Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. Psalm 40:8 NLT

When I was in nursing school, the theoretical part of the program had a grading system with parameters from 80-100: 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 79 or below=Failure. The Clinical aspect which equates to the student nurse performing basic hands-on nursing procedures was based on a Pass or Fail grading standard.

Throughout the program, the pressure was intense, and as a result our class dwindled from 27 enrollees to 7 graduates. On the day of final exams, we anxiously waited for our grades to be posted on the student bulletin board. Each of us were given a numerical identifier to ensure confidentiality. As the Instructor posted the final grades of the program, we were surprised to see that only 4 of the 7 students had passed.

It was the next event that had us in disbelief. We were told that the test contained experimental questions that were included to evaluate our nursing judgment and critical thinking skills based on unfamiliar theory that we had not learned during the program. The disallowed questions had been included in the grading of the exam, and we were instructed to take a 60 minute break while the final exams were regraded. When the grades were reposted, all seven of us had successfully passed.

However, there is a crucial aspect to graduating from nursing school and that is the successful passing of the State Licensure exam–NCLEX that determines if you possess the knowledge to legally practice nursing. Although the second grading of the final exams indicated that 7 student nurses had successfully passed the RN program; it was only the original 4 students who passed the school’s Final Exam that passed the NCLEX exam and we were granted licenses to practice nursing.

In the believers pursuit of righteousness, there are no grading curves, either we possess genuine faith and obedience to the Word of God or we fail. Righteousness is doing what is right. Our characters are revealed by how we live, what we think and speak, and the deeds that we perform on a daily basis.

It is not enough to believe in the theory of truth.

“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.” 1 John 3:7

It is the secrets and the cherished sins in our hearts that God is aware of. We only have this life to put on the robe of Christ’s righteouness. This is our opportunity to form the characters that are necessary for us to reside in the heavenly home that Christ is preparing for us.

By letting go of our selfish desires, and by possessing the willingness to obediently submit to God, we are preparing for our final destination-Eternal life.

Thought for today: It is God’s standards for our characters that determine whether we are passing or failing.

Verse for today: Galatians 5: 22,23

Prayer for today: Dear God, I realize that I must let go of many selfish desires in order for my character to be pleasing to you. I ask you to give me the strength to call on your name to make the significant changes that are required to live righteously. I desire eternal life and I thank you for your grace and mercy upon my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Then Peter begins to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism.” Acts 10:34 BSB

I can recall a movie entitled, “The Scarlet Letter” which was adapted from the 1850 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne which explored the guilt, ostracism, and sin from a married woman conceiving a child from an extramarital affair. Although she repented and attempted to move forward, the Puritanical Mindset that certain sins carried a “forever punishment” prevailed in her community.

The puritanical mindset has had a stronghold on many Believers in God throughout the history of Christianity, and it still exists. Often we are unable to forgive and forget the sins of others, and we carry the “forever guilt” of our own sins, especially the sins that have ongoing reminders of the consequences.

However, Christianity is built upon the principles of forgiveness, and repentance, not punishment, and the shaming of the guilty. The Bible emphasizes that God is just in all of His ways. We can be reassured of God’s acceptance of our repentance by His complete forgiveness of our sins.

He will again have compassion on us; he will vanquish our iniquity. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 CSB

God accepts a humble, contrite, and repentant heart. He sacrificed His only Son–Jesus that we may have an opportunity for Eternal life.

There is therefore now, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Romans 8:1

Regardless of the sin, it is an injustice to give ourselves or others a “Scarlet Letter”. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus which abolishes all the guilt and remembrance of 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

Challenge for today: Forgive yourself and forgive others.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please help me to stop punishing myself and others for past sins. I ask you to forgive me of my sins, past and present, and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Sabbath Devotional

1. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness.

2. God helps those who helps themselves.

3. God moves in mysterious ways.

4. Three wise men visited Baby Jesus.

5. Easter is when Jesus was resurrected.

6. Christmas is the day of Jesus’ birth.

7. The 40 day period in which Jesus fasted is known as Lent.

8. The Old Testament was done away with when Jesus died on the cross.

9. The Seventh day Sabbath was only for persons of Jewish descent.

10. The Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday once the Old Testament laws were abolished by God.

11. When a person dies they become immortal and immediately go to heaven.

If you are questioning the validity of this post, then you probably believe that one or more of the above statements are found in and substantiated by the Bible.

The truth is: Not one of these statements are true and none of these statements are found in the Bible.

The time of deception is upon us and those who fail to prayerfully study the Bible will believe many false doctrines.

Satan is cunning; he intertwines a little truth with false doctrines and presents custom made falsehoods, that appear to be biblically-based, to those who possess limited knowledge of the Word of God.

Do not become an easy target! Satan is unable to discern our thoughts; however, our behaviors and lifestyles are easily observed, and he is aware of who does not study God’s Word.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Challenge for today: If one or more of the statements appeared to be truthful, then begin to diligently study the Bible on a daily basis.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please help us to study your Word so that we have a solid foundation of your truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV

How many individuals have you helped this week? As we prepare for the incoming Sabbath, we should take the time to reflect on who we have served this week. It is our purpose to bring the sunshine of love and hope to those who are hungry, sick, lonely, and without the resources to take care of themselves and their families.

We are servants of the Most High God, our lives are not our own; our purpose has been pre-determined and it is to serve, serve, serve.

Challenge for today: Visit someone who is homebound, hospitalized or in a nursing home this weekend.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please forgive me for not fulfulling my purpose by serving others. It is my desire to seek out those who need to know you. Thank you for your love, your grace, and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Holy Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 NIV

What has God created you to do?

Identifying your Spiritual Gifts

God has given to each of us gifts that are to be used to reflect His love. Your gift is unique and custom made just for you.

Although I was very shy and intoverted as a child, God allowed me to enter the nursing profession where I would interact with countless individuals from diverse backgrounds. I assessed patients based on subjective and objective data which required me to learn and practice the skills of therapeutic communication. Even so, my spiritual gift was to minister to patients by giving comforting emotional support through my smile, my gentle tone of voice, and words of encouragement.

God has allowed me to fully understand what He expects me to do with my spiritual gifts. I am given the opportunity to provide a kind word of encouragement on a daily basis. I always breathe a prayer thanking God for allowing me to let others know that He is love.

The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, Psalm 139:14. It is our responsibility to ask God to reveal our spiritual gifts and the manner in which He desires for us to use them.

We have a purpose in life: Our duty to God is to show others that He is full of love, grace, and mercy.

Challenge for today: Pray for the desire to use your spiritual gifts on a daily basis.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please reveal my spiritual gifts and the purpose you have for me in life. It is my desire to serve you through obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Tuscany, Italy

Why Do You Doubt? Do you know Who He is?

Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:25-26

I love the fact that although the time that we live in is full of complexities–many hypotheses and theories–the plan of Salvation remains simplistic in that a child is able to comprehend its complete meaning based on faith.

“It is by faith that God’s mighty power is released into the life of a Christian (Heb. 11:13-16). The fact that you have doubts indicates that you do not know God as you should.” Excerpt from Day to Day Devotional

Lack of a personal relationship with God (which is my responsibility) is the reason for all of my doubts (my fears, anxieties, worries, sleepless nights, mistrust, depression, dark times)?

Have you ever been accused of doing something that you were innocent of? Most of us can answer yes to that question; however, if you doubt God, then you are the guilty person.

It is only by possessing faith which is totally believing, trusting and obeying God that He is able to unleash His mighty power in your life.

Reflect on God’s amazing faithfulness by thinking about the countless times He has brought victory to your life.

If this is true, then why do you still doubt Him? This is an open-ended question that only you can answer; even so, the obstacle is faithlessness and only you have control over that aspect of your life.

Challenge for today: O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in him. Psalm 34:8

Prayer for today: Dear God, I am responsible for my lack of faith. You have proven over and over again that you love me and I ask you to forgive me for doubting your great faithfulness. It is my desire to have a strong and personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

https://pin.it/tkjakdyyjw7iuc

Tamul Waterfall, Mexico

Do you know Who He is?

No matter how bleak our situation appears, God is here! He loves us and will comfort as only a Heavenly Father can.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:10 NLT

Be still and know that I am God I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10 NLT

Studying the Bible is the only way that we can learn “who God is”.

We are aware that the Old Testament documents the defeats and the victories of real people. Even so, if you look closer you will also notice that God’s character is revealed in His interactions with those created in his image-human beings. (I emphasize human beings due to the various beliefs that are currently accepted in our societies.)

Who God is–He is our Heavenly Father who possesses Unconditional love; He has an abundance of grace and mercy; He has plans for us that are full of hope, and promises of an expected future. Because our God is perfect in all His ways, He requires strict obedience and adherence to His steadfast Law.

Who you perceive God to be, is totally dependent upon your personal relationship with him.

Because I know the Character of God through the consistent study of His Word, I have great Love in my heart for our Heavenly Father.

Since I was born in Sin and every aspect of who I am has been shaped by iniquity, I must endure the fiery trials of life to become like pure gold. I view the Commandments, and His Word as the structure and discipline that I require to become Holy.

Because my thoughts must be pure, and my character requires a complete spiritual overhaul, then I appreciate God extending His grace and mercy to allow the time needed for my spiritual journey leading to Eternal Life.

Challenge for today: If you are uncertain of your view of God, or you have never contemplated on who God really is, then I encourage you to begin by developing a plan to learn His character by studying the Bible.

You will develop the strongest love relationship beyond all you can ever imagine.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I love you with all of my heart and I bow in awe to your greatness. I desire to know who you really are. Thank you for creating me. Thank you for loving me by extending your grace and mercy when I can never do anything to deserve it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Human effort combined with Divine Intervention always ends in Victory!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Santorini Beach, Greece

Sabbath Devotional

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:14 BSB

Thirst is one of the protective mechanisms that prevents the interruption of homeostasis–the balance in the body. The fluid in the body must remain at a certain level within very limited parameters or else the damaging state of dehydration occurs.

Many years ago, some of the most popular movies included scenes in the desert where the individual was dying of thirst; a thirst so intense that it affected every aspect of their existence especially the mind. The brain desperately made an attempt to save itself by creating the visual illusion of an abundance of water commonly known as a mirage.

Without God we place ourselves in a damaging state of existence. Spiritual dehydration causes us to see mirages as we continue to struggle through life, without purpose or fulfilment.

Jesus tells us that He is the living water and that if we drink from the water that He gives, then we will never be thirsty again.

When we confess and commit our life to Christ, we are able to stop living in a world filled with mirages. Our spiritual eyes are opened and we realize that while we were desperately longing for something to quench the dying thirst of hopelessness and distress that God has a Fountain of Water that leads to a peaceful existence, and eventually eternal life when Jesus comes again.

How do we drink from this endless supply of spiritual water? We surrender ourselves to Christ by confessing our sins, discarding our plans and totally relying on Him, in every aspect of our lives. Since our faith and trust in God provides the foundation to total surrender, we must pray and study the Bible everyday to really get to know the Giver of living water.

Salvation is not a thirsty journey through a desolate land; it is a journey connected to God who always refreshes like cool water on a hot summer day.

Challenge for today: Make a decision to drink from the Fountain of living Water.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have traveled for so long, thirsting after the things of the world instead of thirsting for your righteousness. I ask you to forgive me. I am ready to follow you by drinking from the living water that only you can provide. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz