or power He had in Heaven before coming to this Earth as a human being.
The Incarnation (John 1:14): “‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” affirms God taking on human form. Made Like Brothers (Hebrews 2:17): He was made ‘like His brothers in every respect’ to understand and go through the human experience.” Jesus willingly depended on God, His Father, through continuous prayer.
Jesus is our perfect example in how to make prayer a priority: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16). Jesus always relied on God, the Father, for the guidance, wisdom, and strength to withstand the harsh vicissitudes of His earthly life.
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2, ESV). We were not created to figure out how to live righteously or to resolve life’s challenges, even the smallest obstacles.
God’s Love and Commitment to Care For the Righteous Never Change
Although sin brought eventual death to every living creation, Jesus never left Adam and Eve alone. Through the sacrificial system and their individual prayers, Adam and Eve had the privilege of worshiping God and connecting to Jesus Christ for help, guidance, and encouragement without restrictions.
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1-2). For over 6,000 years, the Bible provides us with historical accounts of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, receiving and answering humanity’s prayers when they asked for God’s Help.
What is the spiritual purpose of prayer?
“Prayer is the ‘opening of the heart to God as to a friend,’ designed to bridge the gap between human frailty and Divine Strength…”
“No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Prayer is Powerful! Prayer connects us to Jesus, our Intercessor and Mediator, who covers us with His Righteousness and represents us before God, the Father, as His redeemed.
Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to give us clarity, wisdom, strength, and peace. We ask for help, and the Holy Spirit instructs, guides, and keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.
“Abide in me, and I in you… for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5). “Spiritual dependence [is] a continuous, relational connection with Jesus, and is necessary for producing righteous fruit.” [Galatians 5:22-23].
Jesus’ Life of Prayer and Worship: “Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Every day, the Son of God separated Himself from His disciples to pray and worship God, indicating that His relationship with God, the Father, was His utmost priority.
Jesus’ intentional habit of communicating with God through prayer reveals to every believer that continuous prayer is necessary to keep us spiritually connected to God, the Source of All Life.
Having The Spirit of Christ
The Spirit of Humility: A spirit of humility demonstrates our desire to follow Christ with faithful obedience; only then can we be guided by the Holy Spirit and experience daily spiritual growth.
Acknowledging That We Need Divine Help: Divine Intervention and Human Effort are required for us to follow Christ. Our daily prayer of surrender: Lord, please reveal Your plans for my life today. Always Pray, Wait, and Obey.
Without faithful obedience, we cannot mature spiritually or live righteously. Yes, we can stop habits, but Behavior Modification is not the Holy Spirit’s work of the heart and character transformation of Sanctification, which occurs day by day from the time we accept Christ until we take our last breath.
The Commitment to Be a Prayer Warrior
“Pray without ceasing, Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving [gratitude].” (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2). A life dedicated to prayer invites the Holy Spirit to teach us how to live righteously and empower us with the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes.
Prayer Establishes and Maintains Our Connection to Jesus Christ: “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “This Scripture highlights the deep spiritual union and oneness between a believer and Jesus Christ.”
Prayer is an act of surrender, acknowledging that we cannot obey God’s Commands and Precepts without being joined to Christ and being empowered daily by the Holy Spirit.
“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Yes, we can easily complete daily tasks using our strength, but without a faith-based spiritual connection to Jesus Christ, our hearts will drive us to fulfill every desire, which opposes God’s Will, resulting in living a life of disobedience and the loss of God’s blessings.
Prayer Acknowledges That Our Existence Is Through Jesus: “For in Him we live and move and exist…’ We are His offspring.'” (Acts 17:28, NLT). Our Salvation and Eternal Life are dependent on establishing and maintaining a personal relationship with Christ. As Jesus’ followers, we must walk through life on bended knees.
Prayer Is Worship and Worship Is a Lifestyle: To remain connected to Jesus, we must have the desire to be in God’s Holy Presence and to make the necessary changes to put God first.
The Spiritual Atmosphere for Effectual Prayer: Separation, Solitude, and Silence are needed for the Holy Spirit to lift us up into the presence of God. The Holy Spirit also teaches us God’s One and Only Truth and empowers us to carry out His plans for the day.
The Habits of Prayer Warriors: Separation, Solitude, Silence, and Time Management: Private worship should be conducted at least twice a day. Jesus gives us the spiritual protocol for being in God’s Holy Presence:
“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6).
To maintain our connection with Christ, always prioritize personal worship. Eliminating distractions includes saying no to constant interruptions that redirect our focus away from God to the things of this world. Our goals: To receive God’s instructions and to understand the deepest meaning of the Holy Scriptures.
Time Management Is Crucial: We take back the control of our time by designating set times for personal worship. Worship [Prayer, Bible Study, Religious Music, and Singing] should be our first and last activities of each new day.
Daily Worship Keeps Us Spiritually Aware! “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT).
Because we are Satan’s targets, whispering prayers silently throughout our day is a necessity. At noon, pray and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the wisdom to complete challenging work or educational assignments, and the discernment and strength to recognize and overcome temptation.
Living righteously is the toughest assignment that we must complete to receive our reward of Eternal Life. Our earthly journey must be one of prayer and total dependency on God’s wisdom and plans. “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
Living As Victorious Prayer Warriors – Always Pray, Obey, and Wait On God
Jesus proclaims His Faithful Obedience: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29).
God’s Warning: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). Decision-making is a continuous responsibility. Whether facing a routine challenge or life-threatening adversity, always pray, asking for Divine Guidance, patiently waiting for God’s answer before making decisions.
Faithful believers should never experience unwanted surprises and life-changing disappointments. Only God knows the future; we can never guarantee the outcome of a decision. The solution we believed would ensure a positive outcome could lead to unforeseen negative consequences.
By including God in every aspect of life, we can live as faithful and victorious prayer warriors! Yes and Amen!
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you” [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible).
Lord God, with humility, we approach the Throne of Grace because we need You in every aspect of our lives. Jesus, we thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and continuous intervention. Thank You for rescuing and protecting us from the consequences that we never realized could happen. In faith, we surrender to Your Sovereignty, dedicating ourselves to live as faithful prayer warriors, depending on Your perfect will and plans. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)
The following are Sermon Notes on living a dedicated life of doing God’s Will. Every day, we must ask ourselves this profound question: “Am I really doing God’s Will?”
“Every moment of our lives, either we are living in the Will of God or we are living outside of the Will of God.”
“There is no middle ground. Either we are living a life of obedience to God or a life of disobedience to God.”
“Is this decision consistent and in agreement with the Word of God?
Is it a wise decision? If I do this, what will the consequences be?
Can I honestly ask God to empower me to achieve this decision?
Do I have God’s peace about this decision? Is it the right time?
Is this decision consistent with the way God works? Is it consistent with the Scriptures?
Does this decision or action represent who I am, a follower of Jesus Christ?
Does this decision align God’s overall plan for my life?
Does my action and conversation align with who I claim to be?
Does my decision or action honor God? If you are thinking about doing something and you don’t have peace or cannot sleep, let it go.
Will this decision result in unrest and regret for the rest of my life?
Can I expect God to bless and reward me for making this decision?
God has a purpose and plan for my life and He wants the best for me. Am I going to trust God with my life?”
The Believer’s Prayer of Repentance: “Lord, I have lived my entire life thinking my own thoughts and pleasing myself. And for this sin, I ask for forgiveness. I surrender my will to You and ask You to direct me in all my decisions for the remainder of my life. Lord, I want Your best plans for my life, and I am willing to change whatever needs to be changed. In faith, I ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.”
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV)
In John 16:33, Jesus explains our spiritual journey and His promise to take care of us:
“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]. [Amplified Bible].
In Mark 11, Jesus says that if we have faith and ask anything in His name, we can move mountains. No, it is not literal mountains; Jesus is referring to the hardships and vicissitudes of life.
We start our day with optimism and the intent to accomplish our plans. However, it is the unexpected daily challenges and life-changing adversities that human effort cannot resolve, which threaten to rob us of our joy and peace.
Jesus tells us to be confident; every aspect of our lives is known by our Heavenly Father: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. 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 46:9-10, NIV).
Despite the present obstacles, knowing God’s promises and reminding ourselves that God loves us alleviates the burden of trying to figure out an answer. Trusting God is the only way to enjoy our spiritual gift of Jesus’ Perfect Peace.
Consistent Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Intercessor, who receives and answers our prayers given to Him from the Holy Spirit. Yes, studying the Holy Scriptures gives us knowledge of God’s Character, but it is using our faith to believe that God is who He says He is that pleases God.
“I Am That I Am” (Exodus 3:14) is a declaration of God’s Eternal, Self-Existent, and Unchanging Nature. God is Omniscient, [All-Knowing], Omnipotent [All-Powerful], and the Absolute Sovereign Authority of this universe. Yes and Amen!
“Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, Legacy Standard Bible). Following Christ means that we use our faith to completely trust Him with every aspect of our lives.
When facing challenges, we must fight the urge to divide our obstacles into two lists: “The situations I will resolve and the situations I will give to Jesus [because I do not have the ability to resolve these issues].”
“Behold, God is my Helper; the Lord is the Upholder [ Sustainer] of my life.” (Psalm 54:4, ESV). We should never limit the love of God and His commitment to perform miracles. God is interested even in the little details of our lives.
Fight against the thought of, “What am I going to do?” We redirect our faith and focus from ourselves back to God and immediately pray, asking Jesus for His Divine Help and Strength.
I can recall being mentally fatigued at my new job and wondering if I would be able to make a long-term commitment. I whispered a silent prayer, and the Holy Spirit instructed me [through my thoughts] to take my lunch break alone that day.
I went to my vehicle, prayed, and listened to Christian music. By the Holy Spirit, I believed Jesus’ promise of strength. And because of my faith, He strengthened me spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Jesus always replenishes our joy and hope. I finished the day with a smile on my face. From obeying the Holy Spirit to separate and spend time worshiping Jesus, I received the blessings of spiritual encouragement and the energy to keep going beyond my human ability.
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible).
When prayer is our first and immediate response, we eliminate the possibilities of our minds being held hostage by the faith-draining emotions of fear, anxiety, and worry.
In faith, we humbly admit our need for God by going to His Throne of Grace. “Jesus, I need Your help with…” is the invitation He waits for, and with joyful expectancy, we have confidence that He will answer our prayer and resolve every challenge.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14). Pray and Wait on God, whose timing will never match our desire for instant answers and resolutions. Every day, while waiting, maintain your faith, trust, and courage by thanking God for His Divine Help.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Depending on Christ and waiting for His Divine Resolutions has numerous benefits: Waiting strengthens our faith, facilitates trust and obedience to God, eliminates guesswork, and prevents us from suffering adverse consequences.
I received two miracles this week and can confidently say there is nothing more exciting than receiving God’s Supernatural Blessings, which always surpass our human understanding and strategies.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
Lord God, we thank You for Your unfailing Love, Grace, and Mercies, which include intervening and resolving every challenge that we ask You to help us with. We ask You to strengthen our faith, as we wait for Your answer. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
“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).
In Philippians 4:6-7, Jesus tells us the answer to alleviating all anxiety, we exchange our worries for peace through the power of prayer. As we bring our requests to God, we use our faith [even if it is weak] to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence because we have received the promise that we can always rely on Jesus.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus compared Himself to the Rock. When we place our faith in Christ, we have the assurance that our lives will remain stable because He never changes. Yes and Amen!
When the Israelites faced an impassable Red Sea ahead of them and Pharaoh’s Army behind them, their response was a total lack of faith in God’s Sovereign Power:
“And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord…” (Exodus 14:10).
The Faith of Moses: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'” (Exodus 14:13-14).
We know how Christ, who called Himself the Angel of the Lord in Exodus 14, our Mighty Warrior, resolved the situation with arrogant Pharaoh and his army—they drowned in the Red Sea: “The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.” (Exodus 14:28, NIV).
Studying the Holy Bible gives us knowledge of how God intervened for the righteous who used their faith to cry out for His Help. Knowing God’s Loving and Righteous Character gives us the courage to believe that God loves us and will always give us the victory.
In Psalm 91, angels are assigned by Christ to keep us safe. God is the Source and Sustainer of our lives. It is His Ruach breath that flows through our bodies. Faith propels us to believe without doubt that our Heavenly Father is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory! Yes and Amen.
God knows our weaknesses, but He reminds us that He does not have human limitations: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
“Each day, we can choose to trade our anxieties for His peace. Our trials and troubles are opportunities to rely on Him.”
Whether facing routine obstacles or humanly impossible dilemmas, a Prayer of Faith should be our First Response. Making prayer a habit when all is well gives us the courage to immediately pray for God’s Divine Help when facing the tough times of adversity.
We use our Faith to “Trade our real-life anxieties for real-time peace.” When we really believe in God’s Sovereign Power, then Peace should come naturally, because God’s promises always remain the same.
“I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10).
Lord God, we thank You for Your Love and the Holy Scriptures, which remind us that we are never forgotten. We ask for forgiveness for letting anxiety and worry consume us instead of immediately using our faith to bend our knees to ask You for Help. Lord, give us strength and peace, and we thank You in advance for Your Divine Intervention and Resolution. In faith, we pray in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17).
A few years ago, I watched a YouTube documentary on adopting a sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle. The Japanese professor shared her amazing story of changing her lifestyle, which included relocating to a rural setting and strictly practicing the concept of “Need Over Greed.”
Although the professor said she was not religious, she verbalized that her entire psyche changed, and she felt peace within. Because of her commitment to making positive lifestyle changes, including healthy boundaries, she indicated that she was caring for her mind and body with love and respect.
Yes, every living creature has basic physiological and psychological needs that must be fulfilled; if not, healthy growth and development cannot occur. Yet that is not our dilemma; many believers have excessive tangible goods and wealth beyond their basic needs, yet we still desire more.
Need Over Greed Is a Spiritual Concept
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-20).
Jesus is not teaching us the world’s concept of frugal living—Minimalism, which does not promote obedience to God, or give the principles to transform one’s character into the Righteousness of Christ.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).
Jesus is teaching us to have our priorities straight, so we can actively participate in the transformation of our characters, minds, and personalities required to receive our reward of Eternal Life. It is impossible to pursue wealth and success and actively participate in the journey of spiritual growth and transformation.
The Current Plight of Christianity: We are too distracted by our desires to have the daily personal worship that keeps us anchored in Christ. Prayer and Bible Study invite the Holy Spirit to give us clarity, wisdom, discernment, and Jesus’ strength to fight against our internal desires.
“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).
Without setting aside daily time for personal worship, not only are we excluding ourselves from the presence of God, but we are also living a life of self-direction.
King David’s Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV). David admitted that we cannot judge ourselves; therefore, he continually asked God to search his heart.
Redirecting Our Faith and Focus to God: Every day, we have the opportunity to communicate with God in prayer to learn His perfect will for that day, obey, fulfill His plans, and receive the Divine wisdom, discernment, and strength to overcome our desires.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV). Without a heart-to-heart connection with Christ, we instinctively rely on our human wisdom, which never aligns with God’s Divine Will and Plans.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7). Not having Scriptural knowledge and the desire to obey God redirects our faith and focus from God to ourselves. From thinking our own thoughts, our lifestyle of self-gratification reveals that we are living in opposition to God’s Righteous Principles.
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'” (Luke 12:15, ESV).
God is not surprised that we have not obeyed His command to deny ourselves. Every human heart is driven to please self, which we cannot overcome without the Divine strength of Jesus Christ.
The Onset Begins After Birth: “Babies are naturally self-centered during early development, a stage often beginning around 18 months when they develop a sense of self and possessiveness.”
As we mature through the lifespan, the joy of self-gratification is reinforced through learned behavior, the media, and the assimilation of a materialistic mindset.
For a short time, we are happy, but happiness based on materialism is short-lived, so we must continue to participate in the cycle to maintain our contentment through the acquisition of wealth and possessions.
God’s Command: “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).
The Scriptures should not be viewed as unyielding restraints. God is a Loving and Protective Heavenly Father who has given us the Spiritual Boundaries [in the Bible] to keep us on the Path of Righteousness.
Chapter 2
Although the Apostle Paul [who was anointed by the Holy Spirit to write most of the New Testament] was a very spiritual and dedicated Christian man of God, he also experienced the battle within: “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18, NIV).
We were not created to fight the good fight of faith alone. God’s perception of time is Eternal. God knew that in 2025, we would be inundated by the concept of “Pursue Your Desires, More Reveals Power and Prosperity.” The temptations of material acquisition appear overwhelming, but still, we were not created to be helpless.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (2 Timothy 1:7, Amplified Bible).
The Christian Journey will always include the struggles of internal conflict that arise from the inheritance of a self-gratifying heart, and the external opposition of Satan’s personalized schemes and temptations.
But through the sacrificial offering of Jesus, the Lamb of God’s life, we are freed from the bondage of an insatiable, greedy heart. Divine Help is always a prayer away.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We have all of Heaven—The Triune God [God, the Father, God, Jesus, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit], along with a countless number of angelic armies who are dedicated to protecting us from spiritual warfare, physical harm, scams, identity theft, and the rest of Satan’s schemes. Yet God’s promises and protection are conditional, and receiving His blessings depends on our willingness to obey our Heavenly Father.
Brothers and Sisters, consider the unbelieving Japanese professor who used discipline and self-control to change her life. Something is not right when unbelievers can successfully use their strength to exercise restraint, and we who accepted Christ as our personal Savior, who promises to give us Divine Help available 24/7, so easily give in to our desires.
Chapter 3
The Sacrificial Life Is the Only Way to Obey God’s Good, Pleasing, and Perfect Will
“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. 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 12:1-2, NIV)
By choosing to love God, we instinctively desire to obey Him. Personal worship expresses our gratitude to God, our Father, for His Love and the gift of His Only Son, Jesus Christ.
Our morning worship begins with the commitment to living a holy and acceptable life of self-denial. We surrender to God because He deserves our loyalty and faithful obedience; therefore, we use the discipline of self-control to renounce our desires.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10). Yes, we approach God in prayer for help to resist temptation, still there are times when we give in to our weaknesses. Our Father is still gracious. Through prayer, we have total access to ask for His Divine Help and forgiveness.
God’s love and mercy are always extended when we repent. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father never changes. Not only does Christ promise to never leave or forsake us, He tells us to move forward and continue to fight against our internal desires and external temptations using His strength: “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”
From engaging in consistent Bible Study, we learn God’s Loving Character and His history of intervening when the righteous run to Him for help, which strengthens our faith. We can never pray too much. Continuous Prayer connects us to Christ, who gives us His Spiritual strength to live day by day as Victorious Overcomers!
God knows that we cannot fight this Spiritual War alone! Heaven responds immediately to our cries for help. Still, we must put forth the human effort to choose to use our spiritual gifts of power and self-control to courageously renounce our desires by remaining steadfast to the conviction, “I will not sin against God!”
Throughout the Bible, we have examples of dedicated worshipers who did not sin against God. Their lifestyle reveals the habit of consistent communication with God. Daniel prayed three times a day, and for his faithfulness, he was chosen to receive prophetic visions of the future, which he did not understand.
“And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.’ While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.” (Daniel 10:11).
Because of Daniel’s love, faith, and loyalty, Jesus Christ, the Commander of Angel Armies, sent the angel Gabriel to give Daniel the interpretation of his visions. Yes, Daniel admits he was terrified, but Gabriel’s words, “Daniel, man greatly beloved…” were a message directly from Christ.
When we choose to live a sacrificial life, determined to faithfully obey God, dedicating ourselves to a life of prayer is easily accomplished. Prayer is our Spiritual Lifeline to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor; there is no other way for us to receive spiritual nourishment and strength.
Prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures not only keep us anchored in Christ, but we also recognize our identity as royal heirs who will inherit our Eternal Crown of Life, which consistently reminds us of who our allegiance is to.
Sanctification is the gradual [daily] spiritual process of growth and transformation required for every believer to, yet character transformation depends on our willingness to obey God.
If we are participating with the Holy Spirit, then we will begin to notice changes in our behaviors. Not only do we stop desiring the things we used to pursue, but we also receive wisdom and the discernment to perceive life through the eyes of Christ.
“You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today.” (Deuteronomy 11:27, NLT).”
The Nation of Israel struggled to obey God because they were mesmerized by the practices of pagan worship. If we expect to be blessed, which includes receiving our Crown of Life, we must cease pursuing our desires.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).
The continuous challenge for every believer is to remain loyal to God by staying connected to Christ; only then can we win the battle of Obedience versus Disobedience to God. Without surrendering ourselves in faith and humility to God, we are driven by our internal desires that we cannot control.
How do we win? We choose to have a “God First” mindset that only comes from loving the Lord, our God, with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. A spirit of humility invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Divine Strength to overcome and win the battles within and externally.
“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). All of Heaven is dedicated to helping us overcome our innate character traits of a selfish heart. Preparing for Eternal Life One Day At a Time.
Lord God, we desperately need Your help. You know our hearts and the consequences of embracing and pursuing greed. Lord, we confess that we have followed our hearts instead of obeying Your command to not seek earthly treasures, and for this sin, we ask for forgiveness. We ask You for guidance and strength. Teach us how to hear Your Voice speaking to us instead of following our wayward thoughts leading to self-gratification. We look forward to the day when Your Son, Jesus, and our Triumphant King will come again. We ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, 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.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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