Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

Building Our Character

In the courtroom drama, “Whose Dog is it Anyway?” the plaintiff alleged the neighbor a few houses away from him had stolen his little Muffy, an adorable miniature poodle. Details of the story included the dog staying in the house unless leashed for a walk, but this incident happened when the plaintiff opened his door and Muffy saw her chance for freedom. He posted a lost dog poster with a reward throughout the large neighborhood. After one year, he gave up until he was outside one day [a year later] and saw Muffy run out of a neighbor’s house. When he knocked on the door to advise the defendant that the poodle was his lost dog, she denied that it was his dog and stated they bought her as a puppy.

The Judge’s questions: “Where did you get the dog from? How much did you pay for the dog because she is a pedigree? And where are her pedigree papers? The defendant was not prepared to answer the questions asked in rapid succession. She quickly answered, “I bought her from a lady who was selling poodle puppies but she did not give me papers. And I don’t remember how much I paid.” The defendant brought documents from a recent Vet visit that stated the dog was around four years of age.

The Judge questioned the plaintiff, “How old is the dog?” “Five years of age, your honor.” Judge to the defendant: “Bring the dog in the courtroom.” The defendant’s sister brings in the dog. Judge: “Put the dog down on the floor.” Muffy ran to her owner.

There are many situations that we face which prove the strength or weakness of our character. Our heart’s desires will cause us to make decisions that shatter our integrity and credibility. Have you ever reflected on a time when you blended a little truth with lies? Later, your conscience either produced feelings of guilt and remorse or you proudly justified your actions and congratulated yourself for coming out as a winner.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

God is aware that we are in a spiritual war between good and evil. He knows that our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked [Jeremiah 17:9]. We cannot develop strategies, use logical deduction, or perform behavior modification techniques to become holy [1 Peter 1:16]. Humanity does not have the power to save ourselves. We need Divine Intervention to become righteous and overcome our natural sinful tendencies.

Daily, pray for God to search your heart and ask for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is our guidebook to developing a Christ-like character. Study as if your life depended on it because it does—never forget that our character determines our destiny.

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we may develop in the likeness of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Strengthening Yourself

The movement has spread to love yourself by taking care of your mind and body. Two of the goals are eliminating toxic people along with making healthy eating choices. Although mental, emotional, and physical health is important, our spiritual health is of utmost importance.

Listening to a Christian therapist describe the reason for the increase in mental illness in the Christian community was too complex for the average person. The topic of mental illness is explosive. We readily defend Christians who are anxious, worried, insecure, stressed out, and discouraged. According to the therapist anxiety and worry have surpassed depression.

When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, the Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new person is healed of former mental and emotional issues that would prevent a healthy, thriving relationship with Christ.

Something is not right. Our lifestyle choices are draining our strength. We readily embrace popular worldviews that are a little truth blended with false teachings. Many have a form of godliness, yet they desire to hold on to the pleasures of the world.

Our daily habits remain the same after our spiritual transformation. We continue to chase selfish desires and hang out with unbelievers in our social circle. The trends of horoscope readings, tarot cards, crystals, contact with the dead, and seeking those who practice divination to tell the future are at an all-time high among many believers.

Christian social gatherings include dancing to worldly music. An individual who claims to tell you about your future [just for fun] may also be present. Satan has introduced concepts of self-healing and meditation using music that promises to bring peace. Disturbing our minds, even more, are desires for prosperity and to have a romantic relationship.

Social media is a platform to reveal your innermost secrets, share new and exciting ways to think and live, and worst of all, self-appointed prophets speak over your life. We embrace the music, movies, games, and lifestyles of the influencers that promote material gain, sexual immorality, and instant gratification.

There is no middle ground in serving God. We are required to give up every pleasure that does not honor God. Every thought, behavior, and activity should identify that we are a disciple of Jesus Christ and glorify God. Our minds become confused and distraught when attempting to serve two masters. Anxiety, worry, and depression reveal our spiritual priorities are not in alignment with God. Total obedience to God gives us inner peace and the reassurance that God will always keep His promises.

Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter. If you obey, you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors and to you, their descendants—a land flowing with milk and honey! (Deuteronomy 11:8-9)

Prayer: God, please search our hearts and reveal all that does not glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification–Sonya Johnson

Expect Troubles

For every promise that God has made, Satan has developed a counterfeit lie. “Do not think that negative things will happen because if you do, you will make your thoughts come true.” How many people attempt to manipulate and avoid the challenges of life by maintaining a positive mindset? And when the stormy trials and suffering happen, they are devastated.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer [be filled with joy], I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

Because of Jesus’ promise, Christians do not live with a sense of dread. Jesus begins by giving us hope. We can have perfect peace despite our trials, sorrows, and suffering. Receiving the gifts of peace and inner joy is promised even though the tears flow from our eyes. Jesus assures us that we will never endure suffering alone. We have the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter who is just a prayer away.

Having a firm knowledge of the reason for suffering enables us to accept that fiery trials are necessary. We come to Jesus, “Just As I Am,” yet, we cannot stay in the baby stage of spiritual transformation. Sanctification is a life-long journey that requires Human Effort and Divine Intervention. Even so, we have limitations and cannot judge the condition of our hearts. God tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

Is there hope? Yes, God allows the trials to produce a spiritual change. Our trials are personalized according to the changes required to transform our character and heart [mind] into the likeness of Christ.

The righteous will receive immortality when Jesus comes. Still, our character must be changed before Jesus comes. Jesus is our High Priest in heaven, functioning as our Intercessor, presenting us faultless before God. In obedience, we avoid temptation. In humility, we confess and repent of our sins every day. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts…” (Psalm 139:23).

Jesus warns us in Revelation 22:11, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Either we will be righteous or unrighteous at the Second Coming of Jesus. There will be no opportunity to change when our King of Kings and Lord of Lords appear with His heavenly host of angels in the sky.

Maintaining a faithful and obedient heart-to-heart relationship with Christ prevents us from living in fear. Jesus promises to finish the work in us, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ… (Philippians 1:6). Be ready! Stay ready!

Prayer: God, we pray for strength, obedience, and humility to grow into the likeness of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

“Have you ever wondered why you were born on your birthdate?” Pastor John Lomacang

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

The Apostle Paul also provides us with an answer to this thought-provoking question.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NLT)

For those of us who are living in these last days, it is an intentional act of God. We are chosen to use our spiritual gift(s) to witness the message of hope to individuals filled with despair and hopelessness. God has designated us to help finish the work so he can send His Son, Jesus Christ to bring the righteous to their Heavenly home.

What is your spiritual gift? Whether we are prayer warriors, speakers, writers, caregivers, or called to minister to the sick, homeless, abused, and neglected, it is not one of convenience. God expects us to use our gifts every day. The Holy Spirit is aware of our earthly responsibilities. Even so, there are diverse ways to use our gifts, which will be revealed by our Teacher and Guide.

God expects that we pray daily for the anointing of the Holy Spirit who will direct us on how to use our gifts for the given day. Christ left us with an example. He faithfully witnessed every day during His short 33 years of life. When we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, we are eager to serve Him. Yes, we are chosen to glorify God by using our gifts.

Prayer: God, we ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to reveal, lead, and direct us in using our spiritual gifts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4)

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 1 Kings 19:4

The Old Testament has real-life accounts of humanity’s failures and victories. In reading 1 Kings chapters 18 and 19, the prophet Elijah witnessed the power of God in three outstanding demonstrations of God’s Omnipotence. The first event was “The Showdown” with the heathen prophets of Baal, and the second is Elijah praying for rain after his prayer that brought a three-year drought to the land.

Still, the third demonstration of God’s power is the least known and is found in 1 Kings 18, verse 46: “Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot to the entrance of Jezreel.” A chariot with horses had a speed of 35-40 mph, and Elijah ran right past the king’s chariot.

When Queen Jezebel became aware of the slain prophets of Baal, she sent the message to Elijah that she would take his life in revenge. With fear and despair, he ran to the wilderness. Elijah was an obedient man—when he prayed for a drought on the land and fire to come down from heaven, God honored his prayers.

Despite all of the miraculous wonders that God used him to perform the previous day [and throughout his life] when his life was threatened, he forgot about the power of God. Like Elijah, most of us forget the former miracles when facing adversity.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.…” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

God allows the extreme heat of trials and sorrows to enter our lives because our characters are impure. As the goldsmith puts gold into the fire to remove the impurities, we experience ongoing tribulations until our characters are made into the likeness of Christ. Our present character [which reflects the desires of our hearts] is not ready for eternal life.

Trials identify that God is preparing us to live with Him forever. Recently a Pastor stated, “If you are a Christian and living an easy life, then you have something to be concerned about—ask yourself, “Do I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind?” Living in God’s purpose requires total surrender, humility, and obedience even when facing our most severe battles.

God honors the righteous, although our emotions often lead us to forget His great love in fiery trials. Remember, Elijah was translated and taken to heaven.

Prayer: God, we desire to live a life of obedience according to Your will and plans. Please reveal the spiritual gifts so we may use them for Your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

Interestingly, 90% of cultures kiss to show affection to each other. The type of kiss we will focus on is not one of romantic kissing but a sign of love and commitment to a person that you have bonded with—family and friends.

Judas’ kiss of betrayal of Christ is well-known by most Christians. Have you ever wondered why Judas chose a kiss to perform his heinous deed? Kissing would not arouse suspicious thoughts from the other disciples.

The disciples were aware that one of them would betray Jesus. But Simon Peter asked Jesus, “…Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25) Which one of the disciples would suspect a kiss of reverent affection to be used to betray and initiate the process for Christ’s death? “But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’” (Luke 22:48). It was then that Peter used his sword (John 18:10).

Still, God gives us another definition of kissing, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him (1 Kings 19:28). King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had killed all of the prophets except Elijah. And the prophet feared for his life because of Jezebel’s threat. Elijah was always faithful to God, yet, he felt alone and fearful–running for his life. But our loving God reassures Elijah that he has 7,000 faithful people who are not worshipping idols. He did not have to fear because God’s hand of protection was on His life.

Kissing Idols–God defines the results of sin when He says “and every mouth that has not kissed him [Baal].” Sin affects us on a spiritual level. Sin causes us to become intimate with evil. We kiss sin with our mouths. Yes, there is a progression of our love affair with sin that leads to bondage. We experience a complete change of heart. Becoming desensitized, we begin to enjoy the pleasures that our affair offers. Our feelings escalate and we are all in—giving ourselves over to the iniquity. We are enslaved and no longer feel remorse. Without a repentant heart, our feelings become our behaviors–revealing the change in our characters.

Either we will kiss Jesus indicating our love and affection through obedience or kiss the idols which come in various forms of pleasure—money, success, drugs, alcohol, gambling, unequal relationships, sexual immorality, etc.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Prayer: God, we are entangled in love affairs with sin. We pray for forgiveness and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

Many individuals worry about the things in life that they have no control over. The unknown future, unexpected situations, financial gain or loss, compromised health, maintaining a healthy family home environment, relationship problems, and the list could go on forever. Worry is our enemy—always preventing mental, emotional, and physical rest, along with spiritual restoration.

Trending is a concept to stop negative thoughts “you have to empty your brain to control your mind.” Well, we cannot empty our brains from the memories, current situations, and information gathered by our five senses. The brain immediately stores the things we are exposed to without our help.

Whether we are dealing with memories or present out-of-control occurrences—our brain is a never-ending file cabinet. Thankfully, we cannot retrieve everything that our brain gathers in and stores.

How do we rid ourselves of the mental noise? “The answer is not in thinking happy thoughts or chanting affirmations. Once you stop, it’s likely the throng of thoughts will flood back in.” psychologytoday.com

The incessant thoughts which flood our minds are related to our lifestyles. We have embraced the continuous noise of social media, screen time, and after-school or work activities that prevent rest. We lose our coping abilities because of mental and physical fatigue.

Our spiritual relationship with God is the first to decline when we are overwhelmed. God does not expect us to ignore our daily responsibilities of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Yet our activities of daily living should not prevent us from adequate rest.

When overwhelmed with endless tasks, we miss out on the restorative benefits of peaceful sleep and relaxation. Too much on our schedules leads to fretting and worrying–negative thinking! Even more devastating, the busyness interrupts our spiritual connection with Jesus Christ. There is no time or energy left to have a meaningful relationship with God. How do we change the cycle?

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31).

God has given us the gift of rest. Acknowledge that the vicissitudes of life [which we cannot control] will always happen. Pray and ask God to reveal through the Holy Spirit the changes that are necessary for you to have peace, rest, and restoration through Him. It’s up to us to pray and obey.

Prayer: God, we thank You for our gifts of rest and restoration. We ask You to reveal the things that we need to eliminate from our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification—Sonya Johnson

One of the most devastating natural occurrences is wildfires. Many of us think of the destruction of beautiful plant and animal life. However, there is a cycle of life that God has orchestrated for all living things. “During wildfires, the nutrients from dead trees are returned to the soil. The forest floor is exposed to more sunlight, allowing seedlings released by the fire to sprout and grow.” https://www.sierraclub.org/

Everything Has Its Time—”To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

When change happens, many are resistant to the life cycle. Psychologists tell us that our mind desires the familiar. We are comfortable with the familiar people, places, and things that no longer serve a purpose in our new journey. Our cognition can be manipulated by emotional desires resulting in repetitive behavior, even if the circumstances are unhealthy. Resisting growth is counterproductive. Our world is dynamic—the earth spins on its axis [Earth’s Rotation]. The night gives into the daylight. We cannot remain stagnant and have mind-body homeostasis.

Yes, facing disappointment from unexpected life events is tough. Yet, God has designed the life cycle as necessary for us to move forward. The negative mindset is to seek the comfort of our past instead of moving forward. Either we bargain by accepting the unhealthy behaviors of others just to keep them in our lives, view the lost job as our only option, or become angry, and depressed and decide to do nothing. We fail to accept the change and fixate on our past. Because we crave the familiarity of who and what we know, we lack the motivation to seek new opportunities.

Our fulfillment comes from living our best life every day. God has given each of us a spiritual gift and natural talents. Yes, we were caught off guard when the unexpected life event happened, but God allowed the change to occur for our spiritual growth and development.

God’s Mercy—”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)

How do we let go of the familiar? First, pray and acknowledge your hurt and disappointment which may bring many tears. With a grateful heart, thank God for doing something new in your life. Acknowledge that only God can provide humanity with our best life. The little things that we give to ourselves count as nothing compared to God’s gifts. Focus on the “New Beginnings” that God has planned for you. God’s grace allows us to see a new day. Pray for guidance and direction every morning. Remember that we were created to accomplish the will of God.

Prayer: God, please help us to accept Your will for our lives, even if it brings disappointment. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.