Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus

Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus — Today’s Devotional October 20, 2023

Humanity’s Plight: “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

This morning as I thought about the challenges I faced, I felt weary. Still, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to breathe on me and give me strength. After I said, Amen, I began to hear a bird chirping its little song of gratitude to God. I smiled. Immediately the Holy Spirit brought Jesus’ promise to my remembrance: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Yes, we are of more value than the birds! God did not give His Son, Jesus to save the birds, Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us. Although every believer knows that Jesus died to redeem humanity and the Bible contains hundreds of God’s promises, it appears there is a roadblock that prevents most believers from relying on Jesus’ promises when we face our tribulations.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of. a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7

When burdens overwhelm our lives, believers react in one of three ways:

  1. The Fearful Believers: Their fear manifests as anxiety, worry, and thinking about the situation over and over [which produces mental, emotional, and physical weariness]. They usually pray for help but also include family and friends asking for their opinions on how they should resolve the unresolvable challenge. The fearful believer also has a time limit on waiting for God to perform a miracle. They pray and wait for two to three days but when their prayers are met with silence, they become discouraged and fall into the pit of despondency.
  2. The Overconfident Believers: They have a spirit of self-reliance. Reflecting inwardly on their many accomplishments, prior experience, and the ability to develop strategies that have brought resolution in the past, they fail to pray because their mind is consumed with themselves. Their time is spent on developing fail-proof strategies. Sadly, these believers end up with feelings of anger toward God, blame God for their misfortunes, and usually continue their lives as unbelievers.
  3. The Faithful Believers: Yes, the faithful ones rely on God. They are the prayer warriors, the ones who easily remember and tell others of the miracles that God has consistently performed throughout their lives. The faithful will direct others to study the Scriptures such as Joseph’s [Genesis chapters 37-50] and David’s [1 Samuel chapters 21-23, Living as a fugitive when King Saul threatened to kill him] lengthy trials and tribulations. The faithful will pray for you, but they will use the Word of God to preach the truth. They boldly proclaim, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God. “

Did you know that humans are creatures of habit? It’s a proven psychological fact! Interestingly, most of our behaviors can be predicted based on our consistent habits. If psychologists utilize theories based on predictable behaviors then we have the assurance that our Sovereign Omniscient God knows how we will react.

Make constant praying a new habit and watch as your life transforms. Recently in a sermon, Pastor Wintley Phipps stated the key to his steadfast faith is his prayer life, he admonishes every believer to whisper a prayer every hour while awake. Communication with God allows the empowerment and anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

God is not concerned about our comfort; He will do whatever is necessary for our faith to become steadfast. We cannot resolve spiritually allowed trials. And if we attempt to carry out our feeble solutions, God says our thoughts are like a crooked path. Trials and tribulations bring every believer to the Crossroads of Faith and Trust in God.

Either we will put all of our efforts into self-resolution tactics which are certain to fail or we will confess that our faith is weak but keep striving by placing the little faith we have in God. God loves us and He will do whatever it takes for our spiritual growth and transformation. Yes, our Heavenly Father is preparing us to live with Him forever and ever. Amen!

I will readily admit that I am a fearful believer who is striving to grow my faith in God. Since January of 2023, my life has been filled with a succession of trials. Yet, I will continue to trust God in the struggle to become a faithful believer. It is not enough to possess knowledge of the Scriptures. For us to transition from fearful to rock-solid faithful believers, we must believe that God is in control of His world and He allows continuous, lengthy trials to strengthen our faith.

And for those who possess the spirit of self-reliance, there is a better way to live. Never give up on God! Acknowledge your human limitations, confess, repent, and begin walking on the Path of Righteousness. Every day, trust God through surrender and acknowledge His Love and Omnipotence. Victory only comes through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God requires that our faith continue to grow throughout our earthly lives. Yet, there are believers whose faith has matured into total reliance on God. For the faithful believers, keep striving, pray for your brothers and sisters who are on the spiritual journey of strengthening our faith, and share your testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

Lay Every Burden at the Feet of Jesus

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15, ESV

Brothers and Sisters, think and live as overcomers by striving through your trials and tribulations. We receive power from the Holy Spirit to withstand our disappointments and hardships. The outcome is total reliance on God which gives us Steadfast Faith. We are nearing Home! Our King Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is returning for the faithful! Hallelujah! Amen.

Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. —James 1:2-8

Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put our faith and trust in You. We desire to have steadfast faith. We ask for the presence, power, and anointing of the Holy Spirit to give us strength when we are weak and weary. Lord, we know that You are All-Powerful. We surrender and make the vow to become totally reliant on You. Thank You for your love, grace, and mercies. Thank You Jesus for giving Your life for us. Help us to have a renewed conviction in our faith. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God

A Woman of God Can Never Be Like a Woman of the World

Today’s Devotional October 19, 2023

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” —Proverbs 31:30

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. A Woman of God strives to please God by seeking His will every day through prayer and study of the Scriptures. This woman surrenders herself through humility and faithful obedience. Her daily prayers for the presence, power, and anointing of the Holy Spirit ascend to God like a sweet-smelling aroma.

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. She prays before speaking, ensuring her words are gentle and reflect Christ’s character. This woman avoids strife and conflict by remaining silent. Why? Because her lamp is filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Although her silence is perceived by others as a weakness of character, her silence reveals a spirit of self-control and strength empowered by the Holy Spirit. She relies on Divine Intervention to overcome her natural tendency to speak words fueled by angry emotions. Yes, this woman acquiesces to the Sovereignty of God because she believes in His promise to fight her battles.

A Woman of God will never be like a woman of the world. She does not adorn herself with many jewels of worthless trinkets and gaudy make-up to seek worldly attention. Nor is her dress too short, her top cut too low, or her pants too tight. No, a Woman of God dresses modestly because she is preparing to receive her heavenly crown and white linen robe from her Majestic King, Jesus Christ.

A single Woman of God can never be like a single woman of the world because she lives a chaste life. She reverences and honors God with her mind and body knowing that her temple is filled with the Holy Spirit. This Woman of God has a social circle of believers who pray and support each other spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

A married Woman of God will never be like a married woman of the world who constantly opposes her husband. The [Proverbs 31] wife pursues righteousness by honoring God first and then her husband. When conflict arises, she honors God and her husband by praying and asking for Divine Help, not from her family or friends. [Disclaimer: Abusive marriages usually require additional human intervention to remove oneself and children.]

The married Woman of God knows that she is honored by God because her attributes are written in the Bible [Proverbs 31]. She prays for her husband and children and helps them to prepare for eternal life. This wife and mother is patient and loving because she represents the love of Christ to her children. This Woman of God understands the deeper meaning of her marriage—it is holy and represents Christ’s love for His church.

A Woman of God [single or married] separates herself from worldly people unless she is witnessing the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. Every day, this woman dedicates her mind, body, and soul to God. Yes, a Woman of God appreciates God’s grace and mercies and offers her heart, the only gift that she can give to the King. No, the Woman of God can never be like the woman of the world because she strives every day to live a sanctified life pleasing to God. After all, her eyes are on the prize—Revelation 22:12.

Prayer: God, your daughters are striving to possess the Character of Christ by living holy and acceptable lives. Many times, we have failed and fallen into sinful behaviors. And for our disobedience and disloyalty, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we need Your strength to overcome our carnal desires. Hear our prayer and answer our pleas for help. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we strive to represent Christ to a lost and dying world. Bless us with peace and joy. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Sonya Johnson, Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Trusting God on Your Chosen Path

Today’s Devotional, October 18, 2023

The worldview of self-reliance has infiltrated the Christian Community of believers. Yet, at some point, every person will come to the Crossroads of life. Only then do we humble ourselves and bow to the Sovereignty of an Almighty God. Surrender to God is an internal battle that we fight every day. Our carnal hearts are driven to trust ourselves but we were created to follow Christ and seek God’s will.

Total surrender requires the character traits of humility, faith, and obedience. Even Jesus, the Commander of angel armies had to learn obedience to God, His earthly parents, and the prevailing laws. Still, His greatest test, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

We cannot navigate through this life without Divine Intervention. Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor promised us the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide to direct us through this journey called life. Only with Divine Power can we enter through the narrow gate and stay on the narrow Path of Righteousness. Yes, the journey on our Chosen Path is rugged and full of disappointment. We will suffer tribulations that will bring us to our knees and hardships that produce a river of tears. 

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful. He cannot deny himself.” —2 Timothy 2:13

Despite the challenges, we can rely on the three powers of the Triune God to bring us victory! I am a witness that God gives the faithful New Beginnings. Rid yourself of the satanic habit of self-reliance. Consecrate your life to God! Trust Him with your life! He is the God who says, “Is there anything too hard for me?” His promises are Yes to which we say Amen! 

Sonya Johnson, Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

The LORD is Everlasting Strength

Today’s Devotional, October 17, 2023

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength.” —Isaiah 26:3-4

In 30 days, I will reach a milestone, the blessed age of 65. Even if we don’t think the aging process is a blessing, the insurance companies proclaim a different perspective. They are in strong pursuit of the precious commodities [seniors] who are turning 65. And their focus is intentional. My mailbox is full of offers every day. With so many voices, seniors without knowledge of the importance of benefits applicable to their medical condition will easily be influenced.

Thankfully, one of my previous positions was as a Quality Nurse with a health insurance company. Despite the countless letters of invitation to choose the best, I have already chosen the best coverage. This morning during worship I reflected on this thought, “Although I have the advantage of working knowledge of the health insurance industry, am I relying on my knowledge to make the best choices in serving God?

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” —2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV

Youthful lusts are not only limited to sexual desires. Everyone has passed through the stage of being a teenager when we thought that we knew everything about life and resisted all wise counsel. According to psychologists, during adolescence, individuals are more susceptible to persuasion because of the struggle with establishing their identity. They have the desire to appear all-knowing and powerful to their peers. From a spiritual perspective, it is wilful pride that causes one to possess an arrogant demeanor and disobey sound morals, values, and concepts.

Sadly, many Christians have retained that same teenage mindset in their adult lives which prevents them from seeking godly knowledge and wisdom. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). By our thoughts, desires, and pursuits, we choose our own destiny!

Reflection: How would our lives change if we pursued Jesus like the ravenous insurance companies pursuing seniors who are eligible for Medicare coverage?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

Certainly, our minds, personalities, and characters would change into the likeness of Christ. Self-centered pride would be replaced by humility, self-seeking attention would be washed away, and our desires for tangible things would disappear. Not only would we put God first, but we would reverence Him with honor, glory, and praise in our spoken words, choices, and lifestyles.

Still, we cannot achieve righteousness through our works. Human Effort and Divine Intervention are required for the spiritual transformation of our hearts and minds.

“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

Yes, many of us desire to live righteously but fail to stay on the Path of Righteousness because we attempt to use our human strength to remain in right standing with God. When Jesus says, we can do nothing without Him, believe Him! But once we invite the power of the Triune God into our lives, we are unstoppable! The Holy Spirit empowers us with a “Do Right” mind!

Through surrender, we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God. We acquiesce to His authority by our relentless pursuit of righteousness. Our commitment is reflected in our lifestyle. By seeking God as evidenced by praying throughout our waking hours and asking for the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of God, humanity is brought into alignment with God’s Plan of Righteousness by Faith.

“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

Imagine how much more fulfilling our lives would be if we spent our time wisely, studying and living by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Instead of wasting unfulfilling hours on mindless entertainment, we could be growing in knowledge, wisdom, and faith. Steadfast faith, dedication, and total reliance on God are required to be transformed spiritually.

Choosing to follow Christ requires steadfast faith and the commitment required to make a covenant vow of daily surrender. It is then we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us the spiritual strength to live a victorious life. In Christ, we gain the power to live as overcomers, and when He returns, we will receive our crown, robe of righteousness, and eternal life.

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for the sin of self-reliance. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to anoint us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We pray for Divine wisdom and guidance in our journey of life. Thank You for Your love and the gifts of repentance and restoration. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

The Courage to Achieve Optimal Health

Today’s Devotional, October 10/16/2023 [Original Publish Date: July 5, 2021]

During my nursing career, I worked in various areas, but Behavioral Health was my favorite. Performing the Intake interview, which included medical and psychosocial history, never ceased to amaze me. The two factors that all patients shared:

    1. “I know my situation is bad, but what can I do, I cannot change my circumstances.”
    2. Their past or background held them captive, and they repeated the same counterproductive habits every day with consistency.

An interesting fact that has me perplexed is that most individuals take care of their plants and animals better than they care for themselves. I have a neighbor with a beautiful pedigree dog with chocolate brown hair that shines like the sun. His first love (Puppy) is well-taken care of with toys, several walks a day, swimming in the river 2-3 times a week, and from the description of the food that Puppy eats, the cost of his food is my monthly food budget. One more fact, Puppy has a night-time dog sitter while his owner is at work. What a life!

Now let’s compare the lifestyle of Puppy’s owner: He is a chain smoker, drinks every day, eats from fast-food restaurants three times a day, never exercises, and works the night shift [research shows shorter life spans]. Since my neighbor lives alone without family in Florida, I often wonder what would happen to Puppy, who lives a rich and famous lifestyle, when his owner collapses from poor health.

I live in a glass house, so I am not throwing stones. Even so, at some point in life, I had to face the fact that I would die a premature death if I did not change my bad habits. My academic achievements and RN nursing license meant absolutely nothing regarding my addiction to self-gratification. I was not an emotional eater. I simply loved the great taste of the food. And it was not the cheap fast food that is the craze of our nation. No, no, no, this was the high-fat, high-cholesterol meats like pastrami, corned beef, beef bacon, and lamb. Never really cared for steak, but I loved veal [the baby animals]. And the desserts, especially the variety of cheesecake, if it was created, then I had eaten it.

In 2017, my physician told me that he was very concerned about my health because of my non-modifiable risk factors and abnormal lab work [Diabetes and High Cholesterol]. When I heard that I was certain to have a heart attack sooner than later and that I may not survive, the reality of my “do what makes you feel happy” lifestyle had to cease and desist.

There were two concepts that I was totally unaware of, and I did not learn until recently:

    1. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
    2. “Without the desire to change, the courage to change, and a plan for change, we will not change.” (Johnson, 2021)

I could not apply the learned theories of anatomy and physiology and health principles that I learned throughout my lifespan because I did not possess the “desire to change.” When I desired to eat healthier, I did not have the courage or plan to change destructive habits. For whatever reason, even while studying the Bible, I was unaware of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Where are the sermons on keeping our minds and bodies healthy?

Fact: Our bodies were created in the image of God to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

We have discarded healthy behaviors for doing what makes us feel good and tastes great. And BIG PHARMA–pharmaceutical companies accommodate and feed our desires by developing and promoting their never-ending supply of pills. If we have the diagnosis, they have the drugs. We must stop our uncontrollable behaviors!

Identify the behaviors that are the root of your diagnosis of an unhealthy mind and body. Yes, we have the choice to live healthy by loving and taking care of ourselves. Begin today! Our past should not cripple our future! Pursue optimal health at all costs.

Our taste buds can be retrained. Discover fruits, vegetables, legumes, and the joy of cooking. Leave the cell phone, gaming, television, and laptop alone. Get outside. Take a walk, and use your five senses to see the beauty of nature around you. If you live in the concrete jungle, find a scenic park. Do what is necessary to boost your endorphins and serotonin [research these hormones]. It takes exercise and bright light to make our minds and bodies thrive. Take control today!  It’s still a beautiful world!

Prayer: God, we need to change our mindset. We realize that our behaviors are destroying our health. We ask you for the strength and wisdom to develop a life-altering plan to achieve optimal health. As we use courage and knowledge to change our lifestyles, please give us the desire to include you as our Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson (Edited version)

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth

Today’s Devotional, October 15, 2023

Jesus Gives Us a New Identity of Self-Worth, Today’s Devotional October 15, 2023

One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Spiritually, I believe that Jesus was intentional in using the metaphor of caterpillar to butterfly to represent His love and mighty wonder-working power to transform us into His likeness.

Growing up in a home without love and nurturing results in an adult who suffers from insecurity and low self-worth. From an unhealthy childhood, we live a life of compromise by trusting the wrong people and making choices that always result in outcomes with negative consequences.

We accept the brokenness of our beginnings because we do not understand the love and power of a God who heals and specializes in new beginnings. Thankfully, we do not have to continue in the brokenness that has impacted our perception of our worth. God knows the beginning to the end of every person’s life. And He is always ready to intervene by healing and restoring us if we choose to be made whole.

Through our relationship with Christ, we can receive a spiritual, mental, and emotional makeover, at any point in our lives. The Apostle Paul says, “We are new creatures in Christ Jesus.” The human effort of acknowledging, accepting, and asking for a “New Beginning” requires a giant leap of faith!

Before Our Existence: “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

In Psalm 139, we are told that “God Has Perfect Knowledge of Man.” God was fully aware of the unhealthy environment which produced your fractured mental and emotional state. He knows your fragile heart and the desire to be loved and appreciated. Agape love is the love that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

“When Jesus saw [the man] lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well? ‘” — John 5:6.

Yes, Jesus promises to heal our broken hearts. Just like He asked the lame man, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus is asking us the same question. By surrendering our fragile hearts and exercising the faith and trust that Jesus is our Healer, with love and compassion, He makes us well. Not only does He heal us, but Jesus also gives us His strength and victory over our past. Pray for His Divine help!

Psalm 32:8 NKJV: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Psalm 32:8 NLT: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Praise God that we do not have to use guesswork in our earthly lives. From trusting God with every aspect of our lives, day by day, our little faith begins growing. Our faith will flourish when we totally depend on God. Like God’s love, there are no limits on the growth of one’s faith. Believe In God, because our Victory is Sure!

Through Christ, we are overcomers! Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Pray fervently before making every decision! God’s thoughts and ways are much higher than our thoughts. Never again will we live a life of compromise just to be loved and accepted by others. Our brokenness will be replaced with spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Do you want to be made well?

Scripture: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” —Isaiah 40:28-29

Prayer: God, we know that you are Omniscient. And You knew our beginnings would produce broken hearts. Yet, You promised to do a new thing, to make us over, and cover us with the Righteousness of Christ. We desire to be healed and made whole. Lord, we surrender and consecrate our minds, bodies, and souls to You. We pray for healing and ask You to make us well. We believe and ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God

Mustard Size Faith Moves Mountains

Today’s Sabbath Afternoon Devotional, October 14, 2023

From every unexpected life event, we are given the opportunity to use our faith and trust in God’s promises. From Moses lifting his rod over the Red Sea to childless Hannah, and Daniel in the lion’s den, God has always required us to put forth the human effort of faith before He intervenes.

“We have the same God that has worked for his people in ages past. Jesus stands by our side and as the trials come, so will the power of God.” EG White

God’s timing is never our timing. Pray in faith and wait. Be still and wait for God to manifest His power!

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14

Prayer: God, we ask You in faith to intervene and we trust in You to resolve our mountains of difficulties. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

The Life-Giving Message of Jesus Saves

Sabbath Devotional, October 14, 2023

If every believer would witness to one person a day, we would fulfill Jesus’ command to “Go.” Telling our personal testimony of how Jesus saved us is the most effective method of witnessing to others. When we give our hearts to Christ which requires faith, He cleanses us from all of the unrighteousness of sin and makes us a new person. We think, speak, and act differently because we are covered with His righteousness and the Holy Spirit abides within us.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ” —Matthew 28:18-20

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath! – Pray for God’s Mercies

Choose to View God As Good – Happy Sabbath – Pray for God’s Mercies
Sabbath Devotional, October 13, 2023

The struggles of this life are becoming more challenging. Many countries are experiencing war and famine which produces overwhelming sorrow, grief, and death. The innocent men, women, children, and babies are not only wounded physically but also mentally and emotionally. Why does God allow these terrible atrocities?

I invite you to study Matthew 24 and Revelation chapters 18-22. Jesus speaks of the events that will happen in these perilous times of the last days of Earth’s history.

Although Satan causes disasters, wars, countless diseases, and deaths, God must allow the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. These events lead to the Great Day of Jesus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming. We know how the story ends! Choose your destiny by faithfully serving God in humility and obedience.

God is good in that He gave Jesus to die for us. God is good because we are saved by His Grace. God is good because He promises to protect the righteous at the end of time. Study Psalm 91. God is good because His love and mercies are freely given to the human beings who continue to reject Him.

God is good because He will never allow Satan to destroy the earth or all humanity. God is good because He never changes and we know the expected end of this Earth. God is more than good because He has given us sufficient time to choose Him. God is more than good because the righteous will live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth!

Prayer: God, our hearts are filled with sorrow and despair. We ask You to extend mercy to the innocent victims of every war that exists throughout this world. Hunger, hatred, and the evil of violence have escalated as we have never seen before. Lord, we thank You for the Sabbath and ask You to bring peace to each of us according to Your will. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Wisdom Gives Us a Worry-free Life

Today’s Devotional, October 12, 2023

“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” —Proverbs 8:11

Being created in the image of God and surrendering to Him gives us access to His Divine wisdom. When we pray and ask for godly wisdom, the Holy Spirit empowers us with spiritual discernment, knowledge, and understanding. We make choices that align with God’s will. As recipients of wisdom, we never have to hope for the best, the outcome is always perfect because God is involved. And we know that God always brings honor and glory to His Name.

Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10

Prayer for Wisdom

Lord, teach us how to recognize Your voice. Give us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to obey even when we face opposition. Guide us today in our choices and teach us how to love. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries