Love – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Why Are You Fearful? Receive Peace – Pray For God’s Guidance

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

God is always faithful! His never-changing and comforting promise of continuous peace is revealed only in the lives of those who anchor their faith in Jesus Christ, The Rock.

“You will keep him in perfect peace” is also a reward: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

“The Hebrew word for peace here is Shalom, that does not imply an absence of trouble, but a [spiritual state] of absolute completeness in Christ, which produces wholeness, and an unshakable well-being.”

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, ESV).

From praying and not relying on risky human thoughts and strategies, instead of facing unknown outcomes and consequences, we receive the blessings of God’s guidance, peace, and contentment.

Always trust God! Whether we are facing life’s toughest challenges, or daily routine obstacles, if we use our faith to pray, ask for Help, believing in God’s Power, He will give us victorious outcomes. Yes and Amen!

Consistent prayer gives us direct access to God’s Plans, Thoughts, and Directions. Consistent prayer also prevents thoughts of uncertainty, anxiety, and worry, which disrupts our gift of Jesus’ Perfect Peace.

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” (Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible).

Praying for God’s Guidance, waiting for His answer, and obeying His directives reveals our love, loyalty, and the willingness to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who deserves our commitment of total faith and trust.

True Sanctification requires every believer to have the mindset of Christ, and to live as He lived: A Faithful, Humble, and Obedient Life.

Jesus proclaimed: “And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” (John 8:29, Amplified Bible).

Jesus’ Peace and Eternal Life are rewards for the righteous, who abide in Jesus by following Him on the Narrow Path of Righteousness.

Living a life of self-denial means that we control our emotions and desires. We live a quiet, spiritually disciplined life by keeping our focus on Jesus’ Promises in John 14:1-3 and Revelation 22:12.

When we perceive ourselves as the Redeemed Sons and Daughters of God, and the Righteous Heirs of Jesus’ Eternal Kingdom, we easily acknowledge and worship our Triumphant King with total surrender and obedience.

“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).

Those who proclaim to be Christians, but exclude Christ by following their own thoughts and strategies, possess hearts that are unconverted and filled with self-love and self-reliance.

“Thus says the LORD, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the LORD.'” (Jeremiah 17:5, Amplified Bible).

The warning is strong, but disobedience is rebellion, which separates us from God, for which there is no Heavenly reward.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23). With humility, the Prophet Jeremiah acknowledges God’s Sovereign Authority over humanity.

We acquiesce to God’s Sovereign Authority, not from fear [fear in the Scriptures means reverence], but because we love Him.

Total surrender and obedience reveals our appreciation and gratitude for our life-saving gift of Jesus redeeming and saving us from the penalty of the second and final death. [Malachi 4].

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).

God’s Divine Guidance and Protection are limited to those who follow Jesus Christ, their Shepherd with unwavering faith and obedience.

The Bible, Our Spiritual Treasure Map, Reveals God’s Higher Thoughts and Ways

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Bible is Spiritually All-Inclusive. Asking for wisdom and discernment invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with the deepest understanding of God’s Love, Grace, and His One and Only Abiding Truth!

Ask for Strength: “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” The Holy Spirit also gives us Jesus’ Divine Strength to pursue holiness, keeping us on the Narrow Path that leads to Eternal Life.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Consistent Bible Study reveals our willingness to surrender to Jesus’ Authority as our Sovereign Ruler, and acknowledges our need to be taught by God.

From Genesis to Revelation God reveals His Loving Character, Divine Thoughts and Higher Ways. Yes, God is a Loving Heavenly Father, but we must also remember, God is also the Righteous Judge of humanity.

God warns us, “I do not change!” The Holy Scriptures provide absolute proof of God’s expectations: The righteous must serve Him with faithful obedience.

“If you love Me keep my Commandments.” (John 14:15). We were created with a free will choice. God never coerces us to surrender, pray, or obey His guidance.

But when our hearts are truly converted, it is not a burden to obey our Loving Shepherd. Following Jesus is the best decision, we will ever make!

From studying the Bible, we find that righteous believers always honored and revered God with steadfast faith: There was never any doubt or question in their mind that serving and honoring God required faith, trust, and obedience.

King David: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” (Psalm 25:4-5).

Job: “Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:10-14).

From aligning ourselves with God’s Will and Plans, Jesus promises: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24).

Jesus’ Promise refers to praying and making requests that lead to spiritual growth and transformation. We need Spiritual wisdom, discernment, patience, contentment, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance to receive our Crown of Life.

From abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a consecrated life of Holiness. Surrender, Self-Denial, and Faithful Obedience, which are the characteristics of those who follow Jesus, distinguishing Jesus’ Loyal Sheep from the pretenders.

Yes, in our earthly lives, we can expect to suffer adversity (John 16:33); but the righteous can rejoice! Jesus has promised to give us His Spiritual Gifts of Strength, Joy, Happiness, and Peace, and to lead us from Earth to Heaven.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Hold On To Jesus!

“For, ‘In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.'” (Hebrews 10:37, BSB).

Following Jesus Christ requires walking through life on bended knees, living a life of self-denial, and praying continuously [with steadfast faith and courage] for Divine Guidance.

God, the Father, and God, the Son honors and rewards their faithful and loyal sons and daughters with all of our necessities, and at times, fulfills a few of our desires. Why? There is no need for us to get attached to this Earth’s money and material possessions.

Soon, King Jesus’ Gift of Eternity will come to fruition: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21). Yes and Amen!

We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth, who are preparing for the Greatest Event this world will ever witness:

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in Righteousness He judges and makes war. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11, 16).

Prayer: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Number 6:24- 26). Amen.

Jesus Proclaims: “All Power and Authority Has Been Given To Me”

Throughout the Bible, Jesus revealed His Power and Authority: When the disciples and the other followers in their boats were facing death from a vicious stormy sea, Jesus stood up in the boat and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still,”

“…the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” (Matthew 8:27).

“The raising of Lazarus is one of Jesus’ most profound miracles, detailed in the Gospel of John. It is the ultimate display and proof of His Power over death and serves as a preview of His own Resurrection.”

Jesus tells us that without Him we cannot function spiritually without Him: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Behavior Modification, stopping habits and behaviors that produce negative consequences is not Spiritual Growth and Character Transformation.

When we accepted Christ as our Savior, He accepted us just as we are, but we cannot stay that way. “For it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:16).

Jesus’ Power and Authority: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

To be holy cannot be accomplished by using human thoughts and strength. Spiritually, we cannot change our heart, mind, and character, only Jesus can cleanse and change the human heart!

Cooperation is our responsibility! We must renounce sin and follow Jesus with faithful obedience; only then can the Holy Spirit give us a clean heart that is responsive to Jesus’ Voice, guiding us day by day in our spiritual journey.

Daily surrender invites the Holy Spirit to Sanctify our thoughts, words, behaviors, and lifestyle. We use our faith to pray, asking for guidance, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.

To differentiate between our thoughts and God’s Guidance, we ask ourselves, Does this thought reflect, honor, and glorify God?

Because God loves us, He gave Jesus, as the Sacrificial Lamb to redeem us from the consequences of sin. (John 3:16). We choose to accept or reject Christ, and we choose our destiny of life or death.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Our Salvation requires an active faith, trust, and obedience to God. We must know the difference between God’s Absolute Truth and Satan’s false teachings.

Keeping our focus on Christ requires Biblical knowledge and the intentional awareness of the people, programs, and activities that we allow to enter our lives.

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, BSB).

Every Son and Daughter of God is the target of Satan’s Spiritual Warfare. All of Heaven is dedicated to guiding and protecting us from Satan’s covert deceptions and temptations.

As Children of the Light, we are responsible for maintaining control of our Gift of Time. Always pay close attention to interruptions and distractions.

Saying No, to most unplanned activities is necessary, so we can spend quality time with our Savior and Shepherd in personal worship.

To Grow Closer to Jesus Christ, Practice Separation, Solitude, and Silence

We dismiss all desires and distractions that prevent us from praying for and receiving Jesus’ Divine Guidance, Wisdom and Strength.

It is the time we spend in personal worship that invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures, and what we need to do to maintain an unbreakable spiritual connection with Christ.

Studying and obeying God’s Precious Promises, His Commands, Precepts, Moral Law, and the Life of Christ in the Holy Scriptures is crucial for our Spiritual Transformation.

The Scriptures reinforce God’s Truth, reveal His Promises, give us the wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes, and teach us how to think, respond, and live as Jesus did in His earthly life.

Satan cannot deceive Christ’s followers, who make it their priority to have daily Bible Study, whispering prayers throughout their day, asking for wisdom, discernment, and Jesus’ Power. “Pray continuously!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To receive spiritual growth and character transformation, we cannot rely on hearing weekly sermons. Just as physical food is required daily, every day, we must engage in personal worship with the goals to learn how to live righteously.

We receive spiritual empowerment from the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s Will and Plans for the given day. “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done,” is the prayer of victory that demonstrates our willingness to obey God.

The Apostle Paul was an awesome, loving, and caring Pastor to the members of the Early Churches; the Believers faced continuous challenges and hardships, because paganism [idolatry] was the standard of worship:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).

Paul’s instructions to each of his churches: Consecrate yourself to Christ by letting go of unrighteous people, worldly behaviors, profane words and habits, and immorality are still valid for us today.

To be a Christian is to remain steadfast in our Spiritual Journey with Jesus. We must learn to hate sin!

Following Christ may cause us to lose relationships with friends, family members, and at times, our jobs. Facing compromising situations is the true test of our faith.

The possibility of loss reveals to us whether or not, we really believe in Jesus’ Sovereign Power and Authority. Even if your faith is weak, Never compromise!

Our faith will be tested. Still, we must possess courage and the ability to say “No, I will not sin against God!”

I can recall a behind closed doors meeting with the company’s Regional Nursing Director, who relayed an unwritten corrupt policy that I was expected to follow; her exact words, “I will return to your office in 1 hour and we can discuss the changes that will be implemented.”

I prayed and within 10 minutes, walked to her office and stated, “I am ready to meet with you.” She smiled with the look of victory on her face. She entered my office with confidence, but my words were brief, “I emailed Human Resources my letter of resignation that is effective today.”

Her response, ” I cannot believe that you are willing to give up this excellent job.” Within a week, God blessed me with a new job that was a work from home position.

Reflection: Do we really believe that Jesus has All Power and Authority?

Our faith and trust in God’s Love, Sovereign Authority, Power, and Promises is the foundation of our beliefs, morals, values, and most importantly builds and sustains our relationship with Christ.

“…continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the Name of Christ]. (Philippians 2:12, Amplified Bible).

The Holy Spirit is responsible for performing the lifelong spiritual process of Sanctification: The daily spiritual growth and transformation of our mind and character, and our role is to cooperate with surrender and obedience.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).

“God requires a decision on who we will serve, challenging us to make an active, daily choice between worldly influences and God.”

We were created with the power of choice, to either love and obey Christ, or to reject Him and live as we please. God will never coerce us to follow Jesus or to participate with the Holy Spirit.

Many believer’s pursuits and lifestyles reveal they are content with receiving only earthly rewards. But to follow Christ, there is no middle ground, and no areas of compromise; we cannot think and live as we please and inherit the reward of Eternal Life.

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10).

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ has a remnant of faithful followers that love Him, denying themselves of life’s pleasures to implicitly [without hesitation] follow Him.

When our love and loyalty is to Jesus Christ and we desire our reward of the Crown of Life, then we will remain steadfast, and the Holy Spirit will give us the Mind of Christ. Yes and Amen!

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth and the light. We are instructed to represent His Love, Light, and Righteousness in a morally corrupt and dark Earth.

We are Temporary Travelers Living on a Temporary Earth! Prepare every day for your Forever Home in the New Heaven and New Earth. Yes and Amen!

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As Sons and Daughters of God, who are preparing for our King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s Second Coming, our thoughts, spoken words, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle must always represent the Righteousness of Christ.

Even when facing the brutal loss of income, relationships, marriage, and severe health challenges, we may feel weak and dejected, but in faith, we must remember that Jesus Christ is still in control!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Loving Christ is to experientially know Him, only then can we abide in Him..Studying the Life of Christ changes our desires, thought processes, and goals, inviting the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, teach us spiritual priorities, and strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus’ Divine Power.

When our journey is tough, and we feel our faith failing, deeply reflect on Jesus’ Promise: “My Power will give you the Strength, you need.”

Immediately Pray for Divine Comfort, Strength, and the Power to persevere! Your prayer will be answered before you say, Amen!

“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).

To stay on the Narrow Path, like the men in the boat, we must ask ourselves, “Who is Jesus Christ?” He is the Only One who can save the human soul!

Through His blood, we are forgiven, and our heart, mind, character, and body are cleansed from the unrighteousness of sin.

Jesus covers us with His Righteousness, transforming us daily into His likeness through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Because of Jesus’ Infinite Love, we can receive the Power to overcome sin, and to live holy!

The Cost of Our Redemption: “…the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

Who Am I? Jesus, God, the Son’s Answer: “‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God'” “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.'” (Revelation 3:14; Revelation 22:13).

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 21:3).

Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and Promises to empower us with Your strength to overcome the temptations and the darkness of sin on this present Earth. We ask You to forgive us for the many times, we have rejected Your Love by following our sinful desires. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us with an Everlasting Love and willingly sacrificing Your life to save our souls. Today, we consecrate ourselves to follow Jesus with humility, surrender, and faithful obedience. We ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our spiritual journey, especially when we are discouraged by our presenting circumstances. We look forward to the day when there will be no more sin and grief. Until then we ask You to please be our Strength. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

We Are God’s Greatest Investment – Are We Yielding Spiritual Returns?

According to religious statistics, “Globally, there are approximately 2.3 to 2.6 billion Christians worldwide. And there are over 4.3 billion people who have never accepted Christ.”

“Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority (All Power of Absolute Rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'” (Matthew 28:18, Amplified Bible).

The remaining people have various religious beliefs, but do not believe that Jesus Christ is God, the Son and the Second Person of the Triune Godhead.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Let’s direct our focus to the 2.3 to 2.6 billion Christians, who may attend weekly church services, yet many do not follow Jesus with surrender and faithful obedience, nor do they pray and study the Bible daily; “in the USA, only 11 to 13% of Christians study the Bible.”

The number of individuals who proclaim to be Christians are actually not practicing and living according to God’s Biblical Truth, or obeying His Righteous Precepts.

To God, the Father, we are His “Spiritual Investment.” Jesus gave His life to redeem us from the only penalty of being born into sin: “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV).

The Spiritual Returns That God Expects

Every day, our choices, thoughts, spoken words, and lifestyles reveal whether or not, we are living a sacrificial life of self- denial and faithful obedience.

Representing the Light of Christ to others is our greatest witness that following Christ makes a difference in one’s life. These Spiritual Returns are required to receive our reward of Eternal Life [Revelation 22:12].

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10).

Because we inherited sinful hearts, our minds and characters are easily influenced by the evil of this world. But the Holy Spirit convicts us when we are disconnected from Christ.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God tells us that His thoughts and ways are much higher than our thoughts. Jesus tells us that we are on the Narrow Path of Righteousness, or the wide path leading to destruction [Matthew 7:13 – 14].

Many Believers are living compromised lives, never praying and studying the Bible, thinking that all is well. How is that possible?

Satan has spread a false teaching that has been readily accepted in the Christian Community: You can live as you please and still go to Heaven.

Jesus Says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). We cannot live as we please and expect to inherit the Crown of Life [Revelation 3:21].

As Biblical Prophecy is being fulfilled, Christian believers will either fall into the group of the consecrated, faithful and obedient followers of Jesus Christ, “His Remnant:”

“And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved!” (Romans 9:27, ESV).

“The “remnant” in the Bible refers to a faithful minority of believers whom God preserves and protects during times of widespread rebellion, judgment, and hardship.”

Or as the Apostle Paul describes the majority of believers living in the Last Days, [In 2026, we are the Christians, who are living in the Last Days].

The Behaviors of Compromising Christians:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers [and sisters], by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1).

Yes, our gift of Salvation is free because Jesus paid with His life. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

Yielding Spiritual Returns: And for Jesus’ great sacrifice when we love and appreciate that we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, it is not a burden or an inconvenience to dedicate ourselves to follow and obey Christ, our Savior, Shepherd, and Resurrected King. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, many are standing at the Spiritual Crossroads, because they are attempting to portray themselves as dedicated Christians, but possess divided hearts. Yet, You know the true status of the human heart, and whether our love and loyalty is to Christ, or for ourselves. Lord, we pray for those who are wavering between the choices of life and death that they will come to their spiritual senses, making the decision to follow Christ with love, humility, and obedience. We ask the Holy Spirit to teach every believer how to live righteously, so we can be transformed, and receive our inheritance of Eternal Life. In faith and with humility, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ask Jesus to Restart Your Life – Receiving the Gift of Spiritual Restoration

“And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:22-23).

Jesus tells us that every human being has sinned by disobeying God. Peter messed up and denied Jesus three times, still Jesus did not condemn him, Jesus restored him by asking Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”

We give Praises to God, the Father and God, Jesus the Son Jesus, who completed the Plan of Redemption on Calvary’s Cross, which includes confession, repentance, and God’s forgiveness for our sins.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

Do not hold onto and grieve over your past experiences and mistakes. Refusing to forgive, nurturing anger, sadness, and despair over the past reveal unbelief [not using our faith to actively believe] in God’s Gift: “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

“Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we are adopted into the family of God, and we proclaim, ‘Abba, Father!'”

Even God cannot change our past, but if we are willing to use our faith and believe in His promise of “making something new,” He will reset our lives and make beauty from the ashes of our past.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT).

The Gift: Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous. The Apostle Paul tells us that from accepting Christ as our personal Savior, we become “new creations,” who are covered by Christ’s Righteousness, and as Sons and Daughters of God, we can expect to receive God’s greatest blessings.

Spiritual Restoration is a gift from God that requires us to live holy: “Be holy, for I Am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

We connect to Christ and stay anchored in Him through daily surrender, faithful obedience, and personal worship [Prayer and Bible Study].

Yes, we use our faith to love, honor, and revere God by implicitly trusting and obeying Him. To receive God’s promises of Spiritual Renewal and Restoration, we cannot have a divided heart.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Our inherited Hearts naturally gravitate toward fulfilling our desires, but Self-Reliance is willful disobedience against God. The heart filled with love for God easily embraces and practices a “God First” mindset and lifestyle.

The Lifestyle of Daily Surrender: We let go of our thoughts and strategies by always praying for God’s Guidance before making decisions. “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).

Even when we fall, with Agape Love and Mercy, Jesus extends His hand, which is an invitation for us to get up and try again. But this time, we use our faith to trust and obey our Shepherd by relying on His Divine Guidance and Strength. Yes and Amen!

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).

Lord God, we confess that by living to fulfill our desires, we have redirected our faith and focus to ourselves. Our decisions are based on our thoughts and emotions, and for these sins of disobedience, we ask You for forgiveness. Our past experiences and mistakes have produced many consequences, but most importantly, we have forgotten that loving You requires us to put You First and to obey Your Will. In faith, we ask You to teach us how to love, to heal us from our past, and to restore our relationship with You. With gratitude and joy, we look forward to receiving Your promise of doing something new in our lives. With humility, we ask for these spiritual blessings in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 13

Happy Blessed Mother’s Day

While on Calvary’s Cross, Jesus honored Mary, His Mother. Jesus said to John, His disciple, Behold, your Mother.

John understood that Jesus had given him the responsibility to take care of Mary, who was a widow at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Christ created the Mother to have an awesome responsibility; Mothers represent God’s love, patience, gentleness, and kindness to their children. A Mother is to love as God loves.

Because we live on the spiritually fallen planet Earth, the heartbreaking reality is that many children did not have a loving Mother.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12).

Regardless, God commands us in the 5th Commandment to love and honor our Mother, which includes forgiveness. To receive our reward of Eternal Life, we must forgive everyone who has hurt us.

We are here because our Mothers carried us inside of their bodies, giving us life. Even if reconciliation and direct contact are not possible, we love our Mother because Loving God is to Love our Mother and Others. Yes and Amen.

Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 13

Lord God, Today we celebrate Mother’s Day, and we ask You to pour out the Spiritual Blessings of love, wisdom, patience, and strength to every Mother, and Caregiver, who has stepped into the role as a Mother. Lord, we also ask You to heal the broken hearts of those who did not receive a Mother’s love as you designed in Your Original Plan. We look forward to the day when we will live forever in the New Heaven and New Earth, overflowing with Agape love, peace, joy, and laughter. Until that day, Lord bless us with Spiritual Strength to keep moving forward. We thank You for the Holy Scriptures, which remind us to live with the joyful anticipation of receiving our Crown of Life. In faith, we ask this prayer of gratitude and request for blessings, in the Loving and Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Growing Closer to Christ – Striving For The Best Spiritual Health

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)

Strive For The Best Spiritual Health: Christ created us to live in harmony with God’s Laws of Health. Our mental, emotional, and physical health impacts our spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2).

The concept “We are what we eat” is a reality, yet healthy intake extends beyond nutrients [food]. Every day, we use our Five Senses [sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch] to either build or tear down our Spiritual Health.

Satan entices us by appealing to our Senses; still, it is our hearts’ desires that propel us to say yes to temptation. “The mind influences the body and the body influences the mind.” We are shaped by what we watch, listen to, the habits we practice, and the people in our inner circle of family and friends.

God’s Standard for Believers: “Be holy, for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16).

Because we live in a time when Satan has used digital and virtual platforms to covertly present compromising entertainment, many Christians are being deceived and engaging in sinful activities.

For example, I prefer playing logic games, so I chose one that had good reviews. All was well until it wasn’t. As I advanced to higher levels, I noticed an unusual number of words related to the occult, mythology, and criminal activity. And the Ads progressed from family appropriate to covert but suggestive immorality.

Although I diligently pray and study the Bible every day, I was focused on the game, which was challenging, and I had achieved a high score; I gradually became desensitized to the content. I thought, “It’s only a game, I don’t believe in those false teachings.”

Yahweh Nissi—Jesus Christ, Our Mighty Warrior Against Satan’s Deceptions

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, BSB).

Jesus loves and protects those who love Him. On the day I dismissed the game’s promotion of false teachings, during evening worship, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Do not love the things of this world.” And yes, I knew that I had a decision to make: Obey God and let go of the game, or continue in disobedience.

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” (1 John 2:15, NLT).

In 2026, Blended Christianity, the integration of “soft” worldly activities, has been accepted and is being practiced by many believers:

Hanging out with people who acknowledge that God exists, but do not serve Him, watching programming and playing games with violence, sexual content, or gambling, listening to secular music [Rock, Jazz, R&B, etc.], taking sleep gummies, recreational drugs, alcoholic drinks, using profanity, and the list is endless.

“Moral perfection is required of all believers. We should never lower the standard of Righteousness in order to satisfy our desires. We need to understand that nurturing character imperfections is wilfully sinning against God.”

Christ Is Our Righteous Standard and Role Model

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:16-17).

If unbelievers love and promote the activities, then we know they are not of God. Aggressive sports [hands-on contact], animal fights, parties with secular music, alcoholic beverages, and recreational use of marijuana, legal or not, are activities that will prevent us from receiving Eternal Life.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We may not agree, but Jesus loved us unconditionally, paying with His life to save our souls. We cannot afford to let this Earth’s temporary trinkets corrupt our minds, making us apathetic toward receiving our Crown of Life.

The habits and lifestyles that we practice now either allow the Holy Spirit to transform us [Sanctification] to live righteously forever in a loving and peaceful New Heaven and New Earth with God, or they do not.

Every aspect of our being, our thoughts, choices, activities, and friends must reflect God’s Holiness. And yes, it is a tough decision, but we cannot justify socializing with unbelieving family members. It is always the Christian who must compromise when they choose friends who do not follow Christ.

We must ask ourselves, Does this activity or individual represent the Righteousness of Christ? Pray before embracing fun and relaxing activities, and let God choose your friends.

Reflection: We cannot judge ourselves. Our lifestyle reveals if we are following Christ on the Narrow Path of Righteousness. Still, we should pray and ask God, “Does my heart and lifestyle represent the Righteousness of Christ?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

Lord God, we ask You to reveal the habits, activities, friends, and family members who are preventing us from living holy and receiving our reward of Eternal Life. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to create a pure heart within us. As we honor Your Holy Sabbath, Lord, we ask for Your guidance, wisdom, and strength as we strive to live righteously. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Loving and Righteous Name, Amen.

Winning The Daily Battle of Trusting God

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Instant gratification always brings a smile to our face and a sense of accomplishment. We feel like shouting to the world, Yes! I got exactly what I wanted!!!

But did we compromise our commitment to God to receive exactly what we desired? Yes, we did.

Psychologists agree that human beings are even willing to choose smaller, immediate rewards over waiting for larger, delayed rewards.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

Sadly, because we have embraced and nurtured instant gratification, the majority of Christian believers never receive God’s greatest blessings.

We have two enemies that fight against us every day with the goal to prevent us from fulfilling God’s Divine Purpose for our lives:

The Two Enemies: Our Heart [Desires] and Satan, the Giver of Temporary Treasures and Pleasures

“And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9, NIV).

The Internal Conflict of the Human Heart: We know how the story begins, Mother Eve had a secret. Deep within her heart, she desired to eat from the forbidden tree of The knowledge of Good and Evil.

We cannot think wrong and do what is right [Faithful obedience to God is doing right]:

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6, NIV).

#2 The External Opposition of Satan’s Temptations of Treasures and Pleasures

Naaman is healed from leprosy (2 Kings 5:14-16).

“So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.'”

“The prophet [Elisha] answered, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.’ And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.” “Go in peace,’ Elisha said.”

Elisha’s servant, Gehazi demonstrates the true condition of the human heart: (2 Kings 5:19-22, NIV).

“…After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, ‘My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.'”

“So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked.”

“Everything is all right,’ Gehazi answered. ‘My master sent me to say, Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'”

Sadly, Gehazi received the punishment of leprosy for his treachery of misrepresenting Elisha, God’s anointed prophet.

Although we would like to think that our hearts are good, God tells us the true condition of our inherited hearts:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Because we were born with the drive to satisfy our hearts desires, we easily choose self-gratification over self-denial, resulting in the compromise of God’s commands.

For over 6,000 years, Satan has used the same old, but highly effective temptations to manipulate our minds, resulting in disobedience to God.

“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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12).

From the moment we awaken, we decide through our morning prayer, whether or not, we will surrender to God in faithful obedience.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Every day, every follower of Christ faces the internal conflict of saying yes or no to their heart’s desires and the external opposition of Satan’s temptations.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT).

Reflection: Are we willing to exchange our promised reward of Eternal Life for Satan’s temporary treasures and pleasures?

Receiving God’s Eternal Plans Requires the Human Effort of Loving God As Demonstrated Through Daily Surrender and Faithful Obedience

Remain Loyal By Following the Shepherd! Jesus’ Promise Gives Us Hope:

“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).

Lord God, we thank You for the blessings of life, health, and strength. We confess that our faith and trust have been redirected to ourselves and for this sin against You, we ask for forgiveness. Lord, anoint us with the Holy Spirit, guide our steps, and give us the discernment to recognize Satan’s covert temptations designed to make us fall. We also ask for the strength to overcome our hearts desires and to live a life of self-denial. In faith, we ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Great Is His Faithfulness!

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible)

March 2026 was the beginning of my commitment to manage my gift of time, allowing myself to pay attention to Jesus’ Love and Presence in my life. Worship is a lifestyle that requires us to keep our faith and focus on Christ.

From whispering prayers of gratitude and asking for guidance before making decisions, I discovered that Jesus, our Shepherd, always keeps us safe and gives us the best blessings.

From surrendering myself every day to God, I have no worries about resolving life’s challenges or the future. The decision to put my life in Jesus’ hands is better than I could ever imagine; Yes, I can testify, Great Is His Faithfulness!

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). To maintain a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus requires a daily commitment of reciprocal love for Christ.

Loving Christ includes the daily commitment to faithfully follow and obey Him:

David’s Prayer: “Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5).

We demonstrate our love and gratitude for Jesus’ Faithfulness through humility, daily surrender, and faithful obedience.

And from our willingness to obey, we receive the blessings of Jesus’ peace and joy abundantly flowing into our hearts.

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] (John 14:27, Amplified Bible).

Jesus, we thank You for Your steadfast love and for redeeming us. Throughout our lives, You have been faithful, taking care of us, even when we thought, we were taking care of ourselves. Jesus, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, we love You and praise Your Holy Name. In faith, we pray this prayer of gratitude in Your Holy Name, Amen.

“Dear Friend…I pray that all may go well with you”

In 2017, I was in West Virginia and attended prayer meeting with my cousin. Her pastor told us the story of a young man, who received a substantial prison sentence, and after serving many years, he was given a reprieve, which gave him his freedom. Yet, with fear, he stated, “I don’t want freedom, I want to serve the rest of my sentence.”

Although this story sounds unbelievable, sadly this scenario of the prisoner who refused freedom is also our mindset when we choose to stay in marriages, family relationships, and associate with people who do not have the love of God in their hearts, as evidenced by their continuous disrespect and abusive mistreatment of others.

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment And the second is like it:bYou shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

God is Love! Jesus created us from love and gifted us with the ability to love and honor God, and to love and respect others. We were also created to receive Jesus’ spiritual gifts of joy, peace, and happiness.

1 John 3 is the letter the Apostle Paul sent to Gaius, his friend; “‘…as your soul prospers’ indicates that spiritual health (right thinking, choices, and relationship with God) is the foundation for [our] overall well-being.”

To love God is to love ourselves!

For us to enjoy God’s love, and optimal mental, emotional, physical, and most importantly spiritual health and prosperity, we cannot reject God’s Agape Love, replacing it with the abusive behaviors from those who reject God’s love and His commandment to love others.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3). Jesus died to give us freedom, not only from sin, but also to deliver and heal us from mental despair and emotional wounds.

Remaining in abusive situations, prevents us from loving Christ as He deserves, and blocks our spiritual growth and the transformation of our character required to receive Eternal Life.

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?'” (John 5:6).

Jesus also asks us, “Do you want to be made well?”

If our answer is yes, then we use our faith, and through His love, the Holy Spirit empowers us with the courage to leave every demonic situation that is a roadblock to embracing Jesus’ Abiding Love and His gift of Spiritual Peace. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we thank You for Your Amazing Love and creating us with the ability to love. We live in a world permeated with sin and compromised values that allow us to tolerate the abusive mistreatment of others, who You created in Your image. Lord, we pray, and ask You to strengthen and empower Your sons and daughters to take a leap of faith and to embrace the freedom of healing that only You can offer us. In faith, we ask this prayer of deliverance and healing in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

You Were Chosen By God

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will…” (Ephesians 1:3-5).

While having worship this morning, I listened to the powerful words of a song that said, “God chose us.” And with deep reflection, I thought about the spiritual responsibility of being chosen to follow Christ; What does it mean to be chosen by God, the Father?

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus always answers our questions regarding our salvation and spiritual matters. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in various ways, which requires us to separate ourselves from distractions and worship God in solitude and silence when we desire to hear His Voice.

While studying my daily Bible Lesson, Ephesians 1:3-5, a Scriptural reference was the answer to my question. The apostle Paul explains that before Christ created the world, God, the Father, predestined us for adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

“Divine Initiative: 1 John 4:19 highlights that God loved humanity first, even before we existed or chose to follow Him.”

“The Cause of Our Love: Our capacity to love God and others is not self-generated; it is a response to His grace and love, which is described as Agape (unconditional/sacrificial love).”

“A Reaction to Redemption: Because Jesus sacrificed Himself for humanity (as mentioned in 1 John 4:10), our love is a response of gratitude.”

Jesus Chooses Matthew as His Disciple: Matthew, the rogue tax collector, was chosen by Christ to be one of His twelve disciples. His response was not one of spoken words: “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9).

Jesus knows our hearts and, through the Holy Spirit, He extends the invitation to accept Him as our personal Savior: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20).

“Our work is to open the door of the heart and let Jesus come in. He is knocking for entrance….Will you open the door? Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. Let Him in, the Heavenly Guest.” Our High Calling

“Many have so much rubbish piled up at the door of the heart that they cannot admit Jesus. Some have difficulties between themselves and their brethren to remove; others have evil tempers, pride, covetousness; with others, love of the world bars the entrance. All this must be taken away before they can open the door and welcome the Saviour in.” Our High Calling

For those who have opened the door of their hearts by accepting Christ as their personal Savior have been intentionally chosen by God, the Father, before the world was created, and we have at least one spiritual assignment to fulfill.

Will we accept our Holy Assignment of being chosen? If yes, then our lifestyle and priorities must reflect a “God First, Christ-Centered, Purpose-Driven” commitment to follow our Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Daily surrender and faithful obedience are required to live the sacrificial life of a chosen follower of Jesus Christ:

A Living Sacrifice: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

The Commitment: “I have decided to follow Jesus, and through His strength, I will move forward to fulfill my Spiritual Assignment!” Yes and Amen.

Lord God, we thank You for Your amazing love and for predestining and choosing us to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Lord, we accept our Spiritual Assignment. As You reveal Your plans to us day by day, we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to recognize Your Voice above other voices, including our own thoughts. You told us in Your word that we will face many distractions designed to turn our focus away from You, and we ask for Spiritual wisdom, discernment, and the strength to fulfill Your plans as we tell others about the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. In faith, we pray in Jesus’ Righteous Name. Amen.