Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18‭-‬20)

As believers, our first obligation is to God. We have been given the responsibility to witness the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thankfully, we are blessed to have many options to minister to those who need a Savior. Posting encouraging Scriptures, volunteering to feed the homeless, or giving a smile and saying, “Good Morning” are the avenues the Holy Spirit will utilize to comfort the person by giving them hope.

Think about how you feel when trials and sorrows enter your life, turning it upside down. Even with knowing Jesus’ promise in John 16:33, “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, I have overcome the world,” I will be the first to confess that I have not reached the point of being cheerful or rejoicing in the midst of hard times.

Have you considered this verse? “Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15). Although many unbelievers appear happy and content, God tells us that it is not valid. Depression and anxiety have reached a super-pandemic level in mental health disorders.

“Rather than the way of the Christian being hard, the Scriptures teach that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15). His life is more difficult while on earth than is the life lived in obedience to the Lord.” https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume30/GOT030268.html

Jesus is our role model. He approached those in need with a loving and compassionate heart. There are four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] written by four different men describing Jesus’ life and healing interaction with those in distress. Micah 6:8 gives us clear direction on the expectation that God has for every disciple who says, “Jesus Christ is Lord and King of my life.”

God has many who have committed their heart, soul, and mind to Him. Praying daily to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, and making the commitment to give up their desires, “Not my will, by your will be done.” No, they are not perfect. Even so, they strive for spiritual perfection, diligently study the Scriptures, and are faithful and obedient to the will of God.

Selected, Appointed, and Anointed by God

Samuel speaking to King Saul: “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14

David Anointed King

“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons. ‘” (1 Samuel 16:1).

Jesse and his sons witnessed the anointing of David as king, to which he received jealousy and hostility from his eldest brother Eliab. “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28). Why is this important to us? God desires us to know that we will experience pushback from those closest to us.

From David’s anointing to becoming king was lengthy–15 years. After killing Goliath, King Saul became jealous and sought to kill David. Living as a fugitive for 15 years, God developed his character, increased his courage, and imparted the wisdom David required to rule as king.

As time grows shorter, God desires to select, appoint, and anoint men and women who are 100% committed to Him. We will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Yes, through His grace, God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Pray for the discernment from the Holy Spirit to reveal your gift and the directions on how you will use it.

Love God deeply. You have been selected and appointed. Still, God is waiting for you to accept your assignment. Establish a covenant vow to serve Him with your spiritual gifts. It is then that you will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Tattle-tale, are you familiar with this old-school word? Definition: a person, especially a child, who reveals secrets or informs on others; a telltale. It usually occurs among the siblings involved in a rivalry with each other. My brother was a junior detective who was always watching our mischievous younger sister so he could tell our mother. He loved to see her get in trouble. But I also recall my mother advising him to stop being a tattle-tale and readily asking him, “What are you doing that you shouldn’t be doing?”

In witnessing wrongdoing, “What would you do? What would your child do?”

The scenario that I vividly remember from my childhood involved theft. I was probably around 11 years old, and my paternal cousin and I went on a shopping trip to Macy’s. Each of us had a $10 allowance [this was in 1969], and with child-like faith, we made an extensive shopping list. The only thing we could afford was a swimming cap. But I saw a clearance sign for wallets and stopped to look. Excited, I found a small wallet that I could afford. As I looked up, fear gripped my mind and body. I witnessed my cousin stealing a wallet. It was then that my cousin’s real character of being a bully was exposed. She stated, “If you tell and I get in trouble, I will say that you told me to do it, and I will tell the police that you stole that wallet.” Needless to say, I did not tell anyone until now.

Stop being a tattle-tale were words that followed into my adulthood. Growing up, I had a timid personality and did all that I could to avoid conflict with others. Yes, I witnessed many wrongdoings on the jobs I worked on, yet, I did not get involved. Not because I didn’t care, the employer did not care.

Even so, my mindset was retrained when I began employment with the New York State Division of Parole. One of my strengths is the skill of observation, which was necessary to work in the dark underworld. Under the training of the Assistant Deputy Director, I was taught that our eyes must see everything and report all infractions.

In today’s society, the line is blurred between right and wrong. Many believers are desensitized to the moral and ethical decline that permeates our environments. And most will not get involved in moral and ethical dilemmas, including witnessing criminal activity. We look the other way because we have adopted the “see and don’t see” mindset.

Yes, we ignore the pollution that results from “What is truth? Truth is what I believe it to be,” giving our teens “their right to privacy,” and we keep it a secret that our best friend’s husband or wife is cheating on their spouse. It is a conscious decision to willfully overlook the actual predicament of the world we live in. And our greatest enemy has us blinded by the prosperity sermons and our desire to live a happy life, so we hold fast to the worldly standards of “I am not my brother’s or sister’s keeper,” and “This does not concern me.”

Love does cover a multitude of sins, yet, we have a moral responsibility to God to do our duty to God and humanity. Criminal activity and raising a rebellious child to do as they please are not included in “love’s spiritual cover.” How does God view deliberate, intentional sins and the believers who are aware yet do nothing?

Acts chapter 5, verses 1-11 tells us the story of the husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira who schemed to lie regarding the amount of money they received from selling their land.

“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'” (Acts 5:3-4). As we read further, both husband and wife dropped dead from lying.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

We are the light-bearers of this world. Speaking out against injustice, disclosing criminal activity, and disciplining our children is the expectation of righteousness. We will be held accountable if we do not stand for the truth and God’s commandments. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

Preparing for Eternal Life each and every day.

Prayer: God, we pray for the courage to be just and take a stand for the truth. We ask for forgiveness for the times we have overlooked and become a part of someone else’s intentional sin. We pray to be anointed with the Holy Spirit and ask for wisdom as we seek knowledge. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'” (Matthew 28:17-18)

The Beginning of Doubt, Disbelief, and Disobedience to God

There is a long history of humanity disobeying God. Adam and Eve desired more than their perfect life. Cain chose the sacrifice he wanted to give to God, became angry when God rejected it, and murdered Abel, his brother.

Still, the Israelites exhibited the most significant doubt and disobedience against God. As if suffering intensely as enslaved people in Egypt was not enough oppression, they openly rebelled against their wilderness journey. “Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.'” (Exodus 14:12 BSB).

The Prophet [Jeremiah] is Called

God’s Promise: “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘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’s Doubt: Then said I: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'” (Jeremiah 1:4-6).

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: Jeremiah prayed for understanding and faith. With humility, he acknowledged the ultimate power of God. “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17). Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

Midianites Oppress Israel [Gideon is Called by God]

God’s Promise: “And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” “Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?'” (Judges 6:12, 14)

Gideon’s Doubt: “So he said to Him, ‘O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.'” (Judges 6:15). God’s Promise: “And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.'” (Judges 6:16).

Gideon’s Request of “Show Me”: “Then he said to Him, ‘If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.’ And He said, ‘I will wait until you come back.'” (Judges 6:17-18).

As the story unfolds, in verses 36-40, Gideon requests another sign of the fleece. Our Omnipotent God, who does everything for His glory, used 300 men to defeat the Midianites. “Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” (Judges 7:12).

Because of sinful desires, we have the innate tendency to doubt God. And in doing so, we function outside of the will of God without remorse. Desire always produces disobedience against our Heavenly Father. We boldly and relentlessly pursue the husband or wife that God is waiting too long to give to us. We purchase houses and vehicles depending on our employers to provide lifelong financial security. We listen to our friends, family, and people on social media to “go ahead, pursue your goals, and live your best life.”

Fear produces doubt. Doubt creates faithlessness and is based on one’s perception of God. Many do not live according to the reality that “Jesus has all authority.” We have been deceived into believing in ourselves. Seeking God’s approval is no longer a priority. Our journey on the Path of Righteousness is only possible by possessing unwavering faith and total obedience to God. Believers must pray and patiently wait until we receive God’s answer.

To the disobedient who continue to pursue their desires, the Israelites are our example of people who witnessed the end of God’s mercy. Of the generation that left Egypt, only two, Joshua and Caleb, and those under the age of 20 were allowed to enter Caanan, the Promised Land.

The same God of the Old Testament who manifested love, mercy, and patience to human beings full of doubt and fear is the same God who requires obedience and faith in His Omnipotence from us. We are promised eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14).

Prayer: God, we thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask for forgiveness of doubt and disobedience. It is our desire to receive eternal life. Lord, we pray for strength, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we may have discernment, wisdom, and the patience to wait on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As a child, I eagerly looked forward to the promise of the shopping trip to spend part of my allowance for completing my household chores. I recently realized that my mother instilled the character traits of humility, obedience, faithful anticipation, and work ethic required to serve God. Those who do not believe it is necessary to perform a faithful duty to God every day to receive His blessings consider your employer’s expectation of you achieving productivity every day to receive monetary compensation and merit raises.

Promise [definition]: 1. A declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. 2. To assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen.

A promise involves two or more individuals: The giver and the recipient(s). The fulfillment of the promise requires integrity and commitment from the giver to ensure that a particular thing will happen.

From experience, many have endured the heartache of broken promises. We must establish that circumstances beyond the giver’s control cause the contractual agreement to become null and void. Insolvency of a company causing massive lay-offs is deemed necessary to sustain further business operations, or due to compromised health or death, the giver is unable to fulfill their promise.

The reality is that many promises have the potential to never come to fruition. The giver made the promise without intention to fulfill the promise. It is not difficult to find a person who has not suffered the brokenness of their fragile hearts from unfulfilled promises, mostly from deceit. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” (Psalm 118:8 NLT).

Only God never fails in His promises. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Even so, His promises to humanity are conditional and always involve “If and then.” Yes, the human effort of obedience, faith, and patience are the conditions required to receive God’s blessings.

1. “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1 ESV).
2. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
3. “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14 ESV).

Our belief in God’s promises should dictate our lifestyle choices. When we memorize the scriptures that promise the blessings of eternal life, we do not allow the compromise of breaking our promise to love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

1. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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).
2. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
3. After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands… (Revelation 7:9 ESV).

God’s promises are “Yes and Amen.” “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 ESV).

The question of “Do I really desire eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth?” is reflected through the choice of faithful obedience. We cannot tell ourselves that we are doing enough for God. Attending church service once a week is not enough. Many hear the Word and study the Scriptures but do not put God first. Most importantly, we have been given a spiritual duty that is a requirement for eternal life–

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV).

Eternal life is based on “if you” and the choice is up to you.

Prayer: God, not my will, but your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.