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Praying that you will be blessed

This is what the LORD Almighty says, “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:16 NIV

Recently, I had an indepth conversation with my cousin regarding the importance of studying the Word of God, and its impact on the Believer’s life.

Our society is filled with an overload of information and it is left up to each of us to decide whether the details are true or false. It is not difficult to manipulate the mind; historically, we can refer to the mass suicide/murder in Jonestown, Guyana that was initiated and orchestrated by Jim Jones.

“James Warren Jones aka Jim Jones was an American religious cult leader, who was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple cult which he began in Indiana during the 1950s.”

Again, it is not difficult to identify the mind that is easily manipulated. Human beings are creatures of habit and those who prefer to be hearers only, are usually the individuals without a foundation of deep roots; therefore, the false concepts are presented in a manner which is non-threatening and beneficial to the recipient.

There is a standard in which all Believers will be held accountable for: We must possess knowledge of the Word of God and apply the Word to our lives.

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

Studying the Bible is not an option:

1. It is the only way that we can learn who God is and how He desires for us to live.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, that the man of God can be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. The Holy Spirit protects us from receiving and assimilating false information.

Beloved, do not believe every Spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 ESV

3. We receive the gift of discernment:

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 ESV

God has provided each of us with an Arsenal to use against our arch enemy-Satan: Prayer, the Bible, Jesus our Intercessor, the Holy Spirit, and the Angels.

Is it really the truth? Pray and utilize God’s Word as your standard, and you will always be certain of what is “Truth” and what is “False”.

Challenge for today: We learn by repetition; take your time and study the Bible verse by verse, ensuring that you fully grasp the present chapter before moving forward to the next chapter.

Chapter for today: 2 Timothy 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, I ask you to forgive me of my sins, to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and to fill me with your Holy Spirit. As I prepare to study your Word, I ask you for understanding, discernment and the ability to apply the truth to my life. It is my desire to have Eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Sedona, Arizona

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on Earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26 NLT

If you have read the Book of Psalms, then it is evident that David had undying love and adoration for God. David’s songs convey that God is always here for us in spite of our circumstances. Although our physical bodies will decline, even unto the point of death, our hearts can remain strong when we abide with God.

Have you recognized and embraced the various roles of our heavenly Father? God is our Light, our Salvation, our Strength, our Provider, our Healer, our Protector, our Comforter, and much more. Who else can we trust with our very lives?

It is a personal decision to include God in your life. Establishing a relationship with our Heavenly Father places us in a win-win situation. We are able to maintain a “No Worries” mindset with God on our side.

Stress is defined as feeling that our circumstances are beyond our control. Most of us can attest that when we face obstacles, we will either fall or rise above. It is human nature to perceive certain situations as daunting. However, when we have embraced the power of God, we should only fall as far as it takes for our knees to touch the floor.

When we place our trust in God we can have a stress-free life!

“Turn it over to Jesus, turn it over to Jesus, and you can smile for the rest of your days”

Challenge for today: As we prepare for the Sabbath, take the time to identify the challenges you are currently facing: God is ready, willing, and able to bring resolution as only He can.

Verse for today: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer for today: Dear God, I acknowledge your great power, and I invite you to come into my life. Thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercy. In faith, I turn over all of my obstacles, my worries, and my stressors to you. Please help me to have the love and adoration that allows me to sing a new song of praise, honor, and glory to your Holy name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:7 NLT

We often wish for things (that we have determined) that would make our lives less burdensome. Unfortunately, it is usually something that is tangible such as money, a higher paying or easier job, a luxury car, a different place to live, etc.

Certainly we are to approach God through prayer for our necessities; even so, a prayer for a reliable vehicle differs from a prayer in which we ask to receive a vehicle which is above and beyond our financial income. Yes, God does provide; however, He would never place us in a situation where our liabilities exceeded our assets.

We must remain aware of our desires; as our sinful desires increase, we become dissatisfied with the blessings that God has gifted to us. Eventually, our mindset changes and we become dominated and controlled by our always present desires for more and more tangible items.

Feeling dissatisfied also prevents peace and contentment which is an important part of spiritual growth. When the Spirit of God dwells within us, we live to please God; pleasing God does not equate to us never pursuing our hopes and dreams or asking God for our necessities, it means that we present our realistic desires for His approval and blessing to move forward.

Challenge for today: Evaluate your desires; are they acceptable to God?

Verse for today: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 NIV

Prayer for today: Dear God, I realize that I do not have your peace and contentment in my life. I desire things that I feel would make my life better. I ask you to help me to get rid of sinful thoughts and my sinful nature. I ask forgiveness for my current spirit of discontent; it is my desire to please you and to be filled with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face Trials of many kinds, James 1:2 NIV

When we resided in Orlando, Florida, I had the opportunity to see rainbows on a daily basis during the rainy season. The sighting of a rainbow usually evokes a sense of awe from its beauty. However, there was a frightening experience one had to endure prior to visualizing the arch of magnificent colors in the Floridian sky.

Unique to Florida are the unexpected storms, often severe with blinding rain and lightning dancing across the sky accompanied by deafening claps of thunder. Not long after the storm ceases, sirens sound due to a fire caused by the strike of lightning. Although one usually becomes desensitized to reoccurring situations, the severe storms always remained a disturbing event, and I never enjoyed one moment of the tumultuous storms that caused unrest to my peace of mind.

One of the happiest moments of my life occurred when we relocated from Florida to Texas. Moving to another state did not prevent me from experiencing storms which naturally occur, it’s just that I no longer had to endure the Floridian storms. And yes, Texas has storms with hail, wind gusts, and tornados; however, I have lived here before and as a result have gained a higher level of tolerance for nature’s fury by exposure and experience.

One fact of life is for certain: The storms of life are inevitable!

It is highly unlikely that we are able to endure trials without being impacted. We are unable to relocate or seek remedies to avoid our trials and tribulations. I doubt if one has the ability to grow a tolerance for the vicissitudes that seem to occur without warning. There are thistles, briar patches, and thorns as we travel on this journey.

Even the rosebush which has been altered to produce thornless stemmed roses contain thorns on other areas of the bush. The perfect long-stemmed roses that you lovingly place in the vase have been pruned from their original form in order to remove the element that would distract from the beauty of the flower.

For those of us who have rose bushes, we carefully avoid the prickly stems which are certain to produce pain on contact. We do not have this option when experiencing the fiery trials of life.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT.

Your trials are engraved with your name on them; they are personalized and custom made for your spiritual growth. Now that we are aware of the reason for our reoccurring stormy and fiery trials–to remove the undesirable traits and refine us for God’s Kingdom–then we can change our perception of suffering and accept the outcome of transforming into beautiful rainbows and roses for God.

Challenge for today: There is always a purpose for your stormy trial, keep praying, the sun will shine again.

Verse for today: 1 Peter 1:3-7

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for the trials that I must endure in my life. I realize that I must be transformed in order to have Eternal life. Lord help me to change my perception and continue to persevere as my faith in you continues to grow. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Last evening, I listened to an audio book by one of my favorite authors, E.G. White. The chapter focused on God’s expectations of the atmosphere of the Christian home; love, respect, gentleness, structure, firm but loving discipline, prayer, and daily worship, which are imperative to meet the criteria for our earthly homes to become a “Heaven on Earth. Our home environment depicts whether or not our characters reflect the righteousness of Christ.

I must admit that I contemplated on my own character as I continued to listen to the words of inspiration: “Our character is a reflection of our salvation and relationship with God.” Now I understand the life or death implication of possessing the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Romans 12 to really love others. In fact, when Jesus was asked to clarify the greatest commandment, He said, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind’. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” Matthew 22:36-39

I Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:5, and Revelation 22:15 are just a few of the Bible verses that define the character traits of those who will not enter heaven.

As my husband and I reflected on the godly instruction and correction of building our characters to align with God’s expectations, we came to the conclusion that now is the time for us to focus on doing our part in the spiritual journey of transformation.

Yes, each person is responsible for his or her salvation; even so, it helps to have a spiritual partner, brother or sister-in-Christ with the evaluation process, to identify your areas that need growth. It may be difficult through self-evaluation to gain a true perspective of where change is needed.

Due to your life experience, you may have “rough around the edges” characteristics; people may even agree that you have a good heart deep down inside, nonetheless God expects gentleness to replace all the roughness or toughness in your character.

Psychologists agree that an old habit can be broken in 3-4 weeks through behavior modification. I believe that prayer is so powerful that old habits or characteristics can be changed immediately through the Power of God.

James 4:14 states, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a Mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

I also believe that through His grace and mercy, God gives everyone the opportunity to break old habits and strive for the character that is pleasing in his sight.

Character building is about Eternal life or the Second death: “Follow peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. While we are striving daily for Eternal life, we must also strive for true transformation, which is only possible by giving up our old habits.

Challenge for today: Pray and perform deep soul-searching for revelation of displeasing character traits.

Verse for today: You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Ephesians 4:22 CEV

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have held on to old habits which have kept me from total transformation. Please forgive me of past trangressions and reveal the areas in my life which require immediate change. I ask for your help that I may be clothed in your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Italy

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. Exodus 31:3-5 BSB

In the Book of Exodus, several chapters provide God’s specific instructions for the building of the tabernacle. Unlike modern day architecture, the tabernacle was perfect, there was no allowable margin for error. God selected and anointed two individuals as Master Craftsman to design and make the most intricate details using precious metals, gemstones, and the most valuable woods for the beauty of His holy tabernacle.

As I read verse 31, I contemplated on being filled with the Spirit of God, to use one’s talents. The awareness of my talents (that we are born with) peaked at the age of 10 when I discovered that I could crochet, knit, sew, and design patterns for doll clothing without any formal training or education.

My childhood growth and development was considered normal with the exception of an introverted personality. I did not require the companionship of others because I was content with my abilities and kept myself entertained with my never-ending creativity. However, God had other plans for my life; plans which would lift me from the oppression of isolation.

It was the career of nursing that catapulted me into the land of extraversion. I was required to interact with a diverse group of patients who depended on my knowledge to assist them in achieving an optimal level of health. In the field of Home Health, God allowed me to utilize my creativity to develop viable options for my patients, especially those with limited financial resources, during their rehabilitation.

All of humanity has the opportunity to discover and put forth the effort to develop our talents–our gifts from God. The defining question is: How do I use my talents to glorify God?

Challenge for today: Pray and ask God to help you identify your talents. Develop a plan to increase your knowledge by taking an online or community class.

Verse for today: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…James 1:17

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have not used my talents to honor you. Please reveal to me how I can make a difference in the lives of those who are unaware of your loving-kindness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Planting easy Succulent container gardens

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees in the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds…and God saw that it was good” Genesis 1:11-12 (last part) NIV

The rural town that we reside in has attracted various businesses, and as a result has been transformed into a booming industrial area. Many companies have chosen our town for their location, which certainly enhances the job market; even so, the area has lost most of its vegetation and aesthetic qualities.

I am uncertain if living in a natural habitat is now viewed as an inconvenience. As I look at the tiny lots for the newly built homes, there is a noted absence of trees along with a sparse amount of grass in the front yards. And yes, I am aware that container gardening has reached an all time high in its popularity; even so, we were given the gift of a beautiful earth to appreciate and care for.

I will always have a great appreciation for God’s gift of our beautiful earth. Nature reminds us of God’s loving character. We must actively do our part in the preservation of the perfect gift that even God saw as good.

I have decided to purchase seeds for planting in my container garden this year. It has been awhile since I have watched the arrival of seedlings pushing through their soil beds.

I am unable to stop the loss of vegetation in my community; however, I have the ability to enjoy God’s gift in my immediate surroundings, and now I am off to the store to purchase my organic potting soil and my seeds.

Challenge for today: Start a container garden from seeds or starter plants.

Verse for today: A song of David. The Earth’s is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for the wonderful gift of nature. May we come to appreciate the beauty that you have created for us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT

Wisdom-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. Google search

Wisdom-the ability to make good judgments based on what you have learned from your experience; Cambridge Dictionary

While I was in the process of transitioning from a LPN to an RN, one of my nursing instructors scheduled an appointment to meet with me to discuss a concern. I was the one who had the concerns, after all my grades were excellent, so what was the problem? In anticipation, my thoughts increasingly became very defensive; nursing school was intense, and I felt that I was doing my best, so prior to the meeting, I was filled with anger.

At the onset of the meeting, my instructor extended congratulations for my perserverance and great study habits. I was then asked to give a history of my career prior to entering the nursing program. She began to smile as she expressed feeling relief, because the issue I was facing could be resolved. Based on my exam results, I had mastered the theoretical aspect of the Nursing process; however, I lacked the necessary judgment to apply my knowledge correctly to the clinical situation which equated to the inability to provide safe patient care.

I realized the seriousness of the situation, nurses must possess critical thinking skills and astute judgment during the assessment of a patient, there is no room for error when dealing with human life. The easy part of the solution was for me to purchase a NCLEX Review book which contained nursing questions with rationales for the correct answers. This book would assist with teaching the appropriate nursing actions based on the new knowledge that I was learning in my current nursing program.

The next recommendation given was based on the fact that I was applying prior knowledge as an LPN to my present studies as an RN. I was insructed to forget all of my former knowledge as an LPN. In addition, I was to apply the Nursing process which included Critical thinking skills and action based on my assessment in a prudent standardized manner expected of a Registered Professional Nurse.

During the meeting, I experienced a transition of feelings from anger to fear. How does one forget all of their prior knowledge and experience? I had practiced nursing as an LPN for 20 years, was this the impossible task that would prevent me from reaching my goal?

As a student nurse, I evaluated my performance based on good grades. Even so, my failure to apply the knowledge accurately to the given situation compromised my status to remain in the nursing program.

How many of us (as Believers) dutifully study the Word of God, but fail to apply its instructions to our daily lives? If we are to experience a transformation and live according to godly standards, we must forget the ideas, behaviors, and thought processes from our past lives.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Ephesians 4:22 NIV

Our thoughts predict our actions!

Satan has many individuals believing that living according to God’s standards is a complicated and impossible task. The Bible was given to us to function as a roadmap which addresses every aspect of life. There are no gray areas in truth and error, or right and wrong.

We are not at liberty to interpret the Word of God based on our understanding which may involve a performance scale. Good deeds are a result of loving God and striving to do what is right; however, we are unable to work our way into the Kingdom of God.

In order for us to put off our old ways, we must pray and ask for wisdom. Wisdom given from God allows us to understand His Word and successfully apply it to our lives. As we continue to strive for spiritual perfection, our former behaviors are replaced, and our thoughts and actions begin to align with God’s Word.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

God loves us, He would not have given his Son-Jesus Christ to die for us, if living righteously was impossible. We are recipients of priceless gifts: Salvation, love, grace, mercy, wisdom…godly knowledge and the abilty to communicate with God, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is possible to forget your former way of living-we must do what is necessary in order not to compromise our gift of Eternal life.

Challenge for today: Pray for wisdom.

Verse for today: Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer for today: Dear God, I realize that I have not asked for the free gift of wisdom. I have attempted to live according to my own interpretation of what is required for salvation. I ask forgiveness for holding on to my old ways of thinking and living. I am willing to learn new knowledge. It is my desire to be in alignment with your standards for righteousness. I ask for your help as I strive for change. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23 NLT

Have you prayed and received the blessing of a miracle that you never thought was possible?

King David expressed the way we should live on a daily basis: I will Bless The Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Even when you are riding through the painstaking storm, Praise God anyway; Deliverance will come when you least expect it.

Challenge for today: Fill your life with Prayer and Praise!

Verse for today: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

Prayer for today: Dear God, I want to thank you for your love, your blessings, and even the stormy trials that I must endure. You are a waymaker and you are great. Thank you for always being here for me. Help me to trust you in all situations. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz