Faith – Page 34 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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.

How Well Do You Know Him?

From 1966-1974, there was a game show called The Newlywed Game that featured four couples who had been married less than a year, competing against each other. The husbands guessed how the wives would answer, then the wives came back and answered the same questions, and couples got points for matches. Then the husbands got sent out and the process repeated. The couple with the most points won some sort of domestic “newlywed” prize, like a dishwasher. https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/newlywed-game

How well do you know God? As long as we are willing to stay connected to God, and do our part (Human Effort) spiritual growth never stops. Divine Intervention—Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

Currently, I am participating in an online “10-days of Prayer” spiritual revival. Today’s message is entitled “Praying God’s Promises,” and states that we have to know God’s promises for us to build our faith and relationship with him. After the completion of reading the message, I asked myself three questions:

1. What is your purpose for serving God?.
2. How well do you know God?.
3. Can I name five of God’s promises, and how am I applying these promises to my life?

Immediately, I realized that I would not be able to accomplish this spiritual undertaking on my own. I begin to pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal an action plan for my life. The first step was to identify the promises that I would incorporate into my life through prayer every day. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is an up-close and personal one, so the promises that each of us choose to hold on to and include in our lives will differ. Even so, there is one exception, all who desire to learn who God is, and live a faith-based life must pray for the Holy Spirit to be a part of their spiritual journey.

Since last Friday, I have been praying to be filled, guided, and comforted by the Holy Spirit throughout the day and night. Have there been any changes? Yes, my outlook has changed. I have the reassurance that God has heard my prayers of thanksgiving and the desire to grow closer to Him. Doubt and defeat have been replaced with an increase in faith. I am confident that God is working out every situation in my life.

I am sharing my list of promises:

Praying for the Holy Spirit

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever–He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:16-17

2. Recognizing that God has no limitations

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

3. Acknowledging that only God can provide emotional healing

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

4. Refusing to let circumstances steal my inner joy and peace

“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

5. Faithfully and patiently depending on my Heavenly Father to provide help

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3

6. Trading selfish desires for God’s plans by seeking Him before making decisions

For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

7. Staying aware of the reward of Eternal life for the righteous

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

Because of the natural tendency to get distracted by this journey’s cares and burdens, I made a hard copy of God’s promises. Whenever I need a reminder that my faith is wavering, I read and include His promises in my prayers any time of the day or night. I want to have a relationship with God as never before and pray to have love, unwavering faith, trust, and obedience. God loves us so much. I extend the invitation to make the necessary changes in your routine and get to know God as never before.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the greatest gift that we will ever receive, and thank you for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen!

Prayer for Protection

King David was surrounded by enemies throughout his reign. The book of Psalms is filled with prayers of protection. It is time for the Believers of the Most-High God to pray as David did for the protection of our country, for the protection of our families, and for ourselves.

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.[a]
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me,
from murderous enemies who surround me.
10 They are without pity.
Listen to their boasting!
11 They track me down and surround me,
watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—
like young lions hiding in ambush.

13 Arise, O Lord!
Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!
Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!
14 By the power of your hand, O Lord,
destroy those who look to this world for their reward. Psalm 17:6-14 NLT

God, we pray for your Divine Intervention against our greatest enemy, Satan who has planted evil in the minds of men and women to have armed rallies from January 16-20th at every Capital building in the United States. You promised to be a shield for all who look to you for protection. This is your world that you created for us to live in. Therefore, it is in faith that we pray this prayer, and we claim the victory in your Holy Name. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Prayer for 2021

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Dear God, I want to begin this prayer by saying that I love you. Thank you for not letting me drown or be burned up emotionally and spiritually during the many trials and sorrows I experienced in the past year. You have always kept your promise to safely guide me through the valley lows that I have come up against time after time. Please help me to keep my focus on your amazing love and miraculous power instead of my circumstances. I realize that your plans for me are perfect and will prepare me to live with you eternally. Yes, I have asked you for many things during the past year, but this is a prayer of thanksgiving. I commit myself to serve you faithfully and obediently for the remainder of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer that I ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Living by the Spirit’s Power– Sabbath Devotional, 1/8/2021

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself…. 1 Corinthians 6:19

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

To believe in God, we must also believe in the Trinity Godhead-God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It appears that the least understood is the third person of the Godhead, who is the Holy Spirit.

We will not take an analytical approach or attempt to dissect the purpose of the Holy Spirit. Our approach to the Holy Spirit is one through total faith, which is a requisite to believe the biblically based definition. Faith facilitates wholehearted acceptance and understanding of the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. 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. There are mysteries in the scriptures that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend, yet, because we love God and believe in Him, we acknowledge and embrace the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If God said it, then it is the truth!

The Holy Spirit existed before Jesus came to this earth and before the day of Pentecost. In fact, we were promised the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekial 36:26-27

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit to His Disciples

15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:15-17

Attributes of the Holy Spirit

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Isaiah 11:2
For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

The Day of Pentecost

On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.

4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!” Acts 2:1-7

From reading Acts chapter 2, verses 1-7, we receive God’s explanation of precisely what “speaking in tongues” is and what it is not, an unknown language.

Serving God requires total faith, or it truly is impossible to please Him. The Plan of Salvation requires that we accept and believe in all of the Bible. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Now that we are aware of who the Holy Spirit is and His purpose, we can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. By praying to be filled, to be guided, and to be comforted by the Holy Spirit we step forward in our faith-based journey. If you have made this commitment: Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 BSB, then you are ready to take your relationship with God to a deeper level.

Accepting Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior requires faith. There are many things that we can imagine are a certain way. However, with faith, either you have it, or you do not. Faith requires constant and consistent human effort, faith is action. We make decisions every day regarding what we will wear, eat, drink, whether to pray or study the Bible. Faith is a choice, and it will take a concerted effort every time we are faced with a challenge to pray and believe that God will bring resolution and victory over all trials and sorrows that we face. “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

Initially, when we begin an exercise program, such as walking every day. We may start with 1-2 blocks or half of the walking course. Even so, as we continue to walk, our body builds strength, stamina, and endurance—our mindset changes as we begin to feel and see the changes in our mind and body. With perseverance, our blocks become miles, and we begin to smile and laugh more because we are proud of our accomplishment.

Spiritually, having faith in God takes us to a higher level in our relationship than we could ever imagine. Human Effort: If we pray and believe that God will always work it out for every challenge we face, then we are exercising our faith. Eventually, when troubles come our way, we have the confidence and reassurance to obey by patiently waiting on God. Divine Intervention: It takes the power of the Trinity Godhead for us to attain spiritual growth.

The inner joy, and peace of mind that we are missing can easily belong to us, if we put forth the effort to build and strengthen our faith!

The Holy Spirit is available to propel us into having a strong, faith-based foundation in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we extend our invitation to the third person of the Trinity to give us the power to be overcomers through Jesus Christ. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

God, we desire to live a faith-based life and with divine purpose. Please forgive us for our sins. We now understand that we cannot exist without the Holy Spirit. God, we pray to be filled, be led, be comforted, and receive knowledge and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. As we worship you on this Sabbath, we know that you can give us a Day of Pentecost experience, and we ask you to do this for your children. Thank you for providing all that we need to live victoriously as overcomers. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Link for additional scriptures on the Holy Spirit: https://www.openbible.info/topics/holy_spirit

The Difference Should Be Obvious

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Serving God sets us apart from unbelievers. Can others see that you reflect the light of Jesus Christ? So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 ESV. What about your character? 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 5:22-23

Performing good deeds is not the same as accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and living holy and righteous lives. Many philanthropists and those who volunteer to alleviate the suffering of others embrace atheistic and agnostic beliefs. And yes, there are individuals who believe in a higher power outside of themselves. Even so, their faith is not in the “I AM.” They worship idols, angels, imaginary part human and part animal demigods, nature, practice witchcraft and divination, and then there is self-worship.

It is easy to find self-appointed false prophets who convince others they are foretelling the future or speaking to the dead, along with persons who claim to be equal to God. One of the most sinister and rapidly growing cults is the Church of Satan–Satanism, where his followers are pulled in because of greed, which is now known as the “joy of excess.”

Do not be intimidated by Satan! We should acknowledge that the greatest enemy of humanity has evil power. Refer to “The Fall of Man” in Genesis 3. But Satan’s power and deceit can never overshadow the power of God the Almighty. Satan will never have the unlimited ability to do what he would love to do, and that is to destroy every true believer of the Most-High God.

We have a Godhead: God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit who will always limit Satan, yet, provide us with the power against sin if we do our part.

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-18 NLT

Our thoughts, spoken words, demeanor, behaviors, and actions indicate who we are loyal to, God, or Satan. The friends that we hang out with, the places we visit, the management of our time and money, the food we eat, and how we dress should loudly proclaim, “I believe in and serve the only God, the “I Am,” who has completely transformed my life.

Joshua challenged the Nation of Israel, who loved paganism, “But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 NLT

Make it obvious that you serve God, even if it means letting go of relationships. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17.

If it is difficult to know which relationships are beneficial to righteous living, begin the elimination process by asking your friends to be prayer partners and to study the Bible with you. Believing in God and dedicating your life to Him through love, faith, trust, and obedience is required to live a holy and righteous life. Because we are naturally loyal to sin, we need the Godhead to attain spiritual growth and overcome sinful tendencies. And that is why God tells us to separate ourselves from unbelievers. We don’t need additional opposition in our day-to-day lives.

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory

God’s promise of a better life is coming very soon for those who serve Him with their heart, soul, and mind: Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

God, we ask for your divine power as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives. Please reveal to us the people, places, and things we must give up to live righteously. We need your strength to overcome sin. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Static Interference

Do you listen to the radio? Among all forms of media, radio is still the most popular. Invented by Guglielmo Marconi: an Italian inventor, he proved the feasibility of radio communication. Marconi sent and received his first radio signal in Italy in 1895. https://public.wsu.edu/~bryan.mclaughlin/Radio/Who_Invented_Radio.html

Is radio still relevant today? Listener habits have changed, but our love for radio hasn’t. Discover why radio is still popular, outperforming podcasts and TV in the digital era. Across all demographics, Nielsen demonstrates that radio is still the most popular form of media in America. Radio reaches 90% of adults aged 18-34, 94% aged 35-49, and 91% aged 50 and older. That being said, here are our thoughts on why radio is still popular today. https://radio.co/blog/radio-still-popular

As much as we enjoy radio broadcasts that have stood the test of time, there is one element that plagues radio, static interference.

Static is the noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or natural, or man-made electrical disturbances and the electrical disturbances producing this noise. http://www.merriam-webster.com

Yes, static is something that remains entirely above our technological capabilities. Even so, we have adapted and readily expect noise interference to occur at some point during our listening enjoyment.

Daily I pray and ask God to reveal the thoughts and behaviors that prevent me from fulfilling my divine purpose to live righteously. I will share the answer that the Holy Spirit placed in my mind: As Believers, we have too many concerns that have nothing to do with serving God.

Like the radio that will forever be plagued with static interference, we have also placed ourselves in a position to suffer from static. We have allowed people, our day-to-day challenges, and our fluctuating emotions to create ongoing interference. The noise that we allow in our lives stands in the way of our commitment to establish and maintain an unwavering, faith-based relationship with Jesus Christ. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 1 John 3:7

In 2021, reduce the static interference of too many concerns by redirecting your focus. Begin by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Use your Facebook page, TikTok, Instagram, youtube, etc., to help others. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT. If you believe that God helps us to overcome, then share your testimony. Let others know that there is a loving God who can help us gain victory over the static noise in our lives.

Living by the Word of God can only be done by diligently studying the Bible. Remain faithful to Jesus by whispering a prayer throughout your day. Have a meaningful praise and worship session with God at least twice a day. And most importantly, Jesus says, “If you love me keep my commandments.” John 14:15. Without obedience, we fall back into our old habits from a former lifestyle of sin.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

God, we thank you for the ability to develop a strong relationship with you. We desire to eliminate the static interference that prevents us from serving you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Please help us to guard our thoughts and become more aware of the distractions that pull us away from you. Thank you for hearing and answering this prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Maintain the Connection

As I studied John 15, I received a spiritual recharge compared to a cell phone connected to its charger. Only I did not have to wait for the timely process of being fully charged. Human Effort: For 2021, my mindset is different. The expectation is that I will receive the blessing of total restoration from God. And what a difference that has made in my outlook on life. God does not make us wait, the spiritual recharge happened immediately. Divine Intervention: During prayer, I received the reassurance that Jesus is Lord, and as long as I stay connected, I will experience the never-ending joy and peace that comes from serving God.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11 NLT

In this chapter of John, Jesus was instructing and encouraging His disciples because of his pending death. We are Jesus’ disciples, and He has given us the answer to possessing constant inner joy: Stay connected to Him through faith, trust, and obedience to God’s commandments. And the reward is: Yes, your joy will overflow!

Staying connected is the only way to be energized with the peace, joy, and reassurance that comes from faithful commitment to Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Lord. Jesus obeyed His Father even unto death. Remain in me, and I will remain you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4. Daily prayer, praise, and study of the Bible indicate our desire to worship and dedicate ourselves to God.

Serving God is a guaranteed mood stabilizer and frees us from the bondage of fear. Doubt, depression, sadness, anxiety, and worry are fruits of fear. We cannot have fear and faith. Staying connected requires faith. Staying connected requires that we expect to receive a spiritual recharge every time we worship God.

In praying, we ask God for many material blessings, begin to ask Him for an increase in faith, and to give you the desire to serve Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. You will receive joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presenting circumstances. We should not be living on empty when we serve the Most-High God. Jesus paid for us with His life. And because of His sacrifice, we can receive spiritual recharges any time of the day or night.

Jesus is the True Vine. It is impossible to succumb to the adversities in this life when we are connected to the vine. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I, in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4

God, we have not done our part in staying connected to you, and for this, we ask forgiveness. Thank you for the gifts of love, joy, and peace. We commit to serving you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The Reflection of 2020

We can agree that the year 2020 brought adversities as we have never experienced before globally. The COVID-19 pandemic not only rates as the most virulent, still, we continue to have growing statistics of disease, death, destruction, and depression impacting nearly every individual and family. We have endured the sorrow of physical death along with the crumbling of a strong economy and further tearing down of our social structure. Shattered dreams add to our loss as we wish for all of this to be over. We desire to make new memories to soothe the emotional pain. Overall we just want better days.

If 2020 left you feeling victimized, then we need to view our adversities through spiritual eyes. The Apostle Paul asked the question: You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Galatians 5:7 NLT

We are the “who” that has held us back from following God’s plan for our lives by becoming discouraged. We removed our spiritual eyeglasses, became distracted by our circumstances, and never looked for them again until we felt the agony of defeat. Yes, COVID-19 hit our world like a continuous tsunami with a domino effect catapulting everything we knew to be stable and strong. Find those eyeglasses and immediately put them on.

Jesus gave us this warning: “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. Even so, with this warning, He also gives us a promise that He has overcome everything that we face, and through Jesus Christ, we are victors, not victims of our circumstances.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT. Although it feels as if we are suffering much more than others, God tells us it simply is not true. Our trials, sorrows, and suffering are universal and experienced to some degree by all. Are we relying on our abilities or praying for God to give us the strength to endure?

There is no shortcut to having a character that reflects the character of Jesus. In our present condition, we are not acceptable to inherit our greatest reward of eternal life. God is intervening on our behalf because: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”… He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV

Put on the whole armor of God! Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

God has a plan for us: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

The goal of an Overcomer is to win, and winning does not happen without human effort. God is aware that we would not seek Him consistently. He knew that we would need trials to produce faithful and obedient soldiers that rely entirely on Him in times of plenty and drought.

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NIV

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 5:22-23

God does everything with intent and purpose. Yet, He does not leave us alone to attain spiritual growth. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

We have entered a season of change, which will not end because we are in 2021. Choose the goal to strive for holiness, and live righteously by placing 100% of your trust in God. Like Job during his harshest trial, we must proclaim: But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25

All Glory, Laud, and Honor lyrics

All glory, laud, and honor

To thee, Redeemer, King

To whom the lips of children

Made sweet hosannas ring

Thou art the King of Israel

Thou David’s royal Son

Who in the Lord’s name comest

The King and Blessed One

The company of angels

Are praising Thee on high

And mortal men and all things

Created make reply…

Praise and worship God through prayer, and study of His Holy Word.

God, we thank you for allowing us the opportunity to change and achieve spiritual growth. We pray for an increase in faith, trust, obedience, and perseverance. This prayer, we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Use Your Weapons!

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10

Whatever battles you face in life, God has given you all you need to stand firm.

On the hierarchy of created beings, King David says: What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:4-5. With glory and honor, we are to serve God actively. Our Creator was aware of the struggle we would face against Satan, humanity’s greatest enemy. And that is the reason we have given spiritual armor to fight off Satan’s attacks against us.

Human Effort
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:8-9

What are our weapons? Love, Faith, Trust, Obedience, Prayer, and Studying the Bible.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT

When we diligently study the Bible and pray without ceasing along with unwavering faith, God says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” Isaiah 54:17, first part.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18. Rate your prayer life. There is not one individual who can say that they pray too much.

Divine Intervention
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 NLT

Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19

We are disciples of Jesus Christ! We must claim the victory! Stop believing that you are helpless against our greatest enemy–Satan is the Master Deceiver and the Father of all lies.

Faith propels us to a spiritual level that we would never achieve without putting on the whole armor of God. Fear, doubt, disbelief, anxieties, and worries should never be a part of our mindset. Those are the characteristics of unbelievers who can never overcome or enjoy peace of mind.

Take your rightful place as a soldier in the Army of God. Declare war against every situation that Satan presents. We know how the story ends:

Satan Is Destroyed Forever
7 When the 1,000 years are finished, Satan will be free to leave his prison. 8 He will go out and fool the nations who are over all the world. They are Gog and Magog. He will gather them all together for war. There will be as many as the sand along the sea-shore. 9 They will spread out over the earth and all around the place where God’s people are and around the city that is loved. Fire will come down from God out of heaven and destroy them. Revelation 20:7-9 NLV

God, we confess that we are not putting on the whole armor, which has left us weak and defenseless, and for this, we ask forgiveness. We desire to be soldiers in your Army. We pray for strength as we prepare for Eternal life to live forever with you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14