Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

It takes faith, trust, courage, and perseverance to serve God in today's unstable world. Yet, we are never alone. Pray every day and pray often. Study the Bible. The Scriptures are a Love Letter from God to those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior. You will receive comfort, knowledge, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3. Be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.

Encouragement for Adversity

His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die. Job 2:9

When we read the story of Job; it grips our heart as we contemplate the loss of everything he loved and valued. To make matters worse, his beloved wife crumbled under the adversity of loss. The support system of friends was also shattered. Their mindset changed to criticism and fault-finding. Surely this punishment was the result of Job’s great and secret sins.

When adversity overwhelms us, we must turn to God in prayer. First, we must realize that God knows our future. He also knows that suffering always has positive results when we place our lives in His hands. God is preparing us for eternal life. Obedience and total faith are two elements in the Christian walk that lead to victory.

There is a hymn, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” which declares that if we strive to place God first in our lives, then we are never alone.

Thank you God for loving and caring for me. I know that I have victory through you.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Wisdom©

 

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3:13

The word “wisdom” is often associated with the mysterious ability to discern right versus wrong based on three factors: experience, knowledge, and sound judgment. Although the criteria are accurate, a major conflict occurs with this theory. Who would establish the standard that would qualify individuals as possessing wisdom? Our life experience, level of knowledge, and judgment are as individualized as our fingerprints. Discernment would vary according to the level of education, social standing, and life experience. It is unfortunate that society is in a state of turmoil because the Word of God is no longer utilized as the standard for right and wrong.

As a Christian believer, it is my duty to seek knowledge, and wisdom from God. Last week, I was involved in a lengthy discussion regarding the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Because of the desire to consider further, I graciously declined to answer. Later that day, I prayed for understanding. As I searched the Scriptures, God directed me to several verses which interpret wisdom. The verse which gives the origin of wisdom: “For the Lord who gives wisdom; and only from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 KJV), clarified that it is only God who can impart wisdom.

First Kings 3 renders us with Solomon’s prayer for God to grant him wisdom and-an understanding heart-to govern the people well- and discern the difference between right and wrong. God honored his request by designating him as the wisest man of Biblical times. From the time of King Solomon to present day, God emphasizes that if we desire wisdom, all we must do is ask. Our social status, educational level, or life experience are not factors in hearing our prayer or granting our request.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

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Always Thankful

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify his name. Hebrews 13:15 AMPC

Do you desire peace and contentment? Begin your day with a prayerful praise of thanksgiving. Repeat a simple prayer (Thank you God) as often as you can throughout your day. You will begin to feel a stronger connection to the Creator who is the only one capable of giving spiritual peace. Be content in every situation. God loves you and is waiting; your life is in His hands.

Dear God, Thank you for being my Heavenly Father, and thank you for having my life in your hands. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Journey to Caring for your Temple

Your Health

1. Do you value your health? If yes, what changes are you willing to make?

2. Our taste can be molded to appreciate simpler foods with less calories, and more nutrients.

3. Sugar has devastating effects on the body. The process of elimination can begin with modifying the desserts that we consume.

This week we will explore fruit. Most fruit is wholesome and nutritious…bananas contain the highest amount of carbs…for those who are Diabetics…you are allowed a banana- 4 inches in length-do not upgrade or supersize. ☺Your intake of the banana counts as one serving. Serving size for fruit is 2 cups per day.

The Medical community places alot of emphasis on avoiding fruit. However, fruit in an unadulterated natural state is healthy, even for patients with Diabetes. Watch your Carb intake- downsize potatoes and rice…transition to brown rice, and sweet potatoes (review correct portion sizes).

“Enjoy 5 a day—eat at least 2 servings of fruit and at least 3 servings of vegetables each day. Choose fresh, frozen, dried, and a variety of colors and kinds. Choose dark-green leafy vegetables, orange fruits and vegetables, and cooked dry beans and peas often.”

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 NLT

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The Way you Were

Death Brings Much Fruit

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. JOHN 12:24

Some things must die in order to be productive. Certain seeds will not germinate into a plant unless they freeze during the winter. Jesus knew that His death would bring salvation to the world.

he moment you became a Christian, your sinful nature died (Rom. 6:6), but there remained sinful aspects of your character that had not gone to their graves willingly. Before you became a Christian were you self-centered? You may discover selfishness lingering in your life when you ought to be freely sharing what you have in the name of Christ (Matt. 10:8). Did you have a volatile temper? Now as a believer, you experience moments when anger wells up within you. Were you driven by ambition? You may still find yourself with the same motivation as you strive for recognition and position in the kingdom of the God.

If these sinful attitudes are allowed to remain alive, they will stifle the fruits of the Spirit. Your temper may prevent some from coming to Jesus. Your selfishness will hinder you from being a blessing to those around you. Your ambition could cause you to use others to meet your goals. Your family may be suffering because of some areas of your life that you have never allowed Jesus to put to death. It is futile to say, “But that’s just the way I am!” That is the way you were. But that person died with Christ; you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Allow God to complete His work in you and see what fruit your life produces.

Today’s Devotional-Experiencing God Day-by-Day