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For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John 13:15

“JESUS carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him. Through childhood, youth, and manhood He walked alone. Yet it was heaven to be in His presence. Day by day He met trials and temptations; day by day He was brought into contact with evil and witnessed its power upon those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. Yet He did not fail or become discouraged.”

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Have you ever looked in the mirror for reasons other than styling your hair or putting on make-up? Have you used the world’s superficial standards as an evaluation tool to criticize your outward appearance? If your answers to these questions are no and yes, then you are not alone. You are part of the majority of individuals who engage in self-destructive behaviors.

The human body is the most phenomenal aspect of the Creation story in Genesis. “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils and the Man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7 Reading the story of Creation is a boost to our value, our worth, and our self-esteem.

We are priceless. Our hearts beat, lungs expand, kidneys cleansing, digestion occurring, brains computing, eyes and ears providing visualization and sounds of the environment spontaneously without us even thinking about the processes. God’s love for us is evident everytime we speak. From the progression of a baby making sounds to the development of spoken words, we display that we are truly God’s masterpiece.

If you are still struggling to love yourself, Luke 12:7 reminds us that God knows the numbers of hair on our head. Validate yourself on a daily basis by proclaiming who you belong to and who cares for you more than any other individual.

Love God! Love yourself! Love Others!

Dear God, Thank you for creating me in your image and breathing life into me. Help me to discard the world’s standards and accept your great love for me. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Believe that God will do it, in spite of the circumstances🙏

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Follow your heart; If it feels right, do it; Go with the flow, etc. These cliches indicate that we should place our emotions above our logical thought processes. There is nothing wrong with feeling happy or sad; however, making the best choice when we are experiencing an emotional high or low, in most circumstances, will lead to a negative outcome.

Consider purchasing a journal; sound decisions require an intent with purpose. Identifying the issue at hand is the initial step in problem-solving. Once we have prayed for guidance, then we can list possible solutions. Wait for God to give you the knowledge and wisdom to take the correct steps.

When Christ was on the cross, he felt forsaken; however, God his Father had not forsaken him, He simply allowed him to fulfill His mission on earth. When we are in the valley of decision and overwhelmed with emotions, rely totally on God. He is the only one who provides fail-proof solutions.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; he leads me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

Dear God, Thank you for the ability to express my feelings. Please help me to rely on you for good decision making and perfect outcomes. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

And, he will answer I tell you the truth when you refuse to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you are refusing to help me Matthew 25:45

We are experiencing a heat wave with daily temperatures ranging from 104-110. While traveling yesterday, we made a pitstop at one of the major gas stations in the area. I looked twice to confirm what my eyes were seeing. A young man was sitting on the ground with a small backpack, a bag, and a bottle of Gatorade. I attempted to make sense of someone outside with nothing to shield him from the sun’s blazing rays and the 110 degree temperature. I prayed for God to guide us in helping this young man. I asked my husband to offer him the last bottle of cold water from our cooler, and to find out if he was hungry. He had sufficient food in the bag beside him, but, needed water.

I entered the store and as I contemplated on what I thought the young man needed, the Holy Spirit instructed me to buy a store gift card for $10. Without question, I obeyed. When I handed him the gift card, he asked, “Are you giving me this card?” I responded, “yes, I want you to be able to go into the store and make the choice of what you would like to eat or drink.” He thanked me and smiled.

We did nothing to deserve any accolades or recognition for our actions. In the midst of what we determine is hopeless, God’s love and mercy prevailed. The young man’s smile indicated appreciation; however, the ability to be able to make the simple choice of selecting what to eat or drink may empower him to make the decision to seek help in changing his status of homelessness. God’s thoughts are never our thoughts. We must stay close and attached through prayer. It is our choice to stay connected to God: He has given us that power of choice.

Dear God, you have given us the power of choice to serve you or not. Thank you for the gift of freewill. Please teach us to use it for your honor and glory. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Yes…this may be true; however, with God leading the way, our outcome is always victorious.

Pray, pray, pray and believe.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can enjoy perfect peace. We can only obtain perfect peace when we invite our heavenly Father into every aspect of our lives.

“So don’t worry about these things saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth was passed away and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

I just listened to a beautiful song whose lyrics spoke of “In a little while we are going home.” The song referenced the heavenly home described in Revelation 21. God has provided a vivid description of the New Heaven and the New Earth that He has prepared for those of us who believe and obey His will. We are also told that Jesus will come again; and, the categories of sinful traits that will not exist in the heavenly home.

The life as we know is quickly coming to an end. It is up to each individual to diligently search the scriptures; repent, and prepare for the greatest event in earth’s history. Whether we believe and prepare or ignore and reject biblical prophecies, the fulfillment of God’s Word is happening now. It is time for each individual to “believe it or not.”

Dear God, Please help me to believe in your Word so that I can prepare for the heavenly home that you have promised. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz