The Victorious Life – Page 2 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – Audio Bible

Let Your Clothing Reflect Christ’s Righteous Character

“For it is written, “Be Holy, for I Am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Acknowledging that God exists is part of many individuals’ fundamental beliefs, yet, it doesn’t necessarily equate to living a holy life that represents Christ’s Righteousness.

What is the status of our relationship with Christ? Our clothing preferences reflect the true spiritual condition of our hearts and character. The converted heart loves God, and hates sin because sin is rebellion against God.

“…come out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17). God commands us “to separate from the world’s ways, including its values, behaviors, and influences.”

The sanctified man and woman of God choose modest clothing because their hearts are pure, and filled with the Righteousness of Christ. Spiritual transformation begins in the heart and is reflected outwardly.

Tight revealing clothing entices unbelievers who assume that we are also unbelievers. God will never bless us with a man or woman of God to be our husband or wife when our hearts are impure.

Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit who transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.

Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth arises from our love and desire to obey His commands. We use our faith to reveal to a corrupt world that accepting Jesus changes our sinful habits into visible differences that honor Him, and reflect His glory.

We look forward to living in our Forever Home with Jesus because love, purity, and holiness will permeate the atmosphere like the aroma of sweet smelling incense. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we love You, and ask You to teach us how to be holy. We ask this prayer in faith, and in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Are They Spiritually Compatible?

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ ” —1 Corinthians 15:33

“You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly” (Deuteronomy 7:3-4, ESV).

The roaring lion [Satan] is using various methods of temptation to lure us into the trap of meeting “Unbelieving Believers.” What? Many people believe that God exists, but they have not consecrated their lives to follow The Shepherd, Jesus Christ, with surrender and faithful obedience.

In the area of relationships, the Chasm of Compromise has grown wider and deeper in the Christian Community. Let’s face it, the life of a believer often involves traveling on the journey with Jesus without close friends, romance, or marriage. Wait on the Lord!

The Enticement: Online chats and Christian dating sites are not God’s ways to meet friends, nor are these God’s methods for finding husbands and wives. And today’s Christians can no longer assume that those attending church have surrendered their hearts to Christ. The churches are filled with ritualistic worshipers who practice sin seven days a week.

If you are thinking, “Times have changed,” then you do not understand Satan’s powerful and effective methods to separate us from God. The enemy exploits vulnerable individuals to execute his malicious schemes. We are often approached by unbelievers who appear to fulfill our desires to have close friends, dating partners, and marriages that are not God approved.

Like Eve, we are being deceived. Why is it so easy for Satan to deceive us? God’s Answer: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

The fallen angel has 6,000-plus years of experience dealing with human nature. King Solomon tells us that there is nothing new under the Sun. Our senses, especially our eyes and ears, are the channels that Satan uses to successfully deceive us.

“And Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she pleases me well’ ” (Judges 14:3). The Bait: If the individual is pleasing to our eyes, and their words sound like music to our ears, then Satan has us hooked.

“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).

We are so accustomed to using our senses and emotions to make decisions that very few Christians use their rational thought processes (sound mind) when meeting new people who spark an internal desire. Keep your spiritual guard up!

Met someone at the Mall, Supermarket, or Library? Immediately focus your conversation on God. Verbalize this statement: “Jesus Christ is number one in my life.” I attend (Name of your church). Where do you attend church?

Observe their spoken words, habits, behaviors, clothing, and social circle, especially if they are with friends. Worldliness cannot be hidden! If they practice the world views of pleasure, prosperity, and success, then you know their character is unholy.

“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7

Do not make hasty decisions! Stop, Pray, and Ask God if He sent the person. Do not exchange cell numbers! Desperation is the precursor to downfalls. If God is involved, be patient; He will direct the individual to your life again. The Bible reveals that one of God’s Characteristics is that He is never in a hurry.

Studying the Bible gives us God’s instructions and a spiritual point of reference before engaging in relationships. Samson and King Solomon are profound examples of suffering the consequences of having liaisons with unbelievers. Do not trust your feelings!

“Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7). Unless God chooses our friends and spouses, we will choose the wrong person [people] who will lead us away from God.

Never follow your heart! Always pray and wait before choosing friends and romantic relationships. The Holy Spirit always reveals when people are not part of God’s plans for your life.

“Be Holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

A True Believer has nothing in common with those who do not put God first. We often assume that the unbeliever or uncommitted believer will eventually change, but it is the believer who changes by embracing worldly habits.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

What can we do when we have already exchanged numbers, started dating, or engaged, but the internal Red Flag of “Something Isn’t Right” creates a spiritual unrest in our hearts?

We have a protective Heavenly Father who does not desire that we fall into temptation, or remain in a relationship that separates us from Him.

The Holy Spirit warns us that we are in a Spiritually Incompatible relationship, regardless of the stage of dating. Yet, God respects our free will choice to ignore His warning.

Beginning Stages: Chatting but never met. Or, 1-2 dates, still an uncommitted status.
Agreed Commitment: Dating exclusively only with each other, without engaging in sexual immorality. This is the ideal situation if God has placed the person in your life. But eventually, if seeking romance online, it will end in disaster.
Consensual Commitment with Physical involvement: Fornication immediately separates us from God. The believer has forfeited their relationship with Christ and holds the same spiritual status as the unbeliever—both are lost.
Long-term with Regret: Not married. You know this person is not a gift from God, but you feel that you are too deep into the relationship to get out. Sexually involved, may have children with the partner, or be living together.

Scenarios 1-2 Guidelines: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, ESV).

Searching online for romance demonstrates a lack of faith in God or disobedience to God’s answer of No! It is too easy for Satan to use people who create a fake persona. A Holy and Righteous God is Not found in Chat Rooms and on Dating Sites.

Scenario 3-4 Guidelines: “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5, ESV).

Sexual immorality places us in a lose-lose situation. Not married, move out. Children? Financial support is required. Yes, it’s a tough decision and may involve legal issues, but if marriage is not an option, save your soul by living a celibate life alone.

Sin always has serious consequences. Pray, fast, and seek Divine guidance and strength.

“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

For diehard pro online romance seekers who listen to others praise their current relationships and marriages, and the true love they found on dating sites, are in the honeymoon stage, when secrets are still secrets. Some are paid to promote the sites, and others have had to compromise God’s righteous values for their relationships to work out. Go with God!

Certain sins place us in bondage to Satan: Sexual immorality, drug and alcohol use, gambling, pornography, stealing, and overeating. Sexual immorality comes with heavy-duty chains; it weakens our resolve and causes us to compromise in every area of our lives. Yet, if we repent and exercise self-control, the power of God cleanses us from all unrighteousness. God restores!

“For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight…”—Psalm 51:3-4

The goal of restoration is to recommit one’s life to live holy, and reconnect us to Christ. God honors our willingness to live a pure, obedient life. Yes, we can receive Jesus’ supernatural strength to overcome all temptation, still, we must put forth the human effort to renounce and walk away from the demonic activities that bind us to Satan.

We must never forget that we inherited sinful hearts. Our greatest daily battle is the internal conflict of choosing right over wrong. From searching the Scriptures, we learn why God’s Righteous Standards for separating from unbelievers are life-saving commands.

Reflection: “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).

We will never fall into temptations and suffer consequences if we live a sacrificial life of trusting God’s plans. God is Omniscient—All-knowing. Yes, God knows who will finish the Spiritual Race and receive eternal life. He also knows who will follow the desires of their hearts and leave their relationship with Jesus Christ for the temporary gratification of relationships with unbelievers.

Certainly, God was disappointed when Adam and Eve chose to sin against Him. Our Heavenly Father’s original plan was not for us to be alone, but because of sin, we live in a fallen world.

Not every believer will have the opportunity to enjoy marriage or close friendships. We accept our Father’s will, consecrate ourselves to God, and trust His perfect plans.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

Jesus described Himself as a Man of Sorrows. Yes, loneliness is a valid feeling. Forming relationships with immoral individuals is not the solution. Do we have too much empty time with nothing to do but focus on ourselves?

Every believer has received spiritual gifts and talents that God expects us to use to witness. If we do nothing for God, then our hearts will drive us to sin against God.

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

Not one relationship on this Earth is worth losing our reward of eternal life over. Satan, our enemy, knows his time is short, so he uses people to distract us from fully dedicating ourselves to Christ.

We must decide between choosing sinful relationships or aligning ourselves with God’s Perfect Plans for our lives. God, the Father, and God, Jesus Christ, the Son, have fulfilled their roles in offering humanity the Plan of Redemption, which frees us from the curse of sin.

Keep your eyes on the Eternal prize of inheriting a forever life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)

Our present lives are temporary. If we just hold on, Jesus has promised the faithful and obedient believers a Crown of life in the New Heaven and New Earth, where we will never be alone or lonely.

Wait on God, and with faith accept His Perfect Plans for your life. The King Is Coming! Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we ask you to comfort the hearts of your sons and daughters who are experiencing loneliness and discouragement. Give them the strength to redirect their focus to fulfilling their spiritual assignments, and to look forward to receiving Your wonderful reward of Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS to Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Sanctified Life

“Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

“‘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).

When we love God more than ourselves, through daily prayer, we seek His plans. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength of Jesus Christ as we strive to live righteously. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to stay on the Path of Righteousness.

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial gift of His Divine life, we have the option to receive Eternal Life. Without a daily spiritual commitment, our minds become desensitized to sin, and we live a compromised life. Rely on Christ and He will transform your mind, character, and personality into His likeness.

The King Is Coming! Prepare, Pray, Obey, and Persevere.

Lord God, we pray for the desire to live a life that represents Your Divine love and Righteousness. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Teach us how to live holy as we prepare for your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

The LORD Is a Strong Tower!

Bank and Credit Card companies often compete for customers by offering perks and rewards. But the low interest rates, and rewards exclude those with a less than desirable credit history.

When we face difficulties that human effort cannot resolve, how do we respond? Either we put our faith and trust in God’s Sovereignty, Power, Promises, or because of a history of relying on ourselves, we exclude God as if He is a risk.

Yet, excluding God by attempting to resolve the issue places us in a high risk situation. Not only are human solutions unreliable, trusting in ourselves diminishes our faith and trust in God.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Steadfast faith is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Christ. When facing adversity, although not expressed in spoken words, excluding God reveals our true feelings, “I do not trust God.” Self-Reliance is a bitter fruit of pride.

The proud heart always rejects God. Serving God requires a heart filled with reverence and humility. “If we come to God feeling as helpless and dependent as we really are” with childlike faith and trust, by asking for our Father’s Divine help, we will receive victory over every situation.

“Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him?
Everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:10 -11).

God revealed His Omnipotence when Job questioned God as to why he had to endure the extreme suffering in his life. Yes, Job lived sinless, but trials are part of every believer’s life. Job repented for his haughty attitude against the Most-High God, and God blessed him with double the amount he previously possessed.

Throughout the Psalms, David, a mighty warrior, cried out to God, not because he was weak, but because he knew that God is a Loving Father, and human reasoning and ability does not compare to God’s Supreme Omniscience.

“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). Everyday we have the opportunity to pray and thank God for His amazing love, grace, and mercies. Only trust Him, and you will enjoy the blessings of peace.

Lord God, we confess that our faith is weak. We desperately need Your help in our journey of life. We ask for Your Divine Intervention in the struggles we face. Give us wisdom and the strength to persevere. Thank You for never leaving us alone. In the Righteous Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

“I Will Give You Peace”

POP: Pray, Obey, Persevere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live for today: Study Matthew 6

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

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

Will You Receive the Reward of Eternal Life?

Recently I watched four Instagram reels on disobeying God, but the word Disobedience was skillfully avoided in the presentations. It is better for us to know the Plain Truth than to lose our reward of Eternal life because we never obeyed God.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot depend on social media, sermons, and podcasts to save our souls.

Worship God everyday through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to understand the depth of God’s Transforming Word.

“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). Jesus is our perfect example of obedience to God. In The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “…nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done.”

Our Savior’s death on Calvary’s Cross reveals that He loved God, the Father more than He loved Himself. Obedience to God in every aspect of our lives reveals that our hearts are converted, and filled with more love for God than for ourselves.

If we willingly obey our employer’s policies because we are rewarded with keeping our jobs and receiving our salary, how much more emphasis should we place on our destiny of eternal life?

Disobedience to God’s Sovereign Authority always brings devastating consequences to our lives. Not only do we lose our desire to please God, but we pray calculated prayers filled with request for blessings instead of praying for Spiritual transformation.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). From studying the Book of Revelation, we know this Earth is our temporary home. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to be content with His blessings.

Why are we chasing the raggedy things of this Earth, and entering into relationships with individuals who do not desire the Forever reward Jesus has promised us?

Eternal Life Is the Reward for Faithful Obedience to God

The only thing we can take with us to Heaven is a “Righteous character” that must be developed in our earthly lives through daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God. We honor and reverence God through the worship of obedience to His plans for us.

From our daily prayer of submission to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, and our Mediator, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our unrighteous minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.

The spiritual journey is a tumultuous experience, yet, if we seek God’s will, and willingly obey His directives, day by day, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

We are never alone in our walk with Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to give us Christ’s Supernatural Strength to overcome the internal conflict of pursuing our desires, and the external opposition of temptations.

Proclaim out loud everyday, “I am going to heaven!” Amen!

For the faithful, Jesus is waiting to reward us with our golden crowns, and Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah and Amen!

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we as forgiveness for disobedience, and pray to have a heart that loves You, filled with steadfast faith and obedience. We ask you to reveal the behaviors and habits that prevent us from being aligned with Your perfect will and plans. It is our desire to receive Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.