God loves us – Page 48 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Escaping the Wilderness

We can ask anything in Jesus’ name. As long as our request is in God’s will and plans for us, we can expect wonderful blessings. Who isn’t overjoyed by a new job, home, vehicle, marriage, or the little one that will be born in nine months. Yes, we proclaim that God is good because His plans [and our desires] for us have finally come to fruition. But how do we react when God subtracts–takes away our comfortable lifestyle, the unequally yoked relationship, the marriage that dishonors God, or the job that has provided career growth and financial stability, but prevents us from spending time with God?

As believers, we have the tendency to blame spiritual wickedness for our losses. Still, we must remember that Satan cannot take action or cause any changes in our lives that are not approved by God. The losses are required because God is redirecting our focus and changing our character. Adversities force us to humble ourselves. Eventually, we admit that God is asking more from us than we are presently giving to Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6. God requires faithful, obedient servants who place their complete trust in Him. Refer to the Book of Job.

People Who Witnessed the Mighty Power of God

God delivered the Israelites from enslavement to bless them with new beginnings. His divine plan was the gift of Canaan, the Promised Land. The Egyptians not only resented the God that Israel served, they were also afraid that eventually the slaves would rebel and overtake them. So, they appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king. Exodus 1:11. Even after the Egyptians suffered from the plagues, it was only after Pharaoh’s son died did he agree to free the Israelites.

The Israelites witnessed miracle after miracle, God kept them safe from the plagues, and the population of the Israelite Nation increased despite the severe conditions. The Red Sea miracle caused elation and they sang a Song of Deliverance in Exodus chapter 15. Three days after their song of gratitude, they faced a hardship of not finding water to drink. No one thought to pray and ask God to supply them with water. The emancipated sojourners complained about the struggle through the wilderness they had to endure to reach the Promised Land.

The Human Reaction to the Changes Leading to Deliverance

The journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken 11 days. But Exodus 16:2-3 reads, There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” For their complaints against God, they wandered in the desolate wilderness for 40 years. In fact, the freed Israelites, none except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed were allowed to enter the Promised Land. It was the next generation who entered Canaan.

Spiritually, we are the Nation of Israel. We have the tendency to look back and create a totally different situation than the one that actually existed. The subtraction of relationships, jobs, or other life events are orchestrated by God. Our Omniscient Father knows the future. If God allowed loss in your life, trust Him. God never makes mistakes. When Job complained, God asked, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!” Job 38:4-5

Many of us are so caught up in our earthly lifestyles, we quickly forget: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

A word of caution, God, has no problem leaving us in the wilderness. We can complain, cry, or blame others, but God says, For I am the Lord, I change not. Malachi 3:6. The changes in our lives are permitted by God. Obedience, patience, and humility are the character traits that God requires of us. We do not have to repeat history. Let the wilderness mindset go! The hardship, test, or trial that seems to last forever can result from our disobedience. We must not reminiscence on former things. The Apostle Paul reminds us, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead… Philippians 3:13. Move forward by praying for revelation and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

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. Pray, repent, and ask God to reveal His plans for your life. Our future, if we choose, is eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. God desires that we live the best, peaceful, and productive lives until His Son, Jesus Christ, comes again. Stay in His perfect will. In the turbulence of adversity, we must possess a spirit of gratitude. Acknowledge the Love and Omnipotence of God. His promises are always, “Yes, and Amen.” Humility and obedience cause us to accept our human limitations. Remember, we can never give ourselves a more prosperous life than our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: God, we confess and repent of our sins of self-reliance and disobedience. Please reveal your will and plans for our lives. Thank you for loving and caring for us as only a Heavenly Father can. We pray for the desire to obey and completely trust you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Witnessing that Jesus is Coming

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

The Era of the Voices

The Christians of former years, Dr. Martin Luther King, Billy Graham, Robert W. Shambach, E. E. Cleveland, Charles E. Bradford, and Esther E. Johnson used their voices to preach God’s plan of Salvation for humanity. Certainly, there were many other obedient disciples, not limited to these men and woman of God, just identifying the persons who had an impact on my life. And in those days, Christian believers never had a worry, anxiety, or fear. No, we knew that it was our duty to God to have die-hard faith and complete, unwavering trust in God. And we believed and prepared every day for the Second Coming of Jesus. Back in the day, our voices were lifted with joy. Our priorities were to walk from door to door in the communities passing out tracts, inviting people to church, and witnessing to anyone, to everyone who would listen.

The Century of Silence

Now that we live in the last days and have the convenience of global social media platforms, we are silenced. Our voices shout in excitement for football games, and we use our high-tech skills to create visuals that defy our perception of reality. We stash our money away as we check our financial portfolios, contently sitting in our magnificent homes, smiling and telling ourselves, “Yes, you have done well for yourself.”

As the seconds become minutes that transition into days, we have reached the 21st century–the Last Days. Instead of the fervency that would be expected due to fulfillment of biblical prophecy, we have become the Church of Laodicea [Revelation 3]. Giving only to God what we think He deserves. Once or twice a week, we attend church, give tithe and offerings, or donate to non-profits like OXFAM, and we applaud ourselves because we feel, “at least I did my part in serving God.”

The Culprit Responsible for Silenced Voices

We console ourselves by blaming the pandemic. After all, we are in the second year of the pandemic that has ruined many of our plans. How can we safely witness to others? Yes, the Coronavirus and its variants are still attacking and consuming human life. But let us face the truth, we are still conducting our activities of daily living because life must move forward. Put on your mask, gloves, grab a handful of tracts, purchase low-cost Bibles, and do a walk-through up and down the supermarket aisles, or choose a Wal-Mart, or any store parking lot. We will never know who is despondent and planning to end their hopelessness. Doing our part by giving them a tract or Bible would change the course of their lives.

It is not just the duty of the dedicated Pastors who are preaching the biblical truth [with few members] to “feed the sheep.” The mega churches have their agenda which rarely matches that of God’s divine purpose. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior includes an obligation. “The Great Commission,” is a requirement that all disciples of Jesus Christ must fulfill. Using our social media is an excellent method to spread the Good News that a Savior died: His name is Jesus, and He will give you a peaceful life. He has plans of immortality in a New Heaven and New Earth. Read John 14:1-3 and Revelation chapters 21-22. Yes, the scoffers will readily post their comments attempting to sabotage and make you feel defeated. Use the tool, Delete and Block. And keep going!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Turn up the Volume! Lift up your voice and proclaim the precious gift of Salvation. Tell them the Son of God, Jesus Christ who wore a crown of thorns is coming back this time with a crown of majesty and glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us do our part and the Holy Spirit will complete the work in every person that accepts the Jesus as their personal Savior.

Prayer: God, we have lost our desire to serve you as a dedicated disciple. We ask for forgiveness for giving so little of ourselves. Please reveal to us the plan and purpose that you have for our lives so we may witness to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Do Everything in Love

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13‭-‬14 CSB

Can you imagine if every spoken word and action that a Christian believer would say or do would be from the fruit of LOVE? God is Love! Jesus’ life was completely perfect because He possessed a loving and compassionate heart. Self-evaluate, where do you stand on the loving hearts platform? Do you have a heart bubbling over with agape love for God and others? Our character matters greatly to God. Galatians 5:22-23

Sabbath Peace and Blessings

Dear God, Thank you for sustaining us throughout this week. As we prepare to give the next 24 hours to you, we ask for peace and blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s All or Nothing

I can recall trying to find a nursing job in Orlando, Florida, when there was an overabundance of Registered Nurses. Finally, I found a position where I was hired on the spot. The irony of being immediately hired is that I had to have security clearance which involved fingerprints, DMV abstract, and nursing license verification. Yes, the red flags were waving from every direction. The following day I received a quick one-day orientation–policies, payday, dress code and was told that I needed to arrive at 6 am in the morning to do rounds with the Wound Care Doctor. Not a problem. The issue was that I never received a job description because the position was recently created.

My day started at 4 am, including travel time. All went well for the first week, which had me thinking that I had overreacted. Monday of the second week revealed the truth. The evening nurse who worked from 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm called out sick. I was notified that I needed to speak with the Assistant Director, who informed me that I would be working until 11 pm that night. The duties of a floor nurse were nonstop. I made it through the night. But decided that my last day would be the following week on payday.

The nurse did not return to work for three days. So, I double-shifted for three days and evenings and was told I would be happy with my check. I found out from the other employees that the facility had a very high turnover of evening nurses, and there was no guarantee the staff nurse would return. I must admit that for the first time in my career, I felt miserable. Being half-committed along with the administration’s dishonesty regarding my job description made me so stressed out that I did not make it until payday.

Our spiritual journey requires 100% commitment to God. Serving God is an All or Nothing covenant promise. We commit to a relationship with Jesus Christ that is high maintenance. Building our spiritual connection with Christ requires surrender, faith, trust, obedience, studying the Bible, praying, helping others, attending church, and allowing God to do a complete character makeover.

I have heard many people say, “It’s just too hard to serve God. The things that I cannot do or the things that I have to do for God it’s overwhelming. The dilemma of placing our desires before God is not a new concept. The Laodiceans possessed material wealth and felt their spiritual knowledge was equal to their social status. They were not interested in doing the practical duties required of the Christian believer in the early church. So, they decided not to stress themselves out. They felt that whatever they did was enough to serve God by continuing their daily routines and just showing up for church.

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—”Revelation 3:14-17

It is difficult for those who feel secure in their attainments, and who believe themselves to be rich in spiritual knowledge, to receive the message which declares that they are deceived and in need of every spiritual grace. God leads His people on step by step. The Christian life is a constant battle and a march. There is no rest from the warfare. It is by constant, unceasing effort that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. It is not enough to merely profess to believe the truth. All the soldiers of the cross of Christ virtually obligate themselves to enter the crusade against the adversary of souls, to condemn wrong and sustain righteousness. But the message of the True Witness reveals the fact that a terrible deception is upon our people, which makes it necessary to come to them with warnings, to break their spiritual slumber, and arouse them to decided action. Testimonies for the Church, volume 3.

Serving God is not a laid-back, easy lifestyle that requires little to no human effort. We cannot attend church once a week or sing our way to heaven with uplifted hands. The motivational speeches that have replaced sermons based on scriptures have many deceived into thinking that serving God is based on an emotional response.

The Laodicean Church received a strong rebuke from Jesus. You have to be hot [completely committed] or cold [same status as an unbeliever] because lukewarm individuals [who have decided how they will serve God] will be spit out [no chance of receiving the reward of eternal life].

Matthew chapter 28:19-20 is the Great Commission, which is applicable to every believer–witness and make disciples.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

It’s up to each of us to serve God giving our All or Nothing.

Prayer: God, we confess that we are not giving you our best and for this sin, we ask for forgiveness. Please reveal the work that you have for us to do as we prepare for Jesus’ Coming. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

The Power, Peace, and Prosperity from Prayer

Has anyone ever said to you, “Don’t be so hard on yourself?” Although it is an attempt to console the individual for making a mistake, we should reflect on why we are in a dilemma. Humility leads us to self-evaluate when we have acted on our desires. The desires that place us in opposition to God’s plans for our lives. Thankfully, we have a Heavenly Father who provides unmerited grace and mercy along with unlimited forgiveness of our sins.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Throughout the Bible, prayer is emphasized as the way to receive God’s Divine Intervention. John chapter 17 is a perfect example of Jesus praying to His Heavenly Father. Maybe we do not understand the purpose of prayer. Prayer connects us to the Spiritual Team–the Trinity Godhead, God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor acts on our behalf, presenting us as forgiven to God. “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14. Yes, our prayers must begin with the request for God’s will to be manifested in our lives. And the Holy Spirit, who is available to all people at all times, still remains a mystery. Yet, it is the Holy Spirit who provides comfort, wisdom, guidance, and discernment from our heartfelt prayers.

The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled to diffuse to others, through our association with them, the light, the peace, the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances.—(Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 85.)

We gain spiritual prosperity–a total transformation from our weaknesses to possessing spiritual strength from daily prayer. Prayer is the only way to maintain the connection between humanity and divinity. Unlimited 24/7 access to the Trinity through prayer is a gift. With gratitude, we acknowledge that God has anticipated our every need. It is time that we receive the abundant life that God has planned for us by praying in humility throughout the day, evening, and night.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17.

Feeling blessed and highly favored? Let’s pray.

Prayer: God, we are thankful that you have given us everything that we need. We are thankful that we can communicate with you through prayer. Thank you for full access to your Divine resources. We love you. And ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Come and Rest Awhile

How do you feel at the end of your day?

Taking a few minutes to analyze our daily and weekly schedule provides organization and consistency to our lives. Although we cannot anticipate unexpected challenges, we should prioritize our day-to-day responsibilities. Becoming aware of unnecessary interruptions not only allows us to establish boundaries, but we can also fulfill God’s plan for our day. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Busyness is intrusive and often goes unnoticed. Waking hours easily melt into night and before we realize it, our sleeping hours are significantly reduced. Too much on our agenda propels the aging process. It is not difficult to recognize the individuals who do not get enough rest. Their eyes and facial expressions reveal the effect of ongoing mental and physical fatigue.

Thankfully, God provides us with the mercies of a new day. But have you considered the time that you set aside to worship God? Even more devastating is the impact that lack of rest has on our relationship with God. We cannot engage in the depth of worship required for spiritual growth when we have overtaxed our minds and bodies. Falling asleep while reading the Bible or saying a three or four word prayer prevents us from receiving the much-needed spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal and refreshment from the Holy Spirit.

God Speaks On Not Putting Him First

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14.

Identifying the demands that prevent mental and physical rest is the first step to changing our lifestyle. Self-denial is required to shut down the stimuli that keep our minds in a constant whirlwind. Too much time on social media, ongoing phone conversations, texting, and placing too many errands on the to-do lists leaves us burned-out. Always taking on the responsibility of being the go-to person also puts us in a lose-lose situation. Time wasted can never be retrieved.

Remember, spiritual warfare includes the temptations from the evil one. It is Satan’s plan to keep us distracted by presenting opportunities that we chase after. Chaos and confusion are not of God. The Creation story gives us the perfect example of the structure and order that God requires. Make a three-day time log. And on the fourth day, perform an evaluation of time spent. You may be surprised how easily additional responsibilities, personal habits, or performing duties for others who can achieve the task themselves chips away your rest and relaxation time.

Even so, God expects to be first on our daily agenda. In morning worship, we acknowledge the new mercies received of a new day. Praying for God’s will to be done along with protection from spiritual warfare and physical danger demonstrates obedience and dependency on our Heavenly Father. Starting our day with God provides spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to sustain us for the rigorous opposition that we face.

Evening worship provides communion with God and should be the last activity before sleeping. Taking the time to invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts through prayer produces endurance and perseverance. We develop a spirit of gratitude despite our hardships. Studying and memorizing God’s promises in the Holy Scriptures provides spiritual reinforcement in times of weaknesses and trials.

God is not intrusive. His Divine intervention is available 24/7. Still, He waits for our invitation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. To be still is not living in a state of doing nothing. It is setting aside time–quantity [without distractions] to establish and maintain a 1:1 relationship with Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor. Returning the love we receive from God is demonstrated by putting God first! He is the Sustainer of our being.

Develop Strategies for Eliminating the Extras

Learn to decline, “At this time, I am unable to do that or attend, etc.” [a tactful way of saying no]. Turn away from ceaseless activity. Resting from life’s stressors by communing with God imparts spiritual strength. We are energized by the heavenly power that connects humanity with divinity. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Prayer: God, we ask you to give us the wisdom to identify and eliminate the busyness of our lives that prevents us from spending time with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Fruitless Trees

Born and raised in the concrete jungle of the Northeast, I was clueless about the nature of fruit-bearing trees. One day, my BFF visited and informed me that the large shade tree was a pecan tree in our yard. I started laughing as I relayed that the tree was well past her reproductive stage in life. She stepped off of the porch, walked around the yard for a couple of minutes, returning with a shelled pecan nut in her hands. “Who’s laughing now?” I had a mature tree that produced pecans, my favorite nut, and was totally unaware for five years. The squirrels who were always on the branches enjoyed the tree’s fruit of which I knew nothing about.

Many of us accept Jesus as our personal Savior, understanding that He is the only way to God. Yet, we fail to embrace our Helper, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity Godhead. We have access to the power of the Holy Spirit that would make our spiritual journey bearable even through severe trials. If God sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove [Matthew 3:16-17] to Jesus following His baptism, then as humans without Divinity status, we desperately need the Holy Spirit.

And I will pray for the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18 NKJV

Jesus defines the line of separation–the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth. If we reject the Holy Spirit through unbelief, then we are part of the world. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

The Work of the Holy Spirit

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:7-11

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-15

“Why do believer’s reject the Holy Spirit?”

John 3:8-9 tells us of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus regarding the Holy Spirit. To which. “Nicodemus answered and said to Him, How can these things be?” The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery to humanity. Jesus told His disciples, I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” John 16:12. We can thank Jesus for recognizing our limitations.

Truthfully, we struggle every day just to maintain our faith in God. We are often plagued with discouragement and disbelief in the power of the Almighty when facing lengthy trials and sorrows. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT. Our loving Jesus is full of compassion. He knows that we are easily overwhelmed with our daily struggle to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. Still, the human effort of confession, repentance, praying, studying the Bible, and living faithful, and purpose-driven lives, while trusting and serving God with obedience is a requisite to receive eternal life. Help! Holy Spirit to the rescue!

We cannot afford to reject the Spirit of Truth. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot discern truth from false teachings. Nor can we fully understand the scriptures when studying the Bible. Believe it or not, false teachers read the Bible and may have more biblical knowledge than we possess. Their problem–a corrupt heart. They begin to analyze the scriptures and search for logical, rational explanations. When none can be found, they begin to develop their own theories.

The victims are the spiritually malnourished who feel they are fully capable of taking care of themselves without embracing and accepting The Trinity-God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Living as the redeemed requires spiritual reinforcement only available through our willingness to obey God with a spirit of humility. To bear fruit, we have no other choice than to feed ourselves with the scriptures, which are the Voice of God. Communication with God–through prayer invites the Holy Spirit in to strengthen us, to correct us, and to guide us through our life-long journey of sanctification. Without the Holy Spirit, we are fruitless trees.

Without the Holy Spirit, we will never have the faith that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego possessed when facing the fiery furnace [Daniel 3:16-28]. Nor can we fight spiritual warfare [Ephesians 6:12] alone. Christian believers, we watched our brothers and sisters suffering in Afghanistan, but our time of persecution will come. We cannot afford to be like the five foolish virgins who were not spiritually prepared [Matthew 25:1-13]. The oil that they lacked represents the Holy Spirit. Jesus is on the way. We have but a short time on this present earth. The Holy Spirit is available for all who just ask and believe. Thank you, Jesus.

Without the Holy Spirit, we will not have the fruit that is described in Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Our character must align with God’s requirements to receive the reward of eternal life.

And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Prayer: God, we thank you for your love and for giving us access to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. We pray for an outpouring and anointing, wisdom, and discernment from the Holy Spirit. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

God Promises Restoration

Many individuals are attempting to cope with the loss of relationships. Whether the loss is from a breakup, divorce, or death, the impact leaves a heart filled with sadness and grief. The saying, “Time heals all wounds,” is simply not true. Speak with someone who lost a nurturing and loving relationship with their parent, child, husband, wife or best friend, and they will agree that time has nothing to do with easing the pain of their loss.

Jesus, the Lamb of God understands that we require Divine Intervention to alleviate and heal our brokenness. Death penetrates the core of our soul, leaving us wounded. Loss of relationships that do not involve death still produces intense sorrow. We do not have to pretend that all is well. Our ability to cry allows the release of emotional pain, promoting expression of the sting of sorrow.

God does not require us to be stoic in times of loss. In fact, the philosophy of Stoicism is in opposition of the Creator’s gift of emotions. Our tears combined with faith enables us to embrace Jesus’ promise to heal our wounded hearts. In Psalm 147:3, God tells us, “He heals the Brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Jesus wept. John 11:35. Yes, Jesus openly cried. This was a true expression of human grief. Jesus cried for two reasons: 1. From their reaction, even Jesus’ close friends, Mary and Martha did not fully believe in His power as the Son of God. They reacted to their brother’s death by blaming Jesus. 2. The loud wails of sorrow from the crowd and the grief of the sisters, Mary and Martha touched Jesus’ heart deeply. As one theologian states, “Jesus did not cry silent tears. He wept openly with audible sound. It was His humanity that allowed Jesus to feel pain and sorrow from the death of his friend, Lazarus.” Who knows pain, grief, and sorrow better than the One who suffered so grievously for us?

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener), to be with you forever—John 14:16

The Holy Spirit is only a prayer away. We will receive the strength and comfort to move forward one day at a time. Reflect on your precious memories and thank God for the time that you had together. Pray, cry, and listen to music. Do not allow well-meaning individuals to convince you to discard items or to embrace anger and hold grudges. God is aware of every loss that we will experience in our lives. The Spiritual Team is available to assist us in our journey of healing.

Healing takes time. God does not rush us through the healing stream. We have access to His never-ending comfort. Still, it takes human effort to fight against depression. Push yourself to open the window-blinds to let light in and be certain to make your bed every day. Your appetite may be poor, but remain motivated to care for yourself physically by eating small amounts of nutritious foods throughout the day. It is easy to weaken the Immune system during the grieving period, which places the body at risk for physical illness.

Address your spiritual needs by joining a grief support group or seeking pastoral counseling. Never forget to study the Bible [use an audio app]. The scriptures provide beautiful promises of healing and restoration. At times, the only words that can escape our lips are “Jesus, help me.” Every prayer, every tear, every crying whimper is seen and heard by our Heavenly Father. We are loved. God will never leave us or forsake us. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Please share this devotional with someone who is grieving from loss of a relationship.

You Are Not Your Own

Lord, I know that peoples lives are not their own, it is not for them to direct their steps. Jeremiah 10:23

When we surrender to Jesus Christ and accept the free gift of salvation, we commit to discipleship. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27. We are followers–sheep. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. Like many of us, the original twelve disciples were a rowdy, self-seeking group of men that had their own agendas. Why would Jesus choose men like this? Especially Peter, who was prideful [And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14:28]. Yes, Peter was impulsive and lacked self-control. Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” John 18:10-11].

Again, Jesus reprimanded Peter: But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.… “Matthew 16:23-25

The Apostle Peter who Jesus prayed for: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”… Luke 22:32, wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Peter giving us instruction in the areas that pose the greatest challenges, “Living for God” and “Suffering for being a Christian.”

The reason that Jesus chose the original twelve disciples is that He knew eleven of them would eventually experience a complete spiritual transformation. And Judas Iscariot would fulfill the act of betrayal that was required for the redemption of the human race. Yes, they were wayward, but each went through a complete spiritual makeover following the crucifixion of Jesus [Judas died before–Matthew 27:5].

Jesus chose every human–past, present, and future to willingly give His life for. If only we could make a definitive choice like Christ did. Can you imagine Jesus wavering in His decision to die for us? No, it is unthinkable. Yet, many individuals never hesitate to satisfy their desires through willful acts of disobedience against God.

For those who made the commitment to serve God, but are in the valley of indecision: “You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.” 1 Peter 4:3. Is this Jesus’ disciple? Yes, but a changed man who allowed God to transform him into a spiritually converted Apostle.

We cannot serve God and seek after our desires. The Apostle Paul clarifies the status of Jesus’ disciples: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In accepting God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, we give up our natural inclinations to “Have it our way.” Full surrender and obedience are required, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added. Matthew 6:33, which we willingly do because we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Matthew 22:37.

Many will fall away from God because they want to belong to themselves. Even so, for those of us who are weary from suffering the negative consequences of disobedience, and believe that we fully belong to God [as evidenced by our faithful obedience] Jesus is waiting to give us the reward of Eternal life:

But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 2 and 1 Peter 4

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for seeking after our desires. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry