Uncategorized – Page 45 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Courage to Achieve Optimal Health

Today’s Devotional, October 10/16/2023 [Original Publish Date: July 5, 2021]

During my nursing career, I worked in various areas, but Behavioral Health was my favorite. Performing the Intake interview, which included medical and psychosocial history, never ceased to amaze me. The two factors that all patients shared:

1. “I know my situation is bad, but what can I do, I cannot change my circumstances.”
2. Their past or background held them captive, and they repeated the same counterproductive habits every day with consistency.

An interesting fact that has me perplexed is that most individuals take care of their plants and animals better than they care for themselves. I have a neighbor with a beautiful pedigree dog with chocolate brown hair that shines like the sun. His first love (Puppy) is well-taken care of with toys, several walks a day, swimming in the river 2-3 times a week, and from the description of the food that Puppy eats, the cost of his food is my monthly food budget. One more fact, Puppy has a night-time dog sitter while his owner is at work. What a life!

Now let’s compare the lifestyle of Puppy’s owner: He is a chain smoker, drinks every day, eats from fast-food restaurants three times a day, never exercises, and works the night shift [research shows shorter life spans]. Since my neighbor lives alone without family in Florida, I often wonder what would happen to Puppy, who lives a rich and famous lifestyle, when his owner collapses from poor health.

I live in a glass house, so I am not throwing stones. Even so, at some point in life, I had to face the fact that I would die a premature death if I did not change my bad habits. My academic achievements and RN nursing license meant absolutely nothing regarding my addiction to self-gratification. I was not an emotional eater. I simply loved the great taste of the food. And it was not the cheap fast food that is the craze of our nation. No, no, no, this was the high-fat, high-cholesterol meats like pastrami, corned beef, beef bacon, and lamb. Never really cared for steak, but I loved veal [the baby animals]. And the desserts, especially the variety of cheesecake, if it was created, then I had eaten it.

In 2017, my physician told me that he was very concerned about my health because of my non-modifiable risk factors and abnormal lab work [Diabetes and High Cholesterol]. When I heard that I was certain to have a heart attack sooner than later and that I may not survive, the reality of my “do what makes you feel happy” lifestyle had to cease and desist.

There were two concepts that I was totally unaware of, and I did not learn until recently:

1. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. “Without the desire to change, the courage to change, and a plan for change, we will not change.” (Johnson, 2021)

I could not apply the learned theories of anatomy and physiology and health principles that I learned throughout my lifespan because I did not possess the “desire to change.” When I desired to eat healthier, I did not have the courage or plan to change destructive habits. For whatever reason, even while studying the Bible, I was unaware of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Where are the sermons on keeping our minds and bodies healthy?

Fact: Our bodies were created in the image of God to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

We have discarded healthy behaviors for doing what makes us feel good and tastes great. And BIG PHARMA–pharmaceutical companies accommodate and feed our desires by developing and promoting their never-ending supply of pills. If we have the diagnosis, they have the drugs. We must stop our uncontrollable behaviors!

Identify the behaviors that are the root of your diagnosis of an unhealthy mind and body. Yes, we have the choice to live healthy by loving and taking care of ourselves. Begin today! Our past should not cripple our future! Pursue optimal health at all costs.

Our taste buds can be retrained. Discover fruits, vegetables, legumes, and the joy of cooking. Leave the cell phone, gaming, television, and laptop alone. Get outside. Take a walk, and use your five senses to see the beauty of nature around you. If you live in the concrete jungle, find a scenic park. Do what is necessary to boost your endorphins and serotonin [research these hormones]. It takes exercise and bright light to make our minds and bodies thrive. Take control today! It’s still a beautiful world!

Prayer: God, we need to change our mindset. We realize that our behaviors are destroying our health. We ask you for the strength and wisdom to develop a life-altering plan to achieve optimal health. As we use courage and knowledge to change our lifestyles, please give us the desire to include you as our Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson (Edited version)

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth

Today’s Devotional, October 15, 2023

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth, Today’s Devotional October 15, 2023

One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Spiritually, I believe that Jesus was intentional in using the metaphor of caterpillar to butterfly to represent His love and mighty wonder-working power to transform us into His likeness.

Growing up in a home without love and nurturing results in an adult who suffers from insecurity and low self-worth. From an unhealthy childhood, we live a life of compromise by trusting the wrong people and making choices that always result in outcomes with negative consequences.

We accept the brokenness of our beginnings because we do not understand the love and power of a God who heals and specializes in new beginnings. Thankfully, we do not have to continue in the brokenness that has impacted our perception of our worth. God knows the beginning to the end of every person’s life. And He is always ready to intervene by healing and restoring us if we choose to be made whole.

Through our relationship with Christ, we can receive a spiritual, mental, and emotional makeover, at any point in our lives. The Apostle Paul says, “We are new creatures in Christ Jesus.” The human effort of acknowledging, accepting, and asking for a “New Beginning” requires a giant leap of faith!

Before Our Existence: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” —Psalm 139:13-14

In Psalm 139, we are told that “God Has Perfect Knowledge of Man.” God was fully aware of the unhealthy environment which produced your fractured mental and emotional state. He knows your fragile heart and the desire to be loved and appreciated. Agape love is the love that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

“When Jesus saw [the man] lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well? ‘” — John 5:6.

Yes, Jesus promises to heal our broken hearts. Just like He asked the lame man, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus is asking us the same question. By surrendering our fragile hearts and exercising the faith and trust that Jesus is our Healer, with love and compassion, He makes us well. Not only does He heal us, but Jesus also gives us His strength and victory over our past. Pray for His Divine help!

Psalm 32:8 NKJV: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Psalm 32:8 NLT: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Praise God that we do not have to use guesswork in our earthly lives. From trusting God with every aspect of our lives, day by day, our little faith begins growing. Our faith will flourish when we totally depend on God. Like God’s love, there are no limits on the growth of one’s faith. Believe In God, because our Victory is Sure!

Through Christ, we are overcomers! Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Pray fervently before making every decision! God’s thoughts and ways are much higher than our thoughts. Never again will we live a life of compromise just to be loved and accepted by others. Our brokenness will be replaced with spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Do you want to be made well?

Scripture: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” —Isaiah 40:28-29

Prayer: God, we know that you are Omniscient. And You knew our beginnings would produce broken hearts. Yet, You promised to do a new thing, to make us over, and cover us with the Righteousness of Christ. We desire to be healed and made whole. Lord, we surrender and consecrate our minds, bodies, and souls to You. We pray for healing and ask You to make us well. We believe and ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.

Mustard Size Faith Moves Mountains

Today’s Sabbath Afternoon Devotional, October 14, 2023

From every unexpected life event, we are given the opportunity to use our faith and trust in God’s promises. From Moses lifting his rod over the Red Sea to childless Hannah, and Daniel in the lion’s den, God has always required us to put forth the human effort of faith before He intervenes.

“We have the same God that has worked for his people in ages past. Jesus stands by our side and as the trials come, so will the power of God.” EG White

God’s timing is never our timing. Pray in faith and wait. Be still and wait for God to manifest His power!

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14

Prayer: God, we ask You in faith to intervene and we trust in You to resolve our mountains of difficulties. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

The Life-Giving Message of Jesus Saves

Sabbath Devotional, October 14, 2023

If every believer would witness to one person a day, we would fulfill Jesus’ command to “Go.” Telling our personal testimony of how Jesus saved us is the most effective method of witnessing to others. When we give our hearts to Christ which requires faith, He cleanses us from all of the unrighteousness of sin and makes us a new person. We think, speak, and act differently because we are covered with His righteousness and the Holy Spirit abides within us.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ” —Matthew 28:18-20

It Is Written – Great Characters of the Bible: Jonah

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath! – Pray for God’s Mercies

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath – Pray for God’s Mercies
Sabbath Devotional, October 13, 2023

The struggles of this life are becoming more challenging. Many countries are experiencing war and famine which produces overwhelming sorrow, grief, and death. The innocent men, women, children, and babies are not only wounded physically but also mentally and emotionally. Why does God allow these terrible atrocities?

I invite you to study Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 18-22. Jesus speaks of the events that will happen in these perilous times of the last days of Earth’s history.

Although Satan causes disasters, wars, countless diseases, and deaths, God must allow the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. These events lead to the Great Day of Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming. We know how the story ends! Choose your destiny by faithfully serving God in humility and obedience.

God is good in that He gave Jesus to die for us. God is good because we are saved by His Grace. God is good because He promises to protect the righteous at the end of time. Study Psalm 91. God is good because His love and mercies are freely given to the human beings who continue to reject Him.

God is good because He will never allow Satan to destroy the earth or all humanity. God is good because He never changes and we know the expected end of this Earth. God is more than good because He has given us sufficient time to choose Him. God is more than good because the righteous will live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!

Prayer: God, our hearts are filled with sorrow and despair. We ask You to extend mercy to the innocent victims of every war that exists throughout this world. Hunger, hatred, and the evil of violence have escalated as we have never seen before. Lord, we thank You for the Sabbath and ask You to bring peace to each of us according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Wisdom Gives Us a Worry-free Life

Today’s Devotional, October 12, 2023

“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” —Proverbs 8:11

Being created in the image of God and surrendering to Him gives us access to His Divine wisdom. When we pray and ask for godly wisdom, the Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual discernment, knowledge, and understanding. We make choices that align with God’s will. As recipients of wisdom, we never have to hope for the best, the outcome is always perfect because God is involved. And we know that God always brings honor and glory to His Name.

Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10

Prayer for Wisdom

Lord, teach us how to recognize Your voice. Give us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to obey even when we face opposition. Guide us today in our choices and teach us how to love. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise?

Enjoying the Lifestyle of Compromise? Today’s Devotional October 11, 2023

Many years ago, I remember having a conversation with my aunt [who now is my Mother’s only living sister] about Jesus coming again and going to heaven. It was an exciting conversation until she said, “Oh niece, not every Christian desires to go to heaven. You have a naïve perspective of Christianity.” With disappointment, I responded, “But that is one of the reasons that we serve God is to go to heaven.”

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” —2 Timothy 4:3-4

Fast forward three decades and my Auntie spoke the truth. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus revealed the status of the Laodicean church which according to Bible scholars represents today’s Christian believers [Study Revelation 3:14-19]. The spirit of compromise originates from Satan’s skillful deceptions. We have blended worldliness into our lives and have lost sight of God’s commandment to be holy.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep

Lukewarm Christians are prevalent in 2023 and they are not ashamed of their lifestyle choices. Social media posts reveal their focus and desires to please themselves. How can Christian believers be so deceived that they think serving a Righteous God is according to their whims? “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you” (John 10:27).

“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” —Matthew 24:7-8

Climate change and global warming are feeble human-made concepts developed [in an attempt] to explain the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. God did not leave us without knowledge. In Matthew 24 and the books of Isaiah and Revelation, God has revealed the natural disasters and the spiritual changes that would happen on this earth which indicate living in the last days and the end of time.

As violence, disasters, and social problems increase, the number of steadfast and faithful Christians decrease. In Revelation, chapters 18-22, God reveals the victorious end of the Great Controversy of Good and Evil. Still, Satan has convinced many Christians they have the time to pursue their desires without praying for God’s guidance.

We are concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, inflation, and the future instead of making sure our relationship with Christ is steadfast. Satan is using sensory stimuli to distract us away from God. There are two phenomena that we have no control over, once we watch, listen, or read information, we cannot undo the sensory input routed from our eyes and ears to our brains. As one Instagram response stated, “You cannot reverse and erase what you have seen or heard.”

The second phenomenon about the brain is the adaptation and changes in the cognition and behavior of those who develop sinful habits. Disobedience changes our thought processes and places us in opposition to a Holy and Righteous God. Like Cain who offered a sacrifice that he thought God deserved, we continue to travel on the detour road. We do not realize that we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness because disobedience has changed our perception.

We say Lord, Lord, but our heart’s carnal desires rule our lives and we continue to chase our dreams. And we feel good about our life full of accomplishments and the acquisition of material things.

“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. —Galatians 6:7-8

Many attempt to use the works of attending church and reading the Scriptures, yet, their lifestyle reveals the behaviors of practicing worldly habits. Even our outward appearance changes. Once we spoke, dressed, and worshipped God every day as dedicated Christians, but now worldly music and programs have replaced praise and worship music. And our clothing in social outings are more provocative.

Still, God knows our heart. The voice we are listening to is not the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is no evidence of living a faith-based life of surrender and obedience. Yes, we experience transformation but it is not spiritual.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44, BSB

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. —Hebrews 4:12-13, BSB

When I was in my late 50s, my dentist told me something that I have held onto for years. Now that I have reached that stage in life, I have learned to say, no, without hesitation. He stated, “Something I would like for you to be aware of, once you become 62, physicians and dentists will try to convince you to have elective surgeries and to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental procedures, don’t do it. Only agree to the procedures that are necessary to sustain your health.

And yes, I have refused 100% of recommendations to change the one BP medication that I have taken since 1998. Although I have end-stage osteoarthritis in my knees [no cartilage, bone on bone], since 2015, I have refused knee replacements. Yes, I have limitations, I cannot walk on the beautiful Floridian sandy beach, but I can sit on the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean breezes. And with weight loss, I no longer need an assistive device.

My objective in sharing this story is for you to reflect and ask yourself, “Who convinced me to compromise?” Was it a pastor, family, or friends? Or was it from the pursuit of your heart’s desires? How did you transition from repenting, surrendering, and dedicating your life to Christ to one of compromise that will lead to destruction? Is the pleasure of sin really worth the loss of eternal life with Jesus?

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:14

“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.” —Isaiah 35:8

Jesus paid for our freedom with His life! We do not have to be enslaved to sin and suffer the dire consequences that were meant for Satan and his angels. Yet, we were created with the free will to serve who we choose to serve. But know this, there is only one narrow gate that we pass through to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Compromise will never provide us with the reward of the New Heaven and New Earth.

Our love and loyalty for Christ is demonstrated through our faith, evidenced by daily surrender and obedience. Only what we do for Christ will last and be counted in the end. Stand up and renounce the life of sinful compromise! The righteous who are sanctified through Christ have a great reward waiting for them. And we must be in the number of those who receive their crowns.

Scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” —John 10:10

Prayer: God, we pray for the believers traveling on the detour road of compromise that they renounce sin and commit to rededicate their lives to You. Lord, we thank You for the precious gift of Your life. We pray for the Holy Spirit to breathe on us and give us the power to stand as soldiers in Your Army until Christ comes again. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

Three Divine Powers Take Care of the Righteous

Today’s Devotional October 10, 2023

“What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” —Psalm 8:4

Created in the image of God who considers us friends and has called us to be a royal priesthood should have us singing praises and praying prayers of gratitude every day. God’s Divine love transcends our expectations by involving all of heaven in our lives.

We have three Divine Powers whose attributes are Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence. All-powerful, All-knowing, and spiritually present everywhere are the characteristics of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 91, David tells us that Jesus, the Commander of angel armies has appointed and commanded guardian angels to keep us safe—physically and from spiritual warfare.

The Omnipresence of the Divine Godhead: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” —Psalm 139:7-10

To clarify, all of heaven is involved in the lives of the righteous. Although God blesses the unjust, His conditional promises throughout the Bible are for the righteous believer. Who are the righteous?

Christ is the Spiritual Foundation of the righteous. We love Him and have dedicated our hearts, minds, and souls to our Lord and Savior. We seek Him through prayer and study the Scriptures because we desire an intimate relationship with Jesus, our First Love. Not only do we trust Him with our lives, we believe in every promise found in the Scriptures. Studying the Scriptures and becoming prayer warriors are engraved into our spiritual DNA.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” —Psalm 1:1-2

David tells us the righteous delight or they are joyful from obeying God’s laws and precepts. The righteous keep God’s commandments. The righteous have characteristics that the unrighteous do not possess—they are faithful, trusting, and obey God by surrendering and seeking the will of God every day.

Another notable difference between the righteous and the unrighteous is the righteous establish and maintain a total dependency on God. Yes, in prayer, we take all of our cares of daily living, the uncertainties of unexpected life events, and the fiery darts of spiritual warfare to God in prayer.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10.

The righteous are constantly aware that we are sinners saved by grace and our righteousness is as filthy rags. Yet, we know that Christ covers us with His Righteousness. The righteous repent daily of their sins whether intentional, unintentional, known, or unknown. They pray, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and patiently wait on the Lord.

The righteous strive to live holy lives by avoiding all forms of sin and calling on God for help in times of temptation. Still, the righteous will fall, but we have the confidence that we can ask for forgiveness and depend on Christ, our High Priest to mediate and intercede for us.

“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

Christ is our True Mediator. He is our Spiritual Connection from earth to heaven. He covers us with His righteousness and presents us as faultless before the throne of God. Christ makes Intercession for us. Our penitent prayers are taken to Christ by the Holy Spirit. And for this, He deserves our love, loyalty, and commitment to shun all sin. Through Christ, our unrighteousness is washed away with His precious blood. Thank You, Jesus!

The righteous diligently seek God by praying and studying the Scriptures every day. The righteous always put God first. Still, the righteous understand they cannot live righteously without being covered by grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The righteous are Christ’s disciples who witness His love to others. They pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal opportunities to share their testimony of how Jesus reached out to them and saved their souls from sin.

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” —John 12:26

To dedicate one’s life to Christ can only happen when Christ is our First Love. It is a daily commitment that allows us to receive spiritual insight and strength from the Holy Spirit to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Through prayer and Bible study, we develop an intimate, ever-growing relationship with Jesus. We desire to be like Christ and fully cooperate with Divinity for our character to change [Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:32].

Not only does God honor us, but the Holy Spirit gives us discernment and protects us from false teachings, comforts us mentally and emotionally, and imparts the spiritual wisdom to stay out of harm’s way. We have angelic forces with the God-given power to protect us physically and to fight spiritual warfare which our human eyes cannot see. Although the righteous suffer devastating life events, we do not lose our minds or our hope in Christ. With tears, in humility and faith, we pray “God, help me.”

“He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 1:8

Finally, we are preparing every day for that Great Day when Jesus comes. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus promises the righteous a reward of eternal life in a perfect, sinless New Heaven and New Earth where love is overflowing. Amen.

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” —Proverbs 3:24

This scripture has a deeper spiritual meaning that goes beyond a peaceful night’s sleep. When we strive to live righteously, eventually, we may fall asleep in death, but we have no worries. From our faithful obedience to Christ in our earthly lives, on that glorious day when the first trumpet sounds, all of heaven will be involved when the dead in Christ rise first. Whether we are risen or alive, we will see King Jesus who is coming for the righteous!

Keep striving brothers and sisters, our struggle in this earthly life isn’t for nothing. Never forget, that the Divine Godhead, the Three Powers, God the Father, Jesus, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit along with heavenly angels are taking care of us. Amen! Hallelujah!

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your gift of Divine Intervention in our lives. We pray for strength, guidance, and protection from all evil. We love You. And we ask this prayer, in the Matchless Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

God Knows Who Loves Him

Today’s Devotional, October 9, 2023

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37

Loving God requires a loving heart overflowing with genuine faith and the desire to obey His will. In serving God, the believer prays the prayer of sacrificial surrender every day. We dedicate and consecrate ourselves to seek God and live according to His will.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

We love God by possessing a heart of gratitude for His love and mercies which we express throughout our waking hours by singing, praying, and studying the Scriptures. Our times of worship reflect our love. “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Our thoughts, behaviors, and actions reveal the motives of our hearts. Our lifestyle is concrete proof of who we love and worship. We can go through the motions of attending church and reading the Bible, but our attempts to use works as the way to be in the right standing with God are just feeble attempts to make us feel content.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

Born with carnal hearts, we naturally have sinful thoughts and desires that cause us to pursue self-gratification. Our Father knew that we could not govern ourselves nor control our desires without His help. Therefore, God gave us His Holy Scriptures—God-breathed commandments, precepts, and promises as the roadmap for our lives.

“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” —John 15:26

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” —Romans 8:26

Not only do we have the Bible, but we were given the Holy Spirit to provide direction for our daily lives. Yes, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s purpose and plans for every believer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the righteous hear the Voice of God through their thoughts and the Scriptures. Many ask, How do you know God is speaking to you through your thoughts? God’s Voice is always consistent with the Scriptures.

Read 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Ephesians 4:32

The Holy Spirit also performs daily spiritual transformation [spiritual growth] and changes our hearts [our minds] and our character traits. Yet, as free will agents, we must give our permission and cooperate with Divinity to receive Sanctification which is a life-long spiritual journey.

In Philippians 1:6, we receive the promise that Jesus will complete the work in us which requires our full cooperation by striving to live holy and pursuing righteousness every day. Still, the promise states up until the day Jesus comes. Jesus will not transform our character or sinful habits on the day of His Coming. Every person has already made their decision to be faithful or not and will receive their just reward. Our destiny is in our hands!

Jesus, Our Loving Lord, Savior, and Intercessor

Romans 8:34 says that Jesus ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor who receives our prayers and covers us with His righteousness, presenting us faultlessly before God. Our responsibility is to shun evil and pray without ceasing for the strength to live holy. As our Intercessor, Jesus also prays for us. When our hearts are receptive to the Holy Spirit, our response is one of faithful obedience. It is then that Divine intervention occurs and we receive Christ’s strength.

The Believer’s Life is One of Constant Battles

At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Simon Peter that a test of faith was coming: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NKJV). The outspoken disciple seemed to be in the same predicament as Job when Satan sought to put him to the test (Job 1—2). Satan wanted to “sift Peter as wheat,” which means that he wished to shake Peter’s faith so forcefully that he would fall, proving that God’s faithful servant was lacking. gotquestions.org

Like Peter, our faith is weak. And Satan, our deadly enemy uses our desires and carnal weakness to develop deceitful temptations that we cannot resist without the Holy Spirit’s Divine Help. His evil angels observe our lifestyle and present strategic deceptions [personalized temptations] designed to make us fall.

Satan’s most effective method is to use people to make a believer fall. The lonely person meets someone who says, Lord, Lord, one who appears to serve God, but their behaviors and lifestyle reveal they have not surrendered to God. Ignoring the warning signs, the believer continues in the relationship and falls. By acting on their emotions, they begin walking on the path of compromise because their love for God is no longer a priority.

Just as we do not drive in the middle of the road, there is no middle ground of compromise in our relationship with Christ. Either we will surrender ourselves in humility and obedience to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us spiritually in preparation for Eternal life or we will lose our reward because we chose to live our best life on this earth.

To love God is to obey God. To love God is to pray every day and ask Him to reveal His will. To love God is to surrender and strive to stay in His will.

Scripture: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7

Prayer: God, we pray for the desire and the strength to give up every sinful habit and the individuals who will prevent us from receiving eternal life. We confess and repent that we have not surrendered and committed ourselves to faithfully obey You. Lord, we know the signs You gave to us in Matthew 24 are being fulfilled. And it is our fervent desire to receive our reward and live with Your forever and ever. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray. Amen.