Preparing for Eternal Life – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

The Honor and Rewards of Being Persecuted For Christ

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35-38).

“The early Christians endured [the spiritual] sealing their testimony with their lives. Regardless of social and economic status, and educational achievements; without mercy, nobility and the common person, whether rich or poor, they were executed for following Jesus Christ.”

“These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul;” [Nero hated Christians, executing the Apostle Paul simply because he was a Christian].

And this raging anger and hatred against the people of God was sustained for centuries. “Christians or falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declare to be the cause of great calamities–famine, pestilence, and earthquakes.”

“As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gaining money and material possessions, to betray the innocent.”

“They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as enemies of religion and viewed as invading pests. Great numbers were thrown to wild animals and burned alive in amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrown into the arena to be eaten by wild dogs.” The Great Controversy

As I read the historical account of the Christians in the Early Churches, I reflected on the trials and hardships that I have endured in the past 5 years; and realized that absolutely nothing, I have faced compares to true persecution.

The Apostle Paul Shares His Life of Persecution: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11, NIV).

Trials Are Part of Every Believer’s Faith Journey

“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20).

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“The Bible indicates that followers of Jesus should expect persecution, framing it as a natural consequence of living a godly life.”

“Key Scriptures emphasize both the inevitability of suffering and the spiritual blessings associated with it, encouraging believers to respond with love and prayer rather than retaliation.”

“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.” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible).

The Purpose of Trials

“Spiritual Growth: “Difficulties force people to stop leaning on human strength and trust completely in God.”

“Character Refining: Trials act like a refiner’s fire, removing bad habits, pride, and hidden defects so the believer can reflect the image of God.”

“School of Sorrow: True spiritual leadership and deep service require training through hardship; those with greater callings face the most difficult tests.”

How To Endure the Suffering of Trials and Hardships

Pray continuously, asking for God’s Divine Help, and expect Jesus to give you comfort, courage, and strength.

Rely On Heavenly Help: Unseen angels actively push back dark forces and bring peace to souls ready to faint under heavy burdens.

God’s Goal is for us to have the Loving Heart and Character of Christ

“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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32).

Lord God, we come to You with humility and gratitude. Your love for us includes desiring that none should be lost, because of unrighteous character traits. We ask You to forgive us for our sinful thoughts, habits and behaviors, and to do whatever is necessary for us to have a pure heart, so we will receive our reward of the Eternal Crown of Life. Lord, we also ask You for the comfort and strength to persevere in our Christian Journey. Help us to perceive life through spiritual eyes, using our time wisely as we prepare for Your Soon Coming. In faith, we ask this prayer in the Loving and Righteous Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

We Have This Hope: Jesus Is Coming Soon!

Jesus’ Faithful Promise of Encouragement: John 14:1-3

“Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (faithfulness).” (Revelation 22:12, Amplified Bible).

A God First commitment is revealed by a Christ-centered, Purpose-driven Lifestyle. Our daily pursuits, habits, and lifestyles reflect our priorities. Distractions, including goals, are a catalyst for minutes quickly evolving into hours of non-productive time. We must take back control of our precious gift of time to include personal worship with Christ.

For those who believe in Jesus’ promise of coming soon, every day, we are: “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13). We do not belong to ourselves—Christ purchased us with the sacrificial offering of His life.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV).

Every believer must grow spiritually and be transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ. Sanctification requires the human effort of faithful obedience and the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit. Our only opportunity to be transformed spiritually is in our earthly lives.

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8).

While we can stop sinful habits through behavior modification, we cannot change our hearts. This transformation can only happen through the power of Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

In Jeremiah 17:9, God tells us the condition of the hearts that we inherited [deceitful and desperately wicked]. Every day, we pray and ask Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor and Mediator, for the forgiveness of our sins, and the wisdom and strength to live righteously.

Faithfulness to God is the intentional decision to follow Christ by worshiping God in spirit and truth, to renounce sin, and our internal desires. Through daily surrender and consecration, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts, and we begin to perceive life through spiritual eyes, so that everything we do and say will honor God.

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5).

Jesus tells us that to be covered with His Righteousness, we must rely on His Spiritual Power, given to us by the Holy Spirit. Love, Faith, Humility, Surrender, and Obedience are the character traits that Christ possessed in His life on earth.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8).

“Jesus humbled himself by voluntarily taking human form, acting as a servant, and submitting to God’s will even unto a shameful, agonizing death by crucifixion. This act of obedience represents the ultimate sacrifice to redeem humanity, leading to His exaltation.”

Reflection: Jesus promises the faithful “an immortal inheritance…you cannot afford to devote your life to the things of this world, but that your concern is to prepare for the [ forever] home that awaits you in the kingdom of God.” God’s Amazing Grace

“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).

Staying connected to Jesus is accomplished through a sacrificial life of self-denial, continuous prayer, and study of the Holy Scriptures.

The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out; a clean heart reveals the Love and Righteousness of Christ. As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility of representing Christ’s Love to others through a gentle demeanor and kind words. It is up to us to reveal that choosing Jesus Christ makes a difference in one’s life.

Never feel intimidated when witnessing to others; the most powerful words are: “God [Jesus] loves you!” Today, I told one of my neighbors, “God loves you,” and her response was, “I believe that God loves me because I can feel God’s love from you,” which brought tears to my eyes.

When Jesus comes again,” the work of Redemption will be complete. The Earth…that Satan claims as his, will be exalted by Christ.” This Earth where Jesus came as a human, where the king of glory lived and suffered and died, He will make all things new.” Hallelujah!

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful…'”

“And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:4-7).

King David’s Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). Amen.

Love Every Day Preparing for Eternity

This is a powerful reminder that we must be spiritually minded, always preparing for Revelation 22:12.

Every day, Dedicate yourself to following Jesus through personal worship. Praying and studying the Bible keeps us connected to Christ, and invites the Holy Spirit to empower us with spiritual wisdom, discernment, and strength. Peace and Blessings.

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John 14:1-3, The Ultimate Promise

Today, take some time away from all the distractions, and Google, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.

The behavior of sheep reveals the Love, Faith, Trust and Obedience that we should have for Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd.

We were created to follow Christ. Make the commitment to have personal worship twice a day. Whisper a prayer throughout the day. Study Genesis chapters 1-3 and Revelation chapters 21-22.

Jesus, is our Intercessor. We cannot save ourselves! You and I desperately need the power of God to save us!

Every day, we choose our destiny by the way we live. Our thoughts, habits, pursuits and lifestyle reveal whether or not we are loyal sheep.

Study and memorize John 14:1-3. Do not let anything distract you from preparing every day to receive your promised Crown of Life. Yes and Amen!

Lord God, we ask for Your Divine Help. Please reveal all obstacles that prevent us from following Christ with faith, love, loyalty, obedience, and perseverance. Our desire is to receive the precious promise of Eternal Life when Jesus comes again. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Name of Jesus, our Shepherd and Triumphant King, Amen.

Preparing for Kingdom Life One Day at a Time

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 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. 3 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).

Our world is in chaos. The unprecedented global events indicate the progressive loss of our Religious Liberty. Yes, Bible Prophecy is rapidly being fulfilled.

Study Matthew 24, [Jesus answering the disciple’s questions about the signs of the End Times], and Revelation chapters I9-22.

“But mark this: There will be [perilous] terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV).

In 2025, we are the generations living in the Perilous Times, which the Apostle Paul warned us about in 2 Timothy 3. Yes, it is time for Christian Believers to Separate Ourselves from sin in all forms.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 1:15-17, ESV).

Unless we are witnessing, we have no reason to socialize with unbelievers. From hanging out with unbelievers, and participating in their secular activities, it is the Christian who changes, not the unbeliever.

Sanctification requires us to cooperate daily with the Holy Spirit who transforms our mind, character, and personality into the likeness of Christ when we strive to live righteously. Let go of every habit and practice that does not honor and revere God.

Every day, Pray for God’s Guidance and ask Jesus for the Divine strength to overcome temptations, and to stand down your heart’s desires. In Jesus’ Strength, we will be one of the number of people standing on the Sea of Glass. Peace and Blessings.

Bible Study: Revelation chapters 19-22

Lord God, we worship and honor You because You are God. We thank You for the Holy Scriptures, which identify Satan’s various covert deceptions, masterminded to separate us from our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for Spiritual strength, wisdom, and the discernment to recognize and overcome the temptations of success, prosperity, and a life of ease.