Finish the Plans

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Most of us are familiar with this verse. Even so, other translations lead many to believe this scripture is a promise of financial prosperity. Jesus, the Son of God lived in poverty when He left his parent’s home to begin His ministry. “And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.'” Luke 9:58.

When we focus on accumulating material possessions, God can’t be our number one priority. For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14. How is this possible? Certainly, we would not intentionally place anything before the Most-High God. But, sadly, we have become our own idols. Worshipping ourselves with more and more material possessions, we strive to fulfill our desires and proudly tell ourselves that “God is raining down blessings.”

Steps to “Finish [God’s] plan for your life

    1. Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts and His plans for your life.
    2. Evaluate your responsibilities, commitments, and other lifestyle activities. Eliminate the people, places, and things that prevent “God first.”
    3. Make a plan to free yourself from debt. We have to say, Enough is Enough.
    4. Put God first by planned worship at least twice a day. Building a deep relationship with Jesus Christ is a necessity to stay connected in these last days.
    5. Diligent study of the Bible and constant communication through prayer builds unwavering faith and trust in God.

The decision to finish the plans is not pursuing an academic degree or climbing the career ladder. When we put God first, He will ensure that we reach our highest spiritual and intellectual development level. Using our talents and spiritual gifts, we can use social media to tell others that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I began witnessing on my FB and Instagram pages, posting encouraging scriptures. With a willing heart, God honors our faith, trust, and obedience.

Remember that we have enlisted in the Army of God. We are commandment-keeping disciples, followers of Jesus Christ, which requires that we give up our mindset. Let God lead you, and you will live your best life. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither  are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Prayer: God, we are ready to finish the plans that you have for us. Please reveal the direction in which we should travel to fulfill your Divine purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Reverence for the Lord

Our relationship with God is based on our intense love for Him. When I think of being young and falling in love for the first time, it was with naive adoration and dedication. Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. Our love for God is revealed through our surrender, obedience, faith, and trust in Him. To be a child of God is to trust and obey every God-breathed word in the Holy Scriptures. It is with reverence that we give our adoration through humility, praise, and honor to God.

As a recipient of unmerited grace and mercy, Jesus’ greatest gift is Redemption [in whom we have Redemption, through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.] Colossians 1:14. For Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary and the suffering, the shame, and the spilling of his precious blood, our only gift to Him is the dedication of our lives. And we can be confident that Jesus is serving as our Heavenly Intercessor presenting us as forgiven to God, our Father. To receive eternal life is the reward for the faithful. As His commandment keeping disciples, we are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. To love the Invisible God requires intense love, unwavering faith, intentional submission, commitment, and reverence.

Prayer: Merciful Father, we pray for a changed heart as we commit our lives to you. Please accept our worship. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

The Change in the Atmosphere, part 1

Audio Link: https://anchor.fm/sonya-johnson-ruiz/episodes/The-Change-in-the-Atmosphere–part-1-e19k5oi

Surrender to God requires faith and obedience along with diligent study and correct knowledge of the scriptures. Without a firm grasp of biblically-based sound doctrine, we become desensitized to the increasing corrupt changes in these perilous times. Still, we cannot ignore the laws that are in full opposition to God’s law. The level of compromise has risen and impacts every system from government to many churches. The decline is evident in our societies on a global level. The swift collapse of the moral fiber and value systems is a result of rebellion. Many individuals proudly proclaim, “My truth is what I believe in.” We are coerced into acceptance of the lies from gender neutrality to the belief that good people always go to heaven. Yet, the most blasphemous trend is now boldly proclaimed on social media: Believers have been given the authority to call upon and command the Holy Spirit to activate as if He is a magical genie–a figment of demonic imaginings.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1‭-‬5 NKJV

God has fully disclosed the events that show rapid progression toward Jesus’ Second Coming. Reflect on this, centuries ago the Apostle Paul gives us the exact condition of the last days. The people in Noah’s time had 120 years to get it together. Our lifespan is not even close. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:‬13 NKJV. We do not fear the prophecies that are being fulfilled. God is still in control of His world.

The Human Effort of praying for the discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit is vital to our spiritual growth, perseverance, and endurance. It is a conscious decision to faithfully obey God by asking that His will be done in our lives. Turning our eyes upon Jesus requires wholehearted commitment. Through Christ, we can live holy and righteous lives. We have a Spirtual Team that is ready 24/7 to assist us in our journey on the Path of Righteousness.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-22

Prayer: God, we thank you for giving us the Holy scriptures that we may study and learn who you are and the righteousness that you require of us. We ask for forgiveness of our sins and to anointed with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry