Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

“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 12:2)

Last year, I developed and wrote my first crochet design pattern, “Precious Hearts.” The website that I chose to submit my pattern to for publication had strict guidelines. In publishing a crochet pattern, the difficulty for acceptance was extreme. Thankfully, they had a template, which I thought I had carefully followed. Imagine my surprise when my design was rejected. Why? The pattern has four variations in size, and I only included the required yarn amount for the primary option.

The only accurate way for me to know the exact amount of yarn required for the other three variations was to crochet each option. The company has a team of three to four testers that crochet every pattern before giving approval. They put your pattern to the test with a pass or fail outcome. It took several attempts to determine an exact amount of yarn for the three variations of the pattern. But, within one week, I received a congratulations email, “Your design pattern has been published.”

When I submitted my design, I anticipated receiving an email that my hard work paid off. The disappointment of rejection caused me to put forth the extra effort to meet the company’s requirements. Until I fulfilled the guidelines, I would be the only person who knew about my pattern.

The Level of Difficulty in Following Christ

“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).

Our walk with Jesus as His disciples is the most challenging assignment we will encounter. Yes, we understand that Salvation is a gift, not based on our merits, but we fail to realize that our lives will include continuous testing of our faith and obedience. Our greatest enemies are Satan and Self. Each of us suffers from an Internal battle of Me versus God. As a disciple of Christ, we must be faithful and obedient to God. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14).

We can only wait on God when we obey His commandments and directives. In our weakness, we cannot follow Jesus with 100% of our hearts if we do not possess faith and obedience. The irony is that we have confidence in people and institutions. We adhere to employers’ policies, an academic syllabus, and the laws of our governments. Yet, we readily place ourselves in opposition to God [which results in spiritual predicaments] because we pursue our desires, which results in disobedience to God.

Greatest Obstacle: Over-confidence in ourselves. In humility, we confess that “We want what we want!” Because we have accepted worldly principles, we are desensitized to the risks involved in decisions without God. We receive encouragement from unbelievers to live the life that will make us happy. Many are willing to exclude God from their lives by chasing their dreams. Have you ever made a choice and then had the great expectation that God would rain His blessings on your desire?

Our salvation is a 1:1 relationship with Jesus Christ. Where do we stand in faith and obedience to God? Surrender and submission of our will require much Faith and dutiful Obedience. Our struggle takes fasting, much prayer, and heartfelt supplication. Human effort is required before Divine intervention takes place.

Our desires, negative memories, forgetfulness, and unthankfulness produce a lack of faith in God. The results of not trusting God: A life of worry and frustration without peace or joy. Through the Holy Spirit, God warns us of the wages of disobedience and faithlessness. He uses the Scriptures, our Pastors, and the community of believers–who have experienced the same struggles to redirect us when we are no longer on the Path of Righteousness.

How do we know that we are not in alignment with God? Our Bible study, prayers, and church attendance develop Phariseeical tendencies–just everyday routine habits. “Let your will be done in my life” is not included in your daily prayers. We avoid those who are true disciples of Christ. Our relationship with God rapidly declines. The people we grow close to [who are unequally yoked] are not living as if heaven is their destination.

If we must follow earthly rules and regulations that keep us within established boundaries, then God’s expectations of His commandments are given to us on a pass or fail basis. Grace and mercy are abundantly given. Even so, know that God is not intrusive. He watches us turn away from Him as evidenced by our lifestyle choices. After a time of ignoring His admonitions and warnings, He turns us over to a reprobate mind. Yes, we receive God’s love, grace, and mercy as unmerited gifts. Still, we are not to abuse our free gifts.

A heart-to-heart relationship with the Precious Heart of Jesus increases our faith and gives us the desire to obey. Although our abilities are limited, God reminds us of His Omnipotence, “Is there anything too hard for me?” Be honest. Admit in your prayers when your faith is weak. God knows that we cannot make it on our own in this most difficult spiritual journey. One thing is for sure, we will experience many tests and trials. Not as punishment, but to prepare us for eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).

Prayer: God, it’s me standing in the need of prayer. My prayer is for the forgiveness of the times, I did it my way. I desire to live a faithful and obedient life. Lead and guide me in the direction that aligns with your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

A Loving Tribute to the Women of God

The Government of the Promised Son–Jesus

…For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace. There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Approximately 700 years before Jesus was born as a baby to Mary, the prophet Isaiah received the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, purpose, and forever rule of this world. Hallelujah! Amen!

Gabriel, the Angel Who Delivers God’s Highest Priority Messages

Before Gabriel visited Mary, he brought good news to Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father. Who is the angel, Gabriel? Gabriel identified himself and his position in heaven to Zacharias: “And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.'” (Luke 1:19).

Gabriel’s Second Assignment: “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27).

Gabriel brought news of unbelievable magnitude first to Zacharias and then to Mary. However, we can identify a marked contrast between Zacharias and Mary, one had unbelief, and one had disbelief. Zacharias’ punishment for his unbelief: “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (Luke 1:20).

Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. (Luke 1:26-29 NKJV).

For clarity and further understanding, the New Living Translation states:

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:28-33).

“Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.'” (Luke 1:34). Some may feel that Mary expressed unbelief. Even so, it was not unbelief. [Unbelief: a rejection of the truth or a belief, especially a religious belief]. Mary expressed disbelief. [Disbelief: the unpreparedness or inability to believe that something is the case.] Our Omniscient God is just. Any unmarried woman who has maintained a chaste [pure] life would not be prepared to hear that she would become pregnant. God meets us exactly where we are. He determines if further explanation is required to the recipient of His promise.

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.” (Luke 1:35-37)

Proof of Mary’s great faith: “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.’ (Luke 1:38).

Did Mary comprehend the magnitude of being chosen to become the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God? A resounding Yes!, as evidenced by “Mary’s Song of Praise” recorded in Luke 1:46-55.

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me… (Luke 46-49).

Women of God, we are the Marys of our time. Yes! We are blessed and highly favored! God has anointed and given us [His lowly servant girls] the assignment to carry and deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ. As evidenced in the Scriptures, Jesus showed extraordinary love and compassion for all the women He encountered by using the term “Daughter.” The perfect love poured from His heart for His mother while on the cross is proof that Jesus cares about our burdens.

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus, therefore, saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:25-28).

Jesus ensured that His Mother would be taken care of by John, the disciple whom He loved. This is a real-life account of the greatest love that God’s daughters [and sons] will receive in our lives. Jesus’ love is unmatched. Even in your suffering and distress, remember: Woman, you are loved by God!

We are hard-pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.… (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

Prayer: God, I surrender my will and my life to you. Please reveal your plans for my life and forgive me of my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a common misconception that Jesus was prepared to suffer the extreme torture, including crucifixion required to redeem humanity from sin. However, Matthew refutes the inaccuracy by vividly documenting Jesus’s mental and emotional state of mind before His betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“…He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” (Matthew 26:37-38).

Certainly, God was deeply affected by the mistreatment of His only begotten Son. Humanity was not only created in the physical image of God, but we also have the emotions of our Creator. I cannot think of one person I know who would not have heartfelt sorrow for their suffering children. The knowledge that your son died an excruciating death for humanity [who continue to reject Him through their willful disobedience] will justify the destruction of the wicked. [Malachi 4:1].

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'” (Matthew 26:39)

Our relationship with Jesus mandates a dedicated heart-to-heart connection. The same self-sacrifice that salvation required of Jesus, God also requires from us. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Surrendering the desires of our heart involves letting go of the people we are attached to, the places and activities that give us pleasure, and the things that distract and pull us away from staying on the Path of Righteousness.

Just as Satan deceived Eve, he is busy deceiving today’s Christians. Studying the Scriptures and attending church does not indicate self-sacrifice or produce a transformation of the heart. The Pharisees memorized the scriptures. Yes, they were aware of the prophecy of a Messiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Yet, they rejected the lowly One born in a stable, Jesus of Nazareth.

It is our lifestyle choices that indicate our rejection of Jesus Christ. Total obedience is required of those who claim Jesus as their Lord. Serving God is not like working for an employer and receiving financial compensation. We cannot work to receive the reward of eternal life in heaven. Reflect on your secrets that God sees and the desires of your heart that indicate God is not first in your life.

“…for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God…(Exodus 34:14).

Are we members of the Laodecia church?

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—” (Revelation 3:15-17).

Many people attempt to establish a middle ground mindset, which leaves them in a spiritual dilemma. The Cold–The wicked either acknowledge or do not care if they are lost. They are living to please themselves. It is the lukewarm Christians who will be sadly disappointed when Jesus comes. They are the believers who possessed Cain’s mindset by offering Jesus their version of sacrifice.

Jesus clarifies the consequences of their “middle ground” mindset:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.'” (Matthew 7:21-23)

We cannot read Matthew 24 and reassure ourselves that the signs of Jesus coming again have not been fulfilled. “For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

The Lukewarm says I will do the right thing starting tomorrow. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14).

The Hot humbly give a heart-to-heart sacrificial offering that enables them to “Put God first!” Choose to live a righteous life on earth if you desire eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. “Father, let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”