Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV)

By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:8-10

Many are familiar with the Faith Heroes in Hebrews chapter 11. At 75, Abram demonstrated his faithful obedience to God when receiving the command to move to a foreign country. Yet, as he traveled to the promised land, he lied because of fear of the Egyptians. In his human frailty, Abram forgot the power of the God in whom He served.

And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai, his wife, Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, This is his wife, and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you. Genesis 12:11-13.

Because of a supposed imagining–his wife’s beauty would cause the Egyptians to kill him, Abraham fabricated a sinister plot to save his life. What would cause this great man of faith to suddenly be filled with fear? His emotional response to the presenting circumstances [the known power and ruthlessness of the Egyptians] canceled his belief in the power of God.

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you. And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2)

Would God make a covenant vow with Abram and allow the pagan Egyptians to take his life before he reached the promised land? Abram was aware the Israelites were enslaved to the Egyptians. His fear overshadowed that when God makes a promise, He is prepared and has Divine solutions to every challenge we face. Seeing life through unbelieving eyes causes us to develop unreliable strategies to resolve the problem, always leaving us in a overwhelming predicament.

So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. (Genesis 12:14-15)

Can you imagine Sarai’s fear? When Abram fabricated the lie, he certainly did not anticipate the consequences of his wife being taken to Pharoah’s palace. Even though God was aware that Abram’s faithlessness would place Sarai in a situation that neither one could resolve, our loving and merciful God intervened to prevent terrible consequences. “But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.” (Genesis 12:17).

Contrary to popular modern belief, God was not a punitive tyrant that enjoyed killing those created in His image. We read many stories of humanity’s weaknesses throughout the Old Testament based on disbelief and disobedience and God’s extension of grace and mercy. Historically, we have a proven track record of disregarding God’s commands and attempting to help God by using our limited abilities. And for our prideful sins, we suffer unnecessary consequences, yet, we view God as unfair in His justice.

Despite Abram’s moment of faithlessness, God lovingly rescued Abram and Sarai from a chaotic situation in Egypt. One would think that Abram and Sarai learned the lesson of trusting in God, but again they demonstrated the weakness of humanity when Sarai suggested that he marry Hagar. Both assumed that the promised male heir would never be born because of their advanced age. Again, in His mercy, God forgave them, making a new covenant changing Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. And Isaac, the promised son, was born to a woman, 90 years old, and her husband of 100.

Yes, we are Abram and Sarai, trusting in our abilities instead of possessing unwavering faith in our Omnipotent God. Unless we involve God in every aspect of our lives, praying for direction and patiently waiting for His promises to come to fruition, we can never please God. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

Through prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures, we come to know who God is by developing a close relationship with Him. God is saying to us, “Commit your unknown future to Me.”

Prayer: God, we commit ourselves to you by placing our lives in your hands. We ask forgiveness for trying to figure out and fix our challenges. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Jesus’ ministry will never be surpassed or outclassed. Jesus saves completely, eternally, “to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25). The salvation that Jesus provides is total and final. It reaches the innermost aspects of human nature (Read Heb. 4:12, Heb. 9:14, Heb. 10:1-4). Jesus’ intercession before God involves all the benefits granted under the new covenant.

It includes much more than the forgiveness of sins, too. It implies putting the law in our hearts, making us new people in Him, and leading us to the dissemination of the gospel to the world (Heb. 8:10-12). As one with God and with human beings, He represents us before the Father. As One who offered His life as a sacrifice, Jesus has unwavering favor before God. An Eternal Priest, SSQ, Feb 2, 2022

“Though we are born into the world out of harmony with divine principles, God has placed within us the desire for something better.” D. Winn, His Healing Love.

We have the innate quality to seek and achieve. Yes, God gave us the ability to pursue spiritual and intellectual growth and development. Each of us has been given talents. Maybe you have not taken the time to discover your unique gifts. Still, God, the Giver of gifts and perfect things created you as a recipient of many blessings.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV)

Looking at the perfect beauty of nature, the animals, and the uniqueness of every individual, we become aware that Jesus is the Master Designer. So, it makes perfect sense that we would also love beauty. The aspect of Creation that we fail to see is, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31). There was an endpoint to the creative process.

Unlike God, who was happily satisfied with the results of His creative powers and stopped, we have no endpoint to our pursuit of “happiness.” We keep going because God is no longer our “Spiritual Influencer.”

Although we cannot escape the impact of our environment and other people, many are confused about pursuing something better. Using our five senses, we desperately seek the things that we can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. We desire the tangible things that money can buy. We have been deceived into believing that we can create a zen environment that provides peace and happiness by purchasing clothing, luxury homes, vehicles, furnishings, decorative items, and exotic and pedigree animals to surround us.

The pursuit of career advancement has nearly destroyed our ability to live productive lives. We seek empowerment from academic degrees, job titles, and salaries. We cease to gain satisfaction from our God-given knowledge and skills. Sadly, we measure our self-worth by our positions, possessions, and liquid assets. Using the world’s standards, which continually change according to “the whims of the experts and influencers,” our enjoyment of life ceases to exist. Our curriculum vitae (CV) and resume are constantly updated because we accept someone else’s definition of our value.

The primary purpose of pursuing “something better” is for us to gain daily spiritual growth and development–Sanctification [To be transformed into the Character of Christ]. Yes, our relationship with Jesus Christ is nourished by much prayer and supplication–the action of asking God for something earnestly or humbly. We achieve complete satisfaction by studying the Scriptures, which reveal God’s character. We experience a deeper level of communion with Christ gaining knowledge, wisdom, faith, and trust. Most importantly, we begin to understand the agape love of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Yes, God desires that we develop to our fullest potential. But we are to pursue Him first! Obedience places us in the position for God to bring His highest plans into fruition for our lives. We are guaranteed love, peace, joy, and an outpouring of blessings. Remember, His promises are “Yes and Amen,” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for the sin of pursuing material things instead of a deeper relationship with you. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit and give us wisdom as we seek knowledge in the scriptures. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

When our lives take a sharp detour from our plans or expectations, often we succumb to emotional responses. Sadness causes us to wait passively, and anger makes us react with hostility. We stagnate, wondering, “What happens now?” Lingering sadness and uncontrolled anger incapacitate our ability to reason, quickly sinking us into despair and often resulting in hatred toward others, ourselves, and God.

It is challenging to control sadness and anger. When we are driven by our emotions, we rapidly lose altitude, and like a drone without a guiding signal, we crash. Prolonged emotional responses are like weeds in a garden of prized roses. How do we keep ourselves from falling into the abyss of hopelessness when our dreams are shattered?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 RSV)

God has promised to provide us happiness out of sorrow. God has promised, “to make us whole.” Yet, many are unaware of God’s healing power of restoration due to a lack of knowledge. “Jesus answered, ‘You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.'” (Matthew 22:29). The Bible was written for humanity, teaching us about God, His character, and promises. Unless we study the Scriptures, we cannot have spiritual growth, healing, and restoration from our trials and sorrows of life.

In 2 Kings, chapter 20, we read the story of God’s grace and mercy toward King Hezekiah, who received God’s message from Isaiah to prepare for his pending death. But the King prayed, “Remember now, Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight. And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 2o:3). Although God does not promise everyone an extension of life, He does promise complete healing and resolution to the vicissitudes of life that make us weep bitterly.

God’s response to King Hezekiah: “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you…” (2 Kings 20:5).

When we experience what seems like a deadly blow and are in distress, what happens next? God requires action from us first. We immediately seek God in prayer. Through our tears, we pray, “God, I need your help.” Tears provide a healthy release of our sorrow and connect us to our Heavenly Father. Although we were created with emotions to respond to hardships that cause grief, sorrow extends beyond our emotional responses.

What Happens Now? We prepare ourselves with humility and faith for a sometimes lengthy spiritual journey. Let’s identify the roadblocks.

Roadblock: Never ask why? Satan’s deceptive tactic is for us to question God. If you take that option, there is little hope for healing. Our immediate prayer to God acknowledges that we are disappointed and in overwhelming emotional pain. Every day, we ask to be anointed with the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance to move forward.

God is Omniscience–All-Knowing. He knows our lives from beginning to end, yet, God is not intrusive. He waits for us to approach Him for help. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

God will answer your prayer by revealing His perspective first. The tribulations are intentional [read Job chapter 1]. For us to have Christ-like characters, faith, trust, and total dependence on God, we must endure trials, sorrows, and hardships. God is preparing us for a perfect life in the New Heaven and the New Earth. What is God teaching me? What areas in my life require spiritual growth and development?

Human effort: We must accept sorrow. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33 CSB)

God’s Purpose for Sorrow: Spiritual transformation. “…strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.” (Acts 14:22). Human effort: #2–Acknowledge that God is in control and He has promised to strengthen you during your journey of healing.

Do You Want to Get Well? Will we Set Up Roadblocks or Move Forward on the Path of New Beginnings?

Roadblock: How we view God determines our outcome. Unbelief in His promises prevents us from receiving Divine help to overcome. Believing that God is love, full of tender compassion, grace, and mercy, always keeping His promises is the only way to receive complete healing in all dimensions of our humanness. God is committed to comforting and faithfully guiding us through our spiritual transformation of restoration.

Roadblock: Are you harboring a spirit of unforgiveness? We must forgive. Was the hardship or sorrow caused by another person(s)? Forgiveness is not an option! “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15). What if we caused hardship or sorrow? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Do not respond to Satan’s tactics to live your life filled with the darkness of guilt or regret.

Jesus died an excruciating death for our salvation. We do not have to carry the guilt of sinful actions. If possible, ask forgiveness from the people that were hurt. I say, if possible, because, in cases of Domestic Violence, or the other individual’s choice, you may be restricted from all contact. Still, we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let them know that we are genuinely remorseful for our former actions.

Restoration–complete healing is never immediate. God requires us to travel on a journey guided by His Divine Intervention and our Human effort of faith, trust, and obedience. How we move forward depends on our willingness to strengthen our relationship with Jesus.

Roadblock: Because we were born in sin, we have two opposing views: carnal and spiritual eyes. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15 ESV).

Human Effort: Even in our state of confusion, we must acquiesce and surrender our heart, soul, and mind to God. One of our most demanding challenges is to push doubt away. Trust God as if He told you to step out of the boat and walk on the water during a rough storm. Faith is the first step toward our healing journey. Let God guide you. Live with expectancy!

Our Restoration is God’s Top Priority! Do you want to be made well?

God’s promise of healing includes every loss that we have experienced. Whether we have a severe illness, lost a loved one, unemployed, experienced tangible losses–house, vehicle, our marriage, or relationships with family and friends, God is so much greater than the sorrows of this life!

Human effort: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34). Much prayer and studying of the scriptures are required to keep going.

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

God tells us to stand still [Exodus 14:14] and wait [Psalm 27:14]. God takes our hurting hearts, and He heals and rebuilds them for His honor and glory. If cars can be refurbished by human hands, can you imagine what our Omnipotent God can do with the broken human heart created in His image?

Human Effort: “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5). Give your unknown future to the known God! Through faith, even if it is weak and wavering, we pray daily, “God, let Your will be done in my life.” Trust and obedience to God lifts our hearts’ heaviness, and we receive peace. God promises to heal our grieving, broken hearts and give us new beginnings. And His promises are always, “Yes and Amen.”

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory!

Prayer: God, we need your power to restore our minds and heal our broken hearts. We pray for comfort and strength as we place our faith and trust in you. Please forgive our doubt and trespasses against you and others. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

This is one of the best and most encouraging sermons on Peace. Be blessed.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Mathew 10:34)

When we surrender our heart and will to Jesus, becoming faithful disciples, we can’t remain the same. Yes, we come to Jesus as the hymn states, “Just As I Am,” even so, the Holy Spirit enables us to experience daily spiritual transformation–Sanctification, to become like Christ. God’s expectation is we have faith, trust, and above all, obedience to His will and His way for our lives.

“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)

God waits for us to pray and ask Him to reveal His plans and our purpose. The Holy Spirit assists us in the development of our spiritual gifts empowering us to witness the Gospel. Because we are created with unique traits, our gifts and talents differ. Still, all disciples are given work to do for Christ. Before we are given our assignment, we require a Spiritual Bootcamp to produce the strength and courage needed to go all the way for God. Just as Jesus, the Son of God, suffered, we must experience hardships.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

The Apostle Paul tells us of the struggle that all humanity has with sin. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 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 7:18-19). Because we have a war raging inside us–fleshly desires, God readily gives us an escape route for all temptations. God created us to be totally dependent on Him. Yes, our Father knows that we require His Divine Intervention to be overcomers.

Soul Ties

Before our conversion, most of us have friends and family that we love and hang out with. In fact, many are involved in dating or long-term relationships leading to marriage. Other situations include believers who chose to marry unbelieving spouses or only one of two unbelieving spouses accepted Christ, and their spouse denies the power of God.

Our soul ties are the first area that Jesus causes division in. Yes, our closest relationships including some marriages will cease to exist. “Therefore, Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

“For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:35-36).

God’s word is absolute! There is never a scripture that indicates God has changed or that He will compromise. Our relationships often bring us to a crossroads of choosing to stay with or say goodbye to those who are unbelievers. Letting go of friendships is a hard decision, but how does one let go of family members, an engagement, or a husband or wife?

With time, opposition [changing from silent to fierce] creeps into our friendships, relationships, and the homes of unequally yoked families and marriages. Our existing relationships become distant. The hours of laughter from alcohol consumption [and maybe recreational drugs] and the pumping dance music in smoke-filled house parties or clubs cease to be part of our lifestyles.

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)

As we grow closer to God, we lose the desire to watch the streaming with profanity and sexual content, or go to the pub, club, and engage in other unholy activities. Our spending habits change. The money we were careless with by purchasing unneeded things has stopped. And our friends and family stop inviting us to social activities.

A chasm may develop between husband and wife dependent on their belief system and prior lifestyle choices. Yet, God only sees righteousness and unrighteousness, “…Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

“(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)…” (Exodus 34:14). God requires that we give up any person that prevents us from wholeheartedly serving Him.

Breaking Soul Ties

Breaking soul ties may be the hardest decision that is required of the believer. We will cry bitter tears and experience lonely days and nights. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3). The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Teacher, always available to help us with our spiritual transformation. Following Christ requires daily prayer, studying the Bible, witnessing, and listening for the instructions of the Holy Spirit. God says that He is a jealous God and that He requires us to put Him first.

When we consecrate ourselves to God every day, the spiritual, mental, and emotional separation from unbelievers happens naturally. Sooner than later, as we continue on the Path of Righteousness, we realize that we have nothing in common spiritually with our soul ties. We can never say all or never. Personal choices and lifestyles differ. Not everyone has friends and family members who are social influencers. Nor does every unbelieving spouse prevent or interfere with their spouse’s relationship with God. Alert: Still, it it a struggle for the believing spouse. Compromising to please one’s spouse by going against the truth is costly. Sin places us in spiritual bankruptcy.

Surrendering our hearts to Jesus sets us apart as commandment-keeping disciples with a purpose-driven life. “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37).

Our only option is to put God first! Remember, we experience spiritual growth each day, demonstrating our commitment to God by our lifestyle choices. It is a freewill decision to spend eternity in the New Heaven and New Earth. The evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the last days. Revelation Prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus, our Shepherd is protective of His sheep. For those who made a covenant vow with Jesus, He continues to thrust His Sword forward and upward, causing separation between His disciples and unbelievers.

Serving God is unlike anything we will ever do. There is no middle ground, a gray area, walking on the fence, or room for compromise. Either we go all the way with Jesus in loyalty, or like the young rich ruler who asked Jesus, “…Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16), we turn and walk away when we receive the answer of truth. God never changes, always requiring loyalty and obedience.

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” (Psalm 139:1-2)

Can you do what is required to obey God even if you must break soul ties? It is a personal choice. We cannot be double-minded, nor can we hide our true feelings from God. King David tells us that God knows our every thought and action. Remember, there is a great reward for the faithful remnant who will answer, “Yes, Jesus!” Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth is the reward!

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to break soul ties when required of us. We desire to go all the way in our relationship with you. Thank you for your love, grace, mercy, and the great sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit and open our eyes that we may view life from a spiritual perspective. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

As we already have seen, texts in Exodus and Deuteronomy invite us to look to the past. They exhort us to rest on Sabbath in order to celebrate God’s accomplishments at Creation and at Redemption. Hebrews 4:9-11, however, invites us to look to the future. It tells us that God has prepared a Sabbath rest that is in the future. It suggests a new dimension for Sabbath keeping. Sabbath rest not only memorializes God’s victories in the past but also celebrates God’s promises for the future. A Foretaste of New Creation, SSQ

Sabbath is for celebration, for joy and thanksgiving. When we keep the Sabbath, we indicate that we believe God’s promises, that we accept His gift of grace. Sabbath is faith alive and vibrant. As far as actions go, Sabbath observance is probably the fullest expression of our conviction that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. A Foretaste of New Creation, SSQ

Have a blessed Sabbath. Preparing for Eternal Life One Day at a Time. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries