Faith Love Trust Obedience – Page 75 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Ten Percent of Our Time

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15

It is easy for me to give back 10% of what I receive financially or for items that are an asset. But as I searched for scriptures on how God expects us to use our time, the reality is that most days with the exception of the Sabbath, I fail to worship God even 10 percent of the 24 hours He has blessed me with. Yes, this fact about how I spend my time does concern me.

Would you agree that God deserves more of our time everyday?

It is a personal decision to dedicate more time studying, praying, singing, and praising God. I do not intend to make my worship ritualistic. An increase in the time that we spend worshipping God will certainly increase our faith, trust, and result in a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.

With more time spent in worship, the Holy Spirit will reveal our character flaws, and have the opportunity to teach us what God requires of us to live Holy and righteous lives.

What about the increase in our faith? The challenges in the season of darkness will not overwhelm us because like David said, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4, we will become totally dependent on God in times of adversity.

God, we have identified a serious problem, our time spent with you is insufficient in comparison to the blessings of your grace and mercy that you continually give to us. Please forgive us for our sins. We make the commitment to spend more time with you everyday. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Sabbath God’s Spiritual Spa

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy. Exodus 8:11

It was reported that our former first lady, Melania Trump visits the spa on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day. There is a common thread among humanity, we require love and attention. Life is harsh! Whether one is wealthy or impoverished, hungry or full, no one is spared from the vicissitudes–a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant–of life.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What makes the difference to having and living everyday with peace and inner joy is our response to the never-ending struggles. If we are seeking solace or answers from nature, spas, yoga, meditation, sleep apps or deep-breathing exercises then we are relying on alternative therapies instead of God, our Creator.

Throughout the Bible, God instructs us to remember. Why? We look at our reflection once or twice a day and quickly forget what we visualized. In fact, we can look in the mirror in the morning and by the evening when we look again, we may not even recognize the image we see. It is the fleeting moments that affect us but we don’t have the ability to grasp or control them.

So, we embrace the hardships and the rigors in our lives as if they were newborn babies. And then the bitter fruits of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, worries, and depression take root, and begin to flourish.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Omniscience–all knowing is a quality that only God possesses. The Creator of humanity was fully aware that we would have a poor memory of who He is when our trials hit. Yes, God knows how easily we become overwhelmed. Hence the reason, He created us with the desire to seek Him for love and attention. But God does not force us, contrary to what Satan wants us to believe, we are not enslaved. We have the freewill of choice to serve God or not to serve Him.

If we say, yes to God then He provides us with the knowledge to be overcomers.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, and he watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

God expects us to acknowledge, remember, and obey His commandments everyday. For 24 hours from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, our Creator gives us the solution to overcoming the ruggedness of life by spending one-to-one time with Him. We receive a much-needed break by observing the Sabbath. 24 hours of God-time erases the stress from the vicissitudes that burden us from the other six days of the week.

We have our Creator who says, “Remember the [seventh day Sabbath] to keep it holy,” and I will commune with you and re-energize, refresh, and strengthen your soul. We have God’s Spiritual Spa available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where He sends our Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. But the Sabbath is Holy! It is our prime time to devote one complete day to our Creator. All we have to do is obey and shut out the issues that trouble us the other six days of the week.

Membership in God’s Spa gives us free access to the Spiritual Team of God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit and the countless army of angels who never sleep or grow weary. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components must have daily communion with God to function properly. We should worship God everyday, but He set aside and designated the Sabbath, 24 hours as Holy.

Our perception of God along with our definition of holiness impacts our desire to obey the fourth commandment. Serving God is up close and personal. I decided that I would stop following humanity’s strategies to obtain peace, contentment, and inner joy a very long time ago.

We cannot compete with God! If we believe that we were created in the image of God then we should bow down and worship Him with faith, trust, and obedience. It is when we fail to obey by immediately communicating with God in prayer that our emotions escalate, and we worry as the unbelievers do.

God has given us a membership with unlimited access to His Spiritual Spa. Our membership was paid by the precious blood of Jesus who sacrificed His life that we may have redemption. He is alive and serves as our Heavenly Intercessor soon to come again for the faithful. So go ahead, take your daily visits and enjoy your weekly sabbaticals in the only spa that provides communion with the Trinity Godhead.

Jesus told us exactly what He would provide for us, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus is our prayer. God, our Father we love you. It is our desire to embrace the membership to your Spiritual Spa paid by the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Sabbath and for loving us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Haven’t you Heard?

Recently I watched a movie about a powerful, affluent person who thought more highly of herself than one should. As she spoke to the other individual, with all of the arrogance, superiority, and pride reflected in her demeanor and tone of voice, she stated, “You must not know who I am?”

I have come to the realization that under most circumstances that adversity causes amnesia. When we experience the trials and hardships of life we often forget who God is. Because if we remembered that God is powerful, merciful, and loves us, why would we become discouraged, anxious, and worried?

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we serve a loving, merciful, and powerful God. Yet, we respond to our challenges as if we know nothing about our Heavenly Father.

Studying the Bible provides us with the ongoing knowledge of God’s character. We falter and become despondent because our relationship with God is based on yesterday’s Bible study, or last week’s virtual sermon.

Even so, God always rescues us.

Yes, God is aware that we are weak and He takes action. Because of His unconditional love, He used the prophet Isaiah to provide words of comfort to the Nation of Israel, a disobedient people who did not do their part in serving and worshipping God everyday.

We can easily form the habit of daily worship by making the effort to “just do it.” I can remember the first time that I watched someone use their thumbs to text at a warp speed. I asked myself if it was possible for me to give up my one finger approach to texting. Since our internet service is out in our Texas town, I am writing this devotional using my cell phone typing away with two thumbs. You may think, “how else would you text?” But I can assure you that learning to thumb type as a senior was not an easy accomplishment.

With motivation and determination if we can learn new skills, certainly we can show our love and gratitude to God through consistent study and prayer on a daily basis.

Worship is defined as treating someone with the reverence and adoration appropriate to a deity. And there is no other person or object that deserves our worship but God.

Of all the promises in the Bible, this is my favorite: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

Haven’t you heard, haven’t you read? Our God is the Almighty and He is Awesome!

Bible Study: Isaiah 40

God, thank you for always reminding us of your love, mercies, and power. We ask you for the strength to do your will. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Did you know?

Where are the following scriptures found?

“I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
“Indeed, God helps those who help themselves.”
“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.”
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I had a nursing professor who told us, “When you know something you are able to recall those facts every time they are needed. Because that is the ability of the brain’s short-term and long-term memory.” How well do you know the scriptures? You are not alone. Many choose not to study the Bible. Of course, we attempt to justify why we fail to study. Even so, the main reason is that God is not the #1 priority in our lives. We simply do not love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. But the truth of the matter is that the knowledge we require to have a deep understanding of who God is, His character and love for humanity, to possess peace, inner joy, and to live righteously is found in the Bible.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

We do not require a pastor or minister to study the Bible. God has given us the Holy Spirit to provide us with a complete understanding of the scriptures and the ability to live holy. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

How important is studying the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

It is impossible to obtain spiritual growth without studying the Word of God, nor is it possible to know who God truly is. Only diligent seekers can live a faith-based life because they have a deep relationship with the “Almighty God.”

Without a biblical foundation and the Holy Spirit, we cannot determine truth from error. Did you know #3 of the above list of scriptures is not found in the Bible? The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is a motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency (taking action to produce a desired effect).

We are living in the last days. Diligent study along with continuous prayer is essential for us to stand firm in Jesus Christ. Make a total commitment to God by serving Him with love, faith, trust, and obedience.

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 3:16

God, thank you for the Sabbath. We confess that we not study the Bible as we should, nor do we have a close relationship with you. Please forgive us for not placing you as the #1 priority in our lives. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit as we study, and may we always recognize that you are the Almighty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Tests, Trials, and Trust

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Psalm 34:1

Through the toughest of times, the heart will either show it’s fragility or strength. As I read Psalm 34:1, I had the deepest desire to praise God at all times. But as I reflected on my current tribulation, I admit that I have felt discouraged, and my praises have been inconsistent.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3

Studying the Bible reminds us and reinforces why we must endure suffering: But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

I realize that many followers of Christ, like myself are not feeling their best as we continue to experience adversity on every level in our lives. Still, God reminds us: And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Bible Study: Psalm 27, Proverbs 3

God, we are not feeling our best right now. But we will continue to trust in your plan for our lives. Please give us the strength to endure through our trials and never forget that our lives are in your hands. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

It’s a Tough Journey

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As I reflected on the adversities throughout my lifespan, I realize that I have a lot to thank God for. After hearing a few virtual sermons on praise and thanksgiving, I have concluded that God has an extraordinary love for humanity. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jeremiah 31:3

Our challenging journey should not be a surprise because we were forewarned: “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

If you interviewed for a job where the interviewer said, “this will be the hardest job that you will have ever worked on,” would you accept the position? Jesus told us that our spiritual walk with Him would be a tumultuous journey. Even so, He promises us peace and inner joy when we fully rely on Him as our Lord and Savior.

Remember, God is Omniscient—all knowing! He allows tough times for our benefit. Character refinement and spiritual growth are necessary to prepare us for Eternal life. We are usually caught off-guard by the change in our circumstances, but nothing comes as a surprise to our Heavenly Father, who consistently reminds us to depend on Him. 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

At times, we may wonder, “Where is God?” Throughout our lives, God has always been available to deliver us from our trials and tribulations. Our path to victory must include prayer, diligent Bible study, praise, listening to inspirational music, patience, along with unquestioning faith, trust, and obedience.

So what is the purpose of our adversities? There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 3:3-5

Now we can look inwardly and question ourselves, “Why am I not rejoicing if I will reap the benefits of a character that is pleasing to God, and unwavering faith?” There is something that I really love about the Godhead, God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Guide, and Comforter. They are always available to comfort and strengthen us when we are weary. God does not allow trials and sorrows to batter us to the point that we feel like we are shipwrecked on a deserted island.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Commitment to God requires walking on the narrow path. A believer’s journey is preplanned. Becoming a follower equates to strict obedience to God’s way because He does not compromise. It is worth it to give our earthly burdens over to the Creator. We are promised a bright future filled with hope, peace, and joy when we trust and obey. Yes, the trials are tough, even so, we have the love, grace, and mercy from our Heavenly Father who knows and cares.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Bible Study: 1 Peter 5

God, we thank you for always being available when we are going through tough times. Please help us to remember that you will never leave or forsake us. We pray for an increase in our faith and to always trust in your perfect plan. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The Safest Place

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Anxious, depressed, or worried? Align yourself with the will of God by changing your desires and prayers. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10. Being in the perfect will of God always ends in victory!

Perception, Purpose, Power, and Peace

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

The year 2020 deflated the motivation and zeal that many individuals have always possessed. But they let themselves get distracted by the civil unrest, political strife, and deadly disease that has caused the death of human beings at an unprecedented rate. Now that humanity faces a variant of the original COVID-19, we face a pathogen that our rapid response vaccine may be powerless over. Even so, we must come to our senses and recognize the power of God. He still extends grace and mercy, or else we would not be alive. Yet, many feel even more discouraged because they desire that God destroys the COVID-19 organisms to resume their everyday lifestyles.

This is the message that God conveys to us in 2021:

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
9 “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 NLT

Thankfully, God knows the future. We are instructed to present our requests to Him through prayer. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. And most of us are obedient as we excitedly tell God our lists of desires. But, deep down inside, we are praying, “God, please give me what I am asking you for.” Our desires often stand in the way of accepting God’s answers to our requests, which are: “yes, no, or wait, I have a better plan.”

For this prayer, I received a response of “yes” in December 2020.

I want to share my miracle of healing that happened when I was in the hospital on December 7th-8th. On Sunday, 12/7, I was admitted to the Short Stay Cardiac unit for chest pain. I had a team of three Cardiologists come in to see me on Monday morning. Based on my diagnostic test results in May of 2019, which diagnosed a blockage in the lower left side, they wanted to perform a surgical procedure on Tuesday, 12/9. I refused and told them that I wanted a current non-surgical diagnostic test first, and based on the results, if I had to have the surgical procedure, I would agree to it.

The Doctors told me that it was a waste of time because there was no way that the blockage that showed in my heart in 2019 would not have progressed and worsened. Since 2019, I prayed for control over my appetite, and to lose the desire for junk food. Additional changes included eating a plant-based diet and incorporating exercise into my lifestyle. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. 1 Peter 1:14

Before the test and during the test, I prayed and asked God for healing, and to show His miraculous power to this team of unbelieving Philistines.

Two hours later, three Cardiologists were shocked and surprised that the test results showed no blockage, and I was discharged immediately from the hospital on Monday evening.

I am still praising God. Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24. God is still working miracles for His honor and His glory. Amen. Sonya RN

Currently, I have presented another petition to God, and have been told “no” twice. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Now, I must obey and: Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

God, we place our lives in your hands. You have promised to take care of us, and we ask forgiveness for our disobedience, and unbelief. Help us to realize that your plans are above and beyond what we can do for ourselves. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Making Tough Decisions

At the age of 40, I was one of two applicants accepted for the RN nursing program in Upstate New York. I knew that God intervened because I had applied to several nursing programs in New Jersey that replied with provisional acceptance based on a one-two year waiting list. I received my acceptance letter from the Upstate program within two weeks of sending my application. While reading the terms, I was surprised that the starting date only gave me ten weeks to relocate. How would I accomplish this impossible task? The questions of doubt and disbelief flooded my mind. Was this really a blessing from God?

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:6

Knowing that I had a significant decision to make, I was wavering between excitement and fear. The problem was: At the time, I was involved in a beautiful relationship full of love, nurturing, and happiness. Please believe that my significant other did not share my joy when I explained that I was moving four hours away to pursue my educational goal. He extended the offer to move in with him without the pressure of having any financial responsibilities. Then I could attend a program in New York City as a full-time student. My mind was confused. I had a decision to make, which path would I take?

The Spiritual Dilemma

During this romantic involvement, I was not obedient to the will of God, but I had boundaries, “I did not believe in living together.” Since the age of 15, I worked and provided for myself. During our relationship, I never asked for money. Although we were deeply in love, I always knew that we were unequally yoked. Not because of the lack of respect, love, or his generous spirit, he did not believe in marriage or worshiping God.

According to the world’s standards, he was a good man who worked hard and was financially savvy. He owned a beautiful condo and possessed financial wealth, but God was never as much as an after-thought. I was only told his story from the rise from rags-to-riches one time. Because he gave himself full credit for his accumulation of wealth due to his rational and logical financial strategies, I was unable to mention God to maintain a peaceful existence.

Yes, I was living the life that many have only dreamed of, but I was caught in the web of compromise. Would I be willing to give up the lifestyle of the rich but not famous? Perplexed by this dilemma, like the prodigal son, “I came to my senses.” Even in my fallen, prodigal stage, there was still a God in heaven that I believed in, and that belief brought me to my knees.

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

God revealed his answer by allowing a smooth transition from being gainfully employed in New Jersey to relocating to Upstate New York and living in my apartment as an unemployed student nurse. God provided scholarships and grants to provide for me financially. Upon graduation, I was hired as one of the first graduate nurses in a pilot program to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I obeyed and followed God’s plan, completed the nursing program, and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years.

Twenty-two years have passed since I was faced with the choice of obeying God’s plan or following selfish desires. When we commit to serve God, we also commit to total obedience. Without love, faith, and trust in God, we fall back to our previous habits of self-reliance. Have you noticed that trials and tribulations regularly test us? God is not trying to destroy us. He desires that we stop making mistakes by trusting in our abilities. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 1 Peter 1:14

Facing dilemmas may never end. Even so, life with God provides the blessings of peace despite our circumstances. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Ask yourself, “how do you view God?” Can you put aside your doubt and fears, pray, and wait for God’s divine intervention to resolve your circumstances? Reflect on the impossible situations that you have faced. You did all that you could do, yet, nothing worked out. When you least expected it, God rained down blessings, unleashed His mighty power, and you received a miracle.

The Amplified Bible: Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

I share this testimony because someone is facing a dilemma. You believe in God, but your mind is wavering between conflicting thoughts and actions. Pray and believe: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Pray and confess:

I need God’s peace to transform the way I view my current situation.

I need God’s peace to remind me that God is always in control.

I need God’s peace to guard my mind against anxious thoughts.

God, we thank you for being our Jehovah-Jireh (provider). We ask for your Divine Intervention in our lives and the peace that only you can provide. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is the task of identifying what is no longer needed or desired. Many of us are committed to get rid of the old things in anticipation of replacing them with something new. Yes, we are meticulous with discarding unwanted tangible items, but what about our undesirable character traits?

One of my favorite quotes is by Lao Tzu: “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

Because of the negative impact that sin brings to humanity, there are a couple of things that we are involved in a battle with: Self-governance and Self-control. No one wants to admit that they have these ongoing issues, including me. In case you think that is simply not true, have you ever driven over the speed-limit or wished the pedestrian caught in the middle of the walkway when the light changed would hurry up? What about your emotions? Did you ever take out your frustrations on an innocent victim? What about the bitter fruits spoken in anger against those that you love? Did you change the story so that you appeared to be the victim instead of the instigator?

God was fully aware that we would be drawn to lawlessness and lack of self-control. Historically, we may have learned in academic settings how and when the various governments were established. Still, the scripture tells us that God established laws before the creation of humanity. Romans 13:1-2 says: “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.”

The exception of obeying our government’s laws is when they conflict with God’s law, precepts, and commands. As believers, we can agree that God, our Creator made human beings and that He has given us the ability to reproduce children. He also commands us that since He created human life that we do not have the right to take another person’s life or our own life. The fifth commandment: Thou shalt not kill (You must not murder, NLT). Exodus 20:13. Just because the current law allows us to have abortions, the government’s law is in direct conflict with God’s law.

We are unable to rationalize or justify obedience vs. disobedience according to our thought processes. Jesus Christ tells us, “If you love me, obey my commandments. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21

The fruit of self-control requires that we apply structure and discipline to every area of our lives. So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Did you notice that God specifically addressed appetite as one of the most significant areas where we lack self-control? We are so out of control with our desires that the FDA has approved genetically reproduced animals to meet supply and demand. Without self-control of what and when we eat and drink, it is impossible to obey God.

God never said that it would be easy to obey Him. First and foremost, we must love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind to possess the desire to be obedient.

Spring Cleaning

Human Effort: Now, the easy part: We commit, confess, repent, and pray to have the Holy Spirit in our lives every day. Studying the Bible provides us with God’s standards and expectations. But, here’s the challenge: And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6. God has provided us with a seed of faith. Even so, believing, trusting, and seeking Him through diligent studying, and consistent praying is the only way for our faith to develop and grow, and for us to get rid of the old life.

Divine Intervention: Instruction and Guidance

1. “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? 37, Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:36-39
2. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:16, 22-23
3. “Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior initiated the spiritual transformation, and then it is our responsibility to obey by performing a spiritual spring cleaning every day.

How can we spring clean every day? We use the Bible as our spiritual mirror and humbly admit through the prayer of confession and repentance that we have kept some words, thoughts, and behaviors from our old life. Next, we make a conscious effort to stop, pray for strength, and hold back the bitter words and ungodly behaviors. Yes, we will struggle to change as God cleans us through tests and trials. But remember that we are not alone: I can (and will) do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. Hallelujah! We will have the Victory!

God, give us a clean heart that we may serve you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.