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The Master had special times and places for quiet conversation with His disciples. He met with them…more often on the sacred slopes of the Mount of Olives. Every Christian should have his own Mount of Olives. Most of us today, especially those of us in cities, live under great stress.

From early morning until bedtime we are exposed to the whirlwind of life. Amid all the turmoil, there is little opportunity for quiet thought, God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship of the heart! Come close to the Master for your personal mountain top experience with Him!

From Today’s Devotional–Streams in the Desert–by L. B. Cowman

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

As we study the Old Testament, we realize that the people of Israel faced insurmountable challenges which left them fearful, faithless, and forgetful. They began to focus on their situations instead of reflecting on the countless times in which God had delivered them. What was the basis for their lack of faith and trust in God?

If we fast forward to modern-day Believers, we can still ask the same question: What is the basis for our lack of faith and trust in God?

When we are in a state of suffering, there are times when we may view our situation as hopeless and we become obsessed with our circumstances. Realistically, we must acknowledge that suffering does not feel good and it does have a crushing effect on our mental and emotional well-being. However, it is when our circumstances appear larger than life that God is waiting for our obedience and for us to completely trust in him.  It is at the time when we are fearful, faithless, and forgetful that God is waiting to intervene if we only come to him in prayer.

When we make the decision to completely rely on God our relationship grows and we gain confidence because we realize that He is the source of our strength. Our suffering is beneficial in that we can realize our weaknesses and limitations, which direct us to God; therefore, we grow spiritually by becoming fully dependent on His strength and power.

Our relationship with God must be a dependent relationship, no self-reliance allowed. It is the inner battle of trusting in ourselves versus trusting in God that leaves us with doubt and mistrust when the storms of life are upon us.

In order for us to know what God is capable of, we must diligently study His Word-the Holy Bible and believe that if God promised it, then He will always fulfill His promises. Commit to memory the precious promises found in the Bible; read the many miracles and stories of deliverance, especially in the Old Testament. We serve a God who parted the Red Sea and enabled the people of Israel to walk across on dry land–there was no mud on their feet, and once they were safely on the other side, He destroyed their enemies.

Believe in the love that God has for those who are suffering; He sees every tear and hears every prayer. We must travel this journey with complete faith, hope, and trust in God: He says, “…I am that I am…” Exodus 3:14

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31

Prayer for Today: Dear Merciful Father, We come to you as broken vessels who are faithless. We have forgotten who you are because we have been relying on our own strength. God, we ask forgiveness for our lack of faith and trust in you. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and we thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercy. We pray for unwavering faith, obedience, and the ability to completely trust in you in spite of our circumstances. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. We ask these things in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 WEB

But the words you speak come from the heart–that is what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Matthew 15:18 NLT

Most of us like to have our picture taken if certain criteria are met; we desire the best angle, maybe a headshot versus a full body shot, and we certainly want the pose and position that shows our best side. Even so, the most interesting part of taking a picture, is that it is an absolute reflection of us whether we choose to like it or to dislike it. The problem is that we view ourselves through our own eyes-although our perception may be distorted, and if our expectations are not met then we usually discard the picture because we feel that it does not reflect who we really are.

The Word of God is more powerful than a photograph; the Word exposes what is truly in our hearts; the Word gives us the absolute truth about ourselves and we are unable to discard our character that has been revealed by God’s Word.

I can recall a conversation many years ago with a co-worker who emphasized that she did not like the new employee who was hired in our department. Considering that it was the individual’s first day and we had not been given the opportunity to interact with her, due to orientation training, I was surprised that my co-worker would make such a statement regarding someone that she was not acquainted with. I began to laugh and started asking probing questions as to why she felt dislike toward a total stranger. Her answer was shocking, “Oh you know how it is when you see someone for the first time and you just don’t like them.” At that point, I was able to see that my co-worker possessed judgmental traits against others not based on reality.

God’s Word is not based on feelings that we can adjust to our likes or dislikes; the Word discerns our true character, and we are fully exposed like a baby who is born naked, into the world. Once we begin to diligently study the Bible, we will realize why Salvation is a life-long journey and we become aware of our misaligned traits that are enmity against God.

Remember that Jesus understands our weaknesses and was tempted, but we also know that He lived a sinless life.

We must not become discouraged over the exposure of our true spiritual photograph; God has not left us alone in our efforts for transformation and the journey of holiness and righteousness. The most wonderful aspect of our lives is that we have a powerful spiritual team: God the Father, Jesus His Son, the Holy Spirit, and our assigned angels-who protect us; our spiritual team are always available when we call on them through prayer. We can be victorious in possessing “a clean heart and a right spirit,” when we manifest Human Effort and surrender to Divine Intervention.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. there we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

I can [and I will] do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4

Prayer for today: Dear God, You are awesome! Thank you for your Holy Word that exposes our sinful traits and gives us the awareness that we do not possess a clean heart and a right spirit which you require. We ask forgiveness for the intentional traits that we hold onto that are enmity against you. O God, it is our desire that we are cleansed from all unrighteousness, and to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your spiritual team, for your grace, your mercy, and your love. Thank you for the full exposure and the opportunity to renounce sin as we continue our journey down the path of Salvation. We thank you and we ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 NIV

Are you 100% certain that the way you think, your actions, your habits, and the things that you consider essential are in sync with the Word of God?

Often it is our desires or our emotions that lead us into a life of sinfulness because we have become accustomed to pursuing worldly pleasures. For those who possess misaligned habits that cause them to have double standards and live a life of compromise, God designates them as “Lukewarm.”

But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:16 NLT

Believer Alert! We are at a high risk of being deceived by Satan’s subtle entrapments daily. It is our behaviors that he uses to lure us from the narrow Path of Righteousness to the broad Path of Sin. Satan utilizes the powers of observation to place us in an area of compromise based on our personal preferences. Remember, God has not given Satan, a fallen being, the ability to read our minds! It is really a simple process to observe an individual and to learn their likes and dislikes.

Most of us look forward to some type of entertainment; who doesn’t love watching a great movie or reading a great book? There is nothing wrong with being unique in our likes and dislikes; however, our preferences present a problem when our likes cause a conflict between truth and error. Before choosing the movie or book, ask yourself, “Do I have to compromise godly standards to watch this program or to read this book?”

Let’s focus on a real-life situation: the movie that we have selected to watch has piqued our interest, as we begin to concentrate on the plot, we are feeling good that we have made the right choice; however, when the movie is at the halfway point, the dialogue begins to include “soft profanities,” what decision do we make?

We have reached the crossroads of vital decision-making! Satan is anxiously waiting: Do we overlook the profane words and continue to watch, or do we immediately turn the program off and search for something else?

The Apostle Paul expressed the dilemma of humanity:

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:15 NLT

Even so, God has the emergency rescue plan and is ready to activate it immediately, and every time we are at the Crossroads in our lives. We must take action: All it takes is a humble spirit and a contrite heart to call on God in prayer when we face the challenge of doing what is right-standards determined by God.

No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

We must continue our journey with a made-up mind; either we are going to obediently follow God’s commands, or we will intentionally live according to our personal desires. There is no gray area or life of compromise when we choose to live a godly life. Yes, we will fall into sin; but we do not have to stay in the pit. It is a personal decision for each of us to make!

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 NIV

Bible Readings: Proverbs 14, Romans 7

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask forgiveness for the sin of being a lukewarm Christian. We acknowledge that we have chosen compromise, and it has become our way of life. Thank you, God, for providing all that we need to seek after righteousness and to live as Overcomers. We are thankful for your love, your grace, and your mercies extended to us, although we have done nothing to deserve another chance. Thank you for sacrificing the life of your Son, Jesus, that we may be redeemed from our sins. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Study to shew (show) thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Carefully study to present thyself unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 DRB

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Never stop praying! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

Prior to my acceptance into the nursing program, I was required to complete three core classes: Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. The minimum grade requirement was a 3.0 or the letter grade “B” with a numerical value of 80-89 as a standard for consideration. The college offered several Anatomy & Physiology classes; however, students with a major in nursing were separated from those declaring other academic majors. The premise of segregation was that if we shared a common goal–to become Registered Professional Nurses–then we would bond with one another, work as a team, and enable the process of the elimination of students who would not progress into the clinical aspect of the program. The separation proved to be effective, over half of the students were unable to achieve the requirements for moving forward to pursue nursing as a career.

As Believers, we must also adhere to Core Values which are designated in the Word of God.

1. Love God!

2. Love Others!

3. Pray continuously!

4. Study the Bible!

5. Stay away from evil!

6. Endure hardships!

7. Always obey, and have faith and trust in God!

8. Live a holy life!

9. Tell others about God!

10. Pray for the Holy Spirit to live within you!

There is not an order of importance to the core values that everyone who desires Eternal life must possess; we are required by God to strive daily and to do our part in the Plan of Salvation which is outlined in the Holy Bible.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

When we were created by God in His image, He was already aware of the hardships that we would face throughout our lives, and He never expected us to bear our burdens alone.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 the Apostle Paul reminds us of the comfort that God offers to all:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. for the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. (New Living Translation)

Human Effort always requires Divine Intervention!

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth…John 14 16, 17 first part

The Bible presents the precious promises of God that are still valid for all who choose to believe. We must give up our doubts and completely trust in God in spite of our circumstances. There are many who feel that the Plan of Salvation is full of complexities as if we were walking through a maze that leads to nowhere.

Even so, the path that we walk on in life has a Guide and a Comforter who is the third person of the Godhead. We do not have to analyze or fill in the blanks with our own thought processes by questioning the purpose of the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask for the faith to accept the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Believe that God’s plan is always perfect! There is a purpose for our earthly lives: To prepare ourselves and to witness to others about the Plan of Salvation which includes Eternal Life.

Commit to the Basic Training required of all Believers: God has promised if we do our part, He is always faithful in doing His part.

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:7, 12-13 NLT

Bible readings: 2 Corinthians 1, Revelation 21-22

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercies. You are great and we love you. We admit that sometimes we become overwhelmed because we lose our focus and become fixated on our sufferings instead of striving to stay close to you, and for this, we pray for forgiveness. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit and to give us wisdom as we seek knowledge in your Word. Thank you for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have Eternal Life through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for us. And we thank you for giving us the hope of the return of Jesus who was resurrected and now acts as our great Intercessor in the heavenly courts. We need your guidance, and we need your strength to make it through our journey. We believe and we commit to the Basic training that is required of us to faithfully and obediently serve you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

“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 NLT

As fall paves the way for the transition of the earth into its wintry rest, displaying trees without their leafy coverage or exposing barren spaces where colorful flowers once bloomed; the “falling back” of time and the rapidly approaching holiday season act as  catalysts for many individuals to fall into a wintry state of mind leading to loneliness, depression or an emotional decline.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

There are many wonderful steps that we can take to counteract falling into an abyss of sadness:

1. Reconnect with God through praise: prayer, studying the Bible, singing, and listening to music.
2. Use your five senses to explore nature: Leave your home and explore the Scenes of Nature reflecting the change of the seasons from summer to fall which provide us with beautiful and vibrant shades of oranges, burgundies, yellows, and greens masterfully displayed by God the Creator. Browse the internet for beautiful pictures that others have shared of various landscapes on pinterest.com.
3. Simmering cinnamon sticks or orange peels bring in the warmth of wonderful aromas into your home.
4. Purchase a plant or seeds for growing aromatic herbs such as lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary.
5. Begin a new hobby or develop a new skill; take your time to identify something that you have a passion for and will have fun doing for a very long time.
6. Take a planned day off–not to clean your home–but to research for supplies to jumpstart your new-found hobby. Check out the FB Marketplace and Buy, Sell, Trade pages, you may be surprised at the free to cheap prices on very good items.
7. Clear out clutter; donate to churches and non-profit organizations. There are many individuals in need.
8. If you are an artist, crafter, or reader of books, contact a Nursing Home or Assisted Living’s Activity Director to read, teach a one-hour class or to donate supplies.
9. Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or other community organizations are looking for volunteers.
10. Finally, focus on the wonderful memories of the joy that your missing family members or friends brought into your life and thank God for the blessing of having them even if it was only for a season.

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:15 NLT

Our lives are a precious gift from God! Fear Not! God has promised to take care of us in every time and season in our lives. Cry when necessary, just remember that if we ask God, He will take away the pain:

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 3, Psalm 23

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for never leaving us alone. We ask you to forgive us of our sins and shortcomings. We pray for those who are grieving over the loss of loved ones, those who are in unhealthy situations, and for those who are feeling the sting of loneliness. Thank you for creating and loving us in spite of our inability to recognize your compassion, your grace, and your mercy. We pray for daily remembrance of the sacrificial gift of your Son, Jesus who died that we may be redeemed from our sins. We are thankful that Jesus is alive and is acting as our Intercessor in heaven. We ask you to heal our broken hearts, and for us to reflect on the plans that you have for us. You have promised to never leave us or forsake us. We pray for hope, faith, and trust in you regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for loving us. We ask this prayer for comfort and to take away our pain in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

 

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

Many years ago when I lived in New Jersey, I resided on the 22nd floor of a high-rise building which had an awesome view of the rest of the town and the Manhatten skyline in New York City. Those of us who lived in the building received notification that two 25 story buildings would be imploded on the next two weekends and that the streets would be blocked within a one-mile radius from the site for 4-6 hours. We were instructed to have all of our doors and windows closed to prevent the inhalation of the ashen byproducts. At the appointed time, we could hear the countdown and as I looked through my windows which were 6 feet high, the 25 story brick building collapsed as if it was made of straw.

Many of us are destroying our bodies from the inside out because of our busy schedules that we have developed to keep up with the ever-changing environment.

Do you really believe that you were created in the image of God? Does your lifestyle reflect that your body does not belong to you, but to God?

God has given us health principles which are found in His Holy Word-the Bible on nutrition; rest; exercise-the body was made for movement; our attitude which determines our outlook on life; our character traits; interpersonal relationships, the environment we are to live in, and most importantly we are to possess the greatest level of faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.

Are you imploding-destroying your body and mind by the lifestyle you choose to live? Does your busy day begin at 6 am and end at midnight?

Many of us have forgotten that we belong to God; we profess with words that we believe in God and that we love God, yet, we destroy our bodies–the temple of the Holy Spirit–on a daily basis.

One of the most important principles for maintaining an optimal level of health is to have proper REST!

Our bodies require sufficient sleep, relaxation, and recreation which are inclusive and vital components of Rest. Remember when we maintain a constant state of being busy, busy, busy; we are unable to maintain a relationship with God that provides for spiritual growth; nor can we maintain a healthy relationship with our spouse, our children, our family, and our friends, or love and care for our bodies that God has gifted to us.

Do not justify the reasons for your current busy lifestyle by saying, “Change is a process,” or that “God understands my situation.” Reflect on the biblical truth that your body belongs to God; pray and immediately make the necessary changes that indicate your gratitude to God for making you in His image.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 NIV

Bible Reading: Psalm 139

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for another day of life. We ask you to forgive us for our sins; especially the sin of a lifestyle so busy that we do not have time to have a close relationship with you or others. We desire to change and we ask you to help us to slow down that we may care for our bodies that you have gifted us with. We are weary because we have not followed your commands. O God, from this day forward we commit to take care of our temples every day. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. We ask these blessings upon our lives in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of Believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NIV

The Word of God is straightforward in admonishing us to stay away from sin.

There was a time in my life that I willingly placed myself in situations that involved compromise. How did I put myself in the situation if I knew the difference between truth and error?

Feeling overly confident that we will do what is right in high-risk situations leads us away from God. We have already committed the sin of pride by thinking too highly of ourselves that we will do what is right; and then we easily fall because the devil has developed a custom made temptation for each of us with our names on it.

It is a certainty that in situations that require compromise, we will sin. If you have conflicting thoughts then just say NO! Obedience to the Word of God supersedes what others may think of us. Disregard the opinions or labels–coward, holier than thou, church goer–from individuals who do not live according to God’s Word. The uncomfortable feelings or the hesitation that is present is the Holy Spirit’s warning that the presenting circumstances are not of God.

Remember that Satan is bold and He has no boundaries. He is already in a lose-lose situation so he eagerly plans for us to disobey and succumb to sin.

God has given us the warnings and the action we must take in order to be Overcomers from sin. Let go and give up relationships, habits, and desires that cause enmity against God.

Watch-we must view life through spiritual eyes, possess knowledge of the Bible, and listen for the warnings by the Holy Spirit–that deep feeling that tells us that this is not the right decision and to flee.

Pray-The greatest avenue of communication is through prayer; we stay connected to God and become so in tune with Him that we patiently wait for His guidance in all situations.

Watch and pray; stay away from people, places, and things; draw closer to God; we will always have a way to escape when tempted.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask forgiveness for willfully placing ourselves into areas of compromise. Thank you for always providing a way out when we are tempted. We thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides us and enables us to have victory over every temptation. We pray for the desire to prepare ourselves against the wiles of Satan by watching and praying continously while we await your Second Coming. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength! Nehemiah 8:10 NLT (last part)

I just can’t stop praising His name, Jesus!

One of the greatest joys in life is to see a baby smile. When they are happy their little faces are like the sun shining amidst a beautiful blue sky filled with white fluffy clouds. They smile and you smile, or do you smile?

Believer Alert! One of the most disheartening situations is to have to interact with unhappy and discontented individuals. For those who believe that we have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for us and has provided everything that we need including love, grace, mercy, a spiritual team–The Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Angels; we should possess the greatest joy within our hearts and our faces should show it.

We must be determined in our hearts to possess a Spirit of Gratitude and Praise!

Our first and last prayers of every day should express our sincerest thankfulness and gratitude to God. The blessings that we receive from God on a daily basis should produce unspeakable joy and happiness.

We must cease and desist of proudly saying, “this is just the way I am.” Research the Word of God; you will never find one verse to substantiate a discontented spirit, a stern face, or a temperamental disposition.

Ask yourself and Ask Others: Are you an approachable person? Remember, the life of Christ reflects his great love for humanity.

Transitioning from an UnChrist-like Disposition to a Delightful Demeanor!

1. Cease complaining immediately!

2. Get rid of the stern look on your face and begin to practice smiling!

3. Laugh as often as you can!

4. Pray prayers of thanksgiving throughout your day from the time you awaken until the time you close your eyes for sleep.

God is so good and He is worthy to be praised!

Bible Readings: Psalm 34

Prayer for today: Dear God, We are so thankful for your love, your grace, your mercies, and for creating us with the ability to smile, to laugh, to possess happiness and to have everlasting joy. We ask forgiveness for our discontent, our ingratitude, and for our lack of reflecting your character to others. Thank you for providing all of our needs. Thank you for the death of your Son that we may be redeemed from our sins. We love you, we worship you, and we praise your Holy Name. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

 

 

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

There is a common thread that all humanity shares; we have weaknesses also known as character defects. The main issue with possessing weaknesses is that we are unable to see our own defects as readily as we are able to identify the weaknesses of others. Can you imagine looking in the mirror and seeing someone else’s face? We can agree that the normal mind will process that the reflection in the mirror is your image.

For believers our mirror is the Bible– the Word of God speaks the plain unadulterated truth and readily identifies our weaknesses. The Bible reveals the character of God! As Christians, we are to strive for Christ-like characteristics: We are not able to select certain characteristics based on our preferences or to fit the presenting situations. Our focus in life is to align our character with God’s requirements.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 NLT

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22,23 NLT

When we read Galatians 5:22,23 and Ephesians 4:2 we receive godly standards that will take us a lifetime to strive for and to achieve.

Unlike psychological theories such as self-actualization: possessing the continual drive to fulfill one’s talents and potentials for personal growth; we can never achieve a status of spiritual self-actualization.

Yes, God is aware of our weaknesses and our flawed character and it is by His grace and mercy that he has provided us with a spiritual helper, the Holy Spirit. It is up to us to be connected to the source, it is our Heavenly Father who readily forgives our transgressions and provides yet another opportunity to seek righteousness when we confess and repent of our sins.

Look carefully and deeply into the mirror-the Word of God; confess and repent; pray for a revelation of the misaligned traits that you possess; ask God for guidance and to be filled with the Holy Spirit; strive for holiness, and believe and receive His promise that His power works in our weaknesses.

What more can we ask for?

Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 NLT

Bible Readings: Hebrews 12, Galatians 5, Ephesians 4

Prayer for today: Dear God, As we look in the mirror, please help us to see ourselves as we truly are. We pray for the character traits that are not pleasing to you to be revealed that we may do our part in changing and seeking after righteousness. We ask you to forgive us of our sins and shortcomings and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for this day and for your love, your grace and your mercies. We ask these things in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen,

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz