Ten Percent of Our Time

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15

It is easy for me to give back 10% of what I receive financially or for items that are an asset. But as I searched for scriptures on how God expects us to use our time, the reality is that most days with the exception of the Sabbath, I fail to worship God even 10 percent of the 24 hours He has blessed me with. Yes, this fact about how I spend my time does concern me.

Would you agree that God deserves more of our time everyday?

It is a personal decision to dedicate more time studying, praying, singing, and praising God. I do not intend to make my worship ritualistic. An increase in the time that we spend worshipping God will certainly increase our faith, trust, and result in a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.

With more time spent in worship, the Holy Spirit will reveal our character flaws, and have the opportunity to teach us what God requires of us to live Holy and righteous lives.

What about the increase in our faith? The challenges in the season of darkness will not overwhelm us because like David said, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4, we will become totally dependent on God in times of adversity.

God, we have identified a serious problem, our time spent with you is insufficient in comparison to the blessings of your grace and mercy that you continually give to us. Please forgive us for our sins. We make the commitment to spend more time with you everyday. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The Darkest Valleys

The moments we feel helpless and hopeless are the moments we must humbly seek God through prayer.

The valleys are the seasons of darkness that God is using to develop you not destroy you!

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

Prayer is our direct link to God. Even when we do not know what to ask for the Holy Spirit presents our petitions to God in a manner that He will hear and answer.

Consider this: I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 NLT

Ask God to reveal the characteristics in your life that are displeasing. Most of us struggle with faith. When all is well and we are happy and content, we shout, “Hallelujah!.” Even so, in our low times are we still happy and praising God?

Although I spent thousands of hours studying nursing theory, it was the clinical practice that proved my knowledge, and skills of judgment and critical thinking in giving care to my patients. Faith is belief in God when we are on mountain highs and in valley lows. Faith is knowing and believing that the Almighty takes impossible situations and works them out for our good and His glory.

When we are walking through the valley of darkness, it is a journey in which we move forward with God. We are never alone!

Psalm 23 is the expression of having faith in God and a powerful proclamation of God’s love and presence in every situation that we face.

God, we are not feeling our best right now. But we know that you are doing a great work of transformation within us. Thank you for loving us and taking time to develop our characters. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Happy Sabbath God’s Spiritual Spa

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy. Exodus 8:11

It was reported that our former first lady, Melania Trump visits the spa on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day. There is a common thread among humanity, we require love and attention. Life is harsh! Whether one is wealthy or impoverished, hungry or full, no one is spared from the vicissitudes–a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant–of life.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What makes the difference to having and living everyday with peace and inner joy is our response to the never-ending struggles. If we are seeking solace or answers from nature, spas, yoga, meditation, sleep apps or deep-breathing exercises then we are relying on alternative therapies instead of God, our Creator.

Throughout the Bible, God instructs us to remember. Why? We look at our reflection once or twice a day and quickly forget what we visualized. In fact, we can look in the mirror in the morning and by the evening when we look again, we may not even recognize the image we see. It is the fleeting moments that affect us but we don’t have the ability to grasp or control them.

So, we embrace the hardships and the rigors in our lives as if they were newborn babies. And then the bitter fruits of doubt, discouragement, anxiety, worries, and depression take root, and begin to flourish.

Have you never 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

Omniscience–all knowing is a quality that only God possesses. The Creator of humanity was fully aware that we would have a poor memory of who He is when our trials hit. Yes, God knows how easily we become overwhelmed. Hence the reason, He created us with the desire to seek Him for love and attention. But God does not force us, contrary to what Satan wants us to believe, we are not enslaved. We have the freewill of choice to serve God or not to serve Him.

If we say, yes to God then He provides us with the knowledge to be overcomers.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, and he watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

God expects us to acknowledge, remember, and obey His commandments everyday. For 24 hours from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, our Creator gives us the solution to overcoming the ruggedness of life by spending one-to-one time with Him. We receive a much-needed break by observing the Sabbath. 24 hours of God-time erases the stress from the vicissitudes that burden us from the other six days of the week.

We have our Creator who says, “Remember the [seventh day Sabbath] to keep it holy,” and I will commune with you and re-energize, refresh, and strengthen your soul. We have God’s Spiritual Spa available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where He sends our Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. But the Sabbath is Holy! It is our prime time to devote one complete day to our Creator. All we have to do is obey and shut out the issues that trouble us the other six days of the week.

Membership in God’s Spa gives us free access to the Spiritual Team of God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, the Holy Spirit and the countless army of angels who never sleep or grow weary. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components must have daily communion with God to function properly. We should worship God everyday, but He set aside and designated the Sabbath, 24 hours as Holy.

Our perception of God along with our definition of holiness impacts our desire to obey the fourth commandment. Serving God is up close and personal. I decided that I would stop following humanity’s strategies to obtain peace, contentment, and inner joy a very long time ago.

We cannot compete with God! If we believe that we were created in the image of God then we should bow down and worship Him with faith, trust, and obedience. It is when we fail to obey by immediately communicating with God in prayer that our emotions escalate, and we worry as the unbelievers do.

God has given us a membership with unlimited access to His Spiritual Spa. Our membership was paid by the precious blood of Jesus who sacrificed His life that we may have redemption. He is alive and serves as our Heavenly Intercessor soon to come again for the faithful. So go ahead, take your daily visits and enjoy your weekly sabbaticals in the only spa that provides communion with the Trinity Godhead.

Jesus told us exactly what He would provide for us, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus is our prayer. God, our Father we love you. It is our desire to embrace the membership to your Spiritual Spa paid by the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Sabbath and for loving us. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson Ruiz, Steps 2 your Spiritual Success

Haven’t you Heard?

Recently I watched a movie about a powerful, affluent person who thought more highly of herself than one should. As she spoke to the other individual, with all of the arrogance, superiority, and pride reflected in her demeanor and tone of voice, she stated, “You must not know who I am?”

I have come to the realization that under most circumstances that adversity causes amnesia. When we experience the trials and hardships of life we often forget who God is. Because if we remembered that God is powerful, merciful, and loves us, why would we become discouraged, anxious, and worried?

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we serve a loving, merciful, and powerful God. Yet, we respond to our challenges as if we know nothing about our Heavenly Father.

Studying the Bible provides us with the ongoing knowledge of God’s character. We falter and become despondent because our relationship with God is based on yesterday’s Bible study, or last week’s virtual sermon.

Even so, God always rescues us.

Yes, God is aware that we are weak and He takes action. Because of His unconditional love, He used the prophet Isaiah to provide words of comfort to the Nation of Israel, a disobedient people who did not do their part in serving and worshipping God everyday.

Have you never 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

We can easily form the habit of daily worship by making the effort to “just do it.” I can remember the first time that I watched someone use their thumbs to text at a warp speed. I asked myself if it was possible for me to give up my one finger approach to texting. Since our internet service is out in our Texas town, I am writing this devotional using my cell phone typing away with two thumbs. You may think, “how else would you text?” But I can assure you that learning to thumb type as a senior was not an easy accomplishment.

With motivation and determination if we can learn new skills, certainly we can show our love and gratitude to God through consistent study and prayer on a daily basis.

Worship is defined as treating someone with the reverence and adoration appropriate to a deity. And there is no other person or object that deserves our worship but God.

Of all the promises in the Bible, this is my favorite: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

Haven’t you heard, haven’t you read? Our God is the Almighty and He is Awesome!

Bible Study: Isaiah 40

God, thank you for always reminding us of your love, mercies, and power. We ask you for the strength to do your will. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The Seasons will Change

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

Presently, our small town in Texas is crippled by the bitter, icy winds and the chilling temperatures that have frozen our utilities leaving many without water and electricity. Our streets are layered with a thick coat of ice and adorned with a snowy covering that has turned from snowball quality to a highly dangerous road hazard.

For those who endure far worse winters as a routine way of life, please know that we are not equipped to meet the challenges of icy winter storms. Our county does not have plows or dump trucks filled with a sandy/salty mixture for traction. We barely own clothing that would protect us below a temperature of 40 degrees if we dared to venture outdoors. And did I fail to mention that all cable providers have sent apologies for the outages?

Being from the Northeast, I have endured many harsh winters without blinking an eye. But the brutality of this storm has caused the cessation of all activities with the exception of looking out the windows. As I read, study, crochet, or use my cell phone to stay connected, I console myself that this storm will be over in four to five days. In fact, by next week our temps will be in the 60s.

During my solitude, I figured out a secret to staying content during our winter storm, I know that this storm will not last. There is an end to the harshness that has us at a standstill. If only it was that easy to remain content when I face the seasons of my trials and tribulations. If only my faith was stronger and I believed Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. There is no other way to grow strong spiritually than to go through trials.

God requires continuous growth. We are not where He needs us to be in our relationship with him. Faith and trust must flourish and until it does, God helps us to reach the mark, the level that pleases Him. Unlike the counterproductive storms, our trials produce: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

God, we thank you for loving us so much that you help us to build the spiritual qualities that are pleasing to you. We pray for the strength to trust you during the process of changing and growing. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The Struggle to Love

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 wronged. 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

God is love (1 John 4:16). His very nature is perfect love, but because of sin love does not always come freely and naturally to His children. You may have been raised in a home where love was not expressed. Perhaps you were hurt by someone you loved, and your heart became hardened as a defense against further pain. You may love others but not know how to express your love in words or actions. You may feel frustrated because you have been called by God to love, yet you do not understand how to love others.

God in His grace has made provision for our human weakness, and He is prepared to teach us how to love one another. There are no exceptions. God can teach us to love even that especially difficult person.

Are you struggling to love someone? God will help you. He will enable you to love your parents, your spouse, your children, your friends, or your enemy in a deeper way than you could ever love them on your own. If you do not know how to express your love in a meaningful way, God will teach you how to do this. God is the authority on love. As you relate to others, ask God through prayer to make His love overflow to them through your life. Today’s Devotional-Experiencing God-Day by Day

As I read this devotional, I asked God to help me to overcome all tendencies, either learned from my environment or genetically transmitted, which would prevent me from loving those who intentionally hurt others. God does not expect us to stay in hurtful or abusive situations (Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17). But Jesus confronted the false beliefs that it was alright to hate others: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44. 

Yes, loving the unlovable remains one of our most significant challenges. Even so, we must never forget that Jesus loves the unlovable, the disobedient, and the faithless, or else He would not have sacrificed His life for you and me. Nor would we be able to communicate with God through Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor, and our Savior.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

God. we thank you for teaching us that hate is unacceptable, even for those who abuse and mistreat us. Please help us as we learn your definition of unconditional love. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Did you know?

Where are the following scriptures found?

  1. “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”
  2. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
  3. “Indeed, God helps those who help themselves.”
  4. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
  5. “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I had a nursing professor who told us, “When you know something you are able to recall those facts every time they are needed. Because that is the ability of the brain’s short-term and long-term memory.” How well do you know the scriptures? You are not alone. Many choose not to study the Bible. Of course, we attempt to justify why we fail to study. Even so, the main reason is that God is not the #1 priority in our lives. We simply do not love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. But the truth of the matter is that the knowledge we require to have a deep understanding of who God is, His character and love for humanity, to possess peace, inner joy, and to live righteously is found in the Bible.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

We do not require a pastor or minister to study the Bible. God has given us the Holy Spirit to provide us with a complete understanding of the scriptures and the ability to live holy. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

How important is studying the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

It is impossible to obtain spiritual growth without studying the Word of God, nor is it possible to know who God truly is. Only diligent seekers can live a faith-based life because they have a deep relationship with the “Almighty God.”

Without a biblical foundation and the Holy Spirit, we cannot determine truth from error. Did you know #3 of the above list of scriptures is not found in the Bible? The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is a motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency (taking action to produce a desired effect).

We are living in the last days. Diligent study along with continuous prayer is essential for us to stand firm in Jesus Christ. Make a total commitment to God by serving Him with love, faith, trust, and obedience. 

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 3:16

God, thank you for the Sabbath. We confess that we not study the Bible as we should, nor do we have a close relationship with you. Please forgive us for not placing you as the #1 priority in our lives. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit as we study, and may we always recognize that you are the Almighty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.