Sin Is a Bully!

Sin Is a Bully Devotional Reading

The young man told the story of his family being missionaries for 20 years in a rural village in Peru. He had three brothers who along with their parents were content with the routine of everyday life. But he confessed that he was the adventurous one who was always eager to accompany anyone who was taking a trip into the mountains to forage for berries or medicinal herbs.

One of the men started a business as a tour guide in the mountains. This particular hike was one into unfamiliar territory and with his father’s permission, he joined the large group for the day trip. All was well until he had to use the bathroom. Instead of notifying the guide that he needed to stop, he felt confident with his prior hiking knowledge and left the group.

Veering off the trail he paid attention to his surroundings, but the attempt to return the same way posed a major problem. He had walked deeper into the thick forest than he realized. All of the trees and foliage looked the same. His mind became filled with questions, Did I walk straight into the bush? Where are the broken twigs that I stepped on? As he walked straight ahead toward his perception of where the trail was, he knew that he was lost.

At the age of 15, he felt embarrassed and ashamed. He failed to follow the safety protocol by notifying the guide that he needed to stop. Since he grew up in this mountainous area, what would the other hikers think of him for becoming lost? Those thoughts prevented him from calling out for help. Yet, he had to make a decision, the group was going on without him.

Finally, he began to pray for forgiveness for his wilful disobedience and then he asked God to show him the way back to the trail. After what seemed like forever, the teenager begin to hear the voices of the other hikers. His prayer was answered! God in His mercy led him safely out. There were so many hikers that no one was aware that he had ever left the group.

As he ended the testimonial, the young man, now 22, advises every Christian believer to obey God and never make decisions without praying and waiting for an answer from God.

For us to surrender ourselves to God, we must have a spiritual understanding of the dilemma within ourselves–we were born with a heart filled with carnal [sinful] desires.

  1. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin, my mother conceived me.” —Psalm 51:5
  2. “The heart is deceitful above all things And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” —Jeremiah 17:9

Is David saying that we are born with sinful hearts? We can look at this spiritual fact from a practical perspective. Whether or not a child has siblings or is an only child who was taught to share, and eagerly shared, as they continue to develop they become self-centered in the toddler stage of their lives.

The psychological perspective: “Sharing is hard for toddlers because it involves thinking about someone else’s feelings, wants, and needs and they haven’t developed the ability to do that yet. Self-centeredness in toddlerhood is a normal part of development, and not a reflection of parenting or caregiving.” https://babysparks.com/2019/03/07/

Proof that we are born with sinful hearts is exhibited in the behaviors of innocent, young children. Sin is innate and impacts every human being who was ever born on the planet Earth! Even the Apostle Paul, a godly man whom God used to write 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament struggled with sin.

  1. “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” —Romans 7:15, NLT
  2. “For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.” —Romans 7:19
  3. “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other so that you do not do what you want.” —Galatians 5:17
  4. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:12

We cannot fight the Sin Bully without Divine Intervention! Jesus gave His life for us to be saved from the consequences of losing the battle against sin. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” —Luke 22:42, ESV

Jesus is our Role Model. Not only was He tempted by Satan after He fasted for 40 days, but Jesus was also continuously tested by the unbelieving Pharisees. It was the decision to totally surrender His will to God, the Father along with fervent praying that gave Jesus the strength to overcome sin’s every temptation and to die on the Cross to redeem us from death, sin’s consequences.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

We will have an internal battle of the heart with sin that will never cease until Jesus comes again. Without our Spiritual Team, we are as helpless as newborn babies against the temptations of sin. Every day we must be intentional in our commitment to surrendering our will and upholding our vow of total obedience to God.

With a heart filled with gratitude, we can thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus. Because of His love, grace, and mercy, we never have to fight the Sin Bully alone! Divine Help is just a prayer away!

Pray for help when tempted. Proclaim, “Get, behind me Satan!” The Holy Spirit gives us strength and angels intervene for us when we refuse to let sin knock us down! Divine Intervention, Obedience, Prayer, Bible Study, and deciding to remain steadfast [and immovable] is the only way we can overcome the Sin Bully.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. —1 Corinthians 15:50-53

Brothers and Sisters, Never give up your reward! We are soldiers in God’s Army, serving under a Fearless Leader—Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, who is a Warrior and will always fight for us against the Sin Bully. Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so! Yes and  Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Spiritual Growth is Silent

Spiritual Growth Is Silent Devotional Reading and Podcast

Jesus created the world to have consistent and continuous growth and movement. All bodies of water, the sea, streams, and oceans give us evidence of that movement. And nothing is more exciting than planting seeds and anxiously watching and waiting for the little seedlings to burst through the dirt.

We were also created to achieve growth through spiritual and academic learning. Still, God’s plan is for us to utilize the Bible as our primary source of gaining knowledge. From the moment we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit [before studying the Bible], we receive discernment of the Scriptures, wisdom, and spiritual guidance for applying the Truth to our lives.

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)

To live holy means we put God first. Daily worship includes prayer expressing gratitude, Bible study, and asking for Divine guidance regarding life’s challenges. Hearing God’s Voice can happen in various ways. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts. Make worship an intimate time between you and God without distractions or disruptions.

Our commitment to obey and walk in God’s Purpose is the only way to achieve spiritual growth. Spiritual growth and transformation are dynamic and occur throughout our lifetime as long as we remain dedicated to God.

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…” (Colossians 1:9-11).

Like the plant that grows silently, our spiritual growth is also silent. We visualize the development of plant life stages, but how do we know if we are growing spiritually? Our characters change as evidenced by the desire to intentionally guard our hearts. The programs, music, and conversations we previously watched, listened to and participated in become displeasing to our eyes and ears. We become intentional and committed to our relationship with Christ.

As we grow, we begin to take better care of our souls. The more we learn about God’s character and the life of Christ, our hearts are filled with love—we love God, others, and ourselves. When our hearts are bursting with love for God, we willingly change our lifestyles to include praying and studying the Scriptures. Another godly trait we gain is compassion–we will begin to care about the well-being of those in need.

Our goals change from pleasing ourselves to pleasing God. We begin to desire a character that has the [righteous] qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit. Do not try to monitor or speed up your spiritual growth. We can change undesirable habits or curtail unrighteous traits, such as impatience [which demonstrates we are doing our part], yet, spiritual transformation is a continuous and lifelong process orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.

Like the plant that requires light, water, and nutrients for proper growth and maturity, we also need the Light and Living Water that only Christ can provide. Realistically, we will fall when we fail to pray for guidance. Do not become discouraged! “For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster” (Proverbs 24:16). We must repent, get back up, not repeat the same mistake, and keep going.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28, NIV

We have Divine Help every second of our lives. God is only a prayer away. Jesus says, “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 11:29). We have a Father who loves us!

Our transformation relies on a close relationship with Christ. Surrender and obedience allow us to receive the spiritual nutrients that flow from the Source, Jesus Christ. Yes, Christ not only gives us strength, but He also nurtures us with His everlasting love!

Every Christian’s Goal: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Every day we fight against our sinful traits, but we can win those battles with the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to overcome our carnal desires and resist temptation. Our willingness to cooperate and surrender to God’s will and plans allows the Holy Spirit to achieve the continuous transformation required for eternal life.

There is a marked difference between spiritual growth and natural growth. We reach mental and physical maturity by a certain age, but we never cease growing spiritually. God has designed that we are ever learning and growing in our walk on the Path of Righteousness.

Sanctification, to be molded into the likeness of Christ–His Character lasts throughout our cycle of life on this earth.

Scripture: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1: 15-16).

Prayer: God, I ask You to show me the way and reveal what You want me to do. I want to do what you want me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Origin of the [Pagan] Easter Celebration

The Origin of the Pagan Easter Celebration Devotional Reading

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-ancient-origins-of-the-easter-bunny-180979915/#:~:text=Pagan%20origins&text=Bede%20noted%20that%20in%20eighth,of%20the%20resurrection%20of%20Christ
Link to Historical Overview of Easter

For most of my life, I have celebrated Easter in remembrance of Jesus. About five years ago, I was watching one of my favorite British crime shows and the story involved a couple that was pagan worshippers who moved into the town and were shunned by the community except for the Detective and his wife. The Detective stopped by to invite them for Easter dinner to which they agreed, but they said, “We must complete our worship ritual to the goddess, Eostre first, who is the goddess of Easter.”

The naming of the celebration as “Easter” seems to go back to the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at beginning of spring.

I am very thankful to the Holy Spirit for allowing me to find out the truth about Easter. Satan is using a cunning ploy to deceive us by using chocolate bunnies and Easter egg baskets representing fertility as mere children’s play. Still, the most extraordinary manipulation is for Satan to use covert strategies and intermingle concepts of a pagan celebration to include the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6, first part of verse).

Yes, Christ’s resurrection was on Sunday, the third day, after His death, which “Resurrection Sunday” commemorates. Yet we should celebrate Jesus every day because we have a steadfast relationship with Him. Our loyalty to Jesus gives us joyful anticipation as we eagerly await His Second Coming. The righteous will have the opportunity to thank Jesus face-to-face and see the proof of His greatest act of love for us–nail-scarred hands and feet. All Hail, King Jesus!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega comma the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:13)

God’s Blueprint for Your Life

God’s Blueprint for Your Life Sabbath Devotional Reading and Podcast

Yesterday, I was involved in a deep discussion regarding the question, “How do you know it’s God directing you?” God’s directions always glorify Him, they are given with clarity, and there are no hiccups [obstacles]. Everything flows like a beautiful mountain stream of water. When God has orchestrated the plan, no human or even Satan can prevent His plan from coming to fruition. And you know the blessing is from God because you have a sense of overwhelming peace in your heart and soul!

One of the greatest stories in the Old Testament is The Destruction of Jericho, which is an example of God’s Divine plans accomplishing what appeared to be an impossible feat.

Joshua 6: verses 1-3: “Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua: ‘See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days.’ “

Joshua 6: verses 4-5: “And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of ram’s horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.”

The Victorious Plan Comes to Fruition: “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city” (Joshua 6:20).

One of the biggest mistakes is to listen to someone on social media telling us, “I don’t know who I’m talking to but God wants me to tell you to go ahead with your plans.” There are many testimonials from people who listened to strangers and suffered unnecessary consequences.

Testimony: In 2021, my landlord called to tell me he was selling the house I had leased for six years. I was living in Texas and was given six weeks to clear out a 3-Bedroom house. God came through in miraculous ways. I was searching for an apartment within a 50-mile radius of my address. The online search resulted in many apartment complexes, yet there was something unusual, an apartment complex on the Florida Coast showed up first. To be honest, I started laughing.

Within one week, my application for the Florida apartment was approved. God sent an individual to help me clear out the donation items and a furniture store owner purchased all of the excess furniture I could not keep. In the middle of February, with two weeks left to vacate, there was a severe ice storm that shut down several cities. Texas has its electrical grid. They divided the city into quadrants and placed everyone on a rotating 4-hour on and 4-hours off schedule for electricity. My electricity stayed on for days without interruption.

Many other miracles occurred between January 15th to March 1st of 2021 that I never anticipated. I witnessed God’s Divine Intervention as I had never seen before. When God directs your life’s plans, He takes care of everything, including the most minor details. I have lived on the Coast for over two years.

“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).

Always Pray for God’s Guidance: “God, show me the way and what you want me to do. I want to do what you want me to do. I am in a state of confusion and need clarity. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. I prayed a similar prayer before relocating 1400 miles. The All-Knowing God who has wisdom beyond our comprehension has perfect plans for our earthly lives.

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV).

Remember that God’s blueprints always result in us “Going Forward.” God never requires us to take steps backward to accomplish His plans. Waiting includes obedience to His will and learning His Voice. Pray in your secret closet to avoid distractions when seeking God’s guidance.

Spiritual growth and transformation require faith and patience. God takes His time in bringing the details of our blueprint into existence. We must be ready spiritually to receive our greatest blessings. Most often, God will require the present chapter in your life to end. Because God is the Great I AM, He will not disclose the details of His plans ahead of time. We must faithfully wait in joyful anticipation.

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

I am a living witness. When we wait on God’s timing, the Lord will reveal His wonderful-working power in our lives. Never give up! Your blueprint is promised in Jeremiah 29, verse 11. Amen!

© 2023 Steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

A Love Letter to Jesus, Our Wonderful Savior

Dear Jesus, With all of my heart, I thank You for Your awesome love and the greatest sacrificial gift of Your life for humanity. Although I struggle to comprehend the magnitude of Agape love, I know that Your love is everything that I need. I surrender myself to You and pray that one day I will see You face to face to ask you the question that is deeply hidden in my heart. I love You, Jesus. Yes, my heart belongs to You. Love Always, your Daughter

Traveling in Safety

Traveling in Safety Devotional Reading and Podcast

Yesterday, I watched an interesting story of a woman [age 40 +] who restarted her life after a divorce. Her desire was always to travel. But could she live a rugged life with the uncertainties of which direction am I going in and where will I stay overnight? What about the finances? She weighed her life experience against the fear of the unknown and move forward by converting a cargo van [without windows] into a tiny home that revealed amazing creativity and functionality.

As she spoke about planning the van’s conversion, her primary goal in designing was to ensure her safety. A solo woman living the van life must always be on the alert. One of her never will do this–boondocking in isolated places. The best advice for those thinking about living full-time in a traveling home is to always be highly observant of your surroundings and join an online community of travelers eager to share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience to maintain a peaceful and safe lifestyle on the road.

As I thought about the intentional steps this van lifer took to ensure her physical safety and overall well-being, I reflected on the believer’s life. Is spiritual safety a priority for us? We know that Satan is our greatest enemy, yet, we have another enemy within. ” But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14).

Ensuring our spiritual safety requires prayer, self-denial, and self-control.

Even the most disciplined person has a point of weakness. Learning and practicing self-denial and self-control is a joint effort and requires the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit. Even the apostle Paul had to admit that he was a slave to sin, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15, NIV).

Can you imagine a godly man who wrote most of the New Testament confessing that he also struggled with sin? Yet that same godly man also gave us the answer to staying safe in our spiritual journey, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Maintaining the Highest Level of Spiritual Safety in Our Journey of Life

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Human Effort: Our safety foundation begins with a steadfast relationship with Christ. We must possess faith, trust, and obedience as core spiritual traits. Praying, Studying the Scriptures, Asking for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit, and Evaluating our thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle are daily responsibilities in keeping us spiritually safe. With a strong determination, we strive for the character traits of the Fruit of the Spirit.

What do you watch and listen to? What is on your enjoyment list? Who is in your social circle? “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Paul advises us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves with the community of believers. Maintaining spiritual safety includes having friends and mentors who help us stay on the Path of Righteousness through their prayers, joyful conversations, and godly advice.

Divine Intervention: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it”(John 14:14). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

An intentional sin is an act of wilful disobedience. And that is a heart problem of disloyalty against God. Even if we do not commit intentional sins, we face spiritual warfare every day that places us in danger of compromising our relationship with God. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

One of Satan’s best tactics is to deceive us by using our friends and family. Never say yes when asked to participate in any social function that does not glorify God. The best response is, “I have to pray about it” or “No, I am unable to do that.” And never apologize for turning down the invitation to engage in sinful activities.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Our Value to God: There is another aspect of maintaining our spiritual safety that many of us never think about, we forget that our worth was determined by Christ before humanity was created. When we pray and meditate on whom we belong to and the price that Jesus paid for our redemption, we realize that we are recipients of the greatest gift given to humanity by our loving Savior.

And Jesus tells us, “…I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

Although we can never anticipate the time or type of temptation, the Holy Spirit will make us aware it is Satan’s entrapment that has a dangerous outcome. To maintain our spiritual safety, every day we must stay spiritually alert by staying connected to the Source and Sustainer of our lives. Renounce every enticement of sin and learn to “Just say, No!” even if it originates from the desires of your heart.

Prayer: God, we confess the desires of our hearts are not in alignment with your will and plans for our lives. Lord, forgive us for placing ourselves in danger of sinning against You. We pray for Divine strength as we travel through this earthly journey. Thank you, for the Holy Spirit and the angels who protect us from spiritual warfare and physical harm. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2023 Steps2successwithspiritualsolutions