God Jesus Holy Spirit – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jesus’ Spiritual Encouragement and Comfort For His Followers Facing The Fiery Trials of Persecution and Hatred

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18).

When Joshua and the nation of Israel were facing their enemies in Jericho: Yeshua, The Commander of Angel Armies, said these words to Joshua: “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.'” (Joshua 6:2, NIV).

“Who then is able to stand against ME? Everything under Heaven is Mine. (Job 41:10-11).

For those of us who are experiencing persecution, be encouraged! Jesus tells us that He has already given us the victory.

Jesus sees time as Eternal, so He already knows the final outcome of every fiery trial that we face. Remain courageous!

“Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14).

Our responsibility is to use our faith to wait, trusting His Sovereign Authority and Power, by totally depending on Jesus to Fight All of Our Battles.

“There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:30).

jesus, Our Mighty Warrior has already won our battle for us and that is the mindset that we must possess as we endure and persevere through the fiery trials of persecution.

Personal Testimony: Recently a very interesting video appeared in my YouTube feed: Nigerian Christians are enduring active persecution that involved the burning and destruction of their homes along with the loss of all their personal possessions.

Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and their children are currently in a displaced community living in small tents.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

Despite their overwhelming circumstances, they appeared peaceful, happy, and were singing and praising God.

The reason that God allowed me to watch this video: Because of my Christian beliefs, I am facing open hatred from my property manager in the complex where I live.

And yes, I did report her verbal offenses to the corporate office, who have reiterated professional boundaries; yet, for believers who have endured open dislike and hatred, we know that people can communicate hatred in the tone of their voice and demeanor.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Dealing with persecution and open hatred is one of the toughest trials that we will ever experience in our Christian Journey with Jesus; yet, Jesus gives us peace, comfort, and strength when we consistently ask for His Help.

The Love of Christ Constrains Our Responses

“For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake.” (2 Corinthians:14- 15, Amplified Bible).

“The Spiritual death of dying to self means the total surrender of our human will, pride, and selfish inclinations to God so that Christ can live and work through us.”

“We can come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay that way.”

Spiritual Transformation is accomplished through fiery trials resulting in the Holy Spirit purging [spiritual cleansing] us from the sinful dross of unrighteous thoughts, spoken words, habits, and lifestyles.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12, NIV).

The Fruit of the Spirit represents Jesus’ Righteous Character Attributes: “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, NKJV).

The Righteous Character of Christ is our Righteous Standard. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, daily, our mind, character, and personality are Sanctified and Spiritually Transformed, which requires total surrender, humility, faithful obedience, and self-control.

There are requisites to receive Spiritual Transformation: The Holy Spirit cannot change us without our cooperation and active participation:

“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).

1. We must possess a heart overflowing with love for God and humanity.

“Pray continuously.” (1Thessalonians 5:17).

2. We pray, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal our unrighteous character traits.

“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness” [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. (1 John 1:9 Amplified Bible).

3. We acknowledge and verbalize our unholy traits with a prayer of confession and repentance.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, ESV).

4. Every day, we pray a Prayer of Surrender asking for God’s Divine Strength to overcome, and use our spiritual gift of “self-control” to fight against hereditary tendencies and learned behaviors.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV).

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV).

5. When experiencing open hatred, we must pray throughout our waking hours, asking Jesus to give us the strength to endure.

Jesus’ Promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).

Pray every hour! The Holy Spirit responds by empowering us with Jesus’ Supernatural Strength, giving us His Divine Joy and Peace while we are enduring our hardships.

12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Core Christian Principles for Responding to Hatred

“Recognize the Spiritual Source: Hatred and revenge originate from Satan, who uses slights, gestures, or harsh intonations to provoke bitterness in the human heart; recognizing this helps prevent you from taking the bait.”

“Handling open hatred and hostility from another person requires rejecting retaliation, holding fast to Christ by faith, and responding with quiet self-control rather than bitterness.”

Refuse Retaliation: Jesus did not threaten or retaliate when reviled and abused; believers are instructed to follow His pattern and prefer to suffer wrongfully rather than vent wrath or seek self-defense.

Exercise the Power of Silence: Meeting angry or hateful words with a sharp reply acts like a whip that stirs up greater fury, whereas remaining silent and silencing the tongue allows anger to quickly die away.

Purge Bitterness from the Soul: Clinging to resentment, malice, or a desire for revenge opens the heart to Satan and destroys harmony with God. True Christian character replaces hatred with kindness through Divine Grace.

Maintain Love and Forbearance: Even when facing false reports, jealousy, or mistreatment, Christians are called to avoid fault finding, remembering that God exercises tenderness and forbearance toward human defects.

Hold to Christ by Faith: Human strength alone cannot withstand open hostility; you must unite human weakness with divine strength through prayer and faith in Jesus Christ.

Check Your Own Spirit: Guard against embracing wrath or magnifying grievances, and resist the temptation to gloat or rejoice if an enemy stumbles or falls.

The New Living Translation: “Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corinthians: 14-15, NLT).

Lord Jesus, we know that Your earthly life was filled with religious enemies, who hated You because You were Righteous, revealing God’s Love for all humanity, whether poor or wealthy.

You gave hope through your Sermons and Parables, giving spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical healing to the multitudes. You explained that You were the Way, the Truth, and the Life to Heaven.

Jesus, you exposed the evil traits of self-righteousness, pride, prejudice, oppression, and greed residing in the hearts of the religious leaders: And you were hated and repaid with suffering a criminal’s death of crucifixion on Calvary’s Cross. Yet, we thank You for the Cross and for giving Your Life to save our souls.

LORD, we also pray an Intercessory prayer for all Christian believers, globally, who are experiencing persecution, including myself. Jesus, it is a privilege to suffer for You. We ask for the Blessings of Strength, Guidance, Wisdom, and Your presence in our lives.

Thank You for Your Promises of never leaving or abandoning us. Thank You for providing our necessities, and giving us Your Divine Peace that comforts our hearts, and redirects our faith and focus to You instead of our circumstances.

Jesus, we love You! Thank You for Your never-failing Faithfulness, and in faith, we ask this prayer for continuous Mercies in Your Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

“The LORD Will Fight For You”

Victory Belongs To Jesus: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18)

In Job Chapters 38-41, The LORD declares His Omnipotence to Job, who desires to question God because of his trial of extreme suffering.

“The LORD asks: ‘Who then is able to stand against ME? Who has proceeded ME, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine. (Job 41:10-11).

Throughout the Holy Bible, Reverence for God’s Holiness and Sovereign Authority has always been required to receive His Divine Intervention.

“And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!'” (Revelation 4:8). This Scripture refers to the angels in heaven, who worship God, the Father and God, Jesus, the Son with love, loyalty, and reverence.

Reverence for God’s Divine Authority is demonstrated through daily surrender, faithful obedience, and prayerfully asking for His Plans to be revealed for the given day.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37).

Loving God is to put Him First, as revealed by a life of self-denial, praying for guidance, and following and obeying His plans.

Studying the Bible with the desire to learn and practice God’s Commands and Righteous Precepts invites the Holy Spirit to transform us spiritually, preparing us for an eternity of worship.

Steadfast Faith, Surrender, and Obedience are Spiritual Requisites revealing that our heart is overflowing with love for God, and that our minds are aligned with the Righteousness of Christ.

If we desire God’s Divine Help and to receive our reward of the Eternal Crown of Life [Revelation 2:10; Revelation 22:12] then our thoughts, attitude spoken words, habits, attitude, and lifestyle must reflect God’s command, “Be holy for I Am Holy.”

Reflection: Does our lifestyle and worship reflect that we revere and honor God’s Sovereign Authority and Power?

“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. 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).

Brothers and Sisters, we live in a time in which, many believers feel intimidated to serve God as He requires. Those who say they are Christian believers, but practice the irreverent lifestyles and actions of other “Christian Believers,” God tells us that He considers them as sinners.

The Lord will not hear a sinner’s prayer unless it is a prayer of confession and repentance: “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him.” (John 9:31).

“Then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not answer them; He will hide His face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil.” (Micah 3:4).

Consider this, if you have prayed for God’s Divine Help and never received an answer, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are practicing any sins that have separated you from God.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV).

Unless we surrender and consecrate ourselves to God, we cannot perceive God as the Holy and Sovereign Authority of this universe, or the Sustainer of Life. Spiritual discernment is a Spiritual gift that requires faithful obedience to God.

“And the Lord said: ‘…this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me'” (Isaiah 29:13).

Although we attend weekly church services, and do not engage in the worldly practices of sinners, often we are too distracted and too tired to worship God in Spirit and Truth.

God tells us that He must be First in our lives, which includes giving Him a reasonable portion of our gift of time every day through personal worship.

Many believers do not worship God through the daily personal worship of Prayer and Bible Study. If we exclude worship in our earthly lives, how are we preparing for an eternity of worshiping God?

“…let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Core Principles of Reverence

“Reverence for God is a sacred grace of the soul, cultivated through an awareness of His Infinite Presence.”

Core Principles of Reverence

Approach to Prayer: Believers should approach God in Jesus’ name with confidence, but avoid a bold, presumptuous, or overly casual attitude as if addressing an equal or inferior.
The Name of God: God’s Name and titles are holy and must never be spoken lightly, thoughtlessly, or repeated needlessly in conversation or prayer.
Posture in Worship: Kneeling is emphasized in both public and private prayer as the biblical example modeled by Jesus, the apostles, and prophets.
Behavior in the Sanctuary: The house of worship is treated as the ‘gate of heaven,’ requiring sobriety, order, and neatness. In the Bible, spiritual sobriety refers to being reverent, watchful, and disciplined in your faith rather than spiritually intoxicated by worldly distractions.
Believers are advised to avoid common business, using cellular devices to text, idle talking, whispering, laughing, or lingering/gossiping in the aisles after services.
Respect for Scripture: Printed Bibles and sacred words should be handled with deep respect, never used carelessly, and never quoted in jests or light banter.
Living God’s Character: True reverence extends beyond outward [ritual practices of worship] to embodying God’s merciful, gracious, and righteous character in daily life.
Embodying: To show a character trait so clearly that a person or thing becomes a living example.

Throughout the years most Christian churches have dismissed the practice of reverencing God by bowing on one’s knees when praying, but it was not always like this.

As a child, I was taught when to revere God by always bowing on my knees when praying , or if sitting at the table, say a Prayer of Gratitude for the food, still, we always closed our eyes and bowed our heads.

Faithful obedience demonstrates reverence for God: God rejected Cain’s offering, as recorded in Genesis 4:3–5, because of Cain’s heart attitude of disobedience, lack of faith, and reverence.

Like Cain, Adam and Eve’s oldest son, who offered God a sacrifice based on his thoughts, we have been deceived by Satan to think that we can offer praise and worship to the Most-High God based on our thoughts, emotions, and worship practices.

Proper worship invites the Holy Spirit to place us in the presence of God, where we receive the spiritual blessings of Jesus’ gifts of peace, joy, and the strength to persevere in our spiritual journey with Jesus.

We were created to obey and worship the Most-High God. Self-reliance is Sin: To worship God when we feel like it, reveals that we think our human thoughts are superior to God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways. Study Isaiah 55:8-9.

Bible stories clearly indicate that only the righteous who honored God by revering His Sovereignty, Supremacy, and Holiness through faithful obedience received His Divine Help and Guidance, ending in Victory.

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'” (Exodus 14:13-14)

The Holy Scriptures teach us how to revere God: Study Psalm 95.

Lord God, we humbly bow in Your Holy Presence, asking for the forgiveness of our sins. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to anoint us with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we desperately need You to lead us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. We ask for wisdom and the strength to persevere in our spiritual journey. Lord we admit that we can do nothing without You. Although we have tried, we realize that we cannot change ourselves. Lord, reveal any unrighteous characteristics, habits, and people that we need to let go of. Teach us how to be holy. We desire to worship You in Spirit and Truth, reverencing Your Holiness and Sovereign Authority. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Savior and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.

The True Tests of Faith Produce Righteousness and Character Transformation

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, Amplified Bible).

The challenges, disappointments, and hardships, we experience are allowed for the purpose of strengthening our faith, trust, obedience, and dependency on God.

“Be holy for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). We can come to Jesus just like we are, but we cannot stay that way.

The Holy Spirit can only sanctify those who willingly live a life of daily surrender and faithful obedience to follow and obey Jesus Christ, our Shepherd.

Our earthly lives are the only opportunity that we have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, Who gradually [day by day] changes our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Jesus’ Righteous Character.

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV).

Lord God, Creator of this universe and every living thing, we humbly bow in Your Holy Presence on the Holy Sabbath asking for the forgiveness of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord, we have faced a week filled with many challenges, including spiritual warfare that has left us depleted. We are in need of the blessings of spiritual renewal, restoration, and healing of our mind, body, and soul. We pray for a Christ-like spirit to love others, including our enemies. Jesus, we thank You for loving us unconditionally; we praise You for the blessings we received, including angelic protection from all harm. Thank You for giving us the Sabbath, a time to rest, and redirect our focus to reflect deeply on Your Love, Grace, Mercies, and Faithfulness. We also ask You to strengthen the global Christian Community, especially those who are being persecuted for accepting and following Jesus. In faith and with gratitude, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Savior and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Who Can Win Against Jesus, El Gibbor, Our Mighty Warrior?

The Enemy’s Challenge: King Sennacherib’s Threat

“Then the Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish.”

“And the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, ‘Look, he has come out to make war with you.’ So he again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

”Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.””

‘Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered?'” (2 Kings 20: 8-11).

King Hezekiah’s Prayer

“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.”

15 “Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: ‘O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.’

16 ‘Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.’

17 ‘Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them.’

19 ‘Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.'”

God, Jesus, El Gibbor—The Mighty Warrior’s Response

32 “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, Nor shoot an arrow there, Nor come before it with shield, Nor build a siege mound against it.’

33 ‘By the way that he came, By the same shall he return; And he shall not come into this city, ‘Says the Lord.”

34 ‘For I will defend this city, to save it
For My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.'”

El Gibbor—The Sovereign God’s Victorious Outcome

Sennacherib’s Defeat and Death
35 “And it came to pass on a certain night that the Angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead.”

36 “So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.”

37 “Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.”

The Sovereign God Is Unknown To Most of Today’s Christian Believers

“My people perish for the lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). From redirecting our faith and focus to ourselves and the world’s temporary wealth, success, and pleasures, truthfully, we do not know who the Sovereign God is.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelation 22:13).

From not studying the Bible, we do not know Jesus’ Love, our Mighty Warrior’s Faithfulness, Promises, and His Perfect Record of Absolute Victories.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24).

Unless we develop a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ through daily personal worship, surrendering to follow our Shepherd, praying continuously, and studying the Holy Scriptures in the Bible, we will redirect our faith and focus to ourselves.

But from embracing the unbeliever’s life of trusting in human thoughts and strategies, we travel on the road of Self-Reliance, which places us on a Spiritually Dead End Street.

“And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10).

At some point, when we have suffered enough consequences from excluding God, we realize our human limitations, and feeling defeated, instead of repenting, we begin to blame God for abandoning us.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28).

For the Believers that follow Jesus with faithful obedience, when we face the hardships and vicissitudes of life that are impossible for human thoughts, wisdom, and strategies to resolve, we bow on bended knees, crying out for God’s Help.

“Behold, I am YHWH, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27, BLB). Everyday, we must choose to practice the steadfast faith required to believe in and trust God’s Sovereign Power.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV).

Whether experiencing life’s routine challenges or severe struggles, the righteous use their faith to believe and rely on God’s Promises that they have memorized; and the Holy Spirit encourages us by speaking through our thoughts, and reminding us of God’s Faithfulness, and His Commitment to always help us.

“You will keep him in perfect peace because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3). For those who live a lifestyle of worship, we choose to completely trust God.

“Peace, Be still.” Yes, we place our life in His Capable Hands, and enjoy His peace. How? We believe that Jesus is Sovereign, Loves us, and is Our Shelter and Deliverer when facing the raging storms of life.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (Psalm 42:5, Amplified Bible).

At times, even the strongest Christians may feel discouraged, especially when our trials last for a long time; but from developing the habit of prayer as our First Response, we invite the Holy Spirit to encourage and empower us with Jesus’ Divine Peace and Strength. Pray continuously!

The Bible Keeps Us Anchored In Christ

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105). Through the Holy Spirit, God’s Word provides Spiritual Guidance, revealing that Jesus is our Guiding Light even when we are traveling on the dark Path of Adversity.

God’s Word is the Spiritual Catalyst that brings us back to our Spiritual Senses: Jesus tells us: “Take no thought for tomorrow; I will never leave you or forsake you; Fear not, for I am with you…”

The Holy Bible reveals God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways, always redirecting our faith and focus away from our circumstances and back to The Sovereign Power of Jesus Christ, El Gibbor, Heaven’s Mighty Warrior.

“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37). The Bible gives us the intimate details of Yeshua: Jesus is our Mighty Warrior, promising to give us Victory when we place all of our faith and trust in Him.

Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Every day, Jesus is still performing Supernatural Miracles of Healing and Restoration, giving us the Strength to persevere, and comforting us while we endure illnesses, griefs, and hardships.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). “Behold I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20). And we must never forget that Jesus, our Warrior is still reaching out to the heart of sinners to accept Him as their personal Savior.

Make the decision every day to put Jesus Christ as the Lord of your Life; He is a Loving and Faithful Shepherd, The Great Physician, Our Dedicated Protector, and Powerful Warrior, who tells us, “You will not have to fight,” Be still, and know that I am God.” Yes and Amen!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).

Lord God, we desperately need Your help. We are facing many struggles and hardships that we cannot resolve, and even if we could, Jesus, we bring our burdens to Your Throne of Grace, because You promised to help us in our time of need. Lord, we make the commitment to use our faith to trust You with our lives. We realize only You can give us the victory and bring glory to Your Holy Name. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Loving and Righteous Name of our Mighty Warrior, El Gibbor, Jesus Christ, Amen.

God Wants To Prepare You For Today – David’s Prayer: “Teach me Your way, O Lord”

“Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
For I am distressed and needy [I long for Your help].”

“Hear, O Lord, my prayer; And listen attentively to the voice of my supplications” (specific requests)!

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me.”

“Teach me Your way, O Lord, I will walk and live in Your truth; Direct my heart to fear Your name” [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].

“I will give thanks and praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; And will glorify Your name forevermore.” (Psalm 86: 1, 6-7, 11-12, Amplified Bible)

The Psalms are songs expressing praise and worship to God, heartfelt distress, remorse, confession, and repentance.

The Psalms also teach us how to seek God for help, guidance, comfort, and protection.

The Psalms are prayers written by David and other appointed musicians, including King Solomon.

Yes, the Psalms are the honest, heartfelt cries of righteous men, who were not ashamed to express the true feelings in their hearts to the Most-High God.

Although many believers incorrectly perceive David as suffering from depression, David was not depressed.

“Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house.” (2 Samuel 12:11).

Because of his shameless sins against God of committing adultery with Bathsheba, and ordering for her husband to be killed, David lived under a God-given curse that there would never be peace in his household.

Although two of David’s Sons, Princes Absalom and Adonijah attempted to remove their father as King, God intervened, never allowing harm to come to King David.

“I will give thanks and praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; And will glorify Your name forevermore.” (Psalm 86:12).

“The Psalms represent a personal, sincere, and lifelong commitment to worshiping God with one’s entire being (mind, emotions, and will) rather than through empty ritualistic worship practices.”

Through prayer, we have the privilege of expressing our love and gratitude for God’s love, forgiveness, guidance, and protection from spiritual warfare and our enemies.

But most importantly, our prayers should express our recognition of God’s Righteous and Loving Character, His Sovereign Authority, and gratitude for His Abundant Blessings of Grace and Mercies.

Psalm 25:4–5: “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God My Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”

Because we cannot foresee the future, nor do we know what will happen in the next few minutes or hours on the given day, we immediately pray, asking God to reveal His plans, and to guide and protect us.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6).

Each new day, we receive the merciful gift of time; and with appreciation, we whisper words of gratitude for God’s Faithfulness.

Love is reciprocal. Yes, as soon as we wake up, our love for God is expressed by the immediate response, “Thank You, God for the gift of today. “

A Christian author expresses the reasons that her daily morning worship with God is vital: “This time alone with God prepares me for what I will need throughout the day. He’s equipping me to handle what is ahead with His gentle boldness, quiet strength, and loving grace.”

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

God’s Loving Promise: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV). Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Psalm 86

Prayer: “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant…Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” (Psalm 86:15-17, NKJV).

Depend On Jesus, “He Is Our Savior, Advocate, Intercessor, Friend, Provider, Great Physician, Mighty Warrior…”

In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus tells Peter, His disciple: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you return strengthen your brothers.”

Have you ever asked Jesus to pray for you? Why not? Jesus is our Heavenly Advocate, Intercessor, and High Priest.

From asking Jesus to pray for you, from personal experience, this is the Spiritual Blessings you will receive:

The Holy Spirit will empower you with Jesus’ Divine Peace, Wisdom, Strength, Guidance, and Comfort; and Jesus, The Commander of Angel Armies sends His angels to protect the righteous from all unseen spiritual warfare, physical danger, and scams [Study Ephesians 6].

“Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4, Amplified Bible).

God, Jesus Christ, The Son created us from love, in His image, chose us to be His, and has a personal interest in our well-being and happiness.

“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).

One of the greatest battles we fight [every day] is overcoming the internal desires of our heart, which are always in conflict with God’s best plans for our lives. Throughout your waking hours, Pray for the Mighty Warrior’s Divine Strength!

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).

Reflection: Do your choices and lifestyle reveal that you believe Jesus desires the best for you? Our internal desires direct our focus and pursuits, revealing always the true spiritual condition of our heart.

When our desires align with God’s Plans, God, The Holy Spirit performs the daily spiritual growth and transformation of our mind, character, and personality required to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, also preparing us to receive our Eternal Crown of Life.

Total surrender and faithful obedience are the character traits required to follow Christ. When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, our prayers reflect our desperate need for Jesus.

To maintain our connection to Christ, every day, we must approach The Throne of Grace: “Pray continuously.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Why is continuous prayer vital for the Christian Believer? The Believer’s daily fight always involves spiritual warfare; yet, we were not created to fight Satan.

For over 6,000 years, Satan has deceived and manipulated humanity. We must have Divine Help to overcome Satan’s power. Continuous Prayer is our lifeline to Jesus Christ, Heaven’s Mighty Warrior.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [traps] of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

Every second of our lives, there is so much going on in the spiritual realm that is unseen by human eyes. Because of God’s Mercies, He protects us by hiding the demonic wickedness that would result in us living in constant fear.

Every believer is Satan’s target. Do not let yourself become distracted, Stay prayerful! Just because we cannot see the invisible war between Good and Evil does not mean it is not happening!

Prayer is a lifestyle! When facing Spiritual Warfare, or life’s continuous challenges our first response should be an immediate Prayer of Faith, asking Jesus for help!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, ESV).

Jesus, the Mighty Warrior told Joshua, “I have given you Jericho.” Because God is Omniscient, All-Knowing, and Omnipotent, Absolute Sovereign Power, Jesus always speaks in future terms regarding His Deliverance from the enemy.

Yes, Jesus promises His Divine Intervention in response to the prayers of the righteous: Believe that Jesus is your Best Friend, always willing to help you. Whisper words that thank Him for His love and the victory He promised in the same prayer. Pray, wait, and obey.

“Wait for and confidently expect the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14, Amplified Bible).

Whether we are facing the routine challenges of life, or the unexpected adversity of incurable disease, loss of employment, persecution, legal matters, dissolution of family ties, or marriage, our death of a loved one; Jesus, our Great Physician and Comforter waits for us to ask for His Divine Help.

“He was despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and pain and acquainted with grief; And like One from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or esteem Him.” (Isaiah 53:3, Amplified Bible).

We have a Loving Savior, who says that He was a Man of Sorrows in His earthly life. Jesus was never unhappy or discouraged; His sorrows were of a spiritual nature; the people that He came to save, continuously rejected Him as Savior and the Son of God [Study Luke 4].

If we desire to have a deeper spiritual relationship, we must commit to following Jesus Christ. Every day, we must choose to rely totally on Christ, our Advocate, Intercessor, Shepherd, and Triumphant King, or we reject Jesus and His Wisdom and Guidance, by following our own thoughts and inclinations.

Our Spiritual Priority: Seek Righteousness

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” (Matthew 6:33, Amplified Bible).

Worship God in Spirit and Truth: The converted heart overflows with love, loyalty, and appreciation for Jesus Christ, who fulfilled The Plan of Redemption.

Daily Reflection on The Message of The Cross strengthens our relationship with Christ, giving us a greater appreciation for His love and devotion to humanity.

By becoming The Sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus gives us the option to choose and receive Eternal Life instead of suffering the second and final death for our sins.

When our focus is spiritual, we will cease praying, asking, and chasing the temporary material things and wealth that Satan uses to distract us. Satan is relentless and he will do whatever is necessary for us to turn away from following Christ.

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that earthly treasures and money are meaningless; every believer is in desperate need of Jesus’ Righteous Character Traits; The Fruit of the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25).

Our habits, behaviors, and lifestyle reveal our love, loyalty, and appreciation for Jesus’ Love and His willingness to rescue us from the devastation of sin [Romans 6:23].

Although we cannot change ourselves, our decision to surrender to and follow Christ with faithful obedience reveals that we love God and are actively participating in our spiritual transformation performed by the Holy Spirit.

Daily Surrender and Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor. When we confess and repent of our sins, as our Advocate, Jesus covers us with His Righteousness, presenting us as righteous before God, the Father. Yes and Amen!

Before Jesus was arrested, in John chapters 13-16, He spoke to His disciples, telling them: “Until now you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

The priority of Prayer is to ask for Spiritual Blessings: We pray and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us the deeper spiritual meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and we also ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s Purpose for our life.

Spiritual Blessings: A heart filled with God’s Truth, Love, Wisdom, Strength, Guidance, the Discernment to recognize false teachings, and the Divine Power to overcome Satan’s deceptive temptations.

We struggle with temptations, because all temptations are based on our heart’s desires. Satan is not All-Knowing, he cannot read our minds, but he observes our behaviors.

The movies, social media scrolling, gaming, and the conversations and activities that we participate in behind closed doors reveal the true condition of our hearts; yet, we must remember that secret sins are never secret.

To overcome our internal desires and external temptations, we must abide in Jesus Christ through continuous prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures.

Worship is a lifestyle that keeps us connected to Jesus Christ. Through Prayer and Bible Study, we invite the Holy Spirit to be an active part of our lives.

Our cooperation with the Holy Spirit is revealed through our faith in the Infinite and Sovereign Power of Jesus Christ. Instead of attempting to navigate through life using our thoughts and strategies, we depend on Jesus for the wisdom and strength to live the Victorious Life of an Overcomer.

“By focusing on the hope of Heaven, we can find strength and joy in our daily struggles, allowing this future promise to inspire our present actions and cultivate a [Christ-Like] righteous character.”

Yes, Jesus, our Savior, Advocate, Great Physician, Comforter, Intercessor, Attorney, Righteous Judge, and King of Kings loves us with an Everlasting Love, and in Hebrews 4:16, our Provider extends this invitation to every believer:

“Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).

Lord Jesus, we humbly approach your Throne of Grace asking for a spiritual transformation of our hearts. Lord, You are our Savior and King, and we desire to worship You with humility, surrender, and faithful obedience. Teach us how to love as You Love. Jesus, with gratitude, we love You, and acknowledge that we can do nothing without You. In faith, we ask this prayer in Your Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

God Always Gives Us The Miracles That We Need

When God gives you a miracle it doesn’t go to anyone else, “God, The Giver of All Good Gifts” sends it right to you. And whatever God has blessed, no human can curse or prevent you from receiving.

If you are not receiving God’s Blessings and Miracles then pray King David’s prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV).

We must strive to worship God with total surrender and faithful obedience, which invites the Holy Spirit to empower us to live righteously: “Be holy, for I Am Holy.”

Unrighteous character traits, especially the disobedience that comes from self-reliance, secret sins that we fail to confess, and asking for material blessings that will prevent our spiritual growth and transformation will always result in God withholding His miraculous blessings.

Our goal is to follow Jesus in our earthly lives, as sheep follow their Shepherd; which invites the Holy Spirit to lead us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness from Earth to Heaven.

“The hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” (Colossians 1:5). As Christian believers, our hope in Christ, who willingly gave His Life, so we can have an eternal future with Him.

Christ, Our Shepherd and Savior desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to think about tomorrow, because today’s troubles are enough for us to rely on Him to help us with.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10). Receiving God’s Supernatural Strength is a blessing that we should always ask and pray for.

Jesus’ Blessing of His Strength Always Includes His Peace and Joy: Jesus promised to give us His Strength, and His Strength is not limited to only helping us to persevere through fiery trials.

Few Believers consider that receiving Divine Strength is a miracle; yet, our minds would be peaceful, and we would have abundant Joy within our hearts, if we only included Jesus in our routine duties of life.

I can recall leaving the clinical aspect of Nursing to accept a position for United Healthcare as a Quality Nurse reviewing medical records to determine if Medicare Guidelines were being met.

After the first month of receiving resistance from 90% of the doctors, I prayed and asked God, “Is this the right job for me?” I can recall one morning that my mental fatigue was so great that I made the decision to resign.

While sitting in front of my computer, I whispered a prayer asking for God’s Guidance. The Holy Spirit spoke to me [through my thoughts], telling me to take my lunch break alone in my vehicle instead of with my coworkers.

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).

From obeying the Voice of God, I went to my vehicle, turned on Christian music, started singing and praying, and I received mental clarity, wisdom, peace, joy, and the physical strength to complete my work assignment.

“Every good and perfect gift is from the Father above…” Jesus gave me an abundant miracle! My energy level remained supercharged, lasting from 12:00 noon-6:30 p.m., until I arrived home [a 45-minute drive].

Believers, every day, we have the opportunity to receive the Miraculous transfer of Jesus’ Divine Wisdom and Strength, empowering our mind, body, and soul. [Study Luke 8:43-48].

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3). God’s Blessings flow when we love God, asking for His Help, and trusting that He is a Merciful, Heavenly Father, who desires to give us the best.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).

In John 16:33, Jesus told us we would have many hardships in life, but to rely on Him by using our faith to ask for His Divine Help. Yes, in faith, we pray, and Jesus will give us the spiritual blessings that are necessary to live as overcomers, despite our challenges.

We cannot navigate through daily challenges and unexpected adversities, using our human thoughts and strength, and maintain our spiritual focus without Jesus’ Divine Intervention. Always stay connected to Jesus Christ!

Every day, our faith and focus should be directed to Christ. From the moment we awaken, we give God praise and gratitude for the gift of a new day, and pray for His Divine Guidance, Wisdom, and Strength.

We are temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth preparing every day for that Great Day when Jesus Comes again. Yes and Amen!

Through Personal Worship [daily Surrender, Prayer, and Bible Study], we express our love and gratitude for God’s Love, Grace, and Mercies. Every day, take the time to meditate on Jesus’ Love, and your Forever Life with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth.

It’s time for us to ask for and rely on God’s Abundant Promises to the righteous: Psalm 121:1-8, ESV:

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Lord God, we desperately need your Divine Intervention. The hardships of life can easily overwhelm us when we attempt to navigate without Your Divine Strength, Wisdom, and Guidance. Lord, we commit to a life of worship, seeking Your Will and Plans for our lives. Jesus, You know the blessings and miracles that we need, and we ask You to help us, and to guide us, as we learn to totally depend on You. Jesus, we thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being our Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd, and Triumphant King. We love You, because You first loved us. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, and express our gratitude for loving us with an Everlasting Love. Amen.

The Struggles Are Not Your Battles: Ask Jesus To Fight For You

“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).

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” As Christian believers, we should never be burdened with the challenges that consistently happen in our lives.

But, because of our spirit of self-reliance, we miss out on God’s Promises, Blessings, and His Divine Intervention, which always ends in victory.

“Pray continuously.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Through prayer, give God the glory and honor that He deserves by surrendering and asking for His Divine Help. We have access to God’s Sovereign Power 24/7. Pray, ask, wait, and obey.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love, Grace, and Mercies. We ask You to forgive us for the sin of self-reliance, which prevents You from giving us Your Divine Help and receiving our greatest blessings. Jesus, we desperately need Your Intervention. We cannot navigate through this journey of life without Your wisdom, strength, and guidance. King Jesus, we love You and worship Your Holy Name, and in faith, we ask this prayer in Your Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

Trusting God Requires Knowing God’s Loving Character and His Promises

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, Amplified Bible).

Those who pray and study the Bible, believing that God’s Promises are “Yes and Amen” will always have the strongest faith and trust in God’s Sovereign Power.

Throughout the Bible, God describes His Righteous, Loving, and Patient Character; The Holy Scriptures reveal His Sovereign Authority over humanity, and proclaim His Promises and Commitment to take care of the righteous.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NIV).

Knowing who God is strengthens our faith. And because we believe that God is who He says He is, we trust in His Power, which is the spiritual catalyst to having courageous faith!

Whether we are facing the routine challenges of life or an impossible adversity, knowing God gives us the courage to respond with an immediate prayer asking for God’s Divine Help.

God’s Response To Our Prayers of Faith: “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

Good News Translation: “Even before they finish praying to me, I will answer their prayers.” (Isaiah 65:24).

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we commit to establishing a relationship with Him that requires learning His Character, praying, studying the Bible, and following our Shepherd with a commitment of daily surrender and faithful obedience.

The Holy Spirit inspired four different writers to document The Life of Christ in the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which indicates that it is a spiritual priority [for us] to know who Jesus is.

Jesus Asks His Disciples, “Who do you say I am?”

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?'”

“They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'”

“But what about you?’ He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?'”

“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'”

“Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.'” (Matthew 16:13-17, NIV).

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” (Matthew 28:18).

It is impossible for us to trust Jesus when He is a stranger. Only believing that God exists is not enough to be a faithful Christian; many unbelievers also believe that God exists, yet they will never accept that Jesus is God, the Son, and the Redeemer, Savior, and Sovereign Authority over humanity.

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

To love Jesus is to obey Him. When we love Jesus, we place all of our faith and trust in His Plans and Divine Guidance. Following Jesus always requires obedience, which is the true test of our faith.

Each morning, we have the opportunity to choose to follow Christ. If yes, the Holy Spirit guides and keeps us on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, and empowers us with Jesus’ Wisdom, Strength, and Perfect Peace.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

When we know and trust Jesus as our Shepherd and Triumphant King, despite our circumstances, we can rely on our Mighty Warrior’s Promises to never leave us or forsake us, and to always fight our battles.

The Followers of Christ Daily Prayer: “Lord, I cannot fight my battles without Your help. Jesus, I am asking You to be with me. Help me to redirect my faith and focus from my circumstances to You. Jesus, I desperately need Your help. I confess that my faith is weak, still, I believe in Your Promises and Your Power. In Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen

When we pray, we are to believe that we have received the victory. Praise and thank God for the victory, even before it comes. Yes and Amen!

Why Is It So Difficult To Follow Jesus?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Because God is Omniscient, He knew that our lives would include fighting daily battles, making decisions, and overcoming temptations that would leave us mentally and spiritually depleted.

Our Heavenly Father’s Promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8).

With great love, God, Jesus, the Son created us to totally depend on His Wisdom and Strength. We acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority by praying for guidance and obeying Him, simply because Jesus is our Creator, Savior, and King, and we are the creation.

To accept Christ as our Savior and Shepherd requires us to follow God’s Higher Thoughts and to resist our inclinations: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).

The failure to pray for and obey God’s Guidance reveals that we have rejected Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Following our thoughts reveals a deeper spiritual issue with our heart; making plans without God reveals a spirit of disobedience, and the failure to revere God’s Sovereign Authority over our lives.

God’s Free Gift of Grace: We Are Saved By Grace Through Faith

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

“The Transforming Power of Grace: Christ’s Grace does more than forgive past sins; it molds and changes human character to reflect the likeness of Jesus.”

“Grace Is Freely Given: It cannot be bought with money, earned by human works, or commanded by power—it is accepted only through faith and surrender.”

“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).

God loves us and has a definitive plan for our lives: His priority is to spiritually transform our mind, character, and personality: “Be holy, for I Am Holy” is God’s Command; yet, we cannot change ourselves.

Sanctification [Spiritual Growth and Transformation] requires letting go of the sin of self- reliance. Through daily consecration, we commit to abide in Christ by seeking His guidance through continuous prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures.

The Sacrificial Life: “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. …”

“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).

Sanctification is the daily transforming spiritual work of the Holy Spirit that requires our cooperation and must be accomplished in our earthly lives before we take our last breath.

The Message of The Cross: With Amazing Love that the human mind cannot comprehend [without the Holy Spirit giving us a deeper spiritual understanding], God, the Father gifted us with Jesus, His Divine Son, who died to save our souls.

Jesus willingly gave His life to save us from the wages of sin [the second and final death] with the expectation that we would love, follow, obey, and worship Him as our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King.

God, the Father’s Spiritual Goals: For us to love God, Yeshua, His Son; to possess the Righteous Attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character [The Fruit of The Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23]; and for God, the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, in preparation for an eternity of worshiping Jesus [Revelation 22].

God’s Instructions For Striving To “Be Holy”

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV).

We come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).

Why is it so difficult for us to follow Jesus and to live holy?

“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29). Jesus proclaimed that He always obeyed God, the Father.

To be a Christian is to be Christ-like: To Follow Christ Is To Seek His Divine Will and Fulfill God’s Plans.

“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, ESV).

The Four Gospels reveal Jesus’ earthly life, and His commitment to teach and transform the 12 disciples. We study the Bible to learn how Jesus lived and overcame sin through continuous prayer.

If we pray for the strength and power to stand down sinful desires and temptations, we will immediately receive Christ’s Divine Power, given to us by the Holy Spirit to overcome.

Jesus’ earthly life reveals that He loved God, the Father; Jesus’ abundant love brought hope, healing, and peace to the multitudes of people, who were rejected by the Jewish leaders.

God, the Father, expects us to have the same Loving and Righteous Character as Christ, which is only possible when we dedicate ourselves to follow Jesus with daily surrender and faithful obedience.

Placing our faith and trust in Jesus and seeking His Guidance through continuous prayer reveals that our heart is overflowing with love for God.

Humility reveals itself through obedience, only then can the Holy Spirit empower us with Jesus’ Divine wisdom and strength to persevere in our earthly spiritual journey.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Salvation is not Behavior Modification; it is impossible for us to change the condition of our inherited hearts. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

God knows our struggles with sin and selfishness; therefore He gave us written Spiritual Principles and Commands in the Holy Bible, which provide the Divine Guidance to live as righteous overcomers.

Yes, The Bible is our Spiritual Blueprint. The Holy Scriptures teach us how to live holy; still, we require Jesus’ Divine Power every day, given to us through the Holy Spirit to win our spiritual battles.

Letting Go of The Unbelieving Mindset of Self-Reliance

Self-Reliance redirects our faith and focus to ourselves instead of on the Power of God. Following Jesus, our Shepherd requires a spirit of humility and the willingness to obey God.

We actively participate in our Salvation by making choices that honor God: “Do not be conformed to this world.”

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot overcome our heart’s desires for wealth, material possessions, and sinful people and pleasures.

Every day, our earnest prayer must be King David’s prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV).

When we love God, daily surrender and faithful obedience to His Perfect Plans are not a burden.

Because we love Jesus and appreciate the gift of His Life on Calvary’s Cross, following Him on the Narrow Path of Righteousness is our greatest desire.

Our commitment to follow Jesus is renewed every morning; Personal worship includes the Prayer of Surrender, Praying for God’s Plan for the new day, and studying the Holy Scriptures.

Through continuous prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual wisdom and discernment to understand the deepest spiritual meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and how we are to live out the Scriptures day by day.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, teaching us how to “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” The Holy Spirit also warns us of Satan’s covert temptations designed to deceive us.

One of Satan’s most effective strategies is to bring “unbelieving believers” into our lives; with their words they proclaim belief in God, but their lifestyle reveals a heart that is attached to the world.

Separation From Unbelievers and Unbelieving Believers: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV).

We must also separate ourselves from family and friends who do have a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. “You will know them by their fruits;” either we are righteous or worldly, no one can serve God with a divided heart.

“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, NLT)

God, the Holy Spirit, guides and empowers us to choose right instead of wrong; to accept and live by God’s Truth instead of false teachings; and to renounce the unbeliever’s godless habits and lifestyles; still, our hearts must desire to willingly follow and obey Jesus.

Satan desires that we see God as a punitive Judge instead of a Loving Heavenly Father, Who desires to give us Eternal Life; but Jesus says that Satan is the “Father of Lies.”

The Hidden Traits of Disobedience: “But why do you call me ‘Lord Lord,’ but not do as I say?” Yes, following Christ requires giving up our desires for His Perfect Plans.

Although God desires for us to love Him with faithful obedience, God’s desires are rarely fulfilled. Because God is Just, we were created with a free will to choose. Sadly, humanity, who are the only beings created in the image of God frequently choose to rebel against His Sovereign Authority.

If we reject Jesus by embracing self-reliance and chasing our desires then we choose the destiny of Malachi 4, instead of God’s Plans to live forever with Him in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Worship Is a Lifestyle Not a Weekly Event

The lifestyle of “Daily Personal Worship” is the only way to abide in Christ, which keeps our faith and focus on His Divine Love, Power, and Promises, building an unbreakable relationship with our Loving Savior.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. (John 4:23, ESV).

Personal worship demonstrates our love and loyalty to Jesus, revealing that we worship the One and Only True God. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him commit to following His directives with unwavering faith, trust, and obedience.

Consistent worship reinforces our love for God, preparing us for an eternity of worshiping Jesus Christ, our Risen and Triumphant King. Yes and Amen!

It is in our earthly lives that we must utilize our gift of time wisely. Spending time in personal worship invites the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus’ glorious presence, filling us with peace, joy, wisdom, and the strength we need to keep following Christ on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

“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).

Followers of Christ will never have an easy life, but it is a privilege to suffer for Jesus. Throughout the Bible, Jesus promises to give us His Strength, which empowers us to persevere and to keep moving forward.

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21). Yes and Amen!

Bible Study: Lamentations 3

Lord Jesus, the Creator of this universe, we humbly approach Your Throne of Grace, bowing to your Sovereign Authority. Today, we renew our spiritual commitment to follow You with love and loyalty, and to use our faith to trust Your Perfect Plans for our lives.

Lord, search our hearts and reveal any hidden sins. We ask you to forgive us for our sins of self-reliance and disobedience. Jesus, You are our Faithful Shepherd, and we ask You to guide us in this spiritual journey from Earth to Heaven.

As we follow You, give us peace, and the spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength to live as righteous overcomers. We love You because You first loved us. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Triumphant King. Amen.