Tag: Devotional

Do You Have the Right Friends?

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 27, 2024

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad Company corrupts good character.’ ” —1 Corinthians 15:33

Scenario: You strive to have a strong relationship with Christ by studying the Bible and praying daily. Although life is not perfect, you are still joyful and Christ empowers you with his Living Water as you strive for the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). You love God and love others as Jesus commands. Now, imagine this water pitcher filled with beautiful fruits representing yourself.

Godly Character Traits

“Blessed are those whose lives have integrity, those who follow the teachings of the LORD.” —Psalm 119:1

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” —Proverbs 19:17

Not one of us is perfect. Every Christian with a converted heart strives to faithfully obey God and travel the Journey of Sanctification, becoming more like Christ. Reflect on your circle of friends—their demeanor and character should also reveal that they are Christian Believers striving to live righteously filled with love, integrity, and unselfishness,

“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” —Ephesians 4:32

Exactly what does this mean? Every Christian endures a daily struggle. God expects believers to be a Family of God. We should have Christian friends who can encourage us with Bible Scriptures (God’s promises) and also pray with us when life is overwhelming. We cry and laugh together.

“The Bible commands us to pray for one another, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV). God manifests Himself in many ways when praying together and for each other.” Thursday Theology

There are warning signs that God did not send certain people into your life. Beware of friends who never speak of God’s goodness, rarely have time to talk, are always too busy, or only text, “Praying for you” when you are discouraged. Texting is not as effective as hearing kind and compassionate spoken words and a heartfelt prayer. When we embrace individuals as friends who believe in God but are not practicing true Christianity, we continuously pour ourselves into them, but receive nothing in return.

One-sided relationships produce the Empty Pitcher Syndrome—we are drained spiritually, mentally, and emotionally which also affects our physical health. If we continue to pour into people who are unable to reciprocate, we lose our joy and peace. Our relationship with Christ is disrupted when He fills us only for us to end up mentally and emotionally drained.

Christ’s earthly journey was not easy. He relied on God for spiritual strength. It is important to pray, study the Bible, and learn God’s Loving Character, so we learn how to love others. “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Christ pours into us and Christian friends pour into each other. As Christ loves, we are to exemplify the same unconditional love toward each other.

“…we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” —Colossians 1:9-10

Lord God, we pray for You to reveal the people who we are unequally yoked with and are keeping us drained. You have commanded us to be loving and kind, always lifting each other up in prayer. We ask You to send us dedicated friends who love You. Be with us in our friendship circles. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Through Christ, We Are More Than Conquerors!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 24, 2024

Sometimes in our lives, even though we struggle to remain steadfast, faithful, and obedient to God, we let our guard down or follow our own thoughts, and end up disobeying God. Yes, we feel defeated, but those are the times we need to fall on our knees, ask God for forgiveness, and be reassured of His forgiveness as evidenced by His loving promises of grace and mercy.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” —Psalm 34:17-18

Moving Forward Despite Our Circumstances: “To be ‘more than a conqueror’ means we not only achieve victory, but we are overwhelmingly victorious.”

We must acknowledge the two conflicting spiritual powers in this world to move forward—Good and Evil. Satan is our adversary. “He sends all kinds of life-defeating, joy-stealing attacks to threaten the well-being and faith of God’s children.” In John 16:33, Jesus forewarns us that our lives will be filled with adversity, hardships, trials, and tribulations. Yet, He says to be courageous because He has overcome evil. Christ is our Divine Conqueror!

“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.” —Psalm 145:8

For today’s believers, challenges can arise in many ways: The constant internal battle of following our desires versus surrender and faithful obedience to God’s will and plans. Financial loss, natural disasters, dissolution of marriages, the break up of relationships, strained family ties, and even the death of loved ones touch our lives.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God’s Promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). In the Bible, we read real-life stories of human sorrows and God’s intervention. We cannot defeat Satan’s attacks without God.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” —Jeremiah 32:27

Are we willing to seek God’s help when in despair? The Christian believers who fail to study the Scriptures do not have knowledge of God’s Righteous Character nor do they trust in Him which results in a life infiltrated with anxiety, worry, and spiritual instability.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

“Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:37-39

“The Apostle Paul is encouraging us to stand firm in our faith when those attacks come, reminding us that not only will we win in the end, but Jesus enables us to win now.”

“To be more than conquerors means we face the trials of life with the certainty that we are not alone. We have a mighty Father who fights for us. We approach the darkest valleys with confidence, knowing that nothing can happen to us that is not permitted by our loving Father for our good….” Christ, our triumphant King places limits on Satan’s attacks on the righteous. Read Job Chapter 1. Nothing we face is a surprise to God.

“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” —Jeremiah 31:3

“No sin of ours and no attempt of the enemy can steal the loving care of God from our lives, and that makes us more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.” Through faith in Christ, we commit to trust in God and are rewarded with His promise of love, protection, and deliverance from our distress and persecution.

Reference: All quotations from, “What does it mean that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)?” Gotquestions.org

God, we are facing adversities that only You can resolve. We confess that we have not approached You for help because our faith and trust in You are weakened by self-reliance. And we ask for forgiveness for our doubt and unbelief. Today, we pray in faith, asking for Your Divine Intervention and to “Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us.” In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Humility to God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 16, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” —John 14:1-3

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

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

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Good and Lovely Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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Love for the World or Love for Christ?

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Recognizing [Covert] Spiritual Warfare Designed to Separate You From God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 9, 2024

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind…” —James 1:5-6, BSB

“In the life of a Christian believer there are no coincidences, luck, karma, or ‘out of nowhere, it just happened.’ ” Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

We know this because, in Psalm 91, God says, “Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 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” (Psalm 91:9-11).

Our lives are monitored under God’s Omnipotence [Power] and Omniscience [Knowledge]. Not only are we protected by guardian angels who consistently obey Jesus Christ, the Commander of Angel Armies, but nothing arises in our lives without Jesus’ permission. Satan is restrained by the power of God when attempting to wreak havoc in our lives. [Read Job chapter 1 for God’s boundaries on Satan during Job’s tribulations].

The Conditions of Participation God Requires of Believers

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ ” —Psalm 91:1-2

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

Because we were created with free will of choice, God never coerces us to love and serve Him, yet, we must cooperate with Divinity to receive God’s blessings and protection against our greatest enemy and his evil surmisings. We cannot live as victorious overcomers without Divine Intervention. Abiding in Christ requires faith, daily surrender, obedience, much prayer, and knowledge of the Scriptures which are the Voice of God.

Our Enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8

The Whole Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” —Ephesians 6:10-13

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul compares our spiritual journey to a Roman soldier who was always prepared to fight in their many battles. Our weapons: Prayer and diligent Bible study. We intentionally keep ourselves in the presence of God by whispering prayers throughout our waking hours. Memorize Scriptures of God’s promises and protection. Study the book of Joshua.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures and our thoughts and alerts us of spiritual and physical danger. Have you experienced discomfort or not feeling right when facing a given situation? That is the Holy Spirit’s warning that all is not well, and you should walk away. Safety comes from praying before you make decisions, even in the routine activities of daily life, we should seek God’s guidance.

Qualities and Habits Required of Christian Soldiers

  1. Knowing Jesus’ Character. Study the Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
  2. Knowing God’s Righteous Principles and Standards for Pursuing Righteous Living: “Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Study the book of Philippians.
  3. Do what is Right! Never compromise under pressure or give in to those with “bad characters” who attempt to influence your walk with Christ. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear [timidity], but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self-control]” (2 Timothy 1:7).
  4. “Pray without ceasing [Never stop praying, ESV]” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. In His earthly life, Jesus prayed constantly, always seeking God, the Father’s will. Pray over every aspect of your life. God is our Guide and Protector, always giving us perfect outcomes.
  5. Study the Bible every day. When Christ was tempted, He quoted the Scriptures,”Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test ‘” (Matthew 4:7, ESV). “This would amount to testing God to keep His Word, instead of obeying God by following His will…” Bible Reference

Enoch, Elijah, Job, Abraham, Esther, Mary, Daniel, and Paul are examples of those who lived according to the will of God. Even when we fall into temptation because we fail to pray and obey, God forgives and comforts us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).

“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

God, we thank You for being our Heavenly Father who loves us with everlasting love and always forgives and guides us on the Path of Righteousness. Forgive us for our disobedience when we choose self-reliance which opposes Your Perfect will and Your Sovereignty. We ask for wisdom as we seek knowledge. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2024 Steps to Success with Spiritual Solutions

Praising God Promotes Health, Happiness, and Healing

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – September 6, 2024

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.” —Psalm 89:15, NKJV

The Result of Trusting God: “I am content, grateful, happy, joyful, and hopeful because my Heavenly Father loves me.” If you can proclaim these words then you fully understand God’s abundant love, His Sovereign power, and believe in His faithful promises of Divine intervention, provisions, and protection.

God is Love! God accepted the loving and voluntary gift of Jesus, His only Son’s life for you and me. Depression, anxiety, and worries in the Christian believer’s life not only reveals the lack of faith and trust in God’s love and power, but we also fail to appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice of the Plan of Redemption to save our souls.

The Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written so we could learn of Jesus’ Righteous Character and His earthly life. From studying the Scriptures, we find that Jesus was hated by the Jewish leaders who constantly plotted to kill him. Jesus prayed for the strength to persevere despite the constant rejection He faced and with God’s power, our Precious Savior completed His earthly mission.

The Holy Scriptures reveal Jesus as patient, loving, kind, and compassionate Savior who was on a spiritual mission to save all who would believe. Christ’s heart overflowed with love for humanity, always performing more miracles of healing than He taught and preached sermons.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS” —Matthew 11:29, NASB

NOTHING TENDS MORE to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much as a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house? The Ministry of Healing

“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” —Hebrews 10:38

Who are the “Just?” How can we maintain a spirit of gratitude and praise especially when our circumstances are challenging? By Walking in Faith!

The just are the righteous believers who trust God and wait for His perfect timing. If you want someone acting in your behalf, whether it is health, family issues, or finances, only God has all the knowledge, wisdom, and power to bring us victory despite our challenges. God expects us to depend on Him for spiritual healing as well as resolving the adversities of life.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” —Psalm 27:1,14

David wrote the Psalms which are songs of praise. Yes, many times, he was discouraged because his enemies [including his sons, except for Solomon] plotted continually to take his life. Yet, David never lost hope. In the Psalms, he expressed despair but always transitioned to praising God by expressing faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We have one opportunity (our earthly lives) to exercise complete faith and trust in God and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so our character can be changed into the likeness of Christ. For the gift of His precious blood, we have more than enough reasons to be happy and joyful, and to live a life full of praise and contentment, daily preparing for Jesus’ Second Coming.

“I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.” —Psalm 13:6

God, we commit to faithfully trusting You with our lives. Thank You for the gift of Jesus to redeem us from the consequences of sin. And we praise You because You are always faithful. We pray for a new heart filled with courage, love, faith, and trust. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions