Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Devotional–The Struggle of Sanctification–Sonya Johnson

The last two years of nursing were brutal. The program requirements included a stringent grading system of reaching a minimum of 83% of 100 without exception. The program offered one opportunity of grace regarding failure to meet the 83% on the exam. The Professor reviewed the failed questions along with the rationale of the correct answers and one retake exam was offered with a three-day expiration period.

Ten students remained in August, the last semester. By this time, we had developed close family bonds with one another. Within four weeks, we lost three of our dearest friends to their inability to reach the grading requirement. We cried as we said our goodbyes with hugs and loving advice to never give up. The responsibility of giving safe and competent nursing care to our patients is of the utmost importance. Twenty-seven students entered the program and seven students graduated.

For the believer, our earthly journey is one in which we strive for a Crown of Life. “…let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Marathon runners practice daily and eat proper nutrients to stay in peak performance. They push their bodies beyond normal limits for the opportunity to win the race. Looking at their appearance enables one to see the results of their hard work: They are trim, sleek, running machines.

Running the Spiritual Race–Read Hebrews chapter 12

The spiritual race will be our most difficult journey. Yet, we are never left alone to figure out the training requirements for running. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher is just a prayer away. The Holy Bible is full of the failures and victories of humanity and God’s guidance. Yes, we will have many obstacles, still, we are given strength from the One who sacrificed His life for us. Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor and has promised to finish the work in us [Philippians 1:6]. And we have guardian angels who protect us from spiritual warfare while running.

The obedient and faithful righteous will receive the reward of Eternal Life. Run brothers and sisters! Run!

Prayer: God, we thank You for the Spiritual Team who is available 24/7 to help us run the race. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A young couple worked tirelessly to refurbish a cargo ship to live on the Seine River in Paris, France. The design of the boat included stormproof ceiling-to-floor glass windows that enabled them to enjoy an expansive view of Paris. But the disconcerting statement, “We never have to leave our home with the exception to buy food” reveals the downside of making one’s home a sanctuary based on the self-gratification of comfort and ease.

Although this young couple’s behavior may seem extreme, most of our desires are for the things that make our lives comfortable. We crave and readily buy the material things that give us comfort. Billions of dollars are spent every year to feed our insatiable appetite for a lifestyle of comfort and ease. 

How has comfort affected Christian believers? Our desires have lulled many into accepting the false prosperity messages and we are desensitized to the needs of others. Just ask yourself, “How many people have you helped this week?” Being too comfortable puts one to sleep spiritually. The focus is no longer on Christ when we are concerned with living a life of ease. 

Jesus was aware that the earthly treasures we crave would place our hearts in captivity. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Satan uses a highly effective deception to distract us: We have too much confidence that we have time to do what we want and still be prepared for Revelation 22:12–“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

The Apostle Paul warns us in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 that we must not join in the sleep-like trance of the unbelievers. The Day of the Lord is Coming: “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clear-headed.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT)

Reflect on your life. Are you spiritually awake? Enjoying comfort prevents us from preparing for what is to come. Last Day Events are happening now! Keep your guard up! Pray and Study the Scriptures every day! Fight to stay spiritually awake by maintaining your faith and confidence in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, we pray for the Holy Spirit to anoint our minds with wisdom and discernment to recognize the distractions of comfort and ease. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Psalms 92:12

Pastor Jerry Flowers told of his disregard for the season to plant flower seeds. It was in October with daily temperatures in the 80s when he decided to plant the seeds. Despite watering and mulching the area the seeds refused to grow. The winter season passed. And the bad seeds that he gave up on and forgot about obeyed their Creator’s plan. Two months into spring with an active rainy season, the sprouts begin to flourish. The moral of the story is we cannot have it our way with the Creator God. When it is our time, we will grow and receive the blessings as determined by God.

Many of today’s Christians have decided to have it their way. In fact, the trend is to answer your own prayers and bless yourself. Loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind is the foundation for Righteousness by Faith. “Be holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

One thing is for sure and two things are for certain–It never goes as planned and we will suffer the consequences of our disobedience.

Obedience is the determining factor that demonstrates the condition of our hearts. When we love God our focus is not to have it our way. Jesus was obedient even unto death. And if the Son of God had to learn obedience then what does God require of humanity?

God’s way is infallible and always leads us to have victorious outcomes, including the reward of eternal life.

Prayer: God, we ask You to order our steps. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

With a Made-Up Mind

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)

Daniel was faced with the decision to eat the king’s meats, declared unclean by the law of Moses. Eating meats and alcoholic drinks was a privilege for his high position. Disregarding the food could lead to his death. Yet, Daniel did not hesitate. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat or wine. (Daniel 1:8).

Serving God requires total surrender of our will to the will of God. Choosing who we will serve is a choice and is not easily accomplished. Putting God first is an intentional action. Everything we do requires conscious decision-making and control of our will.

Each day brings new temptations which test our loyalty to Christ on whether or not we will obediently worship God in Spirit and truth.
Consistent obedience to God can only be accomplished by praying in faith for the anointing and direction of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guides us on the Path of Righteousness as we commit to being led. In humility and with a made-up mind, we intentionally align ourselves to the will of God.

Prayer: God, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask for You to lead, direct, and correct us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Our happiness comes from not what is around us, but from what is within us, not from what we have, but from what we are. Ellen G. White