Joy Peace Happiness – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

“Am I Growing Spiritually?” Signs of Spiritual Growth

God tells us to, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10).

Growing closer to God is not an emotional experience of highs and lows, it is a day by day spiritual transformation of our mind, character, and personality that allows us to receive Jesus’ gift of peace.

Sanctification Prepares Us for Eternal Life

Sanctification is the gradual and daily spiritual process of growth and transformation performed by the Holy Spirit, which requires the human effort of surrender, faithful obedience, and renouncing our desires, and sinful practices and pleasures.

Sanctification requires the human effort of full cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Instead of following our thoughts, we pray for God’s guidance, and obey His answers. Yes, this is a struggle!

We do not use our emotions to react to conflict, or stressful situations, instead, we strive to possess the Spirit of Christ, and immediately pray for Divine Help.

Christ’s Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering [patience], gentleness, goodness faith, meekness [humility], temperance [self-control], against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Through our daily personal worship of Prayer and Study of the Scriptures, we receive spiritual wisdom. It is in the times of separation from others, the Holy Spirit quietly teaches us the deepest meaning of God’s Righteous Precepts.

As we begin to perceive life through the Spiritual Eyes of Christ, we begin to recognize that we are growing spiritually. Not only do our desires and goals change, but we also approach the Throne of Grace before making decisions, and rely on God to fight our battles.

Loyalty to God is manifested by righteous thoughts. Instead of pursuing earthly success and material possessions, we seek to fulfill our God-given purpose of using our talents and spiritual gifts to honor God, and witness to others.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33, CSB).

Remaining loyal to our Shepherd does not exclude us from enduring suffering, trials, and hardships. The apostle Peter tells us that we will experience fiery trials.

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

“These ‘fiery trials’ are seen not as surprising misfortunes, but as opportunities to test faith, purify character, and deepen one’s connection with God, ultimately preparing us for future glory.”

Spiritual Fact: When facing challenges, our first response reveals the status of our faith and trust in God.

Although, we can resolve our obstacles, spiritual growth is evidenced by our desire to depend on God. Instead of developing strategies, our first response to adversity is a prayer asking for God’s Divine Intervention.

“Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24, CSB).

Developing a life of prayer builds steadfast faith and trust in God, and demonstrates confidence in Jesus’ promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

In Philippians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul gives us Jesus’ instructions on maintaining our faith and gift of peace despite our circumstances.

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

Prayer connects us to Jesus, our Intercessor who receives every prayer, silent and spoken. From exercising our faith to believe in the Power of God, the Holy Spirit blesses us with Christ’s spiritual peace [an abiding inner calmness] that words cannot describe.

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3).

God loves and honors His faithful believers. From surrendering ourselves to follow Christ, we receive the daily blessings of spiritual peace, a quiet spirit, provisions, the fruition of His perfect plans, and the ability to sleep like newborn babies.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8).

Like David, even when facing adversity, we can have the confidence that Jesus Christ, Heaven’s Mightiest Warrior will fight every battle we face!

If you are living a life of faithful obedience then you are right where God needs you to be. Yes and Amen! Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Psalm 46

Lord God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth who speaks to our hearts, giving us spiritual wisdom and discernment when we dedicate ourselves to follow Christ. Jesus, we thank You for Your amazing gift of peace, and protection from spiritual warfare. We give you the honor, glory, and praise, and ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.

© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

The Woodland Wonders of Nature

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who searched for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26 NLT

Good Morning!

It is a cold and rainy Sunday, even so, we have been blessed with another day of life.

In 2001, I was searching for a new job and had sent out several resumes. I can recall interviewing for the position as a Home Health Nurse. I excitedly thought about the autonomy of developing my daily schedule, and the freedom of traveling as opposed to working in the confinement of an office setting for 8 hours a day.

While I was waiting for the completion of the Agency background check, I received a call from Eve, a Camp Administrator in New York City who relayed that she had received my resume and was interested in hiring me for the summer.

As she explained the responsibilities of the position, I mentally laughed at the thought of a “New Jersey City Girl” working in the Catskill mountains of Upstate NY. I half-heartedly listened to the duties of the position, realizing that I had never been camping, and really was not interested at the age of 43 in new beginnings.

My thoughts took a 360 spin when Eve spoke about the compensation-the salary was based on the NYC wage scale for nurses. With the salary I would receive for the summer, it would be possible to be selective in choosing a permanent job with the right fit when I returned home.

I had a decision to make; based on the completion of a successful background check, the position was mine, if interested. Honestly, my affirmative decision was influenced solely by the money.

The next day, I received a Fed-Ex package with New Hire documents, pictures of the camp, and a very lengthy list of the required clothing, shoes, and supplies.

There were three modules with a one-week away from camp break, which equated to 12 weeks of rendering care to girls ages 7-17, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including the On-Call duties.

Although my motives for accepting the position were not the best, my life experience expanded in a way that I never thought possible. The unadulterated beauty and peaceful environment of the land with it’s serene lake and majestic trees were simply breath-taking. I became Nurse-mother to 325 girls during that summer who often visited the infirmary (in tears) for various reasons.

It was hard work! The temperatures plummeted to 30 degrees at night, and my cabin had the only indoor shower in the camp with a reservoir of 5 gallons of hot water that was only to be utilized for the nursing staff. I received many offers of money and gifts from staff to take a hot shower; nonetheless, I adhered to the rules.

Preparation for Nightly Bear Visits: Bears! The most daunting thoughts were fueled by a history of watching too many horror movies (a habit that has ceased). During orientation week, we were taught to make Honey pots that were set out every night at the entrance of the campsite to deter the bears from entering.

Thankfully, the camp counselors were responsible for the honey pots. Still, I must admit that my prayer life increased during that summer. God is awesome! Nightly, we could hear the bear eating from the pot; however, never once did the bears enter the campsite.

“For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7 NLT).

With God all things are possible, I have come to appreciate the beauty of nature, and know that only a loving God could provide an earth filled with such magnificent splendor for our enjoyment.

“Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. It may even reduce mortality, according to scientists such as public health researchers Stamatakis and Mitchell.”

Challenge for today: Reach beyond your comfort zone…enjoy a stress-free day in a natural habitat, and thank Jesus, the Creator for His Amazing Love and Gift of Nature.

“The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD…” (Psalm 24:1 NLT).

LORD God, Thank you for blessing us with the beauty of nature. Thank you for the elements that enhance our lives and total well-being. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen!

Reposted this Devotional from 2019. As I read about my first real experience in nature, I must admit that it was God’s love that granted me a summer that was life-changing spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Peace and Blessings.

God’s Promise: Beauty For Ashes

Adversity is part of suffering for Christ, who promised to give us the Divine strength to overcome. Nothing is too hard for God to resolve.

There are three facts you should always remember, God loves you, God has perfect plans for your life, and God, our Father resolves every challenge for your good and His glory.

We can identify with Christ’s sufferings, knowing that through Him, we will overcome. Our circumstances may not change, yet, we receive hope from receiving His Divine and Powerful Strength to keep moving forward one step at a time.

Will you allow God to fulfill His plans for your life? Character transformation is required to receive Eternal Life. Yes, we must endure trials, still, God never crushes us, which would serve no spiritual purpose.

“Are you in the midst of [what appears to be] hopeless circumstances? Jesus is gentle, patient, and kind, and He is not giving up on you; you can count on that!”

Our Triumphant King always gives us hope when we surrender to His will with faithful obedience. Praying in faith for Divine Help lifts our burdens. We do not have to figure anything out, God has the solution!

Prayer: Lord God, I want what you want for me. Please give me the strength to persevere through my hardships. Thank You for Your love and perfect plans. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.