Tag: Christian lifestyle

Jesus’ Love Gift

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.” (John 10:17)

“What love, what wonderful love, was displayed by the Son of God!” The death we deserved, Jesus suffered, so we can receive a Forever Life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Reflection: What is our daily response to Jesus’ Love gift of Salvation? Our choices and lifestyles reveal if we are grateful and willing to surrender and live as Jesus’ Faithful, Obedient Followers.

The story of Matthew, the tax collector reveals the power of faith and the commitment to say, Yes to following Jesus when nothing is promised to you.

“As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be My disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9, NLT).

Matthew was a wealthy, but corrupt tax collector, who decided to let go of his sinful habits to follow Jesus on an unknown spiritual journey.

Jesus knows every heart, and who is willing to follow Him from Earth to Heaven, despite the turbulent journey. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus leads and guides us on the Narrow Path. Yes, the believers who follow Him like Matthew will be transformed day by day into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). “Jesus died as our sacrifice to reconcile humanity with God, taking on the penalty for sin.”

Reflection: Although nothing of earthly value or elevated status was promised to Jesus’ twelve disciples, they used their faith to follow and obey Him. Judas followed, but always had a hidden agenda of greed in his heart.

In John 17, Jesus prayer reveals that eleven of  His original twelve disciples will receive their reward of Eternal Life when He comes again.

Every Christian knows and accepts that Jesus died to redeem them from their sins. But following Christ on earth is only the beginning of our spiritual journey. We must use our faith and time to prepare for eternity.

Jesus promised in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12 that if we follow Him by living a sacrificial life of self- denial, surrender, and faithful obedience, we will receive our reward of Eternal Life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21).

Sadly, like Judas, the majority of the Christian Community are living in opposition to Jesus’ command of self-denial. Their only reward will be what they have collected on this Earth.

But if we obey, our eyes will remain focused on Jesus: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.” (John 14:15, Amplified Bible).

Our Sacrificial Life: Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:1-2, and Ephesians 6.

A heart overflowing with real love for God and Jesus Christ is the catalyst that propels us to willingly live a sacrificial life of self-denial. 

When we value our ultimate gift of Redemption, it is not a burden to let go of our heart’s desires and follow Jesus on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. 

“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).

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17).

Do not be deceived! All Satan can offer is distractions, busyness, and temporary treasures, pleasures, and relationships on a temporary Earth.

Jesus’ Steadfast Promise: “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

We must decide whether we are going to chase Satan’s temporary earthly trinkets and pleasures, or follow Jesus on the Narrow Path, which gives us the reward of our Forever Gift of Eternal Life.

God loves us and desires that we learn and obey His Truth. The Bible is God’s Spiritual Treasure Map that clearly tells us what is required to live righteously, guiding and keeping us on the Straight and Narrow.

The Scriptures are designed to bring us to Spiritual Senses. Without taking the time to pray and study the Bible everyday, we will embrace Satan’s deceptions and lies.

From Genesis to Revelation, not one Scripture  substantiates Satan’s lie: Satan says, Go ahead, do as you please, you will go to Heaven.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: Both groups are Christian believers, yet the goats are living as they please. Study Matthew 25:31-46.

It’s time for us to dismiss the foolishness of this world and take the stand of faithfulness required to follow Jesus from Earth to heaven.

The True Follower’s Credo: “Salvation is a priceless gift. Jesus loves me, died for me, and because I love and honor Him, I can live the sacrificial life of self-denial that is required to follow Him with faithful obedience.”

The True Follower’s Commitment: “Every day I will pray for the wisdom and strength to live as an Overcomer. I will not exchange my reward of Eternal Life for Satan’s temporary wealth, success, and pleasure.”

When our hearts are converted, our thoughts, spoken words, habits, and lifestyles reveal that we are following Jesus Christ.

To remain loyal to Christ requires courage, yet, we must always depend on His Power and Strength to live a life of “No Compromise!”

Yes, we were given the gift of self-control [2 Timothy 1:7], but Human Effort is never enough to keep us on the Straight and Narrow Path.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

From praying and asking for Jesus’ Divine Wisdom and Strength, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome all obstacles, including our desires, and Satan’s continuous temptations.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). When love is overflowing in our hearts for Christ, it is not a burden to surrender to Him. 

Through the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study, we stay anchored to Christ, the Rock, revealing that our love, faith, and loyalty is unrelenting. 

“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 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. 3 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. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.'” (John 14:1-4).

Brothers and Sisters, it’s just a matter of time and Yeshua, our King will be riding a white horse, in the clouds with His legions of angels, and we will witness all of His Magnificent Glory! Yes and Amen!

The trumpet will sound and those who died following Him will be raised from their graves. And those who are alive will be lifted up in the air to meet our Savior and King! Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!

“For, ‘In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.'”(Hebrews 10:37, NIV).

Lord God, we thank You for the greatest gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly suffered the worst death to save our souls. We are grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice that gives us freedom from the chains of sin. Lord, we ask King David’s prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” We also ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize Satan’s deceptions and temptations, and the Strength to persevere, and live with the joy and hope that comes from preparing for the Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry

God Is All-Knowing – His Thoughts and Ways Are Perfect

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).

“The mind is the governing center of the soul. Separate your mind from the world!”

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.
‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Through daily prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit gives us the deepest understanding of “God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways.”

Relying on God for guidance in our thoughts, decisions, actions, and routine tasks reveals that we love and revere God.

Obeying God is not a burdensome task. Faithful obedience is worship, revealing that we honor God’s Sovereign Authority as the Creator and Sustainer of our lives.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28).

Faithful Obedience to the word of God reveals our desire to surrender, follow, obey, and worship Jesus Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King.

Jesus Christ Is Our Ultimate Example of Faithful Obedience to God: “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 proclaims that He always obeyed God. “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,” who prayed continuously, seeking the will and plans of God, the Father.

Before Christ came to this Earth, He was equal to God, the Father, so He had the same mind, thoughts, and power of God, His Father.

But as a human, developing from a baby to a man, Jesus had to learn obedience, and pray daily for God’s guidance, strength, the spiritual ability to discern people’s thoughts and intentions and the power to heal multitudes.

If Jesus, the Son of God had to pray daily for guidance, strength and power, how much more do we as human beings desperately need Divine Help?

God’s Invitation: “‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.'” (Jeremiah 33:3, Amplified Bible).

Sadly, most believers do not have the desire to receive spiritual wisdom and growth and transformation. What reward can we expect when Jesus comes, if we refuse to obey God?

The failure to consecrate ourselves daily to God with surrender, prayer and surrender, and Bible Study prevents us from receiving the spiritual and physical blessings that God desires to give to us.

An Amazing Fact: In Heaven, God, the Son, Jesus Christ spoke the Holy Scriptures given to righteous men by the Holy Spirit.

Yet, when Jesus was born as a human, Mary, His mother had the responsibility of teaching Him the Old Testament Scriptures.

In Luke Chapter 2, instead of returning with His parents, The Boy Jesus stayed behind discussing the Scriptures with the rabbis who were amazed at His knowledge.

At the age of 12, through the Holy Spirit, God, the Father revealed to the Boy Jesus that He was the Son of God.

“And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?'” (Luke 2:49).

Jesus was required to obey his parents, yet when He asked this question, “Why did you seek Me?” Mary was reminded that Gabriel, the Angel told her that she would conceive through the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God.

Praying, Waiting, and Obeying God’s Directives reveals the desire to serve God with humility and willingness to emulate The Life of Christ as written in the Holy Scriptures.

Reflection: “If you have no desire to become like Jesus, then what is the point of being a Christian?”

One of Satan’s most effective lies is that we can live as we desire and still remain in right standing with God and receive our reward of Eternal Life. But God tells us, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6).

The Bible Teaches Us God’s Righteous Expectations of Surrender and Faithful Obedience

“All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction [training, discipline] in righteousness, that the man [and woman] of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible was given to us by God to learn His Righteous Character, how He intervenes in our lives, and keeps us connected to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides our minds and actions by teaching us how to live righteously.

King David reveals the spiritual habit that keeps us from falling into temptation and sinning against God: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, NIV).

Do not believe the false teaching that Christian believers do not have to study the Bible. It is impossible for us to keep ourselves on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

Obeying God’s Truth Keeps Us On The Narrow Path of Righteousness: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” (Matthew 7:13).

The Spiritual process of Sanctification is the daily transformation of our mind, character, and personality into the Righteousness of Christ’s Character, which requires active participation and cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

We choose our destiny. Our role in the Plan of Redemption requires that we work on our salvation by praying, studying, learning, and obeying the word of God, the Holy Scriptures.

David’s Prayer: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5, ESV).

God’s Truth Replaces Our Thoughts With His Higher Thoughts

“God guides us with His Omniscient Mind. [From daily surrender] You are being guided by the only Mind that can see the past, present, and the future in real time.”

God’s Truth Heals and Restructures Our Minds

“God’s Truth not only heals our hearts, it also rebuilds our minds. Repetition of the Scriptures weakens old thought patterns, replacing them with God’s Truth, Grace, Joy, and Peace.”

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

When we perceive ourselves as being redeemed by the precious blood of Christ and adopted into the Family of God, as His Sons and Daughters, day by day, we will seek God’s Divine Plans, and fulfill them through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.” (Psalm 25:9).

Lord God, we confess and repent for our sins of disobedience by following our thoughts and living as we desire. We ask You to give us a pure heart that desires to strive for the Righteousness of Christ. Today, we renew our covenant to faithfully obey and follow Jesus. We ask the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and to guide our steps. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Practical Messages For Living In Impractical Times

© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Let Your Words Be Seasoned With Salt, Representing Christ

We live in tense times, where emotions easily escalate. Yet as followers of Christ, every thought and every spoken word must reflect God’s Love and Grace.

The following Devotional Video is Bible-based and encouraging.

Growing Closer to Christ – Striving For The Best Spiritual Health

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

Strive For The Best Spiritual Health: Christ created us to live in harmony with God’s Laws of Health. Our mental, emotional, and physical health impacts our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2).

The concept “We are what we eat” is a reality, yet healthy intake extends beyond nutrients [food]. Every day, we use our Five Senses [sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch] to either build or tear down our Spiritual Health.

Satan entices us by appealing to our Senses; still, it is our hearts’ desires that propel us to say yes to temptation. “The mind influences the body and the body influences the mind.” We are shaped by what we watch, listen to, the habits we practice, and the people in our inner circle of family and friends.

God’s Standard for Believers: “Be holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

Because we live in a time when Satan has used digital and virtual platforms to covertly present compromising entertainment, many Christians are being deceived and engaging in sinful activities.

For example, I prefer playing logic games, so I chose one that had good reviews. All was well until it wasn’t. As I advanced to higher levels, I noticed an unusual number of words related to the occult, mythology, and criminal activity. And the Ads progressed from family appropriate to covert but suggestive immorality.

Although I diligently pray and study the Bible every day, I was focused on the game, which was challenging, and I had achieved a high score; I gradually became desensitized to the content. I thought, “It’s only a game, I don’t believe in those false teachings.”

Yahweh Nissi—Jesus Christ, Our Mighty Warrior Against Satan’s Deceptions

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, BSB).

Jesus loves and protects those who love Him. On the day I dismissed the game’s promotion of false teachings, during evening worship, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Do not love the things of this world.” And yes, I knew that I had a decision to make: Obey God and let go of the game, or continue in disobedience.

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” (1 John 2:15, NLT).

In 2026, Blended Christianity, the integration of “soft” worldly activities, has been accepted and is being practiced by many believers:

Hanging out with people who acknowledge that God exists, but do not serve Him, watching programming and playing games with violence, sexual content, or gambling, listening to secular music [Rock, Jazz, R&B, etc.], taking sleep gummies, recreational drugs, alcoholic drinks, using profanity, and the list is endless.

“Moral perfection is required of all believers. We should never lower the standard of Righteousness in order to satisfy our desires. We need to understand that nurturing character imperfections is wilfully sinning against God.”

Christ Is Our Righteous Standard and Role Model

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:16-17).

If unbelievers love and promote the activities, then we know they are not of God. Aggressive sports [hands-on contact], animal fights, parties with secular music, alcoholic beverages, and recreational use of marijuana, legal or not, are activities that will prevent us from receiving Eternal Life.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We may not agree, but Jesus loved us unconditionally, paying with His life to save our souls. We cannot afford to let this Earth’s temporary trinkets corrupt our minds, making us apathetic toward receiving our Crown of Life.

The habits and lifestyles that we practice now either allow the Holy Spirit to transform us [Sanctification] to live righteously forever in a loving and peaceful New Heaven and New Earth with God, or they do not.

Every aspect of our being, our thoughts, choices, activities, and friends must reflect God’s Holiness. And yes, it is a tough decision, but we cannot justify socializing with unbelieving family members. It is always the Christian who must compromise when they choose friends who do not follow Christ.

We must ask ourselves, Does this activity or individual represent the Righteousness of Christ? Pray before embracing fun and relaxing activities, and let God choose your friends.

Reflection: We cannot judge ourselves. Our lifestyle reveals if we are following Christ on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. Still, we should pray and ask God, “Does my heart and lifestyle represent the Righteousness of Christ?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

Lord God, we ask You to reveal the habits, activities, friends, and family members who are preventing us from living holy and receiving our reward of Eternal Life. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to create a pure heart within us. As we honor Your Holy Sabbath, Lord, we ask for Your guidance, wisdom, and strength as we strive to live righteously. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2026 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Eternal Consequences of Your Thoughts | Sermon by John Lomacang

Sermon Notes:

“Sin is our enemy, but sin has no power over us, until we yield to the temptation.”

“We must take responsibility for our choices. Our character is developed by our choices.”

“We must train our minds to do right and to choose what is right according to God’s Principles and Standards.”

Surrender is Freedom!

Can you imagine a life without the chains of uncertainty, anxiety, worry, and fear of the future?

Every believer has the opportunity to live a life overflowing with Jesus’ gifts of peace, joy, and happiness. Brothers and sisters, I am finally living that life!

The Commitment to Live a Sacrificial Life Dedicated to Follow Christ Is Required to Receive Spiritual Freedom

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

“Yes we are stained by sin, but the Supreme King of the universe says to come before His throne to receive help in our time of need. We are always in need of Jesus’ Divine Help.”

Through daily personal worship, we learn God’s plan for the new day. We pray the Prayer of Surrender: “God, what do you want me to do today?” Pray, Wait, and Obey.

When we commit to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures, leading and keeping us on the Path of Righteousness.

The willingness to surrender our self-reliance and totally depend on our Shepherd with faithful obedience is rewarded with Jesus’ Righteous Blessings.

Despite the uncertainties of life, the faithful have no worries. But most importantly, we do not have to wonder if we are going to receive our reward of Eternal Life.

The Fruit of the Spirit describes the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character: His followers must also have the Fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, 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.” (Galatians 5:22-24).

Faithful obedience keeps us connected to Christ. In Philippians 1:6, Jesus promises to complete the work of spiritual growth and the transformation of our character, if we follow Him.

“Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King invites us to come boldly before God’s Throne of Grace with our failures, weaknesses, sorrows, and cares.

Pray more! Perfect peace comes from letting go of our thoughts and inclinations to resolve life’s challenges. We were created us to have a dependent relationship with Christ.

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus desires us to know that we are never alone. Created in the image of God, all of Heaven is dedicated to helping us in this journey of life.

Yeshua, the Commander of Angel Armies Promise: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” (Psalm 91:11, NIV).

Christ always protects the righteous! We have guardian angels who fight the unseen spiritual warfare of Satan’s evil angels. Whisper prayers throughout your day to express gratitude for Jesus’ Abundant Love, Faithfulness, and Protection. 

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (Proverbs 2:6). God desires for us to have the spiritual wisdom necessary to perceive life through spiritual eyes.

Every day, ask for the free gift of wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to discern truth from error, to understand the deepest meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and to understand the complexities of life.

Divine wisdom prevents us from becoming victims of scams, and being manipulated by Satan in matters of everyday life. 

Divine wisdom and strength are required to recognize and overcome the internal conflict of following our hearts desires, and the external opposition of temptations.

Thank you Jesus for your Love! Yes, we have access to our Shepherd’s Divine Help 24/7. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we come before Your Throne of Grace, yes, we are stained with sin, and have weaknesses, sorrows, cares, and failures. Still we accept Your invitation to help us, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. Guide us and empower us with the strength to live as victorious overcomers. Lord, we acknowledge that You are the Supreme King of the universe, and the Sustainer of our lives. With faith and joyful expectancy, we believe that You have answered this prayer that we ask in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Spiritual Red Flag: Do Not Trust Human Wisdom

“If you seek her [wisdom] as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:4-6).

Because we were created with limited understanding, 99.9% of the time, we usually perceive a situation incorrectly, which always leads to undesired chaos and consequences.

God Commands Us Not Replace Spiritual Wisdom and Discernment With Human Thoughts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Often a situation involving family or friends, directly impacts us. Do not presume that you know what is going on.

Whisper a prayer, asking God for spiritual discernment, and in a gentle tone lovingly ask, “Can you help me to understand what is happening?”

“Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:7).

When facing conflict, always pray for God’s guidance. An Emotional Response always escalates the situation because emotional responses trigger emotional words of retaliation, and sometimes, acts of violence.

“Put on the full 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.” (Ephesians 6:11-12, NIV).

Everyday, every believer is facing unseen spiritual warfare on a personal level, in our homes, on our jobs, and in our neighborhoods.

One of Satan’s most effective strategies is to entice believers to participate in various discussions that always end in arguments.

Last week, I can recall sitting in the waiting area of the optician’s office, and the woman sitting next to me casually started a general conversation about hobbies, and we laughed at being yarn artists because we knit and crochet.

But then the conversation took a left turn, she said, “I love discussing politics, and usually can provoke others to get upset while I remain calm.” I never responded, and that was the end of our chat.

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

There are topics that we must avoid because they always produce conflict: Religion, Politics, Economic Disparity, and Social Injustice.

Even among believers, God can never receive the glory and honor when we give into temptation, and discuss topics that are guaranteed to produce controversy.

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” (James 1:14).

Many Believers watch debates and programs that include controversy, immorality, profanity, and violence. Whatever we listen to is eventually reflected in our character, attitude, spoken words, and lifestyles.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

If we are not witnessing then we must reflect on why we are involving ourselves in lengthy discussions with unbelievers. Our gift of time can be spent studying the Bible, praying, helping those in need, witnessing, and giving Bible studies.

Even when giving a Bible Study, if the individual is asking for clarification of a Scripture, our first response is to offer a spoken prayer asking for God’s guidance before we answer.

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, NIV).

Only God has the ability to always give perfect knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Pray for spiritual wisdom and discernment in every aspect of life.

Lord God, we pray for the spiritual strength to overcome our desires to listen to and speak words designed to provoke controversy. We ask you to forgive us for the times that we have used our thoughts to discern a situation incorrectly, and initiated conflict with our words. Lord, bless us with the wisdom to know when to remain silent. We ask this prayer in faith and in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Psalm 100: A Psalm of Praise to the LORD

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100, NIV).

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture,
the flock under His care.” (Psalm 95:6-7, NIV).

A life of gratitude and praise prepares us for an eternity of praising and worshiping God.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Believer’s Priority: A Relationship With Christ

“The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

In the Four Gospels of the New Testament, we find that Jesus reiterates the command for us to love God, the Father with all that we have.

Loving God is a personal desire and requires a daily commitment to put Him first. Heartfelt love for God is the catalyst required to serve Him with honor and reverence.

How is this accomplished when we face countless distractions, crammed schedules, and great responsibilities?

Loving God motivates us to modify our lifestyle by establishing boundaries. We do not let people, or pleasure seeking activities interfere with obeying God, which is our highest worship.

Christian Believers Are Followers of 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).

Jesus Christ, God, the Son is not only our Savior and Redeemer, but He is also our Intercessor receiving every prayer, and our Mediator bridging the spiritual chasm between God, the Father and ourselves.

The commitment to follow Christ requires living a sacrificial life. Since God’s goal is to give us Eternal Life, we do not waste our daily gift of time to pursue wealth, success, and material possessions [Study Matthew 6].

Separating ourselves to reflect on our daily blessings and our lives reveals that God has faithfully kept His promises to sustain us.

Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth

When our hearts are converted, we are loyal to God, continuously fighting against the spiritual warfare of distractions and the internal drive of self-seeking gratification.

Loving God requires our time. We should not try to squeeze God into a busy schedule, but from the moment we awaken, God receives the first fruits of our time.

Worship Is a Lifestyle: Recently, I did a big chop eliminating activities that contributed nothing to my spiritual and personal growth.

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul tells us that we face many unseen dangers and the Great Controversy of Good and Evil.

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

Whisper short prayers silently, or audibly throughout the day. Prayer keeps us connected to Christ whose guidance, wisdom, and strength, we desperately need.

Active participation in our journey of spiritual transformation requires at least one hour every day in personal worship.

The ideal way to stay close to Christ is through morning and evening worship.

In the morning, we come to the Throne of Grace to pray for God’s plans to be revealed and to receive the Divine strength to fulfill His plans.

Evening worship gives us the opportunity to reflect on the given day, and express gratitude for the many victories, including the safe-keeping of ourselves and our family.

We should not limit expressing gratitude for God’s never-ending love, faithfulness, and the blessing of keeping us safe from spiritual and physical harm to only twice-a-day.

To live as Overcomers, we must stay connected to Christ. We ask God for the wisdom to distinguish His voice from the countless voices including our thoughts that would deter us from fulfilling His will.

The Holy Spirit keeps us on the Path of Righteousness by speaking to us through our thoughts, conscience, and the Holy Scriptures.

By any means necessary, put God first!  Preparation for worshiping God eternally requires forming a lifestyle of worship in our earthly lives.

We serve a Loving, Protective, and Faithful Heavenly Father who deserves our honor, glory, and praise.

In the Book of Psalms, King David teaches us to praise God continuously for His many blessings. Our praise keeps us connected to Christ who gives us the strength to persevere.

Lord God, for guiding, protecting, and correcting us, we thank You. For giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ who redeemed and rescued us from sin’s outcome, we thank You. And for revealing your Ultimate Plan in Revelation to give us Eternal Life, we thank You. With praise and gratitude, we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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