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What are the things that you consider simply amazing?

The birth of a baby is in second place on my list of things that are simply amazing. From the moment their lungs expand to take the first breath to the maturation of healthy growth and development into an adult, the structure and function of the human body are unprecedented. This phenomenal life-cycle is not possible without God, our Creator, who is first and foremost on my list of simply amazing!

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. … Genesis 1:26

Within the creation story is a concept that most individuals fail to recognize: God knew that humanity would give in to their desires and eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Because God is Omniscient, He was fully aware of the transgressions that every human being would commit against their Creator. From Adam and Eve to the present human race, we consciously and willfully sin against our Heavenly Father.

For a moment, let’s imagine the conversation between God and Jesus?

“You know, Son, if I create humans, they will disobey, sin against us, and seek to satisfy their sinful desires. Since all will sin, it will take someone sinless to redeem them, and that means someone has to die?” Yes, Father, I am aware of what they will do; still, I am willing to die for them because many will accept our Plan of Salvation and strive to live holy and sinless lives.” (Please note this is only a writer’s rendition.)

The concept of God agreeing to give His Son, Jesus Christ, who has always been sinless, to become subservient, suffer, and die on a cross used for criminals is simply amazing. Even so, there is more that is required to bring “The Plan” into fruition. Let us think about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who surrendered His Divinity and was born a babe in a manger among animals.

Do you think that you are experiencing severe trials and tribulations? 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.” Matthew 8:20. The Son of God had no home and depended on others’ kindness and generosity to provide food and shelter. Many times Jesus slept outside and did not have the convenience of a sleeping bag or tent. He also was required to flee for His life many times during the 33 years of His experience on earth. Who of us can say that we have followed in the footsteps of Jesus?

Why did the Religious Leaders want Jesus Dead?

1. The claims that He made including that He was the Son of God.
2. The deeds that He did to heal physical illnesses and minister messages of hope and eternal life. 
3. His threat to their religious system that was focused on outward achievements. 
4. His threat to their way of life which included segregation based on ethnicity and social and economic status.
5. The undesirable and oppressed individuals with whom He socialized and taught that all things are possible with faith in God.  
6. The lack of respect He had for their legalistic and hypocritical religious traditions.
7. The exposure of their religious leader’s secret sins and immoral practices.

Yes, these are only a few things mentioned in the New Testament that outraged the religious rulers. Consequently, they wanted to see Jesus dead. History is repeating itself. Many are angry at God because of our current situation, the loss of income, shattered future dreams and goals, division based on race and ethnicity, and the increasing number of restrictions to keep humanity safe from disease.

Regardless of the diseases, the political, and civil unrests that dominate our global environment, we must defer to David’s question in the Book of Psalms:

What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:4

Without merit, we received the blessing of a new day, complete with God’s Grace and Mercy. We can pray at any moment throughout the day or night to our God, who promises to take care of us even unto the end of the world. The Bible fully reveals God’s character and the future plans He has for those who serve Him.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you?… John 14:1-2

For the Lord, himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Our tribulations will only last for a little while longer. But until then, determine to always look at your life as a blessing. Live with a spirit of gratitude and depend on the Godhead–God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit, It is then that you will view life through spiritual eyes and proclaim that our Spiritual Team is “Simply Amazing!”

Bible Readings: Isaiah 42, Revelation 21-22

God, we thank you for being simply amazing! We pray for forgiveness for not appreciating your gifts of grace and mercy. Thank you for the Plan of Salvation and thank you for giving us the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. Please provide us with your help to make it through until your Son, Jesus comes again. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

 

The United States in Prophecy, July 4

Happy Sabbath!

Enjoy the peace and blessings of the next 24 hours that God created for humanity. Complete Mental and physical rest…thank you God!

The perfect relationship is possible when we seek God. Everyday we are given the opportunity to gain strength by praying and studying the Bible. God is here and is waiting for you and for me.

Sharing this encouraging Devotional. Be blessed. Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Seek The Lord And Find Him • Devotional

https://bible.com/reading-plans/534/day/1?segment=0

Please guard the safety of yourself and your family!

https://patch.com/texas/houston/more-300-children-texas-day-cares-have-caught-covid-19-numbers-are-rising

In the yarn circle, WIP is the acronym for a Work in Progress. In fact, the average number of WIP’s is always 3-4 projects waiting for completion. We buy yarn for no other purpose than to store it for future use. Due to the loss of employment and income, many “yarners” have reached a point where they never thought possible and have depleted their yarn stash. Inevitably someone feels courageous and reaches out to the other members of our group to post their dilemma, asking for yarn donations. That one post initiates a domino effect with a minimum of 100 to 200 responses, revealing many who are in the same predicament.

Members of the yarn community are aware that it is risky to ask for yarn donations. We do not share our yarn! When it rains, it pours, and the responses to the post for help can easily reach 500-600 answers. The typical responses are usually minimal, one to two words; “Wow!” or “That’s too bad.” There are many suggestions to find cheaper options for purchasing yarn, search the Marketplace for yarn sellers, use your coffee money, sell unwanted items, etc. But the #1 suggestion that most agreed with was from a veteran yarner. She recommended they use their WIPs that have been unfinished for months and FROG them. In this sense, “to FROG” means “to take out stitches.” Hence, the solution is to utilize the yarn that you already have.

Although this is a light-hearted story of desiring crafting materials, many individuals struggle financially and are unable to purchase essential items. During this pandemic, there is a great divide and separation of those who have and those who need help. Community churches and food banks are overwhelmed by the long lines of individuals without the basic needs of food, water, and toiletries. The reality is that most of us have an over-abundance of resources. But many have the “I” concept that consists of focusing on self. How did we reach this point?

When we love God, we live ‘With the Intent and Purpose” to share our resources. We do not ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Our intent and purpose of emulating Christ who lived to help others happens naturally and becomes our mission. Having values built on the “We” concept enables us to share our over-abundance and keeps us from adopting the unbeliever’s attitude of “every person for themselves.” A heart filled with the love of God is forever concerned with giving to those in need.

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there, the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21

In reading the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us the life story of Jesus Christ and his compassion for others. Four individuals are in agreement that Jesus lived with the intent and purpose to alleviate the burdens of others. What has caused us to deviate and disregard Christ’s example? It is not our duty to share tips on how to become financially savvy or to advise others to sell their unneeded items, Jesus left the example and the mindset we must possess if we say we love God. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

The miraculous blessing of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand is in Matthew 14:13-21. Even His disciples required a wake-up call because they also possessed the selfish spirit of the “I” concept. It is hard to imagine that the men called and anointed to help those in need, to heal the sick, and preach the plan of Salvation possessed hard-hearts. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Matthew 14:15

Jesus was fully aware of the self-centeredness that infiltrated His disciple’s hearts. His directive reminded them of their responsibility to provide. Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat!” Matthew 14:16. But wait! Along with the big reveal of selfishness, the disciples also exposed their spiritual state of faithlessness, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. Matthew 14:17

Many of us are in the same predicament, we have relied on our abilities for so long that we have forgotten who God is. We place limitations on ourselves and our Heavenly Father because self-reliance nurtures self-centeredness and destroys our faith in God. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 6:24

Yes, Jesus’ primary purpose was to die for the redemption of humanity; even so, the Son of God feeding the 5,000 plus multitude sets the godly standard for using our financial resources. If we say, “But God, I only have…” then we are not living faithfully or obediently, and our values are in stark contrast with those found in the Word of God. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33

We must never forget that God blesses us with New Mercies and always gives us His Amazing Grace every day. Pray for guidance and direction to “Bless Somebody Else.” During this pandemic, reach out to your family and friends to find out if they need assistance. Then contact your community churches and non-profit organizations to donate financially or volunteer to assist with their Outreach programs. Help is desperately needed in all areas without the need to have person-to-person contact.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? …Matthew 25:34-40.

Our goal is to hear, “Well done!” A loving heart is always full of care and compassion for others. Lighten someone else’s burden by sharing your resources, and you can live every day “With Intent and Purpose.”

Bible Readings: Matthew 6, 14, and 25

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

 

Yesterday, I researched to find out why my tablet had slowed down. Although there were several possible reasons and troubleshooting techniques, the one reason that stood out is the pre-installed apps that automatically run and receive updates. To my surprise, the pre-installed apps, known as bloatware, cannot be deleted, but they can be disabled, or the device can be rooted. After reading the pros and cons of rooting, I decided to take the safest option, which is to disable the bloatware and clean the cache.

Considering that I did not get my first computer until 2007, I have come a long way. Because I am still on a learning curve with solving techy problems, I had to swim through a sea of information, use common sense, and say a prayer before taking action. Learning to fix an issue that caused much frustration (I was angry with my WiFi provider) taught me not to assume and to broaden my perspective by acquiring new knowledge.

We possess the ability to seek knowledge and learn new concepts that can significantly change the quality of our lives. It is not a complicated process to achieve personal growth; obtaining new knowledge is easily accomplished and empowers us to see beyond our boundaries. If learning beyond what we have experienced and acquired academically is so easy, then why are we resistant?

We are pre-loaded with mental and emotional bloatware that varies based on our life experience. Exposure to a negative environment results in a struggle that is harder than someone who was nurtured and received a positive reinforcement to accomplish their goals. Still, we can rise above our prior experiences. “You do not have to end up where you began!” The growth and development of becoming a better person are only possible with continuous learning.

To initiate the new and improved person, we need the bundle package of Desire, Motivation, Perseverance, Planning, and the strength to Overcome–Internal elements that fight the External factors that lead to Failure.

Desire means having a wish to get something. Motivation means that which inspires us to achieve the goal, which can lead our life better. … A desire can lead to doing something we need, but motivation is the final thing that can put on the place where we wanted to come when we desire to reach there. philosophy.stackexchange.com Jul 24, 2013

The spark of desire must be within to change your current status. However, having a desire is not enough. Yes, desire is a catalyst for change, but wishing for something falls short if it is not fueled by motivation and perseverance. “Motivation is a force that compels you to do something. In other words, it is the reason why you act.”

Before setting goals for growth and development, we should identify the external factors that present opposition to our plans. We live in tumultuous times full of chaos, disunity, sickness, disease, fear, carelessness, anger, etc. Nevertheless, we can take the necessary steps to use our internal mechanisms of willful determination to propel us forward.

Setting goals is the next step to improving your life. The goals must be realistic and achievable on a short-term or long-term basis and result in a positive outcome. Once you are motivated and determined to seek new knowledge, then the roller-coaster ride begins. Anticipating that we will face obstacles is not the same as possessing a negative outlook. The awareness that things will go awry even when skillfully planned provides us with the strength and ability to adapt, resolve, and overcome.

And that resilience gives us another viable character trait, perseverance!

Perseverance is the internal strength that keeps us focused and gives us the drive to challenge the obstacles and keep moving in the right direction. When faced with the obstacle, identify the problem either as one that you can resolve or one that you have no control over. Rational thinking and patience are the tools required to address the presenting challenges. Remember, we have to utilize time and effort to eliminate the distractions. Most likely, we can resolve the issues, but there are no guarantees. Taking the time to re-evaluate and modify our existing plans ensures that we stay on the path to achieve success.

Some may think, setting goals, re-evaluating, and fighting obstacles is easier said than done, and I agree wholeheartedly. And for that reason, I prefer additional help with overcoming and disabling life’s distractions. Although my internal strengths include motivation and perseverance, self-reliance was a distraction that weakened my character and prevented me from reaching my goals. Yes, I am still responsible for doing my part in the pursuit of knowledge and making a conscientious effort to improve my quality of life. But I learned to tap into the power from a higher source, God.

Even when my plans appear perfect, I still become sidetracked from the obstacles and cannot move forward. Including God in my life has changed my perception, broadened my perspective, and narrowed my pursuits. Through prayer and the process of elimination, God has enabled me to prioritize my goals. Because I was born sinful and shaped by iniquity, I cannot delete the sinful bloatware that continues to resurface.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26

It is only through God that my mental and emotional bloatware can be deleted. My part is to disable the unnecessary distractions that prevent me from seeking spiritual knowledge and praying for wisdom. The great news is that God will perform the rooting process when we commit to serving Him. He is just a prayer away. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Mathew 6:6

Verse for today: I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

God, we ask you to provide us with the strength to disable the distractions that prevent us from growing closer to you. We desire spiritual growth as we study your Word and communicate with you through prayer. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

 

 

I am sharing this cute video which shows a baby waking up and happy to see her Father. Are we embracing each new day as a wonderful gift that is wrapped with God’s grace and mercies?

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 96:1

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your loving-kindness, and the mercies of a new day. Please forgive us for our sins and place a hedge of protection around us and our families during this pandemic. Thank you for giving your Son, Jesus that we may have Eternal life if we so choose. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020