love faith sabbath – Page 20 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

“The Courage to Obey” Sermon – Dr Charles Stanley

Peace and blessings to all of the Family of God. The courage to obey God is a characteristic that reveals our love for God. This sermon is life-changing. Amen.

Amazing Grace – Sister Antonia Glenda Johnson

The LORD Is on Our Side

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 26, 2024

“… With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” —Mark 10:27

God gifted us faith, love, power, and a sound mind. Consciously, we may not realize the importance of faith [belief], but every day we use our faith in various ways that empower us to trust in God. We pray for God’s protection and direction in our lives, fulfill our job duties with the expectation that we will be paid at the designated times, and rely on God to love us unconditionally.

For the believers who place their lives in God’s hands, we also use our faith to humbly surrender and obey, the character traits God requires for traveling on the narrow Path of Righteousness. From our faith, we have joy and peace. Yes, we feel great, easily praising God when all is well, but what happens when our peaceful times are interrupted by a stormy trial. What is our first response? Faith or fear? Prayer or Anxiety?

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ ” —Matthew 14:28-31

Peter walking on the water represents many Christians who follow Jesus but have wavering, unreliable faith. Financial hardships, challenges in our daily activities of life, sudden illnesses, divorce, job loss, family turmoil, and even unexpected death of family and friends will arise in our earthly lives. When facing an overwhelming and impossible situation, we should self-reflect, Did I disobey God and now am suffering consequences?

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” —John 16:33, Amplified Bible

Unless we have relied on our thoughts and intuition, Jesus tells us that as His followers, we will suffer a life filled with tribulations. Yet, the apostle James defines the spiritual response to adversity: “… Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work (endurance), that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Faith must grow and mature. Trials and hardships are the spiritual channels that produce strong faith and redirect our focus to rely on God. Spiritual hardships strengthen, encourage, and produce spiritual growth, and maturity. God desires us to be strong, not giving up, but praying and believing His Divine intervention will resolve every challenge in our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Trusting in our abilities guarantees that we will experience disbelief and discouragement. What does God expect of us when we face challenges? “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).

Even Jesus in his earthly life had daily challenges. Yet, with courage, He prayed continuously because Jesus was confident that He would always receive God’s help and strength in His times of need. Jesus’ command: Have courage, because I have overcome every trial and will give you the victory!

“Only fear (reverence) the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.” —1 Samuel 12:24

“Count your blessings, count them one by one. Count your many blessings to see what God has done.” Despite the many victories our Heavenly Father has blessed us with, we easily forget His Loving character and Sovereign power when we face adversity. Daily, we receive the breath of life and the necessary provisions to sustain our lives. A heart filled with gratitude has steadfast faith in God.

“So I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off and remain in the wilderness.’ ” —Psalm 55:6-7

In the Psalms, we note that King David suffered from emotional highs and lows from the chaos of the continuous covert betrayal from his sons and hatred from his enemies. We cannot fly away from adversity, but we can speak prayers expressing our deepest concerns to our Loving Savior, King Jesus who always hears and comforts our hearts.

God’s Promise: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” —Hebrews 13:5-6

Faith is our anchor to the power of God. Always go to God first. Remember He commands us to have faith in His power. We are heaven’s priority! Despite what you are going through, God’s got you and you will be okay if you only trust Him. Use your mustard seed Faith and believe in His Grace and Great love for you.

Prayer: God, we believe but help our unbelief. We are facing challenges that only You can resolve. We ask for Your divine help and strength to face our trials. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

Victory Is Through the Righteousness of Christ

Our Daily Walk with Christ – Sabbath Devotional – August 24, 2024

If your life is difficult, study the lives of Joseph, Abraham, Naomi, Ruth, and Job. The Bible gives us true knowledge of people who struggle with the same issues we face. King Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Until we accept our God-given purpose, our lives will never reflect spiritual growth and transformation nor will our earthly accomplishments produce the faith and works that indicate we are preparing for eternal life.

“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” —Psalm 32:8

Resistance to letting God lead us results in practicing Compromised Christianity—attending church but never changing and growing spiritually. Deciding to commit and consecrate oneself to follow Jesus Christ gives us true peace and victory despite our trials and hardships. Throughout the Scriptures, we find righteous men and women who dedicated themselves to surrender and faithfully obey God. Yes, they had the assurance of receiving the Crown of Life.

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end, he will stand on the earth…
And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” —Job 19:25-27

Job suffered greatly but still proclaimed victory because he truly believed in Jesus’ promise that He would come again to take the righteous to heaven. Where do we stand? Live for Christ. True victory can only be obtained through the Righteousness of Christ. Heaven is real. We cannot afford to choose the temporary things of this earth and forfeit the reward that Jesus died on Calvary’s cross to give us.

Declaration of True Surrender: “I have decided to follow Jesus and whether I lose family, friends, or wealth, I am going to heaven to receive my reward, Revelation 22:12.” Amen.

Sabbath Peace and Blessings ©Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry

Separation Is the Key To Preparing for Eternal Life

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 22, 2024

“Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

For those striving to live holy, the Holy Spirit reveals the Truth, gives us wisdom, and leads us in our earthly journey of Sanctification. Without daily consecrating oneself to God, diligently praying, and studying the Bible, we cannot distinguish between Holy and common [sinful] practices. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom and discernment to recognize compromised Christianity.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven..” —Matthew 7:21

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:33). The next time you are with family or friends, stay quiet, and listen to their conversation. Are they leading you to have a stronger relationship with Christ or pulling you away from the Path of Righteousness?

There are no worldly Christians. Too many Christians are thinking, speaking, dressing, and participating in earthly pleasures and chasing prosperity. Set yourself apart from unbelievers. Surrounding ourselves with believers who can pray with and for us, study the bible, and prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming constitutes the Family of God.

“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

In love, Jesus gave His life, suffering a cruel death so we can be redeemed from sin. We owe Him our lives. Revelation 22:12 is sooner than we think. Get ready and stay ready! Only those with a pure and obedient heart will receive the reward of Eternal life. Jesus is waiting for you and me to dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our calling as His disciples.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for Your unfailing love. We ask You to teach us how to be Holy. In Your Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

With Joyful Expectation, Pray, and Wait On God

Trust in the LORD, and do good, dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noon day. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” Psalm 37:3-7

God is a Loving Heavenly Father. God is a Promise-keeper. God is All-knowing, which includes our lives from beginning to end. What God is Not, He is not a God of instant gratification, He knows what we need when we need it. God’s ultimate goal is to save our souls by sanctifying us through the Holy Spirit. Therefore He will not bless us with anything that interferes with His promise to give us eternal life.

“Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16

Pray in faith and wait on the Lord. Jesus has invited us to the Throne of Grace to receive His Divine help. God will never fail us. While waiting for our blessings, we should excitedly wait as children anticipating wonderful blessings from the Father above.

Lord, we thank You for Your loving care and faithfulness toward us. We ask for strength as we walk daily in this journey of life. We ask this prayer in your Holy Name, Amen.

The True Cost and Challenges of Following Jesus

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – August 19, 2024

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ ” —Mark 8:34

There is a stark difference between Jesus’ requirements to follow Him and the Compromised Christianity practiced by many of today’s believers. Jesus says that we must deny ourselves, and take up our cross to be His disciple. The life of a true converted believer is not easy. We must relinquish our desires by surrendering ourselves to God daily: “God, not my will, but Your will be done.”

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” —Mark 8:36-37

Pursuing success, financial wealth, relationships, and pleasure has never been included in the spiritual journey of the followers of Christ. Chasing the world’s prosperity and marrying unbelievers is history repeating itself [the days of Noah]. Jesus forewarns us of the consequences of choosing the world, the loss of one’s soul is the loss of the reward of Eternal life.

“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” —Joshua 24:15

“In the simplicity of humble faith ask the Lord to open your understanding, that you may discern and appreciate the precious things of His Word. Thus you may grow in grace, grow in simple, trusting faith.” God’s Amazing Grace, EGW

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.” —John 15:4

“Our Saviour compares Himself to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and then He shows how they may become fruitful branches.” Reflecting Christ, EGW

“…Be holy, for I Am Holy.” —1 Peter 1:16

Faith, humility, surrender, obedience, much prayer, fasting, and study of the Holy Scriptures along with abandoning all worldly habits, desires, and lifestyles including liaisons with unbelievers are required to follow Christ. Our earthly lives are the only opportunity for our characters, minds, and personalities to be changed into the likeness of Christ.

The human effort of cooperation with God joins us with God’s plan to save our souls. We choose Christ and the Holy Spirit transforms us daily into the likeness of Christ’s Character. Sanctification is evidenced when our desires change and we pursue righteousness. We stop watching, listening, and chasing sinful pleasures, nor do we seek success because Jesus is our First Love.

The believers whose hearts are converted love God and cherish Jesus’ selfless sacrifice on Calvary. We do not have ambivalent feelings over giving up everything for Christ. When we are dedicated followers of Christ, we prepare daily for Kingdom life with our Triumphant King. Reflection: Where do you stand in your relationship with Jesus?

Study Mark chapters 8-10: “…the follower of Jesus—whether the disciples 2,000 years ago or disciples in the twenty-first century— [must prepare daily] for the challenges that come with discipleship.” SSNET

Lord God, we pray for the strength to persevere on this tumultuous journey. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to lead us on the Path of Righteousness. We love You for Your great sacrifice that we have the opportunity to inherit eternal life. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Teaching Disciples Part I – SUMtv – Pastoral Panel Discussion

Unlocking the Secrets of Prayer [Pastor Mark Finley]

God Always Answers Our Prayers

Our Daily Walk with Christ Sabbath Devotional – August 17, 2024

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” —Isaiah 65:24

We serve a God who is the Sovereign Ruler of this universe. He is Omniscient [All-Knowing] and Omnipotent [Majestic Power]. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). We have a Father who is interested in our well-being and commands angels to protect and comfort us.

Pray and Wait and be patient! God’s timing will never coincide with our expectations. Still, we can remain courageous because God always intervenes when the righteous pray in faith. Through Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor, we receive victorious outcomes. Every good gift is from the Father above. Amen.

Lord God, we pray for a Divine blessing on our lives and the willingness to patiently wait because You always know what is best in every aspect of our lives. Thank You for the Sabbath rest that draws us closer to You and refreshes us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” —Psalm 27:14