Tag: Galatians 5

The Honor and Rewards of Being Persecuted For Christ

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38).

“The early Christians endured [the spiritual] sealing their testimony with their lives. Regardless of social and economic status, and educational achievements; without mercy, nobility and the common person, whether rich or poor, they were executed for following Jesus Christ.”

“These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul;” [Nero hated Christians, executing the Apostle Paul simply because he was a Christian].

And this raging anger and hatred against the people of God was sustained for centuries. “Christians or falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declare to be the cause of great calamities–famine, pestilence, and earthquakes.” 

“As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gaining money and material possessions, to betray the innocent.”

“They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as enemies of religion and viewed as  invading pests. Great numbers were thrown to wild animals and burned alive in amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrown into the arena to be eaten by wild dogs.” The Great Controversy

As I read the historical account of the Christians in the Early Churches, I reflected on the trials and hardships that I have endured in the past 5 years; and realized that absolutely nothing, I have faced compares to true persecution.

The Apostle Paul Shares His Life of Persecution: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,  persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11, NIV).

Trials Are Part of Every Believer’s Faith Journey

“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20).

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“The Bible indicates that followers of Jesus should expect persecution, framing it as a natural consequence of living a godly life.”

“Key Scriptures emphasize both the inevitability of suffering and the spiritual blessings associated with it, encouraging believers to respond with love and prayer rather than retaliation.”

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).

The Purpose of Trials

“Spiritual Growth: “Difficulties force people to stop leaning on human strength and trust completely in God.”

“Character Refining: Trials act like a refiner’s fire, removing bad habits, pride, and hidden defects so the believer can reflect the image of God.”

“School of Sorrow: True spiritual leadership and deep service require training through hardship; those with greater callings face the most difficult tests.”

How To Endure the Suffering of Trials and Hardships

Pray continuously, asking for God’s Divine Help, and expect Jesus to give you comfort, courage, and strength.

Rely On Heavenly Help: Unseen angels actively push back dark forces and bring peace to souls ready to faint under heavy burdens.

God’s Goal is for us to have the Loving Heart and Character of Christ

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32).

Lord God, we come to You with humility and gratitude. Your love for us includes desiring that none should be lost, because of unrighteous character traits. We ask You to forgive us for our sinful thoughts, habits and behaviors, and to do whatever is necessary for us to have a pure heart, so we will receive our reward of the Eternal Crown of Life. Lord, we also ask You for the comfort and strength to persevere in our Christian Journey. Help us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, using our time wisely as we prepare for Your Soon Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Walking On The New Path of Total Surrender

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

When Jesus approached Matthew, the corrupt tax collector, Jesus extended the invitation: “Follow Me’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him…”

Matthew did not have to respond with spoken words; Jesus had the Divine Power to read what is in every human mind and heart, so He knew that Matthew was tired of his journey of walking down a dead end road.

Every day, Matthew heard the people in the marketplace telling others about Jesus’ Teachings of God’s Love for all people, regardless of their social or economic status.

Although Matthew had never personally listened to Jesus’ Teachings, as he sat at the tax collection table, the people constantly talked about a Powerful Man, named Jesus.

And this Jesus, who was from Nazareth healed lepers, opened blind eyes, gave hearing to the deaf, those who were unable to speak, talked, the crippled got up and walked, and He also have the power to cast out demons.

“Mark 7:36-37: Even though Jesus told them not to tell anyone, the people kept talking about it more and more, saying, ‘He does everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'”

Yes, Jesus’ Love, Teachings, and His Ministry of Healing was known throughout Syria. “Yet, Dr. Luke records that when Jesus raised the widow’s son—His reputation of healing power spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”

The Truth is, Matthew knew that he was traveling on a wide path when he learned that Jesus taught one’s status, wealth, and material possessions were worthless in the kingdom of God.

Jesus refuted the Pharisees’ false doctrines that only wealthy individuals would enter heaven. Deep within his heart, Matthew realized that his lifestyle placed him on the broad road, leading to death and destruction.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).

Today, Jesus is asking you and me to stop giving Him the ritualistic worship of weekly church attendance, and to “Follow Him” with a commitment of total surrender and faithful obedience.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

We must be willing to stop nurturing our habits of self-reliance and disobedience against God; cease following our thoughts and strategies; and stop chasing our desires for this Earth’s temporary treasures, pleasures, and meaningless relationships.

“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NIV). Jesus knows the true status of every human heart.

Who is sitting on the throne of our heart?

From reflecting on our thoughts, desires, habits, and lifestyle, the truth is revealed; without loving God, and honoring Him with daily surrender and faithful obedience, we are sitting on the throne of our heart.

For Jesus to sit on the throne of our hearts, the Apostle Paul tells us:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

To follow Jesus requires a spirit of humility and a lifelong commitment of daily surrender and obedience.

Through daily personal worship [Prayer, Studying and Obeying the Holy Scriptures], we abide in Christ. Asking for God’s Will to be done in our lives, reveals that we honor and reverence our King’s Sovereign Authority.

When we use our faith to implicitly trust and obey jesus, our Shepherd, the Holy Spirit leads us [day by day] on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for sanctifying and transforming our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ’s Righteous and Divine Character.

When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide gives us knowledge, spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength.

When tempted, it is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to recognize Satan’s covert temptations, and the Holy Spirit convicts our conscience if we try to hide secret sins.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”(Romans 12:9, 11-12, NIV).

Walking on the Narrow Path of Righteousness Requires the Human Effort of Total Surrender, Faithful Obedience, and The Divine Intervention of The Holy Spirit

Everyday, we will face the internal conflict of our hearts, driving us to pursue its desires and the external conflict of Satan’s continuous temptations.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24).

Although we practice self-control, our willpower can never keep us on the Path of Righteousness. We must walk through life on bended knees, asking the Holy Spirit several times a day to give us Divine Strength.

Following Jesus requires faith, courage, and the desire to live righteously. Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus, and we put on our armor, by studying the Scriptures, our Spiritual Sword.

Because of the Cross, we have Total Access to the Saving Power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Yes and Amen!

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited….”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18, NIV).

Lord, we come to You with our stubborn hearts and clenched hands of self-reliance. Yet, we have come to our spiritual senses. Jesus, we love You and desire to follow You. We ask You to forgive us for sitting on the throne of our heart, and excluding You from our lives, by only giving you recognition once a week.

Lord, we are willing to take the leap of faith to trust and obey You. And with trembling hands, we release our character deficits and burdens into Your Holy Hands. As we walk on this New Path of Total Surrender, we ask You to please be our Strength, and to anoint us with the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2026 STEPS 2 Success With Spiritual Solutions Ministry