Devotional – Page 46 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

God’s Presence is Everywhere

God’s Presence is Everywhere! Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” Psalms 139:7

Last night, I watched a question-and-answer session by Pastor Mark Finley. One of the questions was, I know that we are living in the last days, but how close are we to the Second Coming of Jesus? Yes, I was anxious to hear the answer. Refer to Matthew chapter 24 and 2 Timothy chapter 3. Although no one, including Jesus, knows the exact time of His coming, With urgency, we need to live with an unwavering mind and commitment. We are much closer than we think!

Satan desires for us to think we have time to waste. And he accomplishes this diabolical task by using distractions to turn our minds away from God. Your distraction is not my distraction. Although he does not have the power to read our minds [he is still an angel and has supernatural power]. Through observation, our lifestyles give him all the information he needs to make us forget our commitment of consecration to God. Satan commands an army of fallen angels who bring spiritual warfare to the believer’s life. The temptations or threats to our physical safety are orchestrated by humanity’s greatest enemy.

Are you ready for Jesus to come? Take the time to self-evaluate. Reflect on your lifestyle, habits, programs, music, desires, conversations, and how you spend your time. Are the people in your social circle believers who can provide spiritual support? Do your long-term goals include eternal life? Does your mindset reflect that you live in the presence of God? Will they know you are a Christian by your love, peace, joy, gentleness, and patience?

The Righteous Have Safety from Abiding in the Presence of God–“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)

“A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one.” EGW

Despite the enemy’s attacks, the righteous receive benefits as long as they remain faithful and obedient to God. The children’s song, Yes, Jesus loves me, should flood our minds with gratitude. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us. From studying Psalm 91, King David tells us that the righteous receive a covering of protection throughout their lifetime when they abide in the presence of God.

What does it mean to abide in God’s presence? We live faithful and obedient lives by doing God’s will. Remaining close means that we have a relationship with His Son, Jesus. We strive to live righteously, study the Bible, and pray several times a day. Our thoughts, words, and actions reveal the condition of our hearts. When we live in the presence of God, the world will not wonder if we serve God. Our characters will reflect the Fruit of the Spirit.

Does the Christian life sound hard? Yes? Our toughest journey in life is to stay on the Path of Righteousness. “For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster” (Proverbs 24:16).

Despite our best efforts, we will fail. Because we were born with desperately wicked hearts, God knows we will succumb to temptation and sin. Even so, Jesus promises to never leave us. We fall but repent, pray for help, and with Divine help, we get back up. Although we will never reach perfection in our earthly lives, our best efforts are honored by God.

Only you and God know the true status of your heart. Not all sins are premeditated. We also sin by omission—a day without prayer, Bible study, and ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit. There are sins we commit because of Satan’s deceptive tactics. When presented with an opportunity or situation and you don’t know what to do, Stop and Pray! Do not let family or friends coerce you into sinning you will regret it later.

When we fail, we pray for forgiveness. Repentance is heartfelt sorrow, asking for forgiveness, and with faithful commitment, we vow not to repeat the transgression. Jesus gave His life for the redemption of our sins so we do not have to die the second and final death.

Do not make your life harder by lack of knowledge. Study the Bible. Many believers struggle because they do not understand their purpose. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6;8). We were created to worship God. Put God first!

Our lives and daily activities should be centered around God. We are the recipients of God’s love, grace, and mercies. Be comforted because Jesus cares. We have Divine help from our Spiritual Team 24/7. The Scriptures provide hope, and guidance, and proclaim God’s love for us.

In Isaiah 40, we receive strength, in Isaiah 43, we are never left alone to face fiery trials, in Matthew 6, our daily provisions are guaranteed, in Philippians 1, Jesus promises to finish the work of Sanctification in us if we stay faithful and obedient. And in Revelation chapters 21 and 22, we are given a glimpse of our forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth.

To keep God in the forefront, we should memorize God’s promises. Not only is our faith and trust in God strengthened, but when facing times of trials and sorrow through our tears we have courage and confidence that God will bring us through to a victorious outcome. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 explains there is a time for everything. We will mourn which is appropriate, yet, we are not to live a life of despair. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

A personal relationship with Christ allows us to stay in God’s presence and gives us joy, peace, and happiness. Even when we face the vicissitudes of life, our faith remains steadfast because we have a Father who always keeps us covered. As the benefactors of His promises, our hearts should overflow with gratitude.

Praising God is not only done weekly at church services. Every day through prayer, studying the Bible, singing, listening to praise and worship music, and playing instruments, we give honor and glory to God. Miriam used a tambourine to praise the Lord. David played the harp and wrote a book of Psalms [songs] and tells us to make a joyful noise before the Lord. What happened when Paul and Silas sang when they were in jail? Study Acts 16:16-40. For the unmerited grace and mercies, we receive daily, our hearts should reflect joy and laughter every day.

Rejoice you pure in heart, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing! We do not have time to be stoic, fearful, worried, or discouraged. We serve a Loving, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent Father whose presence is everywhere. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Amen!

Prayer: Thank You, God, for the love and benefits that we receive every day. And thank You for your never-ending presence, the angel’s protection against spiritual warfare, and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Learning Requires Humility

Learning Requires Humility Devotional Reading and Podcast

Learning requires humility. We admit that our quality of life cannot improve without the pursuit of additional knowledge. Learning arises from the desire to acquire knowledge that positively impacts our life. –Sonya Johnson.

“To be honest, companies do not like to hire age 50 plus individuals because most are not teachable, they do not have the desire to learn. It may appear to be discriminatory, but how can a company be successful with employees that do not embrace change? “

This response was given by my 30-year-old coworker during a conversation that occurred over lunch in a restaurant. I mentioned that it took about six months to obtain permanent employment despite my credentials and experience. Of course, there are other contributing factors involved in a company’s selection and hiring process. Still, learning about the dilemma that mature workers faced changed my naive perspective of life after 50.

When we decide to improve the quality of our lives, we will face roadblocks. Stay prayerful and maintain a positive outlook. The time will come when you can pursue your goals.

Many have the desire to acquire formal knowledge but circumstances prevent the individual from pursuing their dream until the future. Although my friend possessed extensive management experience, she was no longer marketable because of her lack of academic credentials. Yes, she wanted to pursue a degree in Business Management, yet, life threw a curve ball that left her as a single parent struggling to raise two boys.

With creativity and motivation, we can explore alternative ways to acquire knowledge. Thankfully, there are numerous, free online [credible] options available to increase one’s knowledge base. The pursuit to learn extends beyond the acquisition of a certificate, diploma, or degree. In our ordinary lifestyles, we can acquire knowledge and make changes that will produce a higher quality of life.

“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)

As Christians, we must be selective in our learning platforms and pray for guidance. Your goal is to improve your skills, knowledge base, and quality of life. Not every training or seminar that costs $500 or less will result in improving our lives. Becoming an entrepreneur sounds exciting and it is.

Self-employment, and owning your business require planning and sound advice from a business owner. Most start-ups thrive or fail in the first year and the profit from year one usually has to be re-invested in the business. God desires that we use our talents and spiritual gifts. Trust and wait on His perfect plans.

Red Flag: Social media contains a lot of bogus information and staged performances that appear natural. The goal is to engage followers. We cannot believe or practice everything we see or hear from others who thrive off of “likes” or have the intent to increase their bank accounts by any means necessary.

To clarify, I am not against social media. It was on IG where I heard two concepts, Sustainable Living and Zero-Waste that served as a catalyst to research and set into motion changes that not only help to save the environment but also decreased my expenditures by $100 a month.

With zero investment and much research, I improved my quality of life by learning to make, upcycle, or recycle certain items to save our precious environment and improve my budget. Yet, as a believer, I would be remiss if I did not address the priority of gaining Scriptural knowledge before we make changes that impact us financially. Did you know that the Bible contains principles for money management?

We can embrace positive concepts that empower us to have an optimal lifestyle but without keeping God first and praying for guidance, we set ourselves up for failure. The believer’s priority is to stay within the will of God. Pray and wait! We do not have to suffer consequences for making disobedient decisions that can never achieve our God-given purpose.

“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 8:36-37)

Thankfully, the Bible is the Voice of God and the Christian believer’s spiritual instruction manual to live righteously. There is nothing obsolete in God’s Word. Our Heavenly Father addresses the cause and resolution for all aspects of the believer’s issues in 2023. Jesus created us and is aware of the challenges we would face. The Bible contains spiritual solutions and practical guidelines to enjoy productive, happy, and healthy lives.

King David and the apostle Paul reiterated the Bible’s life-sustaining purpose:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

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

There is a huge difference between acquiring secular knowledge and spiritual knowledge. We can select subjects that boost our credentials, teach us skills, develop our creative talents, and improve our lifestyles based on our individual preferences. But Scriptural knowledge along with faithful obedience provides a spiritual transformation of our minds and characters.

Spiritual Learning Requires Humility: Studying the Bible requires total acceptance of God’s Word–all or nothing! We do not have the option to pick or choose, nor can we interpret the Scriptures according to our mindsets.

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

One of the greatest mistakes we make is assuming that we can gain spiritual knowledge and discernment of the Word of God without the Divine intervention of the Holy Spirit. When King Solomon asked for wisdom, God honored his humble request by imparting godly wisdom that no other human being will ever obtain. Even with his godly wisdom, Solomon cautions us against succumbing to our innate pride, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7).

Jesus to the Rescue: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Before I heard sermons on praying for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual discernment before we study the Scriptures, I used to study the Bible without praying for Divine interpretation. The consequence is incorrectly understanding the Scriptures. For most of my life, I misunderstood Mathew chapter 25, verses 31 to 46, thinking the sheep were the believers and the goats were unbelievers.

This is one of the things that I love about Jesus, He meets us exactly where we are in our spiritual journey. When I committed to studying the Scriptures, God allowed me to hear a sermon from a pastor who explained that both the sheep and the goats are believers. God will not leave us confused! Receiving the truth is a choice and requires humility and obedience. Our part is to let go of all prior erroneous beliefs.

God’s grace and mercies extend above and beyond what we deserve. He does all He can to save our souls. Yet, it is our free will choice to accept His love and plans to reward us with eternal life.

“What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:4

Once we love God with our hearts, souls, and minds, we understand clearly the Bible was written for humanity. With gratitude, we humbly accept our need for Scriptural knowledge and the discernment, teaching, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. God took the time to use holy men to breathe His words of love in the 66 books of Genesis to Revelation. Dedicating our lives to Jesus Christ changes our perspective and appreciation of God, we know without a doubt that He is love.

The benefits of studying the Scriptures are endless. We receive hope and an everlasting spiritual connection to Christ that nurtures our faith and gives us courage in the stormy seasons of life. The Old Testament includes real-life stories of humanity’s sinful weaknesses, their defeats, prayers of forgiveness, and God’s miraculous interventions that brought victory.

My favorite books are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which give four perspectives of Jesus’ life on this earth. Does Jesus care about us? “When Jesus, therefore, saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son! Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:26-27).

Human Effort plus Divine Intervention equals Victory!

From Jesus sacrificial offering to His present role as our Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus continues to intervene on our behalf. We can never be transformed, have the character of Christ, or stay on the Path of Righteousness without the spiritual nourishment that comes from the Bible.

Sanctification is a lifelong spiritual journey–being changed into the character of Christ requires the human effort of daily surrender along with the power of Divine Intervention.

Once you commit to studying the Bible, be on the alert for spiritual warfare. Guard your worship and study time. Eliminate distractions from the cell phone and inform your family and friends of your designated time with God. Commit to purchasing a hardcopy Bible in NKJV translation. Reading the words on the pages of the Bible provides a focused study and enhances your worship experience with God.

Learning Requires Humility: If you have social media accounts, pray before you respond to followers. Remember the Holy Scriptures are not for debate. Receiving questions in response to one’s posts can be genuine or a temptation that Satan uses so we can show off our knowledge. It is easy to become prideful by exalting yourself.

Make a rule to never analyze the Scriptures or give finite opinions. The Bible explains itself. Learning from experience, I only provide scriptural references and advise the individual to pray for discernment from the Holy Spirit. Remember, Satan has to back down from the Word of God.

Our priority is to learn God’s truth so we can witness and stand against false teachings. Using our time wisely to gain knowledge of God-breathed Scriptures is preparing us for that Great Day–the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Until then, our spiritual commission is to witness to everyone the gospel of Jesus Christ. In these perilous times, strive to tell others that Jesus is love. Witness, pray, study, and obey!

Prayer: God, we thank You for the Holy Scriptures. We pray for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Give us wisdom and discernment and correct us when we commit transgressions against You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Total Commitment to Christ–Is it Possible?

Total Commitment to Christ–Is it Possible? Devotional Reading and Podcast

Have you ever wondered how your life would change if you totally committed yourself to Christ?

Many of us cannot answer yes to this question. This is how all of humanity starts in life: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NLT).

We are a sum total of innate sin, hereditary traits, our desires, society’s declining morals and values, the influence of friends, family, and social media, and the impact of worldviews that are in opposition to God’s righteous standards. Adding the devastation from natural disasters, lingering and unresolved social issues along with an increase in violent crimes, how are you doing?

How is the human race doing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? The Harris poll revealed that only 33% of Americans are happy. Another global poll revealed that 64% of people worldwide are happy. Although these surveys are not 100% accurate, they are supposed to give us a baseline of humanity’s prevailing mental and emotional status. Surveys usually eliminate the spiritual component of our being, but we can never abolish our spiritual connection to God.

Most people living in developed countries are not doing so well. Within the past decade, a sharp rise in mental and emotional disorders overshadows the statistics of physical illnesses. We now have a three-digit number, 988-Suicide and Crisis Hotline to provide immediate intervention to help to save lives. And the countless people using alcohol and illicit drugs as coping mechanisms are on a pandemic level and still increasing globally.

Psychologists promote and teach healthy coping mechanisms which are supposed to keep us grounded. The Cleveland Clinic’s article, Stressors: Coping Skills and Strategies provides active steps one can take to de-stress.

What are some common coping strategies?
Lower your expectations.
Ask others to help or assist you.
Take responsibility for the situation.
Engage in problem-solving.
Maintain emotionally supportive relationships.
Maintain emotional composure or, alternatively, express distressing emotions.

Over time, we can gradually change nonproductive behaviors and stop unhealthy habits, yet there is a major roadblock, we were not created to provide self-treatment or perform a complete overhaul of our mental and emotional psyches.

Unhappiness, lack of peace and joy, and the inability to cope with life’s stressors and hardships are mental and emotional characteristics that Christian believers should not suffer from.

We have three groups of Christians in today’s society who proclaim that they believe in God.

Those who are stressed and mentally unstable because they accepted and live by the worldview of putting self first and that self-reliance produces success.
Those who are content because they attend church weekly, but isolate themselves and are unconcerned about others or the prevailing social and economic problems.
Those who enjoy peace, joy, and happiness because they have a dependent and thriving relationship with Jesus Christ, and are involved in alleviating suffering.

Jesus desires that believers have healthy, peaceful, and happy lives. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).

“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)

Our human efforts are meaningless without staying connected to Jesus. Remember that God’s promises always require our faith, trust, and obedience. Why are we in the same dilemma that unbelievers are in? The root cause of our mental, emotional, and spiritual distress is that we are not relying on God and we have eliminated the power of Christ from our lives.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)

Have you ever wondered how your life would change if you totally committed yourself to Christ?

We do not have to lose our gifts of peace and joy due to self-reliance, isolation, and selfishness. Tell yourself enough is enough! Tell yourself that there is a better way to live. With Jesus, it is possible to enjoy an optimal level of spiritual, mental, and emotional health. With a total commitment to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can enjoy the earthly life that God blessed us with!

Prayer: God, we tried to live according to our thoughts and worldviews. We desire a better life of peace, joy, and contentment. From today forward, we commit our minds, bodies, and souls to You. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Through the Mountains for Spiritual Transformation: The Gift of an Only Son

Through the Mountains for Spiritual Transformation: The Gift of an Only Son Devotional Reading and Podcast

The story I am sharing is from the spiritual journey of a boy, age 11, whose mother decided to give her only son to become a Buddhist monk when he was born. Timeline: Spring to Fall.

The location is somewhere in the mountainous area of Asia. It is spring, and the terrain is beautifully covered with flowers, yet the mountain is harsh and rugged when one focuses on the whole picture.

The family of five raises goats and has a couple of cows that provide the essentials of milk and butter. The land is unadulterated by chemicals or pesticides and yields plentiful berries, herbs, and green plants used for vegetables.

This region is a small community of people who live in separate territories that do not overlap. With mutual respect, neighbors not only enjoy privacy, but they also have sufficient land to feed their animals.

Still, the focus of this documentary was the rite of passage of a young boy whose destiny was determined at birth by his mother. Culturally the oldest son inherits the property and is responsible for caring for his parents until their death. The mother’s decision to break traditional mores provides insight into the methodology of change and the progression of society.

What about the boy’s father who according to tradition could have nullified the mother’s decision? When interviewed, the father simply responded, “I cannot stand against the spiritual destiny of my son.”

It is difficult to imagine the parent’s emotions as they lovingly watched their baby mature into a young boy, knowing that one day, he would leave and they would be separated for life. With determination, they did not allow emotions to overshadow their son’s spiritual purpose. In preparation for her son’s transition, the mother waited until the boy could understand his destiny. At the age of 10, he was told that at age 11, he would leave the family to become a Buddhist monk.

As the day of his departure grew near, the biographer interviewed the mother, asking her, Why would you give up your only son? Her words were spoken with conviction. She desired for her son to have a different life, one of knowledge and experience outside of being a goat herder. The story continued with a somber mood.

The night before he left, a celebration dinner was prepared and the home was filled with happiness and laughter. After everyone had fallen asleep, the mother expressed her ambivalent feelings about never seeing her son again. Her voice trembled, and spoken words were replaced by tears that flowed like a waterfall.

The Morning of Departure: The boy’s 15-year-old cousin arrived who would serve as his chaperone and traveling companion. The father sat isolated on the ground with tears streaming down his face. Yet, the time for parting words and hugs was brief. These two boys with huge backpacks had a seven-day journey [on foot] through the snowy mountains to the town where the Buddhist temple was located.

The Arrival: It was interesting to watch a young child’s reaction to seeing a city for the first time. As they walked through the open market, he stopped to look at a table with baseballs. Picking up the ball, he began to laugh and asked his cousin to buy him this ball. “No, I cannot buy this ball for you. Your life is to become a monk. You are not allowed to have balls to play with in your new life. If I buy this ball for you, you will be distracted and grieve over the ball when they take it away from you instead of focusing on your preparation to become a monk.” The sadness of not having the ball was quickly replaced when they arrived at the temple and he was introduced to his mentor.

This young boy’s pre-determined journey produced deep reflection and uncertainty as I asked myself, Where do I stand in my spiritual journey with God? Have I become so distracted by the world’s nothingness that I cannot dedicate my life to God?

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:5

Without surrender and the daily anointing of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we quickly forget the spiritual purpose of life, nor can we ever understand the loving character of God. Truthfully how often do we thank God for His agreement to sacrifice Jesus, His only Son? Unless we meditate and worship God every day, the willingness of Jesus to die for ungrateful humanity will be a fleeting thought instead of a lasting memory.

Like the young boy who saw and desired the baseball, we also become easily distracted and desire the earthly pleasures of this world. How often do we forget our commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ? The struggle of living as a believer is real. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation [trials and sorrows]; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Just like the young boy who had his wise cousin as a guide and protector, we cannot navigate through life without our Spiritual Team, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, who is just a prayer away. Sanctification is a lifelong spiritual journey that requires us to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Despite our best effort, we can never live righteously without Divine Intervention.

Lest we forget God’s love, grace, mercies, and protection from angel armies, with prayers of gratitude, we follow King David’s example: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13).

Now unto him, that can keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Prayer: Thank You, God, for Your never-ending love, Your Son, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and angel armies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Perfect Love of God

The Perfect Love of God Devotional Reading and Podcast

Many of us have a friend or family member who will make plans for a social outing but always says, “I will meet you there.” Who doesn’t look forward to the on-the-way-there chat? Truthfully, they are not interested in a close, loving relationship in which two people share their most intimate thoughts with tears or laughter. A superficial relationship always leaves at least one person with an unfulfilled void in their heart.

Thankfully, we have a loving Savior who desires that we have a loving, intimate relationship with Him. Jesus never places a limit on the time that we seek and abide in Him through prayerful communication. Our prayers whether accompanied by tears or elated joy are readily received by our Heavenly Father who provides comfort through the Holy Spirit. Imagine how wonderful God feels when we give Him praise from our hearts that are filled with gratitude.

A thriving, healthy relationship is built on love. Think about a time when you were in love, or you may still be in love, the confidence and joy of life that love provides are matchless. Over time we come to realize that our perfect love involves many adjustments.

Love Comes From God–“We love Him because He first loved us.” –1 John 4:19

When God created us in His image, we received the gifts of love, power, and a sound mind. Do not attempt to analyze your innate spiritual gifts. Think about your God-given gifts the same way you would react if you discovered that you have artistic talent. Most people would develop their talents. We grow spiritually when we intentionally commit ourselves to love His Son, Jesus.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'” (John 14:6). Building a relationship with Christ begins with a loving heart. We surrender and give ourselves to Him by renewing our covenant vow of love for Christ every day.

The difference between earthly and agape love is that God’s love never ends. His love is not based on whether we reciprocate. God gave Jesus, His Son to die for all. God loves the sinner as well as those striving to live holy. When we fully understand the love of God, we live with courage and confidence because we faithfully trust God with our lives.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18.

Choosing God’s Promises instead of being controlled by our emotional responses allows our faith to flourish. We cannot have faith and fear, fear always cancels out our faith in God. Knowing that the spontaneous response of fear will happen when facing challenges and adversities allows us to control fear by praying a prayer of faith.

The human effort of acquiring knowledge of God’s character can only be accomplished by diligent study of the Scriptures. Without knowledge of who God is, our relationship is superficial–a stable foundation doesn’t exist.

The Outcome of Not Studying the Bible–Our love for God wavers because of our changing circumstances. One of humanity’s weaknesses is that we typically react with emotions instead of using our sound minds. Remember that an undisciplined mind cannot control an emotional response.

Without a biblical foundation, we have nothing to base our faith and trust on, which results in our emotions changing our perception of God. When all is well, we feel that God really loves us. But when we face the hardships of life, we feel that God has forsaken us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you or forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6

Even if we could only remember that one scriptural promise when the stormy seasons arise, the Holy Spirit would comfort us by reminding us of God’s love and power. The development of a sound mind requires faith, trust, daily praying, and consistent Bible study. As we build our relationship with Christ, we can encourage ourselves and never lose confidence and courage. If God said it, then it is guaranteed that He will do it!

Desire to begin a love relationship with Jesus? Begin with the book of John. He is described as the disciple that Jesus loved. Why? Because John had the desire for spiritual transformation–he desired to have a Christ-like character.

We are never alone. Jesus knew His disciples would need spiritual help 24/7 after He ascended to heaven following His resurrection. We have the same access to the Holy Spirit anytime from only whispering an honest prayer.

Prayer: God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus with whom we can have a relationship. Please teach us and help us to understand Your love for us. God, we love You and ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Jesus Promises Another Helper
If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. –John 14:15-18

“…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” –Isaiah 43:1

The Exposure of Subtle Secrets

The Exposure of Subtle Secrets Devotional Reading and Podcast

Subtle definition: so delicate or precise as difficult to analyze or describe, or, making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.

As I reflected on my childhood, as a little girl with three best friends, I laughed out loud. We attended a Christian school with many rules. Still, we had progressive, independent personalities for little church girls. The four of us formed a club with two rules, no outsiders could join, and we promised to keep secrets from everyone else, including our parents. During our daily recreation time at school, we huddled together always whispering and laughing.

We were frequently approached by others to join our club, but our fearless leader always responded, The rules say that no one else can join our club. Why didn’t we allow others to join? Because of our conversations. We talked about our dolls and our dislike for boys, but we also gossiped about our teachers and the other girls. We were intelligent enough to use exclusion because we knew that the other girls would be tattle-tales and expose our secrets. Yes, we are born with desperately wicked hearts, our actions were not learned behaviors.

Let’s clarify that all secrets are not sinful. Many individuals do not disclose the pursuit of a new job or business until it has come to fruition. Or if you are a new graduate and your profession requires a licensure or certification exam, it is best practice not to tell others until you have successfully passed the exam.

God says that we cannot trust others: “Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms…” –Micah 7:5

God’s word is truth! I worked in the criminal justice system for a few years and most individuals who were caught and imprisoned were betrayed by their wives, significant others, friends, and family members.

When studying the scriptures about secrets, we know the Bible was written for believers to keep us from going astray into the depths of sin. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).

God always addresses our sinful behaviors and actions from a spiritual perspective. The scriptures define that secrets specifically used to hide our wrongdoing against God will result in the consequences of separation from God. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

The Game of Cover-Up: Sin causes us to lose our connection with God and enter into an arena of spiritual and mental conflict. The darkness of sin overshadows our ability to discern wrong from right. As we continue to cover up our secret sins from others, we become weary. It takes too much effort to hide a worldly lifestyle and maintain our Christian reputation.

God does not forsake us when we are living a double life [appearing righteous but harboring secret sins]. The Holy Spirit begins to speak to us through our conscience. Because we haven’t totally given up on God, feelings of guilt and remorse enter our thoughts. At this point, we have lost our peace and must do something to alleviate the battle within our minds.

“For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” –Mark 4:22-23

Secrets always bring us to the crossroads of decision-making. To regain our sanity, we may choose one of two options depending on our motive. We may disclose to a trusted friend or family member, not to stop the sin, but to release the internal strife of right versus wrong. Even so, prayerfully, we will the life-saving option of repentance and ask God for forgiveness, which means that we renounce and give up sinful habits or relationships.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” –Psalm 139:7

Sin desensitizes our gift of a sound mind. We forget that God knows the desires of our hearts, sees every sin and hears every spoken word. In 2 Samuel chapter 12, God sent the prophet Nathan to King David to remind him that he was aware of his sexual sin with Bathsheba, another man’s wife, and the murder of her husband.

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” –Romans 8:7

Never forget, we struggle with fleshly desires that will overpower us if we give into sin. Satan is working overtime since his time is short. We are living in the last days and can be easily influenced by the pleasures of the secret sins of gambling, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, alcoholic beverages, and legal or illicit drug use, Satan’s list of temptations is endless.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cannot allow our secret sins to place us in the same status as the dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and liars in Revelation chapter 22, verse 15. Pray for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit every morning and whenever you need spiritual help to overcome temptation. Routinely fast from activities that consume your time. Study the Scriptures every day.

To be counted by God as a righteous-robed saint who will eat from the tree of life is a spiritual choice that we make daily. The reward of eternal life requires faith, trust, and obedience to God’s righteous standards and choosing godly morals and values that are distinct from the world.

“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” –Psalm 90:8

Prayer: God, we confess that we are not living righteously and for our sins we confess and repent. We need Your help to overcome the secret sins that separate us from You and are causing chaos in our minds and lives. We ask for the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and to live holy. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.