Faith – Page 32 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Betrayal

How would you react to betrayal from someone that you loved? Anger is usually the first response. The emotional pain runs deep, almost to the point of your breath being taken away. But you come to realize that retaliation is not the answer to moving forward.

Let’s add a twist: How would you react if you found out ahead of time of the plot of betrayal? Again, this situation would require logical and rational thought processes, not an emotional reaction.

In the late 80s, I accepted a position as a Medical Terminology Instructor at a Vocational school. The requisite of the position was to develop a syllabus that the State Education Department would approve for the accreditation of the Medical Secretary course. In addition, I included learning tools and study plans. The syllabus was approved, and all was well. After four months on the job, on Wednesday, one of the other male teachers asked me to stay after class. He assured me that it was strictly business. Mr. Jones [name changed] relayed that Friday would be my last day because the school’s owner was bringing back the former [older] instructor who was unemployed, and since I was younger, it would be easier for me to find another job.

I was devastated but knew that I had to develop an action plan. So on Thursday, after the work day ended, I gathered all of my study plans and teaching tools [not part of the State’s approval syllabus] along with my personal effects. When I arrived Friday morning, the former teacher sat in the lobby. I had never seen her before that morning, but I knew it was my replacement from the description. I was told by the secretary to see the Administrator immediately.

When I sat down, the owner simply told me that I was being terminated because of complaints. I asked for clarification, to which he responded that he did not have to provide that information. I handed him the keys to the building in an envelope. The look on his face was priceless. But the story does not stop there. I received a call within one hour from leaving the building with a threat to report me to the State if I did not return the additional teaching materials. The expectation was that they would have all of my supplemental teaching plans and student learning guides.

Knowledge of the betrayal gave me time to call the State and explain the pending situation. I was not required to provide the school with any materials that they did not provide or pay for outside of the syllabus packet submitted for their approval. Divine Intervention: Unemployment hearings were conducted via conference call with both the employer and former employee on the phone. The Adjudicator asked the owner two questions: 1. Why was I terminated? 2. Did I receive any disciplinary actions or warnings for the alleged infractions? Not only did I receive approval for unemployment, but God also provided additional monies for all of my necessities until I found employment.

Just when we think that our suffering is too great to bear, the scriptures remind us of the suffering that Jesus went through for humanity.

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” John 13:21.

Jesus washed the feet and ate the Last Supper with His disciples including Judas, the disciple who would betray Him. Which one of us could have possibly known a betrayal plot like this and allow it to happen? Not one of us! Reading the stories of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we recognize that Jesus is so much more than we realize.

It is my prayer that one day each of us will receive our reward of Eternal life. I want to meet the Savior who suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected, so I can bow down on my knees and say, “Thank you, Jesus!” I can only imagine.

Bible study: John 13

Prayer: God, we just want to thank you for the Plan of Redemption. And, Jesus, we thank you for giving your life for us that we may have eternal life if we so choose. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

It Takes Courage for the Journey

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 13

One of the hardest things that you will ever do is maintain the courage to keep your covenant vow with God. You will be tested by Satan, who will use your closest friends, family, and your desires to test your convictions to serve God. Our desires indicate whether or not we are serving God with unwavering faith, trust, and obedience. Often we fall into the temptations of sin, still, you must pray and stand against the deceptions of spiritual wickedness. Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome!

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Yesterday, I reached the crossroads of Obedience and Disobedience. God has spoken to me through my Pastor and several other individuals to stop all communication with an individual who no longer served God and did not have my best interest in mind. You know what? I prayed and asked God to give me the courage and strength to completely sever this relationship. God answered my prayer immediately. It happened yesterday. The relationship is over!

What made the difference? Divine intervention! God knows that I love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Before the 30 days of Prayer, I identified deficits in my character that required change. I prayed for spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, God reached down from heaven and manifested His power to eliminate a huge problem that I struggled with for a long time.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

We can agree that life is tough! Even so, obedience to God places us in the position to receive the blessings of peace and inner joy. When we do our part: Having courage [standing our ground] against all deceptions [people, places, and things] that Satan uses to lead us down the “Road of Disobedience,” then our Warrior God steps in, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.

Choose to always obey God! Our reward of eternal life depends on the humility to be an obedient servant of the Most-High God.

Scripture: But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.” Exodus 14:13

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness of the sin of disobedience. We desire to serve you wholeheartedly. Please help us have the courage to give up the people and the desires that separate us from you. Thank you for your divine intervention. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Faith Makes the Difference

So Jesus, after raising His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread so that these people may eat?” But He was stating this only to test him, for He Himself knew what He intended to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, for each to receive just a little!” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?” John 6:2-9 NASB

The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand men plus women and children reflects His love and compassion for humanity, and His Omnipotence–being all powerful. Two disciples reacted to the situation in the same way that many of us react to our problems: Either we see Jesus as having limited power or we focus on our circumstances more than the Problem-Solver.

Interestingly, Jesus’ disciples had so little faith in Him even though they were constantly in the physical presence of Jesus. Phillip took no action. He focused on the lack of money and gave Jesus the pessimistic reality of the situation. Andrew’s optimism sparked his desire to search among the crowd for food, but he returned with deflated faith. Yes, Andrew took action, but he did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.

Either we have faith or we do not have faith: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. Faith says: I know that my God will take care of this according to His will.

Jesus was testing His disciples on two points: First, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, and testing them to reveal their lack of faith.

Many times we pray and become despondent when God does not answer our prayers. But God always answers our prayers. It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will listen. Isaiah 65:24.

Asking God to take action, but not believing He can solve our problems, prevents God from taking action. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

When we see that God is BIGGER than our problems, we approach Him reverently, boldly, and with great faith!

Bible study: John 6

Prayer: God, please forgive our doubt and unbelief. Thank you for loving and taking care of us. We come to you asking in faith to alleviate our burdens and provide for our needs according to your will. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

The Path Leads to Victory

Shout the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 7

God, I trust you to give me victory. Amen.

Living Pain-free

As a nurse, I have administered thousands of narcotic and non-narcotic medications to alleviate my patient’s physical pain. But I realize, even with all of the advancements in the healthcare arena, we cannot medicate to stop the distress of emotional pain.

Emotional pain damages the psyche leaving scars that not even therapeutic intervention can heal. In 2021, the statistics of those who suffer from mental health conditions surpass the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Even so, God knew we would need His Divine Intervention. Hence, the reason God gave us specific instructions and promises in the Holy Bible to give Him our painful burdens. God lovingly waits for our prayer to release our pain, struggles, and challenges.

One of the names of God is Jehovah Rapha, meaning “The God Who Heals.” God promises to make us completely whole. When God heals, there is no “Emotional Scar Tissue.” Do you believe? Then pray this prayer of faith until you receive His healing touch. Pray for the courage to claim the victory in Jesus’ name, and move forward as a new creature in Christ.

Link to God’s promises for healing. https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/healing-bible-verses/

Can you See Him?

Most of us have experienced hardships involving loss. A few days ago, one of my friend’s daughters, a single parent with four children [girls], home burned quickly. Many of the wooden 2 x 4’s remained standing like charred trees in a wildfire. When I saw the picture, I was filled with overwhelming grief. Memories of my childhood flashed through how I cherished a bedroom full of favorite things that always resulted in complete happiness.

But then, God gently reminded me that His grace and mercy were greater than the loss of tangible items. Because of the loving devotion of the LORD, we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:23-24. My first reaction is that I saw this situation with blinders in my spiritual eyes–focusing on the loss of things.

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:5-6

The mother and her young girls were out of town when the flames of a raging fire consumed their home. Our Omnipotent and loving God extended His never-ending mercies. Not only did God spare their lives, they did not have to watch the destruction of their precious memories.

What is blocking your view from seeing Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Is it the unhealthy relationship or marriage, the scars of your past, financial troubles, guilt, ungodly habits, the idols of material wealth, the fun of worldly pleasures, or disobedient children?

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

Without spiritual reinforcement, we cannot see beyond our circumstances. Jesus Christ paid the price for humanity that no one else was worthy to do. The gift of salvation is priceless. Even so, acknowledging that His sacrifice ranks above and beyond any act known to humanity are subjective. We are not robots. Our free will of choice and gratitude determines whether or not Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our life.

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Jesus’ birth is not a Christmas story, nor should it be taken lightly. The wise men traveled a long journey to worship Jesus, the Savior, and King. What did they recognize that many of us cannot? Have we minimized Salvation to the level of a Christmas story? Sin leaves us with a debt that we are incapable of repaying. We would be hopeless without the Divine Jesus agreeing to become Jesus, the human servant, and crucified as payment for our sins.

God does not require us to pay penitence, nor do we earn salvation by our works. We confess, repent, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and live a faith-based life with humility, trust, and obedience. Every day, we travel the road of Righteousness by Faith as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives.

Can you see Jesus for who He truly is? He is still looking beyond our faults and sees our needs. Jesus is still serving humanity. As our Heavenly Intercessor, when we pray for forgiveness, He presents us as faultless to God. Still, Jesus warns us to be ready, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12

Bible Study: Matthew 27–The Crucifixion of Christ

God, we ask for forgiveness for focusing on the distractions of worldly pleasures and our earthly trials and sorrows. We acknowledge that Jesus is our Savior, and He is coming again. Please open our eyes that we may see you in all of your power and glory. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The God Who Knows

God is Omniscient–all knowing. Nothing that happens in our lives comes as a surprise to Him. Did you know that God is aware of every trial and sorrow that we will face [present and future]? He also knows how we will react to each challenge. It is by faith that we can grasp His promise to never leave or forsake us. And it by faith, that we can have the reassurance that He will bring us through as victorious overcomers.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Prayer: God, we thank you for loving us. We are overwhelmed by the hardships that we are going through and ask you to give us peace while we endure suffering. God, our confidence is in you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The DIY Package

DIY Package: Living with anxieties and worries are evidence that we are trying to face and fix the uncertainties in our lives.

God’s Package: 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 [be brave and courageous], because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

The Prayer of Faith

And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

When I read the story of the prophet Elijah praying for rain to stop for three years, I asked myself, “Who was this man of exceeding faith, and how can I become faithful like he was?”

Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain, and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:17-18

So let’s go to the scriptures to see what God has to say about us having the capability to have Elijah’s solid and unwavering faith.

1. Our faith pleases God: And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
2. Stay in the will of God: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
3. Ask and receive: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23
4. Get rid of a disorganized lifestyle: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10
5. Patiently wait for God’s answer: Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
6. Obey His commands: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46

Having faith over fear remains a challenge for most believers. The disciples who were in constant physical contact with Jesus, the Son of God also struggled with their faith. We have our own agendas and plans which are contrary to God’s plans, which prevents total faith and trust in God.

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

1. Fear prevents us from having solid and unrelenting faith in God: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
2. God is Omnipotent: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
3. Pray often, but do not fixate on yourself: Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
4. God knows, and He cares: Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

Bible Study: 1 Kings 17 and James 5

Prayer: God, we are weary because our faith is weak. We are ready to have rock-solid faith like Elijah. Please teach us to take one day at a time in our spiritual growth. We desire to live faith-based lives by trusting you with all of our hearts. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

The Cry of Victory! Happy Sabbath!

Prayer: God, we pray that you open our spiritual eyes. Amen.

Jesus is here, walking in front of us. We are entering another storm, even so, keep your eyes focused on the Savior. Follow your Guide! The path is narrow. Don’t look to the right or to the left! And if the cloudy darkness of hardships and sorrows blind you, just call out, “Jesus, I can’t see you, Jesus, please help me.”

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

It is a conscious decision to awaken to a new day and invite Jesus into our life. “Behold, I stand at the door [our heart, which is our mind] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.

Struggles are necessary to develop the faith that keeps us totally dependent: “…Without Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5. Yes, we are required to surrender our will, along with the way we think and the things we desire. And why not? For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Read Joshua chapter 6.

But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days.” Joshua 6:2‭-‬3.

Faith: Have we placed ourselves in the position to receive God’s plans? “Be still, and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10. Prayer keeps us connected to God. Why is studying the Bible a necessity? Not only do the scriptures reveal the character of God, but they also teach and remind us that faith, trust, and obedience are required to stay in alignment with God. Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and Omega is the only way to receive salvation.

Obedience: “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” Joshua 6:10

Victory: When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20

Like the walls of Jericho that fell, if we put God first, He will lead and guide us through every heartache, tribulation, and challenge. Put your faith and trust in Him. It is only then, we can cry the shout of victory!

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us. Please forgive us for our sins. We desire to faithfully serve, obey, and wait for you to reveal your plans for our lives. We thank you for the gift of the Sabbath–a time dedicated to redirecting our focus on you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.