Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

And God bless the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:3

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I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

This morning I read a heartwrenching story of fear written by a grandmother. To summarize, her question was, “Why didn’t they tell us that the virus had the potential to be spread by individuals who show no symptoms?” She expressed her fears of contracting the coronavirus and exposing her grandchildren to the virus before the “Stay at Home” and “Shelter-in-place measures.

As we have seen, circumstances readily change from one day to the next. And some believe that nothing in life is guaranteed. If a situation is in our fragile hands, then the outcome is not guaranteed. Even so, we have a God who gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly sacrificed his life for the remission of our sins. Before Jesus’ birth as a human, the prophecy existed that He would come to this earth.

For unto us, a child is born, unto us, a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah was a prophet that lived long before Jesus was born as a baby. His generation and the subsequent generations were aware that a Savior would come and have the responsibility of this world. Only their thoughts were misguided because they desired for Jesus to become King and to deliver them from their oppression. Many centuries have passed since these events were documented in the Bible. Although Jesus lived amongst individuals who witnessed his miracles and listened to his sermons, most rejected the Son of God.

Yes, it was His sacrificial offering for all humanity that led to his crucifixion and death.

Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands, I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last. Luke 23:46. The Bible clarifies that Jesus willingly died. Human hands did not kill the Son of God, nor did God allow his Son to experience the breaking of his bones as was the customary practice for criminals following their death by crucifixion. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” John 19:36

Jesus arose on the first day of the week, Sunday (not to be associated with the manmade holiday of Easter) to return to heaven. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-3

The Ascension

They were looking intently into the sky as He was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11

Satan has always presented God as unfair and unloving. During his life, Jesus experienced the hardships of humanity. But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 NLT

Now that our world is in chaos, and people are confused about conflicting information. What is the role of the Believer?

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Have you told someone about God who gave His Son Jesus, and that same God will give us Eternal life if we believe, confess, and repent of our sins? The emotions of fear and anger are dominating our communities. Individuals are overwhelmed and readily expressing discontent and blame. Sharing a bible verse of God’s promises that He will protect us, on your social media page is a way to witness to others. Post a simple prayer.

Share the message of eating healthy, buying, and cooking fresh fruits and vegetables to boost the Immune system. Fast food still dominates the majority of our society’s dietary intake. God has given us the responsibility of taking care of our bodies, Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 1 Corinthians 6:19.

We have the responsibility of knowing the truth and telling it to others. Fulfill your commission by witnessing about Christ, and His sacrifice on the cross. The Holy Spirit will take over to reveal further truths to the individual who possesses a willing heart. Many households do not have a Bible, with our financial overabundance we can purchase Bibles and leave them hanging on our doorknobs for pick up.

God has blessed us with the opportunity to witness and to provide encouragement to those who are despondent. We can share that establishing a relationship with God alleviates the burden of carrying our cares and worries. We are our brother’s and sister’s keeper.

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Matthew 24:42

The question remains, “Why haven’t you told them?”

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Last night, I listened to an online sermon where the Pastor told a story about his father, who never read the directions before attempting to put things together. As I listened, I asked myself if I was trying to live as a Believer without reading the instructions found in the Word of God.

God has a spiritual team that leads us and provides for us if we stay in tune through prayer and biblical study. I am so thankful that I obediently listened to the sermon because we awakened to the news that our rural town has active cases of the coronavirus. I immediately prayed, and the Holy Spirit brought to my memory the promises of protection and comfort from the Word of God.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV. We miss out on the best opportunities that God has given to humanity when we fail to study the scriptures. Do you wish for peace? We can never achieve complete peace without knowledge of God’s Holy Word.

The Bible enables us to learn the character of an invisible God who is full of love, compassion, grace, and mercies. We receive guidance along with comfort, the exposure of sinful character traits, and the godly character traits that we must possess to please God. Galatians 5:22,23

The Bible provides us with real accounts of the struggles and victories of people just like us who fall, but in His mercies, God lifts us up to begin over and over again.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

How do we seek God first? We pray an honest prayer confessing that we have fears, or anxieties because of our present world situation with the COVID-19 virus. We ask forgiveness for spiritual weakness because we have failed to study the written directions that God has given us, and we thank God for the gift of a new day.

Move forward in the name of Jesus to establish new habits and build the foundation for a deeper relationship with God. Do not look back! We can never relive yesterday, nor do we want to repeat our sins of omission due to distractions.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I am thankful and grateful that God keeps reminding us to draw closer to Him. If He said it, then He will do it.

Do you recognize His grace and mercies in the Stimulus bill? Some were concerned that political differences would prevent the passing of economic relief.

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1

Do not fret or worry! Believe with all of your might. Talk to God, and thank him for taking care of you. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Claim His promises, and you will have peace. It is a wonderful life when we can throw away self-reliance. God is here!

Many who know nothing about the love of God are desperately seeking for a glimmer of hope. Use your extra time to witness through social media. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

We are not destitute: Jesus says He is with us, and He will be with us. We are covered in every situation; the simple act of believing and faithfully trusting in Him erases all doubt and worries. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Renew your covenant relationship with God, and you will reap the benefits of experiencing life with “No Worries.” It will be well with your soul. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Sharing this FB post

Lessons I’m learning in these challenging times, #5. Do the simple things to protect yourself. Wash your hands, avoid transmitting illness, eat well, exercise, get rest. These are simple things.

In matters of faith it’s exactly the same. Do the simple things. Read your Bible. Talk to God. Let your light shine. There’s nothing hard about these. Read. Talk. Shine. None of that is complicated.

If you’re not reading your Bible, then you’re not spiritually strong, and you shouldn’t fool yourself into thinking you are. Prayer, Bible reading and sharing your faith are habit-forming. Do them, and you’ll want to do them more. John Bradshaw

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 first part

Nursing is a tough job, it compares to digging a trench in a bottomless pit. It is a one-way street with little to no appreciation. Even so, nurses are gifted with resilience, and we keep pushing that boulder with all of our might because we are dedicated to helping others. And our patient’s needs run high, we are responsible for the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of life; the life that we value, the life that we shed tears over, the life that we witness ebb away despite giving our all. But we don’t give up, and we fiercely hold on to the towel-never throwing it in, because we would rather die than to do nothing for humanity.

The toughest aspect of nursing is to care for patients with chronic diseases that make a conscious decision to reject all medical advice, along with refusing to do their part in managing their condition. For example, many with a diagnosis of Hypertension progress to Heart Failure because they refuse to change their diet full of high sodium foods. The general public has been persuaded that it is better and easier to take prescription medication than to make healthy lifestyle changes. Taking baby steps toward improving your health has its rewards and benefits. However, it is a free will of choice to care for oneself, and for that, as nurses, we must acquiesce and accept those choices.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

We are living in a tumultuous time, full of myths and misinformation from all angles, from individuals who have good intentions but lack the necessary knowledge, yet, they continue to add to the mass hysteria by posting and giving their opinions that cannot be substantiated.

During this pandemic, we should spiritually see the separation that is occurring between the Believers and the Unbelievers. When the world feels pressure because their best efforts have failed, they resort to foolishness.

What is the goal of journalism? To gain followers, and to accomplish their goals, they have team meetings with their editors to select the information that the general public will react to. So, they choose the issue of face masks, and who is the best person to share the situation? A nurse who was formerly employed with said hospital. As a nurse, we are prohibited from sharing the internal operations of our medical facilities, and our contractual employment agreement includes a non-disclosure clause acknowledging that Public Relations will make all statements regarding the facility.

Now you are probably thinking, we have the right to know what is going on. Yes, I agree. It’s just that the hierarchy doesn’t include nurses who no longer have to abide by a non-disclosure agreement. The unemployed nurse stirs up conflict and contributes to the hysteria that has the public making face masks from every possible material and hoarding paper products.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

The same individuals who refuse to change their lifestyle to improve and maintain their health and demand pills to alleviate and cure their disease processes are the same people who have demanded, “Give us face masks!’ If homemade masks, dust masks, paint masks, and masks that can be purchased from Amazon were effective, the virus would be contained, and we would not be in a pandemic caused by a relentless virus.

So you think that “Something is better than nothing?” Once the mask is moist, then it becomes a breeding ground for the growth of organisms. The big question is, “Why are we disregarding the “Stay at home” order? Our lives have been disrupted by a virus that we are powerless to, and because of our sinful pride and arrogance, we are disobedient. If we obey the law, then we do not need masks.

The individuals who are in desperate need of face masks are the frontline workers who require N95 Respirator masks, and those infected with the coronavirus, and even those who have Upper Respiratory Infections caused by other organisms.

From the onset of COVID-19, I have discussed with my husband the undiagnosed carriers of the coronavirus. These are the individuals whose Immune system is strong enough to fight off the disease, yet they spread the virus to their family and to other high-risk individuals. And then we have those who believe in herbal remedies or those who wait until they are having respiratory distress to seek treatment. What about the individuals who have expired Visa’s, and they chose to stay in the United States? Would they feel comfortable seeking treatment due to their status?

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Do not be fearful or resort to desperate measures! Although things look bleak, the time has not come for the total annihilation of humanity. In fact, forget the end of the world movies that you have watched. It is not going to happen as the fictional stories portrayed on the big screen. Yes, our world, as we know it, will end when Jesus comes. Study your Bible. God has revealed what will occur in the last days of earth’s history. And we know that God has planned a New Heaven and a New Earth for those who accept and faithfully serve Him. Revelation chapters 21-22

We have those who continue to adhere to sound guidance and continue to do their part to prevent the spread of this infectious virus. And we have the Movers and the Shakers who are thinking deeply by recognizing and separating the truth from foolishness, and they are speaking out.

Because of the verbalized concerns from those who realize that 100+ people in a store pose serious threats, social distancing was not possible, and carts/equipment were not being cleaned: Our largest grocery store chain, HEB, has finally developed and executed a plan that complies with infection control measures. This morning, my husband was at the store before opening. There were two lines for the 60 + customers who are allowed one hour to shop first…and yes, they maintained social distancing while standing in line, while shopping and employees were cleaning equipment after each use by the customers.

Stay at Home, Social Distancing, and proper 20-second handwashing are the best practices. Remember, that Handwashing always supersedes using hand sanitizer!

For those who prefer to wear gloves when you shop for items, there is a proper method to remove dirty gloves. https://youtu.be/U5wNjeIdNIM

However, to strengthen your Immune system, it is imperative to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Taking extra vitamin C is also a booster for the body. We consume a plant-based diet (my hubby eats wild-caught fish) that excludes all consumption of flesh and animal by-products. Again this is a personal decision.

The most important aspect of our lives is our relationship with God. At a time when desperation causes people to seek unreliable measures, we have God. Our relationship is a personal one. We can ask for wisdom, knowledge, and common sense to apply sound principles to our lifestyle. If you are confused and unsure of what measures you need to incorporate in your life, then pray and ask God to guide you and to reveal the plan that you need to reach and maintain your optimal level of health.

Please remember that anyone can put on a white lab coat and verbalize their opinions and contrived strategies for combatting this virus. Youtube is being utilized to disseminate false information, some of the information that I have listened to would exacerbate this present dilemma and are ineffective for this current situation.

Go to the source, God, who is the Creator of all mankind. Pray, study, and faithfully trust and believe in God. His promises never fail!

Now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze. 3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel…Israel 43:1-3

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz RN 2020

To all of my nursing colleagues, and to those who have personally touched my life: C. Simmons RN, A. Wright RN, L. Sanchez-Bell RN, and K. Hudson RN, we have been blessed with a ministry to educate and care for those in need. Fight, fight, fight! God is with us! Amen.