I watched a documentary entitled “Forbidden Love” last evening. The title made me somewhat uncomfortable because I was expecting the worst such as pedophilia, etc. But I was pleasantly surprised when I began to watch, and the content was nothing like I expected.
This well-made documentary was about young love between upper-class young women for lower-class young men in a society where interaction is strictly forbidden. Even speaking to the lower-class is considered taboo. Still, unconditional, innocent love flowed from their young hearts, which knew no boundaries. Their deep-rooted love touched the depths of my heart because the journey involved leaving their families who had raised them with love and in financial comfort.
Despite being disowned by their families, the young women proclaimed, “I would rather kill myself than to leave the man that I love.” Not many of us could have endured the extreme conditions and poverty the young couples faced from staying together. Still, they stayed with each other and raised happy and healthy children.
About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46
The journey of love involved harsh, bitter treatment and the death of Jesus Christ on a cross for you and me. We have the opportunity to experience a love relationship like none other. Yes, we say that we love Jesus and that He is our Lord and Savior, but how far are we willing to go to serve God? What are we willing to endure?
“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
One day all who believe in the Lord will have to prove their love for Jesus Christ. Will we be faithful and face persecution, or will we deny knowing Jesus like his disciple, Peter?
Bible Verse: Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Matthew 26:34
God, we say that we love you. Yet, many times we fail in our words and actions, which are sinful against you. Please teach us how to accept your love for us that we may love you and others unconditionally. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Walking humbly with God
To “walk humbly with God” is the basis for loving mercy and doing justice. Because of what God has done, we fully invest in healing the world around us through mercy and justice. Cultivating our walk with God provides the power and passion for us to fully engage—it grounds everything else we do. David Kool and Andrew Ryskamp.
Many individuals embrace the duty of alleviating the burdens and poverty of those in need. Simply put, they dedicate their time and money to helping others. We have nonprofit organizations, soup kitchens, sidewalk showers, street barbers, and the list goes on and on. If you have a good heart, unselfish and caring, you naturally desire to extend your helping hands.
But there is a qualifier that distinguishes the believer from the philanthropists or those who perform good deeds. We share our faith in God. We represent the love that God has for humanity. We bring hope to the discouraged and demonstrate that God is real because He cares and provides for us.
To walk humbly with our God takes a willing heart and daily perseverance. Love is the foundation for humility. Yes, we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and we can freely love others under the right conditions. But would we continue to try to help the homeless person who curses at us or says, “get away from me”?
It is the challenging circumstances that produce endurance. Who hasn’t used anger or isolation to protect oneself from the painful adversities of life? All of us require meeting the basic physiological needs of our bodies, of which food and water are mandatory.
Brown bag lunches are simple and effective in helping those who are homeless. A peanut butter sandwich, banana, a bottle of water, and a couple packets of hand wipes meet basic needs.
Start a mason jar bank and place the amount of money you would use to spend for personal desires that bring no real value to your life. Research for safety precautions when interacting with the homeless population. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…. Psalm 91:11. Find a partner with the same “we concept” values and your life will be fulfilled in ways that you never imagined. 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
Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35
It takes love outside of ourselves to produce the “we concept.” Yes, we like to think of ourselves as good people. But God tells us in Jeremiah 17:9, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Ouch! So, now that we are aware of the impact that sin has on every one of us, we can take steps to change our hearts.
We have a helper, the third person of the Trinity Godhead, the Holy Spirit, to help us walk humbly with God. How important is the Holy Spirit to our lives? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.… Galatians 5:22-23.
Walking humbly with God requires character development. It is our character that must go through a total makeover. Think about a house that is broken and battered. All it takes is a person with a dream, the desire, and money to refurbish the fixer-upper house that nobody wants into a beautiful and livable home. God planted the seed inside of us to stay connected to Him (the dream), we must possess the (desire), and Jesus paid the price (through His death) to reburbish sinful humanity.
God also functions on the “we concept.” God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the messenger angels are always ready and available to intervene for our spiritual makeover. When we give our permission by inviting Jesus Christ into our lives, we experience a complete transformation. The Bible teaches us what is acceptable and pleasing to God. Our awareness elevates, and we strive to rid ourselves of the thoughts, actions, and habits that do not reflect our love for God.
Bible Study: As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:15-16
Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for thinking of ourselves first. Please teach us how to walk humbly with you. We desire a spiritual transformation in our lives, and invite you into our lives. We pray for the Holy Spirit to teach and lead us to live righteously. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
A thought-provoking question, “Do others see the love of God through my behaviors, habits, and lifestyle?” Nonverbal communication can speak louder than our spoken words. Do they know that we are believers by our clothing, mannerisms, and cheerful disposition?
We may not respond with words to various situations, but whatever is deep in our hearts will eventually be revealed. It takes the right situation to expose our true character.
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. Lao Tzu
Living for Christ requires that we have wisdom, which we must ask for because wisdom is a spiritual gift that only comes from God.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave if the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-7
Just as our relationship with God requires daily prayer and study of the Bible for spiritual growth, our character is always a work-in-progress. To live in sync with God remains a daily challenge. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to withstand the challenges and to be overcomers.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
Because we believe in grace and forgiveness and love, it is all too easy to think that God is so easygoing that it doesn’t matter how we live or what we do. That is not so. Because He cares about us to be as whole as possible in a sick world. Above all things, God wants our happiness, both now and eternally. And because He desires for us to be happy, He takes our needs seriously. We are important to Him. Excerpt from Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus, George R. Knight
Living by faith, and fully trusting and obeying God requires 100% dedication to Jesus Christ. When we do our part to love and serve God we receive salvation through His Son, Jesus.
Who am I? I am a child of God who has been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. Every thought, action, and behavior must represent God and His definition of righteousness.
Bible Study: James 1-2
God, we acknowledge that our hearts are not close to you, and that has prevented us from representing your godly standards. We desire to have a deeper relationship that we may love you with all of our heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Yesterday, I listened to a Christian radio station that was 100% inspirational music. To be honest, I was surprised by the lyrics of a couple of songs that expressed despair.
1. “All is not well with my soul, I am feeling alone, empty, and…”
2. “As usual, I awakened feeling like I just couldn’t get out of the bed today.”
Many believers are expressing more despondency than the unbelievers and that should not be the case. We have “Forever Love” by our Spiritual Team, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, along with angels who protect us. If anyone should be feeling alone and empty, it should be the worldlings who worship themselves and other idols.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Unfortunately, we are the problem. Remaining connected to Jesus is all about action. Our relationship with Christ is dynamic, constantly changing due to spiritual growth. Studying the Bible diligently and praying throughout the day keeps us connected. Because we have allowed people, going places, and other things to create chaos in our daily lives, we are disconnected from Jesus Christ.
The answer to reconnection is easily accomplished. Make the decision to eliminate everything that pulls you away from spending quality time with God. We allow too many distractions in our lives. Serving God involves boundaries. Do not get caught up in busyness or allow others to consume your time that should be spent with God. Our connection to God is easily broken when we cannot say “no.” The ability to let the call go to voicemail, or text back, “getting ready to have worship, ttyl” are examples of how we manage our lives in making certain that we put God first.
Will you lose friends? Possibly, but if they do not respect your relationship with God, then you are unequally yoked.
One of our greatest struggles is pulling our minds away from our jobs. Yes, our jobs provide the finances that we need, and definitely are a blessing, but many believers are hungry and thirsty for money and tangible possessions. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. The expectation from God is that we will have complete faith and trust in His promises and worship Him everyday, all day long. Whisper a short prayer throughout the day thanking God and expressing your love for Him.
Back to the modern lyrics of hopelessness, we are warned that we can do nothing without our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle. Jesus willingly died that we can be redeemed from our sins. No one deserves more of us than we give to God.
Through His love, grace and mercy, our Creator is aware of our weaknesses. He knows that most of humanity responds to challenging situations with emotions. So God gave us the Book, the Holy Bible is complete with stories of victories and defeat, along with the plan of salvation, and wonderful praises and promises. Make the commitment to learn more about God, and your life will change. And like David, even when hardships arise, we can smile through our tears, and praise our Heavenly Father.
I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. Psalm 34:1
Bible Study: Isaiah 43
Prayer: God, we recognize that we are too distant from you and for that sin of omission, we ask forgiveness. It is our desire to serve you by giving you the time that you rightfully deserve. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
There are very few individuals that can give or receive forever love. Relationships form much to quickly because we are desperate for the wrong person. God tells us that His love is everlasting; yet, we place Him in the position to be next in line.
Who can love us like God? Loneliness is more than a state of mind, it is the reality of many who confess their belief in God. Why is it that we can have a Heavenly Father along with an entire spiritual team, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the angels and still despair?
The answer: We desire someone who cannot provide the love and nurturing of our soul. Only God can fulfill our spiritual needs and He patiently waits to give us everlasting love.
Our emotions were given as a blessing of expression, not to replace our cognitive abilities. We rely too much on our feelings for guidance. “Follow your heart” only applies to a relationship with God. He will lead you in the right direction that ends in perfection. No, we are not perfect, but God is, which means we do not have to suffer negative consequences when we trust and obey.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming. Psalm 27:8
The “Everlasting Love” of God never fails. Do not miss out on the greatest love experience from your Heavenly Father. Give God what He rightfully deserves: Jesus replied, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
Did you forget about Jeremiah 29:11? God has plans for us! First, get in sync with God by loving Him as Jesus commanded and your life will change. How will it change? If we do our part (human effort) then God will always fulfill His plans for us (Divine intervention).
God, we admit that you have not been first and foremost in our hearts. We ask forgiveness for putting you last with our love and attention. Our souls are empty without you. We recommit our hearts to you and we can’t wait to receive your everlasting love. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen!
This life is full of ups and downs. There are moments when it seems as if you’re touching the hem of heaven because they’re so dazzling. And others when it seems you stand on the brink of hell because they’re so heart wrenching.
We can tend to feel far away from God in both. When times are good, we forget how much we need Him. When times are hard, we wonder why He has forsaken us. And yet both of those responses are only our humanity talking.
Neither height nor depth…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
God’s affection for us is the same at the highest and lowest moments of our lives. The heights of success and the depths of despair cannot separate us from Him. His love is the one constant we can count on no matter what.
Take comfort in this, friend: Whether this is your best day on earth or one of your worst, you will never be alone or unloved. Not even for a moment.
-Devotional encouragement by Holley Gerth, from her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.
Recently I watched a movie about a powerful, affluent person who thought more highly of herself than one should. As she spoke to the other individual, with all of the arrogance, superiority, and pride reflected in her demeanor and tone of voice, she stated, “You must not know who I am?”
I have come to the realization that under most circumstances that adversity causes amnesia. When we experience the trials and hardships of life we often forget who God is. Because if we remembered that God is powerful, merciful, and loves us, why would we become discouraged, anxious, and worried?
“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we serve a loving, merciful, and powerful God. Yet, we respond to our challenges as if we know nothing about our Heavenly Father.
Studying the Bible provides us with the ongoing knowledge of God’s character. We falter and become despondent because our relationship with God is based on yesterday’s Bible study, or last week’s virtual sermon.
Even so, God always rescues us.
Yes, God is aware that we are weak and He takes action. Because of His unconditional love, He used the prophet Isaiah to provide words of comfort to the Nation of Israel, a disobedient people who did not do their part in serving and worshipping God everyday.
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28
We can easily form the habit of daily worship by making the effort to “just do it.” I can remember the first time that I watched someone use their thumbs to text at a warp speed. I asked myself if it was possible for me to give up my one finger approach to texting. Since our internet service is out in our Texas town, I am writing this devotional using my cell phone typing away with two thumbs. You may think, “how else would you text?” But I can assure you that learning to thumb type as a senior was not an easy accomplishment.
With motivation and determination if we can learn new skills, certainly we can show our love and gratitude to God through consistent study and prayer on a daily basis.
Worship is defined as treating someone with the reverence and adoration appropriate to a deity. And there is no other person or object that deserves our worship but God.
Of all the promises in the Bible, this is my favorite: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29
Haven’t you heard, haven’t you read? Our God is the Almighty and He is Awesome!
Bible Study: Isaiah 40
God, thank you for always reminding us of your love, mercies, and power. We ask you for the strength to do your will. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
There is a pandemic three times greater than the existing Coronavirus pandemic touting numbers of over 79 million victims worldwide:
According to the WHO-World Health Organization: Depression is a common illness worldwide. Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from Depression. Know that this number only reflects the individuals who are diagnosed or seek therapeutic intervention. What is Clinical Depression? Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
Life is tough! Either the trials of life will produce resilience and strength or break you down until you throw in the towel, leaving you hopeless.
When I worked as a therapeutic psychiatric nurse, 99% of the patients admitted to the inpatient unit had a secondary diagnosis of Depression. They reported that the situations in their lives became so unbearable that they stopped trying. They gave up because the dark tunnel appeared not to have a way of escape.
The other statistic was that 99% also had a history of unhealthy, short-lived relationships. And because their relationships ended, the disappointment of being alone overpowered the ability to move forward. Relationships that cease to exist are a significant factor in catapulting individuals into emotional instability, and hopelessness. Although some people choose to be isolated and alone, isolation is an overly used defense mechanism to protect oneself from further emotional injury. Still, it facilitates an unhealthy response to the challenges of life.
Do we necessarily need a support system?
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Family, both biological and the family of believers, and friends can also fulfill the healthy social interaction that God created us to enjoy. But be careful who you include as a support person. 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. Can a unbeliever talk to you about increasing your faith in God or offer to pray with you?
The focus of this Devotional is to provide the answers to eliminating emotional instability. It is through our spiritual relationships that we gain strength. The necessity of having an up-close, personal connection with God the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit makes the difference between living a peaceful, faith-based life, and one that is full of anxiety, worry, and depressed moods.
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” Genesis 1:26 NLT
In Genesis chapter 1, we are told that our physical bodies’ anatomy and physiology were created in the image of God. And since God created us to rule over every species of life that was made lower than us, we know that humanity has the highest level of intelligence of living things on this earth. Know who you are, and who you belong to. On the hierarchy of created beings, King David says: What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:4-5. We were made lower than the angels.
Isn’t believing in God enough? We are admonished to worship God through prayer, praise, and studying the Word. Staying close to God builds our faith and reinforces our dependence on our Heavenly Father.
Yes, we were made lower than the angels, but think on this: You crowned him with glory and honor. Maintain a spiritual connection with God, and He will empower, and enable us to be overcomers! Embrace your glory and honor by establishing your identity as a servant of the Most-High God.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Psalm 95:6
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Psalm 96:9
And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” 14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:6, 14
Crowned with glory, and honor; created to worship God, and we have angels who are sent to care for us. Why are we feeling depressed and downcast? Still, we must do our part in staying connected to God, because our adversary is seeking to cause turmoil in our lives.
Although Lucifer is a fallen angel, and His name is now Satan, we must never forget that Satan did not lose his angelic powers. This is why it takes Divine Intervention to give us the strength and victory over the temptations and the disappointments that we face every day. The Omniscient God knew the adversities that each of us would face. He is already aware of what we require from the Trinity to help us gain victory and be Overcomers.
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation (trials and sorrows). But take courage; I have overcome the world! John 16:33
Jesus forewarns us that our life will be full of challenges, problems, and adversities. Even so, Jesus also tells us that He has victory over the lifelong struggles that humanity will suffer. Have courage! What is courage? Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage
How is it that we can serve the Most-High God and not receive healing?
The answer to bridging the gap to receive the miraculous healing power of God for all of our emotional illnesses is to worship God continuously. The Human Effort of love, faith, trust, obedience, diligent study of the Bible, and praying without ceasing imparts spiritual strength and healing.
“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” 37, Jesus declared, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:36-37
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Divine Intervention
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = The Victorious Outcome of Emotional Healing
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. We are inhabitants of the land. When we do our part, God will step in and unleash His mighty power in a way that you will know it was God!
God’s Promises:
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” Isaiah 65:24
Seek God, and you will find the answer to your challenges. The Bible tells us everything that we need to know about God’s character and His power. We can talk to God at any time of the day or night through our prayers. We are unable to love a stranger with all of our heart, soul, and mind. It is impossible to believe in God and His promises without having unconditional love for God and unwavering faith in God. Are our prayers competing with the doubt in our minds?
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9
I encourage you to try the Creator, the only one who can give you the perfect spiritual prescription to cure your emotional instability.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:30-31
God, we admit that we have doubt, disbelief, and depression because we do not have a relationship with you, nor do we really believe in your power or your promises. And for this, we ask forgiveness. We desire to love you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. Please heal our emotional issues. We want to be made whole, and we believe that you will heal us. We thank you for the Sabbath, and we thank you for being our Jehovah Rapha-the God who heals. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Have you heard the message that “Jesus saves?” Yes, His birth as a baby was in a lowly place where a manger was his first baby bed. A manger or trough is a structure or feeder used to hold food for animals. Can you imagine a precious newborn baby–the Son of God being placed in an animal feeder? Jesus Christ, the majestic Son of God, made the ultimate sacrifice for you and me.
Throughout Jesus’ short time on this earth, 33 years, His focus was always to serve humanity. He ministered to the spiritual needs, fed the hungry, healed physical impairments, and cast out demons. Jesus had many devout followers who desired to be His disciples. However, they were not prepared or willing to pay the cost of discipleship.
And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Matthew 8:19-20 BSB
We love God, and alose have the desire to follow Christ, but the people, places, and things we chase after cause us to turn away like the rich, young ruler.
16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.'” 20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matthew 19:16-24
Do you have a spiritual understanding of this parable? God does not require us to be homeless, hungry, or live in poverty to serve Him. Yes, we must have the necessities of life to sustain our well-being, which Jesus says in Matthew 6 that He will provide. God loves us. Blessed and highly favored with innate abilities, talents, and spiritual gifts to live healthy and productive lives, God proves His love for all of humanity.
Love, Faith, Trust, and Obedience make up the foundation to establish and maintain a relationship with God. It is human effort combined with Divine Intervention that gives us the ability to have continuous spiritual growth. Still, we must take additional steps to fulfill the requirements of discipleship. We must give up and let go of the desires and the distractions that prevent us from having an up-close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Commitment to God includes a journey filled with the pangs of suffering, but also we possess perfect peace because God has promised to always take care of us.
What is your testimony? What has God done for you? Has He filled your life with unconditional love, hope, peace, and joy? Then tell as many people as you can that over 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God was born, lived, died, and was resurrected to redeem humanity from the horrible curse of sin.
God’s Gift to Humanity
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Hold on to Jesus’ promises:
“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
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” Revelation 22:7
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20
Heavenly Father, in this season of gift-giving and receiving, help us never to forget the price paid for our redemption. We desire to be your disciples whatever the cost we are required to pay. We look forward to the day when you will return to take us to our heavenly home. Until then, we will love and serve you with our hearts, souls, and minds. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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