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They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that. 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

semblance: the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different.

When an individual makes the decision to enlist in the military, there is a commitment to serve and be obedient until death. They have decided to relinquish their own mindset, which enables a complete transformation–the change of their thought processes, their behaviors, and their outlook on life. They belong to a group of individuals with the same mindset working together to achieve common goals.

As Believers, we are Soldiers in the Army of God. We attest that we follow God’s commands through faithful service, obedience, and tithe-paying; yet we attempt to live according to our perspective and interpretation of the Word of God. We disregard the instructions and commands that are in the Holy Bible when it causes conflict between our desires and what God requires.

Many of us take God’s grace and mercies for granted in our daily lives, as if we were given the option to live according to our own whims and standards. It is heartbreaking to hear a Christian attempt to justify their disobedience to God by using excuses to downplay their wayward thinking.

I have heard many justification statements and would like to share because most of us can relate to this mindset at some point in our lives.

1. “I just can’t do it.”

2. “God understands that we are human.”

3. “Thank goodness, God forgives us.”

4. “I knew it was wrong, I had to ask God to forgive me, but I was glad I said it or did it.”

5. ” I am not there yet, spiritually like you are.”

We are soldiers, we are servants, and we are light-bearers; our goal as we march is to follow all of God’s commands without question or hesitation.

Are you ready to fully enlist in God’s army? Then cast your thoughts aside and prepare to be obedient and faithful until Jesus comes. The time is now for us to say, “Yes, Sir” as we commit our all-and-all to Christ.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have our own thoughts and desires which are enmity against you. We ask you to forgive us for living to please ourselves. We ask forgiveness for disregard of your commands and for not fulfilling our duties to you, our families, and our communities. We desire to live, and think according to your standards. As we move forward in our lives, we commit to serve you and to meet the needs of others. We commit to faithful obedience as we strive to march toward the mark of spiritual perfection. We humbly ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close to me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NLT

Do you know who Melba Pattillo Beals is? If your answer is yes, then you are well versed on the beginning of integration in the United States educational system. If you are not familiar with who she is: In 1957, at the age of 15, she was one of the children selected to be one of the “Little Rock Nine,” a group of nine African-American students who first integrated the previously all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

There are many of us who have never suffered any types of “isms” in our lives; even so, if we have the slightest belief in God, we have an enemy who is always ready and willing to put our faith to the test, by attacking our beliefs and making us doubt our relationship with a loving God. Although many of us have biases and prejudices, Satan is no respecter of persons; his perspective is that Believers are all part of one family–God’s family, and his daily plan is to facilitate mistrust, doubt, and disbelief against our heavenly Father.

In the Book of Job, chapter 1, Satan accuses God of showing favoritism to Job by protecting Job from adversity and blessing him with prosperity; hence, the reason for Job’s faithfulness to God. As we read about Job’s experience, he endured the riches-to-rags syndrome, painful boils on his body, the death of all of his children, ridicule from his friends, and disbelief from his wife who gave him the advice to curse God and die. However, we know how Job’s story ended because Job remained faithful in spite of the devastating circumstances. God is always faithful! In chapter 42, we read of God’s displeasure for Job’s friends who were required to offer sacrifice for their false accusations, and the complete healing and restoration of Job’s family and his fortune.

God is faithful and just! He did not spare his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ who suffered an unspeakable death through shame and the spilling of his precious blood on a wooden cross with nails in his hands and feet, and a crown of thorns on his head.

When we reflect on the sufferings of Jesus and Job, and their victorious outcomes, we must come to realize how insignificant our trials and tribulations are in comparison to God’s redeeming power. It is only by God’s grace and mercy that we awaken each morning with the knowledge of who we are, and the ability to serve him one more day.

We must establish a personal relationship with God and live as David who proclaimed, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Whatever “isms,” glass ceilings, biases, prejudices, financial problems, marital discord, disobedient children, estrangement from family, grief, and loss we are experiencing, there is an Almighty and Omnipotent God that is Omnipresent who loves us with an everlasting love. Hallelujah thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen!

He is our Jehovah Jireh, our Creator, and our All and All.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 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 12:8-9 NLT

Make your goal in life to have a personal relationship with God–Great is His Faithfulness, always and forevermore.

Bible Reading for today: Job Chapters 1 and 42

Prayer for today: Dear Lord and Father of all mankind: We come before you today humbling ourselves to ask forgiveness for complaining about the life that you have blessed us with. Whatever suffering that we must endure, we are not alone, you have always been here. We have been focusing on our problems and trials instead of keeping our minds and our hearts in a spirit of thanksgiving for your grace and mercies. God, you are our Healer, our Restorer, our Provider, and our Heavenly Father. We must make it personal in order to receive your strength. We ask you to continue to bless us as we draw closer to you. Thank you for this day. We love you, we praise you, and we worship your Holy Name. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Have you heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28 NLT

I can recall the day that I completed my final nursing exams and waiting anxiously for the grades to be posted in the student lounge. Nursing school was an extremely tough journey; the enrollment of 27 students quickly dwindled to only 7 graduates from the program. On that bitter wintry day, I took my final walk as a student nurse to the parking lot, crying tears of joy because in spite of, God had given me the victory of completing the RN program.

There is a word that a former Pastor used to describe our tumultuous journey, full of trials and tribulations in life; Vicissitudes–which is a change in circumstances that is unwelcome and unpleasant. Yes, the vicissitudes of life can be life altering, challenging, and leave us feeling as if we are in a desert storm.

Even so, in the Christian walk in life, we are to become fully reliant on God, which translates into being fully dependent on God. Can you imagine that our Heavenly Father would leave us or ever forsake us? If you are saying, “Why would God allow this and that to happen in my life if He loved me so much?” The only answers available to those questions is in the Bible, God’s Holy Word.

Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he give us everything else? Romans 8:32 NLT

When Jesus was on the cross, he despaired and cried out, “Eloi, Eloi lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

And we know that for the remission of our sins that Jesus was required to suffer and die an excruciating death. But on that third day, there was an earthquake; God sent an Angel to roll back the stone, and Jesus arose from the sleep of death with all power and glory, “His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow.” Matthew 28:3 NLT

God has never asked us to do more than we are capable of doing with His strength. If you are in despair, then you are failing to put your faith and trust in God. He has promised to ease the pain and to heal the broken-hearted. God is always great in his faithfulness to us.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NLT

When we begin to diligently study the Word of God, we begin to praise God for his wonderful love and we are able to enjoy and have a peaceful existence, regardless of the vicissitudes of life. Our trials, life events, and unforeseen circumstances are only a surprise to us; God is always aware of the trials that we must endure.

Pray and ask God to give you strength, study the Bible, wait on God, maintain your joy, embrace peace, and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the victory that God will bring.

Fly, walk, and run! You will soar high, you will not grow weary, and you will not faint!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Bible Reading: Isaiah 40

Prayer for today: Dear God, Your promises and love can never fail. You are always faithful in sustaining our lives and providing for us. We ask forgiveness of the sins of mistrust and self-sufficiency. We need you, we need your help, and we need your strength. As we prepare for eternal life, we ask you to resolve the problems that each of us are experiencing in our lives and to bring us through victoriously. We ask this prayer in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

This is a published article written by my Uncle G. Taylor who has the biggest heart and a passion for helping others. I had to share his heartfelt commitment for those in need.

I like to think of the story about the guy who was walking along the seashore where thousands of starfish had been washed ashore by the high tide. He came upon a young boy eagerly throwing the starfish back into the water, one by one, he was puzzled; “There are thousands and thousands of starfish and only one of you–what possible difference can you make?

The boy picked up a starfish, gave it a gentle toss back into the water and explained, “I made a difference to that one!”

That’s how I feel about my community. What little bit I can do to help someone, perhaps someone I don’t even know, I am willing to do. A few years back, I joined a prison ministry and one day I got my chance to speak behind bars to around 500 inmates. I felt that I did a pretty good job when I finished, but didn’t know for sure.

About six months passed and one day I was walking down the street when someone called out to me. He was on the street handing out religious pamphlets. I told him that I didn’t think that I knew him.

He said, “I was one of the guys you spoke to in prison in the big gym.” He told me that because of my words that day, he was now on the street spreading God’s word. I broke down and cried knowing that I made a difference at least to one person.

My wish is that every one of us gets involved in our community. Find something today that you can do to help someone. The task you take on may seem small but if we each put forth an effort, I know we can make a big difference to our community.

G. Taylor

Thank you Uncle for reminding us of our duty to God and others.

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Deuteronomy 15:7

Do your part for one person at a time.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

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Strive for Spiritual Maturity

What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. Isaiah 58:4 NLT

Division among Christian believers has existed for many centuries; if we serve one God then we should have the ability to coexist in peace and harmony.

The simple answer to this dilemma is to find a mirror and stare at the reflection that you see; yes, you are the problem.

It is a myth that if you raise your voice then you will be heard. This is not referring to the literal act of yelling, this is the plight of using one’s mouth to speak more than using one’s ears to listen. It is a popular trend to utilize your right and ability to sound off, give your opinion, debate or argue so you can be heard.

We have fallen prey to the worldly trends that are in opposition to godly standards and character traits.

And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire…James 3:6

The Word of God is truth…if you have the deadly habit of spewing words, then according to God, you are corrupt.

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right. James 3:10 NLT

The Christian walk is one that will remove you from the “Most Popular” list; in fact, you may end up with very few friends. Make the commitment to change by exercising self-control of your tongue and you will notice many changes. As you begin to practice the gift of silence in response to ungodly conversations, you will notice that your social life and interaction with the “Sound off” circle of friends will decrease.

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? James 4:1 NLT

In order to change, we must acknowledge, confess, and repent of our evil desires.

And he gives grace generously. As the scriptures say, ” God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NLT

Our goal as believing Christians is to possess and reflect the character of Christ. We cannot afford to throw away the opportunity to have Eternal life. God is straightforward in the habits that He is displeased with: Can you imagine those with disagreeable traits in the heavenly home?

Do whatever is necessary to draw closer to God!

Remember the saying, “Silence is golden?” Someone realized a long time ago when gold was the most precious commodity that silence was also highly valuable.

Our salvation is the most valuable gift because Jesus gave his life. We must never let our flame of fire destroy the opportunity to serve God and lose our inheritance of Eternal life.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

Bible Reading: Revelation 21-22

Prayer for today: Dear God, We confess that we are using our tongues as deadly weapons. We ask you to forgive us of our sins, especially the sin of possessing an argumentative spirit. Please help us as we do our part in changing ungodly and detrimental habits. We desire a closer relationship with you and we desire eternal life. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Driving is a skill that requires sharp visual acuity, sound judgment, quick and safe reactions, critical thinking, and mentally processing the overall big picture. There are many individuals who fail to pass their initial licensure exams due to poor assessment skills or the inability to demonstrate safe driving skills during their road test.

Motor Vehicle Accidents are responsible for loss of life along with irreparable physical and psychological damage to the victim. So, if statistics are so high, what is preventing the development and implementation of additional safety precautions to measure ongoing competency in licensed drivers?

As a nurse, I am required to meet the criteria for continual education in order to maintain my license. There are ethical standards determined by the Board of Nursing that I have vowed to uphold whether I am practicing clinically or retired from the nursing profession. The most logical answer to decreasing motor vehicle accidents is to increase awareness of public safety by requiring continuing education of drivers. After all, the possession of a driving license requires accountability and the dedicated responsibility of the licensee.

As time passes, the knowledge that we possess becomes watered down, and without reinforcement, our lives reflect poor judgment, inappropriate reactions, and skewed decision- making.

Our spiritual knowledge is at the highest risk for decline; and without the daily study of the Word of God and prayer, we become watered-down Christians. Have you ever heard the most heart-convicting sermon in church or online and excitedly told someone how wonderful the preacher preached, and then when you were asked to explain what the sermon was about, you stumbled to explain? How could you not remember when you were intently listening and promised God that you would recommit your life to him?

Although it may seem unbelievable, there are individuals who attend church on a weekly basis and feel that they have fulfilled their Christian duties to God. Is a weekly visit all that God requires of us for our Salvation? If so, then Jesus certainly did not have to give His life, if we are required to do little to nothing.

Reinforcement is required in order for us to obtain and maintain spiritual growth. We must study the Holy scriptures, pray continuously, sing praises and worship the Most High God on a daily basis. Our relationship with God is dependent upon our obedience: Study to show thyself approved unto God…first part of 2 Timothy 2:15; Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Spiritually, we are at risk for a higher level of harm far greater than our risk for physical harm. Everyday we face an ongoing battle:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

It is only because of God’s love, grace, and mercies, that we do not sustain the full impact of the wickedness in this world. Please realize that Satan cannot completely destroy a Child of God; it is either the will of God that we endure suffering or we may wreak havoc on ourselves by making wayward decisions that are outside of God’s plan for our lives.

The Apostle Paul tells us…So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh…Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8

In order to prevent us from self-sufficiency and contentment, we must sustain accidents-trials and tribulations. God allows us to endure custom made suffering, in order for us to fully believe that:

…”My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” last part of 2 Corinthians 12:9

Can you pass the test? Remember that God says, “If my people, then I will…”.

Start now with studying the Bible and praying as if your life depends on it! Did you know that your life does depend on fulfilling your part of traveling the Path of Salvation, which includes a dependent relationship with God?

God loves us so much that He has given us talents, spiritual gifts and the ability to pursue our dreams. We should increase our level of knowledge in every aspect of our lives; learn something new, take a class, pursue a hobby, you will develop a broader perspective of life.

Pursue the study of the Word and develop a deep relationship by amping up your communication with God through prayer. Moreover, when you are hit by the enemy, your immediate response will be to report the accident to God by praying without ceasing.

Never forget: God is the Sustainer of our lives!

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

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11

Prayer for today: Dear God, We acknowledge that you are the Sustainer of our lives. We worship you and we praise your Holy name. As we learn who you are through the study of your Word and prayer, we desire to draw closer to you as never before. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. Psalm 139:14

“Do you have Royalty in your blood?”

Recently I listened to one of the most convincing sales pitches regarding the ability to determine an individual’s ancestry or lineage-regarding who is in your bloodline. And for only $$$, someone has developed the ability to analyze your blood and match it to varied nationalities from hundreds of years ago?

Let’s analyze this popular phenomenon from a logical, rational, and spiritual perspective.

DNA testing was originally made available to the public for paternity testing. Remember the “Maury” show, “You are not the baby’s father.” On the serious side, DNA paternity testing is legal and admissable in court-related cases, which is utilized frequently in our society.

There are many believers who are involved in the game of seeking to know if their bloodline contains royalty. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords; so if we are His children then we are royalty.

What is really difficult to process is that when the DNA results are received, what practical purpose does it serve? Is it a gimmick to boost one’s self-esteem or to validate one’s existence?

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you all are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 NLT

God, our loving Creator formed Adam in His image and breathed the breath of life into him, and then He took a rib from Adam and created Eve, his wife; consequently, all human beings are equal in the sight of God. Man-made titles are meaningless to God; we are humanity with only one dividing factor: Believer or Unbeliever, Righteous or Evildoer, and Holy or Unholy.

Believer Alert: We are fearfully and wonderfully made! From a biblical perspective, all were created equal; whether we are rich, poor, of varied nationalities, races, or ethnicities, we have one Father, our Creator, God and we have been washed and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

God is the Creator and Master Designer of our human bodies including our DNA. We are perfect in our outward appearance as well as our anatomy and physiology.

It is impossible for humanity to rise above or attempt to turn falsehood into truth. We cannot build a Tower of Babel (read Genesis 11:1-9) by challenging God and masterminding schemes that serve no real purpose in our lives.

For validation of who you belong to and where you are from: Read and study the Word of God–the Holy Bible, and the next time you hear an advertisement or conversation regarding DNA testing for royalty, start smiling and praising God because your DNA is from the King of Kings.

We serve a loving God who wants us to know that He is our Creator; He is our all and all; and there is none like Him.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered…Luke 12:7 NIV

“I am a Child of the KING!”

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. Thank you for creating me in your image. I belong to you and you are worthy of my praise. I know that DNA testing can never determine my worth or my value. From this day forward, I dedicate my life to you, the one and only true King. Thank you for hearing my prayer that I ask in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

A Man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Matthew 10:36 BSB

In spite of the advancement of technology, hard copies of books are still selling. There will always be a loyal following of individuals who enjoy the feeling of holding a book, turning the pages, and relishing in the fact that we never need to be concerned about a low battery that needs to be charged.

The most important book that exists is the Bible, which is the Word of God that was written by ordinary people who were inspired by God and guided by the Holy Spirit.

In Psalm, David said, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

The Bible is our complete guide to how we are to live on a daily basis. We receive guidance on how to handle all of our problems. God’s promises always include “if and then” which indicates active participation on our part.

There is a dilemma that is occurring among believers and whether our loyalty to others includes tolerating chaos and confusion from those who are close to us.

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a Believer be an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NLT

When we separate ourselves from the friends and family members who are unable to live in harmony and by God’s spiritual guidelines, then we may be faced with emptiness and extra time on our hands.

Believer Alert: There is an epidemic of depressed and lonely individuals among those who proclaim that, God is my all and all; yet, they are doing little to alleviate the suffering of others. When we fulfill our spiritual responsibilities to God and to those who are suffering, we do not have time to focus on ourselves.

Are you in your home feeling lonely?

There are individuals who are homeless, hungry, battered by domestic violence and other atrocities, and are struggling just to have their basic needs met. Many organizations are seeking volunteers to assist with the overwhelming social problems that plague our communities. Utilize your unfulfilled time to minister to those in need and you will never miss the companionship of those who Satan is using to bring unrest to your life.

Bible reading for today: 2 Corinthians 6

Prayer for today: Dear Heavenly Father, We ask you to forgive us for the sins of omission. We have failed to fulfill the mission that you have given to us in our lives. We have surrounded ourselves with individuals who are unequally yoked. Our lives are empty and we have wasted valuable time by being distracted by the things of the world. Please give us the strength as we attempt to change our habits and prepare for eternal life by doing your will. Thank you for your love, your grace and your mercies. We ask this prayer in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019