Eternal life – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Why Is It So Difficult To Follow Jesus?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Because God is Omniscient, He knew that our lives would include fighting daily battles, making decisions, and overcoming temptations that would leave us mentally and spiritually depleted.

Our Heavenly Father’s Promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8).

With great love, God, Jesus, the Son created us to totally depend on His Wisdom and Strength. We acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority by praying for guidance and obeying Him, simply because Jesus is our Creator, Savior, and King, and we are the creation.

To accept Christ as our Savior and Shepherd requires us to follow God’s Higher Thoughts and to resist our inclinations: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).

The failure to pray for and obey God’s Guidance reveals that we have rejected Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Following our thoughts reveals a deeper spiritual issue with our heart; making plans without God reveals a spirit of disobedience, and the failure to revere God’s Sovereign Authority over our lives.

God’s Free Gift of Grace: We Are Saved By Grace Through Faith

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

“The Transforming Power of Grace: Christ’s Grace does more than forgive past sins; it molds and changes human character to reflect the likeness of Jesus.”

“Grace Is Freely Given: It cannot be bought with money, earned by human works, or commanded by power—it is accepted only through faith and surrender.”

“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).

God loves us and has a definitive plan for our lives: His priority is to spiritually transform our mind, character, and personality: “Be holy, for I Am Holy” is God’s Command; yet, we cannot change ourselves.

Sanctification [Spiritual Growth and Transformation] requires letting go of the sin of self- reliance. Through daily consecration, we commit to abide in Christ by seeking His guidance through continuous prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures.

The Sacrificial Life: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. …”

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

Sanctification is the daily transforming spiritual work of the Holy Spirit that requires our cooperation and must be accomplished in our earthly lives before we take our last breath.

The Message of The Cross: With Amazing Love that the human mind cannot comprehend [without the Holy Spirit giving us a deeper spiritual understanding], God, the Father gifted us with Jesus, His Divine Son, who died to save our souls.

Jesus willingly gave His life to save us from the wages of sin [the second and final death] with the expectation that we would love, follow, obey, and worship Him as our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King.

God, the Father’s Spiritual Goals: For us to love God, Yeshua, His Son; to possess the Righteous Attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character [The Fruit of The Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23]; and for God, the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, in preparation for an eternity of worshiping Jesus [Revelation 22].

God’s Instructions For Striving To “Be Holy”

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV).

We come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).

Why is it so difficult for us to follow Jesus and to live holy?

“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29). Jesus proclaimed that He always obeyed God, the Father.

To be a Christian is to be Christ-like: To Follow Christ Is To Seek His Divine Will and Fulfill God’s Plans.

“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, ESV).

The Four Gospels reveal Jesus’ earthly life, and His commitment to teach and transform the 12 disciples. We study the Bible to learn how Jesus lived and overcame sin through continuous prayer.

If we pray for the strength and power to stand down sinful desires and temptations, we will immediately receive Christ’s Divine Power, given to us by the Holy Spirit to overcome.

Jesus’ earthly life reveals that He loved God, the Father; Jesus’ abundant love brought hope, healing, and peace to the multitudes of people, who were rejected by the Jewish leaders.

God, the Father, expects us to have the same Loving and Righteous Character as Christ, which is only possible when we dedicate ourselves to follow Jesus with daily surrender and faithful obedience.

Placing our faith and trust in Jesus and seeking His Guidance through continuous prayer reveals that our heart is overflowing with love for God.

Humility reveals itself through obedience, only then can the Holy Spirit empower us with Jesus’ Divine wisdom and strength to persevere in our earthly spiritual journey.

“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).

Salvation is not Behavior Modification; it is impossible for us to change the condition of our inherited hearts. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

God knows our struggles with sin and selfishness; therefore He gave us written Spiritual Principles and Commands in the Holy Bible, which provide the Divine Guidance to live as righteous overcomers.

Yes, The Bible is our Spiritual Blueprint. The Holy Scriptures teach us how to live holy; still, we require Jesus’ Divine Power every day, given to us through the Holy Spirit to win our spiritual battles.

Letting Go of The Unbelieving Mindset of Self-Reliance

Self-Reliance redirects our faith and focus to ourselves instead of on the Power of God. Following Jesus, our Shepherd requires a spirit of humility and the willingness to obey God.

We actively participate in our Salvation by making choices that honor God: “Do not be conformed to this world.”

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot overcome our heart’s desires for wealth, material possessions, and sinful people and pleasures.

Every day, our earnest prayer must be King David’s prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV).

When we love God, daily surrender and faithful obedience to His Perfect Plans are not a burden.

Because we love Jesus and appreciate the gift of His Life on Calvary’s Cross, following Him on the Narrow Path of Righteousness is our greatest desire.

Our commitment to follow Jesus is renewed every morning; Personal worship includes the Prayer of Surrender, Praying for God’s Plan for the new day, and studying the Holy Scriptures.

Through continuous prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom and discernment to understand the deepest spiritual meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and how we are to live out the Scriptures day by day.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, teaching us how to “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” The Holy Spirit also warns us of Satan’s covert temptations designed to deceive us.

One of Satan’s most effective strategies is to bring “unbelieving believers” into our lives; with their words they proclaim belief in God, but their lifestyle reveals a heart that is attached to the world.

Separation From Unbelievers and Unbelieving Believers: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV).

We must also separate ourselves from family and friends who do have a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. “You will know them by their fruits;” either we are righteous or worldly, no one can serve God with a divided heart.

“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NLT)

God, the Holy Spirit, guides and empowers us to choose right instead of wrong; to accept and live by God’s Truth instead of false teachings; and to renounce the unbeliever’s godless habits and lifestyles; still, our hearts must desire to willingly follow and obey Jesus.

Satan desires that we see God as a punitive Judge instead of a Loving Heavenly Father, Who desires to give us Eternal Life; but Jesus says that Satan is the “Father of Lies.”

The Hidden Traits of Disobedience: “But why do you call me ‘Lord Lord,’ but not do as I say?” Yes, following Christ requires giving up our desires for His Perfect Plans.

Although God desires for us to love Him with faithful obedience, God’s desires are rarely fulfilled. Because God is Just, we were created with a free will to choose. Sadly, humanity, who are the only beings created in the image of God frequently choose to rebel against His Sovereign Authority.

If we reject Jesus by embracing self-reliance and chasing our desires then we choose the destiny of Malachi 4, instead of God’s Plans to live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Worship Is a Lifestyle Not a Weekly Event

The lifestyle of “Daily Personal Worship” is the only way to abide in Christ, which keeps our faith and focus on His Divine Love, Power, and Promises, building an unbreakable relationship with our Loving Savior.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. (John 4:23, ESV).

Personal worship demonstrates our love and loyalty to Jesus, revealing that we worship the One and Only True God. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him commit to following His directives with unwavering faith, trust, and obedience.

Consistent worship reinforces our love for God, preparing us for an eternity of worshiping Jesus Christ, our Risen and Triumphant King. Yes and Amen!

It is in our earthly lives that we must utilize our gift of time wisely. Spending time in personal worship invites the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus’ glorious presence, filling us with peace, joy, wisdom, and the strength we need to keep following Christ on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

“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).

Followers of Christ will never have an easy life, but it is a privilege to suffer for Jesus. Throughout the Bible, Jesus promises to give us His Strength, which empowers us to persevere and to keep moving forward.

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21). Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Lamentations 3

Lord Jesus, the Creator of this universe, we humbly approach Your Throne of Grace, bowing to your Sovereign Authority. Today, we renew our spiritual commitment to follow You with love and loyalty, and to use our faith to trust Your Perfect Plans for our lives.

Lord, search our hearts and reveal any hidden sins. We ask you to forgive us for our sins of self-reliance and disobedience. Jesus, You are our Faithful Shepherd, and we ask You to guide us in this spiritual journey from Earth to Heaven.

As we follow You, give us peace, and the spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength to live as righteous overcomers. We love You because You first loved us. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King. Amen.

Daily Spiritual Goal: To Put Jesus First

“Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.”

39 “She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.”

40 “But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.'”

41 “But the Lord replied to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:38-42)

Every day, our daily routine reveals whether we are actively fulfilling the role of Martha, who always focused on the continuous busyness of life, or like Mary, our worship of Jesus Christ is first and foremost in our lives.

Are we taking the time to acknowledge and thank God for His Blessing of another day? God is the Sustainer of Life.

We have been blessed to receive the gift of 24 hours; yet, most of us do not even give God 60 minutes in the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study.

One of Satan’s most effective deceptions is that we have the time to live as we please, and because God is merciful, all will be well. Yet, the prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is:

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23-24).

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us that we must love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we fail to worship and obey God, we reveal an issue of the heart, we love ourselves more than God.

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.” (Psalm 95:6-7).

Loving God First is revealed as soon as we wake up to a new day. Our automatic response is to worship, and we joyfully speak a prayer of gratitude, singing praises that acknowledge the Lord’s gift of new Mercies.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25).

We revere God by making worship the first activity of our new day. Worship reveals our love and gratitude for God’s Abundant Blessings of His Steadfast Love, Faithfulness, Grace, Mercies, Provisions, Correction, and Protection.

By excluding God, we reveal that we value our human thoughts and strategies over God’s Sovereign Wisdom and Providence.

“See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Because we are living in the Last Days of Earth’s existence [Matthew 24; 2 Timothy 3], we do not have time to play the Game of Chance with our Life. Following Jesus Is All or Nothing, there is no middle ground.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10).

Since we do not have the ability to predict the future outcomes of our decisions, we should renounce the habits of unbelievers, who trust human thoughts and their imaginings over God’s Divine Omniscience.

The same sacrificial life of self-denial that Jesus lived on this Earth is the same life that God, the Father requires us to live.

When we love God and appreciate Jesus’ Blood Sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, we will joyfully give up every obstacle that prevents us having a heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.

We redeem the time by using our faith to actively participate in our Spiritual Journey. Cooperating with God, the Holy Spirit, Who performs the Spiritual Process of Sanctification, requires us to willingly surrender our will and plans to Jesus Christ

Sanctification is a spiritual process that can only occur in our earthly lives. The daily Spiritual Growth and Transformation of our heart, mind, and character from its inherited carnal desires into the Righteousness of Christ, prepares us for Eternal Life, but ceases when we take our last breath.

Do not believe Satan’s lie that we have the time to waste. Now is the time for us to follow our Shepherd with steadfast faith, obedience, determination.

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

Reflection: This morning, as I reflected on the ungrateful and selfish use of my time, I whispered a prayer of forgiveness for taking the gift of my life for granted.

The Message of The Cross reveals that Jesus has done all that He can for us: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

Following Christ requires the courage to renounce the personal habits that consume our time; saying No to the spiritual warfare of distractions, and most importantly, letting go of the people, who are interfering with our Love Relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Triumphant King is Coming sooner than we think. We do not have time to think and live as Martha, because according to Jesus, only those with the habits of Mary will hear:

“‘…Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'” (Matthew 25:23).

LORD God, with humility and surrender, we ask for forgiveness for wasting our merciful gift of time. We desire the wisdom and discernment to be intentional with our time, so we can always put You as First in our lives. Holy Spirit, transform our thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Christ’s Righteousness. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the habits and people, who are stumbling blocks, preventing our spiritual transformation in our journey with Jesus. LORD God, give us strength, as we follow Yeshua, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. In faith, we ask and believe that we will receive these things in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A Heart Overflowing With Agape Love

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3, Amplified Bible).

True Agape Love is the heart and spirit of religion. We know that our heart is filled with God’s Love when we love and pray for others, despite the way they treat us.

God is Love! God Gives Us The Characteristics of Agape Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, NIV).

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7).

Although our hearts are filled with God’s love, the Apostle James tells us to always pray for wisdom.

Our initial morning prayer should include asking God to give us spiritual wisdom. Without wisdom, it is impossible to discern life’s dilemmas through spiritual eyes, resulting in the inappropriate use of our emotions.

2 Corinthians 5:14: “The love of Christ constrains us…” God’s Love acts as a powerful, overwhelming force that directs a believer’s responses.”

Satan is busy, always looking for ways to disturb our peace of mind. But even when offended, we remain silent. Our first response to any given situation is to whisper a prayer for Divine Strength and Guidance.

Praying redirects our carnal mind to the heavenly realm. Praying prevents us from committing the grievous sin of bringing dishonor to God’s Holy Name and His Loving Character.

We may see ourselves as good people, but it takes the right situation to reveal the true spiritual condition of our heart and character. We are not who we think we are!

God reveals that every human heart is filled with the corruption of sin: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Harboring Past Grievances and Unforgiveness

For those who do not study the Bible, Satan easily manipulates their minds to accept his false teachings. The word dislike is not found in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus tells us, either we love or hate others.

We may say, “But you have no idea the trauma, pain, and mistreatment this individual has inflicted on me.” Pray for yourself and for those who mistreat others, because they are eternally lost.

If the person [or people] who harmed you is deceased, then pray a prayer of repentance for the hatred in your heart; and verbally express to Jesus that you forgive the person [people] who harmed you.

“‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NIV).

Because Christ created us and loves us, we reveal our love for Christ by loving ourselves. Consequently, we do not stay in abusive, toxic, and demeaning relationships and marriages.

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 7:15, NIV).

Unforgiveness produces a dark cloud of sin into our minds, gives us an impure heart, prevents the Holy Spirit from residing within, and we lose our inheritance of receiving the Crown of Eternal Life.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20, NIV).

Truthfully, without possessing a heart filled with Agape Love, we are in the same spiritual predicament as unbelievers. Are we willing to be lost along with the person/people who mistreated us?

Because God is Omniscient, He knows our entire lifespan and every negative, hurtful situation, we will experience. Yet, there are two promises that God is still fulfilling:

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3).
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Healing is a spiritual journey that requires our active participation: We must love God, love others, including our enemies, quickly forgive, and let go of our past.

The Evolution of the Present Loveless State of Christianity

Ritualistic Loveless Religion: “The Pharisees kept the Sabbath, went to church, ate clean foods, gave their tithe and offerings, but they still crucified Jesus.”

Jesus’ Last Days Prophecy: Matthew 24:12

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold.” Jesus told His disciples that in the Last Days [which is right now], many Believer’s hearts would be void of love.

King Solomon tells us that there is nothing new under the Sun; eventually, the negative aspects of history always repeats itself.

“In 2026, We are living in a time when human beings in this world and in the church are becoming cold, unfeeling, and insensitive. Christian believers are quietly nurturing the selfishness in their heart, which has overpowered God’s Love. We simply do not care about our brothers and sisters in Christ.” Pastor Dr. W. Phipps

Reflection: What is the present condition of your heart? Be honest in your self-evaluation! “Would not God discover this? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21, ESV).

Because Jesus could read their hearts, He knew that His twelve disciples did not love each other. Jesus’ Command to His disciples is still valid for His followers today:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34).

God’s Agape Love Keeps Us On The Narrow Path

“If we practice self-denial, and manifest kindness, courtesy, and Christian sympathy, [God’s] love will be kept warm in the heart.”

When our hearts are filled with God’s Love, we are not easily annoyed. Yes, the line at the store is filled with anxious, angry, complaining people, yet, we have a calm spirit, because our hearts are filled with Jesus’ Love and Peace.

“Agape Love can endure evil and provocation, without being filled with resentment and revenge. God’s Love gives us power over anger, a quiet spirit, and persevering patience” [The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23].

Without retaliation, we can overlook a stranger’s rude words, and have an unbothered mind when a resounding car horn is used to curse us.

“For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Amplified Bible).

“True love will give us an esteem of our brethren, and raise our value for them; and this will limit our esteem of ourselves, and prevent the [unrighteousness] of self-conceit and arrogance.”

God’s Agape Love Is Transforming

“God’s Love corrects a sharpness of temper, sweetens and softens the mind, It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge.”

God’s Love makes the mind steadfast, gives us power over our angry passions, and furnishes it with a persevering patience…”

Our time on this Earth is slipping fast into eternity. We must kneel before the Throne of Grace, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden sins in our heart.

“We need to understand the Biblical teaching that we were created to sense and feel the presence of God.”

“Our heart can only stay saturated with God’s Love by the continual and consistent sense of God’s Presence in our life.”

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). In these Last Days, we desperately need to be in the presence of God. Evaluate and Rearrange your daily schedule, so you can have personal worship at least twice a day.

Consistent worship invites the Holy Spirit to spiritually transform our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character, and to permeate our hearts with Agape Love.

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). With God’s Love overflowing in our hearts, even when the tests and trials come, we remain faithful, never losing hope, because we believe in Jesus’ Abiding Love and His Promises.

Heaven’s Divine Spiritual Team is dedicated to our spiritual growth and preparing us for an eternity of worshiping our Lord, Savior, and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we come to You in total surrender, seeking to be in Your Holy Presence. We ask You to cleanse our hearts from all unrighteousness, and to fill us with Your Agape Love. Lord, teach us how to love You and to love others. We also ask for wisdom, discernment, and the strength to persevere in our spiritual journey. In faith we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself

“Does your heart really belong to God?”

If you were asked to define success, would your answer include money, material possessions, and an elite social status?

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).

Spiritual Fact: Wealth builders will not receive the reward of Eternal Life.

It is impossible to focus on pursuing temporary treasures on a temporary earth and have a faithful and obedient heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Revelation 3:19, NIV).

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

We are Temporary Travelers living on a Temporary Earth and everything we own is Temporary.

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21).

Persevering in faith with perfect trust and obedience to God will ensure spiritual success [spiritual growth and character transformation] and receiving your reward of the Crown of Life.

Every day, Prepare for Eternity – Put God First!

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1, 5).

Bible Study: John 14:1-3; Revelation 21-22

Lord God, we repent for chasing earthly treasures and pleasures, and ask You to give us the wisdom to see life through spiritual eyes, and the strength to overcome Satan’s distractions and temptations. Jesus, in faith, we dedicate our hearts to You, and thank You for the sacrificial gift of Your life on Calvary’s Cross. Lord, give us a heart filled with love and humility. We ask You to guide us in our journey on the Narrow Path of Righteousness as we prepare for Your Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus, Amen.

Preparing for Heaven – Eternity With Jesus Christ

The Final Victory: 1 Corinthians 15:50-54

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

53 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

54 “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.'” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54).

When we believe Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3, our worship, thoughts, and lifestyles reflect that we are “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” preparing every day for the Coming of Jesus Christ.

The Sacrificial Life: (Romans 12:1-2).

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

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

A God First life is purpose-driven and requires daily surrender and faithful obedience. Our personal agenda includes our thoughts, decisions, pursuits, goals, and lifestyles that are never placed above God’s Will and Plans.

“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).

Because it is impossible for us to change ourselves, achieve spiritual growth, or stay on the Narrow Path of Righteousness without Divine Intervention, through personal worship, we include God by prayerfully seeking His guidance before making decisions, even when we feel they are insignificant.

Spiritual Time Management: “See then that you walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

“Redeeming the time” is God’s directive for believers to make the most of our precious gift of time to grow closer to Christ.

We ask and rely on the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom: “…so we act with spiritual diligence, using our gift of time for God’s purpose rather than wasting life on seeking the trivial things of earthly treasures and pleasures.”

“What could this world possibly offer that’s worth forfeiting what Christ offers us?”

Every Believer’s Spiritual Status: “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” preparing every day for the Soon Coming of Jesus Christ.

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

“Why is the promise of Eternal Life so crucial to all that we believe?”

It is not enough to know Jesus promised us eternity with Him. Spiritual preparation is a dally endeavor that requires the Human Effort of seeking God, and relying on the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our heart’s desires and Satan’s temptations; gives us wisdom and discernment, teaches us the One and Only meaning of God’s Truth; corrects us when we disobey by following our thoughts; and guides us in using our faith to trust and obey God.

No, we will not understand His Highest thoughts and ways [Isaiah 55:8-9], but because He is The Sovereign God of the universe, Who sustains our lives, we honor and revere Him.

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

The Christian journey is the toughest experience that we will ever endure. To stay on the Path of Righteousness requires daily surrender, self-denial, and faithful obedience. But when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we receive Jesus’ Divine Strength, which is guaranteed to empower us to live as victorious overcomers. Hallelujah! Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: John 14:1-3

Lord God, we desire to receive Jesus’ promise of a Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth. Lord, we need your help! In faith, we obey Your command to come before Your Throne of Grace, because we need Your Divine Wisdom, Guidance, and Strength to continue our journey. We renew our commitment to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Our Heavenly Citizenship

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)

God is making preparations for us to inhabit the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must do our part by striving to: “Be holy, for I AM Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

God’s Spiritual Conditions of Participation: We must meet the spiritual conditions required by God to be received into the Lord’s family: Daily surrender, faithful obedience, renouncing sin, self-denial, prayer, and Bible Study.

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

We must strive to reach God’s higher standard by coming out of the world and separating ourselves from sin and sinful influences, including unbelievers and unbelieving believers [those who believe in God, yet practice worldly behaviors].

“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].” (James 1:22, Amplified Bible).

As believers in God’s Truth, we are to pray continuously and diligently study the Holy Scriptures, so we can represent the Light of Christ to an Earth overcome by the darkness of Satan’s evil.

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

Throughout the history of Christianity, God has always had the faithful: Moses, Abraham, Rahab, Esther, Job, Daniel, eleven of Jesus’ disciples, Paul, Timothy, and others who are resting in their graves, but will receive their Heavenly Inheritance when Jesus comes again.

To live a Christ-Centered, faith-based life requires a spirit of humility and a covenant vow of daily surrender, faith, and obedience to God.

Our Sovereign God still has believers who consecrate themselves to follow Christ every day, and we are living proof that through the Power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to live righteously and to put God first.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9).

Christianity is much more than attending church. When our hearts are converted by the Holy Spirit, the Love and Righteousness of Christ permeate our thoughts, spoken words, behaviors, habits, and lifestyles. We live to please God.

“We have received the highest honor that God can give to mortals by adopting us into His family and giving us the privilege of calling Him Father.”

The Plan of Redemption reveals God’s overwhelming love for us. God lovingly gifted His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born as a human, live in poverty, and suffer an excruciating death on Calvary’s Cross, so we would not have to die for our sins [Romans 6:23].

From consecrating ourselves to live a sacrificial life of self-denial, through the Holy Spirit, we receive Jesus’ strength to overcome the internal conflict of our heart’s desires and the external opposition of temptation.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body…” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, BSB).

The Holy Spirit’s Presence: The Holy Spirit dwells within believers who strive to live a holy, consecrated life, spiritually and morally acceptable to God. It is the Holy Spirit who converts our hearts and transforms our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ.

Because we inherited hearts that always desire more than God gives, following and obeying Christ requires constant self-denial and praying for Divine strength and guidance. Personal worship reveals our steadfast love and loyalty to our Shepherd and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, and keeps our lamp filled with Oil [The Holy Spirit].

Preparation to receive our Heavenly Citizenship requires the spiritual commitment to think, worship, and live as “Temporary Travelers on a Temporary Earth,” who await with joyful anticipation the most Glorious Day of Jesus’ Second Coming. Yes and Amen!

“To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21).

Bible Study: Romans 12; Revelation 19-22.

Lord God, we consecrate ourselves to follow Christ. Teach us how to live a sacrificial life that honors You. We look forward to the day when we can leave this Earth and receive our Heavenly Citizenship for eternity. Lord, Jesus, we thank You for Your amazing sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, and we look forward to the day when You will come and take us to our Forever Home. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pride, The Stalking Enemy

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

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

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

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

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

God Promises Joshua Prosperity

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

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

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

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

Satan’s Deception of Prosperity

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus’ Warning to Believers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 14:1-3, The Ultimate Promise

Today, take some time away from all the distractions, and Google, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.

The behavior of sheep reveals the Love, Faith, Trust and Obedience that we should have for Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd.

We were created to follow Christ. Make the commitment to have personal worship twice a day. Whisper a prayer throughout the day. Study Genesis chapters 1-3 and Revelation chapters 21-22.

Jesus, is our Intercessor. We cannot save ourselves! You and I desperately need the power of God to save us!

Every day, we choose our destiny by the way we live. Our thoughts, habits, pursuits and lifestyle reveal whether or not we are loyal sheep.

Study and memorize John 14:1-3. Do not let anything distract you from preparing every day to receive your promised Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we ask for Your Divine Help. Please reveal all obstacles that prevent us from following Christ with faith, love, loyalty, obedience, and perseverance. Our desire is to receive the precious promise of Eternal Life when Jesus comes again. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Name of Jesus, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, Amen.

Jesus, Our Loving Shepherd

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:6-7).

With deep reflection, I began to think about the relationship between sheep and their shepherd. We can learn from the animals who consistently demonstrate love, loyalty, and obedience to their shepherd.

“Sheep behave with loyalty, recognition, and trust toward their shepherd, responding to their voice, scent, and presence, which signals food, safety, and care.”

“Their behavior includes following the shepherd, calming in their presence, recognizing their unique traits, and learning routines associated with their herder.”

“This bond is built on the shepherd’s consistent provision of resources and protection.”

Following and Guidance:
“Sheep will follow their shepherd willingly, knowing that the shepherd provides food, water, and guidance for their well-being.”

I began to think about our relationship with Jesus, our Loving Shepherd who desires to provide for us and protect us from Satan, our enemy. Yet, we must willingly choose to follow Jesus.

Our Greatest Challenge: We inherited hearts overflowing with desires that rebel against God’s plans for our lives.

It is easier to pursue our desires than to surrender in faithful obedience and follow our Shepherd.

Ask yourself, “What is keeping me from following Jesus, my Shepherd?”

Set aside some alone time to think about the desires, habits, and pursuits preventing you from making the commitment to become a faithful follower.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…” (John 10:14).

Jesus reminds us that He knows the pure motives of His sheep. They are the Believers who abide in Him by maintaining a heart-to-heart relationship through daily surrender.

The Characteristics of Faithful Sheep

Through daily personal worship, we consecrate ourselves utilizing Jesus’ prayer to His Father, Not my will, but Your will be done.” (Luke 22:42).

When our hearts are converted, we readily surrender ourselves to worship God in Spirit and Truth. Love and loyalty for our Shepherd is demonstrated by intentional obedience, which is our highest act of worship to God.

As time slips rapidly into eternity, we are confronted with the choice, Who will I follow? Jesus, or myself?

Our Triumphant King’s promise: “…Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the Crown of life. (Revelation 2:10).

The behaviors of the righteous: Follow Jesus, renounce sin, relinquish your desires, and prepare daily for His Soon Coming.

“Commit everything you do to the Lord [YAHWEH]. Trust Him, and He will help you.” (Psalm 37:5, NLT).

Lord God, thank You for giving us freedom from a sin debt that left us spiritually bankrupt. Jesus, You are our Shepherd, we give ourselves to You. Lead us, correct us, protect us, and cleanse us from the unrighteousness of our heart’s desires. With praise and faithful obedience, we thank You, God, and lift Your Name on High for the gift of Jesus. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Spiritual Growth and Transformation Requires Active Participation

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV).

God’s Priority is to change our Character to prepare us for our reward of Eternal Life.

Are we cooperating with the Holy Spirit in the daily Spiritual process of growth and maturity [Sanctification]?

Pursuing the world’s temporary and meaningless prosperity, pleasures, and success are a waste of the Believer’s time and energy. We can take nothing with us to Heaven except a Righteous Character.

God promises to give us everything we need. Be content with what you have.

We are looking forward to a perfect life with Jesus in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Worship God in Spirit and Truth by consecrating yourself daily to follow Jesus Christ. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4

Lord God, we ask you to reveal any desire, habit, or behavior that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal Life. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.