Tag: Faith Love Trust Obedience

We Need God

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional- October 4, 2024

Jesus said, “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. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.—John 15:5, 7-8

How do we abide in Christ? How is God glorified? Much prayer and studying of the Scriptures gives us knowledge of God’s righteous character and His plans for every believing Christian. The Plan of Redemption was in place before the world was created. God’s goal has always been to save our souls, therefore Jesus died for us, was victorious over death’s dark grip, and is in heaven serving as our Intercessor.

We pray and the Holy Spirit takes our prayers to Christ who covers us with His righteousness and presents us to God, the Father as the redeemed. We abide in Christ by seeking His will every day. There are 66 books in the Bible that guide and teach us God’s expectations of Jesus’ followers. God, the Father is glorified when we align ourselves to His will through faithful obedience.

Reflection: Do my life choices reveal that I am a dedicated follower of God? Every thought, spoken word, and action should reflect that we are on the Path of Righteousness. Every day, we encounter challenges, the testing of our faith, love, and loyalty to God through temptations, but prayer keeps us connected to God, the Source of All Power! With God, we live as overcomers! To “Pray without ceasing” means to talk to God throughout our waking hours.

“…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” —Matthew 28:20

We need God! Yes, our earthly journey is tough, but God never meant for us to navigate alone. Even if you can resolve the issue, Pray for God’s help. With God involved, we never have to suffer consequences for misjudging our circumstances. God always wins! Dependency on God always ends in victory!

In John 14, verses 1-3, Jesus promises to return as the Triumphant King one day to gather the righteous and take us to heaven. Amen. Until then, be faithful and courageous, and continue to pray, pray, pray!

Lord God, we desperately need Your help. And we thank You in advance for Your Divine Intervention in our lives. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

He Gives Power to the Weak!

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 2, 2024

Today, I had an appointment with my Pulmonologist Nurse Practitioner who was delighted that I no longer have to use a maintenance inhaler. After listening to my lungs, she said, ” Your lungs are clear with strong breaths.” My response was, Yes after three years of steroid inhalers, I am very excited to no longer require them. But then she attempted to throw a curve ball, “Your next visit you will need to complete tests A, B, and C” to which I responded, “I am declining tests B and C because test A, a Chest CAT Scan will reveal any abnormalities. Respectfully, I indicated I was a Registered Nurse [retired]….” We reached a modified and satisfactory treatment plan because I knew that I was healed by God and excessive diagnostic tests were unnecessary.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

For three years, I prayed for healing and in April of this year, God granted me healing. When God blesses us with miracles, we have an archenemy who uses countless ways [including people] to weaken our faith and make us doubt God’s love, His promises, and His Sovereign power. Pray daily for God’s Divine strength! Although God does not promise everyone physical healing, He does promise us the strength to travel the arduous journey through our trials and hardships of life.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'” —2 Corinthians 12:9

Adversity produces steadfast faith in God. Whatever you are facing, never forget God’s promise in Isaiah 40, verse 29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (NIV). Our responsibility is to pray and faithfully believe that we will receive God’s Power—Jesus’ Strength.

Never stop praying! God hears and answers every prayer. The prayer of despair and desperation is responded to immediately. Jesus, the Commander of Angel Armies sends peace and comfort through the Holy Spirit and His heavenly angelic messengers.

Lord God, we face many challenges in life that either build our faith or make us doubt Your love and Sovereign power. We pray for an outpouring of Your Divine strength and the courage to witness to others that You not only give power to the weak but also heal us of brokenness and mental, emotional, and physical sicknesses according to Your will. We believe in Your Divine Power and pray for peace and comfort. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

You Are Chosen and Called By Christ

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 30, 2024

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” —Luke 12:48

To be Chosen and Called is a privilege and responsibility that requires a close walk with Christ. Because Christ died for all, we are commanded to love as He loves, and we must also strive to “Be holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16). We need Divine Help and Power to love and forgive others [no exceptions] and to live righteously.

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

To be a dedicated follower of Jesus requires living a life of sacrifice for which we will receive Jesus’ strength through empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and Bible study, we stay close to Jesus, He gives us the Divine strength to live as overcomers. In humility, the chosen surrender every day by seeking the will of God and faithfully obeying His plans for their lives.

For our life of obedience, God honors us by giving the righteous spiritual blessings of His Divine Guidance and Protection. We also receive daily provisions for our spiritual and physical needs. If our desires align with His goal to save our souls, God rains down His abundant blessings (Malachi 3). With heartfelt gratitude, we  whisper prayers worshiping our Heavenly Father for His never-ending abundant love, grace, mercies, and provisions.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” —John 15:4

To understand the life of Christ and His obedience to God, the Father, one must diligently study the Holy Scriptures under the guidance of the Teacher, God, the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth. To enjoy a thriving relationship with Christ, our Heavenly intercessor, we must love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. Our journey with Jesus is one of joy, ” I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). We must also have an abundant prayer life to stay connected to Christ. Prayer, the Scriptures, and our thoughts are the spiritual gateways the Holy Spirit uses to communicate with us.

To be chosen and called will require us to step away from mainstream society. Although it’s a tough decision, we allow God to choose our inner circle of friends because we are influenced by the close company we keep. God knows the heart and will give us friends who demonstrate love and loyalty to Him and will support us spiritually through the good and adverse times. Yes, friends of God communicate with God through prayer, but we also pray for each other.

Our desire to live eternally is demonstrated in our lifestyle, thoughts, habits, spoken words, and how we love and treat others. The Holy Spirit reveals various ways of using our spiritual gifts to glorify God and witness to others. Acts of kindness, a smile, and saying “Jesus loves you,” can alter the course of someone’s life. Love is powerful always giving hope and peace where despair reigns.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” —John 15:16

Yes, Christ has chosen and called us to shine brightly in a world filled with darkness. Every day, reflect His Light and Love to everyone.

Lord God, thank You for choosing us to be your messengers of love and peace. We pray for the love, faith, and courage to represent Your unconditional love to others. In Jesus’ Holy and Loving Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Do You Have the Right Friends?

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 27, 2024

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

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

Godly Character Traits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jesus, Our Divine Helper

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – September 20, 2024

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” —Hebrews 13:5

Love, joy, peace, and happiness are God’s Divine gifts to every Christian believer. Sadly, these gifts are often not enjoyed by the followers of Christ. Two prevalent reasons prevent us from enjoying God’s abundant love and blessings: We do not know God, the Father’s Loving and Righteous Character [failure to study the Bible] and We have placed our confidence in human perception and reasoning, which is quite limited. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9).

For three years, I missed out on the monetary rewards my insurance company offered their subscribers. One day, I received an email that stated, “You are missing out on Free benefits.” When I set aside the time to research the reward section of the website, I was shocked at my loss, yet, I was determined to move forward. This year, I am participating and have completed 90% of the requirements [I receive $120 a year for 30 minutes of activity 10 days a month, quarterly rewards to purchase OTC products, and $15 to complete a wellness visit with my physician, etc.] Once I possessed knowledge of the perks, I decided to opt in and so far, have received $300.

How well do you know God’s Divine Character? Without diligent study of the Bible, we cannot have a healthy and joyful relationship with Christ who has promised to take care of us. Lack of knowledge results in missed blessings. No, not all of our blessings are monetary. We can live a mistake-free life by praying and relying on Divine Guidance. Our willingness to seek and obey God eliminates all consequences that result from “thinking our own thoughts” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Plight of Humanity: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Jesus’ Promise to Always Help Us: “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

The level of Divine help available to the faithful believer is unlimited. When we reflect on Jesus giving His life for us then our gratitude is expressed in surrender, obedience, and steadfast faith. If we humble ourselves and pray, we receive Christ’s Intervention every day. Cooperation with Divinity is required to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Never forget God’s priority is to save our souls—Revelation 22:12.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17

God, we thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing love. As we travel in our journey of life, we pray to align our will and desires with Your perfect will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – September 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry