Christian character – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Christ Chose Us To Always Reflect His Light

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14, 16

Pastor G’s Testimony of His Life-Changing Experience

“It was a busy morning for Pastor G. He had awakened early to prepare for the Bible Class and the Sermon, and he was also leading an Evangelistic Series in the afternoon. He grabbed his keys, ran out the door, and sped away….

He drove through the city traffic, annoyed that so many people were out on that morning and could make him late for church. Where were they all going? Then, out of nowhere, one car cut in front of him. He slammed on the brakes and held up his fist in frustration and anger, yelling at the driver.

Finally, Pastor G arrived at the church. As he stood up to teach the lesson, his eyes scanned his class and came to rest on a familiar face: the driver of the car he was angry at just 20 minutes earlier was sitting on the church pew.” SSNet

Jesus’ disciple Peter was a fisherman who was prideful, aggressive, impatient, and usually the first one to express his feelings using harsh words.

In fact, at The Last Supper when Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him, Peter immediately stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33).

As the disciples followed Jesus to the Mount of Olives and entered the Garden of Gethsemane before He separated Himself to pray, Jesus told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

The Rest of Peter’s Story: After Jesus’ arrest, Peter viciously denied knowing Christ three times, swearing and cursing, and then the rooster crowed, just like Jesus prophesied.

Jesus Forgives and Restores Peter: After Jesus’ resurrection, He had breakfast with His disciples by the sea. “Jesus asked Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’ as recorded in John 21:15–17.”

“By asking Peter, ‘Do you love Me?’ three times, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of Peter’s love and [unrelenting] obedience to his Lord as necessary for his future ministry.”

And from deciding that he desired to love like Jesus loved, Peter cooperated with the Holy Spirit, who changed his crude, unloving heart into a gentle heart that was tender and responsive, a heart overflowing with God’s Agape Love.

Yes, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave Peter the wisdom and the words to witness Jesus’ Love and Saving Power: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36).

When Peter spoke, the people who knew him as the rough fisherman listened closely to his words. Yes, Peter revealed that following Jesus, and surrendering to Him with faithful obedience, invites the Holy Spirit to transform us from roaring lions into gentle sheep.

The People’s Response: “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:40-41).

Today, Jesus is asking His believers [you and me], “Do you love Me?” Yes? Then Feed My Lost Sheep!

Possessing the Love of Christ Is the Foundation of Our Relationship With Christ and Our Most Powerful Witness: “Though I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Like Peter, if we desire a spiritual transformation [total makeover] of our heart, mind, and character, we commit daily to following Christ with love, surrender, faith, and obedience, always praying for wisdom, guidance, and strength.

Spiritual Growth Requires Human Effort and Divine Help! We were not created with the ability to change ourselves. Behavior Modification is the attempt to change by using human strategies and effort, but Spiritual Transformation can only occur when we are empowered daily by the Holy Spirit.

Human Effort: To follow Jesus requires a life of self-denial, renouncing sin, and agreeing to live as clean vessels with pure hearts. Spiritual transformation is a lifelong, daily spiritual process, which requires us to be in total agreement with the Holy Spirit.

Yes, the spiritual journey is tough! Yet, we have hope; eleven of Jesus’ twelve apostles were transformed [Judas had his own agenda, including betraying Christ].

Through prayer, we commit to actively participating in our Salvation. We must maintain the continual desire to be one of Jesus’ faithful disciples. Using self-control, when we resist our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations, the Holy Spirit gives us the Divine strength to overcome.

To Be a Light Requires a Daily Battle With Self and Satan!

Reflection: Are we ready to use our faith and self-control, praying to be empowered with Jesus’ Strength when facing challenges and temptations?

Jesus revealed in His earthly life that He relied on the Divine Power of the Holy Spirit for strength to accomplish His daily goals and to say, No to temptation.

The Character of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amplified Bible).

How do we know we are growing spiritually?

Spiritual Growth is gradual, but consistently progressing, from the invisible spiritual, mental, and emotional changes to the visible physical changes.

Jesus’ Promise: “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT).

From the moment we wake up, we have peace and joy from being filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion—our presence, facial expressions, attitude, thoughts, spoken words, and actions reflect that we are “lights” in darkness.

The Holy Spirit, through daily Sanctification, changes us from the inside; we let go of worldly habits, clothing, and lifestyles that we used to enjoy; and the things that used to annoy and upset us, instead, we whisper a prayer or sing a song, praising God for His Faithfulness.

“The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NIV). To be a “light” requires continuous self-denial and steadfast faith, courage, and prayer. You will lose friends and family.

“We live in a world that hates God’s Truth, but that reality should not prevent us from sharing [God’s Love] in thoughtful, loving ways.”

As empty vessels, if we allow ourselves to be filled with the Light of Jesus’ Love and Compassion, serving as witnesses of God’s Steadfast Love, Grace, and Mercies, Jesus has this promise for you and me:

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV). Yes and Amen!

The Apostle Peter’s Guidance:

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers [and sisters], be tenderhearted, be courteous;

not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, 12).

Lord God, we thank You for choosing us to follow and represent Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world. We pray for a spiritual makeover, one that represents a heart filled with Christ’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, and self-control. We desire for our minds and characters to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, revealing to the world that loving and following Jesus makes a difference in one’s life. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to those who desperately need to know that Jesus loves them. We also pray for wisdom, guidance, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remaining Victorious When Facing the War of Words

“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…”

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 1:20-23).

The Incident In the Synagogue on Sabbath: Anger Incites the Congregation to Become a Mob

Luke 4:14-30 records Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth: “He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him.” (Luke 4:16-17, NIV).

“…And they said, ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?’ ” (Luke 4:22, NIV).

The Outcome of Unleashed Anger

“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and took Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him off the cliff.” (Luke 4:28-29, NIV).

It’s hard to believe that religious men who proclaim to serve God would transition from worshiping God to an angry mob [in the Synagogue] from hearing the spoken words of God’s Truth.

Truthfully, Jesus endured much suffering including the constant barrage of angry, hostile words from those who refused to accept Him as anything other than Joseph’s, the poor carpenter’s, son.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare [Ephesians 6]

Satan’s most effective tool is to use people, especially familiar people to antagonize us with the goal of enticing us to commit grievous sins against God by speaking, or messaging sinful words of retaliation.

” ‘In your anger do not sin:’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold [a stronghold].” (Luke 4:26-27, NIV).

Yes, anger is a God-given emotion that prevents us from accepting injustices, corruption, and heinous crimes that plague our world. However, the problem is that many believers cannot control their anger, easily responding with harsh words against the offender.

Righteous Anger only applies to God who tells us, “…There is none righteous, no, not one…”(Romans 3:10). We are sinners saved by Grace who must guard our words [and thoughts] to remain covered by the Righteousness of Christ.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline [self control].” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).

From embracing the Spirit of Offense, we place ourselves in extreme danger spiritually; uncontrolled anger crosses all righteous boundaries, separating us from God, and prevents the Holy Spirit from dwelling within us.

We desperately need spiritual reinforcement everyday. To rise above offensive words is only possible when we surrender daily to live a Faith-based, Christ-centered life reflected by the daily personal worship of prayer and Bible Study.

Jesus did not attempt to use His personal strength to overcome aggression, but prayed continuously for God’s strength and wisdom, receiving the Divine Power to overcome, and remain victorious when facing adversity.

From studying the life of Christ, we learn how He responded to hostility with the Holy Scriptures: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52, NIV).

Jesus possessed godly wisdom and discernment, answering direct questions with Holy Writ. Still, He also used silence when facing His accusers. If our goal is to be like Christ then we will pray and control our emotional responses when facing the War of Words.

Reflection: Are you willing to suffer the necessary hardships and challenges required of every believer?

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18).

The Apostle Paul also teaches us that the believer’s life is one of continuous suffering for Christ, yet, if we remain faithful, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit through daily surrender, we will receive the reward of Eternal Life.

The Struggle to Control Our Anger Is Real: The Reasons We Are Easily Offended

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We do not understand the true condition of our inherited sinful hearts; it is easier to become angry than to remain calm and unbothered.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9). We become angry when we do not understand our true identity and value found in Christ Jesus.

None of us are perfect. Every human being possesses character weaknesses, still, God knows the true condition of our hearts.

If we hear, or read words defaming our character, and the accusations are not true in the sight of God then we have the assurance that we are facing spiritual warfare, pray, and God will intervene.

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Through daily personal worship, we commit ourselves to a life of humility, surrender, and faithful obedience, which invites the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, giving us the strength to remain silent when interacting with angry individuals.

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2, NIV).

The person who delivers angry words is not interested in maintaining peace, or participating in conflict resolution, but waiting for a response that will always result in escalation.

When facing conflict, if we control our anger, the Holy Spirit will speak to us, “Remain silent.” If we obey then He empowers us to use our gift of self-control. We must decide if we will obey the commands of the Holy Spirit, or to rant, and sin against God.

Excerpt from ” In Contact With Others” Devotional, EGW

“We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves…”

“Self is the enemy we most need to fear. No form of vice has a more [devastating] effect upon the character than has human passion not under the control of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self…”

“We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another.”

Jesus’ Disciples Reveal Their Lack of Self-control

Two of Jesus’ disciples, the brothers, James, and John were called “the Sons of Thunder” because of their fiery tempers. When the people of Samaria sent a messenger to Jesus telling Him not to come to their town, the brothers responded with this question to Jesus:

“And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ ” (Luke 9:54).

Jesus’ Response: “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.’ ” (Luke 9:55).

Christ’s Righteous Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

“It takes the right situation to reveal our real character.” When Christians become offended by harsh, hateful words, the true [unconverted] condition of our hearts is revealed.

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25, KJV).

Jesus Christ is our Perfect Role Model

Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual journey of growth and transformation of our sinful hearts into the Righteous Character of Christ. The Christian Journey is the toughest one we will ever face!

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” (2 Timothy 2:23).

A Christian believer should never become involved in arguments, or debates. Even when discussing the Bible, if dissension begins, we should pray, and end the conversation with, “God, bless you.”

With humility, we must strive every day to be a faithful and disciplined follower of Christ. From cooperating with the Holy Spirit, we receive the spiritual discernment to recognize the enemy’s spiritual warfare of covert attacks.

When a situation includes emotional escalation, we implement the Best Spiritual Practice, Prayer. If we form the habit of whispering prayers throughout our day when facing opposition, our immediate response is a prayer for Divine help!

Our True Identity Is Found in Christ: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9).

We are chosen by God to be a representative of Christ. Our responsibility is to always represent the humility of Christ, even when offensive, undeserving words are unleashed against us.

” ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay’ is found in Romans 12:19 and is also quoted in Deuteronomy 32:35. “This verse is a command for believers not to seek their own revenge but to leave retribution to God who alone has the authority to judge and repay.”

Our Response to Offensive Words: Whether face to face, or text messaging, we whisper a prayer for Divine strength and remain silent. Do not respond!

Workplace Conflict: We should not tolerate conflict in the workplace. Follow the company’s policies for reporting incidents to your Supervisor and Human Resources.

Abuse in the Home: God does not require us to stay in abusive marriages and relationships, which impair our ability to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

Living in an environment of aggression and conflict prevents us from enjoying God’s gift of spiritual peace, which is needed for the spiritual growth and transformation required to receive Eternal Life.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV).

Yes, like Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, at some point in our lives, most believers will face hostile words cutting like a sword, but we must never forget that our goal is Heavenly.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).

We are sojourners, temporary travelers living on a temporary Earth. Included in our Life Journey are many trials and hardships including Satan’s Spiritual Warfare designed to make us react using our inherited sinful tendencies.

Our lives will not always be like this! Whatever adversities we face, we should memorize and remind ourselves daily of Jesus’ promise in John 14: 1-3.

We are sons and daughters of the Most-High God, preparing every day to receive our reward of the Crown of Life in the New Heaven and New Earth where the atmosphere will be saturated with eternal love, peace, joy, and happiness. Yes and Amen!

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV).

Bible Study: Luke 4:14-30

Lord God, we thank you for speaking to our hearts and reminding us of our spiritual status as a royal priesthood who will receive our Crown of Life, if we are faithful and obedient to Your Righteous Precepts and Commands. Lord, we ask for forgiveness for the times that we have failed to represent You by responding with anger and sinful words of retaliation. We ask for the Divine Strength, Wisdom, and the Discernment to recognize and overcome spiritual warfare. We look forward to the day when we will live in a world of love, peace, and harmony, and Jesus, we thank You for the gift of Your life that makes it possible for us to live forever with You. We ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jesus Defines Blessed – The Beatitudes – Matthew 5

Studying the Holy Scriptures reveals God’s Righteousness and His defining attributes of the Christian Character.

When we think of being “blessed,” our minds immediately think of prosperity, material possessions, and success, yet, Jesus refutes these earthly treasures by defining the righteous characteristics of the converted heart required to receive Eternal Life.

“I can come to Jesus just as I am, but I cannot stay just as I am.” Through daily personal worship, we consecrate ourselves to God through a prayer of surrender, and a renewed covenant to faithfully obey, and fulfill God’s plans for our lives.

Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to transform our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character, which is Sanctification.

Our spiritual goal is to “Separate Ourselves” from worldliness by following Christ on the Path of Righteousness.

“For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I Am Holy’ ” (1 Peter 1:16).

The Road to Living Holy is paved by the commitment to live a sacrificial life demonstrated by a spirit of humility, surrender, faith, trust, and obedience, only then can we possess the Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23].

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”

The Beatitudes: “He said:

3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’

11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you’ ” (Matthew 5:1-12).

Lord God, we pray for Your guidance and strength as we travel in this earthly journey of life. We desire spiritual growth and transformation and consecrate ourselves to pursue holiness. We are in need of the baptism of the Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts from the innate drive to pursue worthless earthly treasures. In faith, we ask for Your Divine Help to keep us on the Narrow Path, in Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

Will You Receive the Reward of Eternal Life?

Recently I watched four Instagram reels on disobeying God, but the word Disobedience was skillfully avoided in the presentations. It is better for us to know the Plain Truth than to lose our reward of Eternal life because we never obeyed God.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” (Hosea 4:6). We cannot depend on social media, sermons, and podcasts to save our souls.

Worship God everyday through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to understand the depth of God’s Transforming Word.

“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Jesus is our perfect example of obedience to God. In The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “…nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done.”

Our Savior’s death on Calvary’s Cross reveals that He loved God, the Father more than He loved Himself. Obedience to God in every aspect of our lives reveals that our hearts are converted, and filled with more love for God than for ourselves.

If we willingly obey our employer’s policies because we are rewarded with keeping our jobs and receiving our salary, how much more emphasis should we place on our destiny of eternal life?

Disobedience to God’s Sovereign Authority always brings devastating consequences to our lives. Not only do we lose our desire to please God, but we pray calculated prayers filled with request for blessings instead of praying for Spiritual transformation.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36). From studying the Book of Revelation, we know this Earth is our temporary home. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to be content with His blessings.

Why are we chasing the raggedy things of this Earth, and entering into relationships with individuals who do not desire the Forever reward Jesus has promised us?

Eternal Life Is the Reward for Faithful Obedience to God

The only thing we can take with us to Heaven is a “Righteous character” that must be developed in our earthly lives through daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God. We honor and reverence God through the worship of obedience to His plans for us.

From our daily prayer of submission to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, and our Mediator, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our unrighteous minds, characters, and personalities daily into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.

The spiritual journey is a tumultuous experience, yet, if we seek God’s will, and willingly obey His directives, day by day, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

We are never alone in our walk with Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to give us Christ’s Supernatural Strength to overcome the internal conflict of pursuing our desires, and the external opposition of temptations.

Proclaim out loud everyday, “I am going to heaven!” Amen!

For the faithful, Jesus is waiting to reward us with our golden crowns, and Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth. Hallelujah and Amen!

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—’ ” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we as forgiveness for disobedience, and pray to have a heart that loves You, filled with steadfast faith and obedience. We ask you to reveal the behaviors and habits that prevent us from being aligned with Your perfect will and plans. It is our desire to receive Eternal Life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

This Is How the Story Ends: A Forever Life!

Life may be tough, but for the faithful and obedient believers, we are preparing every day for the blessed return of our Triumphant King.

The reward of forever establishes our priorities: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
(Matthew 16:26, NLT).

Jesus, we thank You for redeeming us from the penalty of sin. We ask for strength, guidance, wisdom, and discernment in our earthly journey. In Your Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

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Facing Adversity? The Lord is the Avenger of His People

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 8, 2025

Every day, we face opposition from spiritual warfare. The toughest battles include conflict on our jobs and dissension in our families. Satan, the roaring lion easily uses familiar unbelievers to strive against us and create havoc in our lives.

Satan’s goal is to make us feel that God does not care. By creating additional stressors and burdens in our already busy lives, we easily succumb to feelings of doubt, anxiety, and discouragement. Regardless of our extreme challenges, God does not change! His promises to intervene and deliver us remain steadfast.

How do we respond when facing the adversity of conflict?

If we resolve life’s minor obstacles without God, unfortunately this habit produces a spirit of self-reliance. From excluding God in the little matters of everyday life, we place burdens on ourselves that God never intended for us to carry.

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” -1 Corinthians 14:33

At some point, we will encounter adversities that our human effort cannot resolve. For the Christian believer, conflict with others is always a God battle. We whisper a prayer, exercise self-control by remaining silent, and walk away.

“…Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:5

The worldview of depending on ourselves to resolve conflict is in opposition to God’s command to rely on Him. Displaced faith in ourselves always results in the distress of frustration and doubt in God’s power. Without a history of faith and trust in God, we will react emotionally to hardships.

“What will I do?” Stand down! We must guard our mouths! Hostile angry words can never be retrieved. Pray!

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:25

Throughout the Bible, God reveals His love and desire to intervene and give us victory. Yes, facing enemies is an overwhelming challenge! Still, God’s promises remind us that we were created to depend on Him. It is the “impossible situation” that propels us to call on His Name for help.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7

Our prayer of repentance for the sin of self-reliance demonstrates our willingness to surrender to the Almighty God. With humility, we pray for Divine Intervention which honors and reveres God’s Sovereignty and Power. God is Love!

God’s Answer: “You will not need to fight in this battle… Stand still and see the salvation of the lord, who is with you… Do not fear or be dismayed… For the Lord is with you.” -2 Chronicles 20:17

Faithful obedience is demonstrated by believing in God’s never- failing promises. Patiently wait for His resolution with joyful anticipation and a heart filled with gratitude. When God is involved, we can always expect a victorious outcome. Who can win a battle against Yeshua, the Mighty Warrior God? Yes and Amen!

Prayer: “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me” (Psalm 35: 1, 24). In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

We Are Known by Our Fruits

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 6, 2025

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness [humility], temperance [self-control] against such there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23

In performing a spiritual self-evaluation, one must ask, Am I in right standing with God? Are there any secret sins, habits, or behaviors that are separating me from Christ?

“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” -Jeremiah 17:10

Our thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyles reveal whether or not we are devout followers of Jesus Christ. True believers consecrate and surrender themselves daily by abiding in Christ through the personal worship of prayer and Bible study.

“Many believers who have no real faith in God or in His Holy word, [the Scriptures] often agree with some principles of Truth and often pass as Christians, yet they do not obey and practice Scriptural doctrines.”

“The Bible was designed to be a Guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker.”

Jesus invites us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace to receive help in our time of need. We are always in need of Divine help.

To pray without ceasing means to have a continuous mindset of honoring God’s Sovereignty through silent or audible prayers. Seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives demonstrates our willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit.

The human effort of exercising our faith, and obeying and trusting in God, praying for guidance, searching the Scriptures, and renouncing sin invites the Holy Spirit to give us strength, wisdom, and the spiritual discernment to fully understand the Scriptures, and to recognize, and overcome temptation.

Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of growth and the transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ demonstrated by our efforts of striving to live holy.

Living holy is a tough battle! Our part is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit by letting go of all sinful habits, and seeking God everyday. From our perseverance, the Holy Spirit gradually changes us and we begin to reflect the Fruit of the Spirit.

Stay connected to Christ, our Savior and Triumphant King who forgives our sins and covers us with His Righteousness.

We are living in perilous times, 2 Timothy 3. With humility, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us on the Path of Righteousness as we prepare one day at a time for Jesus’ Second Coming.

[Psalm 139:23-24] Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Keep a Song in Your Heart

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – March 27, 2025

Music is a spiritually empowering and transformative spiritual gift we use to worship and honor God for His Love, Grace, and Mercies.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’ ” -Luke 2:13-14

At Jesus’ birth, the angelic host appeared to the shepherds and sang a song of joyful praise honoring baby Jesus. Everyday, we should lift our voices to praise our Triumphant King for His overwhelming love, blessings, and the sacrificial gift of His life.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in you; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. -Psalm 9:10

The book of Psalms is a collection of songs of prayer written to express joy, sorrow, request Divine help, and give gratitude to God for His never-ending love and faithfulness.

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” -Psalm 9:9

In times of distress and discouragement, we can cry out using songs of lament to express our anguish. Christ, our Intercessor receives our songs of prayers immediately from the Holy Spirit and sends His peace to comfort us.

Singing songs of praise and worship is one of the most effective means of receiving spiritual consolation and strength.

The angels praise God continuously in heaven through melodic praise. For all the blessings we receive, lifting our voices in song allows God to receive earthly praises that He so rightfully deserves. Yes and Amen.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:1-4).

Preparing for Kingdom Life

Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 13 and Matthew 25:32-40

Lord God, we thank You for the gift of Redemption and ask You to reveal the behaviors and habits preventing us from worshiping You in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.