Tag: Faith

Jesus Says, “The Scriptures Testify of Me”

Jesus Says, “The Scriptures Testify of Me” Devotional Reading August 2, 2023

Some Christian believers struggle with the teachings of the Bible. This is not because they are actively studying and unable to comprehend the Scriptures, but rather because it is easier to listen to the multitude of voices claiming to speak God’s truth than to study the Bible on their own.

One of the reasons given for the lack of studying the Bible, there are too many churches teaching too many different doctrines.

What has caused this overwhelming conflict in the Christian Community? One source identifies the origin of the chaos in the following statement: “American Protestantism is diverse, encompassing more than a dozen major denominational families – such as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Pentecostals – all with unique beliefs, practices, and histories.” Pew Research Center

Something is not right! The estimate of more than a dozen is actually 9,000 denominations that exist in Protestantism. And the qualifier, “all with unique beliefs, practices, and histories” should cause grave concern in the minds of Christian believers. We cannot change the history of any denomination, but we should have basic knowledge of how the denominational movement began and if the doctrines are Bible-based.

The qualifier, “all with unique beliefs and practices” should raise mental and spiritual red flags. If 9,000 denominations exist and have developed numerous self-interpretations of the Bible, we must ask ourselves, Where do I stand in the battle of God’s Truth versus error?

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15

Every Christian is accountable for the decisions they make and the lifestyle they live. We cannot make excuses for not studying the Bible as part of our daily worship. The refusal or lack of desire to study reveals the condition of our hearts.

  1. God gave us the Bible—The Old and New Testaments to provide us with the Gospel, Truth, and knowledge of the Presence, Power, and Divine and Loving Characteristics of the Triune Godhead: God, the Father, God, Jesus the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.

In Genesis chapter one, we can study the origin of the world, the creation of human beings, and all plant and animal life refuting the humanmade, erroneous concept of evolution.

The Bible explains itself! The authenticity, origin, and purpose of the Holy Scriptures are revealed in the Bible. The Bible also contains the Ten Commandments. health laws, and righteous principles that promote love and unity among believers which are still valid today.

Jesus said, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter [jot], not the least stroke of a pen [tittle], will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. —Matthew 6:13.

We always need Divine Help when studying the Bible! Pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment as you study. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” —John 14:26

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” —Psalm 119:105

The Bible is filled with spiritual treasures that produce spiritual growth and transformation of the believer. As we study, our love, faith, and loyalty increase and we grow closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fact! The Bible is the only Book that contains no errors. It does not need to be revised or updated. The Author tells us the reason that the Scriptures will stand forever, “For I am the Lord, I do not change…” —Malachi 3:1.

In the Holy Scriptures, we learn of Christ’s Divine Status as God, the Son, and His Divine Character. Jesus, our Heavenly Father is full of Sacrificial Love, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Meekness, Grace, Mercy, Power, Faithfulness, and Unequivocal Righteousness.

2. The entire Bible [Old and New Testament] is about Jesus. “You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me…” —John 5:39, NASB

God, the Father clears all confusion about Jesus’ status as God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead. “But to the Son, He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions [the heavenly angels].’ ” —Hebrews 1:8-9

Jesus Christ created this universe and all living beings. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist.” —Colossians 1:16-17

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” —1 Timothy 2:5

Salvation is only through Jesus Christ! No human being can mediate for our salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. We confess and repent of our sins to God in prayer and are forgiven of those sins through our Heavenly Intercessor, Jesus. Every other concept is part of Satan’s deceptions. We learn from the Scriptures that we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus is the only way humanity can have salvation and redemption from their sins.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” —John 14:6

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

3. The Bible is our spiritual mirror and provides God’s blueprint [instructions] for every believer’s life. Through the Scriptures, we obtain spiritual knowledge of God’s moral code, and our responsibilities [surrender, faith, obedience, and love for God and others] when following Christ. The Bible outlines all of God’s laws, precepts, and righteous expectations for believers.

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

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

4. From the Bible, we have scriptural evidence of the Triune Godhead: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Although the Holy Spirit is a mystery, we learn from the Scriptures who the Holy Spirit is, He is the third person of the Godhead who gives us spiritual discernment, wisdom, and the strength to overcome temptation.

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ ” —Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus Promises the disciples to send the Holy Spirit after His Ascension: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” —John 16:13-14

5. The Scriptures provide us with God’s definitive plan for the afterlife of the righteous and the demise of the wicked. Every religion except Christianity has erroneous concepts which teach by humanity’s works [doing good] one can gain a blissful afterlife.

Trust the word of God over any belief, doctrine, or concept that cannot be substantiated by the Scriptures. As we grow closer to Christ, the Holy Spirit alerts us that the false teaching we heard is not from God.

I can remember hearing a pastor say that when Jesus comes and we go to heaven that we will cry over our family and loved ones that did not make it. Believe me, he was surprised to receive my email reminder that Jesus says in Revelation 21, verse 4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Remember, we cannot rely on our limited human wisdom [which God considers foolishness] to self-interpret His Righteous Precepts. Always pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Truth of the Scriptures. Another false teaching is that the wicked will burn forever. Would God be loving and a fair and just God if people were suffering in hell’s fire for eternity?

“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” —Revelation 21:6-7

The afterlife for the righteous is eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth and the wicked do not have an afterlife, they will be destroyed by fire [Malachi 4].

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” —Revelation 21:8

We choose our destiny! “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” —James 1:22

The believers who have the opportunity to study the Bible and choose not to learn of the precious precepts will fall victim to sin, doubt, worry, and unbelief. They will not have the biblical foundation that prevents them from accepting false teachings as God’s Truth. Nor can they have faith and trust or obey God whom they know nothing about.

God has given us His Divine Guidebook to edify our minds and souls. Studying the Bible is food for the soul. Without Biblical knowledge of God’s Character, His Promises, the Life of Christ, Salvation, and Redemption, and the Holy Spirit’s Purpose, we are in Spiritual Bankruptcy! Fill your emptiness with the spiritual nourishment of the Scriptures and faithfully obey God’s Truth by hiding the word of God in your heart.

Inspirational Quote: “Truth is inspired and guarded by God and truth will triumph!” Acts of the Apostles

Reflection: Why should I diligently pray and study the Holy Scriptures?

Jesus warns us “The Way is Narrow.”

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

Prayer: God, we thank You for giving us Your precious words in the Holy Bible. We also thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We desire to know more about Your saving grace and commit to studying the Bible every day. We ask for forgiveness for not studying Your Holy word. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy name, Amen.

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

The Believer’s Prayers of Self-Examination

The Believer’s Prayers of Self-Examination Devotional Reading July 31, 2023

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” —2 Corinthians 13:5

Every day with prayer and meditation, we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the inner condition of our hearts. Only a committed believer who desires to be steadfast and faithful to God will pray these continuous prayers of total surrender.

It is indeed a humbling experience to examine ourselves using God’s Righteous principles as our standard. With deep introspection of our minds, characters, and lifestyles, we die daily to sin by placing ourselves on the altar of sacrifice to shun evil and go all the way with Christ.

The Amplified Bible says, “Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers.” —2 Corinthians 13:5, [first part]

Five characteristics reveal whether or not our relationship with Christ is growing and developing.

  1. Our love for God is demonstrated by putting Him first. The time we spend every day in God’s presence through worship reveals our love and the desire to fully surrender our hearts and lives.
  2. We are faithful and obedient by always praying for His will to be revealed through the Holy Spirit. We receive God’s blessings because our decisions are in alignment with His plans.
  3. Our lifestyle reveals that we are striving for holiness. We let go of all worldly behaviors and relationships. Yes, we will fall, but with a repentant heart, we confess, ask for forgiveness, and continue to persevere by moving forward.
  4. We study the Holy Scriptures under the guidance of our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, praying for discernment and the wisdom to apply the word of God to our lives.
  5. We pray continuously throughout our waking hours —prayers of thanksgiving, prayers asking for Divine Intervention and Guidance, and the spiritual strength to overcome temptation.

When we are living for ourselves [still participating in worldly activities], yet attend church weekly, give tithe and offerings, and work in the church’s outreach ministries once or twice a month, but our prayer life and Bible study are inconsistent, the waters of our thought processes become muddy.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41

Yes, we love God, but we also love the things of the world! Our minds end up in a spiritual conflict that we cannot resolve—we are easily led astray because the desires of our hearts have led to spiritual blindness.

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” —James 4:3

The sins that we consider to be insignificant are the very sins that separate us from God. Chasing our dreams, disliking others, watching programs with profanity and sexual content, spending money on frivolous things, relaxing for hours on social media, online gambling, using recreational drugs or sipping on a glass of wine, working overtime to the point of exhaustion, unhealthy diets, and relationships with unbelievers are some of the sins that we overlook because they are enjoyable.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” —1 John 2:15

We measure ourselves by using unbelievers as the standard and console ourselves that our activities do not compare to the wickedness of the world. Sadly, we think all is well. But our appreciation of holiness disappears. Sometimes we fall into a routine of going through the motions of religious practices, but our thoughts and goals are influenced by worldly values.

Losing the ability to differentiate between truth and error, our relationship with Christ becomes stagnant. Eventually, we lose the desire to pray and consecrate ourselves to God. Focusing on a lifestyle of pleasing ourselves distracts us from recognizing the warning signs from the Holy Spirit that our relationship with Christ is failing.

Our spiritual decline continues because we have created a middle ground of compromise that prevents us from putting God first. We say that we love God, but no longer strive to live a faithful and obedient life. Jesus calls our status lukewarm [Revelation 3:14-18].

Something happens when we are caught in the middle—we begin to manipulate our prayers. In fact, “Manipulation of prayers is a covert tactic used by many Christians who enjoy the pleasures of sin.” The wording of our prayers change so the Holy Spirit does not have the opportunity to convict us of our sins.

Last Sabbath, I listened to the testimony of a young Christian woman who revealed that she intentionally manipulated her prayers. To avoid feeling conviction for her sinful actions, she carefully chose words that only expressed feelings of gratitude toward God, or she asked for material blessings. She admitted that her prayers never acknowledged or included the confession and repentance of her sins.

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” —Isaiah 59:2

As time passed, she became discouraged which rapidly progressed to hopelessness. From studying the Bible, she knew that she was in a place of spiritual darkness that almost stopped her from serving God. Yet, she decided to pray a final prayer, asking for help from the Holy Spirit who revealed that her persistence of sinful activities led to her separation from God.

But Satan did not want to release her from sin’s bondage. Instead of feeling joy and peace from God’s forgiveness, she faced a mental and emotional roadblock. Although this young woman was aware of God’s love and immediate forgiveness, she was unable to move forward due to the thoughts of overwhelming guilt.

She began to ask herself, “How did I get to the point in my life where I manipulated my prayers to avoid the conviction of sin? I pretended to be a steadfast Christian, and lived a double life in front of my family.” Her past actions prevented her from embracing the promises of God’s forgiveness and complete restoration. After much self-humiliation, she disclosed her dilemma to her father who recommended that she study the book of Psalms.

The Psalms reveal David’s spiritual, mental, and emotional real-life struggles that Christian believers face today. Our nature is sinful! The thoughts, habits, and spoken words that we overlook and fail to perceive as sinful persist because we judge ourselves using unbelievers as our standard instead of Christ.

King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and ordered for her husband to be placed on the frontline in battle [knowing he would be killed]. Have you ever wondered why David did not feel guilt over his actions? Pride led him to believe that as a King he was entitled to everything he desired without boundaries.

Certainly, David continued to pray after committing these heinous sins, but most likely manipulated his prayers so he would not be convicted of his sins. Even so, God is Holy and Righteous! The prophet Samuel anointed David as king when he was a teenage boy. David was in his early 30s and the prime of his life when he became king. Still, a Righteous God did not tolerate, nor would God overlook the King’s open sins without confession and repentance.

God extended mercy to David by giving him an opportunity to repent. God revealed David’s sins to the prophet Nathan who used a parable to disclose to David that God was aware of his sins. “Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?” (2 Samuel 12:9a). Until David was approached by the prophet Nathan [Study 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12], he felt no remorse for his sins of adultery and premeditated murder.

The Confession: “So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.” —2 Samuel 12:13. “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight…” —Psalm 51:3-4

King David’s prayer of repentance is recorded in Psalm chapter 51. Like David, many believers have embraced sinful habits and fail to pray for repentance. Every day they manipulate their prayers to reflect gratitude or to make requests from God but fail to pray prayers of surrender, confession, and repentance because they do not want to be convicted of the sins they enjoy.

Day by Day and moment by moment, our lifestyles, spoken words, and habits either reflect our sinful desires or the righteousness of Christ. The choices we make reveal the condition of our hearts and those choices impact our relationship with Christ. Spiritual growth begins from the inside and expresses itself through our love, loyalty, and obedience to God.

Reflection: “Am I manipulating my prayers to avoid the Holy Spirit’s conviction of my sins against God?”

The power of the Holy Spirit is incredible! Every believer receives warnings that their lives are not in sync with Christ’s righteousness. God is calling for His people to disconnect themselves from worldly pursuits and social activities. We have one earthly life to prepare for the heavenly life.

The human effort of shunning evil habits and forming relationships with unbelievers along with the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to change the course of our lives. It is not enough to desire heaven! God has given us His Righteous expectation, “Be Holy, for I am Holy!”

The choice to use the covert tactic of manipulation in our prayers to reject the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin produces deadly consequences. An unholy earthly life will not result in receiving the reward of eternal life.

To receive eternal life, we must pray honest prayers of confession and repentance with the intent to renounce sin and its pleasures. Every day we must renew our covenant with Christ. We are not compelled to sin. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for humanity—we are the only recipients who require spiritual strength. Through our prayers, we invite the Holy Spirit to cleanse our minds and hearts to receive the fullness of Salvation and the Righteousness of Christ.

By faith, surrender, and obedience, we receive righteousness through the grace of God. Every day we have the opportunity to choose right doing over sinful activities. When the Spirit of God is flooding our souls, we delight in living righteously. Our decisions, works, and lifestyles reflect the power of the Holy Spirit who is transforming our minds and characters.

Sanctification is a lifelong spiritual journey of the transformation of our characters into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, we are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Christ Jesus, still, we cannot live holy and acceptable lives unless we confess and repent of our sins.

Our heartfelt prayers should reflect the desire for the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sins. Because we face an internal battle of carnal desires versus living holy and acceptable lives, we must seek God in prayer every day by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal all hidden sins. The human requirement of daily spiritual self-examination is reflected in the words of our prayers.

In surrender, we ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of every thought, behavior, habit, and spoken word that will prevent us from receiving our reward of eternal life.

In humility, we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

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

Depending on the God Who Always Provides

Depending on the God Who Always Provides Devotional Reading July 30, 2023

At some point in life, we will have to depend on the faithfulness of God. Feeling confident because all is well and relying on our status of possessing financial wealth destroys our faith and trust in God. Our mindset and lifestyle proclaim that we do not need God’s Divine Help.

Reflection: How often do I pray and thank God for my daily provisions? Is studying the Holy Scriptures a priority in my daily schedule?

Studying the Bible is food for the soul
Without knowing God’s Character and
Promises, the Life of Christ, and the
Holy Spirit’s Purpose, we are in Spiritual Bankruptcy!

“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

Establishing a relationship with the God who provides when all is well prepares us for the tribulations we will suffer at some point in our lives. Studying the Bible lays the foundation of faith and trust in God and is strengthened day by day. Through the habit of daily prayer, our connection with God allows us to “Be of good cheer—to have steadfast faith and courage” when the seasons of life change.

Without a Spiritual Foundation of God’s Promises

We will fall victim to doubt, worry, and unbelief
We will accept false teachings as God’s Truth
We will not have faith and trust in God
We will not pray, believe, and patiently wait on God

Study 1 Kings 18 and 2 Kings 4

The Powerful God of Biblical Times who demonstrated His love for humanity reassures us that He does not change. Walk this earthly journey in faith and obedience. When unexpected circumstances arise, we have no worries because we have placed our confidence and unwavering faith in God.

Yes, Jehovah-Jireh who reigns with Majesty and Power not only gives us the daily spiritual strength to persevere, but He also promises to supply the physical provisions to sustain our lives!

Prayer: Lord God, we pray for those who believe that You exist, but do not know Your Character and Promises. Thank You for being the only Constant Foundation in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

There Is a Better Way–To Possess Right Thinking

There Is a Better Way–To Possess Right Thinking Devotional Reading and Podcast

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” –1 Peter 1:6-7

When God emancipated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery the journey from Egypt to Canaan was only 11 days. Yet they were in the wilderness for 40 years because of their ungrateful hearts and disgruntled thoughts which led to continuous disobedience against God. When the Israelites were camping at the Red Sea and saw Pharoah and his army, instead of praying for God’s Divine intervention to save them, they blamed Moses for forcing them to leave Egypt. As a result, they verbally attacked Moses and accused him of placing them in harm’s way.

“Then they said to Moses, ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness” (Exodus 14:11-12).

At some point in our lives, every Christian will have a wilderness experience. Trials are never something that we wish for, yet they are part of the believer’s spiritual journey. Trials are not random. God is specific in determining what each of us needs to experience continuous spiritual growth and transformation.

In the Bible, we have faith heroes, Joseph, and the apostles Paul and John along with many others who experienced lengthy hardships. God uses trials to build our faith and rid us of unrighteous character traits. When it is time for us to enter the wilderness do we willingly accept God’s plan for the testing of our faith?

To remain steadfast during our spiritual journey, we must have a mindset of “Right Thinking.” What is right thinking? “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).

Right thinking acknowledges that our trial is permitted by God to produce spiritual growth in our faith and to transform our character into the likeness of Christ. Obedience, endurance, and perseverance are characteristics of right thinking.

Trials and sorrows are always unexpected unless we are suffering from the consequences of willful disobedience. Our first response to the trial is usually much praying and studying the Bible as never before. We have confidence that God will keep His promises and provide deliverance [as soon as possible]. But placing a time limit on the duration of our trial is the beginning of compromising “right thinking.”

Because of our expectation for quick deliverance, our mindset is not in alignment with God’s will. As the days become weeks, we continue to pray and remain hopeful that God will intervene soon. Yet, when the weeks become months, and months escalate into years, and God remains silent, our faith decreases and our hope fades into discouragement.

With time, we lose our spiritual focus. The frequency and fervency of our prayers decline. And we avoid the Scriptures that emphasize the reason for suffering and patiently waiting on the Lord. We no longer possess right-thinking.

Without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we begin to think of options–plans A or B to end our hardships or ask God if He has forgotten about us. Some even attempt to negotiate with God by promising to attend church more often or confess that they have not been fulfilling their purpose, but they will do better.

When will it end? As the journey continues our emotions overrule our faith. Now our minds are filled with doubt. Without faith, our discouragement grows into depression, and anger may arise because we have grown weary of our circumstances. Our prayers no longer reflect the hope that God will deliver us.

A few years ago, I recall a good friend who was experiencing a wilderness trial saying, it’s just too hard to serve God. Despite spiritual counseling, attending church, and studying God’s promises, he gave up. Sadly, to this day, he continues to reject God.

God’s Perspective: Trials and tribulations prepare us for Kingdom life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

We do not see ourselves as God does. Humanity cannot judge itself. Because we do not engage in worldly activities, attend church, give our tithe and offerings, pray, and study the Bible, we perceive ourselves as righteous, and do not see the need for lengthy or frequent trials. Again our mindset compromises right thinking.

King Solomon says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

King David was aware of our spiritual condition. He prayed, “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). How often do we pray King David’s prayer?

When God remains quiet and our prayers unanswered, those who do not have a steadfast relationship with Christ are filled with worries and anxieties. Then our wayward thinking increases. “Why isn’t God answering my prayers?” which leads to the demise of our faith, trust, and hope in God.

Satan takes advantage of us when he knows we are losing faith in God. Remember the fallen angel cannot read our minds, but he observes our downcast behaviors and listens to our spoken words of defeat and negativity. When our times of praise and worship almost become nonexistent then he works to bring his diabolical plans to fruition.

Satan uses the waiting period to plant the seeds of doubt in our minds. Without faith and right thinking, our perception of God changes from a loving Father to a God who is punitive. Our internal thoughts accuse God of withholding the job, finances, house, vehicle, husband, wife, the children we desire, or healing our illness that we rightfully deserve.

To make matters worse, like Job’s friends, our family and friends may ask what did you do that God is not answering your prayers or delivering you?

With our archenemy at work, we are filled with anger, resentment, a sense of entitlement, and despair. Unhealthy emotions easily permeate and corrupt the human mind. A heart filled with negative and ungrateful thoughts toward God eventually leads to a severed relationship with our Creator.

Although the apostle Paul was imprisoned until he died as a martyr, he never complained or spoke against God. Paul advised us to focus on the reward of eternal life when we are in times of suffering.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…” (Romans 5:3-5)

Waiting in the Wilderness Exposes Our Spiritual Condition: The wilderness trial has revealed the root of the problem, our faith in God along with our endurance and perseverance is weak.

Have you ever made a cup of coffee or tea, added cream or milk, and tasted it, only to discover it was spoiled? Without an alternate answer, we have to admit our responsibility for not checking the expiration date.

Yet, when we fail in our faith journey, we blame God for putting more on us than we can bear. We resent our wilderness trials because we do not desire a life of tribulations that God says is necessary for the growth of our faith. Spiritual transformation is lifelong. Trials and sorrows will remain part of our journey until we take our last breath or until the day of Jesus’ Second Coming.

“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)

Only God knows the strength or weakness of our faith. He also knows the true condition of our hearts and characters. Our Heavenly Father’s goal is to save our souls. We must ask ourselves if we desire the reward that Jesus promised to the faithful in Revelation. If yes, then our daily prayers reflect David’s prayer to God for Him to search our hearts and give us the strength to persevere.

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

There is a better way to live—To possess Right Thinking. We surrender ourselves wholly to God by accepting that His plans are perfect for us. In humility, we agree that God is only allowing what is necessary to receive eternal life. Right thinking acknowledges that every trial, short or extended will produce a complete transformation of our minds and character, a steadfast faith, and the endurance, and perseverance necessary to receive our eternal reward.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Those who strive to have a relationship with Christ built on steadfast faith and trust will receive their crowns. Hallelujah! Amen!

Prayer: God, we have lost our right thinking. We ask for forgiveness for our wayward thoughts of not accepting the wilderness trials. We pray for a complete restoration mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We ask for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit to impart the strength we need to remain in the wilderness according to Your will. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps2yourspiritualsolutions

Living Without Christian Fellowship?

Living Without Christian Fellowship? Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.” –Romans 10:9-10

Whether someone witnessed the love and saving power of Jesus or the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart through an online sermon or listening to worship music to accept Jesus as your Savior, we must agree that the beginning of our journey with Jesus brought us joy and excitement.

But what happened next? Each of us has a personal testimony of struggle after our commitment to Christ. Sadly, many new believers become discouraged within three months and return to their former lives. Although there are various reasons, loneliness and church hurt are the top two reasons for giving up on God.

We cannot have the world and Jesus. The commitment to serving God requires us to give up our friendships with unbelievers. At times, we become entangled with individuals who believe in God, yet, they are not interested in living holy. Our walk with Jesus will separate us from our friends and family. The earthly journey prepares us for heaven where our Savior is preparing a forever home to live with Him in a sinless world.

Jesus spoke to the prophet Jeremiah regarding His love for believers: “…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.” –Jeremiah 31:3

Christians have a spiritual bond with Christ. From Christ’s heart, we receive Agape love flowing from His heart to our hearts. Love allows us to have a deep relationship with Christ that begins on earth and will last throughout eternity

Because we are commanded to love others, we seek fellowship with other believers who can give us spiritual support, which helps us to persevere through hardships. Because we have renounced the world, our relationships should extend beyond attending church once or twice weekly.

It is a joyful occasion when those who love the Lord socialize with each other. Not only do we build loving relationships, but we can also freely rejoice in the goodness of God and help others in their time of need. Yes, believers share a spiritual bond because we love Christ, are blessed with the gifts of joy and peace and look forward to our heavenly reward of eternal life.

The Family of God: Through scripture, the apostle Paul tells us of God’s original plan and expectation of the family of God, for us to have loving relationships and fellowship with each other.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” –Hebrews 10:24-25

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” –Colossians 3:16

Let’s address the struggle of loneliness that many believers share in 2023. If God said it is not good for us to be alone, why am I alone? The answer must come from God. Pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual assignment.

Following Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit to go to the wilderness for forty days and nights and to fast from food [Matthew 4:1-11]. God was preparing His Son for the anguish of rejection and suffering on the cross of Calvary.

God separates us when He is preparing us spiritually to use our gifts and talents for His glory and honor. During this time, we should pray, study the Scriptures, fast, and learn to listen for the Voice of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in many ways, He uses the Scriptures, places thoughts in our minds, and speaks to us during prayer, and sermons. Sometimes God will use a believer to whom you have not revealed anything to provide spiritual guidance.

The most important aspect is for us not to become discouraged, but to remain patient and obedient during our time of preparation.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” –Revelation 21:2

Church hurt is misunderstood. In the Bible, the church is referred to as the bride of Christ. The truth is that people hurt people. Last week, I listened to a sermon and the pastor stated, “There are no mean Christians! To be Christ-like is to love others and treat them with kindness and respect.” “The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness” Proverbs 15:9.

Christian–Christ-like Characteristics

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another. Galatians 5:22-23

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” –1 Timothy 6:11

We cannot rely on our judgment when looking for a church home. As believers, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to answer the challenges in our spiritual journey. The best advice I received from another believer is to Pray, Wait, and Obey.

Pray and ask for God to reveal a Bible-based church that performs baptism by water immersion. Study Romans chapter 6 for the Apostle Paul’s explanation of baptism and its significance. Water baptism has spiritual significance, we are now dead to sin and experience a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ baptism is recorded in Matthew chapter 3. And we also learn of the Triune Godhead at Jesus’ baptism, God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Link to the significance of Baptism: https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/1284.2

In Matthew chapter 28, verses 18-20, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission to Go and make disciples. Every Christian believer has been given the non-negotiable spiritual assignment of making disciples by witnessing the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. The only difference is how each of us will use our spiritual gifts to accomplish witnessing to others. Again pray for the Divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We have a great work to do before the Second Coming of Jesus! Focusing on oneself is a distraction that keeps us from fulfilling our spiritual purpose. Stay close to God. He will reveal your path and purpose.

Prayer: God, we pray for your disciples who are without support from fellow believers. Holy Spirit, we ask for You to comfort and reveal their spiritual gifts and how they should use them. Jesus, we thank You for Your love and sacrifice on Calvary. Please direct and give us strength. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Misconception of Spiritual Defeat

“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 NIV

Faith allows us to have a deep dependency on God. We abide in Christ to receive His fortifying protection from the continuous spiritual warfare that many believe will produce the destitution of Defeat.

Satan can only be successful in his ploys to defeat us when we help him. Sounds crazy? Distractions are his proven strategies to bait and switch our focus from Christ to our circumstances.

Loving and Trusting Jesus allows us to receive His never-ending power. Jesus is our only Hope. Human Effort plus Divine Intervention equals Victory!

Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone

Devotional–Heaven is Not for Everyone from The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

Two concepts are truth: People know when they intentionally hurt someone who loves them and Christians know whether or not they are living a faithful and obedient life.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the [a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Satan has deceived us into believing that God understands our sinful desires and that His grace will prevent us from the consequences of sin. Yet, Obedience to God is not an option!

How often do we think of Jesus who is Divine, commanding legions of angels, every breathing organism, and the natural elements, yet, when He came to earth, God required Him to learn obedience and become subservient to the human beings He created? Jesus obeyed His earthly parents along with the governmental laws. Even to His death, Jesus obeyed the will of God, His Father. If God required His Divine Son to learn obedience, then God does not and will not understand the disobedience of us living outside of His will and plans for us.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

The prophet Jeremiah tells us of the natural condition of our hearts–deceitful and desperately wicked. We cannot self-evaluate or judge our sinful hearts. Only the Holy, Righteous and Perfect God can search our hearts and reveal our secret sins. God has set righteous standards that all who desire eternal life in heaven must obey without compromise. “…Be Holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

God will judge each person according to His standards. He is the Righteous Judge who determines who will receive the reward of eternal life. Still, we play a significant part in our destiny. The Human Effort required for receiving eternal life in heaven is to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind demonstrated by living faithful and obedient lives on earth, and to love others. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13).

Because we were born into sin and shaped with iniquity, God lovingly gave his only Son, Jesus for our Redemption. Jesus Christ gave His life willingly for us to be redeemed from our plight of sinfulness. So the understanding that God has is we will not intentionally rebel by disobeying and sinning against his laws. Yet, many commit intentional sins because of the Plan of Redemption which provides us with grace and mercy.

The Apostle Paul asks, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?” (Romans 6:1-3 NLT)

The profession of love for God includes humility and surrender. Daily confession, repentance, and praying for God to reveal His will is the lifestyle of a Christian. Making decisions without God’s blessings demonstrates rebellion against His Divine authority. It is easy to fall into sin, the slip of the tongue [using profane words], mistreating others, compromising righteous standards when among unbelievers, speeding down the highway, and having vain and lustful thoughts are sins that we easily overlook. But if our true desire is to spend eternal life in the presence of a Holy God, then we cannot live every day according to our desires or feel no remorse for disobedience.

The church of the Laodiceans in Revelation chapter 3 had grown lukewarm and useless. Their hearts were filled with selfish desires of focusing on wealth and culture. Their love for the carnal, materialistic things of the world kept them from living righteously. Yet, because of Christ’s love, they were given a warning of the consequences of being neither hot nor cold.

There is no middle ground. Living a selfish life of disobedience is rebellion against God. The consequence: “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1).

We have a choice to make. When we choose righteousness, God provides Spiritual Reinforcement. Our Omnipotent God knows that we are involved in the conflict of spiritual warfare every day. We have a Father who has made provisions for humanity: the Spiritual Team of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and guardian angels who never sleep are the Spiritual Warriors who help and fight for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Yet, the human effort of surrender as demonstrated by faithful and obedient hearts, diligent study of the Bible, and much prayer is required for us to receive the Divine Intervention needed to live as Victorious Overcomers. It is only one way for us to obtain our Heavenly reward. By living courageously with a “Do Right” mindset that shuns evil, and a life that boldly proclaims to all, “I love God and I will not compromise!”

Saul, the ruthless killer being transformed into the Apostle Paul is our ultimate example of the power of salvation on the heart that willingly surrenders to Christ.

35-36 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

37 For in just a little while,the Coming One will come and not delay.

38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.

39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. (Hebrews 10:35-39)

Prayer: God, we confess and repent for our disobedience and wayward life. You have given us everything that we need to live righteously. We ask for forgiveness of sinful rebellion. Please cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal Your purpose and calling for our lives. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to recognize sin, and to become faithful and obedient. Yes, we desire eternal life. We love You and ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus, Amen.