Tag: Bible

Jesus, Our Divine Helper

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – September 20, 2024

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” —Hebrews 13:5

Love, joy, peace, and happiness are God’s Divine gifts to every Christian believer. Sadly, these gifts are often not enjoyed by the followers of Christ. Two prevalent reasons prevent us from enjoying God’s abundant love and blessings: We do not know God, the Father’s Loving and Righteous Character [failure to study the Bible] and We have placed our confidence in human perception and reasoning, which is quite limited. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9).

For three years, I missed out on the monetary rewards my insurance company offered their subscribers. One day, I received an email that stated, “You are missing out on Free benefits.” When I set aside the time to research the reward section of the website, I was shocked at my loss, yet, I was determined to move forward. This year, I am participating and have completed 90% of the requirements [I receive $120 a year for 30 minutes of activity 10 days a month, quarterly rewards to purchase OTC products, and $15 to complete a wellness visit with my physician, etc.] Once I possessed knowledge of the perks, I decided to opt in and so far, have received $300.

How well do you know God’s Divine Character? Without diligent study of the Bible, we cannot have a healthy and joyful relationship with Christ who has promised to take care of us. Lack of knowledge results in missed blessings. No, not all of our blessings are monetary. We can live a mistake-free life by praying and relying on Divine Guidance. Our willingness to seek and obey God eliminates all consequences that result from “thinking our own thoughts” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Plight of Humanity: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Jesus’ Promise to Always Help Us: “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

The level of Divine help available to the faithful believer is unlimited. When we reflect on Jesus giving His life for us then our gratitude is expressed in surrender, obedience, and steadfast faith. If we humble ourselves and pray, we receive Christ’s Intervention every day. Cooperation with Divinity is required to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Never forget God’s priority is to save our souls—Revelation 22:12.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17

God, we thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing love. As we travel in our journey of life, we pray to align our will and desires with Your perfect will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jesus Is The Way, The Truth, and the Life—We Are Never Alone!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 19, 2024

God is LOVE. Gifted to humanity from God, the Father is Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Prayer connects us to Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor. If we ask for wisdom then we see life through spiritual eyes. The plans God has for us extend beyond our earthly journey. In John 14, Jesus gives us the promise that He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” Isaiah 65:24

Yes, life is a struggle, but we are never alone. Although we experience adversity and turmoil, Jesus promises deliverance and victory. Pray in faith, be patient, and ask God to reveal His plans for the given day. Strive to always obey God’s will. The planet Earth as we know it is slowly coming to an end. It’s time to see the big picture of receiving eternal life. Jesus, our Triumphant King is coming soon to give us a forever life! Amen.

Lord, we thank You for the precious gift of Your life. We seek to do God’s will and ask for the Holy Spirit to impart guidance, wisdom, discernment, and the strength to live as overcomers. We ask this prayer in your Holy Name Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Humility to God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 16, 2024

“…God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time…” —1 Peter 5:5-6

Humility is not an innate character trait. As an infant matures into the toddler stage, they portray defiance against most things. The toddler stage is one of the most trying and critical stages of psychological development. If parents do not set boundaries then they will nurture the defiance, and defiant children mature into defiant adults.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46

“God sets up resistance to proud people. Pride, a grave sin in Scripture, is the foundation of other sinful actions. Lucifer exemplified pride when he raged against God (Isaiah 14:12–15), and the first humans displayed pride by disregarding God’s explicit command (Genesis 3:1–7).” Got questions.org

“The Israelites’ persistent struggles with God were often rooted in their pride and unbelief (see Exodus 32:1–6; Hosea 13:6; Amos 4:1–5). Whenever humans sin, their actions can be traced back to a rejection of God and His commands, which is a manifestation of pride.” Got questions.org.

We became followers of Christ to be transformed into His likeness (His Righteous Character), to surrender in faithful obedience, and one day receive our reward of eternal life. Personally, I desire more than living an earthly life infiltrated by corruption, social injustice, and the promotion of the Capitalism credo to be successful and rich.

‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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 14:1-3

Have you reached a point in your Christian journey where you desire what Christ promises? Humility requires loving Christ, obeying God, and serving Him with steadfast faith and heartfelt obedience. Daily we reverence God by praying for His will to be done in our lives. The Holy Spirit communicates God’s will through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures. God never coerces us to obey Him, we must make the decision to follow through in obedience.

Lord God, we desire to serve You. With humility, we pray and ask for Your will to be done in our lives. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Good and Lovely Thoughts

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

There are many changes that have occurred in the six decades that I have been alive, some good and many not so good. One practice that has virtually disappeared is the giving and exchange of compliments among adults, especially women. In fact, the typical reaction of most recipients of a compliment is silence.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Is the giving and cordial receiving of compliments part of a lost era or rules of etiquette that were never learned? Have we forgotten how to extend ourselves to make others feel good? Even so, God’s expectation is for Christians to express genuine thoughts and spoken words that reveal “God is love.”

There are various possibilities as to why we have ceased to give positive and thoughtful praise to others; even so, the most logical explanation is that we possess a negative outlook because we do not have a loving heart.

Have you thought about the type of thoughts that dominate your mind and how those thoughts impact your way of life? Our thoughts dictate our behaviors and actions. If negative thoughts permeate your mind, then it is not possible to feel good about yourself or others.

How does negativity impact your relationship with God? It is not possible to really exercise faith and trust in God or to be thankful and possess joy when our thoughts and moods fluctuate according to our circumstances.

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

We are reminded to think on and possess thoughts which are excellent and praiseworthy. So, if the circumstances of life have shaped your character and you are a negative person then God has provided the answer for change, pray prayers of gratitude. The transition of thinking altogether-lovely thoughts has many positive benefits with the most important is that your character is molded to prepare you for Eternal life.

God is in the business of changing our characters! Start your journey by giving God positive praises everyday: Prayers of Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship with Songs and Uplifting Inspirational Music and study His Word, the Holy Bible to learn how deep His love is for you.

Identify your qualities and embrace positive thoughts about yourself. Begin to give yourself compliments on the small accomplishments that you make on a daily basis. This is a process that builds a positive self-image and self-esteem. God desires for us to embrace that He created us in His image, and are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

It is wonderful to live with a spirit of thanksgiving–a positive way of life emerges–your connection with God remains consistent, you begin to love yourself as God loves you, and you are able to readily extend gracious compliments to others.

Jesus Christ, God, the Son created us with unique features from the texture of our hair to the fingerprints that represent His love and creativity. We are created from Agape love that validates our existence and value. It is a beautiful life and it wouldn’t be complete without you or other people in it!

God, we thank you for all of the wonderful blessings. Help us to appreciate Your love, grace, and mercy. We ask for Your strength as we strive to transition from a negative mindset to a positive life filled with gratitude and praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray in faith. Amen.

2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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Evidence of Our Love and Loyalty to God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 13, 2024

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” —John 10:27-30

What is Love and Loyalty to God? What does it mean to hear Christ’s Voice? What is the evidence proving we are preparing for eternal life? What are the characteristics and the righteous lifestyle demonstrating that God is first in our lives?

God Is LOVE: Jesus’ Command to All Believers: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” —Matthew 22:37-39

God’s Command to All Believers: “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

The Test of Knowing God—”First, get to know God properly by coming into a right relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Don’t make assumptions where your salvation is concerned.” AngieBroks

  1. Every day, We Pursue Righteousness—”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). Seeking God’s will is of the utmost importance and reflects whether or not we serve Him with surrender and faithful obedience.
  2. Jesus is Our First Love—”For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Daniel prayed three times a day to ensure he stayed in God’s will. We pray and obey: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands” (1 John 2:3).
  3. We Pray Continuously for Guidance: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). “Jesus often withdrew to secluded places to pray alone, including in the morning, on mountains, and in gardens.”
  4. Study the Scriptures: “Study to show youself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible is the Voice of God. God’s expectations of us, His commands, the righteous characteristics we must possess, and the Christian lifestyle are identified in the Holy Scriptures.
  5. Strive for Christ’s Righteousness and Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22-26).
  6. We Hate Sin and Love the Sinner—”Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness” (1 John 2:9). Our role is to pray for others, not to focus on their sinful lifestyles. We demonstrate Agape love [God’s Unconditional Love] through kindness to everyone including our enemies.

In Our Christian Journey, We Face Two Great Challenges: Consistently Loving God and Loving Others

God’s Love and Sacrificial Offering for Sinful 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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). Loving God is understanding that He is Love. He gave Jesus, His only Son to save our souls.

Love Every One! Our Righteousness is Nothing: For those who judge others and fail to realize that Christians are also sinners saved by grace who chose to surrender and give our hearts to God, God says, “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). With humility, we acknowledge every day that we must be covered with the Righteousness of Christ to be saved from sin.

Only those who possess hearts filled with love and loyalty for God and love for others will receive the reward of Eternal life, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Evidence of Our Love and Loyalty to God: “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” —John 3:21

Lord God, we ask You to search our hearts and reveal all character traits preventing us from possessing unconditional love for You and others. In Jesus’ Holy and Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Love for the World or Love for Christ?

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 10, 2024

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” —1 John 2:15

The greatest challenge for today’s Christian believers is to remain loyal to Christ. People and distractions are the two avenues of detour [spiritual warfare] implemented by Satan to lead us away from the Path of Righteousness. How much time do we spend worshiping God outside our working hours?

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” —Proverbs 3:7-8

Although God tells us not to follow our thoughts, our daily routines and habits are etched into our brain’s neural pathways. We do not even think about our daily routines, it is so easy to automatically perform duties on our mental to-do list. Because of life’s busyness and rapid progression, we no longer reflect deeply on our behaviors and schedules.

Recently, I watched an animal documentary that revealed a slow but steady process of a beaver felling a tree. “Technique: Beavers start by whittling a tree’s trunk to a point. They often start on the side of the tree closest to water…They then make a second cut on the opposite side of the tree, higher than the first cut, so that the tree falls toward the water. Time: It can take a beaver family up to three weeks to fell a large tree.” Mass Audubon

The beaver’s instinct is to perform the technique that guarantees success and safety. As the documentary revealed, the beavers also stop frequently to perform visual checks, which alerts them to move in the opposite direction of the falling tree. How are we living our lives? Have we succumbed to practicing the world’s rapid rhythm and pace resulting in a counterproductive lifestyle that includes taking chances because we have excluded God from directing our steps?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8-9

Loving Christ is to follow in His footsteps. Living by faith includes daily surrender and faithful obedience through worship—personal prayer and Bible study. Allowing God to reveal His thoughts, ways, and plans increases our faith and trust in Him. From our willingness to obey, the Holy Spirit directs our steps empowering us to live as victorious overcomers, and our characters are daily transformed for our future lives in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

Taking the time to reflect on our priorities and lifestyles reveals whether we love God or we love the world. Money is not evil, the love of money is evil! The rich young ruler walked away sorrowfully because he loved his wealth more than Christ [Matthew 19:16-22, NKJV]. Any person, thoughts, habits, or pleasures that consume our time redirect us from loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds to the pleasures of this temporary world.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’ ” —Matthew 22:37-38

Jesus tells us our love and loyalty can’t be divided between God and the world. When we love God, He is first and foremost! Each new morning is a precious gift of life from God, our Father. It is His breath that fills our lungs. It is His Agape [unconditional] love that sustains our lives. Every day, God reveals His loving kindness by opening the windows of heaven allowing us to receive His provisions.

Never forget, the converted believer lives to hear “Well Done” from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ when He comes again. Only what we do for God is eternal, redirect your love and loyalty to Christ, and prepare daily for His soon coming. Amen.

Lord God, we admit that we have not put You first. We ask You to forgive us and to give us direction. We proclaim our love for You and desire eternal life. Thank You for Your love and the many blessings we receive daily. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions