This life is full of ups and downs. There are moments when it seems as if you’re touching the hem of heaven because they’re so dazzling. And others when it seems you stand on the brink of hell because they’re so heart wrenching.
We can tend to feel far away from God in both. When times are good, we forget how much we need Him. When times are hard, we wonder why He has forsaken us. And yet both of those responses are only our humanity talking.
Neither height nor depth…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
God’s affection for us is the same at the highest and lowest moments of our lives. The heights of success and the depths of despair cannot separate us from Him. His love is the one constant we can count on no matter what.
Take comfort in this, friend: Whether this is your best day on earth or one of your worst, you will never be alone or unloved. Not even for a moment.
-Devotional encouragement by Holley Gerth, from her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.
The moments we feel helpless and hopeless are the moments we must humbly seek God through prayer.
The valleys are the seasons of darkness that God is using to develop you not destroy you!
Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6
Prayer is our direct link to God. Even when we do not know what to ask for the Holy Spirit presents our petitions to God in a manner that He will hear and answer.
Consider this: I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 NLT
Ask God to reveal the characteristics in your life that are displeasing. Most of us struggle with faith. When all is well and we are happy and content, we shout, “Hallelujah!.” Even so, in our low times are we still happy and praising God?
Although I spent thousands of hours studying nursing theory, it was the clinical practice that proved my knowledge, and skills of judgment and critical thinking in giving care to my patients. Faith is belief in God when we are on mountain highs and in valley lows. Faith is knowing and believing that the Almighty takes impossible situations and works them out for our good and His glory.
When we are walking through the valley of darkness, it is a journey in which we move forward with God. We are never alone!
Psalm 23 is the expression of having faith in God and a powerful proclamation of God’s love and presence in every situation that we face.
God, we are not feeling our best right now. But we know that you are doing a great work of transformation within us. Thank you for loving us and taking time to develop our characters. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5
Presently, our small town in Texas is crippled by the bitter, icy winds and the chilling temperatures that have frozen our utilities leaving many without water and electricity. Our streets are layered with a thick coat of ice and adorned with a snowy covering that has turned from snowball quality to a highly dangerous road hazard.
For those who endure far worse winters as a routine way of life, please know that we are not equipped to meet the challenges of icy winter storms. Our county does not have plows or dump trucks filled with a sandy/salty mixture for traction. We barely own clothing that would protect us below a temperature of 40 degrees if we dared to venture outdoors. And did I fail to mention that all cable providers have sent apologies for the outages?
Being from the Northeast, I have endured many harsh winters without blinking an eye. But the brutality of this storm has caused the cessation of all activities with the exception of looking out the windows. As I read, study, crochet, or use my cell phone to stay connected, I console myself that this storm will be over in four to five days. In fact, by next week our temps will be in the 60s.
During my solitude, I figured out a secret to staying content during our winter storm, I know that this storm will not last. There is an end to the harshness that has us at a standstill. If only it was that easy to remain content when I face the seasons of my trials and tribulations. If only my faith was stronger and I believed Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.
God requires continuous growth. We are not where He needs us to be in our relationship with him. Faith and trust must flourish and until it does, God helps us to reach the mark, the level that pleases Him. Unlike the counterproductive storms, our trials produce: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
God, we thank you for loving us so much that you help us to build the spiritual qualities that are pleasing to you. We pray for the strength to trust you during the process of changing and growing. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Psalm 88 is the one song that King David wrote, which begins in despair and ends in despair.
Beginning: O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near.
Ending: You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.
The dark times in our lives may feel as if we have been abandoned by God, our family, and friends. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5. We should not attempt to ask “why” or use analytical deduction to figure out the reason for our dark times.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
In my personal experience, God has used the temporary state of darkness to draw me closer to Him, and to build my faith. The reality is that we need the trials and tribulations to stay on the path that leads us to the Light, Jesus Christ. Remember Job and his dark period? God told Satan that Job was a righteous and faithful man. Job faithfully served God, yet, he endured extreme suffering. God is aware of how much each of us can bear. Our Omnipotent God knew that Job would remain faithful, even through an extended period of darkness. It is God who allows our tribulations for the purpose of preparing us for our greatest reward: Eternal life!
Pray through the Darkness
Human beings have fragile hearts, we can only take so much before we are ready to completely give up. But I would like to invite you to change the manner in which you are praying. If you were speaking to your best friend would you repeat the same conversation over and over each time you chatted? God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our Savior, and Heavenly Intercessor, and the Holy Spirit is our Comforter. Pray with honesty: “God, I am feeling the worst that I have ever felt in my life. Please show me that you are here and that you love me. Jesus, help me!”
There is power in the Name of Jesus!
The darkness places us in the position to desperately look for the Light, who is Jesus Christ. Seeking God through His Son, Jesus is the only way to escape the darkness, and as young children, we must approach God with transparency. God does not require eloquent four-syllable words for us to communicate with Him. He desires that we pray with humility and honesty.
Praying through the Darkness
Where do we take our anguish? Do we call our family or friends? We can, but only after we take it to God in prayer.
Do not stop praying! Prayer meets our inner need to connect to God, our Heavenly Father.
The benefits of praying in our darkest hour:
Freedom from Fear, Psalm 118:56.
Strengthens Your Soul, Psalm 138:3.
Receive Guidance, Isaiah 58:9-11.
God-given Wisdom and Understanding, Daniel 9:20-27.
Deliverance from Harm, Joel 2:32.
Rewards for being Alone with God, Matthew 6:6.
Gift of the Holy Spirit, Luke 11:13.
Fullness of Inner Joy, John 16:23-24.
Complete Peace, Philippians 4:6-8.
Freedom from Anxiety, 1 Peter 5:7.
The scriptures for the Benefits of Prayer are from a sermon that I listened to by a powerful, and annointed Woman of God, who believes that our worst problem is not praying enough. I am inclined to agree with the Pastor, “Why is it so hard for us to pray?” The good news is that we can break the habit of ignoring God immediately. I encourage each of you to make a covenant with God in the year 2021 that you will begin to “Pray without ceasing.”
There is a simple but powerful song: God answers prayers in the morning, God answers prayer at noon, God answers prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.
Bible Study: The 10 verses listed that explain the benefits of prayer.
God, we admit that we have failed in honoring you with our prayers and praise, and for this intentional sin, we ask forgiveness. Thank you for the privilege of prayer and for being our Heavenly Father. As we worship you daily, may we draw closer to you and prepare for the soon coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Although the focus has intently been on Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos and his net worth, my 10 -year membership with Amazon Prime is all about satisfying my desire for instant gratification. Yes, I am a product of a Capitalistic environment, and the fact that I can get what I want in 1-2 days delivered at my front door brings joy to my heart, and a smile to my face. With me, there is no generational conflict against the Millennials who virtually shop, Instacart delivers my groceries order from my favorite local supermarket in two hours. It is not the pandemic, my disability, or the lack of a vehicle that forced me to modify my shopping habits. I enjoy receiving what I want on time without any hassle. And why not?
Yes, why not?
The downside of knowing precisely what you will receive and when you will receive it is that our desires facilitate an inner controversy of our will versus God’s will. Our habits reflect our character! There is no middle ground, either we obey or disobey God’s plans for our lives. Serving God is a daily commitment where we must empty ourselves by praying, “Not my will, but your will be done.” Many are suffering from turmoil because they are double-minded. We cannot pray and ask God to resolve our challenges or provide our needs if we try to take control.
Think about your current or previous trial or tribulation: Did you attempt to help God resolve your challenge? Back to the habit of loving instant gratification, it places us in opposition with Jesus’ command to, Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14. Our desires will always be in direct conflict with the plans or outcomes that God has for us. The pursuit of resolving our problems usually develop the “fast and easy,” which eliminates faith, trust, and obedience to God. After all, who enjoys traveling down the path of suffering?
But that is the way you and I think. God says that we must suffer and enjoy the trials and sorrows:
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
Those of us who do not like waiting: A double minded man (or woman) is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8 KJV.
James 1:5-8, New Living Translation states:
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
How long have you been waiting for God to resolve your situation?
My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans. Isaiah 55:8-9 CEB
Instant gratification versus waiting on God is a daily struggle. We must die daily to our selfish desires and disobedient hearts. How long have you been waiting? Take the time to build your faith and trust in God during the waiting period, and pray, pray, pray!
Bible Study: James 1
God, we desperately need you. Because of our desires to end our suffering, and take the quickest way out, we are in turmoil. We ask forgiveness for pursuing our own desires. Please give us the strength to endure as we learn to wait, and to faithfully trust and obey your plans for our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
The desire to have relationships is innate. When we read the Creation story in Genesis, even God said, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18. In our pursuit to find the one who is just right for us, we often compromise. Yes, we are selective in our choice. Still, the person is not suitable for us according to God’s standards.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
Being unequally yoked extends well beyond our desire to have a romantic relationship. Our social circle of friends, along with family members, are also included in God’s command to separate from, if they are unbelievers. You may think, but how is it possible to exclude my biological family? The separation may not occur as in the physical location. You may live in the same home. The separation from unbelievers occurs on a much deeper level, spiritually.
Reflect on the unbeliever’s mindset, morals, values, conversation, habits, and the places they visit. Their lifestyle and choices have nothing to do with serving God.
What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:15
The other day, I was involved in a conversation with a family member who shared a situation with me. She confesses that God has changed her life, yet, the words that flowed from her mouth did not convey righteousness. Many are intimidated, or we ignore when our family and friends share their wrongdoings with us because:
We accept them as “thats just the way they are.”
We have no interest in witnessing to others.
We have not studied the Bible, so what we say is only our opinion.
To complete the story, she became angry and stated, “Don’t preach to me!” And that is when God allowed me to face a crossroads, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.
As much sorrow as my human heart could bear, I was saddened by her outburst of not accepting God’s truth. But when praying for comfort, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me not to take this personally. Her declaration was against God. “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16. Remember, when witnessing to others, if they are not willing to accept God’s truth, we continue to pray for them and move forward in the Name of Jesus.
It is painful to separate ourselves from those that we love. Even so, our spiritual walk with God is a tough journey, and we need to have a close association with believers who can pray with us and share God’s love and precious promises. Satan will attempt to distract us from having an up-close and personal relationship with God. We know how the story ends, read Revelation the 20th chapter.
Some of you may wonder why I choose to share my personal experiences with temptations and trials. Each of us who has committed to serving God will have a life full of suffering and sorrows. Sharing our real-life experiences enables us to spread hope. God loves us, and He will always bring us through no matter what we are facing if we just faithfully believe and always trust in Him. What is our goal? To receive our reward of Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth!
To remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, God allowed me to read this scripture found in 2 Corinthians today.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Please begin to study the Bible. Oh, how He loves you and me. Hallelujah! Praise God!
Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 4
Prayer: O Lord our God, we are asking you to reveal your love to us. We desire to witness and tell others that there is another way to live. Thank you for your great sacrifice and the plan of redemption. Please heal our brokenness and give us the strength and courage to continue through life’s journey. We ask for an increase in faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
As I reflected on the adversities throughout my lifespan, I realize that I have a lot to thank God for. After hearing a few virtual sermons on praise and thanksgiving, I have concluded that God has an extraordinary love for humanity. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jeremiah 31:3
Our challenging journey should not be a surprise because we were forewarned: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
If you interviewed for a job where the interviewer said, “this will be the hardest job that you will have ever worked on,” would you accept the position? Jesus told us that our spiritual walk with Him would be a tumultuous journey. Even so, He promises us peace and inner joy when we fully rely on Him as our Lord and Savior.
Remember, God is Omniscient—all knowing! He allows tough times for our benefit. Character refinement and spiritual growth are necessary to prepare us for Eternal life. We are usually caught off-guard by the change in our circumstances, but nothing comes as a surprise to our Heavenly Father, who consistently reminds us to depend on Him. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24
At times, we may wonder, “Where is God?” Throughout our lives, God has always been available to deliver us from our trials and tribulations. Our path to victory must include prayer, diligent Bible study, praise, listening to inspirational music, patience, along with unquestioning faith, trust, and obedience.
So what is the purpose of our adversities? There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 3:3-5
Now we can look inwardly and question ourselves, “Why am I not rejoicing if I will reap the benefits of a character that is pleasing to God, and unwavering faith?” There is something that I really love about the Godhead, God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Guide, and Comforter. They are always available to comfort and strengthen us when we are weary. God does not allow trials and sorrows to batter us to the point that we feel like we are shipwrecked on a deserted island.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Commitment to God requires walking on the narrow path. A believer’s journey is preplanned. Becoming a follower equates to strict obedience to God’s way because He does not compromise. It is worth it to give our earthly burdens over to the Creator. We are promised a bright future filled with hope, peace, and joy when we trust and obey. Yes, the trials are tough, even so, we have the love, grace, and mercy from our Heavenly Father who knows and cares.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
Bible Study: 1 Peter 5
God, we thank you for always being available when we are going through tough times. Please help us to remember that you will never leave or forsake us. We pray for an increase in our faith and to always trust in your perfect plan. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
When I entered the RN program, we had to accept a different set of rules to pass each course successfully. The requirements for eligibility to take the NCLEX and get a license/registration are determined by the nursing regulatory body (NRB). The school did not have any leeway in the program’s structure, except for setting the minimum passing grade, which was 83%.
One of the first things we learned is that all of our exam questions would resemble the NCLEX licensure exam questions. Twenty-one of the twenty-five multiple-choice, pass or fail questions required correct answers to pass the exam. Achieving 83% even with the opportunity to take one repeat exam was an impossible goal for many student nurses. At the beginning of the second semester, failure to achieve the passing grade reduced the number of nursing students by 50%.
We had a discussion to develop an action plan to form study teams and study partners at the beginning of the third semester to save our students. But the pass or fail criteria proved to be too much, and at the onset of the fourth semester, the remaining nursing students totaled 7.
Although our hearts were heavy, we persevered and the remaining seven graduated from the strenuous pass or fail nursing program that shaped us to serve those who suffered from physical, mental, and emotional illnesses. Our spiritual journey with God also shapes us to receive the heavenly reward of eternal life.
“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
Jesus told us we would suffer! Still, He says that we should have inner joy because He suffered and has overcome every trial and tribulation above and beyond what we could possibly experience. Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3. If we believe in God, our Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, why are we burdened down when troubles come our way?
We embrace the “feel good” sermons, which have trended for a long time. Because we want to hear the spoken Word and not study the Bible, we listen to pastors and ministers who tell us, “just keep a positive attitude, and everything will work out.” When the trials and sorrows last longer than we expected, we experience anxiety, depression, worries, and thoughts of suicide.
Serving God is Pass or Fail
Using the Bible, the Word of God, we are going to identify the mindset that Believers in the Most-High God should possess:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
versus
Positive thinking, or an optimistic attitude, is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation.
2. In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
versus
“When things fall into place, they happen in a satisfactory way, without problems: If you plan the project well, then everything should fall into place.”
Pass or Fail
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 NIV
My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Hosea 4:6 NLT
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
When we surrender and commit to serving God, we must diligently study the Bible. The scriptures were given under the inspiration of God. Without spiritual knowledge, we cannot possibly know who God is, nor can we experience His miraculous power. God was aware that we would be drawn to hear sermons but not to read His Holy Word. But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22
When I was a nursing student, we received the course outline one week before the beginning of each semester. The expectation was that we would study the chapter assignment before the lecture. Many misunderstood the purpose of the professor’s role in our learning experience. It was for review and clarification of knowledge that you possessed because you studied before the class.
Love, faith, trust, obedience, and patiently waiting for God to bring us through our trials enable us to experience spiritual growth. We must put our confidence in God! There is no room for self-reliance and unbelief in our spiritual journey. When we suffer from anxiety, depression, and worries, we know that we are not striving to reach our heavenly reward of eternal life.
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:13-16
Our determination to serve God faithfully includes asking the Holy Spirit to reveal who God is as we study the Bible. Every decision determines whether we will pass or fail. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Bible Study: James 1
God, we are tired of failing. We ask forgiveness for not studying your Word and then expecting to have spiritual growth. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit and reveal the meaning of every scripture that we study so we will strive to win the race and receive our heavenly reward. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
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
“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
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
“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.
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. DivineIntervention—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:
What is your purpose for serving God?.
How well do you know God?.
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!
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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