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One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed him. Mark 10:13-16 NLT

Most of us can recall our childhood: As we differ, so do our childhood experiences; for some, it will be sweet, bittersweet, or traumatic. Although we were helpless in choosing how we started in life, we have a choice in how we can live our lives right now.

For those who experienced a less than desirable childhood, God will take away the pain, if you only ask Him to heal you.

He heals the Brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

This is a wonderful promise from our most loving God, that He will not leave you scarred as the trending school of thought from psychological analysis wants us to believe.

Childhood trait #1- Belief without a doubt.

Young children possess concrete thought processes; they focus on the facts, physical objects, and literal definitions of the here and now.

Never doubt that the Omnipotent God who created our brains and minds can and will heal us without leaving residual scars.

Childhood trait #2-Joyful Excitement

As children hear and focus on the promises made to them, they are filled with bubbly excitement; their smiles and laughter are often combined with physically jumping up and down which is priceless.

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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. Jeremiah 29:11, 12

Childhood trait #3- Forgiveness

Childhood spats are usually little disagreements that work themselves out because children are loyal and readily forgive. They cherish their friendships and usually do not hold onto grudges unless adult interference escalates the situation. Please note: A spat is not bullying, physical violence, name-calling, or forcefully taking from others which requires immediate adult intervention.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

Stop holding onto anger which God gave us that particular emotion to become irate over social injustices such as murder, pedophilia, human trafficking, violence, domestic violence, and other heinous crimes. So, if your anger is over something less than these offenses then you are involved in self-destruction. Anger, when cultivated, leads to ungodly and unrighteous thoughts and behaviors.

Childhood trait #4-Humility

The natural unadulterated spirit of a child is humble with a compassionate heart. Children are touched deeply by the hurt and tears of others. We cannot let the actions of bitter individuals or the trendy belief system destroy what God has given to us–love, the extending of grace, and mercy in the form of forgiveness toward our fellow brothers and sisters.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

We are unable to toss away the blinders of carnality-seeing through sinful eyes unless we become as children from a spiritual perspective. Go ahead and become child-like and possess love, faith, trust, humility, joy, excitement, compassion, and forgiveness.

Childhood trait #5-Laughter

Just thinking about children laughing brings warm fuzzies to my heart. Wasn’t God pleased when He created the world and humanity? If you are a stoic Believer, then you must delve deeper into the Word of God.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit takes away a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NLT

In spite of trials, tribulations, heartache, and suffering; pray and trust in God, He never fails. We have every reason and opportunity to possess the same bubbly joy as little children. We have an Omnipresent God who will deliver us and bring victory according to his will. There is not one friend, husband, wife, or family member that can make the promises that our Heavenly Father makes to us.

Smile and laugh often…break free from the chains of despair, disgruntled mindsets, depression, and bad attitudes. Always speak positive and encouraging words and with time your mind and body will sync and you will be able to say:

“It is still a wonderful world!”

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for the ability to love, laugh, smile and enjoy the beautiful life that you have given to us. We acknowledge that we often forget your grace and mercies by easily complaining about the insignificant things that we have become fixated with. We desire to become like children and possess the character traits that are pleasing to you. We pray for the blinders to be removed from our eyes that we may grow spiritually and live according to Your Word. Thank you again for creating us with the ability to have never-ending joy. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

I can recall having a very interesting conversation with my cousin regarding life’s problems and using logical solutions that bring positive outcomes to resolve the issues. I further expressed that I could not understand how people keep making choices that further complicate their lives and add to their problems. His answer is one that I will always remember, “You must understand something, that’s how you and I would think, but that’s not how they think.”

What are some of the factors that cause individuals to choose solutions that produce chaos?

1. Lack of knowledge and wisdom

2. Familial traits and learned behavior

3. Pride and Stubbornness

4. Nonproductive relationships

5. No interest in learning beyond what they currently know

6. Lack of ambition or motivation

We must acknowledge that as human beings we are incomplete without others. Remember the quip, “No man is an island?” We stunt our growth and fullest potential when we refuse to step outside of our comfort zone to explore what we currently know. We can and should learn from those who can share their knowledge and life experiences.

God has equipped us with a neurological system which supersedes any technological advancements that we can possibly develop on this earth. The normal brain has the unlimited potential to expand beyond our wildest imaginations. We can learn new skills, languages, hobbies, pursue degrees, use our creativity, develop talents, and the list goes on and on.

Even with limited income, we are able to visit the library, read newspapers, visit museums, take free online classes, etc. Get up and get out of your home! There is an abundant life outdoors available for us to explore. One of my favorite paths to education is the enjoyment of nature; the wildflowers, trees, birds, the breathtaking landscapes and my cherished plants.

I was gifted with a houseplant that lost most of its leaves in spite of the loving care it received. The instructions recommended a low light environment with a warning against direct sunlight. With despair, I set her outside on the porch with two pale leaves, watered her sparingly and prepared myself for loss. Much to my surprise, one week later there were four leaves; the rays of sunlight that peaked through the tree branches provided strength and nourishment and now she has grown and produced many leaves, she was given the necessary elements to thrive.

God has given us all that we need!

When we place our lives in his hands, we have unlimited potential for growth in all aspects of our lives. Through prayer and studying of the Bible, we gain knowledge of who He is, which results in Spiritual growth. We are able to ask for wisdom to apply His Word to our daily lives. There is no need for a Believer to make wayward decisions based on inexperience.

Read of the behaviors of ants, homing pigeons, eagles, the hibernation of bears, and the fish and mammals in the sea which speak of God’s love for humanity. Identify your interest in growing plants, herbs, or a container garden; start out simple and do research to learn the proper care and nurturing of the foliage; buy a packet of seeds, or a plant and learn from nature.

Enhance your social circle, including the motivators, the movers and the shakers who can provide a broader perspective on life. As we prepare for Eternal life, God does not intend for us to live in a gloom and doom atmosphere. We are not to live in seclusion or fear of what is or what is to come. Make the commitment to enjoy the wonderful life that God has given to us to learn, grow, and thrive!.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

Prayer for Today: Dear God, This is a Prayer of Thanksgiving for creating us in your image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and our bodies are simply amazing. We ask you to enable us to step outside of our comfort zones to learn, grow, thrive and enjoy our lives that you have blessed us with. We ask forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask this in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT

Part 4 of 4

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see a ladder? I think of climbing an object that enables us to reach heights that we would not be able to achieve within our own efforts. Although ladders are used to ascend, they are often utilized to descend in rescue attempts to facilitate a safe escape from harm’s way.

So now that we agree that a ladder has a twofold purpose, we can also agree that most of us feel that our tongue also has a twofold purpose. Not so! We are admonished in James chapter 3 to control our tongue–to control our words.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7 NLT

The truth that our tongues are full of viciousness is a warning for the Soldiers in the Army of God. We must accept, confess, repent, obey, and learn to practice self-control with the tone of our voice and the choice of our words.

Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:9,10 NLT

There will be no bittersweet, or harsh words in our heavenly home. We must utilize our time wisely to make the necessary changes as we prepare for Kingdom life. I ask all of my fellow Christian comrades to pray for one another as we strive to possess the character of Christ.

Attention! Prepare yourselves! Christ is coming soon!

Bible Reading: James 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for your Holy Word and the instructions that you have left for us so we can prepare for your Second Coming. We confess that we have hurt and damaged others with poisoned words. We ask you to forgive us and cleanse us from the sinful habits that we have cherished and continue to hold on to. Please help us to whisper a prayer and respond with peaceful words or learn not to respond when we are confronted. We need your strength in our weakness as we strive to be overcomers. We ask for a double portion of your Holy Spirit to enable us to resist ungodly behaviors. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3: 22, 23

A mother seeking her son’s pardon from Emperor Napoleon was told that since this was his second offense, that justice demanded his death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” she cried. “I plead for mercy.”

“But, said the Emperor, “He doesn’t deserve mercy.”

“Sire,” replied the mother, “it wouldn’t be mercy if he deserved it. Mercy for him is all that I ask for.”

“Well then,” said Napoleon, “I will have mercy.” And the son was granted a pardon.

As I read this story this morning, my heart cried out in thanksgiving for God’s wonderful love that extends mercy to His created beings who just cannot seem to get it right. In spite of our love, and knowledge of who God is, all we can present is brokenness. Even so, He takes our brokenness, always forgiving us, and by giving us grace and mercy to start over day after day, we are healed and made whole.

We do not deserve God’s mercy; yet, He granted us the blessing to awaken to a brand new day. Today is the day for us to focus on His grace and mercy so that we never take God for granted. Take the time to whisper a prayer, and sing songs of praise to our Most High and Loving God.

We are who we are only because of God.

His mercies endure today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Amen!

Bible Reading: The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. Lamentations 3: 25, 26

Prayer for today: Dear God, We just want to say thank you for your never-ending love, your grace, and your mercies. Please help us to never take you for granted. We ask you to forgive us of our sins, our shortcomings and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. These blessings we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:6 KJV

Part 3 of 4

Do we really understand the Omnipotence, the Omnipresence, the glory and the majesty of our Almighty God?

As a young girl, I was taught to reverently approach God in prayer by humbling myself through the positioning of my body with a bowed head, closed eyes, clasped hands, and bended knees. Whether this description causes you to reflect on memories or you are reading this for the first time, this is the positioning of our bodies that David, in the book of Psalms, admonishes us to assume when we approach God in prayer, on bended knees.

Have we absent-mindedly or intentionally forgotten who God is? Have we forgotten who we are in the hierarchy of created beings? If so, we can find the answers in the Word of God-the Bible.

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

Answer: For you have made him a little lower than the angels and have crowned him with glory and honour? Psalm 8:5

And all the angels stood around the throne, and the elders, and the four living creatures, and they fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God. Revelation 7:11

The angels that are heavenly beings bow before our Majestic God to worship him. We must never think so highly of ourselves that we fail to humbly approach God in our worship to him by the kneeling of our body and the bowing of our head.

There are many individuals who are physically unable to kneel, including me, due to a disability or the aging process. Even so, I took a moment to reflect on my childhood training and bowed my head with closed eyes and clasped hands prior to praying this morning. I can tell you that I experienced a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit; this was not a figment of my imagination, this was an opportunity for God to take my worship experience to a higher level because I approached him as He rightfully deserves.

Reverence God!

Our eyes which enable us to visually take in our surroundings is definitely one of our greatest blessings. However, during the time of our worship experience, while praying, open eyes cause us to see many distractions, which make us lose our focus on God. Guard your mind by shutting out the world, and making your worship a personal one-to-one uplifting experience filled with reverence, praise, and love for the God that you adore.

As soldiers in God’s army, we are obligated to give our Creator and Commander honor through the recognition of his Omnipotence. Today commit yourself wholly to God by approaching him on bended knee every opportunity you can.

We can and should worship God outside of our home environment. Whether we are at work, or in our vehicles if a situation presents with stressors that disturb your peace of mind, stop and take a 5-minute break if driving find a place to pull over and prepare yourself for prayer with a bowed head and closed eyes. Allow the Holy Spirit to completely fill you and the stressors of the environment will have no impact on your life.

Attention! Soldiers, drop to bended knees!

Approach God on bended knees and your testimony will forever be: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9

Bible Reading: Psalm 8

Prayer for today: Dear God, How majestic is your name in all the earth! We ask forgiveness for not giving you the reverence that you rightfully deserve. Yes, you have created us in your image, but we are not demigods, which are a figment of someone’s imagination. We are dust that you formed into humanity, it is you who has breathed the breath of life into us, and for that, we are grateful for your love. We are thankful that we are allowed to reverently approach you through prayer. We are thankful that you love us by giving us your grace and mercy and all we have to do is have the faith to accept your sacrifice and your plan of salvation. From this day forward, we commit our lives to you by humbly accepting your will for our lives. We ask this prayer in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Part 2 of 4

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

One of my most challenging positions as a nurse involved working with healthcare providers to improve the quality of healthcare for the senior population. The education of the physicians remained an ongoing battle as we addressed the deficiencies of Medicare healthcare measures for their patients with chronic diseases. Even so, quality-based disease management was not an option; set parameters were determined by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) who required modification in the patient’s plan of care until patient-centered goals were met.

Monthly meetings involved the review of statistics that reflected the healthcare provider’s performance as evidenced by the management of chronic diseases. Even with the many variables including patient non-compliance, the expectation was for the patient under managed care to demonstrate disease management including normalized blood sugars and blood pressures.

A monthly report with patient statistics reflected the physician’s failure to meet the standards for disease management of patients with chronic illnesses such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and Osteoporosis. In addition, the physician ordering of screening diagnostic tests including mammograms and colon cancer screening were also monitored by CMS.

Many of the providers took personal offense to the reports and I faced varied reactions of anger, irritability, silence, and blame during these meetings. Regardless of the approval or disapproval of the physician, my responsibility as a quality nurse was to remain focused on the task and provide the nursing support and education to achieve 100% compliance.

God has also provided guidelines to give us the structure and discipline necessary to achieve ongoing spiritual growth along with developing a deeper relationship with him. The Bible–God’s Holy Word–is concise; covering every aspect of our lives and clearly indicating God’s expectations of every Believer. Whether or not our reactions and lifestyles reflect inconsistencies and disobedience, God states:

“I am the Lord and I do not change…“first part, Malachi 3:6 NLT

“For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18 BSB

When we accept the Plan of Salvation, we do not have the option to do as we please. God requires strict obedience and adherence to his commands; we are graciously provided with His loving grace, mercies, and forgiveness which is not to be taken for granted.

It is a choice to make the commitment to accept salvation and enlist in the Army of God. Our love for God must supercede our worldly desires, ambitions, and pursuits. Even when we desire to use the spiritual gifts and natural talents that God has blessed us with; as soldiers we must always seek God’s approval for all of our plans. Although we are utilizing our time for the good of others, we are unable to work our way to Eternal life. Good deeds cannot earn us a higher rank in the Army of God.

Ask yourself, “Am I really doing the will of God?” and then pray a heartfelt prayer, asking God to reveal his will for your life. We are unable to have salvation by selecting what we feel like doing for God. The obedience required to be a willing servant requires that we step out of our comfort zone. Are you experiencing the Jonah syndrome? We cannot run from our responsibility: Our primary focus is to witness to others about our loving God and his Son, Jesus who gave His life for all.

“It is only what we do for Him that will count in the end, it is only what we do for Christ that will last.”

Attention! Forward March!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Reading: Revelation 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, We commit our plans, our desires, and our entire lives to you.We ask you to forgive us of our sins and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Please reveal to us, your will for our lives so that we may honor and glorify you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes jn him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

When you reflect on the phrase, “Nothing lasts forever” what do you immediately think of? I think of relationships; friendships, marriages, dating, and courtships that are easily broken in our society. God intended for us to form strong bonds with one another as opposed to standing alone in life. What is the underlying cause for fractured relationships? The current status quo of “doing what we feel like doing” has undermined the institutions of marriage, family, and friendships.

When we base our decisions on feelings we are certain to experience negative outcomes. Excitement–which is the feeling that a new relationship provides, cannot provide the basis to build a strong foundation between individuals. Certainly there is the realization that it takes time for two or more individuals to form a loving and caring relationship and the ongoing effort for strong emotional bonds to form as they commit to each other forever?

Without being cynical, many thoughts flood my mind; but the main one is that many individuals do not possess the knowledge of how to have a healthy, and thriving relationship. Therefore, the lack of knowledge introduces undesirable elements to promote an unhealthy and unstable relationship with a weak foundation. Even so, the relationship is formed, and the dissolution leaves us fearful, hurt, depressed, bitter, angry and scarred.

As a former psych nurse, I could approach the relationship issue with many analytical theories; however, I am a Believer, so I must approach weak and fractured relationships from a spiritual perspective. Our relationship with others is interdependent upon our spiritual relationship with God. If we have a strong and loving relationship spiritually through faith, trust, and obedience to God then we are equipped to form strong bonds with others.

Obedience to God requires the emptying of one’s self through sacrificial giving-letting go of what we desire. Our desires usually place us in the position of rebelling against God and his plans for our lives. Although we diligently study the Bible and pray, we develop ungodly character traits that coincide with our thought processes, and our lifestyles reflect the partial commitment that we have made to God.

If we have determined to half-heartedly commit to God then we are unable to fully give of ourselves to others. Whether we are employed, unemployed, retired, a stay-at-home parent, wife, husband, or student; our commitment to God places us in the position of always having something to do, and that is to develop a thriving, forever relationship with God and our family of Believers.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:1-9

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask you to forgive us of our sins and shortcomings. We need your help in building forever relationships with you and others. First, we ask you to teach us how to remain committed to you, and secondly how to remain committed to our biological and spiritual families. Secondly, we ask you to make us aware of the ungodly character traits we possess so we may change and possess the Fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Disclaimer: The Devotionals that are reflected in my weblog are intended for Believers in God, regardless of religious, social, economic or national backgrounds.

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NKJV

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Part 1 of 4

Yesterday we spoke of being a Soldier in the Army of God; the Bible is our guide to learn the qualifications that God requires for each of us to possess, in order to be in His Army.

Although we are unable to work to gain Eternal life, there is something that we have the ability to modify, to change, and to allow the Holy Spirit to work on: Our Character which defines who we really are.

Unity-Are you really a team-player?

Love- Is yours based on conditions?

Humble-Does meek and lowly describe you?

Compassion-Does your heart bleed for others?

Sympathy-Are you willing to walk in their shoes?

According to the Bible, we are living in the last days. Our time to ask God to give us the desire to endure a transformation is now!

Our minds, hearts, and lifestyle will reflect whether or not we are truly in alignment with the Word of God.

Remember: Soldiers always follow commands!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Reading: Matthew 5

Prayer for today: Dear God, We need a complete overhaul of our heart. We pray for forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings. We desire to be Soldiers in your Army and we desire for the Holy Spirit to fill us and dwell in us. We need your strength to be overcomers . We ask these things in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.