Rely On the Holy One

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” -Isaiah 43:1-3

“God often allows us to experience a crisis to reveal our limitations and weaknesses. The adversity that no human effort can resolve points us to God, the Only True Source of Strength.” Sermon Notes

As I read a few of my sermon notes, one caught my attention, causing me to reflect for quite a while. The only thought that repeated itself over and over again was the question, “Why do we exclude our Heavenly Father from our daily lives until we face a major dilemma?”

How are we different from the unbelievers who reject God by practicing the learned behavior of self-reliance, and suffering never-ending consequences, which creates an atmosphere fueled by anxieties, worries, and hopelessness?

The Apostle Paul answers the question: “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1, NLT).

“The word ‘carnal’ (Greek: sarkikos) is often used to describe a state of being dominated by the flesh and worldly desires, rather than the Spirit of God. It suggests a focus on physical needs, earthly pleasures, and a lack of spiritual maturity.”

Prayer, fasting, consecration, and renewing our vow to follow Christ through daily surrender and faithful obedience is the only spiritual remedy to regain our right standing with God. We must worship God with love, loyalty, and commitment if we truly desire the reward of Eternal life.

Lord God, we approach your Throne of Grace asking for forgiveness for a spirit of disobedience as manifested by a mindset of self-reliance and lifestyles of self-governance. We ask you to, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a contrite spirit within me.” Lord, we thank you for your love, grace, and mercies, and ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Commitment

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17, NIV

Yes, God desires for us to come to Him based on His loving character but He never violates our Free Will of choice. Our lifestyle reveals whom we serve. True heart conversion is spiritually deeper than attending church once a week. We cannot only be churchgoers but must have a deep abiding love for God, only then can we worship Him in spirit and truth.

Second hand knowledge as a result of not studying the Bible for oneself will not prepare us to stand with steadfast faith [in the power of Christ] when tempted, or in times of persecution. We cannot use our strength to overcome temptations designed to separate us from God.

It is the willingness to consecrate and commit ourselves to God demonstrated by daily personal worship that strengthens our relationship with Jesus Christ. Winning the war against sin and our desires requires consistent praying for the Holy Spirit to empower us with Christ’s wisdom and strength, only then can we live as Victorious Overcomers in Christ Jesus.

“…are we not all in danger, especially the longer we are here, of setting ‘aside the humble simplicity of Christ and his apostles’ for the pomp, power, accolades, and temptations of the world? If we think we’re not, we are fooling ourselves.” ssnet.org

Lord God, we pray for the desire to look beyond this present Earth, and its promises of prosperity and pleasures designed to separate us from You. We pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Willingness to Be Faithful

“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

Every day, we fight against the internal conflict of following Christ or the enemy of self-gratification. Every believer also faces the external opposition of spiritual warfare, and temptations. To overcome, we must pray and ask Christ to give us His Divine strength, and use our gifts of power, and self-control.

God never coerces us to choose His will for our lives. We use our God-given gift of free will to choose to live with conviction and courage by praying and relying on Christ’s Divine strength received through the Holy Spirit, or we live to pursue our desires.

If our focus is on Christ then our lifestyle is one of worship, prayer, fasting, and surrender to God’s Sovereignty. With determination, we live to please God by seeking His will and plans. We do this because of love for God, and love and appreciation of Jesus, our Savior, Shepherd, and Heavenly Intercessor.

The human effort of daily consecration and living a sacrificial life of faith, obedience, prayer, and Bible study reveals our love and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Surrender invites the Holy Spirit to convert and transform our hearts and characters daily into the Character of Christ [John 8:29, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:32].

Preparing for Kingdom Life One Day at a Time is to put forth the human effort of doing our part to maintain a faithful and thriving relationship with Jesus Christ. Our Triumphant King promises, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work (Revelation 22:12). Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance as we strive to follow You on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. Thank You, Jesus, for Your steadfast love and the sacrifice of Your precious life on Calvary’s Cross. Lead us, protect us, and correct us, as we prepare one day at a time for Your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Risen Savior is Our Triumphant King!

Jesus, God, the Son is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, and our Triumphant King. The King of kings stepped away from His throne, leaving His Magnificent Heavenly Home where the Angels bow in obedience and cry Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lamb of God. 

Before the creation of humanity, Christ volunteered to die a heinous death on Calvary’s Cross, so we would not have to pay the wages of sin [Romans 6:23]. Yeshua willingly condescended to live as a Man of Sorrows and endure rejection and hatred to save our souls. Thank You, Jesus!

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

The only thing we can do that is worthy of His Love and Excellence is consecrating ourselves daily to live a life of surrender and faithful obedience. Our thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyle reflect our dedication, appreciation, love, and loyalty to our Triumphant King, who will soon take the righteous home with Him. Yes and Amen!

Thank You, Jesus, for the shame and spilling of Your precious blood. We honor You with surrender and faithful obedience as we wait with joyful anticipation for Your soon return. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Facing Opposition? We Serve An Omnipotent God

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 17, 2025

“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

Facing opposition? Use your faith to pray and ask for God’s Divine Intervention. Thank Him in advance for resolving your challenges. Remain Silent. Be patient. And wait on the Lord!

Lord God, we come to You asking for Your Divine help with the challenges we currently face and cannot resolve ourselves. We thank you for the victory, and ask this prayer in Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Quality of Our Lives

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 13, 2025

We often pray for things that we usually do not need. But I learned a couple of days ago when we pray differently, especially for obstacles that impact our mental and emotional health, God responds immediately to our prayers.

My prayer was simple, “God, please give me the things that I need to improve the quality of my life. I have an obstacle that is overwhelming, affecting my peace, and causing me stress that I cannot resolve. Jesus, I need your help. Thank you. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.”

God answered my prayer later that day.
Peace and Blessings

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Conflict of Not Knowing What to Do

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 11, 2025

“…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” -2 Chronicles 20:12

When King Jehoshaphat acknowledged the impossibility of using human effort to win the pending war from pagan armies, his first response was prayer.

Every day, we face dilemmas that require God’s Divine intervention. If we live by this rule of always seeking God’s answer, whether it is a minor issue or a difficult life-changing dilemma then we are guaranteed a victorious outcome.

One thing is for certain, we should never ask for secular advice. Even those who are considered experts are looking at the situation from their perspective. Spiritually, unbelievers can never perceive a situation as God sees it.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:7

Truthfully, believers who serve God with obedience and steadfast faith still need help. Involve God in every aspect of your life by asking for spiritual wisdom and guidance before making decisions.

Pray and wait for God’s guidance. If we make prayer our first response and wait for God’s answer then He will resolve all of our challenges for our good and His glory.

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

Lord God, we admit that we do not know what to do and ask for Your Divine Help in resolving this impossible situation. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we ask this prayer in faith, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 10, 2025

Luke 15:17-24, NLT. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “

During an intense and eye opening Bible study, a perplexing question came to mind: What is it on this Earth that is keeping us from surrendering daily to God through faithful obedience, engaging in personal worship with much prayer, studying the Bible, renouncing sin, and using our spiritual gifts to witness to others which is required to receive Eternal 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

From a  love that we cannot understand, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ who willingly sacrificed His life to fulfill the Plan of Redemption to save us from the wages of sin which is death. Jesus died for our sins, so we do not have to die for our sins.

The natural disasters and perilous times described in Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 are occurring now. “The Great Falling Away” indicating the End of Time which Jesus told His disciples about has not been fulfilled.

For many believers, sadly our priorities and lifestyles indicate that we are comfortable in our temporary existence on this Earth which Jesus says He will destroy [2 Peter 3:10] along with the wicked [Malachi 4].

“Be holy, for I am holy.” -1 Peter 1:16

Preparing for Christ’s Second Coming is not based on a scare tactic to incite fear into our hearts, it is based on a heart filled with love and the desire and determination to serve God.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26

Jesus gave his life for us. Like the prodigal son, if we truly desire to live forever in the New Heaven and New Earth, we must come to our senses and return to living a sacrificial life fully dedicated to God. Yes and Amen!

Lord Jesus, we are returning to You, our First Love, and ask You to reveal through Your Holy Spirit all habits, behaviors, and pursuits that will prevent us from receiving our reward of the Crown of Life. Teach us how to live righteously, as we prepare one day at a time for Your soon coming. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Facing Adversity? The Lord is the Avenger of His People

Our Heavenly Father Cares Devotional – April 8, 2025

Every day, we face opposition from spiritual warfare. The toughest battles include conflict on our jobs and dissension in our families. Satan, the roaring lion easily uses familiar unbelievers to strive against us and create havoc in our lives.

Satan’s goal is to make us feel that God does not care. By creating additional stressors and burdens in our already busy lives, we easily succumb to feelings of doubt, anxiety, and discouragement. Regardless of our extreme challenges, God does not change! His promises to intervene and deliver us remain steadfast.

How do we respond when facing the adversity of conflict?

If we resolve life’s minor obstacles without  God, unfortunately this habit produces a spirit of self-reliance. From excluding God in the little matters of everyday life, we place burdens on ourselves that God never intended for us to carry.

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” -1 Corinthians 14:33

At some point, we will encounter adversities that our human effort cannot resolve. For the Christian believer, conflict with others is always a God battle. We whisper a prayer, exercise self-control by remaining silent, and walk away.

“…Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:5

The worldview of depending on ourselves to resolve conflict is in opposition to God’s command to rely on Him. Displaced faith in ourselves always results in the distress of frustration and doubt in God’s power. Without a history of faith and trust in God, we will react emotionally to hardships.

“What will I do?” Stand down! We must guard our mouths! Hostile angry words can never be retrieved. Pray!

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” – Isaiah 65:25

Throughout the Bible, God reveals His love and desire to intervene and give us victory. Yes, facing enemies is an overwhelming challenge! Still, God’s promises remind us that we were created to depend on Him. It is the “impossible situation” that propels us to call on His Name for help.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7

Our prayer of repentance for the sin of self-reliance demonstrates our willingness to surrender to the Almighty God. With humility, we pray for Divine Intervention which honors and reveres God’s Sovereignty and Power. God is Love!

God’s Answer: “You will not need to fight in this battle… Stand still and see the salvation of the lord, who is with you… Do not fear or be dismayed… For the Lord is with you.” -2 Chronicles 20:17

Faithful obedience is demonstrated by believing in God’s never- failing promises. Patiently wait for His resolution with joyful anticipation and a heart filled with gratitude. When God is involved, we can always expect a victorious outcome. Who can win a battle against Yeshua, the Mighty Warrior God? Yes and Amen!

Prayer: “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me” (Psalm 35: 1, 24). In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry