Devotional reading – Page 2 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Pride, The Stalking Enemy

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

When we think of pride, our first thought is usually of the people who always think they are right. But the Biblical definition of pride goes even deeper; God defines Pride as Self-exaltation.

“In the Bible, pride is a sinful, excessive self-love and arrogance that exalts oneself above God and others, often involving rebellion against God’s authority and taking credit for accomplishments that belong to Him.”

Most Believers would never admit to having a spirit of pride, but unless we are surrendering ourselves in humility to God every day to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, God tells us that we have prideful hearts.

“True humility is the evidence that we behold God and that we are in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we are meek and lowly, we cannot claim that we have any true conception of the character of God.”

God Promises Joshua Prosperity

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7).

In Joshua 1:7, God promises to make Joshua prosperous. Fast forward to 2025, and we immediately associate prosperity with financial gain and increased material possessions.

God clarifies that material prosperity was not His promise to Joshua because we are warned throughout the Holy Bible not to pursue the Pride of Life.

The Pride of Life: “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” (1 John 2:16, NLT).

Satan’s Deception of Prosperity

“Prosperity teachers focus primarily on the here and now, seeking wealth as ‘proof’ of God’s blessing. They attach a couple of out-of-context Bible verses to their hype and call it Biblical teaching. However, God’s desire for us to prosper [usually] does not include material wealth at all.”

“First Timothy 6:9 warns, ‘Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.’ “

When Jesus Christ came to this Earth as a baby, He was born in a barn full of animals, and His first bed was a manger, which is a feeding trough for animals.

Because of the worldviews of material acquisition, we cannot comprehend the surrender, faithful obedience, and humility required for Jesus to leave His Heavenly Throne, and come to Earth to be hated, and crucified.

Yet, He did it to save our souls. Unless we serve God in Spirit and Truth with humility, surrender, and obedience, our only reward will be the things we are pursuing on this Earth.

Jesus’ Warning to Believers

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. But seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:19-21).

The human heart naturally gravitates toward fulfilling Jesus’ promise of “and all these things will be added to you” by rewarding ourselves.

“Jesus said, ‘How difficult it is for the rich to inherit the kingdom of God’ ” (Luke 18:24). Wealth quickly takes hold of us and promises a security it cannot deliver.”

“Prosperity can become a substitute for the real goal of pursuing God and His righteousness (see Matthew 6:33).”

“As a Good Father, God withholds what we clamor for, choosing instead to give us what we truly need. He has our eternal benefit in mind, not our short-term comfort (Luke 12:33–34).”

Using our spiritual weapons of Prayer, diligent study of the Scriptures, and praying for Jesus’ strength, which is given to us by the Holy Spirit is required to”Put on the Whole Armor of God.” (Ephesians Chapter 6).

Sanctification also requires the human effort of cooperating with the Holy Spirit is required to receive daily spiritual growth, development, and transformation required by God to receive our reward of Eternal Life.

We can come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay just as we are. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity, we have for our minds, characters, and personalities to be transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character (Galatians 5:22-23).

Everyday, we decide whether, or not we will live a sacrificial life as Christ did. More than spoken words are required to live holy. Our thoughts, pursuits, and lifestyle truly reveal if we are preparing for Eternal Life, or chasing the Pride of Life.

“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).

Lord God, we confess that we are not living the sacrificial life required to receive spiritual transformation, and our reward of Eternal Life. We ask for forgiveness for chasing the pride of life, and ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and give us a renewed heart baptized with the Holy Spirit. We surrender, and ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Righteous Name of the LORD Is Our Strength

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3).

September 18, 2025 is a date that God changed my life by giving me a deeper understanding of His plans for my life. The Holy Spirit helped me to prioritize my time and goals, so my relationship with Jesus Christ would grow, and my faith in God would become steadfast.

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6).

This deep spiritual connection happened because I made the intentional decision to spend the entire day with Jesus in the personal worship of prayer, singing, and studying the Holy Scriptures.

Yes, it was an intense effort to discipline my mind to meditate on the written words of God and His goodness. I prayed often for the Holy Spirit to give me the strength to redirect my focus to God.

Jesus tells us that He is the Living Water and the Bread of Life. Although I did not engage in a complete fast yesterday, I ate a minimal diet of mostly fruits and lentil flatbread along with keeping myself hydrated with water.

“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).

The sacrificial life results in total dependency on God, which is greatly rewarded. Not only do we receive spiritual wisdom, peace, and God’s guidance from spending intentional time with Him, but we also receive answers to the complexities in our lives that are impossible for us to resolve.

Christ Delivers Us From the Chains of Sin

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1).

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16).

Attempting to use our strength against the internal desires of our hearts and the external temptations of this world always results in failure. We must have the strength of Christ to live as a Victorious Overcomer!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).

Many times it is difficult for us to realize the overwhelming love Jesus has for us. From Jesus’ sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, God proclaims that we are valued beyond our finite understanding. Yes, we are Heaven’s priority. Yes and Amen.

Our decision to consecrate ourselves daily to God by dedicating frequent time in solitary worship [free from distractions and other people] invites the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, gifting us with deeper spiritual insight, and empowering us with the strength of Christ.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV).

Everyday, we have an opportunity to bond with Christ. Our love for God is the foundation for using our faith to prayerfully consecrate ourselves in surrender to God with the commitment to follow Christ, our Shepherd.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

“Knowing the time means recognizing the urgency and significance of life, especially in light of Christ’s imminent return and the brevity of human existence, and therefore should be lived with wisdom, a focus on God’s will, and the mindful use of every opportunity to honor God.”

Time is precious. Doing our part is to be grateful for God’s gift of time. Many believers do not even give God one hour a day in personal worship.

With a God-first commitment, we let go of the habits of time-consuming recreational activities, and distractions which prevent us from worshiping God in Spirit and Truth.

Intentional time with God in daily personal worship is essential for the Holy Spirit to transform our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character, which is required to receive our reward of Eternal Life.

LORD God, we thank You for the gift of a new day. We confess our sin of wasting the precious time that You have given us. We ask you to help us to prioritize our lives according to Your perfect will and plans. And ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

Preparing for Kingdom Life One Day at a Time

“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.” (John 14:1-3).

Our world is in chaos. The unprecedented global events indicate the progressive loss of our Religious Liberty. Yes, Bible Prophecy is rapidly being fulfilled.

Study Matthew 24, [Jesus answering the disciple’s questions about the signs of the End Times], and Revelation chapters I9-22.

“But mark this: There will be [perilous] terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV).

In 2025, we are the generations living in the Perilous Times, which the Apostle Paul warned us about in 2 Timothy 3. Yes, it is time for Christian Believers to Separate Ourselves from sin in all forms.

“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. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 1:15-17, ESV).

Unless we are witnessing, we have no reason to socialize with unbelievers. From hanging out with unbelievers, and participating in their secular activities, it is the Christian who changes, not the unbeliever.

Sanctification requires us to cooperate daily with the Holy Spirit who transforms our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ when we strive to live righteously. Let go of every habit and practice that does not honor and revere God.

Every day, Pray for God’s Guidance and ask Jesus for the Divine strength to overcome temptations, and to stand down your heart’s desires. In Jesus’ Strength, we will be one of the number of people standing on the Sea of Glass. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Revelation chapters 19-22

Lord God, we worship and honor You because You are God. We thank You for the Holy Scriptures, which identify Satan’s various covert deceptions, masterminded to separate us from our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for Spiritual strength, wisdom, and the discernment to recognize and overcome the temptations of success, prosperity, and a life of ease.

“How Do I Know If It My Thoughts, Or God Speaking To Me?”

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

“The Word of the living God is not merely written, but spoken. It is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe we would open God’s Word, and with what earnestness we would search its pages.”

“How do we distinguish it [God’s Voice] from the voice of a false shepherd? God reveals His will to us in His word, the Holy Scriptures. His voice is also revealed in His providential workings…”

God’s Providence is manifested daily in our lives. The impossible situation you faced was not resolved by using your own power, with love, God intervened.

[God’s Providence]…will be recognized if we do not separate our souls from Him by walking in our own ways, doing according to our own wills, and following the promptings of an unsanctified heart…”

The Consequences of Compromise

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

Self-reliance always blocks the Holy Spirit from giving us spiritual clarity. Following our thoughts not only distorts our perception, but also prevents us from receiving God’s gifts of wisdom and discernment.

Those who live according to their thoughts will always be in a state of confusion. “…the senses become so confused that eternal things are not discerned, and the voice of Satan is so disguised that it is accepted as the Voice of God.”

Practical Ways to Recognize God’s Voice

How do we know God is speaking and directing us?

“If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (1 John 2:29, ESV).

Reflect on God’s Righteous Character: He is Holy. We recognize God’s Voice because His guidance always brings glory and honor to His Holy Name.

God never blends righteousness with the worldliness of success or prosperity. Because God brings honor to himself, His blessings never exalt human beings.
God never coerces us to make immediate decisions. If we are confronted with, “this deal is only good for today, or do it now,” then we know it is not of God. Instant gratification always reveals that Satan is involved.
We know it is our thoughts if the outcome satisfies our innermost desires, or exalts us, instead of God.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).

Before making decisions, always pray for God’s direction. Pray and Wait! Patience is a righteous characteristic that reveals faith in God and our willingness to obey.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Do not follow your anxious thoughts, which will only bring unwanted consequences to your life, and result in the separation of your life-sustaining relationship with Christ.

If we wait on the Lord then we can expect God to perform supernatural miracles that reveal His overwhelming Love and Sovereign Power.

From spending intentional time with Christ in personal worship, we learn to recognize God’s Voice speaking to us. The Holy Spirit conveys God’s will and plans through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17, NIV).

“In this verse, James gives an example of a sin of omission. When believers know the right thing to do yet fail to do it, God holds them accountable for not doing it. So, it is not only what we do that matters to God; it is also what we fail to do.”

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, our lives are not our own. With humility and surrender, we pray, ask, and acquiesce to God’s perfect plans for our lives.

Our prayers should always focus on asking God what we need to do to have a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Placing ourselves in alignment with God requires total obedience to His will and plans.

We are living in the last days of Earth’s history, our priorities must align with God’s priorities of receiving daily spiritual growth, character transformation, and godly wisdom.

“Pray continuously.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Everyday pray, ask God to search your heart, and reveal anything that would prevent you from hearing His Voice.

The Holy Spirit guides us in our daily decisions, and keeps us on the Path of Righteousness when we consecrate ourselves to serve God through surrender and faithful obedience.

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ “(1 Samuel 3:10).

Bible Study: 1 Samuel 3

Lord God, teach us how to recognize Your Voice. We ask for the blessings of spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to do Your will. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Witnessing in 2025

In 2025, we have many challenges in the Christian Community, five of the most devastating false doctrines:

1. We can live as we please and still receive our reward of Eternal Life.

2. The Ten Commandments were nailed to the Cross.

3. There is no need to study the Bible.

4. The prosperity message of pursuing material possessions and success.

5. It is the pastors and missionaries responsibility to tell others about Christ

My challenge to those who have embraced false teachings is to pray, fast, and ask God to reveal His One and Only Truth to you through the Holy Spirit.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).

The work that Jesus is referring to is witnessing the message that Jesus Loves Us and Jesus Saves. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is every Christian believer’s responsibility.

Jesus loves us and gave His life that we would not have to pay the wages of sin, yet we must faithfully do our part in sharing God’s steadfast love and the Plan of Redemption. Yes and Amen.

Lord, please give us the holy boldness and words to witness Your Truth to others with a spirit of humility. We look forward to the day when You will come again. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Matthew 6,

The Past Cannot Be Changed! Do Not Regret Your Past Mistakes!

Saul before his conversion was responsible for the death and imprisonment of many Christians including the death of Stephen [Saul gave his approval and witnessed the stoning of Stephen, a faithful Christian].

With the exception of the Apostle John, Jesus’ disciples died as martyrs. If Christ did not restrain Satan’s enmity against Christians, he would attempt to eradicate believers. But Jesus always places limitations on Satan’s Warfare against the righteous.

While Saul was traveling on the road to Damascus to persecute more Christians, from Heaven, Jesus spoke to Saul.

Saul’s Conversion: “As he journeyed he [Saul] came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?…’ “

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ ” (Acts 9:3-6).

Not only did Christ completely transform Saul, who after his conversion used the name Paul, Jesus gave the persecutor of Christians the spiritual assignment of witnessing to the Gentiles, and starting the early Christian church.

“Although Paul had Roman citizenship, he was Hebrew by birth. Paul identified himself as both ‘Jewish’ and ‘Hebrew,’ most notably stating that he was ‘a Hebrew of the Hebrews.’ ” (Philippians 3:5).

“In the Apostle Paul’s time, paganism was the dominant religious landscape of the Greco-Roman world, characterized by polytheism and idol worship, which Paul’s ministry challenged by advocating for exclusive devotion to the one true God…”

Paul Proclaims His Mission of Witnessing to the Gentiles: “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it! And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.” (Acts 28:28-29).

The Gentiles were hated by the Jewish leaders and community because their lifestyles and pagan rituals had no boundaries. “Their pagan rituals included idol worship, sacrificing animals, food, and, in some cases, humans, and the practice of sexual immorality as part of worship to their deities.”

From fulfilling God’s mission to preach to the Gentiles, Paul was also rejected by the Jewish community. The Sanhedrin even attempted to coerce the Roman government into executing Paul.

But as a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right to appeal to Caesar, which guaranteed a trial. But, the apostle remained a prisoner, and many years later was executed by Nero.

“The Apostle Paul was not executed for any specific legal charges, but rather fell victim to Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.”

During the time of his imprisonment, the Holy Spirit gave the apostle Paul, God’s spoken words that are documented in 14 books of the New Testament.

The conversion of Saul to Paul, the Apostle reveals that when we repent, God completely forgives us of every past decision, behaviors, and actions, including heinous crimes.

Repent: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

Like Paul, we repent, receive forgiveness, and move forward by fulfilling God’s spiritual goals for our lives. Christ has won the victory over sin, and through His redeeming power, and from striving to live holy, we are covered with His Righteousness.

The Story of Redemption

Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb: “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.’ (John 19:28, 30).

God’s Forgiveness: “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25).

“Justification is God’s legal act of declaring a sinner righteous, not based on the sinner’s merit, but by imputing the Righteousness of Jesus Christ through faith in us.”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB).

“Justification is the complete act of Grace that provides the sinner with complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God, providing a clean slate rather than changing their inherent character.”

Sanctification: God, the Holy Spirit performs the lifelong transformation of our minds characters and personalities into the likeness of Christ. Still, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit through daily surrender, faithful obedience, renouncing sin, and striving to live holy.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Christ’s Righteous Character

Sanctification: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

The Believer’s Responsibility: “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.” (Galatians 5:24-25).

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT).

Like the apostle Paul, God’s forgiveness includes becoming a new son or daughter in Christ Jesus. We ask God to reveal our spiritual assignment and in Jesus’ strength we fulfill God’s plans for our lives.

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19, NIV).

Two of the most dangerous mindsets are harboring feelings of guilt and believing that God has not forgiven us when we repent of our past sins.

It is impossible to live righteously, or receive Eternal Life if we fail to use our faith to believe in The Plan of Redemption, which includes God’s Love, Grace, Mercies, and His promises to forgive us despite the nature of our past atrocities.

Fact: Satan will use people to remind us of our past. Separation is required from those who desire to confront us regarding our past lives. Neither can we have relationships with people who refuse to forgive us.

1. If it is possible to ask those who we have harmed to forgive us then God expects us to do so. Also remember, we cannot force others to forgive us.

2. If the person is deceased then it is impossible to ask them for forgiveness [“…the dead know nothing.” Ecclesiastes 9:5], we ask God to forgive us, and move forward.

3. If a legal restraining order exists, we pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort the person or people we have injured. Resist the urge to intervene. Once we have asked God to send comfort, we step aside, and move forward.

There were many individuals who remembered Paul as Saul, the former Christian Killer. Even after his conversion, he was often feared, and hated by many who knew his past life.

If you are thinking, Wait, is it this easy to receive God’s forgiveness for my past? Yes, it is!

God’s Answer: “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. “(Isaiah 1:18).

To every believer, God knows our past, but, when we ask for forgiveness, God forgives us, and He expects us to move forward in the Power of His Might [Divine Strength]. With God, we will not be able to justify our decision of not “letting the past go.”

Paul tells us how to Redirect Our Spiritual Focus: “…dear brothers and sisters…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13).

Reminder: “Our past decisions and actions were determined by the knowledge, or the lack of knowledge that we possessed at that time.”

“Now, that we are converted believers and live according to God’s Holy Word, we would do things very differently, but there is no opportunity for that.”

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).

Pray and ask God to reveal His plans for your life, and like the Apostle Paul, move forward in the Power and Strength of Jesus Christ who is coming soon. Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Acts 9

Prayer: Lord God, create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit of righteousness within us. We ask You to give us the strength to move forward in our spiritual journey as we fulfill our spiritual assignments. Lord, give us the wisdom to live as one who is forgiven, and one who is cleansed from all unrighteousness by the precious blood of Jesus Christ whose Holy Name, we ask this prayer.

Jesus Loves Us the Most

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

“The One who loves you the most is the One who you need the most. Jesus is our Safe Place!”

The umbilical cord connecting mother to baby is the only way the vital nutrients required for the baby’s growth and development can be received.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NLT).

Jesus says, “For apart from me you can do nothing.” The importance of daily personal worship is highly underrated. But without it, we suffer from Spiritual Malnutrition. There is no other way to receive our spiritual nutrients than to worship God everyday.

“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).

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

Many believers practice self-reliance, and think, “I am doing well in life.” Yes, we may easily handle the routine duties of life, but without praying for God’s guidance, we are disconnected from Jesus, the Source of Life who gives us Spiritual wisdom and direction.

We were created with limited wisdom and discernment, which means that we must depend on God to receive His guidance. How can we fulfill God’s plans for our lives, if we do not know His plans?

It is easier to skip prayer and follow our own thoughts than to pray for God’s guidance, that is, until we face hardships and challenges that human effort cannot resolve. Relying on God should be our first response in every aspect of our lives.

God desires to give us our best life, not only on Earth, but also in Heaven. Yes, we are covered by Grace, but will be rewarded with Eternal Life because we faithfully obeyed God.

God also desires for us to seek His guidance, even in our routine activities of life. Relying on God requires a spirit of humility, surrender, obedience, and the faith to proclaim, I have decided to follow Jesus!

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT).

We are no match for Satan, our greatest enemy. Even the Believers who pray and study the Bible every day require God’s Divine wisdom and discernment to recognize covert temptations, and the spiritual strength to overcome those temptations.

The Answer to Living Victoriously: In our spiritual journey, it is vital that we stay connected to the One, [Jesus, our Loving Savior and Mighty Warrior] who loves us the most.

“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you Great and Mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3).

Daily personal worship establishes and maintains our spiritual connection to Christ. We receive Divine guidance from praying and studying the Scriptures.

To “Pray without ceasing” means to pray continuously throughout our waking hours. We can pray silently, or audibly anywhere at any time. Talking to Jesus empowers us to live consecrated and holy lives.

Talking to Jesus Changes Our Priorities:

“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ ” (Matthew 24:3).

Brothers and sisters, in these last days [2 Timothy 3], we desperately need Jesus, our Shepherd to lead us in our earthly journey. Staying close to Christ keeps us focused on our Heavenly goal of Eternal Life.

Who knows? We may be the generations of Christians who live to witness Jesus’ Second Coming [1 Thessalonians 4]. Yes and Amen!

Lord Jesus, we confess that we have excluded You from our lives. And right now, we make the commitment to ask for Your guidance before making decisions, and obey Your Will. We thank You for your matchless love and great sacrifice. We look forward to the day when sin will cease to exist, and we will live forever and ever with You. In faith, we ask this prayer in your Holy Name, Amen.

Walking Through Life On Our Knees

Never fight the battle without God! We must have God’s help to win the battle of internal conflict [not giving in to our heart’s desires], and the external opposition of spiritual warfare [temptations designed to make us sin against God].

Living as Overcomers

Walking through life on our knees, gives us spiritual strength, and keeps us aligned with God’s perfect plans. The believers who consecrate themselves daily to live a Christ-centered, Faith-based life always receive victorious outcomes.

Prayer keeps us connected to Christ who leads us on the Path of Righteousness. Learn to hear God’s Voice speaking to you. The Holy Spirit speaks through our thoughts and the Holy Scriptures. We desperately need God’s guidance to live righteously.

Surrender is seeking God’s will and obeying His plans. We receive God’s guidance, His plans, protection, and blessings from communicating with Christ through daily personal worship.

With a spirit of humility, surrender, and faithful obedience, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, only then can we perceive life through spiritual eyes, and choose right over wrong.

We were created to depend on God. Every day, we require Divine help to succeed in our spiritual journey. We cannot overcome the temptations, or resolve unexpected life events without God.

Most importantly, Sanctification, spiritual growth and transformation require the human effort of cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to receive spiritual transformation. We cannot change ourselves.

One day the battle will end. But until then, we pray, obey, and persevere. Keep moving forward empowered by Jesus’ strength, given to us by the Holy Spirit who responds to our prayers.

All in heaven are committed to giving us Divine Help, according to our individual needs. Yes and Amen.

Lord God, we approach your Throne of Grace asking for wisdom, discernment, strength, and Your guidance. We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, 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.

The Gift of a Sound Mind

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:7

A baby is born with the ability to thrive. In fact, the first twelve months produce an accelerated rate of growth and development. The only fear that develops is the innate “stranger danger” between six and nine months. Many children are exposed to counterproductive stimuli during maturity which prevents healthy spiritual, mental, and emotional development. The unhealthy atmosphere of a home void of love produces fear, unhappiness, and the failure to thrive.

Let me tell you a personal story. Many years ago, we had the privilege of our three grandchildren, ages 4, 6, and 9, living with us for one year. They were fearful, had insomnia, and constantly argued with each other. One day, I watched a few of their programs and was shocked at the physical violence and derogatory words in a children’s anime. We met to discuss a simple but effective performance improvement plan the next day.

We did a store run to purchase crayons, coloring books, scissors, markers, glue, construction paper, children’s books, balls, dolls, and containers of blowing bubbles. Since I had an extra laptop, they were taught the simple basics of navigating to Youtube to watch nonviolent programs. But their favorite activities were learning to swim and visiting the park to run and play. The complex had a pond with ducks where they lost their fear of animals by feeding them bread scraps. Watching and playing with electronic gadgets had a limit of two hours a day.

The change was immediate. Two of the children possessed an advanced level of artistic drawing. Spats and bickering became nonexistent, except for the struggle over specific colors of pencils, markers, and crayons. Yes, I could have purchased separate drawing utensils, but they needed to learn the values of cooperation and sharing. The refrigerator was covered with their art. Daily simple tasks were given to teach and assist their young minds in understanding gratification from a job well done. The reward of receiving hugs, kisses, and frequently hearing “I love you” changed little warriors into happy and loving children who respected each other.

Now, we focus on refuting the belief that our past defines our present and future. Your childhood determines your adult life because you do not know who God is. He is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnibenevolent, and our loving Heavenly Father.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7. Focusing on our limited abilities [because God gave us a finite mind] prevents spiritual, mental, and emotional growth.

1 Timothy 1:7 is a scripture that reminds us of the innate qualities that God created us with. A sound mind requires ongoing learning by seeking credible knowledge, discovering and developing your natural talents, and learning new skills. Biblical knowledge from studying the scriptures results in faith, trust, and confidence that God is in control. Power is courage! We are not afraid of life or the challenges that we face.

Satan desires to minimize God’s power and attempts to deceive us to believe that he is all-powerful. In reading Job chapter 1, it is evident that our archenemy has God-given limits: “‘All right, you may test him,’ the Lord said to Satan. ‘Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.’ So Satan left the Lord’s presence.” Job 1:12.

Just a side note: God can destroy Satan now if He desires. And Satan is aware of this and functions inside of God’s boundaries. Satan obeys God’s limits, yet the human beings created in God’s image have the irreverence and boldness fed from pride to openly and continuously disobey our Creator.

The Apostle Paul was young Timothy’s spiritual mentor. In 1 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds and reprimands his protege for the fear he possessed, afraid to suffer for Jesus.

Fear is like a tornado producing destruction in all areas of our lives. Fear’s bitter, rotten fruits are anxiety, worry, nervousness, timidness, depression, sadness, and pessimistic thoughts. Fear impedes progress! Do not embrace this destructive emotion that is based on nonexistent realities!

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” “Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

Created from God’s Ultimate Love, we were born with everything required to live productive, happy lives. God is aware of the dysfunction that sin causes in our maturity from children to adults. How is retraining our minds and leaving the past behind possible? With God, ALL things are possible!

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now, it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.….” Isaiah 43:18-19

Learning and reminding ourselves of these scriptures

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:10-12)

We are in a new season of our lives. It is time for us to become the soldiers God created us to be. Discover your hidden talents and spiritual gifts by praying and asking God to reveal your purpose. Disciples are fearless because we believe that God loves us and will always sustain us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2022 Sonya Johnson, Steps2successwithsolutions.com and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries