God’s Power – Page 2 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

My testimony is that I have lived through many life-changing events. Not only did 2020 and 2021 bring a ruthless pathogen to humanity, at 62 y/o, my status changed from married to single. And in January of this year, God told me to move to a city in Florida where I have no friends or family. Did God forsake me? No!

The events that happened in my life resulted in a much closer relationship with God. The peace that God gives is priceless. 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. God always answers our prayers. And His answer will always be above and beyond our expectations.

“Lord, I want my faith in you to increase” was my prayer. Not only can I enjoy my new life, but I also have time to have an in-depth study of the Bible every day. I am truly amazed by the treasure map that God has given to us. If you desire a complete understanding of who God is and how we can transform into becoming holy and acceptable to God, pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and diligently study the Word of God.

Fact: Through consistent prayer and studying, Satan is defeated. We also gain the confidence of knowing who we are [children of God], and learn to completely depend on God. Our Heavenly Father has promised to never forsake us. Even when we fall deep into sin, all we have to do is confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness. God’s grace and mercies provide us with new beginnings.

Truth: We have the hope and assurance that God will always be faithful. It is up to us to obey. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Truth: God forgives all of our sins and throws them into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

Fake News: Satan will be forgiven if he only asks God for forgiveness. Revelation 20:9

Truth: God can heal you from all past emotional, mental, and physical abuse. Jeremiah 32:27, Psalm 147:3

Fake News: You will need therapy for the rest of your life. Mark 9:29, Psalm 147:3, Luke 17:11-19

Truth: Satan easily deceives us when we do not pray and study the Bible.

Truth: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-18

God, we thank you for giving us the Bible. Please forgive our sins and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We desire to know who you are and to live righteously. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Running in Times of Distress?

Living Victoriously!

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have. 1 Samuel 8:4-5

Samuel presented the demands of the people to God and prayed for guidance. In verses 10-18, God spoke through Samuel to tell the Nation of Israel the consequences of having a king. They still insisted on doing things their way. But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel 8:19-20

We know how the story ends. Saul was a ruthless, disobedient, and jealous king. He desired to kill David even after God used him to kill Goliath, their worst enemy.

As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”…1 Samuel 18:6-8

Then David got up and ran that day from Saul. 1 Samuel 21:10. David, the young shepherd boy that God gave strength to kill lions and bears to protect his sheep and kill Goliath, forgot that God was powerful enough to save him from King Saul.

In times of distress, due to disobedience, trials, or facing our enemies, where or who do we run to? God is our only Deliverer! We easily forget when we face our worst situations that God says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.” Malachi 3:6. Our gratitude for God’s infinite grace and mercies is not expressed enough through our prayers, praise, and worship. Run to God!

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Having complete faith and trust in God enables us to run to God. Never run from the enemy! Have you been confronted by a person who is ready to argue? Are you being victimized in a seemingly hopeless situation? Begin to pray out loud and ask God to reign down His mighty power and take care of your problems. “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14. Stop running from your enemies, and start running to God!

Bible Study: Psalm 18

God, we ask forgiveness for not running to you. We realize that you are the only ones who can fight our battles. Please rescue us from our enemies who desire to harm us. Thank you for fighting for us. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Challenge

We are 15 months into the pandemic that has impacted our lives like a passing storm or a devastating tsunami. Yet, God has always been here. He never left us alone nor did we have to guess or figure out how to move forward.

If you do not feel that God was there for you, then it’s time to give Him more of you. Studying the Bible provides us with a complete bio of God. We learn of His love, character, and most importantly, God reveals his promises to humanity.

Prayer is our most powerful resource!

God always answers our prayers for forgiveness, grace, to love others, and the strength to make it through the day. But most importantly, God listens intently to our prayers for help! Whether the enemy is attacking us or our basic needs are running out, God is alert! His eyes see all, and his ears are especially tuned-in to the cries, “God, I need your help.”

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

The Challenge

“Be still (cease striving) and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

We have to make sure that we understand the true meaning of “To be still.” Love, faith, trust, obedience, knowledge, and wisdom are the requisites to have a strong bond and loving relationship with God.

Bible Study: 1 Kings 17:7-16

God, we are in the struggle of our lives spiritually and financially. We desperately need your help. We ask for your divine intervention and blessings in our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Haven’t you Heard?

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.

The Seasons will Change

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

Presently, our small town in Texas is crippled by the bitter, icy winds and the chilling temperatures that have frozen our utilities leaving many without water and electricity. Our streets are layered with a thick coat of ice and adorned with a snowy covering that has turned from snowball quality to a highly dangerous road hazard.

For those who endure far worse winters as a routine way of life, please know that we are not equipped to meet the challenges of icy winter storms. Our county does not have plows or dump trucks filled with a sandy/salty mixture for traction. We barely own clothing that would protect us below a temperature of 40 degrees if we dared to venture outdoors. And did I fail to mention that all cable providers have sent apologies for the outages?

Being from the Northeast, I have endured many harsh winters without blinking an eye. But the brutality of this storm has caused the cessation of all activities with the exception of looking out the windows. As I read, study, crochet, or use my cell phone to stay connected, I console myself that this storm will be over in four to five days. In fact, by next week our temps will be in the 60s.

During my solitude, I figured out a secret to staying content during our winter storm, I know that this storm will not last. There is an end to the harshness that has us at a standstill. If only it was that easy to remain content when I face the seasons of my trials and tribulations. If only my faith was stronger and I believed Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.

God requires continuous growth. We are not where He needs us to be in our relationship with him. Faith and trust must flourish and until it does, God helps us to reach the mark, the level that pleases Him. Unlike the counterproductive storms, our trials produce: 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 NKJV

God, we thank you for loving us so much that you help us to build the spiritual qualities that are pleasing to you. We pray for the strength to trust you during the process of changing and growing. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Sabbath Devotional: Bridging the Gap to Emotional Healing

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.

Prayer is Our Weapon

Read: Acts 12

The praying Believers did not believe that Peter was at the gate. They prayed but had doubt that God would answer their prayer.

Prayer is the only option we have.

Prayer puts us in the neighborhood of God. When our faith is weak and our doubt is strong, pray anyway.

Prayer places us to be in alignment with God.

Prayer unleashes the Power of God!

Acknowledge your weakened faith, by praying, “Lord help my unbelief.”

Prayer, fasting, and humility of heart places us in the vicinity of God.

Pray in your desperation. Prayer points us into the direction where God is.

Just keep praying. Prayer increases our Faith!!!

As we commit to a closer and deeper relationship with God, increase your communcation with God through prayer.

Make the promise to yourself that you will increase your prayer life. Pray to the Creator, the God of Heaven and Earth and you will see a change in your life like you have never witnessed before.

God, we ask you to forgive our unbelief. We pray for an increase in our faith. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tag: God’s Power

Great is Thy Faithfulness

We Need God

Biblical Truths and Fake News