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Practical Messages for Impractical Times

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I Am All Too Human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:14-15

I am an avid crocheter. There are projects that I have attempted to make, only to realize the pattern was incorrectly written. The frustration of undoing all of my hard work led me to develop a different method of following a pattern. Taking the time to read the pattern thoroughly has enabled me to determine if the pattern is accurate. I also take an additional step and make a sample swatch. The extra steps have eliminated halfway completion of a project only to find an error.

In our spiritual lives, many of us are weary from constantly trying to do what is right, only to fail. We study the Bible, diligently pray; yet, we commit sin on a daily basis. The frustration grows over what seems to be an impossible task. The answer is that we are using the wrong approach to grow spiritually. Good deeds are based on our efforts; we must rely on complete faith in God. Our focus needs to be redirected on building a faith-based relationship with God.

Studying the Bible and prayer are essential to establishing and maintaining our spiritual connection with God. However, there is an additional step that is required: the submission of our will. We are unable to control our will to sin. In fact, making the wrong choice often happens in a split second. Later, we question ourselves as to how we allowed ourselves to sin. The frustration over constantly doing wrong would leave us destitute if God did not have a perfect plan in place.

Our prayer is to ask God to show us His will for our lives. Stop and pray before making every decision. Do not rely on yourself to do what you think is right. God would never have placed such a burdensome task on His created beings. We would never gain the victory over sin, causing us to completely give up on the plan of salvation. Remember, His pattern for victory over sin is flawless. There is never room for error.

Dear God, Please help me to submit my will to you. I am tired of doing wrong when I know what is right. I want to follow your perfect plan for my life. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The heart is deceitful, above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Yes, all of us make mistakes. The most important aspect of making mistakes is admitting that you did something which led to a negative outcome. If another individual is affected, then we need to ask for forgiveness. This may not repair the relationship; however, we have done our part.

The next step in moving forward is to forgive ourselves. It is crucial that we admit our weakness, and rise above the consequences. Negative outcomes have the ability to plunge us into a state of discouragement, even leading to depression. We must learn from the experience and push to make continual progress in our journey of life.

Dear God, I admit that I have made many mistakes. Please forgive me and help me to claim your forgiveness of my sins. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown… Isaiah 43:2

Imagine never being disappointed by broken promises or changing circumstances. The reality is even with careful planning, we can never fully be in control of our lives. We endure many unexpected changes, and some of these changes are so devastating, they push us to the edge.

Even though we may not have the necessary problem-solving skills or resources, something amazing happens when we are faced with life changing events. We begin to focus on options that will alleviate or resolve the problem. We feel hopeful that we can move forward and that our situation will be short-term with a quick resolve.

What happens when there are additional stressors such as failed solutions; no viable solutions; or limited resources which change the status of the problem to long-term (ongoing). When we have given our best, and the outcome did not match our expectations, our emotions escalate and push us into a crisis mode.

When we are in a crisis, we are forced to see our limitations. There is no situation or problem that God can not take care of. Our responsibility is to approach the Throne of Grace with humility and prayer. God already knew our situation would arise. In faith, we ask God for His will to be done. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. It is up to us to wait patiently for God’s resolution.

Dear God: Only you know the brokenness that I feel because of my present circumstances. Please help me to have faith and wait for your solution for my problem. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

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

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:15

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

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

The wonderful blessing about the believer’s life is that we have the most powerful three on our side. When the wicked one-Satan, attempts to use his contrived plan to separate us from God- we have God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit to fight for us. Through diligent study of the Word (the Holy Bible), we are encouraged by constant reminders that we are not alone.

Prayer connects us to our spiritual source. It is our responsibility to connect to the source who brings victory to our lives. There is no reason for loneliness, worry, depression or anxiety. God loves us and gives us victory over the vicissitudes of life, including attacks from the evil one is guaranteed.

Turn your mind, heart, and soul over to the powerful three. You can and will have peace and victory. Remember, it is not a secret, we know how the story ends. Read Revelation 21-22 for the final outcome.

Dear God, thank you for being my resource. I can overcome and be victorious only with you. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Good Morning!

We have been granted a brand new day to praise and thank God for all He has done in our lives. We can never retrieve yesterday nor can we take for granted that we will be a part of tomorrow. Our opportunity to grow spiritually exists for this day. Pray, praise, and study His Word. God loves us unconditionally. Thank you God.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

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 in him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

The question: “What is the gift of life?”, would most likely prompt a response of organ donation. In addition, there are parents who would die for their children or husbands who would die for their wives. The downside to human sacrifice is the unknown outcome. With results being dependent on so many variables, we may win or lose; yet, we still maintain the value of love and life, by risking and giving our all.

When Jesus made the decision to give up his divinity and enter humanity, He did not think about his own life or if the outcome would be negative. He willingly agreed to die, and His Father accepted His sacrifice, so the human race would not be eradicated. The gift of life was based on unconditional love and forgiveness. We did nothing to earn pardon, and sadly some of us are still unable to accept His gift.

In the Bible, there is historical documentation which reflects the suffering, the shame, and the spilling of His precious blood. We were not an afterthought. Prior to the creation of mankind, the plan of salvation was in place. Jesus the only Son of God has given His life-the most valuable gift-for all humanity.

Thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

The day and the hour of Christ’s Second Coming is unknown. However, God’s Word provides us with the answer to the question and the solution to the problem.

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But, understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24:42-44

God’s Word is the simple truth and is absolute. It takes belief, confession, repentance, obedience, commitment, faith, and trust in God. Our love for God makes all of these attributes easy. Studying the Bible provides a deeper meaning to life. It provides a purpose for all who seek righteousness.

The hymnist expressed the outcome of giving our heart to God: “Oh, what a day of rejoicing it will be, when we see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.”

Dear God, please forgive me of my sins. I believe in and accept your righteousness in my life. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Excerpt from Things New and Old Part #10
This is life eternal,’ Christ said, ‘that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’ John 17:3.

Further thought: Why is it that we do not realize the value of this knowledge? Why are not these glorious truths glowing in our hearts, trembling upon our lips, and pervading our whole being?

I was unable to answer the above thought-provoking questions. At least, I have become more aware of Christ’s purpose for my life.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Meet Me in the Meadow by Roy Lessin

Even Though

Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are holding on to.

Please His heart, even though it may not please others.

Wait for His time, even though your desire is to get it done now.

Obey His Word, even though you hear something different that is popular.

Follow His path, even though you see a valley ahead.

Trust His wisdom, even though you want to do it differently.

Give Him praise, even though you are going through something unpleasant.

Be at rest, even though you have every reason to worry or fear.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:21 NASB

If you have ever been in the valley of decision and felt uncertain, God has allowed for you to arrive at this crossroads in your life, so you can turn to Him.

Dear God when I am feeling desperate and uncertain, help me to redirect my focus to you. I know that you will quiet the storm in my life. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz