Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Merriam-Webster defines the phrase “Dont take it personally–To be offended or upset by what someone said.”

Urban Dictionary expands the definition: A Phrase people use as a disclaimer to make an excuse to say or do something rude or mean to you to prevent you from having a poor self-image or so there won’t be repercussions and make you feel they still like you even though they probably do not.

Yesterday I listened to a Motivational message that expanded the meaning of “Don’t take it personally” further. The speaker clarified the actions of the people who we are familiar with are the ones who bring chaos [disruption] to our lives. She focused on the negative impact of overlooking the hurtful spoken words and unproductive behaviors on our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. The summation was to consider the consequence of your spiritual loss, and for that very reason, we should “take all chaos personally.”

Chaos is usually not a one-time occurrence. It is the person’s ongoing habit or behavior. We know the phrase, “Thats just the way he or she is.” How often do we overlook the chaos by not taking things personally? And what are the consequences?

What is chaos? In everyday language “chaos” implies the existence of unpredictable or random behavior. The word usually carries a negative connotation involving undesirable disorganization or confusion. stsci.edu

The scientific definition states the behavior is unpredictable or random. But chaos also includes predictable behaviors, spoken words, and lifestyles.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)

God created us to live in a state of well-being–to have optimal mental and emotional health. His promises ensure that we will enjoy the joy and peace that only comes from an Omnipotent God. Interacting with the people we love, yet who refuse to embrace God’s standards of righteousness will cause us to have mental and emotional instability. Often the source of our mixed feelings and roller-coaster emotions of unbelief, doubt, worry, and anxiety are caused by unequally yoked relationships.

Chaos Causes Spiritual Decline

Chaos disrupts our relationship with God by preventing spiritual growth and development. Chaos results in becoming double-minded. We know that something is not right. Knowing that the person is unwilling to change, we intentionally overlook the confusion they bring into our lives. Spiritually, it is a lose-lose situation. We lose the motivation or energy to pray without ceasing or studying and meditating on the Scriptures. Eventually, the disruption destroys our gifts of joy and peace. We cannot endure the turmoil of their chaos and enjoy a peaceful life!

God’s Instructions on Being Unequally Yoked

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?: (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Most are familiar with this scripture that causes our minds to automatically think that only unbelievers cause chaos. But believers also cause chaos and confusion. The chaotic believer [who acknowledges God, prays, and attends church] has the most significant impact on the other believers who strive to serve God. Still, they readily deny the effect of the chaos on them.

Chaotic believers: “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

Real-life examples of issues causing chaos among believers: Debates of pro-life vs. pro-choice; Is Jesus God?; we are under grace, God understands and readily forgives our intentional sins; gossipers; chasing the success of the career ladder; financial problems [high debt, careless spending, the love of money]; not giving tithe and offerings; sexual immorality [fornication, homosexuality, adultery, wife and husband swapping]; unmarried cohabitation–posing as roommates; secular habits [profanity, drinking, music and TV programs; smoking, drug use, pornography].

Sadly, this list of sinful behaviors among Christians is not an error. Listen to the sermons and read the social media posts on the issues causing dissension among believers who tolerate confusion from other believers. Chaos has interrupted the lives of many who were steadfast, causing them to fall away from God because of the influence of misguided “Christians.”

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14).

Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith….(1 Peter 5:8-9)

God has provided us with Spiritual guidance–the Holy Bible, the Holy Spirit who gives us wisdom and discernment, and guardian angels to protect us from temptation. Be aware that Satan is effectively using the emotion of love against us. He knows how to use the people we love to bring chaos into our once peaceful and joyous lives.

The price of compromise is spiritual disorientation. We are torn between obedience to God and maintaining a relationship with the people we love. Always remember, your inheritance of eternal life is based on faithful obedience. And because we are patiently waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus, “Always take the disruption of someone else’s chaos personally!”

Prayer: God, we desperately need your help. We have included people in our lives who have brought chaos and confusion. Please give us the strength to separate ourselves. We desire the joy and peace that comes from serving you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Growth and Development Day 1

For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times. Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles… (Proverbs 24:16)

Have you witnessed the results of God fighting your battle and your enemy being defeated? It could be a person on your job, a former friend, or a family member who has been a thorn in your flesh. We naturally tend to rejoice when we see our enemies fall, but in Proverbs, King Solomon [who was the wisest man who lived] says that we should not rejoice when our enemies fall.

But wait a minute! When God delivers us from that situation that we were powerless in, aren’t we supposed to praise him for deliverance? Yes, we should always thank God for His Divine intervention by praising Him for victory. Yet, many times our focus is displaced on the enemy instead of God.

Have you ever thought or said, “They got exactly what they deserved?” Solomon admonishes us not to gloat, which is to take great pleasure and boast about the fall of our enemy. We can quickly speak prideful words against the individual. But, reflecting on our lives, we also have a history of sinful thoughts, comments, wrongful actions against others, and willful acts of disobedience against God.

“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22).

Through our prayers of confession and repentance, God extends His never-ending grace and mercies to us. We fall, but we confess our transgressions with humility, and God lovingly extends His righteous hands and picks us up.

Prayer: God, we repent for the times that we have sinned by taking pleasure in seeing our enemies fall. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, anoint us with the Holy Spirit, and open our spiritual eyes. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

Obedience: compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority.

Jesus’s first known obedience was to God, His Father, His covenant vow to die for humanity. How was this an act of obedience? Because God, the Father, chose the sacrifice [poverty, suffering, and crucifixion] required to redeem us from sin. 

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:19)

Did Jesus love God, His Father? A resounding yes should undoubtedly be the answer of all Christian believers. Who would be obedient unto death by crucifixion without overwhelming love? Did God love His Son, Jesus? Yes, He honored Jesus’ commitment to redeem humanity. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). 

Although the word sacrifice has different meanings, the one applicable to Jesus dying for us is an act of slaughtering an animal or person or surrendering a possession as an offering to God. Jesus loved God, but He also loved the human beings He created in His image. It is distressing to know that Jesus’ sacrifice is not appreciated by the very ones He died for, as evidenced by our consistent acts of disobedience. Truly, obedience is the fruit of relentless love for God.

Before the creation of Adam and Eve, God was fully aware they would disobey and sin. Because God is Omniscient [All-Knowing], Jesus’ offer to die for us was not an after-thought. Jesus willingly obeyed His Father’s only option for our salvation. Our Creator relinquished His position in Heaven [to temporarily] give up His divinity and become human to suffer and be crucified that we may have salvation.

Jesus’ Obedience on Earth included submission to God, His Parents, and Governmental Laws

Jesus’ Obedience to God, His Father

“But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:31).

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8). Throughout, His short life on earth, Jesus obeyed and glorified God. Jesus is our example in praying without ceasing.

Jesus’ Obedience to the Government

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.’ So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” (Matthew 22:18-22)

Jesus’ [documented] Obedience to His Mother

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

We have the knowledge that Jesus honored and obeyed His parents. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

Yet, twice we have scriptural evidence that Jesus honored and obeyed Mary, His Mother.

“When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:49-51 NIV)

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Woman, [a] why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'” (John 2:1-5 NIV). Footnote: [a] John 2:4 The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.

Jesus’ Prayer of Obedient Submission to God

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus knew that He would have to suffer a horrific crucifixion. He prayed to God, His Father, “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me, nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.'” (Luke 22:41-42). Jesus demonstrated the highest level of Obedience to God. And it was for us!

Jesus Prays for Himself Before His Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane

“He said to his Father, ‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do and now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was. (John 17:4-5)

Although Jesus prayed the “Prayer for Himself” before His “Prayer of Submission,” it is intentionally placed in the closing paragraph for emphasis. We have the Ultimate testimonial reflecting Agape Love, and Faithful Obedience from Jesus the Son to God, His Father. Amen.

Testimonial: I have written many devotionals. Even so, this morning, I wept [for a while and prayed a prayer of forgiveness] because I fully understand the life of poverty and suffering a terrible death that Jesus endured was for me. The least that I can do is to have a heart of love and the desire to obey the one who said, “Yes, Father, I will die for them.” I pray that we love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His unmatched love and sacrificial offering–being obedient even unto death.

Prayer: Jesus, we thank You for Your obedience and sacrifice. We ask for forgiveness for the many times that we forget the suffering. You went through to redeem us from sin. Thank You for giving us a choice to receive a heavenly inheritance. It is in Your Worthy name that we pray. Amen.

“Good people who do good deeds go to heaven”

Although many individuals believe this phrase, it is not found in the Scriptures. Having a good character, doing the good deeds of philanthropists, random acts of kindness, or taking care of the homeless do not equate to receiving the reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Growing up in a healthy and loving environment with boundaries and discipline most often will produce good children. Parental guidance enables children to respect themselves and other people. And they have a high probability of maturing into good, loving adults who help others and adhere to governmental laws. Still, society’s moral standards and values do not exceed God’s definition of good [excellence], which is Righteousness and Holiness. “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 20:7).

The Highway of Separation

“And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it–only those who walk in the Way–and fools will not stray onto it.” (Isaiah 35:8)

Are you aware that a person with a selfish heart will plan to perform an act of kindness to receive recognition? We see the countless number of videos on social media that do not need to be posted. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1).

God Knows the True Intention of Our Hearts

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9), applies to all human beings. If we could judge ourselves using a merit system [developed from human standards] and inherit eternal life, then Jesus’s death would have served no purpose. So, if good people with good hearts will not automatically go to heaven, what are the chances of anyone receiving eternal life?

Acceptance, Confession, and Repentance

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Salvation is based on a 1:1 heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ. We accept Jesus as our personal Savior through confession and repentance of sins. “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Jesus is the only answer to living a righteous, faithful, and obedient life. Human Effort: Our daily prayer, “God, not my will but your will be done in my life. Anoint me with your Holy Spirit that I can be faithful and obedient to your plans. In Jesus’ name. Amen”

Satan’s Deception: Do good and you will receive the reward of good things

Even study of the Scriptures does not necessarily produce faith, obedience, or the Fruit of the Spirit. How is this possible? When I studied Religion in college, many self-proclaimed atheists also enrolled in the classes. Why? “Because religion is an interesting topic,” or “We study to acquire knowledge to debate with Christians or “We desire to be a good person.” Sadly, because of their professed unbelief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, possessing only academic knowledge of the Bible will prove worthless.

The Plan of Salvation

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:6)

Conversion, Transformation, and Sanctification require surrender, faith, obedience, daily praying, and studying the scriptures under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Sanctification: Daily spiritual growth and transformation of our hearts [our minds] to become like Jesus.

Does Sanctification sound complicated? Children can accept Jesus as their personal Savior. We are born with faith and trust, as evidenced by a baby who instinctively recognizes and trusts their parents or caregivers. Yes, God gives each of us a measure of faith. “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3). Trust is faith in action!

Become Like a Child

“‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matthew 18:3).

As a young girl, my mother taught me that “Jesus is our Savior, He died for our sins–which is doing wrong, such as disobeying your parents, being mean, or selfish, and not telling the truth. And Jesus lives in heaven with God, His Father and the angels.” As I matured, I learned that Jesus will come again and we will live in heaven forever [however, the reward is conditional]. Still, I believed and trusted everything my mother told me was the truth, and it would happen.

The Falling Away

Satan has deceived many Christian believers by presenting righteousness as something we can easily acquire by doing good deeds. The person who accepts this false concept, Jesus says, “But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” (Matthew 13:21).

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. (Romans 1:21).

By what means, then, do we determine whose side we are on?

If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts. EGW

If we belong to Jesus Christ, then all we have and all we are is consecrated to Him. Jesus is our ultimate role model. He met the needs of others by giving provisions, healing, raising the dead, and teaching the Scriptures. Yes, Jesus did good, which always glorified God, His Father. And by faith, which flows from our transformed hearts, we follow His example by reflecting His character through obedience and striving to attain the purity of holiness everyday–Sanctification.

Saints of the Most-High God, By the Grace of God, We Can Do This!

Be Generous and Do Good
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10)

Prayer: God, we pray for forgiveness of our sins and to be transformed into the image of Christ. Change our hearts to reflect doing good for the sake of righteousness. And we ask for the strength to be faithful and obedient. Reveal to us Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.