Category: Living by Faith

What Gift Will We Give to Jesus?

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9).

Without knowing what the future would bring, Matthew surrendered and followed Jesus with faithful obedience because He desired that Christ rule His life. Because of their love and dedication, sheep always obey and follow their Shepherd.

The only gift we can give to Jesus is our hearts. The believer with a converted heart reveals a heart filled with love, loyalty, and a spirit of humility, inviting Jesus every day to rule. Who else can lead and keep us on the Path of Righteousness?

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

Because our love differs according to our childhood and personal experiences, many do not understand our Heavenly Father’s Amazing Love and Forgiveness. And for that reason, they refuse to give their hearts to Christ.

In Jesus’ earthly Ministry of Healing, He told many parables that gave hope to individuals whom the Jewish Rulers and Pharisees considered worthless and not deserving of God’s Love and His promise of a Heavenly Home.

In Luke 15, “The Forgiveness and Restoration of the Prodigal Son” reveals God, the Father’s Overwhelming Love for humanity, which exists today.

The Demand: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” (Luke 15:11-12, NIV).

The Prodigal Son’s Mindset: “In his restless youth the prodigal looked upon his father as stern and severe.”

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered [wasted] his wealth in wild living.” (Luke 15:13, NIV).

The Consequences: But once he spent all of his inheritance, the wayward son found out that the same people who loved his money abandoned him when he had nothing.

“So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:15-16, NIV).

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!'”

The difference between today’s Believers and the prodigal son is that we are not wasting money. No, we are putting all of our efforts into the acquisition of wealth, material possessions, and successful careers.

Sadly, the division that once existed between believers and unbelievers no longer exists. Our lifestyles, marriages, and relationships reflect the world’s pursuits and values of “You only live once.” We think, act, and live as if this Earth is the Forever Home, Jesus promised to us.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19, 21).

The pursuit of wealth, success, marriages, and relationships with unbelievers, which also includes individuals who believe that God exists, and may attend church but have no real connection to Christ, reveals a “Me First” mindset.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NIV).

The human heart can never be divided. Our decisions, choices, and pursuits reveal who is sitting on the throne of our hearts. It’s either Jesus or ourselves.

When we can willingly sin against God and feel no remorse, our hearts have changed toward God. Satan knows that he can easily deceive and tempt us because of his success with Adam and Eve, who were created with sinless hearts.

God’s Truth: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). God tells us that His Word is a Sword, and this is a Sword Scripture!

The believers who deny the true condition of their hearts and feel that attending weekly church services is enough to save them easily fall when tempted.

Satan is not Omniscient—He cannot read our minds or know our thoughts until they are reflected by our actions, and our secular lifestyle.

For those who are pursuing their heart’s desires, they have been deceived by Satan to embrace one or both mindsets:

  1.  They perceive God as harsh and selfish, giving us too many commands of “don’t do this, and setting Righteous Standards that we can never achieve.”
  2. Or, they believe that we can live as we please, chase our desires, and still receive our reward of Eternal Life.

Jesus asks, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36, NLT). There is no reward for disobedience.

Because Satan, the master deceiver, is evil, he also chases the “I surrender all to Jesus” Christians who pray, study the Bible, ask daily for God’s will to be done, and strive to obey.

Dedicated believers with converted hearts still struggle to overcome the internal conflict between their hearts’ desires and the external opposition of temptations.

Victory is gained because they continuously rely on Christ’s strength: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is their continuous prayer.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13, NIV). Because God is Love, our Heavenly Father has no desire for His sons and daughters to continue on the wide road of destruction.

Jesus Is Still Knocking At the Door of Our Hearts: We always receive a Spiritual Red Flag message, warning us of our heart’s true condition. The Holy Spirit, aka the Spirit of Truth, speaks to us, revealing that we are no longer traveling on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, and to return to Christ.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Restoration Requires Repentance: “I will set out and go back to my Father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his Father. (Luke 15:18-20, NIV).

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, NIV). When the prodigal returned to His Father, “How different his conception of [His Father] was!”

God’s Commandments and Righteous Precepts are not restrictions! We are in a spiritual war, and Satan is determined to tempt us with earthly trinkets and short-lived success so we will abandon our relationship with Jesus Christ.

“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).

We Must Fight the Good Fight of Faith! In the Name and Power of Jesus Christ, we can overcome all desires and temptations. Give Yahweh the gift He deserves: Every day, proclaim, Jesus, You rule my heart!

Bible Study: Luke 15

Lord God, we ask for the forgiveness of nurturing a Me First heart. Like Matthew, we desire to follow Jesus in our earthly journey. Lord, in faith, we give you our hearts and renew our covenant of obedience to surrender to your will and plans. Lead us, protect us, correct us, and redirect us, and give us the Divine Strength to overcome when we are mesmerized by the temporary treasures, success, and pleasures of this Earth. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Beauty of Solitude: Time Alone In God’s Presence

On my first day of orientation as a Nursing Supervisor, I recall an unusual job training method conducted by Allison, the Regional Director, who informed me that for the next three days, I would spend time alone studying and learning the organization’s policies and nursing protocols.

When I entered the conference room, half of the table was covered with 4-inch binders bursting at the seams. From Monday to Wednesday, I studied for eight hours each day, absorbing all of the information my frontal lobe could manage.

On Thursday, Allison entered the conference room and stated, “I know that you do not understand why I instructed you to spend alone learning these policies and procedures, but in time, you will.”

Much to my surprise, I learned that although healthcare professionals must abide by the state’s licensure regulations for delivering care, regardless of their professional status, personal morals and values significantly impact a person’s judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

It was disappointing to address the numerous policy violations during my tenure, which required staff remediation and additional training due to their knowledge deficits. The plan of correction included changes in the initial orientation and continuous education for the staff.

As I reflected on this past experience, I thought about Allison’s productive and effective training strategy of learning in solitude. From not spending time alone with God in personal worship, many believers have a knowledge deficit of God’s Righteous Character and how to live righteously because of the failure to study the Holy Scriptures.

Reflection: How are we managing our God-given gift of Time? “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV).

Each new day, we stand at the Spiritual Crossroads: We must choose, will we put God first, or ourselves? Do we have a God-First mindset? Our initial morning thoughts reveal who our priority is: God or ourselves. If our default is reflecting on the busy day ahead, then sadly, we are number one.

Loving God requires the sacrificial gift of using our time to worship Him every day. We should not try to squeeze God into a busy schedule, but from the moment we awaken, our gratitude for another day of life is expressed by asking God to reveal His plans for the new day. Because God is God, He deserves the First Fruits of our gift of time in morning worship.

Evening worship is our opportunity to reflect on and to thank our Heavenly Father for the many blessings of provisions and protection from unseen spiritual warfare, physical harm, and the strength to complete our daily activities.

Which activities are covertly consuming our time? Are we spending more time at the gym than in worship? Or working countless hours of overtime in the pursuit of success and financial stability? Is Social Media, or watching the World News and Politics, our way of relaxing instead of praying? If we have a family, are the children’s schedules packed with numerous extracurricular activities that prevent daily family worship?

How do we put God first when we face countless distractions, crammed schedules, and overwhelming responsibilities? Managing our time not only requires the Big Chop, but we must also ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, so that nothing comes before our God-First commitment and our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over 6,000 years ago, Jesus revealed The Perfect Time Management Plan: “He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while’—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat.” (Mark 16:31, Amplified Bible).

“Following Christ’s Example: Jesus often withdrew for solitary prayer, demonstrating that even He needed this time for wisdom and strength, [from God, the Father] a vital example for His followers.”

“Solitude isn’t loneliness; it’s a purposeful withdrawal for spiritual connection, allowing one to enjoy God’s presence and power, transforming moments of being alone into encounters with the Divine.”

One of Satan’s greatest deceptions that many believers have embraced is that we do not have to study the Bible. In fact, a most recent study finds that only “11-15% of Christians study the Bible daily.” But to remain committed, faithful, and obedient to God requires that we study the Holy Scriptures for ourselves.

“My people perish because of the lack of knowledge.”(Hosea 4:6). The Bible is our Spiritual Roadmap: Staying on the Narrow Path of Righteousness Requires Divine Intervention and Human Effort.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals God’s Love, the attributes of His Righteous Character, Jesus’ earthly ministry, Promises, Prophecies, and teaches us how to live righteously. Before studying the Scriptures, we ask the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom, discernment, and clarity of God’s Word.

Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘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.'”

In faith, we ask for Divine Strength, and put forth the human effort to learn God’s Righteous Character, and obey His Commands, Precepts, and Principles. It is the Holy Scriptures that teach us how to prepare ourselves daily to receive our reward of Christ’s promise to take the righteous to Heaven when He comes again [Revelation 21-22].

“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).

In the quiet stillness of solitude, through prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures, Jesus gives us the Living Water and the Bread of Life necessary for our Spiritual Nourishment, and the Holy Spirit instructs us to do our part [obeying God], guiding us moment by moment as we strive to stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

From dedicating time to be in the presence of God, we are changed into the likeness of Christ’s Beautiful Character, and as the Apostle Paul did, in the strength of Christ, we can also proclaim:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Lord God, we commit our time that You have gifted us with to worship You in Spirit and Truth. We thank You for Your faithfulness even when we are not, and for our unfaithfulness, we ask for forgiveness. We look forward to the day when Jesus will come again and take us to Heaven. Until then, we ask You to empower us with Your strength to persevere through this journey of life. In Jesus’ Loving and Powerful Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Gratitude is a Lifestyle – Developing A Grateful Heart

David’s Prayer of Praise and Gratitude: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5, NIV).

God is the Source and Sustainer of Life, and the Giver of All Good Gifts: Yes, we love blessings! Yet when we think of God’s blessings, it usually produces thoughts of receiving money and tangible possessions.

But King David reminds us that the Spiritual blessings of God’s Love, Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercies, Patience, and Divine Strength are crucial to our spiritual walk with Christ because they empower us to live righteously.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). We value our daily gift of another day because the Scriptures remind us, “…For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”(James 4:14).

“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).

Every modality that is purchased with money, promising peace, is a counterfeit. Satan can mimic many things, but he will never be able to reproduce Jesus’ gift of Divine Peace.

To every believer, Jesus’ gift of peace is freely given, but only a few Christians actually experience the joy and happiness that come from having continuous spiritual peace.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).

A key obstacle to receiving Jesus’ peace is our failure to study the Bible, leaving us unaware of God’s expectations. The only alternative is to follow our thoughts and inclinations, which prevents the Holy Spirit from guiding us in our earthly journey.

No Peace From Traveling on the Highway of Self-Governance: Let’s face it, we live in an environment where the prevailing worldview is to rely on one’s thoughts and emotions.

Although the pursuit of happiness is the goal, traveling the world’s Expressway requires a lifestyle of self-reliance, which keeps the mind in overdrive. Relying on our thoughts to navigate this tumultuous journey comes at a high price; we have no time to commune with God in personal worship.

Without relying on Divine wisdom and discernment, the brain is overwhelmed by constant overthinking every day. Self-reliance demands payment that leads to spiritual and emotional bankruptcy. Self-gratification requires the continuous development of strategies that must be reevaluated and quickly restructured when failure occurs. 

Enough is never enough! King Solomon tells us the human heart can never be satisfied: “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8, NLT).

The decision to exclude God produces a state of “Emotional Exhaustion Leading to Spiritual Confusion that Separates Us From God.” Sadly, like the prodigal son, it usually takes a crisis to return to God on bended knees before we come to our senses.

The Spiritual Steps to Restoration and Receiving Jesus’ Peace

Changing Lanes: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

God’s perspective is always spiritual. Jesus reminds us that we cannot save our souls. Staying on the Path of Righteousness has always required Divine Help. When Christ, our Shepherd, tells us that we were created without the ability to guide ourselves, we believe Him without question.

The Plan of Redemption includes the gift of Salvation, which is freely given to those who believe and accept Jesus as their Savior. But certainly it was not free for Jesus Christ, who was required to die a heinous death on Calvary’s Cross.

When we truly love God, we are grateful that through Christ, we have received the option of not paying the wages of sin. Loving God is demonstrated by seeking His will through daily personal worship, which should not be a burden.

Gratitude is Obedience: Daily personal worship [Prayer and Bible study] is a lifestyle that reveals a converted and sanctified heart willing to acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority.

The Standing Invitation: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT).

Jesus is Still Interceding for the Righteous

Jesus Christ, Yeshua, our Heavenly Intercessor, receives our prayers, forgives our sins, covers us with His Righteousness, gives us our daily provisions, heals our minds and bodies, and sends angels to constantly protect us from unseen spiritual warfare and physical danger [Psalm 91].

We have a relentless enemy who desires our souls! Yes, believers, we are the target in The Great Controversy of Good and Evil! Our fight is not against flesh and blood.

Jesus’ Warning: “…He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44, NIV).

Satan, our greatest enemy, has deceived many to believe that we can live as we please and still inherit our Crown of Life. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).

Through daily Consecration, we realign ourselves with God’s Divine Purpose by choosing to exit from the Road of Self-Governance back to the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

The Sacrificial Life Is the Only Life Acceptable to 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).

A couple of years ago, I watched a documentary filmed in Japan on the reinvented life of a retired college professor who practiced the concept of “Need Over Greed.”

Although she developed a mindset of gratitude from the practice of “enough is enough and zero waste,” she denied any religious affiliation with her lifestyle.

Need Over Greed and Minimalism are lifestyle changes that require continuous discipline, practiced by unbelievers who never acknowledge God, which should raise a Red Flag for believers.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self control].” (2 Timothy 1:7).

We have 24/7 access to Jesus, who promises to give us the Divine Strength to live a disciplined, righteous life. The Apostle Paul tells us that we were created with spiritual gifts, so when tempted, we pray for Jesus’ supernatural strength to overcome; still, God expects us to use self-control.

Throughout the Bible, we learn that God is Love, and He has always fulfilled His promises to “never leave us.” We have Jesus Christ, the Mighty Warrior, who promises to fight our battles, giving us hope and peace: “No weapon formed against you will prosper.”

Gratitude for God goes beyond spoken words. Every day, our gratitude is reflected through a lifestyle of surrender and faithful obedience. We love Him because He first loved us. Yes and Amen!

The Pathway to Peace is Paved With Gratitude

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Bible Study: Galatians 5; Ephesians 6

Prayer: Thank You, Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, for Your Amazing and Continuous Love. Forgive us for nurturing a spirit of self-reliance. We acknowledge that we can do nothing without You. Lead us, guide us, correct us, and protect us as we navigate through our spiritual journey. We commit to living a life that reveals our desire to give You the honor, glory, and praise that You rightfully deserve. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray this prayer of gratitude, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

“You’re in a Battle that You Will Win” Video Short

Facing Opposition? Study 2 Chronicles 20, to learn how King Jehoshaphat used his faith to teach us how to pray.

When facing opposition, we usually focus on the matter at hand, but King Jehoshaphat teaches us to focus on the power of God in our prayers.

Yeshua, El Gibbor, is the Mighty God, and The Commander of the angel armies. Throughout the Holy Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, we find that Jesus has always been a Mighty Warrior protecting the faithful from their enemies.

Only trust Him and Christ will give you the victory. Yes and Amen.

“‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,’ Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17).

Video Short by Pastor W. Phipps

Created With the Free Will to Choose Christ

“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.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

You Are Not Your Provider

At some point in our lives, we will reach the Red Sea that no amount of human effort can open or resolve. Through daily personal worship, we acknowledge God’s love and His faithfulness, trusting that He will give us our provisions.

Our Heavenly Father is not only Faithful, He is always true to His Character. If he said it, He will do it. Praises of gratitude increase our faith in God.

“Bless the LORD, oh my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name! Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.. ” (Psalm 103:1-2).

From living a sacrificial life of serving God with humility and daily prayers of gratitude for all His blessings, we immediately fall to our knees, whispering a prayer in faith knowing that God will provide in every season of life.

“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).

Our Response: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17).

So, when life events create lean times of financial deficit from job loss, or unexpected sickness, those who have developed a total dependency on God are confident they will receive God’s Divine 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).

We were not created to figure it out, or use our thoughts to develop solutions that place us as players in the risky Game of Chance. In Matthew 6, Jesus reiterates that He will provide for us. Only trust Him! Peace and Blessings.

Lord God, we are thankful and grateful for Your love and continuous care. With all of our hearts, souls, and minds, we worship and praise your Holy Name because you are God.  We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, our Triumphant King, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

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Praying Effectual Prayers When Asking For God’s Help

“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, Yahweh Yireh 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.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry