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“Jesus, If You Can”
Jesus, If You Can Devotional Reading June 2, 2023
“And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'” —Mark 9:22-23
Our greatest battle in life is Faith versus Feelings! We have embraced and adopted the worldview of do-it-yourself. Because of self-reliance, our measure of faith has not grown or developed. Many Christians have stopped praying for God’s Divine guidance and help in their routine duties of life. It’s not until a life-changing event that we get on our knees and cry out for God’s help.
Words of Faith, Fear, and Doubt—”But if You can do anything”
Yes, the child’s father had heard of a man and His disciples who could heal. After the disciples failed to heal the young boy because of their faithlessness, the father used all the courage he had to approach Jesus. The disciples’ failure left the man feeling unsure of Jesus’ spiritual power to heal. Yet, he took the risk in front of a crowd of people to ask Jesus if He could heal his son.
In His earthly life, Jesus always exhibited His true love and compassion to those in need. Some biblical translations mislead us to believe that Jesus scolded the child’s father with the response “What do you mean, ‘If I can?’ Jesus asked.” Those condescending words would never be spoken by our Loving Savior!
Our faith in God is being attacked every day. The spiritual warfare that we face includes the misrepresentation of God as punitive—always ready to punish humanity. We know that the fallen angel, Lucifer who is now Satan is responsible for the lies regarding God. Our faith has diminished because we failed to learn of God’s character which is evident throughout the Bible.
Even so, do not let worldviews, your feelings, the opinions of others, the presenting circumstances, or the lack of Scriptural knowledge cause disbelief in the love and power of Jesus Christ!
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.…” — Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus knows the weaknesses of our hearts and characters. He is aware of the self-reliance and fears that prevent us from coming to Him immediately when we face overwhelming challenges. Yet, He tells us the only way His Divine power can provide absolute resolution to the trials and sorrows we face.
The story of the child with symptoms of epilepsy and his father who decided to courageously approach Jesus with the little faith he had teaches us that when we put our unbelief aside and approach God in prayer, supernatural results happen even though our faith is weak. Our prayers must be spoken in faith, “Jesus, I know You can.”
In Revelation, the Apostle John reveals to us the Character and Majestic Power of Christ: “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hell and of Death.'” —Revelation 1:18-19
Who else but Jesus can reassure us that His power is so great that He overcame death? And who else but Jesus would die for all of humanity including those who despise, disobey, and have no faith in Him?
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” With finite understanding, we will never fully comprehend the POWER and Love that Christ has for us. Still, every day we can make the intentional commitment to embrace and verbalize Jesus’ love, be intentional with our faith, and believe His Holy Words.
Prayer: God, we are distracted by the many worldviews that are diminishing our faith in Your power and love for us. We commit to faithfully believing in Your loving character and Your unlimited power. Jesus, we love You. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ Loving Name, Amen.
© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God
Living Beyond Our Expectations
Living Beyond Our Expectations Devotional Reading June 1, 2023
A nomadic movement is sweeping through the United States that is portrayed by Van and RV Life. Many individuals are selling their brick-and-mortar homes to enjoy freedom. Although this lifestyle is appealing because of the ability to live debt-free, major drawbacks include self-centeredness, isolation, and finding a place to safely live off the grid every day.
Nomadic life in its truest sense is usually composed of a family of three generations who are part of a community that views life collectively. Families share and barter and trade with each other. But most importantly, one is never alone! And the movement of relocation is not a spontaneous decision but involves the development of definitive plans to ensure a successful continuity of life.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
We can agree that whatever lifestyle we choose has its challenges. Yet many cannot cope with the everyday ups and downs in their lives. They have a constant level of internal chaos that produces feeling overwhelmed even when minor issues arise. Since God has given us certain innate qualities, what has led to our inability to cope and enjoy optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual health?
In highly developed countries the “I” concept—to always put oneself first has negative long-term effects. The unrighteous character traits of selfishness and greed quickly overpower and erase the character trait of love we were created with. Through learned behaviors, we think the normal standard for life is to focus on ourselves without ever thinking of others. The do-it-yourself lifestyle has created subsequent generations who are angry, depressed, anxious, worried, and always discontented with their lives.
The suicide rate increases because the prevailing standards of “No one is coming to help you,” and “just do it” promote unrealistic expectations along with isolation, and a spirit of selfishness. The worldview of pursuing financial success leaves many with abject hopelessness when they are unable to obtain an abundance of money and material things.
God’s plan for the family and Christian community is to love each other and work together in harmony. It takes much effort to live against God’s perfect plans. Attempting to serve God when unrighteous character traits are taking over produces spiritual emptiness. We lose our love and compassion along with the desire to consider the misfortunes of others.
Since God did not create us with a spirit of selfishness our self-focus places undue stress on our mental and emotional health. Drifting away from godly principles leaves us physically weary and we enter a state of spiritual bankruptcy!
“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” —1 John 3:17
To live beyond one’s expectations does not include the pursuit of wealth and prosperity. God created us with the “We” concept to think of the needs of others. Until the Christian community embraces our duty to help others, we will never receive God’s blessings or have the character of Christ which is a must to receive the reward of eternal life. Our desire to live beyond our expectations happens when we embrace and practice God’s righteous principles of loving and helping others!
Scripture: We didn’t bring anything into this world, and we won’t take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes. People who want to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and traps. They are caught by foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them. The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so much they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain. —1 Timothy 6:7-10, CEV
Prayer: God, we pray for the change of our selfish hearts into one that portrays the character and righteousness of Christ. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray, Amen.
© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions.com and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries
Our Identity in Christ is Priceless!
Our Identity in Christ is Priceless! Devotional Reading
Many adopted children desire to meet their biological parents, yet the need to meet or know their biological mother is usually overwhelming. Although our opinions may differ regarding the need to meet a stranger who did not raise their child, we often forget that we were created to have a natural attachment based on the foundation of love and to have a codependent relationship with our biological parents.
“Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for my glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” —Isaiah 43:7
We were also created to have a strong and loving bond with Jesus our Heavenly Father who created us to have a forever relationship with Him. Our prayers, Bible study, and praise and worship activities allow us to form an unbreakable bond with Christ. Through the Scriptures, we learn that we are supposed to totally rely on God for guidance through this journey of life.
“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
With steadfast faith and experiential knowledge of the Bible, we acquiesce to God and come to enjoy our relationship with Christ based on total dependency. Through the Scriptures, we learn the role of Christ and our role in the Plan of Salvation. The immense value that God places on humanity is evident in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
Every believer should possess high self-esteem based on whom God says we are. Sadly, we have a very low value on ourselves because of a scriptural lack of knowledge.
The LORD [Jesus Christ] told young Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” —Jeremiah 1:5
Our spiritual status, spiritual gifts, and natural talents are predetermined by God even before we are conceived. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1, last part). We are sons and daughters of the King—a royal priesthood. If we truly believe in our status with God then why do we perceive ourselves as worthless?
The compromising choices we make reflect our lack of faith in God and our internal low self-value. Because we have little to no knowledge of our Spiritual Father we focus on worldviews instead of biblical promises. The question “Who Am I?” is answered throughout the Bible. King David proclaimed, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).
When our desires and plans exclude God we reveal the free will choice to reject Christ and our royal status. Our choice of self-reliance causes us to create a life of pretense—that everything is going well—to fool others. Even the proud and haughty unbelievers redefine themselves to appear as having a perfect life. Yet, their hearts are saturated with negativity and low self-esteem because they do not know who God is and the value He places on them.
Who Am I?
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” —Genesis 1:26-28
Created with the cognitive power to reason, the ability to love, express emotions, a unique set of fingerprints and footprints, with heart and lungs that need no human intervention to function, to dream, set goals, but most importantly to have a relationship with the Most-High God. As if that is more than we deserve, we will also receive immortality and live in a perfect world when Jesus comes again.
Through prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures, our awareness of “Who am I’ increases. We learn our immense value because we know that we know Jesus sacrificed His life for our redemption. God has given humanity a life with perks, angels that fight and provide protection from Satan and his evil angels along with the ability to call on God 24 hours a day, seven days a week through prayer.
We have a spiritual blueprint and a treasure map—the Holy Bible where we learn of God’s loving character and His reward for the faithful and obedient righteous. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Comforter imparting spiritual strength, wisdom, and guidance from a whispering prayer asking for Divine Help.
Surrendering our will is the only way to have a solid foundation built on Christ. Through surrender our spiritual eyes are opened, and we no longer seek second-hand choices for our lives. Having a loving relationship with Christ ensures that we know our value—Sons and Daughters of King Jesus! Never again will we have to compromise by attempting to choose the best options that bring adverse consequences.
Prayer: God, we pray for those who are suffering the consequences of self-reliance. Our prayer is for the brokenhearted who have a low self-value because they have excluded You from their lives. We admit that humanity can do nothing without Your Divine Intervention. We also pray for the humility to surrender to Your will and plans. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.
© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions.com and Woman. You Are Loved by God Ministries
Moral Courage Required
Moral Courage is Required Devotional Reading May 30, 2023
“If you do not stand for something then you will fall for anything.” Yes, that sounds reasonable but what qualifies “something”? The statement is a reference to our moral character which is influenced by learned behaviors, life experience, people, theories, and opinions. Still, most importantly the concepts of right and wrong, the standards of truth and error, and the value system that we embrace define our moral character.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence, Excerpt, July 4, 1776
Everyone’s moral character varies because human-made standards are imperfect. The right to pursue happiness, which is inherent to every individual, differs from person to person. Although it may not make rational sense, some individuals claim that having extramarital affairs or remaining in an unhealthy relationship brings them happiness. The downside of pursuing happiness is that our hearts are never satisfied!
Interestingly, when asked what would bring happiness to their lives, most people answered that having more money would provide the ultimate level of happiness. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [material wealth]” (Matthew 6:24).
Humanity’s overall moral character has bottomed out. And sadly, we keep falling deeper into the abyss of corruption. Our desire for happiness and the actions that we are willing to do for the pursuit of happiness are shocking. Unfortunately, some have compromised their values and engaged in illegal activities such as dealing drugs, scams, hacking, embezzlement, and other crimes in the pursuit of happiness.
We may not be a criminal from a legal perspective, but there is a more serious issue if we are wilfully sinning against the Most-High God. Although Jesus promised us joy and peace, and He desires that we have happy and healthy lives, we were never told to pursue our definitions of individual happiness.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our crime of disobedience originates from the innate condition of a deceitful heart [read Jeremiah 17:9].
Reflection: “What am I willing to do to satisfy my desire for happiness?”
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” —Genesis 3:1, NIV
The worldview of living according to our desires and feelings has also pervaded the Christian community. We think, “Did God really say? ” or we self-interpret the Scriptures with compromising minds. Our inner conflict gradually becomes overwhelming. We desire eternal life but not at the price that God’s righteous standards require—total obedience. So, we live to pursue our definition of happiness.
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus—”Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” —Matthew 16:24-26
It takes Moral Courage to Surrender Our Will! It takes Moral Courage to Follow Jesus! It takes Moral Courage to Overcome and Receive the Reward of Eternal Life!
Moral Courage: Possessing virtue [high righteous standards] and having the desire to act according to God’s Truth by striving to pursue a life of Righteousness by Faith which requires standing for what is right against all opposition and every adversity.
Moral Courage is Required
To Love God and Put Him First
To Love God, Others, and Yourself
To Surrender to God’s Will
To Remain Faithful and Obedient
To Trust God in Adversity
To Hear and Recognize God’s Voice
To Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
To Receive Wisdom and Understanding
To Stay in His Presence
To Pray Continuously
To Study the Holy Scriptures Every Day
To Remain Loyal to God
To Renounce Sin and its Pleasures
To Give Up Worldviews
To Leave Family and Friends
To Face the Opposition of Spiritual Warfare
To Ask for the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit
To be Victorious Against All Odds
To Prepare Daily for that Great Day
Moral Courage is Required to Persevere in the Spiritual Journey
Scripture: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” —Revelation 2:10 [last part]. “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” —Revelation 3:5
Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to possess the moral courage to serve You until our last breath. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions.com and Woman. You Are Loved by God Ministries
Through Broken Hearts, God Fulfills His Plans and Promises
We listen to many sermons, but we must agree that some sermons immediately penetrate our hearts [which represents our minds]. Not only do these spoken words change our perception, but they also allow us to see beyond our present circumstances.
“Through a broken heart, God brings His Purposes and Plans to pass in our lives. Pray and Thank God for His Divine Intervention. And look forward to healing and moving forward.” Pastor Wintley Phipps
We serve an Omniscient God who knows every situation that will cause pain and sorrow. Although the Holy Spirit always gives us warnings not to make that certain decision, our Heavenly Father is aware that we were born with a carnal nature that compels us to chase the desires of our hearts. Sadly, we choose to do things our way never thinking that the results will produce a negative outcome including a broken heart.
“For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster.” —Proverbs 24:16
Whether we reflect on the disobedient choices we made in our lives which produced devastating consequences or we were rescued by God’s divine intervention [due to lack of knowledge or someone intentionally deceived us] and did not suffer the catastrophic results that should have happened, we can thank God that He never leaves us or forsakes us in our time of remorse and sorrows.
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18. “He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” —Psalm 147:3, Amplified Bible
With confession and repentance—godly sorrow with a covenant vow not to repeat the same behaviors and actions—God moves us forward in our healing journey. Our Gracious and Merciful Heavenly Father promises to bring restoration when we have the faith and desire to obey.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” —Isaiah 43:18-19
We can believe in the power of God to heal the pain and sorrow in our broken hearts. God’s Word is unfailing. His promises will come to fruition in your life. I have experienced this firsthand – when God intervenes, not only does He heal your heart, but He also performs supernatural miracles and brings about a victorious outcome. Trust in Him always!
Prayer: God, we confess and repent that we made choices that excluded Your blessings. Right now, we are suffering overwhelming consequences including pain and sorrow. We ask You to heal our broken hearts and to make us well as only You can. We pray for the restoration of our mental and emotional health and to repair our mistakes. We give You honor, glory, and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions.com and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries
Worship Guitar —100 Beautiful Hymns—Instrumental 5-hour playtime
Remain Devoted to God
Our world is currently in a spiritual and moral crisis. Where do you stand? Stand up for the truth! There is no middle ground of compromise in serving God. Let go of indecisiveness, even if it means the loss of relationships with friends and family. Yes, our lives include constant challenges, but we have a loving Savior who is always ready to help us. Thank You, Jesus.
“Then Elijah approached all the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.’ But the people did not answer a word.” –1 Kings 18:21
One Day All Troubles Will End–Have a Blessed Sabbath
Moving Forward Always Requires Transitions
Moving Forward Always Requires Transitions Devotional Reading
Many of us aspire to grow both professionally and personally, but often, we become discouraged when faced with the difficulties that come with growth. To progress, one must surpass their usual limits to successfully adapt to the various phases of transition. Whether we agree with the process [which may be short or lengthy] embracing continuous change is always required to achieve a victorious outcome.
Except for spiritual growth, the areas in which we require growth differ for each person. Yes, we must stretch ourselves beyond the ordinary routine of life by expanding our knowledge base to achieve optimal growth and development. Learning credible information, pursuing academic degrees, developing creative skills, embracing a healthy lifestyle, starting a garden, and reflecting on current relationships to assess if they are healthy are some of the ways that we indicate the desire to live our best lives.
Embracing the need for growth and development and taking the steps to achieve said goals results in the joy and happiness of possessing optimal mental, emotional, and physical health. However, it is important to acknowledge that creating strategies to accomplish both short-term and long-term objectives provides us with the confidence that we are progressing intentionally and at our preferred speed.
Wouldn’t life be wonderful if we had the opportunity to live as projected and prevent unexpected setbacks?
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
Reflection: What steps have I taken to ensure that I could move forward from an unplanned life-changing event? Even with emergency-preparedness plans, when the storm hits the area, modifications are required. Except for God, our future is unknown. Yet, we have received God-given qualities along with the ability to pray for Divine Help to endure and persevere through life’s trials and tribulations.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
In the course of our lives, we will face unexpected changes that may lead us in a different direction, often impeding our ability to accomplish set plans and goals. Unless we regroup and face the necessary challenges to push us forward, resulting in progress, we will view the life change as negative and impossible to overcome. Holding on to bitter, angry, fearful, and sorrowful thoughts produces roadblocks that cancel our God-given resilience to move forward.
Without determination, our thoughts will become counterproductive and result in a mindset that dwells on the past. It is often easier to reminisce about memories [perceived or real] of better times and become stagnant, rather than persevering with the courage to develop new strategies and forge ahead on a different path.
When studying Genesis, we learn of the Fall of Man. Yes, it was a choice for Adam and Eve to sin, but God never left them alone to make the painful transition from their perfect garden home to a new life that included suffering the unexpected. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Even in our disobedience, God’s love never changes.
The Promise: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy 31:8
We need the rock-solid spiritual foundation that diligent Bible study and much praying provide to endure the struggle of transitioning—planned or unexpected. Knowing God’s promises and praying for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit gives us Divine strength and provides us with the spiritual reinforcement necessary to face our challenges for the growth that moving forward requires.
Christians have a life that includes continuous transitions on a spiritual level. Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of our character being molded into the character of Christ. To grow spiritually, we must pray for the help of the Holy Spirit every day!
It is crucial to understand that the Scriptures about love, forgiveness, and the Fruit of the Spirit are not optional. Moving forward requires spiritual growth and development that prepares us to transition from our earthly lives to our heavenly reward of eternal life. Christ’s life on earth exemplified His faithfulness and obedience to God, His Father, as He constantly prayed for God’s will to be done.
Whether by necessity [spiritual growth], choice [personal growth], or facing the unexpected, our lives will always be victorious if we choose to include God’s divine intervention while transitioning. The creation of humanity included a Divine blueprint for continuous growth. It is the will of God that we possess the highest level of spiritual, mental, and emotional development, and optimal physical health.
Scripture: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” —3 John 2:2
Prayer: God, we pray for Your Divine Help as we face the many transitions in our lives. We admit that we cannot go through this journey of life without You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
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