Category: Uncategorized

Getting Rid of the 3Ds

Owe nothing to anyone–except for your obligation to love one another…Romans 13:8

Practical Messages for Impractical Times-Necessary Debt vs Unnecessary Debt

I belong to a Facebook group that focuses on saving money by paying close attention to our spending habits. Most of us have been in the terrible predicament of accumulating unnecessary debt. Before we realize the amount that we owe on the high-interest credit cards that were easily attained, our liabilities exceed our assets. We end up with limited financial resources to live on, and become vulnerable to the many “get out of debt schemes.”

Unfortunately, there is a domino effect that occurs when our finances are out of control. Having excessive debt leads to the “3Ds”: Destruction of your peace of mind, Discouragement, and Desperation. When we are suffering from the 3Ds, our outlook is bleak. We may seek to borrow additional monies to remedy our situation. For individuals who have made this unscrupulous decision in the past to alleviate overwhelming debt, our FB members try to emphasize the drawbacks of borrowing or paying for Debt Management services.

The standards of Capitalism encourage us to acquire credit cards and purchase excessive tangible items that are labeled as desirable assets. Even though we are facing an insurmountable situation; there is hope, we can make the required changes to get out of debt. Recognizing and acknowledgment of our mistakes with overspending is the first step to having a debt-free lifestyle.

1. Make a list of your liabilities.

2. Develop a weekly budget. Track by documenting all of your spendings.

3. Reduce or eliminate Debit/Credit card use.

4. Call creditors; close accounts; and, make payment arrangements.

5. Have a yard/garage sale. Get rid of items that you no longer use or need.

6. An additional job is a consideration until your finances are stable.

In the Word of God, we are told to owe nothing to any individual. Our connection to God is interrupted when our minds are consumed with mounting debt. In addition, we are unable to enjoy the blessings of peace that comes from serving God. Thankfully, the God that we serve has promised to never leave us or forsake us. There is no situation that God cannot fix. Prayer is foremost when we are attempting lifestyle changes. With Divine intervention, we can eliminate undesirable debt, and be healed from the 3Ds.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have mismanaged the resources that you have given me and I am in debt. I ask you to help me to develop a plan to get rid of this unnecessary debt and to spend my money wisely. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Deliverance

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness to one of my neighbors. The young man disclosed his broken past and the unhealthy behaviors of his present relationship. God allowed me to share part of my brokenness from the past and the steps I had to take in order for change to occur. There is an absolute when you are witnessing; never give worldly advice. Focus on your testimony and where you are today.

Most of our conversation dealt with the constant reminders of past mistakes. While he was speaking, I realized that he did not understand forgiveness. We hear many variations of the plea-bargaining version of accepting apologies. In fact, many believers do not grasp the biblical concept of forgiving others. There is no limit to forgiveness-it does not mean that you are to remain in unhealthy or abusive relationships. True forgiveness is based on God’s love and does not keep a record of past indiscretions. Imagine that you prayed for forgiveness and God kept reminding you of prior sins. We would be in a hopeless situation; however, many individuals keep a mental ledger available for recall when strife arises.

If you have ever wondered why God has allowed you to endure certain trials, embrace your deliverance. Do not focus on past circumstances. Your real-life testimony reveals the amazing power and love of God. We are to bring hope and love to others. A believer is human, and we are exposed to a life of suffering. The Word of God tells us the slave cannot be greater than the master. This analogy reflects on Christ’s life that was full of suffering. Even so, we know the end of the story; He arose and is preparing an eternal home where suffering will never exist.

We are Christ’s representatives to the world. Go ahead, share your testimony, and give God all the credit for His love, and mercy that paves the road to deliverance.

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Please reveal to me how I can share my testimony on how you have consistently delivered me. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Victory is Mine

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Oh come let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95:6

Our former Pastor quoted this verse every Sabbath at the beginning of the Divine Worship service. Remembering his deep voice and the emphasis on King David’s admonishment, along with the melodic sounds of the organ, still places my mind in a state of awe and reverence.

We must be humble and approach God as soon as our eyes open. When we begin the day with prayer, we invite our Heavenly Father to impart His strength and power to overcome our personal trials.

Into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Victory is mine, victory is mine!

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Thank you for another day of life. I invite you into my heart and mind to give me the strength that I need to be victorious through you. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

When God says No

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Be still and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10

Since childhood, nothing has made me happier than to obtain what I desired. However, I now realize instant gratification has many drawbacks that lead to negative consequences. Lack of self-control is the gateway to selfishness and greed. Soon the seed of undesirable behaviors grow and funds rapidly deplete. Most purchases driven by impulsive behaviors serve only as trophies and become part of a collection easily forgotten. What about unaccounted expenses such as eating out every day which literally has nothing tangible to show for what was spent?

Some time ago I read that Believers should always pray before making purchases. Imagine my surprise when I saw a middle-aged woman shopping in the next aisle of the thrift store with a brand new travel bag in her hand. She carefully examined the beautiful bag and then she bowed her head and begin to pray. After she finished praying, she placed the bag on the rack and left. Immediately, I picked up the bag priced at $42 and purchased it for $5. My thoughts were that she was unaware that all of the handbags were $5 regardless of the tagged original price. I left feeling very proud of myself that I found such a great bargain.

You may agree that I received a blessing for only $5. The truth is that the bag has only been used once, and I do not even remember how it looks. I am sharing my testimony regarding decisions based on desire. I still struggle with instant gratification. However, I pray before making all purchases; and I wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me before spending the resources that God has blessed me with. The good news is that I am learning to accept God’s answer of “No or Not Now.” I possess more self-control which has led to weight loss and a small savings account.

God has proven to me that stopping and listening for His guidance and being obedient has many wonderful blessings that feel better than instant gratification.

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Please give me the desire for your guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Brokenness Healed

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Popular and trending handmade dolls are crafted with partial faces, either the nose or the mouth is missing from what appears to be a completed project. What are the life experiences that would cause an artisan to create dolls without all of its facial features? Is this how the subsequent generations will view themselves? Are they remnants of the strong relationships that existed in the past? Fractured families and broken bonds permeate our society. We may live hundreds of miles away from our relatives or in close proximity, but fail to have loving relationships with one another.

The answer to strengthening our fragile state of existence is simple-we must learn to love others as God loves us. 1 Corinthians 13 provides the solution to healing the brokenness that many of us possess. Our talents, abilities and even our faith have little value unless we are able to love others. Love is the greatest gift that we have received from our Heavenly Father.

Thankfully we do not have the burden of defining the characteristics of love. God defined love when he created us in His image.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wrong. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

“Three things will last forever–faith hope and love–and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Please teach me to love others that I may be healed of my brokenness. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

No Peer Pressure

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Therefore come out from among the unbelievers and separate yourself from them says the Lord; don’t touch their filthy things and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17 NLT

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But, watch yourself or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

I am truly blessed that I have enjoyed the fellowship of believers since childhood. The spiritual connection between individuals who love God has always been a source of encouragement during the tough times of life. Enjoying the laughter along with our testimonials of the goodness of God is uniquely special; it creates a bond of loving friendship.

Imagine a get-together with positive energy, no alcoholic beverages, no profanity or other vices. Christians are ordinary people; we discuss the Word of God, family, politics, social injustices, sports, our hobbies, likes and dislikes along with preparation for Christ’s Second Coming. What separates Christian fellowship from that of worldly gatherings is the spiritual awareness that God is omnipresent and that we must guard our thoughts, behaviors, and spoken words.

My social circle is very limited. Following biblical guidance prevents me from one of the world’s greatest defeats-peer pressure. Christian friendship is by no means perfect; we fall into sinful ways on a daily basis. However, our peers jump right in with plain talk, prayer, and godly-scriptural advice. Our responsibility expands beyond physical or emotional needs; we are helping one another prepare for eternal life.

If you do not have a Christian support system, there are steps that you can take to place yourself among your peers.

1. Ask God to send you to a Bible-based church.

2. Attend prayer meeting along with the weekly service.

3. Identify your spiritual gifts and strengths.

4. Express your desire to be an active participant. If you like helping others, Community Services, Homeless Ministries, Nursing Home/Homebound/Hospital visitation are just a few areas that allow you to use your talents.

4. Attend church activities such as potluck dinners and social events.

The Spirit of God is present among true believers. We are known by our fruits. Continue to pray and remain positive. God has already defined the criteria for our peers, and it never includes pressure.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I need to change who I associate with. Please guide me to the right church so I can be embraced by those who love you and are committed to serving you. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz