Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121: 5-8

As our level of knowledge, life experience, and spiritual maturity differ, so will our reactions and coping skills differ to the stormy trials and tribulations that we face daily. Within three months, the coronavirus has hit our world like an unstoppable tsunami. Without our prior consent, we made immediate changes to comply with the guidelines of the “new normal” restrictive lifestyle to keep us from harm’s way.

Deciding to choose a relationship with God has given us the assurance that God will provide. We do not live in a panic mode as unbelievers, nor do we fear or fail to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves.

1. By eating a healthy diet of nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables, our Immune System is nourished and will function to protect us with ongoing strength.
2. By possessing unwavering faith in God, we boost our spiritual health to a level where we readily depend on God to keep us safe from all pestilence and disease.
3. By studying the Bible and praying, we believe the promises of our Heavenly Father to protect and provide for us at all times. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

“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

We are covered physically, financially, and emotionally by God. It is in times like these that we can remember that God, our Creator, the “I Am,” will lovingly care for us. After all, we belong to God, and we give all praise, glory, and honor to God, who is our Jehovah Jireh–our provider.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

God, we thank you for the new mercies we received as we awakened to a new day. Thank you for being our provider and for caring for us. We thank you for keeping us from all danger seen and unseen. As we prepare for Eternal life, please manifest your lovingkindness to those who are suffering from physical illness, financial devastation, and brokenness. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

As we enter the blessed and Holy hours of the Sabbath, reflect on the love and the power of Jesus Christ. If He calmed the stormy sea, raised the dead, made a lame man walk, cleansed 10 lepers, and joined the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, died, and arose from death on the third day…then He will keep us from all bodily harm.

We can have peace when we believe.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Our Disbelief in God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy have led to Disobedience. Many of us feel comfortable living by our interpretation of God’s commands. When we add or take away from the truth that is revealed to us from the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Holy Spirit, then we commit sin against God.

Two issues are permeating the homes of believing Christians:

1. Unholy habits and worldly practices that exist among the children living at home.
2. The lower-based passion for animal-based foods and foods that are filled with sugar, fats, and high calories, which contain little to no nutrients.

I have researched for scriptures from the Bible and readings from the Spirit of Prophecy that support the acceptance of worldly behaviors among minor and adult children who continue to reside in their parent’s house. The parents have turned a blind eye to God’s commands, and have justified that they are no longer spiritually responsible for their children. Yes, children of age will have to answer for their sins; however, all godly principles must be enforced in our homes to reflect righteous and holy living.

I recently listened to a Christian mother state that her adult son smokes cigarettes, and as long as he smokes outside of the house, then it is alright. God does not have separate categories for sin. If the adult child who resides in your home is not adhering to the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy, it is not alright. Joshua stated, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Serving the Lord and adhering to God’s commands includes every member that resides in your household.

The secondary sin that we have readily embraced is the indulgence of appetite. The following excerpts are taken from Counsels on Diet and Food, and Counsels on Health, Ellen G. White.

• “The time will come when we may have to discard some of the articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs…”
• “Cheese Unfit for Food…Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach.”
• “Flesh Meats, butter, cheese, rich pastry, spicy foods, and condiments are freely partaken of by both old and young. These things do their work and arranged in the stomach, exciting the nerves, and enfeebling the intellect. The blood-making organs cannot convert such things into good blood.”
• Cravings interfere with spiritual worship.
• Satan sees that he cannot have so great power over Minds when the appetite is kept under control as to when it is indulged, and he is constantly working to lead us to indulgence. Under the influence of unhealthful food, the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and its susceptibility to Impressions is impaired.
• There is a conflict between Truth and Self Indulgence.
• The effects of wrong habits lower the standard of physical health, enfeeble mental and moral strength. The indulgence of unnatural appetites and passions has a controlling influence upon the nerves of the brain. It is impossible for an intemperate man (or woman) to be a Christian, for its higher powers are brought into slavery to the passions. Testimonies for the Church 3:51 (1871)
• Life is a gift of God. Our bodies have been given us to use in God’s service, and he desires that we shall care for and appreciate them. A misuse of the body shortens that period of time, which God designs shall be used in his service. Ellen G. White

God desires for us to have a healthy body and a desire for real and faithful obedience. When we fail to adhere to His principles, we are no different from Cain, who refused to slaughter the lamb and offered his firstfruits instead.

And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

It is our commission to witness to those who do not know who Jesus is. We place ourselves outside of God’s will when our Disbelief leads to willful Disobedience.

We are the remnant who is living in the last days! We cannot afford to compromise and live outside of “Righteousness by Faith.” The signs are evident, Satan is working overtime to distract us, so we do not dutifully study our Health Message which was designed by God to prepare us for Eternal life. Yes, physical exercise is essential, but what we eat must reflect the original wholesome diet that God has blessed us with. The resources that we have should be utilized to produce strict obedience to our Creator.

Preparing for Eternal Life one day at a time. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 12:17

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground and having done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, Ephesians 6:12-14

Yesterday, on a neighborhood app, I read a husband’s heartwrenching story that his wife is in a nursing home. With the “No Visitors” restriction, he is no longer able to see her or to provide the care beyond the basics that she receives from the staff. In addition, there were many comments not related to the husband’s story that indicated the innermost feelings of many individuals who are in this crisis, and I must express that the level of callousness toward human life was genuinely amazing.

According to the latest statistics, “To date, more than 204,000 individuals are infected with the virus, and over 8200 people have died.” The Centers for Disease Control, whose website, cdc.gov is updated at 12 noon, Monday-Fridays provide the stats for the United States…(see below).

“The world is at war with a hidden enemy. WE WILL WIN!” Donald Trump

Satan is not a hidden enemy, and his powers are indeed visible to the Believers in God. Certainly, God is not our enemy, so who is this “hidden enemy?” Even so, this is not the time to look at the current world crisis from an analytical perspective. There can be no agreement concerning spiritual things between the two classifications of people. Now is the time for the separation of Believers and Unbelievers, who will remain unequally yoked on the last day events.

What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-17

This is Jesus’ message for those who remain faithful:

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. Revelation 3:10-11

Our God, who created this world, has always been in control, and He will forever remain in power, has promised to take care of us. “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

The time is now to open your Bible and study as if your life depends on it…because it does. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed. Ephesians 6:14

Communicate with God, morning, noon, and at night. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

You need to persevere so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”…Hebrews 10:36-38

The time is now!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Our lives have changed drastically from the time of the initial diagnosis of the coronavirus in January to the current status of a National Emergency. Within two months, school closures, job layoffs, restricted buying of certain items, curfews, and the temporary closures of many retailers, have impacted our lives as never before.

Even most healthcare providers have been caught off guard by the vast spread of the coronavirus to the level of a pandemic disease. The statistics only represent the diagnosed cases of this infectious disease. It is unfortunate that individuals exist who remain undiagnosed and untreated due to common fears of isolation, job loss, lack of citizenship status, and other reasons. Because we must consider the possibility of this hidden population, and the noncompliant patients, it is a necessity for Federal and State agencies to intervene and implement shutdowns to contain further disease transmission.

Believer Alert: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6. Do you believe that God was fully aware of our current status prior to its occurrence?

Now is the time for us to improve our relationship with God by living a faith-based life. Communication with God through prayer and the diligent study of the Bible must dominate the majority of our free moments. Without a strong connection to God, our faith weakens and we give in to worry and fear. God is here and is waiting for us to ask for our necessities and His protection during this world crisis. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When we maintain our connection to God, we possess a tender heart, full of compassion and we fervently pray on behalf of those who are diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, those who are isolated and unable to perform their normal routines. We must also consider the Healthcare workers, First Responders, those in Law Enforcement, the City and County employees, and the military who continue to deliver care, protect and serve our communities, and our nation.

There are no options for shutting down the acute care facilities, nursing homes, healthcare agencies, medical offices, clinics, fire stations, and law enforcement agencies. Most retailers, supermarkets, post offices, and express delivery companies are open and serving their communities; please remember the employees who face the risk of this disease because they are providing necessary services to the public.

Intercessory prayers should be sent up on a daily basis for the healing of those diagnosed with the coronavirus and for the protection of the men and women who are at risk. Can we count on each other to pray for the resolution of this pandemic disease? This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Has God supplied your basic needs? Then it is time to move forward and think of those in need. The seniors, the disabled, and underserved populations may have limited access to water, food, hand sanitizer, and personal toiletries. We can assist with financial donations to churches and other non-profit organizations, including shelters that provide services to the community. Remember annual budgets did not include funding to meet the needs of our current national emergency status.

Some additional guidelines from the CDC:

The CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified those who are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus:

• Older Adults
• Persons with serious health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and Diabetes

These individuals should take steps such as stocking up on supplies, avoiding crowds and staying home as much as possible. http://www.cdc.gov

Yes, it is necessary during this crisis to take steps to protect ourselves from contracting this airborne virus, including proper handwashing. These precautions do not contradict our faith and trust in God. In fact, we have a godly responsibility to care for our bodies which are the “temples of the Holy Spirit.” Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

Stay informed, and Stay close to God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz RN 2020

https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidelines-cancel-events-50-people-over-due-to-coronavirus-2020-3

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Psalm 91:5-6

Yesterday we went to the supermarket to purchase a few replacement items. The parking lot was filled to capacity, with drivers anxiously waiting for any available space just so they could get inside of the store. The only time that have I witnessed so many shoppers in a store was during the Black Friday Sales. We were among the many individuals who were standing in the long lines with at least a 30-minute to 1-hour wait before checkout.

The strained expressions on most of the customer’s faces competed with the emptiness of the section of the store where normally shelves would be stocked with toilet tissue. As we waited in the express line, I overheard the cashier say, ” I don’t understand, this is not the end of the world.” Our turn for checkout came quickly, and I probed for information by asking the young cashier how her day was going. She informed me that all available staff had been called into work to assist with the 2 hour wait time for checkout that existed since 7 am that morning.

The words, “This is not the end of the world” have resonated in my mind over and over again. With the current pandemic of the coronavirus, we must be responsible and practice the necessary health precautions. Even so, we are living in the last days of earth’s history. Now is the time for us to heighten our spiritual awareness and deepen our relationship with God. In order to prepare, we must diligently study the Word of God and pray without ceasing. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. Luke 21:11

Luke 21 warns us of the events that will occur before the Second Coming of Jesus and the end of the world. Moving forward, this is the time to face the fact that something serious is happening, and we need to decide if we will serve God and live by faith.

Only by knowing God here can we prepare to meet Him at His coming…But many of those who profess to believe in Christ do not know God. They have only a surface religion. They do not love God; they do not study His character; therefore, they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. They do not know what restful love is or what it means to walk by faith…Ellen G. White (1903)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

We must prepare spiritually for troublesome times because trials and tribulations will increase. Remember, God is here, and He has always been and always will be in control of this world. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

…Do not be afraid… Deuteronomy 31:8

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

As a Registered Nurse, we learned that proper handwashing breaks the chain of disease transmission. Hand sanitizer is to be utilized as a secondary resource for cleaning hands.

Use paper towels as a barrier when opening doors and turning on/off faucets when in public. Take the hand sanitizer with you along with folded paper towels.

I just read a blog post from a man who worked with abnormal Upper Respiratory symptoms and didn’t seek medical treatment until he had severe chest congestion. He had a runny nose for 4 days, which is not normal. And yes, he tested positive for the Coronavirus. Please seek immediate medical treatment for any flu-like symptoms.

The Immune System requires adequate nutrition to function. Eat healthy…plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Cook your own food…fast food has little to no nutrients. If you can eat a plant-based diet with fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and legumes, it boosts the ability of the body to fight off or to contend with diseases. Ditch the dairy products. Forget about sugary, high-fat, and high caloric foods. If ice cream is your weakness, buy your favorite fresh fruit and So Delicious Non-dairy whip, chop the fruit and freeze, or purchase frozen fruit, blend together with the non-dairy whip, freeze until firm but not rock solid, and blend again. Use light Agave Nectar if you need a sweetener.

We can also do our part in self-care by seeking the facts from professional sources. Many unqualified people are posting their opinions on the internet.

cdc.gov is the link that gives up-to-date statistics and information on every disease.

Stay healthy…by praying, trusting in God, and doing your part to take care of your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit…fear and anxiety harm the Mind/Body and diminish our faith and trust in God.

God hears and always answers our prayers. Stay in His presence by praying without ceasing.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz RN 2020