As a nurse, I have administered thousands of narcotic and non-narcotic medications to alleviate my patient’s physical pain. But I realize, even with all of the advancements in the healthcare arena, we cannot medicate to stop the distress of emotional pain.
Emotional pain damages the psyche leaving scars that not even therapeutic intervention can heal. In 2021, the statistics of those who suffer from mental health conditions surpass the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Even so, God knew we would need His Divine Intervention. Hence, the reason God gave us specific instructions and promises in the Holy Bible to give Him our painful burdens. God lovingly waits for our prayer to release our pain, struggles, and challenges.
One of the names of God is Jehovah Rapha, meaning “The God Who Heals.” God promises to make us completely whole. When God heals, there is no “Emotional Scar Tissue.” Do you believe? Then pray this prayer of faith until you receive His healing touch. Pray for the courage to claim the victory in Jesus’ name, and move forward as a new creature in Christ.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
The reason you are a believer is to build a relationship with God whom you believe in. Prayer is a give and take; you call and God answers.
In John 16:33, “Jesus tells us, 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.” Do you believe that God answers prayers and Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit, they help us to live a victorious life even in our most demanding challenges?
Making a renewed covenant with God is just a prayer away. We are not required to do anything strenuous or challenging to serve God. It is a simple commitment to offer ourselves and worship our Creator. God loves us more than we will ever know. Believing (faith) in God requires constant communion with Him. Pray throughout the day and night for spiritual strength.
We cannot live off of yesterday’s worship, praise, or prayers. Diligently seeking God daily places us in a position to build our faith and trust in Him. Whether we are in the mountain highs or the valley lows, God is always here! He is patiently waiting for us to seek Him in prayer.
Bible Study: Matthew 6
Prayer: God, we confess and ask forgiveness for not doing our part in the covenant relationship with you. Please hear our prayer to create a clean heart in us and to teach us the humility of serving you. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Verbal sparring, debating, arguing, spats, and having the mindset, “I am going to say what’s on my mind, or always insisting on having the last word,” is strife. Strife is sin. But there is another category of believers who remain silent, but their thoughts are terrible. Before a word is on my tongue, you, LORD, know it completely. Psalm 139:4. Because God hears our thoughts, unspoken thoughts carry the same weight as spoken words.
Have you noticed throughout the Bible that God provides instruction on the development of a Christ-like character? Yes, we must do our part [human effort] to achieve daily spiritual growth and transformation [Sanctification]. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us of the traits we possess when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Our spiritual journey is based on Righteousness by Faith.
Most of us have been involved in a conflict; conflict resolution is utilized in most professional environments. But our conflict resolution differs because we answer to God, and He has specific biblical instructions on how to resolve or prevent controversy.
It is easy to become involved in verbal sparring. Some people love to argue, and it only takes one word to push their “Round One” button. Even so, having an argumentative spirit is not from God. Even worse, may God show us mercy if we are arguing over the Holy scriptures. Link for Bible verses on arguing: https://www.openbible.info/topics/arguing
When you are approached by an angry person (family, friend, coworker), simply walk away. We deserve respect even when we are wrong. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you calm down and pray for the individual. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2. If you are the subject of the argument, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your faults. It is a possibility that the other person is telling the truth.
Anger is a powerful emotion that eliminates all rational thought processes.
An angry person is too upset to listen or receive your apology. It is not the time to talk. When the situation allows, ask if the two of you can sit down and talk–do not wait until the next day! It takes a lot of negative energy to stay angry. Hopefully, they will calm down. Begin your conversation with, “You are right. I am sorry for ____________, apologize and ask for forgiveness, then ask God for forgiveness.
If you are approached by someone who is not angry, make sure it is the right time and place to discuss the issue.
What about false accusations? Lies are from the bitter fruits of jealousy and resentment, and anger. “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14
God’s Instruction on asking Him for forgiveness first:
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” Matthew 5:23-24
We cannot approach God first and ask for forgiveness before asking the other individual to forgive us. What happens when the person is unwilling to speak to you? We can use our cell phones to text, use FB messenger, or leave a voicemail. If you are on a blocked status, then accept that they have ended the relationship. Reconciling with an individual who desires to hold a grudge and remain angry is beyond our control. Still, we must pray for forgiveness and move forward.
Please keep this in mind: Our tone of voice may have conveyed our emotional state of being stressed. Every day we make intentional or unintentional mistakes, praise God for His mercy. Rid yourself of PRIDE! Give an apology even if the other person was wrong. Showing kindness and remaining humble produces the character that is pleasing to God. After all, we did commit to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
For clarification, I believe in zero tolerance for verbal abuse. If you are in an unhealthy and abusive relationship, “get out!” God did not create us in His image to become victims of abuse. What is unhealthy? Put-downs, profanity, sarcasm, being yelled at, and all disrespectful or condescending remarks that attack your self-worth.
Bible study: 2 Timothy 2
Prayer: God, we are often unaware of our displeasing character traits. We ask you to forgive us for having an argumentative spirit and for engaging in or provoking controversy. Please search our hearts and reveal our sins. We pray for the strength to leave situations of abuse. Teach us what true humility is according to your godly standards. We desire to live a peaceful and joyful life and to receive our reward of eternal life. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Most of us have experienced hardships involving loss. A few days ago, one of my friend’s daughters, a single parent with four children [girls], home burned quickly. Many of the wooden 2 x 4’s remained standing like charred trees in a wildfire. When I saw the picture, I was filled with overwhelming grief. Memories of my childhood flashed through how I cherished a bedroom full of favorite things that always resulted in complete happiness.
But then, God gently reminded me that His grace and mercy were greater than the loss of tangible items. Because of the loving devotion of the LORD, we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:23-24. My first reaction is that I saw this situation with blinders in my spiritual eyes–focusing on the loss of things.
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:5-6
The mother and her young girls were out of town when the flames of a raging fire consumed their home. Our Omnipotent and loving God extended His never-ending mercies. Not only did God spare their lives, they did not have to watch the destruction of their precious memories.
What is blocking your view from seeing Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Is it the unhealthy relationship or marriage, the scars of your past, financial troubles, guilt, ungodly habits, the idols of material wealth, the fun of worldly pleasures, or disobedient children?
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
Without spiritual reinforcement, we cannot see beyond our circumstances. Jesus Christ paid the price for humanity that no one else was worthy to do. The gift of salvation is priceless. Even so, acknowledging that His sacrifice ranks above and beyond any act known to humanity are subjective. We are not robots. Our free will of choice and gratitude determines whether or not Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our life.
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Jesus’ birth is not a Christmas story, nor should it be taken lightly. The wise men traveled a long journey to worship Jesus, the Savior, and King. What did they recognize that many of us cannot? Have we minimized Salvation to the level of a Christmas story? Sin leaves us with a debt that we are incapable of repaying. We would be hopeless without the Divine Jesus agreeing to become Jesus, the human servant, and crucified as payment for our sins.
God does not require us to pay penitence, nor do we earn salvation by our works. We confess, repent, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and live a faith-based life with humility, trust, and obedience. Every day, we travel the road of Righteousness by Faith as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives.
Can you see Jesus for who He truly is? He is still looking beyond our faults and sees our needs. Jesus is still serving humanity. As our Heavenly Intercessor, when we pray for forgiveness, He presents us as faultless to God. Still, Jesus warns us to be ready, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12
Bible Study: Matthew 27–The Crucifixion of Christ
God, we ask for forgiveness for focusing on the distractions of worldly pleasures and our earthly trials and sorrows. We acknowledge that Jesus is our Savior, and He is coming again. Please open our eyes that we may see you in all of your power and glory. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
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
This verse reveals everything we need to know about God. His unconditional love is evident: “thoughts of peace, and good, a certain future, and hope.” Unfortunately, we have agendas and plans contrary to God’s plans, preventing obedience, total faith, and trust in God.
Our daily prayer of, “God let your will be done in my life” proclaims our willingness to let God direct our lives. God always answers our prayers.
Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
For the next 30 days, we will commune with God through prayer. Our goal is to establish and build an up-close, and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We will pray individually in our homes every day for 30 days. Try to find a quiet place away from distractions. Sing, study the Bible, or listen to inspirational music to enhance your worship experience. Invite God into your heart and your life.
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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer is communication with the God of this universe. He loves for us to take the time to approach Him with prayers of gratitude, repentance, intercession, for protection, to request healing, to ask for strength, resolve our challenges, help with big or small decisions, to provide basic necessities, give finances for unpaid bills, complete school assignments, give us a job, and to receive comfort when grieving. The list is endless.
Always thank God throughout your day. Prayers asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual discernment when studying the Bible prevent us from accepting false teachings and doctrines from deceptive sources. Remember who our greatest enemy is…Get behind us, Satan.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
God, we ask you to hear our prayer and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for our sins. We acknowledge that we are blessed to be counted as the redeemed of the Lord. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.
I was born into a family with a mother who had southern roots. Although we lived in the Northeast, we acquired the taste for the mouth-watering, high-calorie foods that were home-cooked dinner every day. Entering my father’s background from Upstate New York with a passion for pastrami, corn beef, and steak meant that there were no boundaries for the delicious meals served. Mom made sure that we ate a variety of green vegetables. Still, the meal always consisted of cholesterol-packed meat and a kid’s favorite, macaroni and cheese, and scalloped or fried potatoes. You would think that nothing else could be added to the table. That was far from the truth. We lived for dessert, homemade cakes, cookies, brownies, and pies always topped with a scoop of ice cream.
As to be expected, at the young age of 11, I had childhood obesity. My mom is 88 years old, which makes me a “Baby Boomer.” So the norm was to have plump and happy children. Even so, my childhood was not like the new age children playing high-tech games or watching television until their body is in a state of sleep deprivation. No, I roller skated, jumped rope, played tennis and badminton, and was a swimmer. Nor did I eat all day long. We were allowed regular meals with a snack.
Fact: Weight gain or loss is 80% dependent on your food intake. Exercise for hours, but if your nutritional intake is saturated fat and empty, high-calorie [non-nutritional junk foods], your body will begin to decline regardless of your physical activity.
Fast forward to my mid-fifties, and my overtaxed pancreas started a revolution. I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 to partner with a prior diagnosis of controlled Hypertension. In 2015, I was also diagnosed with End-Stage Osteoarthritis in both knees, defined as “Bone-on-Bone. No cure. Total knee replacements are the answer. I made a few changes in my diet but still enjoyed the foods that I loved including desserts after every meal.
In 2017, my physician relayed that he was very concerned about my health due to our family history of Heart disease, Heart Attacks, High Blood Pressure, Asthma, Diabetes, and Breast Cancer. My cholesterol was abnormally high, with the good cholesterol at its lowest point and the bad cholesterol waging war. Now, I had Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, and High Cholesterol. The probability of me surviving a heart attack was slim to none.
When the Doctor recommended three additional medications with a fourth on hold to add in one month if my body did not respond appropriately, would you believe that my emotions kicked in? I felt angry. Surely, he was over-reacting by bombarding me with all of these prescriptions. In that moment, I transitioned from a health care professional to a resistant patient. I agreed to take one medication–the daily injections for Diabetes that would kick start my pancreas to produce more insulin. My Dr. soon realized that I was overwhelmed and began to speak to me from a Doctor-Nurse perspective, forcing my rational nursing mindset to rise above my emotions. I asked him to give me 30 days to make a change.
The Downward Spiral:
My job required visits to physician offices that involved extended driving and long walks from the parking lots. Texas is a big state. My knees worsened as my mobility decreased, and my joint pain hit an all-time high. At my Ortho visit, I was told to resign, use the custom knee brace, and a cane for stability. I secretely laughed. Yes, I would wear the brace, but there was no way that I was leaving one of my best jobs. We know that life does not work according to our plans. Soon after, as I was walking to a provider’s office, my knee buckled, and I fell to the ground on both knees. The rest of the story, I had to resign.
Challenge #2: Our insurance carrier had annual testing for four tests that identified high-risk subscribers for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. I failed all four tests. The penalty was an increase in the already expensive monthly premiums for the following year.
My Journey
I desperately needed help. I was enslaved to my tastebuds. Was I willing to play the game of chance and keep destroying my body? No, I took this life-long problem to God in prayer. It was then that divine intervention began. Within two days, I received a call from the insurance company’s Health Coach, who was assigned to develop strategies for a healthy, new lifestyle. Our church Health Ministries Dept. had previously scheduled a “Reverse Diabetes” seminar with a medical missionary to teach the principles of healthy living [that I did not plan to attend]. Even so, I had to change my lifestyle or face serious consequences.
God did not forget that I could no longer work as a nurse. In 2017, I received SSD approval–total and permanent disability within one week of self-filing although there was a three-year waiting period in the state of Texas.
I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in your body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome
Lifestyle Changes:
As of today, I have lost 70 lbs. My journey still continues to lose the final 40 lbs. The orthopedic surgeons who were ready to give me bionic knees have been waiting since 2015. With the weight loss, I am free from the chronic knee pain that required cortisone injections. I walk in the early mornings, one mile every day, which allow time for Jesus and I to have our little talks.
The most significant change that led to further weight loss is that my tastebuds have been retrained. All of the childhood foods that nearly took me out, I have not eaten in four years. Currently, I enjoy eating a wide variety plant-based diet. I have developed vegan recipes that include a pecan loaf and delicious veggie burgers. Yes, I still have the sweet tooth and must have a dessert after dinner. No more cakes or pies, I enjoy popsicles made with fruit, almond milk, coconut whip, and agave that are perfect for anytime treats.
God taught me not to focus on my physical limitations. At times, I cannot walk a mile. Still, if it’s only two blocks for that day, I have accomplished movement. My energy along with increased mental alertness allows me to laugh out loud. God has given me the ability to practice self-control. I am no longer too tired to study the Bible, and pray. Every day I celebrate my health by expressing my gratitude to God for fearfully and wonderfully making the human mind and body. Thank you, God!
Considering the five decades of self-destructive behaviors, I know that I am blessed. When I reflect on my mind-body changes, I pray that you can understand why I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. The transformation from certain death to optimal health did not happen without divine intervention. I could have never accomplished these changes on my own, even with a Health Coach. God truly answers our prayers. Whatever your health challenge is, take it to Him in prayer, and exercise the faith to believe: I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10
Prayer: God, we thank you for the ability to change the counterproductive habits of our past and present. We thank you for your love, grace, and mercies that we receive every day. Please give us the strength to achieve optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
If you hear a “biblical truth” with or without scripture, do you readily accept it based on the person’s credibility?
God’s answer: Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1
I love the protection that our spiritual team, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit provide. There is no guesswork or complexities in the Plan of Salvation.
When I became committed to studying the Bible, I attended a seminar at our church on how to study for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. The most important step we should take before studying: Pray for forgiveness of sin, and ask to be anointed with the Holy Spirit for complete understanding and wisdom.
There is a deceptive theory [false teaching] that has saturated social media: The wicked will burn forever in hell as God and the righteous watch their suffering. This concept is not in the scriptures. Why are individuals readily accepting the lie as God’s character? Satan has promoted God as unloving and unfair simply because he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. We must also perform a self-evaluation. Has someone committed a grevious act against us and we desire that they pay for hurting us?
There is nothing new in this world. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9. The early churches also had their challenges. Some new believers practiced pagan rituals and beliefs before they accepted Jesus Christ. Although they received God’s commands not to worship other gods, they attempted to live as Christian believers and continue to practice paganism, which led to chaos and confusion. Study the Apostle Paul’s writings to learn how he addressed the challenges of wayward teachings and practices.
The Apostle Paul’s warning to Timothy: For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
I was also a victim for many years, believing that God was the “Great Punisher.” I was taught in a prior life that if we committed the slightest mistake, we were doomed to eternal hellfire. But then God revealed himself to me. I read John 3:16 repeatedly. I received the assurance that God loved us so much that He gave Jesus, His only Son, to suffer, bleed, and die for us. And the story doesn’t end there; Jesus was resurrected and now serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. We can receive the reward of eternal life if we choose. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12. Hallelujah!
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.…John 3:16-17
Our struggle is real. “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. Make a covenant vow to faithfully serve and obey God. Yes, your life will change. You will have the confidence that God will protect you from all deceptive theories, false teachings and other spiritual warfare [Psalm 91]. Wonderful and miraculous things happen when we put God first!
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the whole armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Prayer: God, you know what we are facing every day. We need your help to protect us from spiritual warfare. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us, teach and reveal the truth as we study the Bible. We ask for discernment and wisdom that we do not sin against you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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