Tag: Devotional

Knowing Your Value to God

Knowing Your Value to God Devotional Reading and Podcast

In 2016, I took a wrong turn and discovered an indoor antique flea market. Although my interest was piqued, I could not risk returning late from my lunch break. I anticipated spending my lunch hour the next day looking at antiques. That evening, I prepared a carry-to-work lunch for the next day. With only 50 minutes to browse, I would have to make another visit after work later that week to complete my goal. My plan was to learn the skills of recognizing valuable antique accessories and wooden furniture.

When I entered the market, I was mesmerized by the layout and display of the furniture and accessories. The aesthetic beauty was phenomenal. Each seller was given a space that was uniquely and artistically arranged and decorated. Yet, the sellers were not present. The building owners greeted me with a smile and explained the process for purchasing items. The items for sale had a tag with the booth number and price. If I was interested, the owner would contact the seller by phone and conduct the sale. At the end of our conversation, she told me that most prices were negotiable–it doesn’t hurt to ask.

With extensive research, I learned what makes antique furniture valuable. Furniture is influenced by 6 criteria: its age, its workmanship, its style, its condition, the quality of its materials, and its general aesthetic–well-made and beautiful. I intended to learn by studying every detail of vintage furniture during my breaks and the one hour after work every week.

For six months, I made weekly visits to look, touch, and examine beautiful antique furnishings. Not only did I learn and gain the knowledge and skills of identifying valuable antiques, but I also purchased 3 pieces at a negotiated price that are still in excellent condition.

If a monetary value can be placed on inanimate objects, then God must place a priceless value on humanity! Do you know your worth?

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26).

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14).

Every day individuals increase their knowledge daily by learning technical skills, achieving academic degrees, and developing their innate creativity and talents. Those who include God will live well-rounded, productive lives and not only enjoy a life-work balance, we also receive His many blessings.

The exclusion of God severely limits our possibilities to receive and enjoy spiritual prosperity and have optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Sadly, many believers in 2023 are unhappy. The plague of the Devil’s Ds–despondency, discouragement, and depression is making them feel trapped and oppressed.

The increasing number of people with mental and emotional distress is so prevalent that finding friends and family members with a healthy mindset and a positive outlook are challenging. They go through the motions daily, but fail to achieve vibrant, happy lives.

Not having a relationship with Christ produces consequences. When we lack knowledge of the Scriptures which explains God’s character, we do not understand the love and value God places on our lives. Self-reliance causes us to veer off the Path of Righteousness and begin a journey God never intended for us to take–a life of hopelessness without plans or purpose.

King David tells us, “God Has Perfect Knowledge of Man”

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

Choosing to live without God’s direction and Divine intervention prevents us from receiving the spiritual gifts of peace and contentment nor will we have an explicit purpose for our lives. Humanity was not created just to exist. We were not made in God’s image to put all our time, effort, and energy into a job or career.

Dedicating oneself to an employer or engaging in frivolous activities will never produce mental, emotional, and spiritual growth and development which explains the escalating number of human brokenness in today’s society.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Even if we choose not to serve God, we can never change the fact that being created in the image of God gives us a lifelong spiritual connection to God. Without a relationship with Christ, our perception of God is inaccurate. Many view God as harsh and unloving because he gives us too many restrictions.

In John chapter 14, verses 1-3, Jesus says that He will prepare a heavenly place for the righteous. God’s plan is for us to live eternally [with Him] in a perfect, sinless world. Yet, our reward is conditional. We cannot offer our version of sacrifice to God by blending worldliness and holiness in our earthly lives.

God has righteous standards that He expects us to obey. We require the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit to have the structure and discipline to live spiritually prosperous lives. “…Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am Holy” (Leviticus 19:20).

God defined humanity’s status: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9).

With the gift of a sound mind, we accept whom God says we are and discard the worldview that says money and success define our worth. Having faith and trust in God, our thoughts change. Through prayer, we dedicate ourselves and involve God in every aspect of our lives. Daily we strive for a close relationship with Jesus Christ, achieved with a heart of praise and gratitude.

Our steadfast commitment [even in times of hardship] produces confidence and courage because we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father desires our earthly lives to be full of love, peace, and joy. And God says, “We are worth it!”

Bible Study: Psalm 139

Prayer: God, we pray for the many individuals who exclude you from their lives. We realize that we cannot live our best lives without Your Divine intervention and daily blessings. Lord, we commit our hearts and lives to Your plans. Thank You for providing the spiritual path that leads to a purpose-driven life. Forgive us for our sins. We desire the blessings of peace, joy, contentment, and spiritual prosperity that only come for You. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

Calculate the Cost

Calculate the Cost Devotional Reading and Podcast

When purchasing vehicles, most individuals are accustomed to the 10% markup price by the dealership and are prepared to negotiate a better deal. Yet, everyday items such as brand-name bottled water have a markup of 2000%, clothing costs us 55 to 62% more, and pre-cut meat an additional 60%. Yet, the winner of the highest markup, eyeglasses at an inflated price of 250-1000%.

Last night, I listened to a minimalist who built a beautiful tiny home in a two-story boat explained why he enjoys a no-worries lifestyle. He has been sailing since a young child and desired to own a home that reflected his love for boats and the water. Before purchasing the boat, he established a budget of $40,000 to include the cost of the boat and the remodeling. Although it took a few months to find a structurally sound boat within his budget, he was successful. For $6,000, and six months of hard work, his patience and plan paid off–he is happy and debt-free.

We are mentally programmed to spend our money because of our uncontrolled desires. Retailers thrive from the people who think that they never have enough. Their homes and closets are overloaded with collections of stuff that they have forgotten about and probably will never use. Still, their lack of self-control has disrupted all rational thought processes. The evidence of excessive desire is reflected in most estate sales.

Calculate the Cost: The love of material things impacts a believer’s relationship with God and produces the character defects of selfishness and greed. The lack of self-discipline separates us from God and is not limited to our spiritual status. Unrestrained desires cause many to have impaired physical health due to unhealthy food choices and to suffer from mental and emotional instability–making spontaneous choices that have unproductive outcomes.

“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.” –Matthew 6:20-21

We may have to eat a big slice of humble pie to admit that we have a serious problem–the love of earthly treasures. If our goal is to have eternal life, then we must confess to God that our desires are out of control and we desperately need His help. Human effort is always required before we receive Divine intervention.

Begin by donating to churches and privately-owned thrift stores everything that has not been used for six months or longer. Downsizing takes mental strength–rational thought processes must supersede emotional responses. Giving away excess achieves three character-building goals, it breaks down the hardness of a selfish heart, teaches us self-restraint, and we recognize the difference between our necessities and desires.

God’s command to all believers–help others.

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” –1 John 3:17

“Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.” –Proverbs 21:13

Money, clothes, houses, lands, cars, jewels, gadgets…they are exciting but worthless. As we progress into the last days, our focus must be redirected from things to loving Christ. We cannot miss our reward of eternal life because of an intense love for earthly treasures.

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'” –Mark 8:34-37

Prayer: God, we admit that our desires are out of control. We pray for discipline and the strength to change and redirect our love to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Living Without Christian Fellowship?

Living Without Christian Fellowship? Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.” –Romans 10:9-10

Whether someone witnessed the love and saving power of Jesus or the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart through an online sermon or listening to worship music to accept Jesus as your Savior, we must agree that the beginning of our journey with Jesus brought us joy and excitement.

But what happened next? Each of us has a personal testimony of struggle after our commitment to Christ. Sadly, many new believers become discouraged within three months and return to their former lives. Although there are various reasons, loneliness and church hurt are the top two reasons for giving up on God.

We cannot have the world and Jesus. The commitment to serving God requires us to give up our friendships with unbelievers. At times, we become entangled with individuals who believe in God, yet, they are not interested in living holy. Our walk with Jesus will separate us from our friends and family. The earthly journey prepares us for heaven where our Savior is preparing a forever home to live with Him in a sinless world.

Jesus spoke to the prophet Jeremiah regarding His love for believers: “…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.” –Jeremiah 31:3

Christians have a spiritual bond with Christ. From Christ’s heart, we receive Agape love flowing from His heart to our hearts. Love allows us to have a deep relationship with Christ that begins on earth and will last throughout eternity

Because we are commanded to love others, we seek fellowship with other believers who can give us spiritual support, which helps us to persevere through hardships. Because we have renounced the world, our relationships should extend beyond attending church once or twice weekly.

It is a joyful occasion when those who love the Lord socialize with each other. Not only do we build loving relationships, but we can also freely rejoice in the goodness of God and help others in their time of need. Yes, believers share a spiritual bond because we love Christ, are blessed with the gifts of joy and peace and look forward to our heavenly reward of eternal life.

The Family of God: Through scripture, the apostle Paul tells us of God’s original plan and expectation of the family of God, for us to have loving relationships and fellowship with each other.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” –Hebrews 10:24-25

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” –Colossians 3:16

Let’s address the struggle of loneliness that many believers share in 2023. If God said it is not good for us to be alone, why am I alone? The answer must come from God. Pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual assignment.

Following Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit to go to the wilderness for forty days and nights and to fast from food [Matthew 4:1-11]. God was preparing His Son for the anguish of rejection and suffering on the cross of Calvary.

God separates us when He is preparing us spiritually to use our gifts and talents for His glory and honor. During this time, we should pray, study the Scriptures, fast, and learn to listen for the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in many ways, He uses the Scriptures, places thoughts in our minds, and speaks to us during prayer, and sermons. Sometimes God will use a believer to whom you have not revealed anything to provide spiritual guidance.

The most important aspect is for us not to become discouraged, but to remain patient and obedient during our time of preparation.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” –Revelation 21:2

Church hurt is misunderstood. In the Bible, the church is referred to as the bride of Christ. The truth is that people hurt people. Last week, I listened to a sermon and the pastor stated, “There are no mean Christians! To be Christ-like is to love others and treat them with kindness and respect.” “The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness” Proverbs 15:9.

Christian–Christ-like Characteristics

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another. Galatians 5:22-23

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” –1 Timothy 6:11

We cannot rely on our judgment when looking for a church home. As believers, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to answer the challenges in our spiritual journey. The best advice I received from another believer is to Pray, Wait, and Obey.

Pray and ask for God to reveal a Bible-based church that performs baptism by water immersion. Study Romans chapter 6 for the Apostle Paul’s explanation of baptism and its significance. Water baptism has spiritual significance, we are now dead to sin and experience a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ baptism is recorded in Matthew chapter 3. And we also learn of the Triune Godhead at Jesus’ baptism, God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Link to the significance of Baptism: https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/1284.2

In Matthew chapter 28, verses 18-20, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission to Go and make disciples. Every Christian believer has been given the non-negotiable spiritual assignment of making disciples by witnessing the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. The only difference is how each of us will use our spiritual gifts to accomplish witnessing to others. Again pray for the Divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We have a great work to do before the Second Coming of Jesus! Focusing on oneself is a distraction that keeps us from fulfilling our spiritual purpose. Stay close to God. He will reveal your path and purpose.

Prayer: God, we pray for your disciples who are without support from fellow believers. Holy Spirit, we ask for You to comfort and reveal their spiritual gifts and how they should use them. Jesus, we thank You for Your love and sacrifice on Calvary. Please direct and give us strength. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

When Change Leads to Victory

When Change Leads to Victory Devotional Reading and Podcast

1998 was a momentous year. At 40 years of age, I had an excellent career, was pursuing my nursing degree, and was in a loving relationship. Yes, I was thrilled because not only did I have love and financial stability, but the pursuit of taking academic courses part-time came to fruition. Now I only had to complete the clinical portion of the nursing program.

I requested transcripts to be sent to the six colleges [within a 50-mile radius from my home] that offered a nursing program in the State of New Jersey. As I mailed the six envelopes containing my application for review and acceptance, I felt overjoyed. Within two weeks, I received acceptance letters from four of the programs, along with an explanation from the other two that they were on probation with the Board of Nursing and could not accept new applicants.

As I read the acceptance letters again, I could not believe what I saw, the start date was August 2000. This had to be an error. How was it possible that I was placed on four waitlists for two years? After speaking to the admission counselors from the four colleges, they explained their admission quotas for 1998 and 1999 were filled.

“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” –Proverbs 16:9

The defeat of disappointment overwhelmed me like arriving at the beach and 10 minutes later, dark storm clouds fill the sky. I didn’t know how to proceed, but I was determined that I would not wait for two years. In a prior life, I lived in Upstate NY and was aware of several nursing programs. After speaking to a friend who graduated from one of the programs, he told me to apply and in May 1998, I received an acceptance letter to begin in August of 1998.

My happiness was short-lived. How would I attend nursing school on a full-time status four hours from New Jersey? What about my job that I would be fully vested within six months? And I was in love, most long-distance relationships fizzle out and I was 40, not 20! The ambivalent feelings destroyed my peace of mind. Instead of celebrating, I was overwhelmed by the possibility of making the wrong decision.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Finally, I remembered that I needed to ask God for help. The dilemma of choosing my present life of love and financial stability versus the consequences of choosing the unfamiliar and losing everything that I valued resulted in anxiety and fear.

In June 1998, I took a leap of faith by traveling to Upstate NY to look at a couple of apartments. Even as a full-time student, the rent was affordable. I signed a 12-month lease with the option to renew. Within two weeks, the love of my life accompanied me in disbelief to help me move. He gave me the option to call him if things did not work out.

As we said our final goodbyes, I knew that God orchestrated my new journey. Yes, I lost my relationship and resigned from a stable job that had much to offer, but God had other plans for my life. Graduating in December of 2000 brought tears of joy because I obeyed God. Through God’s divine intervention, I accomplished my goal to become a Registered Nurse. He removed all distractions that were a hindrance to achieving His plans for my life.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.” –Isaiah 55:8

If you are facing a major life change and feeling the defeat of disappointment, failure, or fear, pray and involve God before you make any decisions. Yes, I was fearful, but I obeyed God. Our Heavenly Father never makes mistakes. His promises are yes, to which we say, Amen!

The path to victory always requires three things: To have faith in God’s plans, to let go of the things [and some people] that we value, and to move forward despite the fear of the unknown. When we fully rely on and trust in God, His promises evolve into greater things for our lives.

Remember unexpected life events come as a surprise to us, but not to God. It is 2023 and as I reflect on my life-changer from 1998, I proclaim with confidence, Go ahead, and let God lead you into victory! God will manifest His greatness and power by giving victorious outcomes that you could never envision.

Prayer: God, we are standing at a crossroads and need your guidance. We ask You to reveal the steps that we need to take to fulfill your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray, Amen.

The Duality of Humanity

The Duality of Humanity Devotional Reading

The high calling of living righteously every day and preparing for eternal life appears to be a source of conflict in our lives. With the demands of daily living, how can we look beyond our day and also prepare for life in the New Heaven and New Earth? Is it possible to achieve both simultaneously?

Has God set unachievable standards for those created in His image? Most worldviews are in opposition to God’s truth except one, Work Smarter, Not Harder. Let’s expand the concept from Work Smarter to “Live Smarter, Not Harder.”

When studying Creation, we learn that God has a systematic approach that ends in completion. His goal was to create the world. God did not multi-task when creating the world. No unfinished tasks had to be pushed to the next day. Humanity has been given a Divine Blueprint for how we are to live.

Divine Intervention: God’s ultimate goal is for us to receive the reward of eternal life. Human Effort: Our daily lives reflect the spiritual steps we are taking to live in harmony with God’s plan for us.

Sanctification is the lifelong journey of daily spiritual growth and development into the likeness of Christ. Our spiritual journey is a continuous struggle because our transformation requires the continuous acquisition of knowledge and wisdom through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and study of the Scriptures. Still, many Christians reject God’s perfect plan for their lives to Live Smarter, Not Harder as reflected by their lifestyle.

Can you imagine having a friend who says to you, “I really hate technology and all the changes in this world because of it?” I would remain silent and with a giant wave of sorrow, accept that the relationship with my friend has just ended.

We look at others in disbelief who do not embrace advancements to make one’s life function at an optimal level of wellness. Life is dynamic–Change must and will happen whether we willingly accept progression or not.

God Requires Spiritual Progression: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Sadly, many Christian believers fall into the statistics of having a resistant mindset. We also choose to live harder. Exclusion of God and His divine plan for our lives places us in the same predicament as the transgressor [God says their way is hard]. The acceptance of a worldview of doing it our way not only proclaims that we do not need God, but we also develop a spirit of pride that deceives us into believing that we have the strength, knowledge, and power to plan, achieve our goals, and to resolve any adverse event that will happen in our lives.

Self-reliance always produces the loss of the spiritual benefits we receive from having a relationship with God. Instead of enjoying the peace and contentment that comes from the Triune God [God, the Father, God, Jesus the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit [who has an angel army to serve humanity], we transition into the dark side of life where worry, insecurity, anxiety, and discouragement reside. 

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Opposition to God results in spiritual blindness–we cease to see the purpose of serving and obeying God. Nor is it a priority for us to have a relationship with Jesus and to have the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit. Abiding in Christ and producing fruit that prepares us for the transition from this earthly life to one of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth are no longer our desires.

Created in the image of God with a dependency on His Divine Intervention throughout our lives is God’s unchangeable plan. Dualism arises when our views are in opposition to God’s righteous standards. The spiritual conflict caused by doing things our way creates a growing chasm between us and God.

“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” –Jeremiah 10:23

The time will come when our plans or solutions fail. When our lives begin to fall apart, we usually resort to the emotional responses of anger, disappointment, and despair. Why is it so easy for us to blame God for the negative outcomes that come from our decisions? Have you ever thought that it’s just too hard to serve God? Do not give in to your emotions, with God, we are never alone!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

Without God, the rapid progression of life easily places us into the spiritual dilemma of mismanaging our daily lives and the loss of our reward for eternal life. We need Divine help every day! The dependency of humanity on God was designed to bring us through the vicissitudes of life and ensure that we receive the strength and power from the Holy Spirit to live for today and to prepare for eternal life simultaneously.

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

Live every day with the joyful expectation that Jesus’ promise of Revelation 22:12 will be fulfilled. The challenge is to overcome the spiritual warfare of self-seeking desires that prevent us from total reliance on Divine Intervention. Still, how do we bridge the gap that exists between accomplishing the tasks of living for today and preparing for eternal life?

Humanity requires help! We were created to have a forever relationship with God. Jesus knows that our journey is filled with struggle. The reality is that life with Jesus is meaningful and filled with accomplishments. Let God sustain your life! Go ahead and give every burden to Christ. The practical way to do that is by praying for Divine help and guidance in the routine activities of your life as well as the challenges.

Peace and joy are the gifts we receive when we willingly surrender to His will and plans which are custom-made for every person.

How deep is your level of commitment to God? Are you willing to surrender Your will in obedience to God? Each morning, take at least 15 minutes or more to have meaningful worship with our Heavenly Father. Approach God with a spirit of gratitude and confess your need for Him. Ask for the anointing, wisdom, and discernment from the Holy Spirit upon your life.

Time with God allows the Holy Spirit to give you the spiritual blessing of the Divine strength to endure, persevere and overcome for today and eagerly look forward to your reward of eternal life.

Prayer: God, we need You. We ask for the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Distractions–The Enemy that Always Wins

Distractions—The Enemy that Always Wins Devotional Reading

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. –Psalm 90:12

Think of your plans and goals for yesterday, how well did you do? Did you accomplish the tasks according to their priority on your to-do list? What did you do with the leftover time? And did you fall asleep with peaceful thoughts from the joy of your accomplishments?

The War of Distractions

The questions are pertinent because we are involved in an intense battle of strategic spiritual warfare intended to make us lose everything God has planned to bless us with now and eternally. As one contemplates the busyness of life, we have grown accustomed to accepting distractions as a natural element that rightfully belongs in our lives.

Distractions are often hidden from plain sight. Always have a million things on the to-do lists or make promises to help because you can’t say no without feeling guilty? Distractions make us waste valuable time from our lives that we can never retrieve.

Distractions make us lose the ability to dream, and prevent us from developing our spiritual gifts and natural talents. Nor can we receive the blessings from using our God-given spiritual assignment to tell others of the love of Jesus Christ because Distractions rob us of the life-giving sustaining power of God.

Distraction Alert!!! The Covert Strategy of Multitasking is a Manmade Concept!

Biblical references prove that God is Completion. Let us look at the story of Creation. In six days God used a systematic approach for the completion of His work for that day. The affirmation “And God saw that it was good.” is repeated four times. There were no thoughts about manipulating tomorrow’s schedule to squeeze in the things that were not completed in the day’s 24-hour cycle of time.

“God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:5

Our concept of time is out of sync with God’s time. Sunset is the beginning of a new day. In the evening, say a prayer, and ask God to give you the wisdom to change your present routine. Develop one or two realistic goals before you go to bed. Be specific by placing a one or two-hour-time parameter that you will complete during your daytime hours.

Eliminating distractions requires courage and discipline! Stand your ground against all distractors. Perform an honest self-evaluation. Are you embracing distractions? If yes, then admit that you are working against yourself and take aggressive steps to remedy the situation.

The Restorative Benefits of Completion–“A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” Proverbs 13:19

When our lives are out of sync with their natural order, we will never enjoy the blessings of peace and joy that come from making accomplishments. King Solomon says that accomplishments are sweet to the soul, indicating the spiritual aspect of completion. We do not find peace in tranquil locations nor achieve optimal mental, emotional, and physical health without following God’s plan for the human beings He created in His image.

The Journey to Complete Spiritual Restoration includes the Challenge of Overcoming Distractions

“Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.” Psalm 27:11

We have a choice to make. Eliminate the struggle caused by oneness—we have Divine Intervention available. God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us is lifelong. Yes. God is a God of Completion. When Jesus created us in their image, He knew the forever dependency that was required to sustain humanity.

Stopping the repetitious cycle is possible! Do not live in misery because of Satan’s spiritual warfare of distractions. Let go of your learned thought processes from the influencers who can do nothing but give misconstrued advice. Let go of habits and people who constantly introduce suffering into your life. Satan uses the familiar to keep us overwhelmed.

Embrace God’s Righteous Standard of Completion to overcome the Enemy of Distractions. God Always Produces Victorious Overcomers!

“I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

God created us to live on this earth in the peace and prosperity that comes from receiving His abundant blessings. Our willingness to have a heartfelt relationship with Christ not only gives us joy, contentment, peace, and happiness, but we also receive knowledge and wisdom from the Holy Spirit to live productive and structured lives. Created in His image, we receive the power to achieve completion of the tasks to maintain a life of spiritual equilibrium.

Prayer: God, we desperately need Your help. Please reveal the distractions that prevent us from making accomplishments and having the daily joy that comes from completion. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

2023: Totally Doing His Will

The mighty rushing wind of the Holy Spirit is moving fervently through this earth anointing the hearts of the faithful. Through answered prayers and the diligent study of the Scriptures, many hearts are accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Yes, we believe that God has selected, appointed, and anointed us to carry the torch. And in humble obedience, we are witnessing of Jesus’ love, grace, and mercy to everyone who will listen.

But, Wait! Salvation is for all. And God shows no favoritism. Exactly! The difference is that we acknowledge that God is enough in our lives. We give ourselves daily to the saving power of Christ. With intentional commitment we stay connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ. We fully understand that we are saved by grace. And because of our faith, the Holy Spirit has filled us like cups overflowing with an overwhelming love for an Awesome God. Our response is to continually seek God through prayer and to renew our covenant vow every day to totally do His will.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” –2 Corinthians 12:9

Sonya Darcell Johnson, Steps2successwithsolutions.com 2023

The Misconception of Spiritual Defeat

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

Faith allows us to have a deep dependency on God. We abide in Christ to receive His fortifying protection from the continuous spiritual warfare that many believe will produce the destitution of Defeat.

Satan can only be successful in his ploys to defeat us when we help him. Sounds crazy? Distractions are his proven strategies to bait and switch our focus from Christ to our circumstances.

Loving and Trusting Jesus allows us to receive His never-ending power. Jesus is our only Hope. Human Effort plus Divine Intervention equals Victory!

Ending Our Struggle with Sin

The story was told about a well-known pastor conducting a revival in a small town. After the service ended, he was approached by a young man who said, “I don’t like your religion, you can’t party, drink, smoke, gamble when playing cards, or have girlfriends.” The pastor responded, “Oh, I can do those things and more, but I no longer desire to do those things because I gave my heart to Jesus Christ.”

Question: Do you believe that Jesus ends our struggle with sin?

Answer: When Jesus died and rose from the dead, He ascended back to heaven. His death and resurrection completed the Plan of Salvation–to redeem humanity from their sins when we confess and ask for forgiveness. Surrendering our hearts to Jesus requires that we love Jesus. We love Him because He loved us first. He paid for our redemption with His life. And Jesus has promised us in John 14:1-3 that He will come again and take us to heaven to live forever with Him in a perfect world without sin, sorrow, crying, and death.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Ephesians 2:1-3

We were spiritually dead in sin before our transformation. Ruled by the carnal desires of our flesh, we gave ourselves to Satan, the prince of the power of the air. The desires, habits, people, places, and things that we used to do have been cleansed away by the precious blood of Jesus. We are so grateful for a Savior who rescued us that we walk away from a prior life like it never existed.

How is spiritual transformation possible?

Remember that God created us in His image, and He created us with a soul that is connected to Him for the duration of our lives. The emptiness of sin overshadows our connection to Christ, but it is impossible for us to ever be totally disconnected. The Plan of Salvation was in place before humanity was created. God knew that we would have a sinful nature. Yes, we have a continuous inner conflict between right and wrong, but in staying connected to Jesus, He gives us the strength to overcome our passionate desires.

Christ has the power to make us alive!

“What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12