Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

God is love. The first human being was created by our loving Creator, the Father God. Adam was not spoken into existence but created from the dirt and shaped with His hands. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and Man became a living being. Genesis 2:7.

Although the scriptures tell us that God was pleased or filled with anger, we have the tendency to think that God does not have emotions. For any mother who has given birth or adopted a baby, most often, you feel a depth of love that you never thought was possible. Yes, I believe that God was filled with awe and excitement as Adam opened his eyes and started talking to God. I wonder what the first conversation was about.

And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. Genesis 2:18. From the rib of Adam, God formed Eve, a beautiful woman and helper to make Adam’s life complete. God never leaves a situation unfinished. He is the Author of Completion who always has a perfect outcome.

Although the fallen angel, jealous Lucifer–now known as Satan, has attempted to annihilate love from humanity, God’s omnipotence rules this earth. A unique group of people with loving hearts has formed a deep bond with Jesus Christ, our role model. Despite the growing dissension that prevails on this earth, we love God, love others, and love ourselves with the Agape love of God.

Throughout the four Gospels–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we are given four perspectives of Jesus’ love and compassion. Yes, racism existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Even so, Jesus loved all people equally. If only our love was at this depth for others, we would have an unselfish spirit, readily reaching out and serving those in need.

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

If your love has not reached the highest level for Jesus, I invite you to read John, chapters 17, 18, and 19. I listened to the NKJV audio. It was John 17:4, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do,” that prompted deep soul-searching. What level of sacrificial love, loyalty, and obedience is this? Our prayer should express the desire to have the sacrificial love and dedication that Jesus had to put God first.

Prayer: God, we love you. Please help us understand the depth of love you have for us. Thank you for blessing us with our spiritual gifts and talents. Holy Spirit, we ask You to reveal the specific work that you have given each of us to do. And as we prepare for the incoming Sabbath, open our spiritual eyes to see the suffering of others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Then he said, “I tell you the truth unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:31

The fundamental of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and confession and repentance of sin is a decision to wholeheartedly serve God. A prayer of humility, lifelong dedication, and making the covenant vow to become a faithful follower of Jesus. We renounce our sins, receive baptism by water immersion, and begin our new life.

Faith, trust, obedience, prayer, and study of the scriptures in the Bible are the foundation and building blocks of our journey with Jesus. Daily we become transformed, possessing the Character of Christ–Sanctification [a lifelong journey of growing in righteousness]. Our righteousness is by faith. And for our unwavering dedication to God, He gives us unmerited love, grace, and mercies. Our destination is eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth if we fulfill our part in the Plan of Salvation.

God, the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity- Godhead. Following Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, we read, When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly, a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17. This is one of the few scriptures that mentions the three components of the Trinity, Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

As a young girl (age 5), I was taught that Jesus the Son of God died for us because sin makes us disobey and do wrong things. We pray every day, are obedient to God and our parents. And God will reward us by living forever in heaven. By that simple explanation and the innocent faith and trust in what my Mom taught me, I started serving God. Learning this simple prayer, “God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food. Amen.” reinforced my childlike faith in God. When we love God, we keep His commandments and communicate with Him through prayer.

How did we end up in a complex maze regarding Salvation? Enter the greatest enemy of humanity, Satan, who tricks many into believing that serving God is complicated with intricate complexities. Let’s compare it to a maze. After many attempts, you finally guess the right path to the exit through logical deduction. Not so! We are never in a dilemma of confusion when we serve God. Why? Because we have a Teacher, the Holy Spirit, who provides us with 100% accurate discernment of the truth contained in the Holy Scriptures, which are God-breathed.

The Apostle Paul was a patient and spiritual mentor to the early Christians.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10

God is not a religion or denomination. He shows no favoritism toward any particular group of individuals with the exception of those that believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. 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. Obedience is our highest form of worship to God. There are no good deeds, acts of kindness, or attempting to do the right thing, which will give us eternal life. Yes, faith without works is dead, but we can never work our way to heaven.

Falling in love with Jesus Christ provides a worry-free and peaceful life. Knowing that God can never make a mistake prevents us from experiencing negative consequences. No one else can boast that guarantee of a perfect outcome!

Pray often! Ask God to reveal your purpose and manner to witness to others through His Holy Spirit. Disciples always have the responsibility of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because of technological advances, we can reach thousands of individuals, globally. Truly, technology is a blessing. Isn’t God good?

Prayer: God, many are only concerned about themselves. Holy Spirit, please give us direction along with a sense of purpose to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Thank you God for your daily gifts of Love, Grace, and Mercies. Amen.

In reading 1 Kings 19– 2 Kings 2, we are told of the faith and the human frailty of the Prophet Elijah. As I focused on his faith–he prayed for no rain for three years and his frailty–he ran away from Queen Jezebel, who threatened to kill him. Even so, he was translated without death, taken up in a fiery chariot to heaven, as witnessed by his successor, the prophet Elisha. I’ve come to realize that God is a loving, gracious, and merciful Heavenly Father.

Despite the masquerade of strength that we present to those around us, we are as naked babies before God. The Omnipotent Father God knows the depths of brokenness in our hearts. As we approach God for His divine intervention, we do not need to be ashamed of our weaknesses. There is no pretense with God. All He expects is for our prayers to reflect the honesty of our hearts. Yes, it is a humbling experience to admit that we cannot make it through life without God. Remember that God did not create us to live independently. He is Abba [Father] when we have a personal, intimate relationship with Him.

In the early church, there was a false concept that one should not suffer any physical or emotional disorders if one is genuinely a Christian believer. But Jesus revealed to the Apostle Paul that all of us have weaknesses.

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might be part for me. And he said to me, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, and persecution, in distress has, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Paul acknowledged [his and] humanity’s inherent character weaknesses and our constant need for God with humility. Jesus Christ imparts His strength and power to every believer that approaches Him in prayer. Praise God that we never have to think about God condemning or judging us when we ask for His help.

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible

Prayer: Thank you, Abba–Heavenly Father that we can come boldly before your throne of grace for help. We need you to resolve our dilemmas and remove our cares and anxieties. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry